Why was Albert Einstein a man of Science?

Question

EINSTEIN:

I believe in mystery and, frankly, I sometimes face this mystery with great fear. In other words, I think that there are many things in the universe that we cannot perceive or penetrate and that also we experience some of the most beautiful things in life in only a very primitive form. Only in relation to these mysteries do I consider myself to be a religious man. But I sense these things deeply. What I cannot understand is how there could possibly be a God who would reward or punish his subjects or who could induce us to develop our will in our daily life.

BUCKY:

You don't believe in God, then?

EINSTEIN:

Ah, this is what I mean about religion and science going hand-in-hand! Each has a place, but each must be relegated to its sphere. Let's assume that we are dealing with a theoretical physicist or scientist who is very well-acquaintcd with the different laws of the universe, such as how the planets orbit the sun and how the satellites in turn orbit around their respectivc planets. Now, this man who has studied and understands these different laws-how could he possibly believe in one God who would be capable of disturbing the paths of these great orbiting masses?

No, the natural laws of science have not only been worked out theoretically but have been proven also in practice. I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws.

to clarify, Einstein was a Jew, he was HOWEVER a SCIENCTIST, he DID not believe in a PHYSICAL GOD...I am tired of the so called conversation between him and a professor being put out as truth...Einstein did not believe in the GOD of Christian beliefs.

Answer 1

I've always like this quote:

"It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it."

Answer 2

Did Albert Einstein fully understand the complexity of the universe? More than most men, certainly, but he didn't fully understand the complexity of the universe. I'm inclined to believe most of what Albert Einstein said, and even consider carefully his thoughts on religion (after all, he was a genius). However, I am not prepared to accept that Albert Einstein or any other man knows through their scientific research whether there is a God or not. Now, Einstein might have found the need for a designer. But even if he did, who is to say that designer is God? What if the universe was made by an extremely powerful supernatural being, and there are others like that being? In that case, one would have to consider the possibility that the pantheists have it right, and we must broaden our concept of nature. In short, Einstein didn't know for sure, and I'm certain that you don't know for sure. But I'm going to see if I can find out why Einstein reached the conclusion he did--you've inspired me to do at least that much.

Answer 3

1) Science is a method, not a paradigm. Einstein seems to have accepted this method.
2) Any experiece, including claims about an experience of a relationship with a deity, is an emprical claim, and therefore falls within the scope of science.
3) If we take our current physical models as ontological, natural laws are statistical, not fixed.
4) There is no clear definition of "God' in this discussion, and Einstein did claim to accept the God of Spinoza. Einstein's claim not to understand something is not an argument for or against that thing.

Answer 4

So Einstein was a naturalist pantheist; what of it? Even if true, it validates neither the view held by most atheists, Christians, or his own people, the Jews. They represent a proof of nothing, other than to establish good historical attestation to the kind of personal beliefs he nurtured.

To use them for more, i.e. to establish Einstein's personal beliefs as some sort of to or fro proof in a theological argument is to employ the logical fallacy known as "Appeal to authority." You'd lose a debate in a first year university philosophy class using such a poorly constructed argument....

Answer 5

Yes, a man of science while keeping the view that God is there. Einstein understood better then anyone before or since that for all of his knowledge and ability he knew very little really. Humans have not yet come close to understanding our own world much less the rest of the universe.

Answer 6

Of course he was a Scientist, and a Deist. He understood that someone greater created all we know.
Einstein was a fascinating person - Google his quotes sometime. He spoke a great deal of truth and insight.

Answer 7

It is interesting to note that "private letters" concerning Albert Einstein's religious beliefs have surfaced many years after his death that contradict statements of his that were published during his life time.

Didn't Dan Rather find a letter after someone died? I thought I read about that somewhere.

In any case it amazes me what lengths people like Dan Rather will go to just to "prove" their beliefs are accurate.

Answer 8

Einstein believed in God, but his notion of God wasn't exactly the way other's saw it.

Answer 9

So what exactly is your question?

Why did Einstein not believe in an anthropomorphic God? I think that if you actually read what you'd posted, you'd discover the answer.

Answer 10

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.