IS ATHEISM A FAITH? REV. AMY RUSSELL FEBRUARY
|
|
- Antony Jacob Skinner
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Atheism is an ancient philosophy. We can look back to the beginnings of our civilization and find philosophers talking about the origin of the universe with various scientific and philosophical beliefs. In fact in ancient cultures, philosophy, religion, and science were the same thing. All just imaginings about how the universe worked. Aristotle, known as the Master in ancient times because of his brilliant analysis of the world, was a scientist and a philosopher. At the time, science and philosophy were the same serious study of how the world worked. Aristotle spoke of the science of physics which he said contains almost all there is to know about the world. He spoke about the first philosophy, which he named as the unmoved mover, a non-physical entity which puts into play the physical entities in the universe which represented the second philosophy. However, this unmoved mover was not described as a being, but as a force. As a scientist of physics, perhaps Aristotle would agree with our science of today that names gravity and quantum physics as these forces in the universe. Founder of modern biology, Charles Darwin, began his life very devoutly as a Christian even considering the priesthood. He was very reluctant to admit his later leanings to agnosticism, even using the word creation instead of evolution throughout his Origin of the Species. It wasn t until much later in life in writing his autobiography that he admitted that his research had led him to the conclusion of an agnostic. He wrote: We can no longer argue that, for instance, the beautiful hinge of a bivalve shell must have been made by an intelligent being, like the hinge of a door by man. There seems to be no more design in the variability of organic beings, and in the action of natural selection, than in the course which the wind blows. Darwin concludes many arguments for and against the existence of God in this way: And I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic. Karl Marx, known as the father of Communist thought, is known for having made the comment, Religion is the opium of the masses. He goes on to say: The basis of irreligious criticism is Man makes religion, religion does not make man. In other words, religion is the self-consciousness and self-feeling of man who has either not yet found himself or has already lost himself again. But man is no abstract being squatting outside the world. Man is the world of man, the state, society. Page 1 of 5
2 A more contemporary scientist and philosopher, Bertrand Russell, was also a social activist. He wrote humorously imagining a belief system with something as ridiculous as a mysterious giant teapot floating in sky between the earth and other planets. He wrote: If I were to suggest that between the Earth and Mars there is a china teapot revolving about the sun in an elliptical orbit, nobody would be able to disprove my assertion provided I were careful to add that the teapot is too small to be revealed even by our most powerful telescopes. But if I were to go on to say that, since my assertion cannot be disproved, it is intolerable presumption on the part of human reason to doubt it, I should rightly be thought to be talking nonsense. If, however, the existence of such a teapot were affirmed in ancient books, taught as the sacred truth every Sunday, and instilled into the minds of children at school, hesitation to believe in its existence would become a mark of eccentricity and entitle the doubter to the attentions of the psychiatrist in an enlightened age or of the Inquisitor in an earlier time. [2] - Bertrand Russell And then there is Carl Sagan, one of my favorite philosopher-scientists, who was always posing questions for thought. He reminded us that some scientists and philosophers such as Spinoza and Einstein were proposing another view of God altogether. A view that basically defined God as all the laws of nature. Here is what he said, But by God they meant something not very different from the sum total of the physical laws of the universe, that is gravitation plus quantum mechanics plus grand unified field theories plus a few other things equaled God. And by that all they meant was that here were a set of exquisitely powerful physical principles that seemed to explain a great deal that was otherwise inexplicable about the universe [These laws] represent a power greater than any of us. It represents an unexpected regularity to the universe. Now, it would be wholly foolish to deny the existence of laws of nature. And if that is what we are talking about when we say God, then no one can possibly be an atheist. So, are all these people atheists because they don t believe in a God who controls the universe? And could they be said to have faith? Faith that gives them deeper meaning in life. Many would say that depends on what your definition of faith is. And what your definition of religion is. Is faith about having a belief in something that both provides you meaning to your existence and gives you a roadmap of how to live? Is religion a personal belief system whether or not it involves a belief in something supernatural? Page 2 of 5
