Chapter 2: Atheism

Atheism, in language, refers to the absence of belief in the existence of gods or deities.

It's important to note that it's not necessarily a positive assertion that no gods exist, but rather a lack of belief in them.

The term "atheism" comes from the Greek word "atheos ", meaning "without gods".

In ancient times, atheistic ideas appeared in Greek philosophy with thinkers like Democritus and Heraclitus. During the Middle Ages, open discussion of atheism declined due to religious dominance by institutions such as the Church. But with the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, atheistic ideas re-emerged - driven by scientific thought and criticism of theological concepts. Today, atheists have greater space in intellectual and social debates - even influencing many global institutions.

Secularism (non-religion) takes many forms:

The percentage of secular individuals has steadily risen over time:

Around 2% in 1900, Reached 20.8% by 1980, A sociological study conducted in 12 Western countries including the United States and Japan between 1981-1982 showed that:

Japan : 23% atheists, 38% agnostics

Sweden : 35% atheists, 14% agnostics

United States : 2% atheists, 3% agnostics

In 2015, Gallup International reported around 11% global atheism , and this number has grown significantly since then - now surpassing 25% in most non-Muslim nations. 1

The Roots of Modern Atheism

Corruption in Church

Medieval religious corruption led to secularism in Europe and the West. A flawed system devoid of justice failed to provide an acceptable social or economic framework for the general public.

A small group within society began to exploit religion for power, wealth, and control - through dogma, indulgences, and taxes imposed under the guise of divine authority.

Even cosmological science was suppressed - evident in the persecution and exile of scientists like Galileo, the execution of Giordano Bruno, and the banning of books by Descartes, Spinoza, and Locke - who were often accused of sorcery and heresy.

Pope John XXI in the 13th century even branded those advocating laws and reason as heretics. This made life unbearable for ordinary people. Martin Luther later led the first major revolt against Catholicism - sparking wars between Catholics and Protestants in the 17th century. Hundreds of thousands died across Europe, leading people to reject not only the Church and doctrine but even the Bible and God Himself.

Over time, European societies changed - evolving away from religion.

This shift coincided with the rise of scientific theories such as Newton's Law of Gravitation and Darwin's Theory of Evolution - which offered logical explanations for life apart from religion.

A new belief formed:

"Reason is the only ruler; reason is everything. Anything beyond it is illusion and myth."

"Revelation contradicts reason - thus it must be false."

"Miracles defy rational understanding - hence they are outdated myths."

"Redemption, crucifixion, monasticism... all are misleading fables because they do not align with logic."

The alternative Idol: Nature

In the absence of a divine creator or supernatural entity, atheistic worldviews often seek to understand and explain existence through naturalistic frameworks. For many atheists, nature, in its vastness, complexity, and inherent processes, serves as a profound alternative to the concept of God, providing a source of wonder, meaning, and even a form of reverence. This perspective shifts the focus from a transcendent being to the immanent reality of the universe, embracing scientific inquiry and empirical observation as the primary means of comprehending the cosmos and humanity's place within it. Nature functions as an alternative to God, as a source of awe, a basis for morality, and a framework for understanding existence.

As philosopher Suleiman observed, "Those who completely abandoned belief in God needed a replacement - and found it in Nature." This era became known to some as the Age of Reason, or even the Age of Nature Worship. This is a metaphorical designation, indicating how existential philosophers and thinkers began to transfer the attributes traditionally ascribed to the Creator within religious frameworks to their new "god": Nature, sometimes even improving upon these attributes in their conceptualization.

The shift was often driven by a critique of traditional religious concepts. For instance, "The Christian god was seen as oppressive and unjust - punishing humanity because their ancestor Adam ate from the forbidden tree, and killing his son Jesus to atone for a sin he never committed." In contrast, nature offered no church, no clergy, and no complex rituals. Its laws were perceived as logical and did not require a contradiction of reason or blind faith. This perceived rationality and freedom from perceived injustices made the intellectual and philosophical climate fertile for the growth of atheistic belief.

Firstly, nature often inspires a sense of awe and wonder that, for religious individuals, might be directed towards a deity. The intricate dance of ecosystems, the breathtaking scale of galaxies, the elegant laws of physics, and the astonishing diversity of life on Earth can evoke feelings of profound beauty and mystery. For an atheist, this awe is not attributed to a divine designer but rather to the inherent processes and emergent properties of the natural world itself. The grandeur of a mountain range, the intricate design of a snowflake, or the sheer power of a thunderstorm are appreciated for their natural origins, without the need for supernatural explanation. This naturalistic awe can be deeply spiritual in a non-theistic sense, fostering a connection to the universe that is grounded in reality rather than faith. It encourages a scientific curiosity to understand how these phenomena arise, rather than simply accepting them as divine creation. This appreciation for the natural world can lead to a profound sense of humility and interconnectedness, recognizing humanity as a small, yet significant, part of a much larger, self-organizing system. The beauty and complexity found in nature become sufficient in themselves, without requiring an external guiding hand.

Secondly, for many atheists, nature provides a basis for ethical and moral reasoning, replacing divine commandments with principles derived from human experience, empathy, and the understanding of natural consequences. While religious ethics often stem from sacred texts or divine revelation, a naturalistic ethic looks to the well-being of individuals, societies, and the planet. Observing the interconnectedness of life and the impact of human actions on the environment can lead to a strong sense of responsibility towards ecological preservation and sustainable living. Morality can be understood as an evolutionary development, fostering cooperation and altruism as beneficial strategies for social cohesion and survival. The suffering caused by natural disasters, for instance, is not seen as divine punishment but as a challenge to human ingenuity and compassion. The ethical imperative arises from a shared humanity and a recognition of our place within the natural world, rather than from fear of divine retribution or hope for eternal reward. This framework often emphasizes reason, critical thinking, and a commitment to reducing harm and promoting flourishing for all sentient beings, grounded in an understanding of the natural world and human psychology.

Finally, nature serves as the ultimate framework for understanding existence itself within an atheistic perspective. Instead of a creation event orchestrated by a deity, the universe is seen as having originated and evolved through natural processes, such as the Big Bang and subsequent cosmic evolution. Life on Earth is understood through the mechanisms of evolution by natural selection, explaining the diversity and adaptation of species without recourse to intelligent design. Death is viewed as a natural and inevitable part of the life cycle, not a transition to an afterlife or a test of faith. This naturalistic understanding provides a coherent and consistent narrative for the universe, one that is continuously refined and expanded through scientific discovery. It offers a sense of meaning derived from participating in the ongoing story of the cosmos, contributing to human knowledge, and striving to improve the human condition within the finite span of existence. The universe, in this view, is self-contained and self-sufficient, a grand unfolding of natural laws and probabilities. This perspective fosters a deep appreciation for the fragility and preciousness of life, encouraging individuals to make the most of their time and to leave a positive impact on the world, driven by a sense of responsibility...