Faith - Revision history

Fractalguy at 11:37, 16 August 2025

2025-08-16T11:37:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 16 August 2025
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	== Faith and Doubt ==		== Faith and Doubt ==

	Doubt is the [[inevitable]] by-product of faith. To minimize doubt, move as much of your [[belief system]] from faith to certainty by grounding it in [[science]]. There will be plenty left to [[The Gambler\|believe in]] when you're done.		Doubt is the [[inevitable]] by-product of faith. To minimize doubt, move as much of your [[belief system]] from faith to certainty by grounding it in [[science]]. There will be plenty left to [[The Gambler\|believe in]] when you're done.<blockquote>''"You say you lost your faith''

	[[The Gambler\|Faith is what you bet on in life]] because it can't be known for sure.		''But that’s not where it’s at''

			''You had no faith to lose''

			''And you know it"''

			-[https://genius.com/Bob-dylan-positively-4th-street-lyrics Bob Dylan, Positively 4th Street]</blockquote>[[The Gambler\|Faith is what you bet on in life]] because it can't be known for sure.

	Take the [[afterlife]] as an example. Belief in [[consciousness]] after death, with the type of [[self-awareness]] we have when we are living, requires faith to believe in since there is no way to verify this claim one way or the other (though it seems [[The Gambler\|unlikely]]). However, if the [[afterlife]] is defined as the imprint of our [[life]]'s actions on the [[universe]] echoing through the infinite [[fractal]] of [[time]], this can be believed with [[certainty]]. This ''must be true'' due to the [[laws of physics]], and requires no [[supernatural]] [[belief system]] to have faith in.		Take the [[afterlife]] as an example. Belief in [[consciousness]] after death, with the type of [[self-awareness]] we have when we are living, requires faith to believe in since there is no way to verify this claim one way or the other (though it seems [[The Gambler\|unlikely]]). However, if the [[afterlife]] is defined as the imprint of our [[life]]'s actions on the [[universe]] echoing through the infinite [[fractal]] of [[time]], this can be believed with [[certainty]]. This ''must be true'' due to the [[laws of physics]], and requires no [[supernatural]] [[belief system]] to have faith in.
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	== Cartesian Doubt ==		== Cartesian Doubt ==
	Everyone needs to have a good [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] at least once in their lives. This will usually take place after some significant revelation about the nature of the universe that causes you to have to rethink a number of things. If you have to rethink many things, you might as well rethink everything, and that's where [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] comes in handy.<blockquote>''"You say you lost your faith''

	~~''But that’s not where it’s~~ at''		Everyone needs to have a good [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] at least once in their lives. This will usually take place after some significant revelation about the nature of the universe that causes you to have to rethink a number of things. If you have to rethink many things, you might as well rethink everything, and that's where [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] comes in handy.

	~~''You had no faith~~ to ~~lose''~~

	~~''And~~ you ~~know it"'~~'

	~~-[https://genius.com/Bob-dylan-positively-4th-street-lyrics Bob Dylan, Positively 4th Street]</blockquote>~~Should you find the idea of [[Fractal Geometry of God\|fractal]] [[pantheistic]] [[universalism]] [[persuasive]] and decide it's time to adopt a new [[Belief System\|belief system]], give your [[brain]] the [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] it deserves and reform the [[Generating equation\|fractal pattern]] of your [[mind]].		Should you find the idea of [[Fractal Geometry of God\|fractal]] [[pantheistic]] [[universalism]] [[persuasive]] and decide it's time to adopt a new [[Belief System\|belief system]], give your [[brain]] the [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] it deserves and reform the [[Generating equation\|fractal pattern]] of your [[mind]].

	Don't confuse this with [[contrarianism]]. Just because some of the things you were taught were lies, it doesn't mean everything was. Each [[concept]] must be judged on its own merits.		Don't confuse this with [[contrarianism]]. Just because some of the things you were taught were lies, it doesn't mean everything was. Each [[concept]] must be judged on its own merits.

