СэмХаррис
SEVERAL POLLS indicate that the term "atheism" has acquired such an extraordinary stigma in the United States that being an atheist is now a perfect impediment to a career in politics (in a way that being black, Muslim or homosexual is not). According to a recent Newsweek poll, only 37% of Americans would vote for an otherwise qualified atheist for president.
Atheists are often imagined to be intolerant, immoral, depressed, blind to the beauty of nature and dogmatically closed to evidence of the supernatural.
Even John Locke, one of the great patriarchs of the Enlightenment, believed that atheism was "not at all to be tolerated" because, he said, "promises, covenants and oaths, which are the bonds of human societies, can have no hold upon an atheist."
That was more than 300 years ago. But in the United States today, little seems to have changed. A remarkable 87% of the population claims "never to doubt" the existence of God; fewer than 10% identify themselves as atheists — and their reputation appears to be deteriorating.
Given that we know that atheists are often among the most intelligent and scientifically literate people in any society, it seems important to deflate the myths that prevent them from playing a larger role in our national discourse.
1) Atheists believe that life is meaningless.
On the contrary, religious people often worry that life is meaningless and imagine that it can only be redeemed by the promise of eternal happiness beyond the grave. Atheists tend to be quite sure that life is precious. Life is imbued with meaning by being really and fully lived. Our relationships with those we love are meaningful now; they need not last forever to be made so. Atheists tend to find this fear of meaninglessness … well … meaningless.
2) Atheism is responsible for the greatest crimes in human history.
People of faith often claim that the crimes of Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot were the inevitable product of unbelief. The problem with fascism and communism, however, is not that they are too critical of religion; the problem is that they are too much like religions. Such regimes are dogmatic to the core and generally give rise to personality cults that are indistinguishable from cults of religious hero worship. Auschwitz, the gulag and the killing fields were not examples of what happens when human beings reject religious dogma; they are examples of political, racial and nationalistic dogma run amok. There is no society in human history that ever suffered because its people became too reasonable.
3) Atheism is dogmatic.
Jews, Christians and Muslims claim that their scriptures are so prescient of humanity's needs that they could only have been written under the direction of an omniscient deity. An atheist is simply a person who has considered this claim, read the books and found the claim to be ridiculous. One doesn't have to take anything on faith, or be otherwise dogmatic, to reject unjustified religious beliefs. As the historian Stephen Henry Roberts (1901-71) once said: "I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
4) Atheists think everything in the universe arose by chance.
No one knows why the universe came into being. In fact, it is not entirely clear that we can coherently speak about the "beginning" or "creation" of the universe at all, as these ideas invoke the concept of time, and here we are talking about the origin of space-time itself.
The notion that atheists believe that everything was created by chance is also regularly thrown up as a criticism of Darwinian evolution. As Richard Dawkins explains in his marvelous book, "The God Delusion," this represents an utter misunderstanding of evolutionary theory. Although we don't know precisely how the Earth's early chemistry begat biology, we know that the diversity and complexity we see in the living world is not a product of mere chance. Evolution is a combination of chance mutation and natural selection. Darwin arrived at the phrase "natural selection" by analogy to the "artificial selection" performed by breeders of livestock. In both cases, selection exerts a highly non-random effect on the development of any species.
5) Atheism has no connection to science.
Although it is possible to be a scientist and still believe in God — as some scientists seem to manage it — there is no question that an engagement with scientific thinking tends to erode, rather than support, religious faith. Taking the U.S. population as an example: Most polls show that about 90% of the general public believes in a personal God; yet 93% of the members of the National Academy of Sciences do not. This suggests that there are few modes of thinking less congenial to religious faith than science is.
6) Atheists are arrogant.
When scientists don't know something — like why the universe came into being or how the first self-replicating molecules formed — they admit it. Pretending to know things one doesn't know is a profound liability in science. And yet it is the life-blood of faith-based religion. One of the monumental ironies of religious discourse can be found in the frequency with which people of faith praise themselves for their humility, while claiming to know facts about cosmology, chemistry and biology that no scientist knows. When considering questions about the nature of the cosmos and our place within it, atheists tend to draw their opinions from science. This isn't arrogance; it is intellectual honesty.
7) Atheists are closed to spiritual experience.
There is nothing that prevents an atheist from experiencing love, ecstasy, rapture and awe; atheists can value these experiences and seek them regularly. What atheists don't tend to do is make unjustified (and unjustifiable) claims about the nature of reality on the basis of such experiences. There is no question that some Christians have transformed their lives for the better by reading the Bible and praying to Jesus. What does this prove? It proves that certain disciplines of attention and codes of conduct can have a profound effect upon the human mind. Do the positive experiences of Christians suggest that Jesus is the sole savior of humanity? Not even remotely — because Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and even atheists regularly have similar experiences.
