The concept of God has been a cornerstone of human thought, shaped and reshaped by religions, philosophies, and scientific inquiry. Traditional religions, particularly the Abrahamic ones, often portray God as an anthropomorphic figure—benevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient. These depictions are often criticized for reflecting human desires for control and moral authority rather than representing an objective reality. Philosophers like David Hume and Friedrich Nietzsche have pointed out inherent contradictions in these concepts, such as the "Problem of Evil," which questions how an all-good, all-powerful deity could permit suffering. For many atheists, these contradictions suggest that such depictions of God are more about human psychology than divine truth.
Pantheism, Hinduism, and Neuroscience
Baruch Spinoza’s pantheistic view equates God with nature, arguing that the divine is inseparable from the universe. While this perspective appeals to some, it assumes a "divine" essence at the core of existence—a notion many atheists reject, favoring explanations grounded in the laws of physics. Hinduism introduces the concept of Brahman, an ultimate, transcendent reality often experienced in mystical states. However, modern neuroscience suggests that these mystical experiences arise from altered states of consciousness triggered by meditation, stress, or even psychoactive substances. For example, studies on psilocybin have shown that profound spiritual experiences correlate with specific patterns of brain activity, indicating a neurological basis rather than evidence of the divine.
(source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6707356/ )
An Alternative Definition of God
To move beyond traditional and mystical views, here is a redefinition of God:
God is the cause or origin of the universe, whatever that may be.
This definition refrains from ascribing personal attributes, intelligence, or consciousness to God. Instead, it views God as the foundational principle or mechanism that gave rise to existence. If the universe arose from "nothing," as some atheists argue, then this "nothingness" qualifies as God under this definition. If the universe emerged from a singularity or a cyclical natural process, that process or singularity can be called God. This approach ensures that our concept of God aligns with observable reality, avoiding the pitfalls of anthropocentrism and dogma.
Bridging the Gap: Naturalism and Theism
By this reasoning, God can be entirely natural, existing within the framework of natural laws. This opens the door for naturalists—who reject supernatural entities—to acknowledge the possibility of God without contradicting their worldview. Similarly, theists may find this conception compatible with their beliefs, albeit in a reinterpreted form.
Limitations of the Definition
1. An Eternal Universe
If the universe has no beginning and exists eternally, assigning a cause becomes meaningless. In such a scenario, this definition of God loses applicability.
2. Incomplete Understanding of Reality Scientific discoveries, like electron superposition, show that reality is more complex than we understand. Beyond known possibilities, there could be other explanations or truths about the universe that our minds currently cannot grasp or imagine.
Conclusion
This redefinition of God provides a fresh perspective that is both scientifically plausible and philosophically inclusive. While it may not satisfy traditional theists or mystics, it broadens the discourse on divinity, offering a framework that bridges naturalism and theism. As our understanding of the universe deepens, so too must our concepts of its origins evolve.
A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT APPROACH TO GOD