3 That is how we define our Unitarian Universalist faith. Faith is what is meaningful to each of us. And it is a commitment to making that world a better place for everyone, no matter what our belief system is. Our religion is not about what you believe about how the universe works, it s about how we live and act in the world. William Murray, a UU author and theologian, calls himself a religious humanist. When asked to define that by a friend, Murray explains that a humanist is someone who affirms the worth and dignity of every person and makes a commitment in human betterment. Many people who consider themselves theists or Christians would identify themselves as humanists given that definition. But Murray says that secular humanists and religious humanists are nontheists. And for Murray, a religious humanist is someone who emphasizes the importance of communities that affirm, support and encourage the values making the world a place where all humans are given worth and dignity. In other words, for religious humanists, their religion is committing to creating a better world for humans. Murray says that religious humanists make their lives meaningful by committing to personal and spiritual growth and spreading good throughout the world. They are also devoted to learning and increasing knowledge using reason and the scientific method. This type of humanism is concerned with the here and now in the present world, and not what happens after death. Humanism does not believe in the supernatural and relies on human senses and intellect to understand the world. Protestant theologian, Paul Tillich, defines religion as finding depth and meaning in one s life that is of ultimate concern. In other words, figure out what is ultimate for you, what gives your life the most meaning and dedicate your life to it. Many theologians define religion as that which provides direction and meaning to individuals. So, using these definitions of religion, atheism could be your faith if it gave you meaning and purpose in life. If atheism is simply a belief that there is nothing supernatural in the universe, does that give you meaning and purpose? Does not believing in something give one direction? Perhaps not. Perhaps being an atheist is only the first step in the direction of figuring out what is meaningful in your life. And that is not an easy journey. The journey of figuring out what is meaningful to you is a life-long journey. That changes over time and experience. John Dewey, a humanist philosopher and educator, believed that all experience is potentially religious. Describing faith as devotion to the ideal, he claims that any activity which is pursued in devotion to finding the ideal in life can be said to be religious. Dewey s ideas liberate people from the idea that being religious has to do with organized religion around a particular set of beliefs. While Dewey would not consider religious humanism a religion, he Page 3 of 5
4 would speak of it as being religious since its ideals of liberty, freedom, justice, and peace make the experience inherently meaningful. William Murray writes that: Those experiences that enhance one s life, that result in a greater unification within the self and of the self with the world, that are profoundly moral in nature, that are transforming, or that lead to a better adjustment to the conditions of life- those experiences are religious. Reason and Reverence, p. 16. So, when it comes down to faith and religion, I believe that the questions one should be asking are not: Do you believe in God? I think the questions one should be asking are: What do you believe about the universe and your place in it? And if you must ask the question about what do you believe about God, I think you should ask it like this: What kind of God do you believe in or not believe in and how does that belief create meaning for you? We are the meaning makers. Benjamin Hale in his book Evolution of Bruno Littlemore said this:...we, and I mean humans, are meaning makers. We do not discover the meanings of mysterious things, we invent them. We make meanings because meaninglessness terrifies us above all things." (p184) So the question about belief in something that might be called God is not a yes or no question anymore. As UU s, most of us do not have a belief in a God that controls the universe and punishes those who don t meet certain arbitrarily defined expectations. Some of us believe in that kind of god described by Carl Sagan as being composed of all those laws of the universe like relativity, thermo-dynamic physics, or quantum mechanics. Some of us believe in a God described by naturalists as the miracles and beauty of nature. God as experienced in the sunrise and the sunset. In the power of a raging hurricane, and the gentleness of a spring rain. Some of us believe in that kind of god described by process theology. A God who is in the suffering and questioning that humans experience every day. A goddess who changes and grows with us as we change and grow. A god who is within us and surrounds us. And many of us believe that God is a force of energy in the universe that we call Love. That we experience as unconditional loving, as both the beauty and the ugliness we see in others, Page 4 of 5
5 as the rain and the sun, as the alpha and the omega, but most of all as something that makes the world One. As meaning makers, we can create the meaning that lifts us up that allows us to connect with the world around us. And as UU s, the meaning we make includes affirming the worth and dignity of every person and creating justice and equality in the world. It includes being on a continual, spiritual journey. A journey that asks us to create meaning in every new experience. So, being a UU, as an atheist, a humanist, a theist, a mystic, a naturalist, or whatever else you are, we are all on a faith journey of making meaning. Page 5 of 5
Mind and Spirit. Reason and Imagination February 23, 2014 Rev. John L. Saxon
Mind and Spirit. Reason and Imagination February 23, 2014 Rev. John L. Saxon If you ve been paying attention, you may know that Karla and I have been preaching a series of sermons over the past several
More informationAtheism: A Christian Response
Atheism: A Christian Response What do atheists believe about belief? Atheists Moral Objections An atheist is someone who believes there is no God. There are at least five million atheists in the United
More informationThe Sum of All Reverence Rev. Dana Worsnop Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1 February 2015
1 The Sum of All Reverence Rev. Dana Worsnop Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1 February 2015 It is commonly held that ministers really only have one sermon in them and that each Sunday we re just
More information1. Atheism We begin our study with a look at atheism. Atheism is not itself a religion.
