Changes

'''Infinity''' means unlimited, and impossible to diminish.  Appreciation of infinity is remarkably useful intellectually and even on a personal level.  Some infinities are larger than others, as shown by the devoutly [[Christian]] mathematician [[Georg Cantor]].

'''Infinity''' means beyond enumeration.<ref>This improved definition comports better with the use of term in daily life, and across cultures.</ref> Appreciation of infinity is remarkably useful intellectually and even on a personal level.

In practical terms, infinity can mean more than one can use.  The food supply is essentially infinite in cultures where obesity is a problem; wealth is essentially infinite for those who cannot spend it all in their lifetime; and time is infinite for those who waste it.  Increasing food, wealth, or time in those situations is virtually meaningless.  Some scoff at primitive numbering systems that quickly reach infinity rather than using large numbers. but that can actually be a more effective way of thinking about enormous quantities.

In practical terms, infinity can mean more than one can productively use.  The food supply is essentially infinite in cultures where obesity is a problem; wealth is essentially infinite for those who cannot spend it all in their lifetime; and time is infinite for those who waste it.  Increasing food, wealth, or time in those situations is virtually meaningless.  Some scoff at primitive numbering systems that quickly reach infinity rather than using large numbers. but that can actually be a more effective way of thinking about enormous quantities.

Understanding infinity has advanced many fields, such as [[mathematics]] through [[calculus]], [[set theory]] and [[singularity|singularities]]; [[quantum mechanics]] through infinite [[uncertainty]]; and [[physics]] through the [[Big Bang]] (infinite [[energy]] density) and the speculative [[black holes]] (infinite mass density).   

Understanding infinity has advanced many fields, such as [[mathematics]] through [[calculus]], [[set theory]] and [[singularity|singularities]]; [[quantum mechanics]] through infinite [[uncertainty]]; and [[physics]] through the [[Big Bang]] (infinite [[energy]] density) and the speculative [[black holes]] (infinite mass density).   

In addition, recognition of infinity — such as infinite time or infinite strength — is helpful on a personal level in dealing with adversity.  Infinite time means infinite money, since time is convertible into money.  [[Jesus]] often emphasized the concept of infinity in his [[miracle]]s and [[parable]]s.  He rejected the mistaken view of the ancient Greeks that infinity is non-existent and incoherent.<ref>{{cquote|The Ancient Greeks generally conceived of the infinite as formless, characterless, indefinite, indeterminate, chaotic, and unintelligible. The term had negative connotations and was especially vague, having no clear criteria for distinguishing the finite from the infinite.}} [http://www.iep.utm.edu/infinite/]

In addition, recognition of infinity — such as infinite time or infinite strength — is helpful on a personal level in dealing with adversity.  Infinite time means infinite money, since time is convertible into money.  [[Jesus]] often emphasized the concept of infinity in his [[miracle]]s and [[parable]]s.  He rejected the mistaken view of the ancient Greeks that infinity is non-existent and incoherent.<ref>{{cquote|The Ancient Greeks generally conceived of the infinite as formless, characterless, indefinite, indeterminate, chaotic, and unintelligible. The term had negative connotations and was especially vague, having no clear criteria for distinguishing the finite from the infinite.}} [http://www.iep.utm.edu/infinite/]

The ancient Greeks were flat-out wrong.</ref>  Today acceptance of infinity is universal, despite the adamant denial by the ancient Greeks and others throughout history.

The ancient Greeks were flat-out wrong.</ref>  Today acceptance of infinity is universal, despite the adamant denial by the ancient Greeks and others throughout history.  The devoutly [[Christian]] mathematician [[Georg Cantor]] even proved that some infinities are larger than others.

[[Jesus]] persuasively demonstrated the powerful logic of infinity in multiple [[parable]]s (see below).  The existence of an infinite [[God]] implies the necessary existence of the opposite: the void described in [[Genesis]].  Negative infinity, as implied by the existence of positive infinity, is the numeric equivalent of the [[Hell]] mentioned frequently in the [[New Testament]].

[[Jesus]] persuasively demonstrated the powerful logic of infinity in multiple [[parable]]s (see below).  The existence of an infinite [[God]] implies the necessary existence of the opposite: the void described in [[Genesis]].  Negative infinity, as implied by the existence of positive infinity, is the numeric equivalent of the [[Hell]] mentioned frequently in the [[New Testament]].