How God Fits In, Part 3

This is the third post in a series, the topic of which is “how God fits in” with the content of The Catalyst of Confidence. If you have not read the first and second posts, or the introductory post, I encourage you to do so before continuing.

Up to this point we have discussed some of the more positive aspects of The Catalyst of Confidence as they relate to God. In this post, however, I would like to introduce a somewhat sinister topic to our discourse. Namely, sin. Most every major religion has an understanding of the concept of sin, but for the purpose of this post, we will define sin as simply wrong action. That is, action contrary to the ultimate good of a person. (I realize that this definition is, in many ways, a simplification. While it is true that the concept of sin entails much more than what has been said, a more generalized definition is necessary to fulfill our purpose in this post. After all, we will not be discussing how sin relates to God, but rather, how the concept of sin “fits in” with the content of The Catalyst of Confidence.)

In my opinion the most profound lesson in the book is Lesson VIII: Self-Deception and Learning. It's implications are seemingly limitless and inexhaustible. Self-deception is a concept that no person can honestly “close the book” on, as it is an inherent condition of humanity and must be guarded against at all times with vigilance and determination. The concept of self-deception is defined in two parts. First, as the betrayal of one's ultimate self-interest. Second, as the betrayal of one's true potential. To satisfy the objective of this post, we will concern ourselves with the former definition.

One will quickly notice that the definition “betrayal of one's ultimate self-interest” can easily be used as a definition of sin itself. If we define sin as wrong action or action which is contrary to the ultimate good of a person, we can see very plainly that this is a form of self-deception. In order to betray our ultimate self-interest, we must act contrary to it. In other words, though we may perceive a given action to be right and good, in reality it may not be good for us at all. Hence, the crux of self-deception being “the act of deceiving oneself.”

I would like to propose that sin itself is a course of action that we perceive as being good or necessary (perhaps in the moments we sin?), when in reality such action is neither good nor necessary. Sin, like all wrong action, is something that is damaging to oneself, even though it may not be immediately apparent. Many of those outside the realm of organized religion view the concept of sin as something which God arbitrarily mandates, and that when a person “sins” they are simply disobeying one of God's capricious “rules.” But such conclusions are erroneous because they ignore the fact that sin (irrespective of any supernatural consequences) is detrimental to the individual—as well as those affected by their actions—in this life, here and now. All actions have consequences—some immediate—some forthcoming, and if a person believes that sinful actions are right and good they are simply deceiving themselves.

It is also worth noting that many of the lessons contained in The Catalyst of Confidence may properly be utilized to avoid sinful actions.

How God Fits In, Part 2

This is the second post in a series, the topic of which is “how God fits in” with the content of The Catalyst of Confidence. If you have not read the first post, or the introductory post, I encourage you to do so before continuing.

In this post I will clarify the following specifics, which correspond to their respective lessons:

1. Knowledge of the origin of a belief does not affirm or negate the validity of that belief. (Lesson I: Perception and Belief)
2. The concept of morality can be understood as a goal. (Lesson III: Goals and Dreams)
3. Contemplation of that which is good invariably results in that which is good. (Lesson IV: Thought and Concentration)

1. Knowledge of the origin of a belief does not affirm or negate the validity of that belief.

It's possible that the knowledge of how one has come to believe that which they believe can be alarming. Primarily because it can be perceived that such understanding discredits the validity of a given belief (because a person could have easily came to believe something different through the same process). For example, the reason I am a Christian is because I was raised as a Christian. i.e., I was brought up in an environment which encouraged Christianity. In other words, my belief in Christianity resulted from being exposed to specific information. This information, in turn, underwent the process of perception and repetition in my mind, eventually culminating in my belief in Christianity. However, knowing the origin of my belief neither affirms nor denies the validity of Christianity itself. If Christianity is true, it must be true independent of my belief in it. This is why the responsibility of every individual to carefully consider the reasons they believe that which they believe cannot be overstated. Ultimately, having a mature understanding of how one's beliefs are created enables a person to choose one belief instead of another. See also: Rocks Have Souls?

2. The concept of morality can be understood as a goal.

If a person accepts the existence of God, then they are almost certain to accept the existence of objective moral values as well. Morality itself can be understood as a standard which mankind ought emulate to the greatest extent possible. Knowledge of this standard can easily be understood as a goal, in the sense that it directs one's thoughts and actions toward a defined end (the standard itself). However, such a goal cannot be attained temporally, but rather must be pursued ceaselessly by mankind. Having knowledge of this standard coupled with it being a point of consistent concentration (or focus) enables a person to better discern the methods of how they can adhere to the standards of morality. In short, the methods of achieving a goal or dream may also be used to better maintain a moral life. See also: Lesson III: Goals and Dreams in The Catalyst of Confidence.

