Why Does It Always Have to Be “God” Doing Something?

When it comes to understanding the concept of a necessary being, we often default to the notion of a supreme deity. However, this default isn't always necessary, and in many contexts, it reflects a misunderstanding or a bias rooted in various cultural and religious backgrounds. The question of whether a necessary being must be a god is worth examining from multiple angles.

Claiming to Speak for Everyone

Sometimes, facts and beliefs are misrepresented when individuals claim to speak for everybody. For instance, it is inaccurate to assume everyone attributes a phenomenon to a god without acknowledging that not everyone holds such beliefs. As one individual might state, "We don't." This simple yet powerful statement underscores the importance of recognizing that beliefs and attributions can vary widely among different individuals and cultures.

The Role of God in Existence

For some, God is indeed seen as a necessary being for existence, especially within certain religious contexts. The Bible, for example, states that a person who does not believe in God is considered a fool. However, questioning the necessity of this belief can lead to profound and insightful discussions. If we search for a necessary being, is reality the answer? Reality is a fundamental and unconditional aspect of our existence, upon which the existence of a god could be contingent, rather than a god being a necessary being in itself.

Modern vs. Traditional Perspectives

The perspectives of modern man and traditional man differ significantly. In modern times, people often appear disconnected from their origins and the broader context of human experience. This can be attributed to a combination of factors, including modern education and exposure to a narrow set of meanings. Conversely, in traditional and ordinary human expressions across various languages, "God" is often a symbol of the ultimate reality.

The concept of God as a necessary being is deeply embedded in many traditional belief systems. It is seen as the force behind order, causality, and consequences. This is expressed through various terms like karma, fate, destiny, the butterfly effect, and the laws of nature. In essence, these intricate concepts are often described uniformly as "God."

However, many individuals are unaware of the limitations in fully understanding or describing God. This ignorance often leads to confusion when questioning the identity or nature of God. By asking questions like "What God? Whose God?" people get lost in the complexity of human understanding.

The Role of Reality

The true necessary being is more likely to be reality itself, rather than a divine entity. Reality is the foundation upon which all else exists. If a god were to exist, it would be contingent on reality, rather than being a necessary being. The concept of a necessary being might be considered silly or redundant when viewed from this perspective. Instead of attributing actions and existence to a god, we can look to reality as the driving force behind existence.

God as a Judge, Not a Guide

Ultimately, the actions and behaviors of individuals are driven by human will and agency, rather than a divine entity. The belief in God does not dictate right and wrong; instead, many people act morally because they choose to do so, guided by their own moral compass and values. While God may serve as a judge in certain belief systems, it is not the divine being that guides or makes decisions for people. Such actions are driven by human decision-making and ethical considerations.

Therefore, in reflecting on the necessity of a being like God, we must consider the perspectives of various cultures and belief systems. Reality might be the more fundamental and necessary being, providing the framework within which all else exists. The actions of individuals are driven by their own will, rather than an external divine entity.

By questioning the necessity of a god, we can gain a deeper understanding of our existence and the roles that different entities or philosophical concepts play in our lives. Whether one believes in a god or not, the reality of our existence and the forces that shape it remain paramount.