Subject: logical pantheism
Date: 25 Dec 2003
From: Flash Light
To: Mr. Arents

Dear Mr. Arents,

Granted that gods have no existence beyond neural software, why do you feel that's important? "Windows," has no existence beyond being computer software, but we don't refer to it as "imaginary," nor dismiss it as a mere "concept." Why not view the various religions as similar to Microsoft, i.e. selling their neural software operating systems, offering training and product support, etc. Whether this is a more useful conceptualization is the larger question I wish to address.

You raise an interesting point by stating that Popeye also exists as a "concept." No one would suggest the Popeye neural software subroutine corresponds to a "real person," but then no one (not even devout believers) would suggest Allah corresponds to a "real person." Rather believers insist Allah corresponds to a "god."

By conceptualizing the gods as neural software, I can agree that Allah is a "god," and hence carry on a dialog with such believers. The consequences of the said neural software existence of Popeye seem relatively trivial, whereas the consequences of the said neural software existence of the gods seem potentially profound, impacting the lives of believers and skeptics alike.

Whether the ability to carry on a dialog with such believers, in this manner, will prove useful, remains to be seen. It appears to me that the arguments of secular humanists have generally been met with fanaticism by the theists, hence I feel the "logical pantheism" alternative is worth exploring.

Respectfully,

Flash