Atheism: A Layman's Response...(literally just one response)

*Image from reclaimingthemind.org

A recent response to atheism, aspects of modern science and a declaration of my faith:


If you’re an atheist reading this, it is likely that we will not see eye-to-eye. Why? We have both heard the arguments and we have both concluded that our position makes more sense. I’ve read books like Richard Dawkins’ “The God Delusion” and while challenging, I am personally pushed onward towards a Creator and beyond the core principles of atheism. While atheists tend to be highly educated, very intelligent and well-learned individuals, they more than any should realize that we have not “arrived” in the things of science OR the things people consider spiritual/supernatural (i.e. the things not proven by a “microscope.”)

So, what is the evidence for a Creator? We could start with the logical question “what/who set creation in motion?” Then we can go beyond the science of a literal microscope and start with the obvious yet complex human responses to love and emotion. Where does it come from? Is it simply the natural response to reproduce and then to protect? Every time we look at our kids with love and affection, do we have feelings that seem to go well beyond the natural desire to keep them safe and help them survive in order that the circle of life may be pushed onward? Is it possible that we love them with a passion and pure emotion that goes “beyond the microscope?” Where do these complex emotions come from? Why do we care if our wife goes and F’s another dude? Beyond the obvious right and wrong that sustains a culture and perpetuates growth, why do we naturally care about liars or hypocrites or infidelity? If we are only particles, matter and chemicals…who cares about any of these things? Why do you care about a person’s belief in a god? If you align with this thought pattern, our very belief in or indignation towards a god is no different than our stomachs telling us we’re hungry. So why care? Why even engage in the argument? Why love your kids? Do we simply protect them, feed them and help them sustain a new generation? Would we not miss them if they were taken from us? And if we do, is it only based on a frustration that we weren’t able to push our DNA forward?...Really???? Why do we care about any aspect of relationship?

If we are only going to focus on the tangible, the physical or the touchable, we’re only looking at half of the truth; but truth nonetheless Likewise, if we only look to the spiritual, we’re missing the equally important aspects of our physical world. Adaptation and survival are definitely a big part of who we are, but I believe we are much more than this based on the things discussed above (although there are many more examples like intuition, healing, goodness, evil). This is the point at which I start to look within the realm of the spiritual. I’m skipping a couple steps but eventually I start looking for a Creator within this spiritual/supernatural realm. Here begins my pursuit to answer these questions that science alone does not; partially, yes but completely, no.

The atheist will throw out buzz words like “fairies” and “magical beings” as if to equate the Creator with these things. But it brings up an interesting point. Regarding fairies and other “supernatural beings,” where do we even get the idea of anything supernatural if we are nothing more than matter? How would we even know to make up something that isn’t purely human; something completely contrary to what we are? (Especially a God or a Creator). I guess our brains evolved to think these things? That doesn’t answer it for me. Or, is it our response to an existing supernatural presence that we couldn’t and can’t yet explain with “microscope science?” Furthermore, if science is still evolving, why wouldn’t we be able to tangibly prove the supernatural down the road? This is clearly where I differ from the atheist. I look at both science and the spiritual and they seem to focus on science alone.

So why even bother with the things of life if everything is strictly science-based? I do “bother with life” because of the supernatural element. It is here where my Christian belief takes root. Does it provide me all the answers I seek? Absolutely not. Does it provide me with a logical explanation for the questions I seek as stated above? Yes, it really does. Therefore I continue to pursue what I believe to be truth, rooted in what we call the Bible regarding our existence. Do I need this to sleep well at night? No, but I do greatly appreciate the truths regarding the human condition and the teachings of Christ. I even appreciate the Old Testament and it’s clear example of how morality and law alone are nothing but legalism and religiosity…the things that cause war and hatred and self-righteousness; the things Christ hated and clearly preached against throughout the New Testament. Is today’s church filled with religiosity and legalism? Immensely! But what do you expect from a movement whose clear mission is to bring in the “broken” and “flawed;” the ones who acknowledge human intellect and humanness are NOT enough. Some of these “converts” get on the right path and pursue the things of Christ, while others see the church as “an opportunity” and become more flawed as they pursue things that only enhance their own selfishness while still claiming to be “Christ-followers.” So atheists shouldn’t confuse Christ with people who claim they follow him for various reasons; extreme differences exist between the two.

Way too many places to go with this material but always worth getting my thoughts out regarding these subjects.