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A Christian Response to Specific Ideas of Atheism
Cynthia Last Name
Philosophy ### Professor Name May 18, 2009
Individuals with strong beliefs, whether theistic or atheistic, often discredit beliefs which differ claiming theirs to be the true religion. H.J. McCloskey’s article, “On Being Atheistic” provides an explanation of several proofs offering philosophical reasons as to why he doubts theism.
Hammonds 2
Cosmological and teleological proofs play a major role in the debate between theists and atheists. Subsequent issues McCloskey argues are purpose, free will, evil, faith, and suffering. Obviously, Christians disagree with these views Does Evolution prove Creationism wrong? First and foremost, Evolution is still a theory. There are many credible proofs which support Evolution. The atheist views these proofs as physical evidence of the world’s existence by way of an uncaused cause.1 Scientists using, “astronomical observations indicate that the universe has not always existed but came into being apparently out of nothing”.2 Christians believe that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of our world. We agree that God formed the world from nothing. The inspired word of God tells us there was darkness and void before He created the world.3 The research continues to prove creation extremely complex which gives more reason to believe in the existence of a super intelligent, powerful God.4 Humans over the years have discovered much information on all types of matter. Science has continuously grown in its abilities to break down and recreate certain matter. Although scientists continue to learn ways to manipulate matter, the complexity and knowledge that would be necessary to create all that we know in such a short period of time is the work of an unfathomable, mastermind God. In the midst of a society where people expect everything to be fast, simple, and evident, faith in a physically, unseen God that is hard for many to comprehend. Our world has become very impatient. “Just the facts” is a
Hammonds 3
well known phrase. If the answers are not provided and we don’t understand, then, we don’t have time to figure it out. However, philosophers take the time to search for answers. This is normal since humans are naturally curious. But, Atheists demand concrete, scientific evidence. It is not wrong to base one’s beliefs on proofs, but there are many theories that have not been completely proven. Do Atheist resist belief in matter in which only theories exist for proof? If not, are they not contradicting themselves? David Wood presents the simple idea that “we can…know that something exists because of its effects”.5 Every question may not have proof given in a scientific answer. This does not negate the effects that the matter in question caused. Therefore, an uncaused cause is absurd. What’s God’s Purpose in the Design of People and our World? “I am told that it was William Holmes who once said, ‘Because I know the Who, I can endure the what, even without knowing the why’.”6 Christianity teaches that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. The Bible states in Romans 11 that God has infinity of knowledge that he has not revealed to us because we are not capable of understanding. When one contemplates the intricate amount of detail in the composition of the world, there is no way one could question the existence of God. Disbelief springs forth from one’s own insecurities and fears of not knowing or having proof of what is to come or why circumstances past and present occur/ed. McCloskey contends that if there is a God, He must not be powerful and all-knowing. His reasoning is because of evil, suffering, and the imperfection of lives.
Hammonds 4
Once again, we as humans are not capable of understanding God’s intentions. It’s like explaining algebraic concepts to a two year old! We could try all day long with no avail. Even though it’s said that the first five years of life are the most important because this is when children learn so much. They are described as “sponges” during this period. Certain concepts are beyond their comprehension. If God were to detail His plan for the World and for each individual, Could we handle his response? Not only intellectually, but what if he told us we would have a child and he would die at the age of 6. How would we change? Would we desperately try to change that outcome? Would we be able to accept it? Did we really want to know to begin with? Free Will and its Relation to Evil. An all-powerful God is capable of creating a world without evil and one in which people would never act immoral or harm another. He could have created beings that would continuously worship him and live their lives a certain way. Just like humans have created robots that can move around and complete a specific task. However, God chose to give humans free will. Questioning God’s reasoning for why people were gifted free will but to not allow one to “choose evil” is like asking “why God didn’t create square circles”.7 Free will allows individuals to make good, as well as bad decisions. Of course, God is not happy with people making bad decisions or harming others. Genesis documents evil as the product of one’s misuse of free will. The way we respond to things in life is our choice and he allows us to decide our action while understanding the consequences. He uses this
Hammonds 5
action to his benefit as he implements His plan for the world. Obviously, God wants us to choose him; to choose the “good side”; to choose “right” over “wrong”. In response to McCloskey, if God were to have made us so that we would never consider anything evil, would we truly have free will? No. God purposely intended for people to choose to worship him. This shows people’s sincerity in loving God. In a situation where one is forced against their true feelings to feel for something or someone they do not have feelings towards gives way to many problems; resentment and rebellion are the first that come to mind. God allows us to freely choose Him.
