No God Here
We now introduce the reader to the technical nomenclature of God observation (to aid the observer’s note taking). The internationally accepted abbreviation of God observer or God observation, is GO. We include budding God observers on their quest as GOs. Similarly, we can abbreviate non-observer as NO. This term may be likened to “non-birders” and is not a criticism of their poverty in the craft of field observation. I will suggest other abbreviations as they arise.
Divebottom Strategy will ensure we cover the full range of issues an observer might meet. By avoiding dead ends, observers will be more confident in the pursuit of their quest. Divebottom’s first alternative is analogous to the non-birders lack of interest in birds. NOs interacting with birders can easily result in conflict. Birdwatchers have a code of ethics for their activities, which include how to behave around non-birders. God observers, too, need to be sensitive to the “non-observers”. Although we expose incorrect methods, we try not to criticise the people who have the misfortune to rely upon them.
Non-observers fail to see God. Intrigued by this, I wanted to understand why. A popular NO at the university is an undergraduate named Bob Farcourt, president of the university NO Club. I had heard that Bob frequents the university’s Manning Bar where he enjoys a drink with friends, so after lectures I went looking for him.
I found Bob at the bar with a schooner of beer in hand. He was pleased to have my company since his friends had not arrived yet. I introduced myself and explained my quest. Bob, an affable bloke, appeared to be genuinely interested. He seemed intelligent and well equipped to go far in business or politics. His friendliness allowed me to broach the question nagging me, “Why are you a non-observer Bob?”
“Well,” said Bob, “I haven’t seen God and if you don’t know where he is, you need to be careful to avoid any mishaps.”
“Have there been any mishaps?” I asked.
“No none. None of our club members has ever seen God. We do a great job of staying out of God’s way. So, wherever God is, he should be pleased we didn’t annoy him,” said Bob proudly.
“Do you think you’d die if you strayed into God’s purview?” I asked.
Bob said, “Yes, we dare not eyeball God. They say the divine gaze is unbearable.”
Remembering my discussion with Freeman, I replied, “If God is good, he must be happy for us to observe him at work or play, not that we should treat God as one of the chaps. We might need to take precautions.”
“I agree, Albert, I don’t suppose the sky will fall in because a chap stumbles upon God in the field, but I’ve never bumped into him myself.”
“Can you tell me any places or circumstances that you avoid?” I plied Bob. “It might be useful in my search for God?”
Bob thought while finishing his beer. “No,” he laughed wiping his mouth, “Everyone in the NO club is completely ignorant of such things. I once tried pursuing God as you are, Albert, but I had too many questions. When I happened upon the NO Club, I found a group of people who cared about peaceful coexistence. We do not deny that anyone is wrong in their beliefs and so we get along with everyone, including God, who we try not to bother.” “Non-observers love tolerance,” I said echoing Bob’s convictions. “So, you don’t deny God exists, you just haven’t observed God yourselves?”
“No, not seen him. Can’t help you Albert.” I was surprised that Bob was happy for me to go on my quest although he doubted my chances of success. Bob’s NO friends arrived. Although NOs will welcome GOs into their company, they will get twitchy if a GO suggests that they are missing something. I decided it was time to leave. Bob said goodbye suggesting we talk again.
As I pondered our meeting, I formed the impression that NOs are not interested in God observation. They conduct their lives as if God does not exist. It is though they take a quick look around their house and under the sofa. “No God here,” they say, and conclude God cannot be found. NOs do not understand why anyone bothers. Possibly, like Bob, they were novice God observers at an earlier time, but they had no success and quit. For God observation to be successful, a greater level of commitment is required of the observer. Enthusiasm and diligence are traits of successful God observers. Experienced guides are essential, but there were none amongst the NOs.
NOs may be likeable, intelligent and honest people, but because of ignorance, laziness, or some personal reason, they are not interested in joining a GO expedition. Staying at home watching television or spending a night at a university bar does not measure up to the thrill of a GO expedition. NOs do not consider the possibility of their own failure as observers. NOs reject any challenge to their inactivity. This disinterest in God observation is the actual reason for their failure. Their club members’ lack of experience in the field has resulted in their inability as God observers. The high value of our quest and its likelihood of success are good reasons to abandon the NO Club.
[Note from Dorothy: Albert even talks in acronyms at home.]