A little while ago, I read a rather intriguing piece on the existence of God, by Gary Gutting of New York Times, where he argues that an individual's expectation from religion defines whether or not belief in God matters. Gutting's theory is that an individual expects from religion, both, a fulfilling life and eternal happiness in afterlife, through salvation. To make a point, he assumes that a good, well-meaning, all powerful God exists and then reasons that such a God may not be able to grant salvation. Since God does not prevent suffering, nor protects us from the horrors of it (e.g. Holocaust), he states that we cannot know what God is capable of or what his reasons are. Therefore, salvation is not guaranteed. At this point, Gutting tamely concludes that either blind faith in God is needed in hope of salvation or a belief-less religion must be considered.
The entire discourse left me thinking. I haven't studied philosophy, but I agree that to be religious, a belief in God is neither needed nor does it naturally follow. All religions, with their model code of conduct, offer the faithful an incentive for adhering to the code, a punishment for not and a way to make amends. The interpretation of the code itself is subject to social, political and cultural mores. Across all religions, if one were to follow the code faithfully, yet never believe in God, there is no rule to say the incentive will be denied. A respectful, duty bound, church-going atheist, will reap as much as the very devout. Viewing religion as a way of life more than anything else, it can be concluded that a godless religion is perfectly possible.
Why do we then, want to believe that God exists? Gutting's explanation of expectation from religion, is far from satisfactory. Indeed as he concludes, God may or may not grant what a religion advertises. Salvation is in itself, hardly a good motivation. Who cares about afterlife, while we grapple with hunger, poverty, danger and heart-break ?
By common sentiment, an all-powerful, benevolent God looks over the shoulder, listens to the innermost thoughts, takes care of the littlest of troubles and guards against feeblest of dangers. Unswerving faith and prayer can elicit His response and a painful pilgrimage can bring about a much needed miracle. This, is what I believe holds the key to why we believe in God.
I was reading an account of the White House activity during the Bin Laden killing. Vice-president Joe Biden sat in the room with a rosary in hand, when, one of the SEAL helicopters crashed and they lost the view from the drone. It may have come to be that one international disaster the country couldn't afford, entirely brought about by the president's decision. A helplessness felt by the eminently powerful, thousands of miles away from action. So he turned to the man next to him and said, 'Let's all go to mass tonight'. I think I know what Biden meant.
The idea of God as a savior is hugely comforting. That we are not entirely responsible for things around us and that this invisible super-power is looking over us all and that any situation can be helped by invoking Him. It is comforting too, to feel that there is a higher meaning and greater purpose that we are involuntarily a part of. Religion if anything endorses the existence of God and makes it easier to adhere to its tenets. Belief and fear, are easy deterrents. A need to rid ourselves of the burden of our decisions, actions and consequences thereof, is a compelling reason to believe in God.
Why do we then, want to believe that God exists? Gutting's explanation of expectation from religion, is far from satisfactory. Indeed as he concludes, God may or may not grant what a religion advertises. Salvation is in itself, hardly a good motivation. Who cares about afterlife, while we grapple with hunger, poverty, danger and heart-break ?
By common sentiment, an all-powerful, benevolent God looks over the shoulder, listens to the innermost thoughts, takes care of the littlest of troubles and guards against feeblest of dangers. Unswerving faith and prayer can elicit His response and a painful pilgrimage can bring about a much needed miracle. This, is what I believe holds the key to why we believe in God.
I was reading an account of the White House activity during the Bin Laden killing. Vice-president Joe Biden sat in the room with a rosary in hand, when, one of the SEAL helicopters crashed and they lost the view from the drone. It may have come to be that one international disaster the country couldn't afford, entirely brought about by the president's decision. A helplessness felt by the eminently powerful, thousands of miles away from action. So he turned to the man next to him and said, 'Let's all go to mass tonight'. I think I know what Biden meant.
The idea of God as a savior is hugely comforting. That we are not entirely responsible for things around us and that this invisible super-power is looking over us all and that any situation can be helped by invoking Him. It is comforting too, to feel that there is a higher meaning and greater purpose that we are involuntarily a part of. Religion if anything endorses the existence of God and makes it easier to adhere to its tenets. Belief and fear, are easy deterrents. A need to rid ourselves of the burden of our decisions, actions and consequences thereof, is a compelling reason to believe in God.
I will not argue about the existence of God. If I can find within me the strength and will to be accountable for my actions, help myself out of trouble every single time and cultivate a sense of purpose without longing for a higher meaning then I will no longer need to believe in God. Or perhaps in some twisted way, that itself would mean finding God.
As of religion, I am banking on my sense of fairness and empathy to chart my own way of life.
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