Tags
agnosticism, Atheism, God, On Guard, quotes, religion, William Lane Craig
When I got sent this picture last night I was reminded of a passage we had recently studied in the book On Guard by William Lane Craig. The point being made is that, as most atheists understand, it is very difficult to prove a universal negative, so the definition of atheism as the belief that there is no God has been backed off on recently, for what is considered a more workable definition. It is no longer the view that God does not exist, but an absence of belief in God (or in His existence). We will pick up Dr. Craig at this point:
“This is not only contrary to the traditional meaning of the word, but it is really hopeless as a definition. For on this new definition atheism is no longer a viewpoint or position. Rather it’s just a description of someone’s psychological state, namely, the state of lacking a belief in God. As such atheism is neither true nor false, and even babies turn out to be atheists! But can you imagine the following conversation between two young mothers?
Brooke: “Julie, I heard that you just had twins! Congratulations!
Julie: “Yes, thank you! But, you know, it’s so sad . . .”
Brooke: “What is?”
Julie: “Well, they’re both atheists!”
On this definition even our cat, who I’m sure has never even thought about the question, turns out to be an atheist!
Hmmmmm.
“For on this new definition atheism is no longer a viewpoint or position.”
CORRECT!
Wow, and here I thought I would never agree with Craig on anything.
Atheism isn’t a viewpoint or position. It is a single response to a single issue, and that is it. Which is why, if you want to be technical, babies and cats are atheists.
So what?
When I say I’m an atheist, I am just making it known where I stand on a single issue: the existence of a deity. Calling myself an atheist can’t tell you anything else about me.
That’s where other labels come in handy. A baby can be an atheist. But they can’t be a secular humanist.
If I achieve nothing else today (or even this week), it has been quite successful in bringing you and Dr. Craig into agreement.
More seriously, your acquiescence on this point surprises me a little. I am also of the opinion, and I certainly could be wrong, that you would be in the minority of atheists. I may find out if I get some more response.
Maybe I am in a minority of atheists on this point. I don’t know. I can only tell you what makes sense to me.
And I know that not everyone uses the term ‘atheist’ to mean the same thing.
I’m curious, though, why you bring the point up? I mean, it’s interesting and all, but does it matter to atheists or believers?
Are you, or Craig, suggesting that the stance of atheism is wrong because babies hold it by default? I ask because babies also don’t believe in Bigfoot, but I wouldn’t count that against those who aren’t babies and don’t believe in it. (And of course I could be wrong about what you’re trying to say. So please, enlighten me.)