The Divine Algorithm
A convergent process for approaching truth through repeated application
Central to Analytical Theism is The Divine Algorithm—a three-step iterative methodology for convergence toward religious understanding. This constitutes what mathematicians recognize as a convergent process—approaching increasingly accurate understanding of truth through repeated application.
The Three Steps
Radical Honesty
Be honest so one can assess the truth
Establishes accurate assessment of current reality. This extends beyond mere factual accuracy to include:
- Recognition of the limitations of human understanding
- Acknowledgment of personal biases that distort perception
- What Bernard Lonergan termed "intellectual conversion"—the commitment to pursue understanding, truth, and value
- Willingness to follow evidence wherever it leads, even when uncomfortable
Orientation Toward the Greatest Good
Take aim at the summum bonum
Establishes the "objective function" to be maximized. This orientation:
- Directs toward the highest conceivable good that transcends individual and collective interests while including them
- Transforms Nietzsche's "will to power" into the "will to the greatest good"
- Provides consistent direction across changing circumstances
- Resolves the apparent conflict between self-interest and altruism
Iterative Recalibration
Try, re-calibrate, try
Implements an iterative optimization process that:
- Acknowledges the cyclical nature of understanding
- Allows continuous improvement based on feedback and new evidence
- Each iteration builds upon previous ones, creating compounding development
- Maintains humility about current understanding while making progress
Convergence Properties
The stability of this algorithm emerges from the relationship between its steps:
- Honesty creates a stable foundation: Without accurate assessment of reality, no meaningful progress is possible.
- Orientation provides consistent direction: The summum bonum provides a stable target that doesn't shift with circumstances.
- Iteration allows adaptation: The recalibration step enables learning from mistakes and incorporating new evidence.
Each iteration builds upon previous ones, creating a "compounding interest" effect in moral and spiritual development.
Mathematical Foundation
The Divine Algorithm shares structural properties with convergent processes in mathematics:
| Mathematical Concept | Divine Algorithm Parallel |
|---|---|
| Fixed Point | The Greatest Good serves as the fixed point toward which iteration converges |
| Contraction Mapping | Each honest iteration reduces the distance between current understanding and truth |
| Error Correction | Radical honesty functions as an error-correcting mechanism |
| Asymptotic Approach | Complete understanding is impossible, yet meaningful convergence remains achievable |
Practical Application
The Divine Algorithm provides a concrete framework for daily practice:
- Morning reflection: Begin with honest assessment. What biases am I carrying? What am I avoiding?
- Intentional orientation: Consciously direct attention toward the greatest good.
- Evening recalibration: Review the day's actions and beliefs. What adjustment is needed?
- Repeat: Apply the adjusted understanding tomorrow. Trust the process of iterative improvement.
This practice connects to Entropy Bending—using the algorithm to reduce ethical entropy and increase the probability of flourishing.