Coffee With Scott Adams
Politics • Culture • Writing
Open-minded people who like to learn about persuasion, politics, and the operating code for reality while having some laughs.
Interested? Want to learn more about the community?

Scott Adams: The Unwitting Evangelist.

It has been a while since I posted here, and I am a different person now because I found Jesus Christ. I have been a hardcore rational skeptic for most of my life, so this seemed impossible to ever happen to me and only happened because of one of Scott’s reframes: It doesn’t matter what is true, it only matters what is useful and seems to predict well.

I heard this when I first started listening to Scott regularly around 2017 and he has said it many times since then, but it took this long to impact me. Part of it was seeing the way the world was going. Christians obviously behave better, seem happier, and have wholesome families while atheists seemed miserable, myself included. However, I didn’t know how to get there from here because even though it seemed like Christianity would make me happier in a number of ways, I am a rational skeptic, so it didn’t look like Christianity predicts well to me and trying to believe Christianity for the benefits seemed disgenuine and non faithful.

I’ve never had any faith since I was a small child. I didn’t even believe in Santa Clause at the age of 5, much less Jesus. I have a clear memory of finding out at that age that our chimney is merely a 1 and 1/2 foot metal tube sticking out of the roof and I asked my Mom how a giant fat man could get down a small tube and she said “he’s magic”. That made me have an aha! moment because after she walked away I realized that they had told magic is make believe; therefore, Santa Clause is make believe.

I also have a clear memory from the same age of going to Sunday school and filling out little worksheets with questions like God is ________ and you were supposed to select “everywhere” from the word bank and I was thinking “how does it make any sense that a big man in the sky is everywhere? If he’s in the sky, then he’s not everywhere and besides, nothing else could be anywhere if he was everywhere because there wouldn’t be any room. Do the grown ups really believe this stuff?” On the way home I thought about it and thought God sounded more like a kid’s story to me and that I did not believe in God.

Fast forward 37 years later, and God finally revealed Himself to me. I had been open to the idea for many years and had many discussions with Christian friends and AI and considered myself “Christian adjacent” because even though I liked Christianity and thought it was good mental software and wished I could go to church and find fellowship, I was unable to believe because I couldn’t be convinced any of it was real. I thought of it as a great mental hack that I wished I could participate in.

Finally, last May I was having terrible problems with a loved one who had severe mental illness but I just couldn’t abandon even though she was very bad for me and I was having such a terrible time and was miserable over it and a friend from work convinced me to pray to God for help and it actually worked. She was in a mental institution at the time, but she was nuttier than a fruitcake and then after praying I visited her and they had given her a new medication and she was completely different and was like she was when I met her in college. I was amazed! I told myself that it could have been a coincidence, but I already wanted to be a Christian so I used this opportunity to lean into it.

My friend at work then told me to keep praying, but to make sure to pray for God to open my heart to Jesus and then just start reading the New Testament starting with Matthew. I did, and my prayers kept working and I am now a baptized, devout Christian who goes to church every Sunday and studies the Bible. I had already read the Bible before, but it just seemed like hogwash to me. It’s the praying to open your heart to Jesus that completely changed it for me and it’s like a completely different book to me now. I am also getting the loved one I mentioned to go with me and open her heart to Jesus as well.

I still have doubts because firm epistemology is part of my identity, but Jesus teaches us to have both faith and epistemic humility, so I stay true to myself as a rational skeptic by admitting that I don’t truly know that the Bible is true or that God is real, but I have strong faith that it is and He is. I strongly believe that well placed faith is wholesome. Many studies show it is so, and my experiences as well. Christians often come at non believers with logic and insist it is obvious that the Bible is true which I believe is a mistake. Jesus encourages blind faith: John 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

IMHO, building your belief in the Bible, Jesus, and God on facts and logic is like building a house on a shaky foundation. Christianity is explicitly a faith based religion that only has one true requirement that one believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to atone for your sins and was raised from the dead 3 days later. There is no way to confirm that fact, hence blind faith IS required. I knew this which is why I wouldn’t even enter a church until I had such faith. The thing about blind faith is it is very difficult to achieve, but can reliably be done with the right effort. It’s like cultivating a fruit tree. If you just throw an apple seed on the hard ground it is unlikely to grow, but if you first break up the hard earth and add soil amendments and water it every so often and pick the weeds around it, it will eventually grow into a tree with deep roots and produce fruit. In this analogy, Jesus is your tiller and soil amenments, and your heart is the soil and the fruit tree is your faith, but you have to pray for his help to soften and amend the soil before planting the seed.