Suffering and Evil. Admitting the existence of evil, McCloskey acknowledges that there are “moral values” which exist to define good and evil. If there is no God, then why would moral values be in place? Why would people care about the results of their actions? Genesis states that suffering and evil began as a result of disobedience to God’s instruction. Nature and Humans were included in the warning of deviancy against God. Evil exists because God allows for it. God gave us free will to choose the paths we take in life. One makes the choice knowing the possible outcomes. God can use evil and suffering for His gain and for His will. Evil and suffering, generally are not aspects of life that people enjoy or hope for. However, due to some types of suffering and evils, people are able to gain many experiences that help them better handle unforeseen future events. “The research of social pathologists
Hammonds 6
has demonstrated that people are more committed to those things for which they have to suffer.”8 God promised people redemption from evil and offers forgiveness for sins. To deny the existence of God because of suffering and evil is a way to place a veil over one’s fears and insecurities of our limited comprehension of life.9 Faith defined and Why Christians rely on it. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”10 Christians do not need to physically see God. We see the effects of Him and his miracles all around us. The fact that the world exists and its complexity, as well as, textual information from the Bible is enough proof in the existence of God. The fact that there is no way humans are able to create organisms from scratch is another example. Furthermore, there are so many scientifically unexplained circumstances such as doctors giving a prognosis saying one will never walk again or one only has a specific amount of time to live and the opposite occurs; they walk or after being told they will be lucky if they make it six months and they continue to live fifteen years later. Science has not proven how these anomalies occur or that God does not exist. Christians have a justifiable belief in God which leads to a strong faith in Him. We may not physically see God, but we see His work, we feel His presence, we hear His voice. McCloskey wrote that faith in God is improbable. However, it is no more improbable than the atheist believing that the world just magically appeared!
Hammonds 7
Christian’s faith and trust in the Lord provides the strength and comfort to thrive in any situation. McCloskey suggests that he has friends and people of good will to rely on for support. These people are acceptable as a way to discuss matters of concern; however, they are incapable of helping or changing all situations. Furthermore, people have their own lives to attend to and are not always available when one may desperately need help. Christians are comforted in knowing that God is always with us; He will never leave us or forsake us. Matthew Parris wrote an article in The Times titled, “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God”. According to his article, Parris observed the beneficial changes in the Africans who had faith in God. He even says, “Faith does more than support the missionary; it is also transferred to his flock. This is the effect that matters so immensely, and which I cannot help observing“.11 Parris tells how because of his beliefs he wanted to avoid the idea that it was Christianity that was changing the Africans, but that there was no other explanation. Opposing the views of McCloskey, Christians are not convinced that any of the reasons presented substantiate a disbelief in God. Christians defend their beliefs with justifiable reasons why they place assurance in God. Fortunately, free will enables one to decide what information to accept or disregard. In this decision, though, one must remember that the choice can involve consequences.
Hammonds 8
Notes
11.
H.J. McCloskey, “On Being Atheist”, Question 1, (1968): 51.
22.
Bill Gordon, “Atheism”, 4Truth (2007).
33. The Holy Bible: Today's New International Version. Genesis 1:2. Grand
Rapids, MI.: Zondervan (2005). 44.
Gordon
55.
David Wood, “Responding to the Argument from Evil: Three Approaches for the Theist”, 4Truth (2007). 66.
Gary R. Collins, “Beyond Easy Believism”, Realistic Hope, (1982): 172.
77.
Gordon
88.
Collins, 36.
99.
Collins, 23.
1010.
The Holy Bible, Hebrews 11:1.
1111. Matthew Parris, “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God”, The Times, December 27, 2008.
Bibliography
Collins, Gary R. Beyond Easy Believism. Waco: Word Books Publisher, 1982. Gordon, Bill. "Atheism." 4Truth. 2007. http://www.4truth.net/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c= hiKXLrF&b=784395&ct=941297 (accessed 5 2009). Little, Bruce A. "Must Good Come From Every Evil?"4Truth.2007.http://www.4Truth.net/site/ap ps/nl/content3.asp?c=hiKXLbPNLrF&b=784395&ct=982689 (accessed 5 2009). Merritt, James. "Why?" Journal of Southern Baptist Convention. November 2001. http://www.sbclife.net/Articles/2001/11/sla8.asp (accessed 5 2009). Parris, Matthew. "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God." The Times, December 27, 2008. The Holy Bible: Today's New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan, 2005. Wood, David. "Responding to the Argument from Evil: Three Approaches for the Theist." 4Truth. 2007.http://www.4truth.net/site/c.hiKXLbPNLrF/b4999175/k897D/Respondin g_to_the_Argument_From_Evil_Three_Approaches_for_the_Theist.htm (accessed 5 2009).
