Atheists are growing in number, but it is not clear why. Scientific
findings are continually uncovering more examples of intricate design and
functionality, which defy chance probability and, therefore, point to a
Designer. Besides, atheists cannot offer any compelling proofs against the
existence of God.
The “Problem of Evil” is perhaps the most prominent example
of this. Atheists have long claimed that if God is perfectly good and powerful
as the bible claims, there should not be suffering or, at least, so much
suffering. However, this challenge depends upon their understanding of the
Biblical concepts of goodness, love, and omnipotence.
It, therefore, can be argued that the atheists have mis-construed
these concepts. For example, perhaps God is bringing forth the ultimate good
through suffering. Besides, if eternal realities are at play in deciding this
question, we would have to weigh their challenge in view of these realities. In
other words, the denial of the existence of God is a big claim based upon a microcosm
of mis-construed evidence regarding the ultimate and eternal “good.” Perhaps
also they have left out of their understanding of “good” the concept of “justice.”
As a fallback position, atheists often claim that God is irrelevant
to their lives and even to science. However, this claim lacks any evidential
support. What evidence do they have that God doesn’t provide the air they
breath or that He doesn’t hold together every molecule of their lungs and
bodily functions? None! What evidence is there against the theistic claim that
God undergirds all science by every atom He has created and sustains and by all
the elegant and immutable laws of science? None!
Why then are there atheists? Some have admitted that it’s
just a matter of choice. NYU Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Thomas Nagel,
had asserted that no one can be impartial about God (at least, the God of the
Bible):
·
I am talking of...the fear of religion itself. I
speak from experience, being strongly subject to this fear myself: I want
atheism to be true...It isn't just that I don't believe in God and, naturally
hope there is no God! I don't want there to be a God. I don't want the universe
to be like that...I am curious whether there is anyone who is genuinely
indifferent as to whether there is a God. (The Last Word, Oxford
University Press, 1997, 130)
These sentiments have been affirmed by many other atheists,
but why is the existence of God so distasteful or even threatening to them? I
think it’s obvious, as even they have admitted. They correctly intuit that the
existence of a God who will judge them is highly threatening. But perhaps, for
our own good, He intends to be threatening.
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