Idol Worship or Ideal Worship
#1
The more sophisticated a field of knowledge, the greater the difference in perception made by education and training. Let’s consider the queer world of quantum physics, as explained in many books like science author David Peat’s From Certainty to Uncertainty: “[In classical physics] an electron can be observed at point A and then, later, at point B. But in the quantum case one cannot speak of it having a path from A to B, nor can one say that when it was not being observed it still had a speed and position.” In other words, in quantum physics, we cannot say the electron was existing when we were not observing it. The logic for this strange notion is that quantum physics sees the world as made of wave functions and probability patterns, which materialize as gross objects only when there is a conscious observer measuring their properties. No doubt, this quantum view of looking at the world as being comprised wave functions when we see it as comprising solid objects seems absurd and contrary to common sense, but the quantum vision, in its own way, works; it has led to major technological advances. That’s why Noble Laureate physicist Richard Feynman candidly states: “[our current physics] describes nature as absurd from the point of view of common sense. And it agrees fully with experiment. So I hope you can accept nature as she is – absurd.”
According to quantum physicists, to comprehend quantum reality takes eight to ten years of rigorous re-education, during which one sets asides one’s past notions of reality and open-mindedly assimilates the concepts of the quantum universe. It’s almost as if the quantum universe exists as an alternate or parallel reality, which can be perceived only by one with an informed vision. Similarly, parallel to the seemingly obvious perception that the Deity is just a stone idol, there is a higher reality, which when perceived, can lead to enormous spiritual advancement. But to perceive that higher reality requires thorough philosophical education and systematic devotional training.
#2
#3
SS: When we want knowledge about physics, we refer to the authorized textbooks of physics. Similarly, when we want knowledge about God, should we not refer to the authorized textbooks about God – the scriptures? The scriptures of the great religions of the world repeatedly refer to God in a personal, humanlike way. For example, the Bible talks about “under his feet” (Exodus 24:10); “inscribed with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18); “the hand of the Lord” (Exodus 9:3); “the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 38:7); “the ears of the Lord” (Numbers 11:1). Ezekiel (1:26) describes God as having “the semblance of a human form.” Such phrases permeate the biblical literature. Similarly, in the Quran, there are references to “the face of your Lord” (055:027), “under My eye” (020:039), “under our eyes” (052:048) & (054:014), “the hand of Allah” (048:010), (038:075) & (039:067).
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