Some people wonder what sort of explanation God is supposed to be. This is an important question and the answer depends on what natural theological approach one takes. Generally, an explanation is that which removes mystery, by answering some sort of why question (think Aristotle’s
This is informative but not in the way one would typically take the use of the word "informative."
In a chain of events going back, it is hypothesized that it cannot be infinite because, at some time, it will have to begin, and this beginning will require a cause that does not need another cause. A self-existing entity causes all the other succeeding events/entities.
However, objectors will say this hypothetical cause results from an endless line of other causes. They will say, "Prove Me Wrong."
But what if you can logically prove that assuming this infinite progression leads to absurdities or impossibilities
I suggest everyone read Isaac Asimov's favorite short story,' The Last Question'. Asimov, a renowned science fiction author, and biochemist, was an atheist but didn't realize that his favorite short story inadvertently argued against atheism. The story suggests that given enough time, anything physically possible will happen, including the existence of the Judeo/Christian God.
So assuming infinite time, leads to every absurdity possible. It's the best example of the reduction to absurdity fallacy. The most obvious absurdity is that there must be an infinite number of entities that are capable of producing every thing physically possible including a universe.
Look around the world today; the most frightening concept is the uncontrolled expression of artificial intelligence (AI). This would be trivial in an infinitely long existence as entities must have developed with unlimited intelligence and power. Emphasis on "must."
Aside:we get sidetracked from rational thought by what is valuable in mathematics. In math, infinity is common and very useful. However, the usefulness of something in our imagination should not obscure that this concept is imaginary. We also tend to assign the word "infinite" to the qualities of God without thinking just what this means. When we analyze what God is, existing in time or place should not be one of them. God exists but not in time or space. It isn't easy to understand since our only existence occurs in time and space.
So any appeal to infinite regression is an absurd position to take.
This is informative but not in the way one would typically take the use of the word "informative."
In a chain of events going back, it is hypothesized that it cannot be infinite because, at some time, it will have to begin, and this beginning will require a cause that does not need another cause. A self-existing entity causes all the other succeeding events/entities.
However, objectors will say this hypothetical cause results from an endless line of other causes. They will say, "Prove Me Wrong."
But what if you can logically prove that assuming this infinite progression leads to absurdities or impossibilities
I suggest everyone read Isaac Asimov's favorite short story,' The Last Question'. Asimov, a renowned science fiction author, and biochemist, was an atheist but didn't realize that his favorite short story inadvertently argued against atheism. The story suggests that given enough time, anything physically possible will happen, including the existence of the Judeo/Christian God.
So assuming infinite time, leads to every absurdity possible. It's the best example of the reduction to absurdity fallacy. The most obvious absurdity is that there must be an infinite number of entities that are capable of producing every thing physically possible including a universe.
Look around the world today; the most frightening concept is the uncontrolled expression of artificial intelligence (AI). This would be trivial in an infinitely long existence as entities must have developed with unlimited intelligence and power. Emphasis on "must."
Aside:we get sidetracked from rational thought by what is valuable in mathematics. In math, infinity is common and very useful. However, the usefulness of something in our imagination should not obscure that this concept is imaginary. We also tend to assign the word "infinite" to the qualities of God without thinking just what this means. When we analyze what God is, existing in time or place should not be one of them. God exists but not in time or space. It isn't easy to understand since our only existence occurs in time and space.
So any appeal to infinite regression is an absurd position to take.