The Argument From Demonology: A Series In Analytical Apologetics (Part Three)

Part Three:

In continuum, the argument from 'scientific determinism' posits that all phenomena in nature (& they would argue, in human nature) derives from purely materialistic & naturalistic (and psycho-social) causes. As another rationalizing creature, I can certainly appreciate the appeal of this worldview. After all, it stands to reason that everything contained within our Earth-and even our Universe-could merely be undergoing continual unitary transformations of flux & variation. The laws of thermodynamics & general 'physics', right? Yet upon closer inspection, questions naturally arise. The questions that are sparked include things like: "Yes, but where did all of these elements ORIGINATE FROM?" Of course, all thinkers throughout human history have explored these realms of Cosmology in each their own ways. They have all had to come to terms with the impasse of inconclusivity, as well.

At best, intellectual integrity forces those who value it to concede to the glaringly obvious & Socrates-approved conclusion that: All we know, is that we know NOTHING. Or, to put a little bit of spin on it: All that we can CURRENTLY CONCLUDE, is that we are still in the elementary stage of our psycho-spiritual & epistemological development as a species. Although some would argue that it's fair to advance us onto at least, the intermediary stage. Fair enough. I mean, we have made some strides in the Scientific & Technological arenas. The socio-political & psycho-spiritual realms are another embarrassing study in failing marks, however. All in all, what we can conclude is that even what we think we "know", must be regarded with cautious optimism & continual humility & open-mindedness. Thus, it is fair to say that Agnosticism wins by a TKO in the pugilistic mind-game of Atheism vs. Theism.

Moreover, how does this all tie in to my premise that the existence/omnipresence of a higher Deity can be deduced from antithetical phenomena? It supports it within the negative space of the Secular Temple, wherein are placed, each according to their metaphysical dictates, Pascalian Wagers of calculated risk/benefit analyses. That is to say, the projected risk that one is taking by embracing a belief in the so-called "immaterial", is nowhere near as potentially catastrophic as that risk exercised in the face of abject Atheism & Apostasy. Hence, many could scoff at this proposal as merely another feeble grasp at Apologetic reconciliation. Again, fair enough. But evidence of absence definitely should never preclude the conclusion that there is an absence of ANY evidence. This, in & of itself, is an established motto of the Scientific Community.

Furthermore, those who are leaning towards strict Atheism may also be quick to remind believers of the Scientific Principle of "Occam's Razor." Occam's Razor absolutely should be applied in the case of Atheism vs. Deism. Since the principle adheres to assuming no more than is necessary, it is perfectly in line with the principle of Occam's Razor to streamline the vast complexity & diversity which one sees in the natural world (& even in the "inorganic" realms), as possessing an ontologically monistic origin. This, to all reasoning beings, is perfectly cogent & sound, rather than reductionistic. Reductionism seeks to limit. Synthesis, seeks to consolidate. In all fairness this is also an a priori or more conceptual stance, or a deductive rather than an inductive observation, but is an equally potentiated one, nevertheless. After all, the things that we experience in the so-called "material" world right now, were born from the chrysalis of an Idea, as well. Noumena can become phenomena , as we have already witnessed in many forms & variations.

In finale, whether or not we mere mortals with our grossly finite epistemological constraints, will ever be able to "prove" the existence of God, misses the mark of the mystery & challenge of Faith, altogether. God is "Spirit." The metaphysical will never be able to be conclusively researched or "studied" in a physical laboratory. But the same could be said not long ago, of the "electron," or the lymphocytes (hopefully copiously) circulating throughout our lymphatic systems as we speak.

Perhaps some day, should a benevolent, holy Creator decide that we have earned a peek further into the Esoteric & the Quantum "Void", we shall be able to answer some of these inquiries with more convincing conviction to the Atheistic hangers-on. In the meantime, we shall continue our humble & sincere exploration into more Apologetics Mind-Scapes.

Next up, Satan, Legion, Belial, Abaddon & other assorted abyss-mal characters in the Ultimate Campaign against God & Man rivaling any invention of Gygax & Arneson!