Fractalguy: /* Modern Faith is Trust in Institutions */

2025-08-16T11:37:06Z

Modern Faith is Trust in Institutions

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 16 August 2025
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	== Modern Faith is Trust in Institutions ==		== Modern Faith is Trust in Institutions ==
	In order for modern [[society]] to function, it is necessary to have faith in the [[institutions]] of [[democracy]], [[science]], and [[capitalism]]. It is impossible to truly "do your own research" on 99.99% of the things you interact with daily. You must [[trust]] that there is a system in place to ensure that evidence has been peer reviewed, products have been tested for [[safety]], and [[government]] will act to make our lives [[Happier\|better]]. Even if you have lost [[trust]] in [[institutions]], you must still put your faith in them every day when you turn on your lights, connect to the Internet, eat, drive, buy anything, and so on.		In order for modern [[society]] to function, it is necessary to have faith in the [[institutions]] of [[democracy]], [[science]], and [[capitalism]]. It is impossible to truly "do your own research" on 99.99% of the things you interact with daily. You must [[trust]] that there is a system in place to ensure that [[evidence]] has been peer reviewed, products have been tested for [[safety]], and [[government]] will act to make our lives [[Happier\|better]]. Even if you have lost [[trust]] in [[institutions]], you must still put your faith in them every day when you turn on your lights, connect to the Internet, eat, drive, buy anything, and so on.

	This [[trust]] must be earned through transparency, [[balance of power]], equal [[justice]], and [[incentives]] for [[self-correction]]. The public must also have sufficient [[education]] to understand these principles enough to establish that [[trust]]. While you can't know how everything works, anyone can learn these general concepts well enough to recognize when we can or must have [[trust]], when we should be [[Critical thinking\|skeptical]], and the best ways to improve the system and restore that [[trust]].		This [[trust]] must be earned through transparency, [[balance of power]], equal [[justice]], and [[incentives]] for [[self-correction]]. The public must also have sufficient [[education]] to understand these principles enough to establish that [[trust]]. While you can't know how everything works, anyone can learn these general concepts well enough to recognize when we can or must have [[trust]], when we should be [[Critical thinking\|skeptical]], and the best ways to improve the system and restore that [[trust]].

Fractalguy: /* Faith is a Former Feature, Now a Bug */

2025-08-16T11:36:17Z

Faith is a Former Feature, Now a Bug

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:36, 16 August 2025
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	Now that most people are aware of [[science]], its conflicts with [[scriptural]] [[literalism]], and experience the [[cognitive dissonance]] it causes, the requirement of faith becomes an impediment to finding [[meaning]] through [[traditional]] [[religious]] means. It prevents [[secular]] people from finding a [[connection]]. It also makes [[spiritual]] people more susceptible to [[grift]], [[conspiracy]], [[misinformation]] and other forms of [[control]]. It is still an important concept, but its importance is over-emphasized by most [[religions]] (especially the Abrahamic ones), and when it is prioritized above actual [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]] that contradicts it, faith inhibits [[spiritual]] and [[scientific]] growth.		Now that most people are aware of [[science]], its conflicts with [[scriptural]] [[literalism]], and experience the [[cognitive dissonance]] it causes, the requirement of faith becomes an impediment to finding [[meaning]] through [[traditional]] [[religious]] means. It prevents [[secular]] people from finding a [[connection]]. It also makes [[spiritual]] people more susceptible to [[grift]], [[conspiracy]], [[misinformation]] and other forms of [[control]]. It is still an important concept, but its importance is over-emphasized by most [[religions]] (especially the Abrahamic ones), and when it is prioritized above actual [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]] that contradicts it, faith inhibits [[spiritual]] and [[scientific]] growth.

	Having a sense of [[spirituality]] that doesn't have faith in the [[supernatural]] as a [[necessary prerequisite]] will be necessary to form [[secular institutions]] that serve the social functions of [[religion]] for [[future]] generations.		Having a sense of [[spirituality]] that doesn't have faith in the [[supernatural]] as a [[necessary prerequisite]] will be necessary to form [[secular institutions]] that serve the [[social]] functions of [[religion]] for [[future]] generations.

