Atheism – Page 2 – Harmonia Philosophica

Ideological inconsistencies: Why would an atheist want to have children? (and other examples)

Why would an atheist want to have children?

No, it is not ironic or provocative. (okay, maybe a bit)

It is mostly an honest question.

Why would someone who thinks that we are just ordinary lifeless matter in a cosmos without meaning want to have children?

If we are nothing more than random sets of matter which happen to exist for no reason at all, then what is the reason that we would like more of these lifeless sets of matter exist in the first place?

The answer to that simple question is anything but trivial. It touches the heart of the problem of atheist thinking: Consistency.

If you believe that you are nothing, then you cannot possibly believe in anything. If you believe that you are a lifeless set of matter, you cannot possibly argue in favor of having Logos as part of your existence.

If you believe you are already dead, there is no reason to believe in life.

That is the great issue with men today: Inconsistency.

And don’t get me wrong. This is a great problem with atheists and Christians alike! (and also Muslims of course) Living by what you believe is very hard to do so. It always had been.

An atheist believing that he has to have children is nothing more and nothing less than a Christian swearing or a Muslim missing the prayers because he does not believe in them: A paradox of today’s complex era.

We might think that such paradoxes break the world.

But yet again, we would be wrong once more.

It is these paradoxes which make the world what it is!

Don’t you feel it?

There is something deeply irrational lingering in the cosmos…

You know its name. But are just too afraid to speak it out loud.

Logos…

Do you remember me?

Summary of arguments in favor of Christianity (and against atheism/ agnosticism)

Discussions for Christianity, religion and atheism are very common nowadays. The following is a breakdown of some of the key arguments in defense of Christianity against the main arguments of atheists / agnostics.

