Atheism and Religion

In his book ‘50 ideas you really need to know about Religion’ (2008), Peter Stanford states that “Atheism has traditionally been seen simply as the rejection of religion, but with the onward march of secular, scientific philosophies, especially in Western society, it is now regarded by some as a religion in its own right, offering God-free rituals to mark birth, marriage and death. Some 2.3 per cent of the world’s population describes itself as atheist.”

Surprisingly a recent survey conducted by Washington-based Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life revealed that atheist are better versed on religious matters than some people who claim to believe in God. This fact alone should indicate to some ‘believers’ that they need to educate themselves better on what and why they believe. Perhaps they (atheists are of course invited & encouraged to participate) would be willing to think or meditate on the following questions:

• What answer do you give to the question ‘is there any proof that God exists?’

• Is there any scientific evidence that proves that God exists?

• Are there any religious groups/persons that can ‘prove’ that God exists?

If the answer to any of the above is ‘No’ does that imply?

• God does not exist for the billions of people here on earth?

• Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and all other forms of institutional religion are therefore based on pure fantasy or a mass delusion?

• can atheists prove that God does not exist?

On the other hand:

• Do individuals possess intuitive perceptions that reach beyond the normal five senses that might explain the existence of God?

• How might we explain the existence of pain and suffering in the absence of God?

• Is science the only means through which the existence of God could be explained?

• Is there a future for religion?

• Is there a future for atheism?

As for the future of religion, author Peter Stamford, quickly counters any suggestion that religion has had its day, by stating that "while religion at the start of the twenty-first century may be changing, it shows no sign of fading away. Indeed around the globe, in Africa, Asia and Latin America, the numbers of those claiming a formal religious allegiance are on the up".

Meanwhile the search for God also shows no sign of abating. Recent surveys conducted in North America indicate that more than 90 percent of people believe in a Creator or God. However, while a rapidly declining majority still choose to remain within institutional religion many more explore spirituality outside the conventional set-ups. The search for God, again according the Stamford, make take many forms and have many names, but ultimately it is about the same thing – individuals trying through religious systems to find meaning and value in human life.

Atheism

To the disciples' delight the Master said he wanted a new shirt for his birthday. The finest cloth was bought. The village tailor came in to have the Master measured, and promised, by the will of God, to make the shirt within a week.
A week went by and a disciple was dispatched to the tailor while the Master excitedly waited for his shirt. Said the tailor, "There has been a slight delay. But, by the will of God, it will be ready by tomorrow."
Next day the tailor said, "I'm sorry it isn't done. Try again tomorrow and, if God so wills, it will certainly be ready."
The following day the Master said, "Ask him how long it will take if he keeps God out of it." Anthony de Mello, SJ. One Minute Wisdom

A Listening Heart

A rabbi was once trying to persuade a self-proclaimed atheist to perform a good deed. In explaining why he considered such deeds to be useless, the atheist said, “You know rabbi, I do not believe in G-d.” The rabbi replied, “The G-d that you do not believe in, I do not believe in either.” M.M. Schneerson

In recent times I have observed a great tension around the word ‘obedience’ as it relates to religion. To many people, it seems to suggest an unquestioning obedience to the institution while for others, it simply means obedience to God. These are polar positions no matter how eloquently the institution tries to describe or skirt around the issue. For Jesus, obedience to God is synonymous to being obedient to the ‘heart’. And while it may take us a lifetime to reach this level, Jesus saw it in many children. Perhaps it is the grime of daily living - the exposure to so much pain and suffering that causes us to close our hearts. Only when we are removed from the burden of competition, the desire to be number one and the deceptions created by our ego’s, can we again learn to trust in and listen to the quiet voice within. Only as the pursuit for security, money and recognition begins to fade with age or life changing circumstance can we safely return to experience the embrace of the patient God within. Slowly we can then begin to undo the chains and shackles that demand that we interpret our understanding of God through the filters of an institutional religion.

It is true - religion can help us maintain our connection with God during that period in life when we seemed to have given up on our heart. It is true that institutional religion can bring us to levels of comfort needed at a time of crisis such as death and sickness. It is true that religion can provide us with a wonderful sense of celebrating community. It is true that religion can bring us to a deeper understanding of our role and purpose during our brief existence on this planet. It is also true that religion has brought us many heroes and heroines to help us overcome adversity. But it is also true that institutional religion has brought the world much pain and suffering.

It is perhaps due to the ongoing global turmoil that many people are now expressing their disappointment and frustration with religion. The answers provided by the institution simply may not have been satisfactory or brought the peace and understanding they were seeking. In the absence of a listening heart some people have chosen to abandon their faith or adopted a new religion. Still others have given up on religion entirely and declared themselves as atheist or non believers.

Today, many of us are struggling with our image of God. There are still so many who believe in a punishing God who demands a strict obedience to the rules - a God who keeps a detailed record of our ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’. Theirs is a God who keeps a tight control over who gets into heaven and who will spend an eternity in hell. Theirs is a God who condemns anyone who challenges religious Tradition. Or an impotent God who needs us to fight his religious wars – be it a battle against unbelievers, terrorist, abortionist, democrats, or new agers, etc. etc.? And according to some, a final battle needs to be fought between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ bringing the earth to an cataclysmic end.

Seldom, a day goes by, when an idea perceived to be in contrast to ‘established religion’ does not need to be slain and conquered. As it has been said before, we seem to have created a God in our image rather than remembering that it is the other way around. If only we would relearn to embrace our unconditionally loving Creator with the same fervour we extend to religious dogma and doctrine, we would once again begin to hear his quiet voice.