Chapter 1: The Implicit and Explicit in Understanding

The world, much like a poem, carries a deeper significance. While scientific frameworks provide explicit representations of reality, these frameworks are merely models. They serve as maps of a terrain that only becomes tangible through personal experience. Our interaction with reality shapes its meaning; thus, a mathematical equation cannot truly encapsulate the essence of existence, just as viewing a hand-drawn map of Oxford Street does not equate to visiting London.

We can better grasp this relationship by examining poetry. A poem's essence eludes simple articulation. If one could easily convey its meaning, it would cease to be art, reducing it to mere decoration. However, this meaning is not arbitrary; it hinges on the structure of language, cultural context, the poet's intent, and the reader's interpretation.

This metaphorical language relies heavily on symbolism, fostering connections that engage both the reader and the writer. For instance, the phrase “time is a river” evokes imagery of flow and change, creating a vivid conceptual landscape. Such language invites imagination, drawing us closer to the essence of reality than straightforward language can.

Similar to music, the experience of a piece cannot be replicated through mere explanation. You cannot fully convey the essence of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" without the listener experiencing it themselves. While music can be analyzed and transcribed, its true understanding is inherently subjective.

Religious texts, particularly the Bible, embody this kind of language. Even those who advocate for a literal interpretation, such as Genesis 1, recognize the need for a devotional reading. They wouldn't claim that articulating the text's meaning surpasses the text's intrinsic value. For the staunchest literalists, the Bible functions as an implicit text, sharing qualities with poetry and metaphor.

Yet, this perspective is often contested. Public discourse often presumes the Bible to be a clear-cut scientific document. This reveals a contemporary challenge, encapsulated in the term “just.” If one suggests that the Bible is poetry, a Christian might react defensively, perceiving this as diminishing its truth. We have become oblivious to the linguistic forms that have shaped our understanding of the world.

Ironically, this is a key reason many in the West have distanced themselves from faith. The notion of “just” has permeated our lives, making our world increasingly literal. Many societal debates pit literal interpretations against subjective understandings, neglecting the nuanced reality that arises from personal engagement with truth.

We often struggle with the concept of investment. Engaging with texts requires a form of belief. Acknowledging that the Bible could hold truth demands more than simply reading it as poetry or reducing it to statements. For many, the barrier is individualism.

Unbeknownst to many, individualism has supplanted Christianity. The idea that truth is not solely objective—allowing for personal freedom—but rather aesthetic and moral is often rejected. We perceive ourselves as the central reference point in existence. Our truth is shaped not just by disbelief but by a shift from an external moral framework to an inward self-focus, a belief system perpetuated by a commodified society that equates “freedom” with consumerism.

The Bible has inspired profound cultural works, from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion to Chartres Cathedral, reflecting our engagement with reality. As religion fades, culture risks becoming commodified, art turns into entertainment, and meaning feels arbitrary. While a return to an idealized past may not be feasible, recognizing the detrimental path of ignoring the implicit nature of reality is crucial for addressing contemporary challenges. As narratives of "progress" falter amid environmental crises and political divides, we should acknowledge that our understanding of the world is far more complex than we have recently assumed.

Thanks for reading.

For further insights, explore my three-part series on The Meaning Crisis and Language:

1. The Meaning Crisis and Language
2. The Meaning Crisis and Language II: Do We Need to 'Believe' Myth and Metaphor to Understand Ourselves?
3. The Meaning Crisis and Language III: Myth, Faith, Ethics, and Aesthetics

Section 1.1: The Implicit Nature of Language

Chapter 2: The Cultural Impact of Abandoning Religion

Many are questioning the implications of moving away from organized faith. This shift has been documented in various studies and discussions.

In "Why There Is No Way Back for Religion in the West," David Voas examines the cultural transformations that have rendered traditional beliefs less relevant, highlighting the challenges faced by contemporary society.

The video "Growing Number of Americans Are Leaving Organized Religion" delves into the increasing trend of disaffiliation from established religions, reflecting broader societal changes.