Argument from atheist	The answer of the Christian	Related articles
Religions are fairy tales	This is a generalization. Be more specific.	Religion and science unification
Jesus Christ never existed	Many saw Him. Many wrote for Him. Many died for Him. What more proof do you want? For many historical figures we have much less evidence.
Resurrection is a fairy tale	Actually the opposite is true: Death is a fairy tale. Which is based on many philosophical dogmas (belief in the notion of change, in time, in senses etc). Read Parmenides.	Against atheism, in one simple sentence – Episode 2: The Resurrection miracle is not so weird as it seems… Resurrection – Illogical, thus True Against atheism, in one simple sentence – Episode 2: The Resurrection miracle is not so weird as it seems…
Whoever wrote about Christ was a christian	They turned into Christian because they saw Him. And they weren’t rewarded for that. Exactly the opposite: They died for that.
God is a fairy tale	Which God do you refer to? Explain to me what you are talking about. God as the First Cause is perfectly logical. Aristotle himself had arguments in favor of that. God as the One in which we all belong has also deep philosophical roots from the time of Parmenides. (just to mention two examples)	Religion and science unification Articles related to “One” How to easily beat an atheist in a debate
Modern science has made religion obsolete	Science deals with the how. Religion with the why. Even the Global network of Science Academies accepts that. Not to talk about great scientists. In the past religion and science were not separated. They are both needed to reach the truth. Biology is a nice science. But it is not theology nor philosophy. As much as it is related to viruses, it is not at all related to God.	Religion and science unification Articles related to “Science” and “Scientific models”
When I get sick I go to the doctor, not to church.	And that is a good thing you do. Religion heals the soul. Not the body. Nor does it compete with science for the things on this earth. Religion deals with metaphysical matters.	Articles related to “Religion”
Medicine heals. Not the belief in metaphysical beings.	Modern medicine relies on Christian philosophy (love towards the weak). What is more, medicine is not in any way against religion, which deals with other matters.	Why Medicine is NOT a pro-Science argument!
Science will someday explain everything	Actually the only thing that science has proved is that it will never prove everything. Read Gödel.	The limits of science
Science proves. Religion is based on faith.	First, science proves based on unproved axioms. Thus, it does not prove anything. Secondly, religion is also based on logic (see the arguments of Aristotle for the Immovable Mover) and on empirical facts (see the cosmic parameters which have been set to the exact values needed for the existence of life for example, witnesses to the resurrection etc), while faith in religion is by no means what we call “blind faith” but faith which supplements the existing logic and the aforementioned evidence.	Religion and science unification The limits of science
Every religion says a different story.	I do not care. I am a Christian. I will not apologize for other religions.
Religion is responsible for all bad things.	No, the exact opposite is true. Atheistic regimes are responsible for the greatest massacres. Christianity is the basis of the European civilization, including humanism and Renaissance. In the colonies Christianity helped countries set the proper foundations for structured free states.	The positive effect of Missionaries. [OR: Christianity as the basis of civilization] Articles related to “Religion”Religion: Its contribution to society (and other subjects) Fasting. Ancient knowledge. Precious religion. Religion as a Guide Decline in religion, decline in morality
Why shouldn’t I believe in the Flying Teapot instead of God?	Everything is a matter of definition. How do you define this teapot? If you give it the same characteristics that the Christian God has, the name is not an issue per se. If you just define it as a flying teapot then this has nothing to do with God. How can a flying teapot create the cosmos?
Religion is old fashioned.	And that is a good thing. Values should not change according to fashion.	Church is old-fashioned and that is a good thing
How does religion explain evil?	Actually the problem is not the existence of evil but the existence of good in such a world. And that existence of good despite the harsh conditions is an argument in favor of God. Evil is just the result of man’s free will.	The problem of Good… The problem of Evil… The problem as the Solution!
Why do good people and children die in this world made by God?	First of all death means nothing for the Christian but the portal for the eternal life. Secondly, how come an atheist be frustrated about this? If we are only matter then what does it matter who dies? Are you upset about matter? Are you upset about stones? About wood? Dirt perhaps?	Why do good people suffer? Against atheism, in one simple sentence…
Why should I listen to religion to be moral?	There can be no ethics without a stable reference point beyond the personal beliefs of men. If you are a good person because you decided so, good for you, but that means that you can easily decide not to be good at any other point in time. So this means nothing for the morality of your actions per se. Don’t forget that Nazis killed Jews because they thought that this was a good thing (and they even had a state law forcing them to do so).	Articles related to “Ethics” The source of ethics
Only old men believe in religion.	Mainly young people believe in atheism. Old men are wise. Young men are usually arrogant and ignorant.	Articles related to “Atheists”
Religion oppresses me.	In 2019? Are you kidding me? The exact opposite is happening: Christians today are under persecution!
