Rizal as a Deist Essay Example

my mind can imagine, but I am restrained by the fear of my lack of knowledge. It has been suggested that each individual envisions their own God based on their own appearance and characteristics.

According to Anacreon, if a bull could imagine God, it would picture Him with horns and mooing to the fullest extent. Personally, I perceive Him as infinitely wise, mighty, and good (although my understanding of the infinite is imperfect and confused). This perception arises when I witness the wonders of His creations, the orderly nature of the universe, the grandeur and vastness of existence, and the kindness that radiates from it all. Unable to judge what surpasses my capabilities, I choose to study God through His creatures, including myself, and through the inner voice of my conscience, which must have originated from Him. I strive to discern His will in everything around me and in the mysterious sentiment that emanates from within me. Above all else, I aim to refine this sentiment.

Therefore, Rizal's belief in a Deity was founded on rational contemplation of nature and conscience rather than on faith or divine revelation. In the same letter, Rizal voiced his skepticism towards the teachings of ancient sacred texts.

He expresses that religions assert to possess God's will condensed and documented in books and dogmas. However, he finds numerous contradictions, conflicting interpretations of words, and multiple obscure and untenable aspects within them. According to his conscience and reasoning, he cannot accept the notion that a wise fatherly figure, who has provided everything necessary for this earthly existence, would then conceal what is essential for eternal life in a language unfamiliar to others and

enshroud it behind metaphors and actions that contradict the fundamental laws of nature.

Is it possible that the one who causes the sun to rise and the air to blow, granting life to all, has also hidden from us what is necessary for our eternal existence? How should we view a father who spoils his children with treats and toys, but only supports the nourishment and education of one child? And what if this favored child refuses to eat while the others suffer in their quest for sustenance? However, Rizal clarifies that he simply rejects the notion of divine communication through old texts or traditions.

In his fourth letter to Fr. Pastells, he emphasizes his belief in the revelation of nature. Nature is seen by him as a powerful, eternal, incorruptible, clear, distinct, and universal voice that originates from God's own Being. This revelation speaks to us and permeates our existence throughout our lives. The question arises whether any other books can faithfully reveal God's work, goodness, love, providence, eternity, glory, and wisdom more than nature does. As it is written in the scriptures: "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork."

Our national hero, who was undeniably intelligent and undoubtedly studied these matters thoroughly, developed a straightforward religious philosophy that became one of the cornerstones of the Filipino nation. This philosophy aligned with his aspirations for independence, academic, and religious freedom in our country.