Nothing-Buttery

Have you heard the phrase “nothing-buttery”? It’s a kind of philosophy. It sounds like a way of cooking that doesn’t use any butter. But that’s not it!

Nothing-buttery is a way of looking at the world that takes away God, wonder, spirituality, and miracles. Only a natural and scientific way of seeing the world is good. For example:

Look at the stars. What do you see? (Here are 4 possible answers.) 1. Balls of burning gas? 2. Beautiful points of light? 3. Guides for navigation? 4. Something that God created? Which answers do you agree with? Why? Can more than one be true? If so, which ones can be true at the same time.

The philosophy of “nothing-buttery” would say - the stars are NOTHING BUT balls of burning gas.

Here’s another example.

Look at humans. What do you see? (Here are 3 possible answers) 1. Bodies made up of primarily water mixed with other elements including metals - carbon, zinc, copper, hydrogen, oxygen etc.? 2. People capable of love, inspiration, service, courage, creativity? 3. A living being that has a hunger for God and knowledge of right and wrong? What would “nothing-buttery” give as an answer?

What kinds of knowledge do you seek or respect?

Do you look for spiritual or supernatural knowledge or experiences? Why or why not? What are the limits of supernatural knowledge or are there any?

What is your attitude towards science or the scientific method? What are the limits of scientific knowledge, or are there any? Explain.

What do you think about extra-sensory perception? Do you think miracles are possible? Have you ever experienced a miracle or seen a miracle?

Here are two sentences that tell about a relationship between the natural world and God. What do you think of these viewpoints? Do you agree with one or both or neither? Explain your thinking.

“The heavens or skies are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1

“By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:3