2008 Woodie Awards
Letters
Atheist perspective based on faulty logic
Josh Coberley, with Mason Stout,
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Opinion
Upon reading the article in the Collegio titled "The God Question: Student atheists still seeking answers, 'fascinated' by religion" (1/24/08), I was compelled to write a response. I have great respect for the opinions of others and for each individual's right to choose what to believe, or if to believe. Yet if only one side of the story is told, some may find it difficult to develop an opinion or to decide what to believe. Some of the statements in this article were based on faulty reasoning and assumptions, and misrepresented God and religion. I wish to try to clarify some of these and present another side of the subject.
The first idea I would like to address deals with religious extremists, which seem hypocritical. It makes no sense that those who profess to be religious promote hate and violence. This is true, a few people do horrible things in the name of religion, these people are very misinformed. However, one cannot generalize all religion as hypocritical. The vast majority of religious people are honest and just people who wish harm on no one. These people make a great positive contribution to the world. Just because some people are hypocritical and inconsistent does not make God that way also. Perhaps this shows humanity's need for a just God.
It is also interesting to note that many people think that religion is afraid of questions, and that questioning things is looked down upon by God. This is incorrect. God does not look down on or fear questions. Rather, as Robert McElwee alludes, he welcomes them. We learn by searching for answers; God wishes for us to know more about him and his will. He says in the Holy Bible, 2nd Timothy, Chapt. 2, Verse 15, "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, correctly using the word of God."
What about the idea of morality without God? That is a bit of a contradictory statement. Humanity needs someone to set forth a moral code. If it were left to individuals, everyone would have a different idea and every person would be right in their own eyes. Then nothing would be wrong, and life would become chaotic and inconsistent.
The first idea I would like to address deals with religious extremists, which seem hypocritical. It makes no sense that those who profess to be religious promote hate and violence. This is true, a few people do horrible things in the name of religion, these people are very misinformed. However, one cannot generalize all religion as hypocritical. The vast majority of religious people are honest and just people who wish harm on no one. These people make a great positive contribution to the world. Just because some people are hypocritical and inconsistent does not make God that way also. Perhaps this shows humanity's need for a just God.
It is also interesting to note that many people think that religion is afraid of questions, and that questioning things is looked down upon by God. This is incorrect. God does not look down on or fear questions. Rather, as Robert McElwee alludes, he welcomes them. We learn by searching for answers; God wishes for us to know more about him and his will. He says in the Holy Bible, 2nd Timothy, Chapt. 2, Verse 15, "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, correctly using the word of God."
What about the idea of morality without God? That is a bit of a contradictory statement. Humanity needs someone to set forth a moral code. If it were left to individuals, everyone would have a different idea and every person would be right in their own eyes. Then nothing would be wrong, and life would become chaotic and inconsistent.
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