Julie Blackett
SID: 17354921
Essay Task
The statement we know too little to commit to atheism, but too much to commit to one religion looks at two sides of a very confronting issue. It is necessary to consider what we mean when talking about atheism and religion. Also, in general, it is not a question of how much we know, but why they have chosen to commit to atheism or a religion. When asked what atheism is, most people assume that an atheist is someone who doesnt believe in God. While this is an accurate definition, it is too broad to consider the different levels of nonbelief, or the type of God not believed in.1 Just like religion, being an atheist is a personal choice, and will vary between each person. Religion is also quite difficult to define accurately. It is also necessary to consider how people choose to express this relation. Some form of worship is common, as well as a certain moral conduct, and participation in religious ceremonies. There is a constant debate about who is right, atheists or theists, in regards to the question of the existence of God. Kerry Walters Guides for the Perplexed: Atheism shows that both atheists and theists are equally guilty of only considering their own side. This leads them to being unable to consider any alternative arguments. There are a number of issues that can be argued by both sides. One of these is the issue of divine hiddenness. If God exists, why does he not reveal himself in order to put the question to rest? The fact is that no one has actually seen God and very few people have experienced a revelation of God.2
1 2
Walters, Guides for the Perplexed: Atheism, 9. Walters, Guide for the Perplexed: Atheism, 75
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The explanation for this hiddenness is either that God cant, or God wont, or that God doesnt exist. If the first, Gods omnipotence must be called into question. If the second, Gods omnibenevolence must be doubted. But take away either of these attributes, and whats left is something quite less than the traditional theistic notion of God. The only reasonable option seems to be the third one: God isnt hiding; God just isnt real.3 This is the view of atheists. The view of theists provides a different argument. They argue that this hiddenness is deliberate because absolute proof would not allow for the choice of faith or for moral freedom out of fear of punishment.4 Another objection to this idea of hiddenness is that it is overworked and that God does reveal himself as millions of people claim to have personal experiences. There is also the idea that as humans we are not capable of experiencing the whole of the infinite God without damage or comprehension.5 As can be seen, in this one aspect of the debate between atheism and religion, even when presented with what are logical arguments, people rarely change their viewpoint. This is because people have many different reasons for their beliefs and they are not always related to logic. Religion can often be tied to a cultures tradition and history. This can be seen through various customs and beliefs. It could be a family tradition; part of a cultural identity; a way to belong to a community; a desire to believe in something more than what we know and can prove; even just enjoying the traditions of the religion and patterns of worship. At the same time, people may have an experience that influences them towards religion or atheism. Often, this kind of experience will lead them in the opposite direction. If they were religious, something could happen to make them question their beliefs and the existence of God, in the same way that an atheist could be led to question the possibility of something occurring without a God.
3 4
Ibid., 76 Ibid., 76 5 Ibid., 77-78
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Although this is a worldwide issue, each person must make their own decision as to what best suits them. This decision does not necessarily have to be logical or be completely explained, if the individual is content with their choice and does not try to force this choice on anyone else.
Bibliography Britannica Online Encyclopaedia, religion.
http://www.britannica.com.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/EBchecked/topic/497082/religion SID: 17354921 Page 3
Walters, Kerry, Guides for the Perplexed: Atheism. London: Continuum International Publishing, 2010
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