(09-19-2023, 01:32 AM)Infolurker Wrote: He is not wrong. The "matter simulation" or "construct" and all.
BTW: http://www.passtoreal.online/ seems to be dead now.
What is simulation theory?
https://www.gotquestions.org/simulation-theory.html
Quote:By definition, those who see evidence of the “simulation” of reality are literally arguing for a designer. This makes the simulation hypothesis, in a sense, an argument for Intelligent Design, because it posits that the very nature of the universe suggests deliberate, intentional arrangement. Likewise, the simulation hypothesis would strongly support the possibility of miracles, since a simulation could be adjusted by whoever is in control of it.
The Bible directly tells us our universe was created (Genesis 1:1). It indicates that God thinks and functions in a way “above” our own (Isaiah 55:9). Scripture makes it clear that God is not subject to the laws that govern the “natural” universe (Exodus 4:21). Mankind, according to the Bible, has a destiny that extends beyond the reality we currently know (Hebrews 9:27), and there is a “spiritual realm” somehow distinct from the realm we ordinarily perceive (1 Corinthians 2:14). Scripture also indicates that we are more than physical (2 Corinthians 5:8) and that there is something “more real” than what we see or experience on earth (Hebrews 9:11; 9:24).
Biblically, the question of reality being a simulation comes down to terminology.
Debating over whether or not reality is “simulated” or “created” is somewhat like debating whether a piece of clay was “formed” or “shaped.” Or whether or not Pluto is a “planet.” Ultimately, both terms, simulated and created, imply that the universe we experience was purposefully arranged by something beyond our own reality. Christianity teaches that there is a higher form of existence than our universe and that the world we live in was purposefully arranged by God. By definition, any meaningful evidence of “simulation” in reality would prove an intelligent designer (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18–20).
[i]“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”[/i] [i]-Colossians 1:16[/i]
https://christianscholars.com/are-we-liv...%EF%BF%BC/
Quote:My student’s characterization of reality as a simulation reminded me of a verse, quoted here from the [i]New Living Translation[/i]: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves” (2 Cor 4:7). Depending on which version of the Bible you read, we humans are characterized as wayfarers, strangers, aliens, foreigners, temporary residents, sojourners, exiles and pilgrims. Indeed, we are beings with eternal souls inhabiting complex, biochemical machines of flesh for a brief moment in time.
The Bible teaches that the Earth in its current form is not as it was originally intended, having been cursed by sin, nor is it as it will be in the future when transformed into a new heavens and Earth, (Revelation 21). And, behind the Earthly curtain of this present age is an unseen spirit world, inhabited by angels and demons: “Principalities, Powers, and Rulers of Darkness,” (Ephesians 6:12).
What we term [i]reality[/i]—the [i]visible [/i]things we see and hear and touch—are characterized by the Bible as temporary, a façade, things that will pass away. That said, it is important to note that this is not deliberate deceit, since the Bible distinguishes between the visible and the invisible, the temporal and the eternal, the things of this world and of the world to come.
If you find all this difficult to wrap your brain around, you’re in good company.[i] The New Testament for Everyone[/i] explains, “For at the moment all that we can see are puzzling reflections in a mirror,” (1Corinthians 13:12). [i]The Message[/i] puts it like this: “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.”
Jesus Christ entered into this world as a trans-dimensional being. He assumed human form miraculously through a virgin birth in a process termed the incarnation. He told his followers that His kingdom was “not of this world… but… from another place,” (John 18:36). He made good on this claim when his tomb was found empty three days after his death and subsequently during the next 40 days, when he was seen by over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 1-11). It was reported that during this time, He spoke to people, carried on conversations (Luke 24: 13-35), ate with His disciples (John 21:1-17), and possessed the ability to suddenly appear out of thin air or pass through solid matter (Luke 24:36).
As I have attempted to practically demonstrate in the above discourse, [i]The Collaborative and Interactionist View[/i] of natural science and biblical faith states that “both the natural sciences and theology have something to say about the universe. There is no intrinsic contradiction between them insomuch as they are properly articulated.”7 Therefore, as leaders in Christian institutions of higher education, it is our God-given responsibility to affirm this harmonious view of the marriage between natural science and our faith. For those within the hard sciences, this may mean entertaining the types of questions and discussions raised herein, but the bigger lesson is for all educators in all disciplines. As we look for opportunities to integrate faith into the courses we teach, it is equally important that we articulate them properly, even if “we’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.”
Welcome to the [i]Real World.[/i]
The reason I've not deleted this obvious sales pitch of a thread is that it is a sales pitch involving an apparent new religion, and I'm all for religious freedom since it is guaranteed by the very first amendment of the Constitution. This has all the appearances of those times when the deacon or usher stands at the end o the pew thumping the collection plate with his finger because he thinks that row's "contribution" was not enough.
It brings no new ideas, nor anything really to discuss - and this IS a discussion forum - it's just a down and dirty sales pitch, pitching a new religion.
It is ingenious to have harnessed this particular notion in such a way that it can be identified as a religion, and the above quoted post connects all the dots to make it all the more obvious. It's also entertaining to see a Christian author quoted in defense of an obviously anti-Christian religion meant to replace and supplant his own religion. It's a bit like watching a Jew attempt to defend Christianity or Islam, although I've never seen that happen in the real world.
A religion ought not to be ran with a business model, but it's not MY religion to run, so I'm good with that - it takes all kinds.
One place where I disagree with the author quoted above is where he says
Quote:Debating over whether or not reality is “simulated” or “created” is somewhat like debating whether a piece of clay was “formed” or “shaped.”
That is a ridiculous notion, and a stretch to boot. Nevertheless, it's an interesting tack to take considering this is one religion defending the religion that has come to attempt to replace it. "Simulations" are not real. Not being real is exactly what MAKES them simulations! "Creations", on the other hand, ARE real. You can smash them into shards, and it hurts if you get hit in the head with one. Simulations, not so much. They are ephemeral, ethereal, of no substance.
Simulations are run only to be erased and replaced with a new simulation, with different parameters, to re-test a new hypothesis. They are less "real" than the screech of the chalk on the blackboard produced when writing their parameters, and just as easily erased.
So "simulated reality" is an oxymoron, an internal contradiction in terms, whereas "created reality" is not, does not carry within it the seeds of it's own semantic destruction.
My comments regarding kool-aid, comets, Nikes and jogging suits were not aimed at a religion, they were aimed at a business masquerading as a religion to slip in under the radar... that seems to be the usual course of events when such instances occur. This is not a new occurrence, it has happened many, many times before. there is nothing new under the Sun, and while religions are guaranteed freedom of exercise under the Constitution, they are not guaranteed freedom from opposing thought.
So, when the Grand Date comes, and the Initiated Acolytes have paid their tithes and are delivered their esoteric "secret" knowledge in return, I expect the world will go on turning as usual, as it always has under such circumstances. "Simulation theory" will have become "The Church of Simulation , and the rest of the world will still roll along, none the wiser for the newest, latest, and greatest "Secret Information "
The notion that the idea has been born that reality is not real at all, merely a simulation, goes a long way in explaining why kids these days, in this electronic age, would rather hide in a corner with their faces buried in a screen than get out into the actual real world and breathe actual real fresh air. It is the culmination of what the Electronic Age has reduced humanity to. Attempting to reduce a god to the same level is probably a mistake, but it's other folks' mistake to make, not mine.
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