Julie Blackett

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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 can be said that there are three main senses when talking about religion. One sense of religion corresponds to a certain type of transcendent or mystical experienceA second sense has to do with supernatural beliefsthe minimum definition of religion is a belief in spiritual beings, in the supernaturalA third conception of religion is as a certain sort of social activity, what one does with other people. 2 The third sense is the one used most often when referring to religion. This idea of religion usually involves some form of worship, 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.
1 2

Walters, Guides for the Perplexed: Atheism, 9. Bloom, Religion, Morality, Evolution, 183-184.

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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.3 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.4 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.5 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.6 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. Religious beliefs emerge as by-products of certain cognitive systems that have evolved for understanding the physical and social world.7 In other words, as people explore the

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Walters, Guide for the Perplexed: Atheism, 75 Ibid., 76 5 Ibid., 76 6 Ibid., 77-78 7 Bloom, Religion, Morality, Evolution, 185

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world around us, we sometimes assume the existence of entities that dont really exist and hence provides the foundation for animism and deism.8 This provides the basis for religious beliefs. However another perspective has emerged and is tied to a cultures tradition and history. It can be argued that religionis a constellation of behaviours and thoughts that have evolved to benefit groups, and, in particular, to help solve the problem of free-riders.9 This can be seen through various customs and beliefs. This includes the act of worship, either individually or as a group, as a form of social cohesion. The use of rituals is another way this is evident, particularly the painful, difficult and time-consuming aspects of these. It is also evident through the adaption of various rules that are told through the use of stories. These provide members of a religion a guideline for behaviour that is acceptable. These stories and rules are in the Bible, the Koran, Dreamtime stories, and many more. It can be argued that these cultures have lasted longer, because of the forming of a religion that binds the community together. This shows the basis for many of the reasons for choosing a religion. It is a way to cement the bonds of a community, whether that is a family or an entire culture. Humans are social animals, and religion provides a way to connect with others. For others, it is a matter of exploring possibilities and the unknown, a way of coping with the daily struggles and stress of life. As science continues to unmask many mysteries of the world, some people prefer to consider these scientific explanations because they make sense to them. Others continue to explore different options. Thus, in many ways the debate between religion and atheism has become almost obsolete. Each person must make their own decision as
8 9

Bloom, Religion, Morality, Evolution, 185 Ibid., 186

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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.

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Bibliography
Bloom, Paul, Religion, Morality, Evolution, Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 63 (2012): 179199, DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100334,

http://www.annualreviews.org.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-psych120710-100334
Walters, Kerry, Guides for the Perplexed: Atheism. London: Continuum International Publishing, 2010

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