Exploring the Nature of Atheism and the Divine
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Chapter 1: Defining Atheism
In recent times, the prevalence of individuals identifying as atheists has surged, especially in online platforms like Medium. However, I contend that many who label themselves as atheists might reconsider their stance upon reflecting on the arguments presented here. The inquiry into God's existence fundamentally begins with science, which currently lacks the capability to provide definitive answers.
What constitutes an atheist? It refers to someone who denies the existence of any deity. The term stems from theism, which is the belief in a god, deriving from the Greek word 'theos' meaning god. The prefix 'a' denotes negation, making an atheist one who rejects the notion of any divine being.
Many self-proclaimed atheists assert their disbelief in God while expressing faith in science. However, science, at this juncture, cannot conclusively affirm or deny God's existence. Nevertheless, it can facilitate a deeper understanding of the subject.
Science and the Divine
Science remains neutral regarding the existence of God. We can articulate disbelief or belief in God, yet neither viewpoint can be substantiated by scientific means. A thorough study of science reveals that we presently lack the instruments necessary to ascertain God's existence definitively. To claim, “I have witnessed the entirety of reality and have not encountered God, therefore, God does not exist,” raises a critical question: can either atheists or theists genuinely claim to have observed the whole of reality?
Our perception is limited to matter, as we can only observe what is physical. Even the advanced telescopes surveying the cosmos allow us to see only matter and energy. Thus, the fundamental question arises: is matter the totality of existence?
Is Matter All There Is?
Can we assert without hesitation that if something lacks material substance, it cannot exist? This inquiry is central to the debate surrounding God's existence. Jesus proclaimed that God is spirit, which inherently is not material. Therefore, our exploration begins not with the existence of God but rather with the existence of non-material entities.
If we conclude that only matter exists, then God cannot be real, as Jesus describes God as spirit—something beyond material form. We must first establish whether this substance called spirit exists. If we determine it does, we can progress in our inquiry. Conversely, if we ascertain it does not, then atheists would be correct, and we would need to move on.
To explore the existence of God, we must first investigate the existence of non-material entities. This question serves as the foundation for the entire enterprise of faith. For instance, while some debate the historical existence of Jesus, the more pressing question is whether he exists in the present, as this is pivotal to Christianity.
The Divergence of Belief
Thus, the real division lies not in the existence of God but in whether there exists a being that is not composed of matter. If such a being does not exist, then God cannot exist.
Let us consider a hypothetical scenario where we arrive at the understanding that a spiritual realm does exist, and consequently, God is real. The subsequent inquiry would be to define who God is. This, I believe, is the crux of the atheistic argument. It is not merely about God's existence but whether the conception of God presented to atheists aligns with their understanding.
When atheists express disbelief in God, they may actually be suggesting that while a divine being might exist, the interpretation of God they are presented with does not resonate with them. During my studies on atheism at Boston College, my professor, Michael Buckley, elucidated that contemporary atheism, as we recognize it, has only existed for about 200 years. Ludwig Feuerbach, a 19th-century thinker, is often referred to as the father of modern atheism. Buckley emphasized that prior to this, atheism did not denote disbelief in a deity but rather disbelief in specific gods.
If we were to entertain the possibility of God's existence, we would then need to ask: who is this God? Atheists asserting that their belief in God diverges from the God I present would find no opposition from me.
The Quest for Understanding
Why do I hold this view? Studying St. Thomas Aquinas, revered by Catholics as a theological authority, you would discover his influential works, including the "Summa Theologica," which aims to comprehensively address theological matters. Yet, towards the end of his life, Aquinas famously stated that all his writings were merely straw. This indicates that even the most exhaustive understanding of God is inherently limited.
Thus, when someone claims disbelief in the God I describe, I encourage them to seek this God. Even if one were granted complete knowledge of the divine, their human understanding would still fall short. While my interpretation of God might differ from others, I cannot assert that their understanding is entirely incorrect.
For instance, Catholics reject the concept of sola scriptura embraced by some evangelical communities, leading to divergent definitions of God. Although we may agree on the Nicene creed, our beliefs do not align perfectly. Therefore, the God they present and the God I present differ.
If an atheist were to contend that neither of our concepts of God is valid, they may not be incorrect. Their understanding might encompass a broader interpretation of God than what I define, which, according to Aquinas, is ultimately inadequate.
Consequently, an atheist might not truly be an atheist but rather an individual who cannot ascertain God's existence while rejecting the definitions of God presented to them.
This is why I emphasize the importance of prayer; only through seeking and knowing God can we begin to grasp who He truly is.
The first video features Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, presenting a humorous take on the theme of atheism.
In this second video, further exploration of the notion that atheists may not fully reject the idea of God is discussed.