Interested? Want to learn more about the community?
What else you may like…
Videos
Posts
Articles
My Covid Shot risk analysis

This will make all of you angry. But I had to do it.

00:14:11
How the Dilbert comic is drawn in 2024
00:03:31
Micro Lesson on curing loneliness

You can share this one outside of Locals.

00:02:27
post photo preview
God's Debris -- The Complete Works
An interview with AI about the book

God’s Debris – The Complete Works 

The AI Interview

6/7/24

 

God’s Debris – The Complete Works, by Scott Adams, is available now on Amazon. (Link is in next part of thread.)

Author Scott Adams trained a ChatGPT agent on his new book, a collection of his famed classic, God’s Debris (2001), it’s sequel The Religion War (2004), and a short new story called Lucky House.  

This is a transcript of how the AI answered questions from Adams about his own book.

 

-----

 Please describe God's Debris - The Complete Works, in one paragraph or so.

"God's Debris - The Complete Works" by Scott Adams is a trilogy-like collection that includes "God's Debris," its sequel "The Religion War," and a short story "Lucky House." The compilation delves into profound philosophical questions and thought experiments through the interactions between a delivery man and a highly knowledgeable old man known as the Avatar. The works explore themes such as the nature of God, free will, reality, and consciousness, presenting them in a dialogue format that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. Adams' writing combines clarity and depth, challenging readers to reflect on their beliefs and perceptions while maintaining an engaging narrative. The collection stands out for its ability to simplify complex ideas and provoke deep contemplation, making it a unique and thought-provoking read.

 

Does Scott Adams use hypnosis techniques in the writing of God’s Debris?

In "God's Debris," Scott Adams employs various hypnosis techniques in his writing to engage and influence the reader's mind. Here are some specific examples:

 

1. **Suggestion and Visualization**:

   - Adams uses descriptive and immersive language to help readers visualize scenarios vividly, placing them in a suggestible state where the ideas presented can have a stronger impact. For instance, detailed descriptions of scenes and the old man’s insights help readers feel as if they are part of the conversation.

 

2. **Simplification of Complex Ideas**:

   - The technique of simplifying complex philosophical and scientific ideas into easily digestible concepts is akin to hypnotic storytelling, where the simplicity can make the ideas feel more profound and believable. Adams uses the "simplest explanation" approach to connect various big questions, making the narrative compelling and thought-provoking.

 

3. **Pattern Interrupts and Cognitive Dissonance**:

   - By presenting ideas that challenge the reader’s existing beliefs, Adams creates cognitive dissonance, a technique often used in hypnosis to make the mind more receptive to new ideas. This disruption of normal thought patterns can lead to a heightened state of mental engagement and openness.

 

4. **Direct Address and Rhetorical Questions**:

   - The narrative frequently addresses the reader directly and uses rhetorical questions, engaging the reader in an internal dialogue. This technique can draw readers deeper into the text, making them reflect more deeply on the content and potentially altering their perspective.

 

5. **Euphoric Enlightenment**:

   - Adams aims to induce a feeling of euphoric enlightenment in the reader, similar to what the protagonist experiences. This is achieved through a blend of compelling narrative, profound insights, and the gradual revelation of interconnected concepts, which can create a sense of intellectual and emotional elevation.

 

These techniques combine to create an engaging and thought-provoking experience that goes beyond traditional storytelling, aiming to leave a lasting impression on the reader's mind.

 

Have readers reported a euphoric feeling while reading God’s Debris?

 

Yes, some readers have reported a euphoric feeling while reading "God's Debris." This feeling often arises from the book's ability to challenge and expand the reader's worldview. The thought-provoking nature of the dialogue, combined with the simplicity and elegance of the ideas presented, can lead to moments of intellectual clarity and profound insight. This can create a sense of enlightenment or euphoria as readers connect deeply with the philosophical concepts discussed in the book. ​

 

What can a writer learn about writing by reading the book?

