Though I find some of Dodge’s historical insights interesting and enjoyable, this sounds like another version of the “god of the gaps” argument. I think science – ie observation, testing, creating the most plausible theories from data – characterizes reality well in a complex version of “the total is greater than the sum of its parts.” Mystics are said to be those curious about the universe but who are too lazy to learn physics. Every religious person I’ve ever met has a deep irrational desire simply to believe, and that ultimately is the source of their belief.
Though I find some of Dodge’s historical insights interesting and enjoyable, this sounds like another version of the “god of the gaps” argument. I think science – ie observation, testing, creating the most plausible theories from data – characterizes reality well in a complex version of “the total is greater than the sum of its parts.” Mystics are said to be those curious about the universe but who are too lazy to learn physics. Every religious person I’ve ever met has a deep irrational desire simply to believe, and that ultimately is the source of their belief.