Cynthia Last Name
Philosophy ### Professor Name May 18, 2009
Individuals with strong beliefs, whether theistic or atheistic, often discredit beliefs which differ claiming theirs to be the true religion. H.J. McCloskey’s article, “On Being Atheistic” provides an explanation of several proofs offering philosophical reasons as to why he doubts theism.
Hammonds 2
Cosmological and teleological proofs play a major role in the debate between theists and atheists. Subsequent issues McCloskey argues are purpose, free will, evil, faith, and suffering. Obviously, Christians disagree with these views Does Evolution prove Creationism wrong? First and foremost, Evolution is still a theory. There are many credible proofs which support Evolution. The atheist views these proofs as physical evidence of the world’s existence by way of an uncaused cause.1 Scientists using, “astronomical observations indicate that the universe has not always existed but came into being apparently out of nothing”.2 Christians believe that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of our world. We agree that God formed the world from nothing. The inspired word of God tells us there was darkness and void before He created the world.3 The research continues to prove creation extremely complex which gives more reason to believe in the existence of a super intelligent, powerful God.4 Humans over the years have discovered much information on all types of matter. Science has continuously grown in its abilities to break down and recreate certain matter. Although scientists continue to learn ways to manipulate matter, the complexity and knowledge that would be necessary to create all that we know in such a short period of time is the work of an unfathomable, mastermind God. In the midst of a society where people expect everything to be fast, simple, and evident, faith in a physically, unseen God that is hard for many to comprehend. Our world has become very impatient. “Just the facts” is a
Hammonds 3
well known phrase. If the answers are not provided and we don’t understand, then, we don’t have time to figure it out. However, philosophers take the time to search for answers. This is normal since humans are naturally curious. But, Atheists demand concrete, scientific evidence. It is not wrong to base one’s beliefs on proofs, but there are many theories that have not been completely proven. Do Atheist resist belief in matter in which only theories exist for proof? If not, are they not contradicting themselves? David Wood presents the simple idea that “we can…know that something exists because of its effects”.5 Every question may not have proof given in a scientific answer. This does not negate the effects that the matter in question caused. Therefore, an uncaused cause is absurd. What’s God’s Purpose in the Design of People and our World? “I am told that it was William Holmes who once said, ‘Because I know the Who, I can endure the what, even without knowing the why’.”6 Christianity teaches that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. The Bible states in Romans 11 that God has infinity of knowledge that he has not revealed to us because we are not capable of understanding. When one contemplates the intricate amount of detail in the composition of the world, there is no way one could question the existence of God. Disbelief springs forth from one’s own insecurities and fears of not knowing or having proof of what is to come or why circumstances past and present occur/ed. McCloskey contends that if there is a God, He must not be powerful and all-knowing. His reasoning is because of evil, suffering, and the imperfection of lives.
Hammonds 4
Once again, we as humans are not capable of understanding God’s intentions. It’s like explaining algebraic concepts to a two year old! We could try all day long with no avail. Even though it’s said that the first five years of life are the most important because this is when children learn so much. They are described as “sponges” during this period. Certain concepts are beyond their comprehension. If God were to detail His plan for the World and for each individual, Could we handle his response? Not only intellectually, but what if he told us we would have a child and he would die at the age of 6. How would we change? Would we desperately try to change that outcome? Would we be able to accept it? Did we really want to know to begin with? Free Will and its Relation to Evil. An all-powerful God is capable of creating a world without evil and one in which people would never act immoral or harm another. He could have created beings that would continuously worship him and live their lives a certain way. Just like humans have created robots that can move around and complete a specific task. However, God chose to give humans free will. Questioning God’s reasoning for why people were gifted free will but to not allow one to “choose evil” is like asking “why God didn’t create square circles”.7 Free will allows individuals to make good, as well as bad decisions. Of course, God is not happy with people making bad decisions or harming others. Genesis documents evil as the product of one’s misuse of free will. The way we respond to things in life is our choice and he allows us to decide our action while understanding the consequences. He uses this
Hammonds 5
action to his benefit as he implements His plan for the world. Obviously, God wants us to choose him; to choose the “good side”; to choose “right” over “wrong”. In response to McCloskey, if God were to have made us so that we would never consider anything evil, would we truly have free will? No. God purposely intended for people to choose to worship him. This shows people’s sincerity in loving God. In a situation where one is forced against their true feelings to feel for something or someone they do not have feelings towards gives way to many problems; resentment and rebellion are the first that come to mind. God allows us to freely choose Him.