There is, in fact, not a Christian on this Earth who can be certain that Jesus even wore a beard, much less that he was born of a virgin or rose from the dead. These are just not the sort of claims that spiritual experience can authenticate.
8) Atheists believe that there is nothing beyond human life and human understanding.
There is, in fact, not a Christian on this Earth who can be certain that Jesus even wore a beard, much less that he was born of a virgin or rose from the dead. These are just not the sort of claims that spiritual experience can authenticate.
Atheists are free to admit the limits of human understanding in a way that religious people are not. It is obvious that we do not fully understand the universe; but it is even more obvious that neither the Bible nor the Koran reflects our best understanding of it. We do not know whether there is complex life elsewhere in the cosmos, but there might be. If there is, such beings could have developed an understanding of nature's laws that vastly exceeds our own. Atheists can freely entertain such possibilities. They also can admit that if brilliant extraterrestrials exist, the contents of the Bible and the Koran will be even less impressive to them than they are to human atheists.
From the atheist point of view, the world's religions utterly trivialize the real beauty and immensity of the universe. One doesn't have to accept anything on insufficient evidence to make such an observation.
9) Atheists ignore the fact that religion is extremely beneficial to society.
Those who emphasize the good effects of religion never seem to realize that such effects fail to demonstrate the truth of any religious doctrine. This is why we have terms such as "wishful thinking" and "self-deception." There is a profound distinction between a consoling delusion and the truth.
In any case, the good effects of religion can surely be disputed. In most cases, it seems that religion gives people bad reasons to behave well, when good reasons are actually available. Ask yourself, which is more moral, helping the poor out of concern for their suffering, or doing so because you think the creator of the universe wants you to do it, will reward you for doing it or will punish you for not doing it?
10) Atheism provides no basis for morality.
If a person doesn't already understand that cruelty is wrong, he won't discover this by reading the Bible or the Koran — as these books are bursting with celebrations of cruelty, both human and divine. We do not get our morality from religion. We decide what is good in our good books by recourse to moral intuitions that are (at some level) hard-wired in us and that have been refined by thousands of years of thinking about the causes and possibilities of human happiness.
We have made considerable moral progress over the years, and we didn't make this progress by reading the Bible or the Koran more closely. Both books condone the practice of slavery — and yet every civilized human being now recognizes that slavery is an abomination. Whatever is good in scripture — like the golden rule — can be valued for its ethical wisdom without our believing that it was handed down to us by the creator of the universe.
Другие работы по теме:
Hiding From The Truth Essay Research Paper
Hiding From The Truth! In the reading, “The Story of an Hour,” many things weren t as they seemed. This is called symbolism. Where one write something and it symbolizes another thing. For example, someone s blood gets warmer. That wouldn t symbolize them getting hot, it symbolizes them having a warm and happy feeling about something.
Contemporary Atheism Essay Research Paper Contemporary atheism
Contemporary Atheism Essay, Research Paper Contemporary atheism is a positive and new humanism trying to re-found and re-construct the entire human universe of thought and values. It shows the possible abuses of religion and points out all concepts of God are only imperfect means to see him. What they say about God couldn’t possibly be.
Mythology Essay Research Paper
People of the ancient world needed something to believe in, a deity or an idea. The reason for mythology is not known for sure, but it is thought to be a kind of religion and an answer to how something in nature came into existence. This would be ideas like; man, animals, flowers or trees, the sun, the moon, the stars, earthquakes, etc.
Untitled Essay Research Paper The Riddle of
Untitled Essay, Research Paper The Riddle of the SphinxThe study of myths probably began in the 4th century. BC. when Euthemerus explained them as exaggerated adventures of historical individuals. The allegorical
Abraham Lincoln Essay Research Paper In Abraham
Abraham Lincoln Essay, Research Paper In Abraham Lincoln: The Man Behind the Myths, Stephen Oates interpretation of the Historical Lincoln had three examples of Lincoln’s actions; Moral decisions, his expression and progression. The first illustration that I see is his beliefs in moral determination.
Myths Meaning Essay Research Paper Kuka Teran111899Mr
Myths Meaning Essay, Research Paper Kuka Teran 11/18/99 Mr. Coughlin Myths Meaning “A myth is a story that is not true on the outside, but true on the inside.” In the story of the creation of all living things as well as the sky, sun, moon and stars there is a meaning that most people, when reading the bible, seem to just read over and not stop and take time to understand this somewhat subliminal message within Genesis.
