"1. The creation of the world is the most marvelous achievement imaginable.
2. The merit of an achievement is the product of
(a) its intrinsic quality, and
(b) the ability of its creator.
3. The greater the disability (or handicap) of the creator, the more impressive the achievement.
4. The most formidable handicap for a creator would be non-existence.
5. Therefore, if we suppose that the universe is the product of an existent creator, we can conceive a greater being – namely, one who created everything while not existing.
6. An existing God, therefore, would not be a being than which a greater cannot be conceived, because an even more formidable and incredible creator would be a God which did not exist.
Ergo,
7. God does not exist."
Douglas Gasking
* * *
When I first read this list in today's reflection, I didn't laugh. The poet in me was very drawn into the metaphor of the moment. Not until I read the supplementary reflection did I read that it was meant as a comedic comeback to Anselm... and that is a punchline maybe only philosophers would laugh at.
I like the idea of God "not existing". It was a concept I was introduced to during last year's Atheism for Lent.
"God doesn't exist, but God is that which brings everything else into existence."
Thank you Pete Rollins for making it such a poetic profundity.
I wonder how much it has cost humanity for the argument of the existence or non-existence of "God". How many books have been written? How many university classes have been used up for debates? How many relationships have been damaged? How many resources have been exhausted all because of the vague understanding of one word... "exist".
What if it was as simple as "We exist, God does not, but God may still be the reason we exist." Could that have solved everything for everyone? It gives a little certainty for those looking for it, and leaves some mystery for those needing it. And it might even explain the unexplainable.
What if we could take the words out of the argument. Words have been the downfall of many a relationship, many an organization, many a person. Words confuse more than clarify. I still think words are the problem.
It is my continued passion to figure out how to love in my world the best way I can. How do I extend compassion? When do I hug? Where do I go? What do I do when I get there? And how do I ask forgiveness when words get in the way?
I got a letter yesterday from a friend of mine. She is saddened at the loss of friendships. Words got in the way. It is my longing that we can find ways to love beyond the words. Words are necessary for communication, but can we go past the words to discover the love that still is longing to be shared? What has to change so that can happen? So much!
