Theists wrong about Einstein

[financeguy]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...ience.religion

In the letter, he states: "The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this."

Einstein, who was Jewish and who declined an offer to be the state of Israel's second president, also rejected the idea that the Jews are God's favoured people.

[melon]

His position on God has been widely misrepresented by people on both sides of the atheism/religion divide but he always resisted easy stereotyping on the subject.

"Like other great scientists he does not fit the boxes in which popular polemicists like to pigeonhole him," said Brooke. "It is clear for example that he had respect for the religious values enshrined within Judaic and Christian traditions ... but what he understood by religion was something far more subtle than what is usually meant by the word in popular discussion."

Despite his categorical rejection of conventional religion, Brooke said that Einstein became angry when his views were appropriated by evangelists for atheism. He was offended by their lack of humility and once wrote. "The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility."

[deep]

From everything I have read and listened to on the subject
I would say religious people are more likely to misrepresent his views. By taking a quote or two out of context.

Einstein did make some very significant contributions to our understandings of the universe.

If I had to describe his opinions on the subject of religion I would say he did not believe in the God of the Judaic and Christian traditions.

If anything he may have been one of the first to suggest that there could be some kind of Intelligent Design.

[A_Wanderer]

Not in the context of the current debate, the current ID is petty God of the Gaps and not a first cause deity.

As far as Einstein goes I think that the implications of general relativity with thins like four dimensionalism are infinitely more interesting than theists hijacking him to make a point.

[Headache in a Suitcase]

i was hoping this thread would just be a battle of quoted einstein text.

alas, it is not

[U2democrat]

Originally posted by Headache in a Suitcase
i was hoping this thread would just be a battle of quoted einstein text.

alas, it is not

Reading Einstein makes my head hurt

[the iron horse]

"The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”


Psalm 14:1

[Vincent Vega]

If I'm a fool for you, well that's something.

[the iron horse]

Originally posted by Vincent Vega
If I'm a fool for you, well that's something.

I believe in God.

*Love that Rebel from Nazareth *

[Irvine511]

Originally posted by the iron horse






I believe in God.

*Love that Rebel from Nazareth *

lovely. lots of people don't.



and in this country, Jesus-lovin' is about as establishment as it gets.

[LemonMelon]

Wait...why should I care what Einstein thinks about my belief system? Using the opinions of a man who was an extremely intelligent, rational human being in material areas to make you feel better about your own spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof) sounds...I dunno...pretty ridiculous to me.

Since you never bothered to post your opinion about the article, nor outlined your intentions for this thread, I'll do it for you: you were trying to rile up the religious right, simply because you could. Good thing only a handful of people took the bait.

[Irvine511]

Originally posted by LemonMelon
Since you never bothered to post your opinion about the article, nor outlined your intentions for this thread, I'll do it for you: you were trying to rile up the religious right, simply because you could. Good thing only a handful of people took the bait.

or, the fact that the Religious Right often tries to co-opt Einstein for their own purposes?

[LemonMelon]

Originally posted by Irvine511


or, the fact that the Religious Right often tries to co-opt Einstein for their own purposes?

And now, the not-so-religious left are doing the same. Call it a reaction if you wish, but it's a tad hypocritical, dontcha think?

[blueeyedgirl]

This is where someone should post that pic of Einstein poking his tongue out....

[AEON]

Originally posted by Irvine511




or, the fact that the Religious Right often tries to co-opt Einstein for their own purposes?

I have been guilty of that from time to time.

The truth is, the universe is bigger than either Einstein or the American "Religious Right" ever imagined. The one advantage I give to Einstein is that he kept searching and asking until the end - which I totally admire. I wish I could say the same about many Christians (of which I am a member).

[LemonMelon]

Originally posted by AEON

The truth is, the universe is bigger than either Einstein or the American "Religious Right" ever imagined. The one advantage I give to Einstein is that he kept searching and asking until the end - which I totally admire. I wish I could say the same about many Christians (of which I am a member).

[deep]

[LemonMelon]

Originally posted by deep

Not one of your finer efforts, deep.

[deep]

Originally posted by AEON


I have been guilty of that from time to time.

The truth is, the universe is bigger than either Einstein or the American "Religious Right" ever imagined. The one advantage I give to Einstein is that he kept searching and asking until the end - which I totally admire. I wish I could say the same about many Christians (of which I am a member).

Good to see you.

I hope you and your family have been well.

[AEON]

Thanks Deep.

I guess I had to go away for awhile and dream it all up again.