Lisa, I enjoyed your little essay, a lot. I only show part of what you wrote, because that portion reminded me of an observation I've read a number of times: As the fields of science advanced they expanded the limits of understanding, from the smallest subatomic particles to the immense outer reaches of our universe. However, we have long passed the time when understanding matter "at the limits" can be explained using proven science, so instead, scientists speculate and hypothesize to arrive at reasonable theories that appear to fit. It is at this point that the line between science and faith blurs, as science requires empirical evidence while theories are accepted without proof based on belief and trust. Who is to say that a belief in string theory is much different than the belief in a deity? Both require an act of faith.LisaLCFan wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 7:46 pm....Of course, one can simply deny the existence of different realms of knowledge and understanding, but that arguably fails to appreciate the vast complexity of the human mind and of the universe. There has been a great expansion of knowledge and understanding of the human mind and of the world/universe over the years, and that knowledge and understanding is constantly evolving.
For example, quantum physics has opened our eyes to the fact that things are far more complex than one might initially believe, for quantum physics bends and sometimes even defies concepts of classical logic and rationality, and yet, it is based upon sound reasoning, upon what may be considered newer and somewhat different types of logic and rationality. I think that it would be unreasonable to suggest that quantum physicists "do not generally have a high IQ" simply because they believe things that seem illogical and incomprehensible to other people.
Thus, perhaps it is not such a stretch to suggest that religious belief can also be assessed and understood within a new/different framework of logic and rationality, for although it may defy older systems of thought (systems of thought that possibly rendered it absurd and false), it can, perhaps, exist quite comfortably in newer systems of thought....
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