La Croix On Descartes Essay Research Paper
La Croix in his essay disputes the position set forth by Harry Frankfurt in his article “Descartes on the Creation of the Eternal Truths” (The Philosophical Review, 1977), charging that Frankfurt misrepresents Descartes? view of God?s nature and power. According to La Croix, Frankfurt holds that, in claiming that God created the eternal truths and could have done the opposite with respect to establishing the law of contradiction, Descartes conceived of God?s power as extending beyond the laws of logic.
Myth Comparison Essay Research Paper Compare Contrast
Myth Comparison Essay, Research Paper Compare/ Contrast essayDecember 6, 1998Final Draft Comparison Essay Myths are one of the ways people attempt to explain the unexplainable. With the development modern technology the myth has been much less used. According to Webster’s college dictionary myth is defined as “A traditional or legendary story, especially one that involves gods and heroes and explains a cultural practice or natural phenomenon.” To me myths are a wonderful thing; they represent creativity and are a very good way to explain things to kids.
Four Functions Of Myths In Genesis Essay
, Research Paper The sin stories in the Book of Genesis address theological, cosmic, social, and ethical questions. These sin stories, The Fall of Man, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the Flood, and The Tower of Babel show the functions of myths and demonstrate man’s likeliness to sin. These myths let the readers learn of the culture, beliefs, and foundation of the time.
Analysis Of Wating For Godot Essay Research
Paper ANALYSIS OF WAITING FOR GODOT From the surface, Waiting for Godot, by Samuel Beckett, is just sixty pages of gibberish and disorganization centered around two men that waiting for someone to show up. But when the story is analyzed, and is looked at piece by piece, this two act play begins to take shape and illustrate many different truths of the everyday world.
The Old West Essay Research Paper The
The Old West Essay, Research Paper The old west has been portrayed truly and falsely through art, music, and literature fromthe late 1800?s and early 1900?s up till this day when illustrated through movies. Artisticexpression and communication presented the realities and illusions of the old west, some ofwhich attracted various people there, while keeping others at home.
Hume Truths Essay Research Paper Hume separates
Hume Truths Essay, Research Paper Hume separates his distinction of truths of into two categories. They are Relation of Ideas (ROF) and Matter of Fact (MOF). Hume states Relation of Ideas
Social Stratificationrace Essay Research Paper Reaction Paper
Social Stratification:race Essay, Research Paper Reaction Paper on Social Stratification Article: Halberstam, David. “The Myths and Realities of Blacks in Professional Basketball.” Sport in Contemporary: An Anthology. Edited by D. Stanley Eitzen. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1989, 315-323.
Medea By Euripides Essay Research Paper MEDEAEuripides
Medea By Euripides Essay, Research Paper MEDEA Euripides was intrigued by the old Greek myths that surrounded him. Some writers 1 feel that he represented a critical, sceptical mind at work on these myths, being more interested in individual psychology and removed from the ritual origins of drama. Considered to be third in time of the three great tragic poets of Greek theatre, his reputation grew even after his death in 406 B.C.
Collective Memory Essay Research Paper Anthony D
Collective Memory Essay, Research Paper Anthony D. Smith who wrote National Identity and Myths of Ethnic Descent discussed how myths are formed and how they can lead to the ethnic regeneration within a group of people. He associated his ideas on ethnic regeneration with the countries of Turkey, Greece, England, France, and Israel.
Creation Myth Essay Research Paper Cody ClareNov4
Creation Myth Essay, Research Paper Cody Clare Nov,4. 1997 All of the myths that we have read have had many parts which are very similar to other creation myths, no matter their origin or continent that they are from.
Creation In Myths Essay Research Paper Torrefiel
Creation In Myths Essay, Research Paper Torrefiel, Neil Lucero The creation of man and the world is a question that has resonated since the conscience of thought and analysis began. We as human beings have the tendency to seek out the reasons and truths of the phenomena that occur around us, and our desire to achieve answers has not hindered our exploration of human existence.
Indian Creation Myths Essay Research Paper In
Indian Creation Myths Essay, Research Paper In reading three different Indian creation myths, The Emergence, Lodge-Boy and Thrown-Away, and The Woman who Fell from the Sky, we are taught many things not only about creation myths themselves, but about the culture from which they originated. These creation myths contain many of the same universal elements that are found in nearly all creation myths and they demonstrate for us the degree to which the Indians felt we truly are one with nature.
Catch 22 Essay Research Paper Although seen
Catch 22 Essay, Research Paper Although seen on the surface as a mere comedy about the destructiveness of war; Catch-22 becomes more than what is seen on the cover. Through Catch-22 Joseph Heller permeates the idea that there is no single definitive truth, that the world is the form of a continual clash of truths.
Four Myth Theories Essay Research Paper Four
Four Myth Theories Essay, Research Paper Four Theories of Myth There are four basic theories of myth. Those theories are: the rational myth theory, functional myth theory, structural myth theory, and the phsycological myth theory. The rational myth theory states that myths were created to explain natural events and forces.
Create Your Own Truth Essay Research Paper
Jenica Antonellis 11-20-00 IS101, Dr. Dean Walton Quiz #1 3.) The statement, “I create my own truth. What I believe to be true is true for me” is based on the illogical belief that all truth is subjective and that thinking something is true makes it true. There are many people who hold that view, and maybe some truths are subjective, but that doesn’t mean that people go around creating their own truths.
Myths Essay Research Paper MythsThe various complexes
Myths Essay, Research Paper Myths The various complexes of stories about the gods are called myths. What people first think of when they hear the word “myth” is “false story”, for they no longer believe in most of them. But there is another side, one that should not be overlooked: myths arise from the human belief that reality is intelligible.
Myths And Moundbuilders Essay Research Paper MYTHS
Myths And Moundbuilders Essay, Research Paper MYTHS AND MOUNDBUILDERS The extraordinary mounds found in the Midwest is home to many myths and stories of the Moundbuilders. The Moundbuilders mysteries reside around the Ohio and Illinois flatlands. Though this group of people have been wiped out for thousands of years now, many archeologists are fascinated with way of life.
Public Vs Private Essay Research Paper Private
Public Vs. Private Essay, Research Paper Private vs. Public By Wes Paul When we started talking about private vs. public schools in class a lot of feelings were running high I thought. I also thought that not enough of us knew enough to make a knowledgeable judgment. Here is some pro and cons to let you know the truths about private schools and maybe some falsehoods you thought to be true.
Argument About The Exist Of God Essay
, Research Paper Argument About The Exist of God The following paper will provide a sound argument in favor of the existence of God. By demonstrating that an Atheist world cannot account for the
Mythology Essay Research Paper The origin of
Mythology Essay, Research Paper The origin of the universe can be explained by modern astronomers and astrophysicists, while archaeologists and historians try to clarify the origin of human societies. In the distant past, however, before any sciences existed, the beginnings of the world and of society were explained by MYTHOLOGY.
Definition Of Myths Essay Research Paper Definition
Definition Of Myths Essay, Research Paper Definition Essay The origin of the word myth seems to be a myth in itself. Myths have generally originated from a Greek history that used an oral tradition to explain events that occurred before the written word. Often supernatural beings or fictitious characters were used to explain popular ideas concerning phenomena’s of nature or the history of people.
The History Of Myths Essay Research Paper
Myths are, like, really old and they date back to really old guys. BAck in the “old school” world of myths people made up stories about dudes doing stuff.Myths are, like, really old and they date back to really old guys. BAck in the “old school” world of myths people made up stories about dudes doing stuff.Myths are, like, really old and they date back to really old guys.
Myths Essay Research Paper Is Information Technology
Myths Essay, Research Paper Is Information Technology a good thing? With the invention of the silicon chip, fiber optic cable and satellite communications the information superhighway is real. This global network of computers makes it possible to move massive amounts of information virtually anyplace.
Truth And Belief Essay Research Paper Truth
Truth And Belief Essay, Research Paper Truth and Belief James is a believer in the pragmatic theory of truth. He draws a relationship between the good and the true. The true is not an separate entity from good, but is one of the species of good.
Myths Test Essay Research Paper MYTHS AND
Myths Test Essay, Research Paper MYTHS AND THEIR MEANINGS TEST CHAPTERS 1-6 NAME__________________________________ DATE ___/___/___ CH. 1 ___1. GAEA A. RULER OF THE MOON
Untitled Essay Research Paper
Shortly before Christopher Marlowe’s untimely death during a bar brawl, he was arrested and charged with atheism, a high crime at the time. Much of the basis for this claim may have stemmed from his controversial play, “Doctor Faustus,” which deals heavily with necromancy and the devil. Using only this play as a basis to decide his guilt or innocence under the charge of atheism, I have found him innocent, with the understanding that if I was a judge presiding over the proceedings of a mock Marlowe trial, I might well have found him guilty.
A Look At Zen Essay Research Paper
FINAL PAPER LBRL STUDIES 272 MARK FERGUSON The study of Zen, it seems, became a main preoccupation of the Japanese, something never seen elsewhere. Embracing it with gusto, allowing it to mingle with old tales and myths, the Japanese raised Buddhism to a new height.