The Eternal Question: Who Created God and the Ground of Being

The nature of our existence and the concept of God have lent themselves to profound philosophical inquiry throughout history. At the crux of this inquiry lies the question: 'Who created God, and who created the one who created God?' This article explores the significance of this question within the context of theology and philosophy, delving into the concept of God's eternal existence and the distinction between necessary and contingent beings.

The Genesis of the Question

Imagine a scenario where an entity has created a revolutionary electric car capable of underwater navigation. The creation of this car does not require a clear explanation for its creator's existence or origin, implying that the validity of the car's existence is independent of answering the question about its creator's origin. Infinite regression can similarly be illustrated through the question: 'Who created the creator of the creator of God?’

The Concept of God's Eternal Existence

The concept of God as an eternal being has its roots in religious texts such as the Bible. In the words of God to Moses in Exodus 3:14, 'Ehyeh asher ehyeh' (I Am who I Am). This phrase embodies the idea that God exists beyond the constraints of time and space, asserting God's eternal nature. Deus Est Essens means 'God is the Being that is'—a statement that resonates with the idea that God's existence precedes and is independent of physical reality.

God as the Ground of Being

According to theological and philosophical arguments, God is often considered the ground of being, the fundamental source of all existence. In this context, God is the ultimate cause of existence, bringing into being everything that exists. This concept distinguishes God from contingent beings, which exist by virtue of being created. For instance, the universe and all that is within it are contingent upon God for their existence. They could have not existed if God did not will their creation.

Revisiting the Question from a Contemporary Perspective

Contrary to the traditional understanding, many modern thinkers argue that the idea of God as a creator, as portrayed in religious texts, is not grounded in objective reality. Religious figures such as Vishnu, Allah, or Jesus, are often seen as projections of human imagination, designed to explain natural phenomena and provide moral guidance. These deities are frequently depicted with human-like characteristics, making them relatable but also subject to criticism for their inconsistencies.

Evidence and Contradictions in Religious Texts

Many religious texts, such as the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Quran, have been heavily scrutinized and found to contain numerous inconsistencies and contradictions. These texts are often the product of oral traditions that evolved over centuries before being recorded in written form. By the 6th century CE, the Christian Bible, for instance, was a culmination of various oral narratives that had been transformed into written scripture.

The Role of Indoctrination and Superstition in Religion

The persistence of religion in the 21st century can be attributed to indoctrination and a fear of death, rather than empirical evidence or rational inquiry. Religious figures and texts are often seen as infallible, and believers struggle to differentiate between faith-based narratives and objective reality. However, atheists are generally more critical of these narratives, seeing them as fantasy rather than fact. The core of religion, such as magic and miracles, often relies on belief in the supernatural, which is distinguishable from scientific or rational explanations.

Conclusion

The question of who created God has led us to explore the nature of existence and the role of religion in human culture. While the idea of God as an eternal being is a fundamental concept in many belief systems, modern thinkers argue that religious deities are often mythical constructs without concrete evidence. Understanding the distinction between necessary and contingent beings can help us navigate the complex relationship between faith and reason. Whether one believes in a divine creator or not, the exploration of these questions ultimately contributes to a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.