Weekly Meditations

Is it possible to affirm a negative in the absolute without possessing infinite knowledge?

Is it possible to answer that question with a finite mind?

Does it matter?

The first answer is no. One cannot claim or affirm a negative in an absolute manner unless One knows everything there is to know about everything in the entire universe.

The second answer is yes. One can answer that question with a finite mind and the answer may be right or be wrong.  Still, the question can be answered.

The third, does it matter? The answer to that question is what determines the path that many take in their lives. You see, many will, when asked, tell you there is no God. They have just said there is no God and as such have affirmed a negative in the absolute without a qualifier. In this case being absolutely correct is a logical impossibility for a finite mind. That being obvious, these have still answered. Why should it matter? Because these have just locked themselves in to an answer which leaves them no escape from the absolute they have chosen. Now one might have said, I do not know. Although admitting to the lack of knowledge, this statement has not locked anyone into an absolute. So, does it matter if One can answer such a question? One’s eternity just may depend on if they can answer, and how One does.

But then again,

Psalms 14:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

So perhaps “no” is the only answer the heart of such can give. With that, it may be that it does not matter how these answer. Even worse it may be a waste of time asking and or arguing the question or point.

Why?

Proverbs 23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

David