Acknowledged divinity isn't a part of my personal belief system.
The concept of God is a deeply debated topic across religious, philosophical, and atheistic perspectives. This article delves into various perspectives on divinity, focusing on theistic beliefs, non-theistic religious views, atheism, and the unique teachings of the Baha'i faith.
Theistic Perspectives
Classical theism, as found in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, posits God as a necessary, unsurpassably perfect being existing beyond the physical universe. Characteristics such as simplicity, eternity, immutability, and immateriality are often attributed to this transcendent deity. Arguments like the ontological argument, developed by philosophers like St. Anselm and Descartes, claim that God's existence is logically necessary because existence is a perfection that a maximally great being must possess [1][3][5].
Non-Theistic Religious Views
Some Eastern philosophies and religions hold non-theistic or impersonal conceptions of ultimate reality. These do not centre on a personal God but on abstract principles or forces, such as Brahman in Hinduism and Tao in Taoism [5].
Philosophical and Atheistic Views
Atheism is primarily defined as the lack of belief in any deity. Some atheists assert positively that no gods exist ("positive atheism"), while others simply lack belief without asserting non-existence ("negative atheism") [2].
Agnosticism, Ignosticism, and Skepticism question the meaningfulness of the term "God" itself or claim the question is currently unknowable. Naturalism and Freethought reject supernatural explanations and argue that knowledge should be based on empiricism and reason, often leading to atheistic conclusions [2].
New Atheism is a recent movement representing outspoken criticism of religion and belief in God, often based on scientific and rationalist arguments [2].
Relation Between These Views
Organized religion typically embraces theistic views, promoting belief in a personal or supreme God with moral and existential significance. Atheism and related irreligious perspectives challenge theistic claims, often on epistemological grounds (insufficient evidence) or on definitional bases (God as incoherent or meaningless). Some individuals may transition between religious faith and atheism influenced by theological challenges, critical examination of scripture, or philosophical arguments [4].
The Baha'i Faith
Baha'is believe in God and emphasize the importance of treating all people with kindness and friendship, regardless of their beliefs. The Baha'i faith has abolished the clergy, requiring faith to be based on conscious knowledge rather than blind imitation. Baha'is believe all divine manifestations have proclaimed the oneness of God [6].
Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha'i faith, emphasized the importance of independently investigating reality and avoiding blind imitation. He suggests that God, according to Baha'i writings, is exalted beyond existence [7].
In a talk in Paris in 1911, Abdu'l-Bahá discussed the relationship between religion and science, stating that religions have become discordant with both the true principles of their teachings and the scientific discoveries of the time. He compares religion and science to two wings, necessary for humanity's progress [8].
Prevalence of Atheism
Approximately 3% of Americans identify as atheists, and another 9% do not believe in God or a universal spirit (Pew Research Center survey) [9]. However, it's essential to remember that atheism is not an organization, but there are as many kinds of atheists as there are theists.
Misconceptions about Atheism
Psychologists Will Gervais and Maxine Najle found that people (including other atheists) often believe atheists are less moral than those who believe in God [10]. This misconception underscores the need for open and respectful dialogue about religious and non-religious perspectives.
In conclusion, the concept of God varies significantly across religious, philosophical, and atheistic perspectives. Organized religions often centre on a personal, necessary, and transcendent God, conceived through theological and philosophical traditions, while atheism denies or suspends belief in such entities based on different intellectual and evidential criteria. Non-theistic and agnostic perspectives offer alternative interpretations or critiques of the concept of God, highlighting its diversity and complexity across cultures and philosophies [1][2][3][5].
[1] Kreeft, Peter. Socratic Logic. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.
[2] Martin, Richard C. Atheism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.
[3] Plantinga, Alvin. Warranted Christian Belief. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
[4] Hout, Michael, and Feng Zhang. "Religious Switching in America." Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 655, no. 1, 2012, pp. 85-101.
[5] Hick, John. An Interpretation of Religion: Human Responses to the Transcendent. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1989.
[6] Nakhjavani, Fariborz. The Baha'i Faith: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.
[7] Abdu'l-Bahá. Paris Talks. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1982.
[8] Abdu'l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace. Wilmette, IL: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1982.
[9] Pew Research Center. "Nones" on the Rise: Religiously Unaffiliated Americans Increasingly Common. 2012.
[10] Gervais, Will, and Maxine Najle. "Atheists and Morality: What's the Problem?" Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, vol. 51, no. 4, 2012, pp. 888-902.
- In the realm of pop-culture, sci-fi and fantasy often explore divine or god-like entities, challenging religious perspectives and offering alternative explanations for the origin of the universe.
- Social media platforms have become a means of disseminating diverse opinions on divinity, as atheists, theists, and those holding non-theistic religious views engage in conversations surrounding gods, God, and the nature of ultimate reality.
- The Baha'i faith's emphasis on treating all people with kindness aligns with the principles of entertainment and pop-culture, providing an example of how the expressions of divinity can foster social harmony, regardless of one's personal beliefs or religious affiliations.
