Scattered Attributes
Fri, 01/25/2008 - 18:03 — admin
Many individuals, although readily accepting the existence of a supreme creator behind the existence of the universe, tend to think that He is a non-person, or a sort of intelligent force or potency.
Despite their insistence on the non-personal nature of the Absolute Truth, these persons cannot deny the existence of attributes and characteristics which are obviously personal, and with which the Supreme Controller is obviously endowed-attributes such as intelligence, love, compassion, etc.
Not wanting to admit the existence of the Supreme Person who possesses these attributes, such persons often consider the attributes themselves to be the Absolute Truth. From the mouths of these individuals, we often hear statements like, ‘God is love’, “God is mercy”, “The Supreme Creator is pure intelligence”, “God is mind”, etc. They conceive the Absolute Truth as an impersonal collection of scattered attributes. If we analyze these attributes, however, we will see that they are all characteristics of a person. Attributes such as love, mercy, intelligence, etc., can never be experienced independently of a person. Indeed, they have no meaning but in connection with the person who possesses them, the person of whom they are an attribute.
If someone is able to perceive the existence of a supreme intelligence but he does not wonder whose intelligence, then his perception is limited. Intelligence does not just exist by itself, but it is always an attribute of a living being. A person possesses intelligence.
Again, we can refer to the conversation between Sir Isaac Newton and his atheistic colleague concerning how a tiny hand-cranked model of the universe came into existence. Firstly, his friend could perceive that there was some sort of intelligence connected with the creation of the replica; and secondly, he could perceive that there was a person connected with that intelligence. Although, for the sake of making a greater point, Sir Isaac said the model had appeared on his desk of its own accord, his friend insisted, “No, there must be a person behind it!”
Thus, intelligence points to the person who possesses that intelligence. Supreme intelligence points to the Supreme Person.
Hatred and conflict are often rooted in differences between people of different races and religions. We all need to respect people of different races as well as people of different faiths and religions. We need to unite by recognizing our common desire and need for a harmonious society — a society in which we and our children and families and friends and communities can all live our lives in peace and harmony. Regardless of our race or religion, we all want and need such social harmony.Scattered Attributes
Without respect for people of different races or ethnicities or religions, how can we have a peaceful and harmonious society or world? And without a harmonious society, how can there be the necessary economic development and atmosphere conducive to spiritual happiness and self-realization?
Science of Identity Foundation – Chris Butler Speaks
Many individuals, although readily accepting the existence of a supreme creator behind the existence of the universe, tend to think that He is a non-person, or a sort of intelligent force or potency.
Despite their insistence on the non-personal nature of the Absolute Truth, these persons cannot deny the existence of attributes and characteristics which are obviously personal, and with which the Supreme Controller is obviously endowed-attributes such as intelligence, love, compassion, etc.
Not wanting to admit the existence of the Supreme Person who possesses these attributes, such persons often consider the attributes themselves to be the Absolute Truth. From the mouths of these individuals, we often hear statements like, ‘God is love’, “God is mercy”, “The Supreme Creator is pure intelligence”, “God is mind”, etc. They conceive the Absolute Truth as an impersonal collection of scattered attributes. If we analyze these attributes, however, we will see that they are all characteristics of a person. Attributes such as love, mercy, intelligence, etc., can never be experienced independently of a person. Indeed, they have no meaning but in connection with the person who possesses them, the person of whom they are an attribute.
If someone is able to perceive the existence of a supreme intelligence but he does not wonder whose intelligence, then his perception is limited. Intelligence does not just exist by itself, but it is always an attribute of a living being. A person possesses intelligence.
Again, we can refer to the conversation between Sir Isaac Newton and his atheistic colleague concerning how a tiny hand-cranked model of the universe came into existence. Firstly, his friend could perceive that there was some sort of intelligence connected with the creation of the replica; and secondly, he could perceive that there was a person connected with that intelligence. Although, for the sake of making a greater point, Sir Isaac said the model had appeared on his desk of its own accord, his friend insisted, “No, there must be a person behind it!”
Thus, intelligence points to the person who possesses that intelligence. Supreme intelligence points to the Supreme Person.