Transcendentalism And A Belief In A higher Power :: essays research papers

Transcendentalism and A Belief In A " high Power"     We do not have good reasons to believe in something transcendental. Mostof the arguments in favor of God, or a so-called "higher power" are based onfaith and emotion, and not a clear logical argument. In fact, these argumentsare often in favor of throwing logic turn out the window. In many ways, this questionis similar to someone attempting to prove the existence of an invisible elephant.It is far easier to prove that the elephant does not exist than it is to provethat it does.     Socrates principle of mental test states that we must carefully shewall things. The tools we humans use to do this are logic and the scientificmethod. In order to believe in something transcendental, you cannot examine yourbeliefs using logic and science. If you do, there is no way to prove theexistence of a higher power.     The primary argument against the existence of a Judeo-Christian all-knowing, all-powerful, blameless God is the argument from evil. This argumentargues against the presence of a higher power using facts of ordinary life. Thisargument states that most would agree that some of the pain and worthless (evil)in this world is unnecessary. To be considered a necessary evil, the occurrencemust be the only way to produce something good, which outweighs the evil. Manyevents, such as sister deaths, would not be classified in this category.     If such an all-knowing deity existed, it states, He would know thatthis evil was occurring. If He was all-powerful, He would have the power to unwrapthis evil. If He was righteous, He would stop the evil from occurringTherefore, the existence of evil cannot be compatible with the existence of thistype of God.     The primary response to the argument from evil is the pull to humanfreedom. This argument states that God sees evil as necessary so that we humans may be free to choose our own path. The fatal imperfection in this argument is thatthere are evils that exist not as a direct result of human choice. Natural evilssuch as floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes assist no purpose according to thisdefinition, and are therefore unnecessary evils.     A theist might respond to this with another weak rebuttal, stating thatevery evil produces kindness and understanding in others, and creates good inthat regard. This is an overly positive, almost delusional view of evil. Almosteveryone will be able to come up with at least one example of someone who hassuffered an evil that has not directly or indirectly led to anything good.