Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert comic strip) writes fabulous blog. http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/
I wrote this as a reply to his blog (dated 27-1-07), titled, ‘irrational atheists’, and about a 100 comments he had received. So maybe you will have to check out his blog first, before reading this. But even if you don’t, I guess what’s written below will make sense (I hope). This is a topic I have been itching to write, so I decided to blog it as well.
My comments:
First of all, one need not argue about definition of atheism. A-theism formed after theism formed. Just like the term asocial won’t mean anything if there is no society.
Secondly, there is no need to argue against the number 1 trillion, becoz that number is not something provable (I guess Scott pulled it out through his now famous method).
Thirdly, there is no need to prove a god exists or not, because it’s a concept. The belief in god gives us emotional benefits, it doesn’t gives us anything else. (of course, many may not agree to this at all).
The concept of god (a superior being, a father/mother figure) can be understood as part of our survival mechanism. For example, a child after being bullied, runs home with teary eyes – with the belief that his home (and the elders there) will provide security and support he needs. God concept is just an extension of that need, just an extension of that sense of security / hope.
That’s why it’s said that, “there are no atheists in a trench”, the feeling of total helplessness makes us believe in anything which reduces that helpless feeling).
But if we keep our sense of security on a concrete concept (or a living being or a thing), its very likely that within our life time itself, we will see the destruction of that concept… or some weakness, which will (emotional) turmoil – and make us feel un-protected. So we have to base that sense of security on an abstract concept, which cannot be definable, and it has to be all powerful, timeless, and always beyond our comprehension.
The prayer and such meditative techniques also works if we try to focus on such an abstract, incomprehensible concept… becoz we will never understand it fully, and can keep on going till infinity (or endless like a horizon)… there is no fear of reaching an end of that quest.
The atheists are the people who are willing to let go of that security center outside them, becoz they have found it inside themselves. The believers first needs to be emotionally secure enough to leave home, then only they will be able to see outside the box… otherwise, their own mind will keep producing enough proof or reasons for them to stick to their beliefs.
Bertrand Russell once argued back to a creationist, “can you disprove that the whole world / universe was created just 5 minutes ago?” (no point in arguing I have memories of more than that much time, or that you can do carbon testing to show dinosaur bones that exist are millions of years old, becoz they all were created that way just 5 minutes ago).
So in a way it’s a no win situation. But still I try, as I don’t expect a divine intervention ;)
i would recommend Scott's blog. He churns out food for thought everyday, and writes it all with much more humor, and many other spices / masala – which makes him a super word-chef (the old term of word-smith to a writer seems too mechanical). More strength to your pen bud.
