Our First Mistake

Satan, Object Permanence, and Simulations

I think I’ve said it once or twice on this blog that I don’t think we really live in a “box without walls.”

I’d like to explain that a little better, because over the last few months I’ve discovered better vocabulary to express what I really mean. I mean, really, a “box without walls?” What the heck does that mean? And how does it relate to Reality?

Well, before I get to that, I want to make a few comments about logic, or, rather, types of logic.

Types of Logic

I want to talk about the difference between deductive logic and inductive logic. Of course, with the brain rot I have, I don’t think I can define either one off the top of my head. All I know is that “deductive logic” is always rigorous and certain and incapable of being wrong. Whereas, in the case of “inductive logic” there is always a chance, perhaps a very small chance, but a chance nonetheless, that the statement is false.

Deductive Logic

A typical example of deductive logic is the following argument:

1. All humans are mortal.
2. Socrates is a human.
3. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Ooh, ahh, … back to my college days and my introduction to logic course of years ago. Anyway, statements 1) and 2) are called premises. Statement A) is the conclusion. And the thing about deductive logic is that if statements 1) and 2) are true, statement A) necessarily follows. It is absolutely certain and unarguable.

Inductive Logic

Compare Deductive Logic to the following inductive argument:

1. The sun rose yesterday.
2. The sun rose today.
3. Therefore, the sun will rise tomorrow.

Again, statements 1) and 2) are premises, whereas statement A) is the conclusion. In this case, A) is not a certain conclusion. It may be highly probable, but it’s not certain. Why? Because there are possible events that can prevent A) from being true. Although none of these events need be particularly likely, they could happen:

1. A black hole sweeps through the solar system and sucks the sun out of existence.
2.  An alien race blows up the sun.
3. The sun spontaneously teleports to the other side of the galaxy.

Yeah, I know those are all ridiculous, but that’s not the point. The point is that in an inductive argument there are situations where the conclusion doesn’t occur even though the premises are true. That is NOT possible for a deductive argument … unless you decide to violate the Law of Non-Contradiction, at which point, communication becomes hopeless gibberish.

Okay, on to the actual point of this post.

Object Permanence

In psychology there is a theory called “Object Permanence” which refers to the moment of realization a child experiences when it realizes that the objects that it perceives surrounding it persist even when the child is not viewing the object in question. Basically, it is the child’s realization that it exists in an external reality populated by other people, objects, and things.

There’s that old Zen riddle, “If a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?” I think the implication of the notion/theory of Object Permanence is that, “Yes, the tree does make a sound. But no one hears it.”

For the first 25 years of my life, I would have agreed with that conclusion. Of course, from age 19-ish to 25-ish, I would have admitted (courtesy of my training in analytical philosophy) that the alternative might be possible, but I wouldn’t have known how to prove it either way.

Satan

Then, of course, I had my encounter with Satan right before I turned 25. That kind of changed everything. I can’t say that it changed everything immediately other than I came to the conclusion that the universe (Satan) is sentient and evil. Additionally, I came to the conclusion that that understanding of reality (Object Permanence – although, having never studied psychology, I lacked that label at the time) was, in fact, wrong.

I still can’t “prove it” in a scientific manner, but I no longer think that external reality is as immutably concrete and present as the theory of object permanence implies. As I’ve said previously, I don’t think we live in a “box without walls.”

I think reality appears to us pretty much however Satan feels inclined to show it to us. If he wants to show us a beautiful sunset on the horizon, we see a beautiful sunset on the horizon. Up to this point in time, I think it has been to his advantage to get us to believe that object permanence is the actual state of affairs.

But is it?

Personally, I don’t think Object Permanence is correct. Also, I want to point out that arriving at the notion of Object Permanence is a result of the child using inductive logic NOT deductive logic. So, in terms of the logic employed, there is a possibility that it is not the actual truthful representation of reality.

And, now, on to another weird, but related theory.

Are We Living in A Simulation?

There seems to be some debate among modern-day scientists and philosophers about whether or not we live in a universe that is a simulation. It’s very Matrix-y. Anyway, I’m not sure “simulation” is the correct word. But I think, I would use the word “simulation” kind of like an analogy for the universe as my Satan-theory would describe it.

I believe there is the true original Reality called Heaven. And, courtesy of Satan’s rebellion, we’ve all wound up in this sub-Reality we call the universe which is, pretty much, Satan’s pantheistic body. He’s the designer and controller in the universe.

The Limits of My Knowledge and Understanding

Anyway, I was going to go into this long, definitive exploration of how the simulation hypothesis kind of amalgamates with my Satan-is-the-universe hypothesis, but I read a couple articles and came to the conclusion that I don’t know enough about the simulation arguments. Whereas the object permanence is kind of something we’ve all had a kind of pseudo-understanding of for years – I mean, the “tree falls in the forest” thing is almost universal.

Regardless, I think the Theory of Object Permanence is, at some level, linked to the Simulation Theory and both, in turn, may have some link back to the Satan is the Universe Theory. Unfortunately, I’m not well-versed enough in either of the two former theories to make any real connections that can be tested scientifically or anything else.

Conclusion

Well, let me make one connection. I think the Theory of Object Permanence is wrong. It is our “first mistake.” And I think the Simulation Theory will eventually indicate as much. Whether that supports my “Satan is the universe” theory ,,, only time will tell.

God and Punishment

In previous posts I have discussed things like hell, crime, and punishment. And I’ve claimed at various times that I have actually been to hell.

In light of that, I cannot comprehend the notion that God is meting out a punishment so cruel as the fires of hell. Similarly, at one point in my life, I was kind of convinced that the only punishment God inflicted was revealing the truth of our own sins to us …. Which would, likely, make us feel really rotten and bad about ourselves.