	== Modern Faith is Trust in Institutions ==		== Modern Faith is Trust in Institutions ==

Fractalguy at 19:26, 15 August 2025

2025-08-15T19:26:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 15 August 2025
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	== Cartesian Doubt ==		== Cartesian Doubt ==
	Everyone needs to have a good [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] at least once in their lives. This will usually take place after some significant revelation about the nature of the universe that causes you to have to rethink a number of things. If you have to rethink many things, you might as well rethink everything, and that's where [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] comes in handy.		Everyone needs to have a good [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] at least once in their lives. This will usually take place after some significant revelation about the nature of the universe that causes you to have to rethink a number of things. If you have to rethink many things, you might as well rethink everything, and that's where [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] comes in handy.<blockquote>''"You say you lost your faith''

	Should you find the idea of [[Fractal Geometry of God\|fractal]] [[pantheistic]] [[universalism]] [[persuasive]] and decide it's time to adopt a new [[Belief System\|belief system]], give your [[brain]] the [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] it deserves and reform the [[Generating equation\|fractal pattern]] of your [[mind]].		''But that’s not where it’s at''

			''You had no faith to lose''

			''And you know it"''

			-[https://genius.com/Bob-dylan-positively-4th-street-lyrics Bob Dylan, Positively 4th Street]</blockquote>Should you find the idea of [[Fractal Geometry of God\|fractal]] [[pantheistic]] [[universalism]] [[persuasive]] and decide it's time to adopt a new [[Belief System\|belief system]], give your [[brain]] the [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] it deserves and reform the [[Generating equation\|fractal pattern]] of your [[mind]].

	Don't confuse this with [[contrarianism]]. Just because some of the things you were taught were lies, it doesn't mean everything was. Each [[concept]] must be judged on its own merits.		Don't confuse this with [[contrarianism]]. Just because some of the things you were taught were lies, it doesn't mean everything was. Each [[concept]] must be judged on its own merits.

Fractalguy: /* Faith as Kayfabe */

2025-05-11T03:05:58Z

Faith as Kayfabe

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:05, 11 May 2025
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	== Faith as Kayfabe ==		== Faith as Kayfabe ==
	In professional wrestling, [[wikipedia:Kayfabe\|~~keyfabe~~]] is the term for how the events that take place are portrayed as true, even though both the participants and the audience are aware of the pretense. Young children watch wrestling and believe it is real. At some point they learn it is scripted, but if they continue to be fans after that they do so with a willing suspension of disbelief and tacit code of silence.		In professional wrestling, [[wikipedia:Kayfabe\|kayfabe]] is the term for how the events that take place are portrayed as true, even though both the participants and the audience are aware of the pretense. Young children watch wrestling and believe it is real. At some point they learn it is scripted, but if they continue to be fans after that they do so with a willing suspension of disbelief and tacit code of silence.

	Faith works much the same way in the modern [[religions]]. A congregation will have many members that have deconstructed their faith and understood the [[allegorical]] nature of [[scripture]], who are like the wrestling fans who still enjoy it knowing that it's scripted. The clergy are the wrestlers in this [[metaphor]]. They are usually aware of the pretense, though some are extremely [[wikipedia:Method_acting\|method in their acting]] and will never break character.		Faith works much the same way in the modern [[religions]]. A congregation will have many members that have deconstructed their faith and understood the [[allegorical]] nature of [[scripture]], who are like the wrestling fans who still enjoy it knowing that it's scripted. The clergy are the wrestlers in this [[metaphor]]. They are usually aware of the pretense, though some are extremely [[wikipedia:Method_acting\|method in their acting]] and will never break character.

Fractalguy: /* Cartesian Doubt */

2025-05-11T02:54:55Z

Cartesian Doubt

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:54, 11 May 2025
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	Should you find the idea of [[Fractal Geometry of God\|fractal]] [[pantheistic]] [[universalism]] [[persuasive]] and decide it's time to adopt a new [[Belief System\|belief system]], give your [[brain]] the [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] it deserves and reform the [[Generating equation\|fractal pattern]] of your [[mind]].		Should you find the idea of [[Fractal Geometry of God\|fractal]] [[pantheistic]] [[universalism]] [[persuasive]] and decide it's time to adopt a new [[Belief System\|belief system]], give your [[brain]] the [[wikipedia:Cartesian_doubt\|Cartesian Doubt]] it deserves and reform the [[Generating equation\|fractal pattern]] of your [[mind]].

			Don't confuse this with [[contrarianism]]. Just because some of the things you were taught were lies, it doesn't mean everything was. Each [[concept]] must be judged on its own merits.

