Approach to Existence of God - Essay Example

Comparing Introduction Well-known thinkers and philosophers like Russell, Hitchens and Dawkins have put forward their own interpretation of religion and non-belief in existence of God. However, it remains debatable topic to discuss the universal creation and relation of god with it. In the present age of technological enlightenment, these thinkers have their own arguments towards the roots and basis of religion. In fact, frequent discoveries of new planets and scientific inventions have branded different religions as dogma, based on ethical dilemma. Human beings are becoming more inquisitive, than ever before, about the authority of religion and religious scriptures, which sometimes may not match with the scientific discoveries. However, the presence of ‘God Particle’ and ‘Big Bang’ theory has baffled many scientists and philosophers, compelling them to think in terms of God’s existence and creation of universe, with perfection. In response to thinking of certain radicals, a new philosophy of life has emerged, during last few decades, which is called ’Humanism’. This philosophy aims at making human lives ethical and responsible for betterment of human kind, without any religious or supernaturalism. The humanism and its aspirations might be the path to enlightened living for the future generations, as it gets inspiration from the experiences of life, while being guided by reason. Humanists acknowledge that values and ideals are subject to changes as people gather more knowledge about life. Approach to existence of God Russell has his own arguments to explain that he is not a Christian. He has simplified the dogma of Christianity by comparing the similar beliefs that people following two different religions may have. For example, it is essential to believe in God and immortality, for being a true Christian. However, according to Russell, Muslims also must believe in God and immortality. Nevertheless, followers of Islam are not Christians and consider them as non-believers. This is just hypocrisy. Explaining the defense put up by Church authorities, Russell maintains that ‘First-Cause argument’ put forward cannot explain the phenomenon of “Who Created God”, while it says that the First Cause of everything in this world is God. Roussell also nullified the “Natural Law Agreement” and “Argument from Design”. According to Russell, the “Moral Argument for Deity” and “Argument for remedying the injustice” could not stand the test of time, as injustice is evident everywhere and innocents suffer, while wicked people prosper. This is great injustice done by the God, if he exists.(Russell) While Dawkins has similar views about the existence of God, he further treats the Old Testament as a work of fiction and its God the most unpleasant character in this fiction. Dawkins has accused God with different allegations that range from being jealous, vindictive, bloodthirsty, racist, genocidal, unjust and unforgiving, among others. Dawkins has defined the God hypothesis, as God being the supernatural intelligent super being, who has created the universe including the human beings living in this world. However, the alternate view presented by Dawkins explains that the creative intelligence is the result of on-going evolution process and it has the capability of designing complex events.(Dawkins) Hitchens had similar views about the existence of God. In his “God is Not Great”, he has explained that he does not believe in personal God. Hence, no religious convictions for him. Instead, Hitchens feels that he has religious faith in the revelations of science, which unfolds the structure of this world.(Hitchens) Arguments about meaning of religion While the three philosophers had similar views about any religion being only a dogma, they had their own version to justify this. Hitchens has explained the religious plagiarism, in which all three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Jewish Zoroastrian have borrowed different rituals from each other. He cites an example of Shia ceremonies and processions, which is being partly borrowed from the cult of Catholics, as the spirit of sacrifice is evident in both. Shia is a Muslim sect, believing in Islamic way of worship, but having different religious rituals that emphasize more on the sacrificial importance of religious faith.(Hitchens) Dawkins has shown his firm belief that religion is dogma. Relating God, immortality and morality with the religion and faith, he explains that in the absence of any God, there is no need to be moral or good. The fear psychosis created by the religious dogmas is responsible for the people to believe in morality and immortality. (Dawkins) Motivation through Humanism The Humanist manifesto does not have any similarity with arguments and topics presented by Russell, Hitchens or Dawkins. In fact, the Humanist way of life is non-religious and non-spiritual. This progressive philosophy deals with the ethical values of life. while seeking personal prosperity and betterment of everyone. The experience and reason provide the guidance, while a Humanist gets the required motivation and inspiration through compassion and understanding. Humanists believe that rational analysis and scientific investigation is the source for getting the knowledge about this world. Hence, Humanism is entirely based on rationality and revelations as well as experience gained from scientific exploration, while God has no relevance in this doctrine. With changing times, the values of life also change, as new technologies open greater vistas to knowledge. Humanists believe that human kind is part of the nature and responsible for unfolding the future, as it meets the challenges of the present. As human needs change, ethical values derive from the need to adjust life with the prevailing circumstances and concerns for human welfare and balanced eco-system. Accordingly, the freedom of people is related to the associated responsibility. (Humanism and its Aspirations) Conclusion Russell, Dawkins and Hitchens had one similarity in their views. They all denied the existence of God, while branding all religions as dogma created out of fear. However, they differed in their arguments to prove their point. The three philosophers also were unanimous in denying that God created this universe, as they argued in different ways that the world is creation of human intelligence and scientific knowledge. However, Humanist phenomenon is entirely different from the philosophy of above three thinkers, as Humanism does not discuss about any supernatural or religious power. The Humanist movement is latest in the human evolution and it emphasizes the need for human and ethical values to adjust with the changing technological developments. Works Cited Dawkins, Richard. “THE GOD DELUSION” .BANTAM PRESS, 2006, Web. 05 Dec. 2013. Hitchens, Christopher. “God is not great” .nd, Web. 05 Dec. 2013. “Humanism and its Aspirations” nd, Web. 05 Dec. 2013. Russell, Bertrand. “Why I am Not A Christian” 1957, Web. 05 Dec. 2013. Read More