Church condemned Galileo.	And was correct in doing so! Read first about something before speaking about it. Galileo was first of all wrong in everything he said, from a scientific point of view! Secondly, his stance was highly arrogant and offensive against a friend of his (the Pope) and during a time period in which the church fought the external bitter challenge of the Scripture from heresies.	Religion and science unification Earth at the center of the universe? From Galileo to Hubble: Copernican principle as a philosophical dogma defining modern astronomy Articles related to “Galileo”
The Church had the Holy Inquisition!	And rightfully so! This institution made its appearance in Spain during an era of constant turmoil. If some of the heresies fought by the Holy Inquisition back then had prevailed (e.g. the Cathars) there wouldn’t be any Christians left in Spain. Remember that the church has not only a theological/ philosophical aspect but also a cosmic one. And the latter is often involved in politics. Try not to mix these three aspects. Mistakes in one of them does not mean anything for the others.	Articles related to “Holy inquisition” The contribution of the Holy Inquisition to civilization (no it is not a joke)
I am a free thinker, so I believe in nothing!	Actually you are a sheep and for that reason you react against religion. Atheism is in fashion these days, so being an atheist today just shows that you follow the flock. If we lived in the middle ages, you would probably be the best and most obedient worshipper.	Yes, I am a Christian. And I do not tell you why! Common Mistakes in Arguments Against Christianity
All clergy is corrupted.	Many priests are indeed corrupted. But their percentage in the church is smaller than the percentage of the same corruption in society. This doesn’t mean nothing of course. The goal is for everyone to be a saint. But no one achieves that. People who go to church need Christ, they have no already achieved sainthood. Should they be perfect? Sure. As much as the scientists should be perfect too. But they are not. The church is made of flawed people. Don’t judge Christ and His teachings via those people.
Middle Ages were darkness.	No. This is a view promoted by the Enlighteners to promote the idea that Enlightenment is light. This view has now been strongly disputed. In the Middle Ages we had an overdevelopment of the humanities (and they need those the same way we need exact sciences). We had humanism and the Renaissance. The first universities were built back then. Actually the whole modern European civilization is based on the foundations laid during the Middle Ages.	Middle Ages – An era of light! Against Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was not light. The Enlightenment is darkness.
I believe in nothing.	Good for you. So you don’t believe that you have free since it hasn’t been proved yet. You don’t believe that tomorrow it will dawn since this is not proved beyond the shadow of a doubt either. Or perhaps you are not consistent with what you believe and believe things which are not 100% proven? Faith is another thing than blind faith. Don’t confuse them.	What does it mean to be Dogmatic?
Saying “I don’t know” is the most honest answer we can give in metaphysical questions.	If you say “I don’t know” to everything that has not been proven with 100% certainty then you should say “I don’t know” about everything! Nothing has been 100% proven! And neither will they ever! (See Gödel) This is the only thing that has been proven. Are you honest enough to do that? Or do you simply cover up your anti-Christianity sentiments with the cloak of the “agnostic”? Christianity has painted a picture for the world. Picture your own and convince yourself that it is better. Don’t hide behind the “I don’t know.” Culture and science never progressed with “I don’t know”.	Articles related to “Agnosticism” Agnosticism, as a cloak to Dogmatism Why you can’t be an agnostic
Religion is convenient and makes you feel better. It is the opium of the people.	The exact opposite. Christianity constantly reminds you of how much effort you need to be good. The last thing it does is make you feel better! If you want to feel better, become an atheist, believe that nothing matters (since everything is matter) and drink some wine. Not for a second believe that Christianity is the easy way out. Most saints became martyrs.	What is Christian is NOT How to easily beat an atheist in a debate
The Old Testament is a despicable book.	Actually it is despicable to say stupid things about things you do not understand. The Old Testament states the obvious: that when you do bad things you will be punished. (Remember: causality is the cornerstone of science. Why deny it in life?) Modern man cannot stand that. He wants to be free and do whatever he likes. And as a spoiled child, he does not like his Father to punish him for anything.	Old Testament: Not for the faint-hearted. (An easy interpretation)
I am an atheist! Blha blah blah blah blah…	Why should I discuss with you? Aren’t we all random sets of matter? Why does your opinion matter? Why does anything matter?	How to easily beat an atheist in a debate Against atheism, in one simple sentence… Against atheism, in one simple sentence 2: Resurrection… Against atheism, in one simple sentence 3: The ‘randomness’ argument debunked…
I am an agnosticist. Blha blah blah blah blah…	Why should I discuss with you? Why does your opinion matter? If nothing can be proved, how can you be certain for what you say?	Agnosticism, as a cloak to Dogmatism Why you can’t be an agnostic Against agnosticism II: Why “I do not know” is never the answer… Articles related to “Agnosticism”
I am not stupid to believe in miracles.	And yet miracles happen all the time. First and foremost the most important: your very existence. But if you want miracles that meet your scientific criteria, you can look in literature for cases of Near Death Experiences. There you will find many interesting cases published and in medical journals.	NDE and other consciousness without brain references Near Death Experiences are Real (not just… real!)

