Einstein’s Letter

By William Roger Jones

Whilst at Princeton in January 1954, Einstein penned a letter to the author Eric B. Gutkind (Choose Life; The Biblical Call To Revolt). In that letter he stated their differences and likenesses in intellectual convictions. The letter was since auctioned off for nearly half a million dollars. (See ``THE Learning TIMES," Sat/Sun, May 17-18, 2008).

Einstein pointedly stated that the word ``God" for him was an ``expression and product of human weaknesses." Furthermore, he stated that the Bible was nothing more than childish legends and religious superstition.

Dennis Overby stated in the New York Times (May 17, 2008) that ``Einstein's latest words offer scant comfort to the traditionally faithful. Albert Einstein's words added more gasoline to the war between science and religion."

For those who are familiar with the works of Einstein, the news is not shocking. Einstein had made it quite clear early on that he did not believe in a personal God. Furthermore, he maintained that the variances between science and religion ``have all sprung from fatal errors."

This author has previously stated his position concerning Einstein. (``Why Do I Like Einstein," The Korea Times, August 30, 2006). Einstein was considered a source of knowledge and for this reason he was often called upon to give his opinion on matters that had nothing to do with Riemannian geometry and other advanced subjects of pure and applied mathematics.

Einstein's opinions on the Bible, God, and religion are no better and no more conclusive than yours or mine. He was most certainly one up on me concerning theoretical physics and could prove it. Nevertheless, I'm one up on him concerning God, but I can't prove it. However, in the words of another, ``I guess now he knows whether or not God really exists."

My point is this: we all make mistakes and we all are misguided at times. In spite of this, we all have the right to express our creed (and live by it) whether it agrees with the Nicene Creed or Apostles' Creed or any other. We must remember that most culture is taught and that most things are conventional. There are few things in life that are any other way. One difference between Einstein and me is that physics engendered his peace of mind and God mine. ``Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

With the aforesaid, I have no private letters from Einstein, however, I have some original early publications with his byline. One in particular in which admissions of mistakes is given and in which he tells of his ignorance. (Reviews of Modern Physics, Volume 18, No. 1, January 1946, pp. 148-149). Would it fetch a fraction of the bid for his letter to Gutkind?

It has substance and I hope it shall, but shall I see the evidence?

The author is a freelance writer living on Jeju Island. He can be reached at billjones47@hotmail.com.