THE FIRST GROUP: BERTRAND RUSSELL

Bertrand Russell was an exceptionally intelligent man who lived a long life, continuing his studies from youth into old age. From his autobiography and other writings, we learn that, in his early years, he was most deeply interested in certainty. Naturally a seeker of knowledge, he longed for a kind of knowledge he could be absolutely sure of. This quest drew him first to mathematics. At the time, he felt he had found in it a reliable substitute for religion, for he perceived in mathematics the logical certainty he sought. He believed that, in its precise and unchanging truths, he had discovered the knowledge his mind had been searching for. In contrast, religion appeared to him as nothing more than a collection of superstitions. Consequently, he rejected traditional religion and embraced mathematics as his personal belief system.

However, as Russell continued to study more deeply, his confidence began to fade. He realized that his earlier beliefs were based on a superficial understanding of the facts. A more in-depth examination of reality did not support his initial conclusions.

Russell’s later ideas are reflected in his book Human Knowledge. In that work, he presents clear arguments showing that, in today’s world, human inquiry can never achieve absolute certainty. On one side, there are the limitations of human ability; on the other, the mysterious nature of the universe. Together, these factors make certainty impossible. Ultimately, human inquiry only produces probability, not certainty. In other words, we cannot directly access reality. We can only say, based on probability, that a certain truth might exist—even if we cannot experience it directly.

The point Russell reached after a lifetime of study brought him very close to true religion. In Islamic terms, it could be said he achieved the stage of La ilaha (There is no god), but he never reached the stage of illallah (except God). And then he died.

Russell’s statement—that human knowledge only leads to probability—is more than just his personal opinion. It is the widely accepted view of all modern scientists. This principle is now so well established in modern understanding that no informed person disputes it.

The fact that intellectual research shows we can only determine probability (in a purely academic sense) is very important. It means that, based on current knowledge, the distinction between science and religion—once assumed in earlier times—no longer exists. Now, reason holds the same position that belief once did.

Since ancient times, religion has taught that truth naturally belongs to the unseen world. We cannot observe it directly. Instead, we infer from outward signs that a certain truth exists—even if we cannot see it. Today, science holds the same view. Modern science states that we cannot see the true essence of things; we can only observe their outward effects. From these effects, we infer that something exists—even if it is beyond our direct experience.

So for Bertrand Russell and people like him, it becomes necessary to accept the truth of religion based on the same level of probability they apply to scientific theories. Once they accept one, there’s no valid reason to reject the other. They should understand that the real choice they face isn’t between accepting or rejecting religion. The choice is between accepting religion—or rejecting themselves. If they insist on rejecting religion, they would also have to reject their own reasoning. And since rejecting themselves is not an option, rejecting religion isn’t either.