Anyway, I think it worthwhile to explore the notion of God and punishment. Does God punish humans? If so, are there limits? What are the parameters around forgiveness and punishment?

God, Forgiveness, and Punishment

I like and accept the notion of a forgiving God. I believe God can forgive just about anything – including murder, rape, abortion, or what-have-you. However, having the ability to do something does not guarantee that you will do said thing. Although God can forgive, I believe He has the option to not forgive.

Who Does God Punish and How?

But what about punishment? Does God punish individuals? Does God punish nations?

God’s Punishment of Nations

I think it was St. Augustine who said something like God punishes nations in time because they only exist in time. But God punishes people after death because their souls survive death. Or something like that.

With respect to the question of whether nations are punished by God or not, I think I’m going to take a pass for now. Honestly, I have been so absorbed with my own personal individual struggles with Satan, my notion of God, and my various sins that I haven’t really thought about the idea of how God deals with nations and governments and what-have-you.

Given my previous thoughts on the nature of the universe (that the universe is really Satan and the handiwork of the Devil, not God), I’m inclined to think it is really Satan, pretending to be God, punishing nations however and whenever he feels inclined to do so. And God pretty much stays out of it except through whatever manner Jesus might intervene. But I could be wrong. And I want to move on to the punishment of individuals.

God’s Punishment of Individuals

Does God reward and punish people over the course of their lives? That would be kind of a karma-like thing, I suppose.

God and Karma

I’ve never been a big fan of karma, at least with respect to reincarnation. I just totally don’t get the idea of being punished or rewarded for actions I took in a previous life which I totally can’t remember. It seems idiotic and pointless. Which makes me think it is far more likely to be Satan’s handiwork than God’s. But I don’t know.

Punishments from a Forgiving God

Anyway, I think the notion I want to examine is the potential implications of an all-forgiving God. Basically, if you think God forgives everything and anything in all conceivable ways, is there a reason (beyond one’s own natural altruism) why one wouldn’t or shouldn’t lead a “wicked” life. What is the disincentive, if any, from going on a murder spree or rape spree or whatever?

I mean if God is going to forgive you, what is there to stop you?

Of course, I think most people naturally tend toward good in preference to evil, so most people won’t take that route if they have the option. But, at the same time, I think there are some people who would. In the case of those people, well …

God and Penance

I kind of think God will forgive you … eventually. But in the Catholic tradition of the Confessional there is a notion called “penance” in which you must take certain actions (usually just a few prayers for minor sins) to “make up” for your confessed sins. Following that model, God may require some action, deed, or something else from a murderer before said murderer is forgiven.

The Consequence of Unrepentance

Okay. You’re a murderer. God hasn’t forgiven you. And you have no interest in doing any kind of penance whatsoever. So what? Why should you care?

Because Satan is real. And so long as God has not forgiven you, you remain in the universe, outside of Heaven, in a reality in which the Devil’s will is supreme. Although I don’t think God will send you to hell. Satan might.

Why?

For his own amusement. Or, after first appearing to you as the indescribably beautiful Being of Light (which I’m sure you will mistake for God), he will send you to hell (the hell he created) to instill the notion in your head that God is responsible for your “Eternal” punishment of fire and horror. Naturally, you will come to despise God, because you will be convinced that He is the one who sent you there. Driving that wedge between you and God is, basically, Satan’s plan.

Regardless, if you find yourself stuck in the universe, I think you are basically stuck in a place under the Devil’s control. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be stuck in that kind of situation.

If, courtesy of Satan’s actions, you wind up in hell, I’m sure that eventually, you may figure out that murder is bad, repentance is necessary, and you will do whatever you have to to get out of hell.

Of course, all of this is coming from me, the antichrist, the idiot who tried to annihilate his own soul and who experienced the fires of hell as a result. So, I am convinced hell exists. Which is something I did not believe for many years. Now, however, I can’t deny it, so, I must explain it in some fashion. In light of that, I am convinced Satan made it, because it is far too cruel to have been made by any being claiming to love us.

Who Experiences Hell?

So, I think it entirely possible for unrepentant murderers to experience hell. I don’t think it will wind up being an “Eternal” situation. But, all things considered, I think the murderers in question would prefer to skip that experience entirely. I know I would.

Of course, I also think reasonably good nuns, priests, and philanthropists may experience hell. Fortunately, it won’t be permanent for them either, and I think Christ will more quickly rescue them than others.

Anyway, it’s all very confusing. All I’m sure of is that hell exists. It’s cruel beyond compare. And if God made hell, God is simply evil. So, I think Satan made it. And the only effective defense against Satan (the cruel, sentient universe) is God and Jesus and the love they proclaim. Or something like that.

Punishment from a Fatherly God

Anyway, back to God and punishment. Does God punish? At one point in my life, I would have, more or less, said, “No.” However, if you regard God as a Father, I think, a parent has the right and even duty to discipline his/her (or in this case, “His”) children.

Of course, I am not a parent, so maybe you should seek someone else’s advice on this matter. Anyway, having said that, I think there are some punishments a “loving parent” will never inflict upon his/her children no matter the wrong they’ve done.

If your son murdered someone, would you, as the father (or mother), personally take him out back and literally skin him alive? I don’t think many fathers would do that. They might turn you in to the police, so you spend the rest of your life in prison, but skinning you alive? I kind of think that is a little demented. And hell has horrors even worse.

Still, God is the parent in the end. None of us are. So, I really don’t know.

Conclusion

I am convinced that hell is real. At the same time, I think it is too cruel to be a creation of God’s. Still, as God is a parent, I think God has the right and responsibility of punishing His children – whatever that might entail, I do not know. Is it simply a process of simply admitting all our sins and shortcomings in the light of truth? Maybe. Maybe not. Like I said, I am not omniscient, and I don’t know.