Easy and Quick answers to Atheists [Modern guide to fast debating]

Modern world calls for modern ways of thinking and reacting. It is not difficult to find yourself in a situation where an atheists attacks Christianity with a crescendo of punchlines which are gaining more and more traction over the Internet. In our shallow era there is not time to perform proper discussion on important issues. Unfortunately philosophical discussions in many cases are limited to small phrases which have the goal to produce as much spectacular effect as possible to others, while saying nothing of true importance.

There are two ways to deal with an atheist who follows such a way of speaking.

OPTION 1: Do nothing. Stay silent. The wisest (but less fun) option. A person who performs such a shallow attack on something so deep as Christianity is no worth your attention. No matter what you tell him he will not have the willingness to understand. Buddhists have a saying: Only when the student wants, the master appears. This is perfectly applicable in this case. If someone does not want to learn (or even discuss) something let him in peace.

OPTION 2: Answer to the atheists in a similar manner, while trying to convey useful information to your fellow listeners. Less wise, but more fun! Such type of speaking though requires a mastery of the arguments underlying the debate ‘Modern world vs. Christianity’ (did I tell you that Christianity is usually the target of the atheists? Well, I tell you now) and an equal mastery of the ability to condense valid arguments in single-liners.

Let us go through some of them…

Atheist (A): All religions are just fairy tales.

Christian (C): Did you know that Marx and Stalin also thought the same

A: But all religions say the same stupid things.

C: Generalization is the mother of all mistakes.

A: But we are not even sure if Jesus existed.

C: Would you ever give your life for something that did not exist?

A: Of course not.

C: Then how do you believe others would?

A: Prove me that Jesus existed!

C: Prove me that Pythagoras did.

(to be continued…)

Atheists: Fear of God. Human arrogance…

Photo by **Spiros Kakos** from **Pexels**

At The big problem of atheists: “Christianity is Bad!” they shout. “Christianity threatens us with Hell!” they scream. “Christianity threatens us with punishment!” they complain.

Little kids being afraid of their father’s punishment. Little kids crying when daddy punishes them for wanting to do whatever they want without control and consequences! “The Old Testament is dark!” they shout in horror.

They believe in science but do not understand that its most important foundation is the same as that of the Old Testament: Causality. Every action has a reaction. Every action has a consequence. You do not want to be punished? Do not do something worth punishment!

There is no world where you can do whatever you want.

Except for the dark world that the atheists dream of.

A world where everyone is free. A world where everyone has the right to kill babies because they want to go on vacation with their friends in the summer. A world where children’s souls are destroyed because “we have the right to cut off their genitals and determine what sex they are.”

A progressive world. That will reach extreme heights.

Up to the stars.

And from there, it will see the void of its existence…

The ugly angelic face of atheism (Against Enlightenment II)

Old photo of the Finish museum of Natural History

Finland is a wonderful country. Everyone knows it. I do too. So I am really sad to write this with a Finnish museum as a motive. Having said that, I want to stress that Finland is awesome and a country worth visiting and certainly worth felling in love with! What I mention below apply more to other countries than Finland.

To the story now…

I recently went to the Finnish Museum of Natural History in Helsinki. The museum – as everything else in Finland – is very nice and organized. The exhibits were all awesome and the whole visit was very entertaining and educational.

Until…

I went to see some polar animals in a place with funny lights. There, among the – again interesting – exhibits I saw a painting of Virgin Mary. My immediate reaction was enthusiasm. Inside the museum they had for some reason a religious image! How wonderful and unexpected!

Then the harsh truth came to ruin everything…

According to the information below the painting, the place we were was part of a chapel and we were standing – as it seemed by the space geometry – inside the shrine of that chapel! Bewilderment and puzzlement were the first reactions, which were immediately replaced by anger and sadness.

The old chapel which has now turned into a disco with animals (literally)

The holy place where no one could enter except the priest was now full of disco colors and animals, right next to a picture which only served as a reminder of the real purpose of this place. I am sure Fins did not mean anything wrong by this – nonetheless they did perpetrate something very wrong. Not as part of a great conspiracy against Christianity (the fight against Christianity is well beyond the conspiracy level now, it is out in the open) but as part of the ugliest face of atheism today: Indifference. Apathy. Hollowness.