3. Contemplation of that which is good invariably results in that which is good.

In the Selected Quotes section of Lesson IV: Thought and Concentration we find the following quote from Philippians 4:8: “Fill your minds with those things that are good, and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” As explained in the lesson, the information one concentrates upon determines their dominating thoughts. Dominating thoughts, in turn, largely affect one's actions and behavior. Hence, the contemplation of good things (things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable) will invariably result in good actions, which are more likely to produce external results which are also good.

How God Fits In, Part 1

This post is the first in a series, the topic of which is “how God fits in” with the content of The Catalyst of Confidence. If you have not read the introductory post, Does God Fit In?, I encourage you to do so before continuing.

Question: "How does God fit in with the things you talk about in The Catalyst of Confidence?"

Upon being asked this question I am always reminded of a story I once heard. It tells of an elderly man of God, who lived in a city by the sea. Although the area was known for hurricanes, the man was never frightened. “God will protect us” was his motto and he had lived through many storms. One day, the makings of a massive hurricane were spotted on radar off the coast of the city where the old man lived. The population of the city held their breath, waiting in angst for the news of it's status. It was soon reported that an enormous hurricane had formed, perhaps the largest the area had ever known, and consequently the entire area was ordered to be evacuated by the authorities. The city where the old man lived would surely be destroyed. But the old man was a man of God, and holding fast to his belief that “God will protect us,” he vowed to stay in his home. It wasn't long before the old man's family arrived at his house, pleading with him to come away with them, where they would all be safe. But the old man refused, stating that he would never abandon his home and that “God will protect him.” The winds soon began howling, the clouds darkening, and the hurricane was closing the distance to the coastline, when word reached the rescue squads that the old man was still in his home. Desperate to rescue him, they made their attempt in the face of the incoming tempest, and as luck would have it they arrived in time. But again the old man, becoming quite agitated, refused. “God will protect me!” he said. “Have you no faith at all!” Time was running out, and the rescue squad was forced to abandon the old man. When the storm finally hit the coastline, it did so with a fury never known to the population of the area, laying waste to all in it's path. When the old man saw the face of God, he knew that he had died in the storm. But he was puzzled: “God! I put my faith in you—I trusted you—I thought you would protect me!” In response, God said: “I made sure you saw the news report about the largest storm in your city's history where they warned you to evacuate the area; I made sure your family came to take you with them to safety; I even sent a rescue squad to come save you before it was too late—what did you do?”

This simple story illustrates the point I wish to begin with. Namely, that humans have a part to play in the world. Though God sustains the contingent existence of mankind, man still holds an active role in the drama of creation: man must act. More than any other characteristic of being human, the proposition that “man acts” is an ultimate given. For it is only through the process of acting that man can do God's will. As mentioned in the previous post, Rah-Rah-Rah, The Catalyst of Confidence explains and analyzes the facts of being human. Just as God has created the universe, which is subject to certain laws (such as the laws of physics), so did God create mankind, which is not only subject to the laws of nature, but also to certain conditions which are inherent to the human person.

That being said, at it's most basic and fundamental level, The Catalyst of Confidence explains to the average person the “inherent conditions of being human” which radically influence their ability to act. Some examples from the book itself have been listed below:

• A person always acts in accordance with what they believe.
• A person has the ability to choose something rather than something-else.
• A person's life is directed by their goals and dreams.
• A person's dominating thoughts determine their attitude and behavior.
• A person's actions, when performed consistently over time, become habits.
• A person's fears can paralyze them or help them grow.
• A person's failures provide them with feedback to learn and succeed.
• A person's deceptions limit their potential.
• A person's emotions are powerful forces in influencing their behavior.
• A person's actions have consequences.

The aforementioned statements reveal some of the “inherent conditions of being human.” Conditions which, whether we acknowledge them or not, affect our lives all the same. I would like to submit to the reader that these conditions are a definite part of who we are as human beings, and that the better we understand these conditions, the better we are able to do that which we ought.

Does God Fit In?

I have noticed a trend among those asking questions which pertain to the content of The Catalyst of Confidence. Specifically, the question “how does God fit in with all this?”

Many may assume, perhaps because God is not the central theme of the book, that The Catalyst of Confidence indirectly posits that one does not need God in order to better oneself, solve problems, or accomplish something. I would like to clarify that this assumption is unwarranted. Other books may assert such things, but in terms of the content espoused in The Catalyst of Confidence, there is no reason to assume this is true.

This post serves to announce that, in the near future, I will begin releasing a series of articles which explain my perspective on “how God fits in” with the content of the book. I will not be detailing arguments for the existence of God at this time. That is a task beyond the scope and intention of this blog as it currently exists. Therefore, for the purpose of these articles, I will assume that God exists and that the reader already believes in Him. For those who may not be in this category, I believe you will find the articles stimulating nonetheless.

As always, your feedback is welcome and encouraged.