Nothing So Far Removed

June 16, 2014 by kmabarrett

The long chains of simple and easy reasonings by means of which geometers are accustomed to reach the conclusions of their most difficult demonstrations, had led me to imagine that all things, to the knowledge of which man is competent, are mutually connected in the same way, and that there is nothing so far removed from us as to be beyond our reach, or so hidden that we cannot discover it, provided only we abstain from accepting the false for the true, and always preserve in our thoughts the order necessary for the deduction of one truth from another.

— René Descartes

.
On This Day In:
2013	Positions
2012	Two Errors
2011	Long Live The King!

Posted in My Journal, Philosophy, Quotes, Science and Learning | Tagged Logic, My Journal, Philosophy, Quotes, Reasoning, René Descartes, Science | 8 Comments

8 Responses

on June 20, 2014 at 6:20 pm | Reply Marie Hunter Atwood

Thanks for reading it! I thought it was too long, but wasn’t sure exactly where to eliminate. I think we all have our preferences where ‘religion’ is concerned and I’m not to interested in that aspect, but very interested in spirituality. I do believe that our God desires for us to grow in faith so that we are better to worship and praise Him. Anyway thanks again for your kind reply.
- on June 21, 2014 at 7:07 pm | Reply kmabarrett
  
  Hi Marie,
  Again, I agree with you. I would only say that the “true” demonstration of this worship and praise is the selfless acts of service we do for others – particularly those who are unable to do for themselves.
  - on June 22, 2014 at 12:21 pm | Reply Marie Hunter Atwood
    
    You are so right, Kevin. “True” worship is always exhibited in lives. Hope you’re having a great ‘summer weekend”!
    - on June 25, 2014 at 6:20 pm | Reply kmabarrett
      
      LOL!
      
      Actually, I had a terrible summer weekend – a contractor tearing up my house and then walking out on the job… And so it goes.
      
      If you want something done right, do it yourself.
      - on June 26, 2014 at 5:47 pm | Reply Marie Hunter Atwood
        
        I’m so sorry, but if he is that irresponsible perhaps he did you a favor. My daughter and her husband decided to enlarge their space with an add on that should have been done before winter set in. They are still working. They do good work, but my feeling is that in order not to lose jobs they take on too many and work piece meal at each place. Better ‘luck’ with your next choice!
        
        on June 29, 2014 at 10:27 am | Reply kmabarrett
        
        LOL! I can soooooo relate!
on June 16, 2014 at 10:01 am | Reply Marie Hunter Atwood

Hi Kevin…I don’t consider myself knowledgeable enough to comment on Descartes except on my research of Biblical things, and in that I have found the truth of this statement. Rather than a book of many subjects, diverse in all ways, I find it a book of a single message where one incident utilizes messages of the past and leads into the next by the same connection. It is evident that God desires fellowship with His creation for what reason it is difficult to imagine, but from beginning to end it remains the central truth of His message.Take the message from Romans 1:19 that “that which is known about God is evident within them (the unrighteous) for God made it evident to them.” This leads to the very simple conclusion that God has made it possible for all men to find Him (“seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened unto you’) and this clears up the reason He gave man choice in the first place. The ability to choose, places the responsibility of and consequences for on the chooser. Of course God’s desire was for all men to be saved, but knowing human nature He knew they would not all choose wisely. While faith is the key, obedience is the catalyst that causes one to continue to seek Him, or as the apostle James said add works to what you believe in order to prove faith is real, James 2:18. If you consider it in the manner of a thesis, it is a perfect illustration that provides 1) an introduction: the premise or subject which is the creation of the universe and Adam and Eve; 2) the conflict – (sin); 3) a foundation for your subject (built on three happenings: a) the expulsion from the Garden to the crucifixion; b) the war in which we are engaged with Satan which follows the war in heaven when Satan was thrown out of heaven and c) the eventual conclusion of time (judgment) and the reward or punishment for choices made.

The prelude to #3 was set up in the final days of the foundation (#2) when the Law of Moses was begun which would teach those under it (Israel) about the coming Messiah and how to recognize Him, and about obedience and grace. with the promise of forgiveness for their faith in the promise. (There was no forgiveness under the Law, but God provided grace nonetheless.)

I apologize for such a long illustration.
- on June 19, 2014 at 8:55 pm | Reply kmabarrett
  
  Hi Marie,
  Apologies for the delay in replying to your comment…
  
  I admire you for your faith and I wish I had more of it. Lord knows I’ve prayed enough for more. But, I guess it is not to be. I practice my faith (Roman Catholic) because I am comfortable with it and it’s fundamental message trying to help others is a profoundly resonant song in my ear (and soul). The problems I have are with the book (The Bible) and the Church. They (my doubts) are not enough to force me to abandon my faith, but neither are the sufficient for me to accept them as the profoundly final word of God.
  
  The quote (from Descartes) was interesting to me because at one point in my life I felt if man could know enough about science (the what and the how) we could also understand the why – we could somehow read the mind of God. I now recognize that neither are truly possible. We can never know all the what’s and the how’s and we have no chance of understanding the why’s. They simply are… And the most we can hope for is to see them (both science and faith) with open hearts and clear consciences.
  
  This does not mean I will not continue to strive for scientific understanding of “the universe” or greater faith in my God. I believe they are both fully compatible goals and worthy of a lifetime’s effort.
  
  Thank you for sharing your thoughts on faith with me!