Indifference towards anything religious. Apathy towards any of the great metaphysical questions which men strive to answer for thousands of years. Hollowness expressed via a shallow interest for knowledge without realizing that any knowledge without the necessary theological substrate only leads to ugly dead ends.

A small caption explaining the past of the place…

Museums are much more important than museums! someone would argue. After Enlightenment there has been a great shift from religion to secular ways of achieving education and that has been one of the cornerstones of modern society. And yet, this path is not enlightened but quite the opposite: Dark as the void of space. A void in which we believe firmly, after “Enlightenment” has made us believe that we are nothing more than a speck of dust inside a irrational meaningless universe. We now “know” that we are just meat, bones and blood, nothing different than animals of the lowest form. We now “know” that we are just machines. So why care about a church which only spreads lies? Why care about religion which only sustains stupidity?

The detailed answers to all of the above lie in the thousand of articles in Harmonia Philosophica. The short answer is something like this: No, we are not just meat and bones. Every man and woman knows that we are more than that. A set of lifeless electrons cannot be alive in any sense. A set of particles is just a set of particles. Every great philosopher and scientist (including most of the founders of the physics we know today) believed that we have a soul and that God exists. Not because they were stupid and they believed anything, but because evidence and logic points towards that path! The founder of Logic, Aristotle, argued in favor of the existence of a First Cause. The greatest logician of all times after Aristotle, Godel, wrote a proof for the existence of God. The people who first believed in Christ did so because of what they saw (empirical evidence) and not because of what some stupid liar said to them. Believing in a cosmos which exists for no reason and which came to be out of nothing is much more irrational than the belief in a cosmos which was created by something/ someone. I could go on for ever, but I rest assured that anyone who wants to discover more arguments for theism can read this site in more detail. Anyone who doesn’t want to do so, would have skipped this section of the article anyway.

Modern society is an expert in disguising ugliness with shallow beauty. Enlightenment did cover everything with the cloak of “freedom” and no one paid attention that this meant you are free to believe in anything except if you are a Christian. In that case they got you and the guillotine was the way to get “enlightened”. Enlightenment did cover everything with the dress of “progress” and yet no one took notice that there is literally no reason to dogmatically believe that new ideas are by definition better than the old ones. Unless you want to believe modern eugenics is a better idea than the “old” belief that all men are children of God. Enlightenment did dress the ugliness of anti-Christian hate with a so-called love for “knowledge”. A knowledge which leads to a dark world. Remember that Mengele had two phDs and his work was used extensively by scientists all over the world. And yet it was a work done in the darkest depths of evil. Enlightenment wants to educate everyone and yet no one realizes that education has nothing to do with morality of ethics per se (or even that the most educated men can be evil, but that is something I analyze in my paper “Against the fallacy of education as a source ethics”, MCDSARE, 2019). Enlightenment praises the rush of young people to do things, and yet no one recalls that the wisdom of old men was – and still is – the source of civilization for thousands of years.

Now Helsinki does have a great museum and that is great. I will for sure go again! But this could be done in a new building (or the rest of the building) and leave the chapel where it was. If not for use (if no one is going) but at least as part of a reminder of a traditional past which we ought to respect. “Isn’t it useless to keep old things which are of no use?” one could ask. I believe the bones of dead animals which existed millions of years ago can answer that. And if we go to the practical aspect, one can speak for days about the practical ways in which the church helps society. For example modern society hates religion but at the other hand loves psychology, without realizing that the church covers also many practical psychological needs of the person. Needs which a science which has the soul in its name tries to cover, even though it does not even believe in it. In an era where humans feel more and more alone (how could you not, if you have been made to believe that you are just a set of atoms in a vast nothingness) and depression is the number one disease, we love seeing dead apes and whales and bones to educate our selves and our children. And when they ask us what does this all matter, we stumble upon the great void of our soul which is still there, waiting to be fed…

Modern world has more museums now. And less churches.

Watch out all that beauty.

The devil has a pleasing face…

The world is enlightened now. And yet it is more dark than ever…