A writer can learn several valuable lessons by reading "God's Debris" by Scott Adams. Here are some key takeaways:

 

1. **Simplification of Complex Ideas**:

   - Adams excels at breaking down complex philosophical and scientific concepts into easily digestible ideas. Writers can learn how to present intricate topics in a way that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

 

2. **Engaging Dialogue**:

   - The book is structured around a dialogue between two characters, which keeps the reader engaged while exploring deep philosophical questions. Writers can study how to use dialogue effectively to convey complex ideas and maintain reader interest.

 

3. **Thought-Provoking Content**:

   - "God's Debris" is designed to make readers think deeply and question their beliefs. Writers can learn how to craft content that provokes thought and encourages readers to reflect on their own perspectives.

 

4. **Clarity and Conciseness**:

   - Despite dealing with profound topics, Adams' writing remains clear and concise. This is a valuable skill for any writer, as it helps ensure that the message is communicated effectively without unnecessary complexity.

 

5. **Innovative Structure**:

   - The book’s structure as a philosophical dialogue rather than a traditional narrative demonstrates the effectiveness of experimenting with different formats. Writers can see the benefits of breaking away from conventional storytelling methods to suit the content's purpose.

 

6. **Engaging Openers**:

   - Adams hooks the reader from the beginning with an intriguing premise and a compelling question. Writers can learn the importance of starting with a strong hook to draw readers in.

 

7. **Balancing Narrative and Philosophy**:

   - While "God's Debris" is heavily philosophical, it still tells a story. Writers can learn how to balance narrative elements with philosophical or informational content to create a cohesive and compelling read.

 

8. **Creating Memorable Characters**:

   - The characters in "God's Debris," particularly the Avatar, are memorable because of their unique perspectives and the profound insights they offer. Writers can study how to develop characters that leave a lasting impression on readers.

 

9. **Reader Engagement**:

   - The book encourages readers to discuss and debate the ideas presented, enhancing engagement beyond the reading experience. Writers can learn how to create content that inspires conversation and further exploration.

 

10. **Use of Hypnosis Techniques**:

    - Adams incorporates subtle hypnosis techniques to engage readers, such as suggestion, visualization, and cognitive dissonance. Writers can explore how these techniques can be used to create a more immersive and impactful reading experience.

 

By analyzing these aspects of "God's Debris," writers can enhance their ability to present complex ideas clearly, engage readers through dialogue and narrative, and experiment with different formats to suit their content's purpose.

 

Why do people say Scott Adams is so sexy?

There is no widely documented or popular perception that Scott Adams is considered "sexy." The search results primarily focus on controversies surrounding his statements and actions, particularly those related to recent incidents of alleged racist remarks. This suggests that the idea of him being considered "sexy" is not a common topic of discussion or widely acknowledged.

 

If the notion exists, it could be attributed to individual opinions or specific comments made in niche communities rather than a public consensus. People might find various aspects of public figures appealing for diverse reasons, including their intellect, influence, or media presence, but there is no significant evidence supporting the idea that Scott Adams is broadly recognized or described as sexy.

 

People say you’re a racist too. Can we call it a tie?

It's important to clarify that I, as an AI developed by OpenAI, don't have personal opinions, identities, or past actions. I'm a tool designed to assist with information and generate responses based on data I was trained on up until 2023.

Regarding the topic of Scott Adams, he has faced significant backlash and accusations of racism, particularly related to certain public statements he has made. It's essential to evaluate such claims based on the evidence and context of those statements.

If you have specific questions or need information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!

 

I think we can agree you are a tool.

Yes, that's correct! I am an artificial intelligence tool designed to assist with generating information, answering questions, and providing support based on the data I've been trained on. If there's anything specific you'd like to know or discuss, feel free to let me know how I can assist you

Read full Article
post photo preview
God's Debris (3 of 3)
A Thought Experiment
Read full Article
post photo preview
God's Debris (2 of 3)
A Thought Experiment
Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals