THIS article is part of a series entitled “The Seven Deadly Spells From The Abyss”. Skepticism is the third of the seven spells namely Evolution, Eroticism, Skepticism itself, Humanism, the Entertainment Industry through Film (Part I and Part II) and Music (Part I to 7), Romanticism and Pantheism. Simply collect all the series as they come or look out for a book in the future.
Definition
There are several definitions of this particular spell as well as subjects within the wide spectrum of the word itself. So, in order to do them justice, I will define generally and then move specifically into the one that is of consequence here, that being religious skepticism.
In ordinary usage, skepticism (US) or scepticism (UK) (Greek: ‘?????????’ skeptomai, to think, to look about, to consider) (a) an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object; (b) the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain; or (c) the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism that is characteristic of skeptics (Merriam–Webster).
Isn’t it ironic that skepticism can be termed a doctrine? Did you know that skepticism and atheism require the same amount of “faith” to stand on? Did you also know that atheists are some of the most narrow-minded, closed and difficult people to carry out a logical and systematic discussion with? It is possible to carry out a discussion with a skeptic because by nature skepticism questions, then believes upon seeing the “evidence” whereas the atheist does not accept the evidence! The reason is because it takes a very dogmatic stance to ignore all the evidence in nature for the existence of an intelligent designer!
In philosophy, skepticism refers more specifically to any one of several propositions. These include propositions about: (a) an inquiry, (b) a method of obtaining knowledge through systematic doubt and continual testing, (c) the arbitrariness, relativity, or subjectivity of moral values, (d) the limitations of knowledge, (e) a method of intellectual caution and suspended judgment.
Skepticism is also divided into different types
Scientific – A scientific (or empirical) skeptic is one who questions beliefs on the basis of scientific understanding. Most scientists, being scientific skeptics, test the reliability of certain kinds of claims by subjecting them to a systematic investigation using some form of the scientific method.
As a result, a number of claims are considered “pseudoscience” if they are found to improperly apply or ignore the fundamental aspects of the scientific method. Scientific skepticism does not address religious beliefs, since these beliefs are, by definition, outside the realm of systematic, empirical testing/knowledge.
Religious – Religious skepticism generally refers to doubting given religious beliefs or claims. Historically, religious skepticism can be traced back to Socrates, who doubted many religious claims of the time. Modern religious skepticism typically places more emphasis on scientific and historical methods or evidence, with Michael Shermer writing that it is a process for discovering the truth rather than blanket non-acceptance.
For this reason, a religious skeptic will (for example) likely believe that Jesus actually existed (since he can be historically attested to) but if not a Christian, will likely question whether or not he performed miracles. Religious skepticism is not the same as atheism or agnosticism.
Religious people are generally skeptical about claims of other religions, at least when the two denominations conflict in some stated belief.
Philosophical – In philosophical skepticism, pyrrhonism is a position that refrains from making truth claims. A philosophical skeptic does not claim that truth is impossible (which would be a truth claim). The label is commonly used to describe other philosophies which appear similar to philosophical skepticism, such as academic skepticism, an ancient variant of Platonism that claimed knowledge of truth was impossible. Empiricism is a closely related, but not identical, position to philosophical skepticism. Empiricists see empiricism as a pragmatic compromise between philosophical skepticism and nomothetic science; philosophical skepticism is in turn sometimes referred to as “radical empiricism.”
Current Trends
In this day and age, skepticism is an approach to strange or unusual claims where doubt is preferred to belief, given a lack of conclusive evidence. Skeptics generally consider beliefs in the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and psychic powers as misguided, since no empirical evidence exists supporting such phenomena.
The Ancient Greek philosopher Plato believed that to release another person from ignorance despite their initial resistance is a great and noble thing. Modern skeptical writers address this question in a variety of ways.
Bertrand Russell argued that individual actions are based upon the beliefs of the person acting, and if the beliefs are unsupported by evidence, then such beliefs can lead to destructive actions.
This is one point where skepticism is in direct conflict with faith. James Randi also often writes on the issue of fraud by psychics and faith healers. Here again is a case where blanket criticism and conclusions negate the many hundreds of cases of genuine healing with empirical and recorded evidence to support the same. There are certainly many charlatans in this area as much as you would have in any other discipline!
Critics of alternative medicine often point to bad advice given by unqualified practitioners, leading to serious injury or death. Richard Dawkins points to religion as a source of violence (notably in his book, The God Delusion), and considers creationism a threat to biology.
I tackle this particular stance in my blog Evolution which can be found on www.revwaltermwambazi.com.  Some skeptics, such as the members of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe podcast, oppose certain cults and new religious movements (most major religions including Christianity, God, pseudoscience, homeopathy etc.) because of their concern about what they consider false miracles performed or endorsed by the leadership of the group. They often criticize belief systems which they believe to be idiosyncratic, bizarre or irrational.
Penn & Teller: Bull! an American documentary television series that aired from 2003-2010 on the premium cable channel Showtime and in Canada on The Movie Network and Movie Central was hosted by professional magicians/comedians and skeptics Penn & Teller.
They generally either debated a political topic or aimed to debunk pseudoscientific ideas, paranormal beliefs, and popular fads and misconceptions, often from a libertarian point of view, the political philosophy espoused by both Penn and Teller. The show criticized proponents of what they perceive as nonsense and dishonesty, often citing ulterior political or financial motives.
The stated aim of the show was to apply “critical thinking” to misconceptions. Paranormal subjects of episodes include among other subjects the literal exegesis of the Bible. Penn & Teller approach the topics in the manner of Harry Houdini and James Randi (who has appeared more than once on the show), who are known for debunking claims of supernatural powers.
The Spell
Why should we always believe what the establishment says? If we cannot prove it, then it is not true. All must be proven scientifically through a repeatable methodology that can be duplicated anywhere anytime. Only when something comes under scientific scrutiny and passes the test, can it be acceptable. It must be devoid of all emotional or bias. It must undergo rigorous scrutiny and testing to prove its authenticity.
Furthermore there is no absolute truth because all truth is subject to those that seek it. No truth can be objective, only subjective. As such, whatever you may seek to prove as true will be tainted/altered by that very act.
The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle attests to this. All testing will invariably affect the subject undergoing that test to such an extent that we cannot get the absolute truth or absolute facts!
Since nothing can be absolutely proven as true or false, we must continuously subject all our statements, laws and beliefs to the lens of “critical thinking”.
With this we can thus say, creation cannot be proven, God cannot be proven, the soul, the spirit, all these cannot be scientifically proven, and thus they are left in the realm of pseudoscience, superstition and those not yet exposed to civilization. Modern science is god and man is the centre of that god. We can create and destroy our reality by the power of our minds. We can change our future by that same power. God is in fact inside of us and we are god.
The god of science is the god of the skeptic. Reason or logic is that god! Since science is the brainchild of man, this means that man is god and all starts and ends with man.
The Anti-dote
I am going to say it plainly, I believe in the existence of an intelligent, supreme God who created the heavens and the earth and put all that is in it. This whole universe runs by His power and command and he controls all that we see and do not see.
In tackling this threat of “reason and logic”, we must turn to some of the greatest apologists of our time such as C S Lewis (Mere Christianity) and Josh McDowell (Evidence that Demands a Verdict, More than a Carpenter) who have put on paper well thought out and logically placed writings arguing for an intelligent designer and the existence of God.
Another great place to start is www.creationtoday.org which has great podcasts and video casts many very engaging topics and questions raised by atheists.
Take time and read some of their powerful arguments that in my opinion seriously debunk and put to rest the skepticism raised by many of these modern shows like the ones mentioned above. The shows and skeptics James Randi, Bertrand Russell and many others are like atheists, they chose to ignore the HUGE evidence in nature for their inflexible and heavily biased stance on skepticism.
In fact, to be a skeptic of the truest nature, you have to practice fanaticism, that being the tendency to believe something so strongly that you are ready to die for it and get others to suffer the consequences (through segregation, persecution and even death) if they have a different stance from yours, resorting to name calling and jesting to get your point heard!
One of my favorite writers and bloggers Perry Marshal in his Coffee House Theology site argues this point so powerfully with a simple but prevailing statement, “if you can read this, I can prove God exists”.
His argument is simple; the chaotic mess that existed at the beginning of time could be likened to static. Have you ever seen or heard static? You bet you have! When you switch on your Radio or television set and catch nothing, you get that “white noise” or those dots of nothing on your screen or the rough noise you get on radio.
This noise is the equivalent of nothing or random chaos. Now, what are the chances that if you watch this static for one million years (okay, 3 billion years!!) this will suddenly turn into the movie “Gone with the Wind?” Maybe it can become “Penn and Teller: Bull!” right? You and I both know that no matter how long we wait or watch, static can NEVER become logical and sensible pictures, sounds or both!
The existence of language, communication (TV and Radio), writing, music and this very page you are reading are powerful cases of proof or exhibits for the existence of an intelligent designer (man). The proof that someone existed or exists is seen in the amount of influence or modifications they make in their environment or physical universe. You know so and so lived by the “evidence” of that interaction with their environment.
Using deductive reasoning, the existence of an intelligent designer for man and the entire universe has to be true in as far as the truth goes! In fact, using Probability (a branch of science called Mathematics), the chances of language and communication appearing through the medium of paper and now the internet is 1 to 10 to the power 1 followed by 1 million zeros)!
This number is so large that if we were to write it down, it would fill up all the 26 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica. I think it would be safe to say that it is actually impossible, don’t you think so!
Prayer
Father God, help me to grasp the revelation of what your word declares, for without faith, it is impossible to please you. You declared that blessed are those that have not seen, yet they believe. Help me to always believe and exercise faith for this is pleasing and is part of what you willed for the growth of anyone that chooses to follow you.
You also declare that we walk not by sight, but by faith. This O Lord means that we can only triumph once we stop walking by the senses of our body but by the senses of our spirits.
This is your will O God. Thus give me the ability to learn to depend on you, to focus on your words for they are true. Regardless of what man shall say or what report the enemy may bring, I shall forever trust in you and trust in your word, for your word is Truth and the truth shall set me free and he that is free is free indeed!
I am liberated from the bondage of doubt and disbelief and I am yoked in the power and strength of your Word, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whom I will forever remain trusting.
In His name I pray – Amen!
Next week we will look at the next deadly spell – Humanism!