	== Faith Versus Certainty ==		== Faith Versus Certainty ==

Fractalguy: /* Faith is a Former Feature, Now a Bug */

2025-01-29T16:17:14Z

Faith is a Former Feature, Now a Bug

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 29 January 2025
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	Before widespread [[science]] education, faith was [[necessary]] to have any [[belief system]] whatsoever. No other viable explanation of [[creation]] existed. Faith was an assumption, and it allowed for the creation of [[religion]] and everything that came with it.		Before widespread [[science]] education, faith was [[necessary]] to have any [[belief system]] whatsoever. No other viable explanation of [[creation]] existed. Faith was an assumption, and it allowed for the creation of [[religion]] and everything that came with it.

	Now that most people are aware of [[science]], its conflicts with [[scriptural]] [[literalism]], and experience the [[cognitive dissonance]] it causes, the requirement of faith becomes an impediment to finding [[meaning]] through [[traditional]] [[religious]] means. It prevents [[secular]] people from finding a connection. It also makes [[spiritual]] people more susceptible to [[grift]], [[conspiracy]], [[misinformation]] and other forms of control. It is still an important concept, but its importance is over-emphasized by most [[religions]] (especially the Abrahamic ones), and when it is prioritized above actual [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]] that contradicts it, faith inhibits [[spiritual]] and [[scientific]] growth.		Now that most people are aware of [[science]], its conflicts with [[scriptural]] [[literalism]], and experience the [[cognitive dissonance]] it causes, the requirement of faith becomes an impediment to finding [[meaning]] through [[traditional]] [[religious]] means. It prevents [[secular]] people from finding a [[connection]]. It also makes [[spiritual]] people more susceptible to [[grift]], [[conspiracy]], [[misinformation]] and other forms of [[control]]. It is still an important concept, but its importance is over-emphasized by most [[religions]] (especially the Abrahamic ones), and when it is prioritized above actual [[Evidence-Based Best Practices\|evidence]] that contradicts it, faith inhibits [[spiritual]] and [[scientific]] growth.

	Having a sense of [[spirituality]] that doesn't have faith in the [[supernatural]] as a [[necessary prerequisite]] will be necessary to form [[secular institutions]] that serve the social functions of [[religion]] for [[future]] generations.		Having a sense of [[spirituality]] that doesn't have faith in the [[supernatural]] as a [[necessary prerequisite]] will be necessary to form [[secular institutions]] that serve the social functions of [[religion]] for [[future]] generations.

Fractalguy: /* Certainty Without Thought Termination */

2025-01-29T16:16:08Z

Certainty Without Thought Termination

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 29 January 2025
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	== Certainty Without Thought Termination ==		== Certainty Without Thought Termination ==
	When people feel like they have things figured out, they stop thinking about things. The [[ideas]] that lead to clarity or certainty when it comes to reality tend to be [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating clichés]]. Is it possible to give people a sense of clarity, without giving them the false impression that they have all the right answers?		When people feel like they have things figured out, they stop thinking about things. The [[ideas]] that lead to clarity or certainty when it comes to [[reality]] tend to be [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating clichés]]. Is it possible to give people a sense of clarity, without giving them the false impression that they have all the right answers?

	The [[fractal]] ~~model~~ provides a way around this. We can have clarity about the overall [[Patterns\|pattern]] of [[reality]] while acknowledging the infinite [[complexity]] and nuance that we can never fully grasp. You can feel like you know how everything works generally, while acknowledging that the level of detail depends on our [[education]] and [[experience]] in each domain. You understand the [[generating equation]], even if you haven't calculated every [[iteration]] of the [[fractal]].		The [[fractal]] [[analogy]] provides a way around this. We can have clarity about the overall [[Patterns\|pattern]] of [[reality]] while acknowledging the infinite [[complexity]] and nuance that we can never fully grasp. You can feel like you know how everything works generally, while acknowledging that the level of detail depends on our [[education]] and [[experience]] in each domain. You understand the [[generating equation]], even if you haven't calculated every [[iteration]] of the [[fractal]].

