Top 10 arguments atheists use to deny God exists : Part 2 of 3

4. Scientific Explanations

Scientific advancements have provided alternative explanations for many phenomena previously attributed to divine intervention.

The creation of the universe is the main argument used for and against God.

Natural disasters, and human diseases are also used in an attempt to disprove God exists.

Response: The Principle of Parsimony (Occam’s Razor):

• God as the ultimate explanation:
• God is the simplest and most elegant explanation for the existence of the universe and its complexity.
• Limitations of scientific explanation:
• Also … science cannot explain everything, and that God is necessary to account for the ultimate origins and meaning of existence.
• Engaging with philosophical arguments: Christian philosophers have developed sophisticated arguments in response to philosophical challenges to the existence of God.

5. Lack of necessity

Many believe that ethical behaviour and a meaningful life can be achieved without the need for a divine authority.

Response to denying God’s moral authority

But where do their ethics come from?

It’s easier to understand a thief or a murderer who is an atheist… because why should they value ethics? What is the rationale? Just be good for goodness sake? Where is the benefit to them? This is more plausible than an atheist who propounds honesty absent of any outside influence.

C. S. Lewis explains this well in his book Mere Christianity, in discussing the origin of conscience.

Here’s how C.S. Lewis develops his argument:

• The Law of Human Nature: Lewis begins by observing that humans have a universal sense of right and wrong, which he calls the “Law of Human Nature” or the “Moral Law.” He argues that this law is not simply a social construct or instinct, as people often feel obligated to obey it even when it goes against their desires or self-interest.
• A Real Law, Not Just an Instinct: He differentiates this Moral Law from instincts, like hunger or fear. We have conflicting instincts, but the Moral Law judges between them, telling us which one we ought to follow. This implies a standard outside of ourselves.
• A Standard Outside the Universe: Lewis then argues that this Moral Law cannot have originated from the natural world itself, as the natural world simply is. A law that judges the natural world must come from something outside of it.
• The Source of the Moral Law: He concludes that the source of this Moral Law must be a mind or consciousness that is beyond the material universe. This, he argues, points to the existence of God.

Key passages in Mere Christianity that support this interpretation:

• In Book 1, Chapter 1, Lewis discusses the universal recognition of a standard of behavior: “Every one has heard people quarrelling. They say things like this, ‘That’s my seat, I was there first’—’Leave him alone, he isn’t doing you any harm’—’Why should you shove in front of me?’—’Give me a bit of your orange, I gave you a bit of mine’—’Come on, you promised.'” He argues that these arguments imply a shared understanding of what is right and wrong.  
• Later, he connects this to a power outside of ourselves: “This law was called the Law of Nature, because people thought that every one knew it by nature and did not need to be taught it. They called it also the Law of Human Nature, because human beings all over the earth had it.” He then goes on to say that this law points to something beyond the natural world.  

C.S. Lewis further explores the role of conscience and suffering in leading people to God in his book The Problem of Pain. He suggests that God “whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” This quote reinforces the idea that conscience is a way in which God communicates with humanity.

6. Religious Conflict

History is filled with examples of religious conflict, violence, and intolerance. These events lead many to question the morality and benevolence of a supposed divine creator.

The history of religion, including Christianity, is undeniably intertwined with instances of conflict, violence, and intolerance. This presents a challenge to the concept of a benevolent and loving God.

Response to Religious Conflict as denial of God’s existence

1. Distinguishing between Ideal and Practice:

• Human fallibility: Christians often emphasize that while their faith promotes peace and love, its followers are imperfect and prone to sin. They argue that the actions of individuals or groups throughout history don’t necessarily reflect the true teachings of Christianity.
• Misinterpretation and misuse of scripture: Some Christians acknowledge that religious texts have been misinterpreted or used to justify violence and oppression. They argue that these actions are a distortion of the true message of Christianity.

2. The Concept of Free Will:

• Human choice and responsibility: A central tenet of Christianity is the belief in free will. Christians often argue that God gave humans the freedom to choose, and that this freedom includes the capacity for evil. They contend that God is not responsible for the choices humans make, even when those choices lead to violence and suffering.
• The consequences of sin: Christians believe that sin, or the rejection of God’s will, has consequences in the world, including conflict and suffering. They see these events as a result of human actions, not God’s direct intention.

3. The Complexity of the Old Testament:

• Historical context: Some of the most challenging passages in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, depict God commanding or condoning violence. Christians often argue that these passages must be understood within their historical and cultural context.
• Progressive revelation: Some Christians believe that God revealed himself gradually over time, and that the Old Testament represents an earlier stage of understanding compared to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.

4. Focusing on Jesus’ Teachings:

• Emphasis on love and forgiveness: Christians often point to the teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love, forgiveness, and nonviolence. They argue that these teachings represent the true heart of Christianity.
• Jesus as the ultimate example: Christians believe that Jesus lived a life of perfect love and sacrifice, and that his example should guide their actions.

5. The Mystery of God’s Ways:

• Limitations of human understanding: Some Christians acknowledge that they cannot fully understand God’s ways or why he allows suffering to occur. They believe that God’s perspective is beyond human comprehension.
• Trusting in God’s plan: Despite the challenges, they maintain faith that God has a purpose in all things, even in the midst of suffering and conflict.

Let us pray:

FATHER GOD, WE PRAY FOR YOUR MERCY. WE PRAY FOR YOUR PRESENCE IN OUR UNBELIEF. WE PRAY THAT THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW YOU, COME TO BE AWARE OF YOUR MAGNIFICENCE. YOUR POWER. YOUR MERCY AND YOUR BOUNDLESS LOVE. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME WE PRAY. AMEN