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Edited on Wed May-25-05 10:12 PM by Quixote1818
His latest letter:
'Time and the second law of thermodynamics'
First of all, even though the First law of thermodynamics says that energy can neither be created or , the Second law states that orderly systems are breaking down (entropy). Some note that this second law only shows that energy is being dispersed, or put another way becoming neutral, or stable (they imply with these words that it shows nothing useful to my upcoming point). But, does the Second Law indicate that matter and order as we know it is unstable? Yes, I think that's inarguable.
The Bible addresses these things well (and even more incredible is that it addresses the subjects at all... hmm?). It not only illustrates these laws, but also explains why, and did so long before science could confirm it's accuracy. As Mark Twain said, ..."it is not the parts of the bible that I don't understand that trouble me, it is the parts I do".
In my view it is simply that there was, (and there continues to be) a disturbance in the material order, which has resulted in the present condition and I believe this is relevant to 'Time'.
I thought I might share some of my thoughts on 'Time', as I find it a most incredible dimension to ponder. Some of you who will receive this note agree and have made mention of the incredible nature of time. I don't know how to describe (scientifically) the perspective from which I submit my view, but perhaps some of you will have insight into that. I'll only describe my view as a Christian view of the subject.
In my mind, time doesn't just exist. Many accept it but, beyond that, why does it exist? I believe it's function is to limit fiction (or illusion). If not for death, whether it be an individual life, solar, or atomic system, time would really take on a different meaning entirely. In the absence of entropy, there would possibly be (the Bible says there was) perfect order and harmony. If, in the absence of entropy or decay, would time exist? You tell me...but I find our current (if there is such a thing) manifestation of time consistent and necessary for the elimination of crimes against the 'nature of order'. This order in my mind is nothing less than God's Will.
One may ask what the purpose of decay is assumed to be in the first place, to which I have this response: Without creating us with the ability to choose, God would not be creating living beings, but only biological machines. Human beings are far more than that Biblically, and I concur. It is not that death or decay were necessary but, it (death/time) was inevitable as the questioning of perfection is actionable by us. This universe and our existence prove the perfection of perfection, by the disaster evident in relation to selfish programming and it's corresponding actions.
Death (time) puts a stop to worthless things becoming eternal in regard to reality (we can expand on that one later if need be). According to the Bible (which I find most compelling and supremely true in accounting for these things) we will not be forced to accept God. It is not that the nonconformists to his will, will be destroyed, but they will be separated from perfection (goodness).
In our current existence with this incredible plane of time, we enjoy the luxury of seeing the collision of illusions and reality and although we are guilty of violating the 'natural' or 'moral law', we are not immediately subject to expulsion. However, if one violates the physical laws, physical death is immediate. Hence the patience of God; he sees the truth...but waits etc.
I know this gets complicated for some of you, but I think that a perfect material (physical) existence cannot prevail unless it is in harmony with the spiritual nature that enters it. This present system is doomed to collapse as order has already deteriorated. We are not to try and reestablish it in time as many tyrants have attempted to do. That is impossible, as we each have to make our own choices and many will not agree in the future. This is why Christ said clearly to Pilot that his Kingdom is not of this world. His Kingdom is eternal and this world is just the proving ground, and it will be rolled up like a scroll. We can conform to the truth, but not for the purpose of restoring order in Time. Order is timeless!
These are my opinions and they are my faith. This view is understandably troubling to many as it's truths collide with the assumed truths (chosen faiths) of many others. Most notably, is the presumptive nature of the illusion of control that men tend to cling to as a measure of security. However the question then must remain, how is there security in clinging to what is inarguably going to pass away? This is another point addressed concisely by Christ, as he encouraged us to seek heavenly things instead of earthly things (sorry I didn't have chapter and verse available) I have to go for now, I hope you found this thoughtful and challenging for the purpose of finding truth. Life is much too short to worry only about having a good TIME.
Ps. How about a response?
My Response:
You said:
But, does the Second Law indicate that matter and order as we know it is unstable? Yes, I think that's inarguable.
Actually, in an isolated system like the universe, disorder increases with time. In nonisolated systems like the earth, which is continually getting energy from the sun, the entropy on the earth can decrease and order can be created as with photosynthesis. The entropy on the sun is increasing more than the entropy on the earth is decreasing. So NO, matter and order on Earth and in isolated systems is NOT unstable yet time is the same throught the universe regardless of pockets where entropy is decreasing. Under your reasoning we would be in a "Timeless" place because we live in a part of the Universe that is "Stable" and where their is order. In otherwords if the Bible says what you said then it's wrong based on the Second Law.
Interesting ideas but I would stick to the supernatural, and not try to explain natural processes with supernatural beliefs. The leap of faith is a leap into intellectual anarchy where reason no longer applies.
This doesn't mean there is NO God but it certanly does not back up your Bible theory. Sorry.
By the way, Mark Twain was not real big on the Bible:
Your quote has just the opposite meaning from what you think:
Your quote: As Mark Twain said, ..."it is not the parts of the bible that I don't understand that trouble me, it is the parts I do".
Some other Mark Twain quotes.
The Bible is a mass of fables and traditions, mere mythology." <"Mark Twain and the Bible">
The Bible has noble poetry in it... and some good morals and a wealth of obscenity, and upwards of a thousand lies." Mark Twain
The Christian's Bible is a drug store. Its contents remain the same, but the medical practice changes.
Mark Twain
"O Lord our God, help us tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it..." <" The War Prayer"> Mark Twain
Letters from the Earth is one of Mark Twain's postumously published works. He probably did not intend to publish the piece because of its controversial and iconoclastic views on religion, especially Christianity. Letters from the Earth is a series of letters written by the archangel Satan to another archangel, Gabriel, about his observation of the curious proceedings of earth. The letters explore both the behavior of man and the nature of his religions.
His Name,
Don't give up looking for truth and meaning though. Thats what it's all about and there are many wonderful things in the Bible and that Jesus taught.
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