Suffering and Evil. Admitting the existence of evil, McCloskey acknowledges that there are “moral values” which exist to define good and evil. If there is no God, then why would moral values be in place? Why would people care about the results of their actions? Genesis states that suffering and evil began as a result of disobedience to God’s instruction. Nature and Humans were included in the warning of deviancy against God. Evil exists because God allows for it. God gave us free will to choose the paths we take in life. One makes the choice knowing the possible outcomes. God can use evil and suffering for His gain and for His will. Evil and suffering, generally are not aspects of life that people enjoy or hope for. However, due to some types of suffering and evils, people are able to gain many experiences that help them better handle unforeseen future events. “The research of social pathologists
Hammonds 6
has demonstrated that people are more committed to those things for which they have to suffer.”8 God promised people redemption from evil and offers forgiveness for sins. To deny the existence of God because of suffering and evil is a way to place a veil over one’s fears and insecurities of our limited comprehension of life.9 Faith defined and Why Christians rely on it. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”10 Christians do not need to physically see God. We see the effects of Him and his miracles all around us. The fact that the world exists and its complexity, as well as, textual information from the Bible is enough proof in the existence of God. The fact that there is no way humans are able to create organisms from scratch is another example. Furthermore, there are so many scientifically unexplained circumstances such as doctors giving a prognosis saying one will never walk again or one only has a specific amount of time to live and the opposite occurs; they walk or after being told they will be lucky if they make it six months and they continue to live fifteen years later. Science has not proven how these anomalies occur or that God does not exist. Christians have a justifiable belief in God which leads to a strong faith in Him. We may not physically see God, but we see His work, we feel His presence, we hear His voice. McCloskey wrote that faith in God is improbable. However, it is no more improbable than the atheist believing that the world just magically appeared!
Hammonds 7
Christian’s faith and trust in the Lord provides the strength and comfort to thrive in any situation. McCloskey suggests that he has friends and people of good will to rely on for support. These people are acceptable as a way to discuss matters of concern; however, they are incapable of helping or changing all situations. Furthermore, people have their own lives to attend to and are not always available when one may desperately need help. Christians are comforted in knowing that God is always with us; He will never leave us or forsake us. Matthew Parris wrote an article in The Times titled, “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God”. According to his article, Parris observed the beneficial changes in the Africans who had faith in God. He even says, “Faith does more than support the missionary; it is also transferred to his flock. This is the effect that matters so immensely, and which I cannot help observing“.11 Parris tells how because of his beliefs he wanted to avoid the idea that it was Christianity that was changing the Africans, but that there was no other explanation. Opposing the views of McCloskey, Christians are not convinced that any of the reasons presented substantiate a disbelief in God. Christians defend their beliefs with justifiable reasons why they place assurance in God. Fortunately, free will enables one to decide what information to accept or disregard. In this decision, though, one must remember that the choice can involve consequences.
Hammonds 8
Notes
11.
H.J. McCloskey, “On Being Atheist”, Question 1, (1968): 51.
22.
Bill Gordon, “Atheism”, 4Truth (2007).
33. The Holy Bible: Today's New International Version. Genesis 1:2. Grand
Rapids, MI.: Zondervan (2005). 44.
Gordon
55.
David Wood, “Responding to the Argument from Evil: Three Approaches for the Theist”, 4Truth (2007). 66.
Gary R. Collins, “Beyond Easy Believism”, Realistic Hope, (1982): 172.
77.
Gordon
88.
Collins, 36.
99.
Collins, 23.
1010.
The Holy Bible, Hebrews 11:1.
1111. Matthew Parris, “As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God”, The Times, December 27, 2008.
Bibliography
Collins, Gary R. Beyond Easy Believism. Waco: Word Books Publisher, 1982. Gordon, Bill. "Atheism." 4Truth. 2007. http://www.4truth.net/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c= hiKXLrF&b=784395&ct=941297 (accessed 5 2009). Little, Bruce A. "Must Good Come From Every Evil?"4Truth.2007.http://www.4Truth.net/site/ap ps/nl/content3.asp?c=hiKXLbPNLrF&b=784395&ct=982689 (accessed 5 2009). Merritt, James. "Why?" Journal of Southern Baptist Convention. November 2001. http://www.sbclife.net/Articles/2001/11/sla8.asp (accessed 5 2009). Parris, Matthew. "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God." The Times, December 27, 2008. The Holy Bible: Today's New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan, 2005. Wood, David. "Responding to the Argument from Evil: Three Approaches for the Theist." 4Truth. 2007.http://www.4truth.net/site/c.hiKXLbPNLrF/b4999175/k897D/Respondin g_to_the_Argument_From_Evil_Three_Approaches_for_the_Theist.htm (accessed 5 2009).