	This gives us the certainty that the [[universe]] is ordered and that you can understand that order, while encouraging the pursuit of additional nuance and knowledge in those subjects that [[inspire]] us, and acknowledge our limitations in those that don't.		This gives us the certainty that the [[universe]] is ordered and that you can understand that order, while encouraging the pursuit of additional nuance and knowledge in those subjects that [[inspire]] us, and acknowledge our limitations in those that don't.

Fractalguy: /* Faith and Optimism */

2025-01-29T16:14:47Z

Faith and Optimism

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:14, 29 January 2025
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	Having [[hope]] that things will work out for the best, knowing that the [[universe]] is fundamentally [[good]], or being [[optimistic]] about the [[future]], all require some degree of faith. We cannot know for sure that things will work out, but believing that they will makes you [[happier]]. And being [[happier]] makes you more capable, more affable, and more likely to succeed in whatever your goals are. This turns your faith in [[optimism]] into a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-fulfilling_prophecy self-fulfilling prophecy].		Having [[hope]] that things will work out for the best, knowing that the [[universe]] is fundamentally [[good]], or being [[optimistic]] about the [[future]], all require some degree of faith. We cannot know for sure that things will work out, but believing that they will makes you [[happier]]. And being [[happier]] makes you more capable, more affable, and more likely to succeed in whatever your goals are. This turns your faith in [[optimism]] into a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-fulfilling_prophecy self-fulfilling prophecy].

	This is the real principle behind [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(Byrne_book) The Secret] and other [[pseudoscientific]] self-help notions that our [[beliefs]] manifest [[reality]]. We can increase the probabilities in our favor through [[self-improvement]], but we cannot [[literally]] make things happen unless we help make them happen ourselves. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_helps_those_who_help_themselves God helps those and all that].		This is the real principle behind [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(Byrne_book) The Secret] and other [[pseudoscientific]] self-help notions that our [[beliefs]] [[Manifestation\|manifest]] [[reality]]. We can increase the [[probabilities]] in our favor through [[self-improvement]], but we cannot [[literally]] make things happen unless we help make them happen ourselves. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_helps_those_who_help_themselves God helps those and all that]. See [[Stochastic Manifestation]].

	The [[god concept]] puts this principle into practice by generalizing faith in the goodness of the [[universe]] in order to create a reflexive [[happiness]] reaction to all of [[life]]'s ups and downs.		The [[god concept]] puts this principle into practice by generalizing faith in the goodness of the [[universe]] in order to create a reflexive [[happiness]] reaction to all of [[life]]'s ups and downs.

Fractalguy at 15:12, 29 January 2025

2025-01-29T15:12:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:12, 29 January 2025
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	That is why despite its [[universalist]] nature, the [[fractal]] vision of [[pantheism]] is put forth as a specific model for how this works, rather than saying "you can believe whatever you want and it's all good". Yes, ultimately it is all good as long as you accept [[science]] and adhere to [[best practices]], but there are specific benefits to the interdependent model being advocated that you may not get if you go your own way.		That is why despite its [[universalist]] nature, the [[fractal]] vision of [[pantheism]] is put forth as a specific model for how this works, rather than saying "you can believe whatever you want and it's all good". Yes, ultimately it is all good as long as you accept [[science]] and adhere to [[best practices]], but there are specific benefits to the interdependent model being advocated that you may not get if you go your own way.

			== Certainty Without Thought Termination ==
			When people feel like they have things figured out, they stop thinking about things. The [[ideas]] that lead to clarity or certainty when it comes to reality tend to be [[wikipedia:Thought-terminating_cliché\|thought-terminating clichés]]. Is it possible to give people a sense of clarity, without giving them the false impression that they have all the right answers?

			The [[fractal]] model provides a way around this. We can have clarity about the overall [[Patterns\|pattern]] of [[reality]] while acknowledging the infinite [[complexity]] and nuance that we can never fully grasp. You can feel like you know how everything works generally, while acknowledging that the level of detail depends on our [[education]] and [[experience]] in each domain. You understand the [[generating equation]], even if you haven't calculated every [[iteration]] of the [[fractal]].

			This gives us the certainty that the [[universe]] is ordered and that you can understand that order, while encouraging the pursuit of additional nuance and knowledge in those subjects that [[inspire]] us, and acknowledge our limitations in those that don't.

	== Pantheism, Faith, and Certainty ==		== Pantheism, Faith, and Certainty ==