1 1. Atheism We begin our study with a look at atheism. Atheism is not itself a religion. What is atheism Atheism is the view that God does not exist. The word comes from the Greek atheos which when we
More informationThoreau Woods UU Church Worship Service Everything is Holy Now July 1, 2012
Prelude Chalice Lighting We light this candle For the light of truth and reason For the warmth of love and friendship For the flame of strength and action And for the vision of tolerance and justice. James
More informationBelieving in Dinosaurs A Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Stephanie May First Parish in Wayland March 26, 2017
Believing in Dinosaurs A Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Stephanie May First Parish in Wayland March 26, 2017 In the news this week, there was an item pertinent to today s sermon. A graduate student has proposed
More informationIt Matters What We Believe UUFR UU Fellowship of Raleigh July 22, 2012 Rev. John L. Saxon
It Matters What We Believe UUFR UU Fellowship of Raleigh July 22, 2012 Rev. John L. Saxon I Last winter, I preached a sermon on Spirituality for Atheists. And when Lynda heard what the title of the sermon
More informationWhat did we just learn? Let s Review
What did we just learn? Let s Review Key Features of the Renaissance rise of humanism ( focus on ancient Greek and Roman civilization and the dignity and worth of the individual). independence and individualism
More informationEngaging Our Theological Diversity Introductory Session. In the credo I wrote at twenty-one, the longest part was devoted to God.
Introductory Session Opening Word (From Robert Fulghum): In the credo I wrote at twenty-one, the longest part was devoted to God. It was a Supreme Court appeal against the existence of the Sunday-school
More informationScientific Knowledge and Faith
Scientific Knowledge and Faith A lecture by Paul Davidovits Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Boston College BOISI CENTER FOR RELIGION AND AMERICAN PUBLIC LIFE BOSTON COLLEGE, CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS
More informationThe Existence of God
The Existence of God The meaning of the words theist, atheist and agnostic Atheist- person who does not believe in God. Theist- Person who does believe in God Agnostic- Person who does not know if God
More informationGod. D o e s. God. D o e s. Exist?
D o e s D o e s Exist? D o e s Exist? Why do we have something rather than nothing at all? - Martin Heidegger, The Fundamental Question of Metaphysics Comes back to Does exist? D o e s Exist? How to think
More informationAn Accomplishment, Not a Doctrine Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert Rev. Suzanne M. Marsh September 27, 2015
An Accomplishment, Not a Doctrine Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert Rev. Suzanne M. Marsh September 27, 2015 Lately, after all the research and reading are done for a sermon, I find myself thinking
More informationAgnosticism Rev. Roger Fritts Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota May 26, 2013
There are many jokes about agnostics. Agnosticism Rev. Roger Fritts Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota May 26, 2013 An agnostic is defined as a person who has a very lively sustaining faith in she
More informationSpirituality Without God
Spirituality Without God A Sermon Preached at the First Unitarian Church Of Albuquerque, New Mexico By Christine Robinson February 19, 2017 There are some people that define spirituality as a felt relationship
More informationDARWIN and EVOLUTION
Rev Bob Klein First UU Church Stockton February 15, 2015 DARWIN and EVOLUTION Charles Darwin has long been one of my heroes. Others were working on what came to be called evolution, but he had the courage
More informationSunday, September 1, 2013 Mankind: Special Creation Made in the Image of God. Romans 10:8-9 With the heart men believe unto righteousness.
Sunday, September 1, 2013 Mankind: Special Creation Made in the Image of God Introduction A few years ago I found out that my cousin who used to attend this assembly as well as Grace School of the Bible
More informationReligious Naturalism. Miguel A. Sanchez-Rey. the guiding force that fights against the ignorance of the shadows that permeate at the other
Religious Naturalism By Miguel A. Sanchez-Rey There is never the ignorance that the atheist lives within a cave striving to reach the light that reveals the form which is the world-of-truth. The Platonic
More informationIntelligent Design. What Is It Really All About? and Why Should You Care? The theological nature of Intelligent Design
Intelligent Design What Is It Really All About? and Why Should You Care? The theological nature of Intelligent Design Jack Krebs May 4, 2005 Outline 1. Introduction and summary of the current situation
More informationDid God Use Evolution? Observations From A Scientist Of Faith By Dr. Werner Gitt
Did God Use Evolution? Observations From A Scientist Of Faith By Dr. Werner Gitt If you are searched for the book Did God Use Evolution? Observations from a Scientist of Faith by Dr. Werner Gitt in pdf
More informationEvolution: The Darwinian Revolutions BIOEE 2070 / HIST 2870 / STS 2871
Evolution: The Darwinian Revolutions BIOEE 2070 / HIST 2870 / STS 2871 DAY & DATE: Wednesday 27 June 2012 READINGS: Darwin/Origin of Species, chapters 1-4 MacNeill/Evolution: The Darwinian Revolutions
More information2/8/ A New Way of Thinking: The Birth of Modern Science. Scientific Revolution
Robert W. Strayer Ways of the World: A Brief Global History First Edition CHAPTER XVI Religion and Science 1450 1750 Scientific Revolution A New Way of Thinking: The Birth of Modern Science The Scientific
More informationAre we alone in the universe?
Are we alone in the universe? BY ANDY HASTINGS...for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed (Exodus 31:17). Throughout the Bible, it declares
More informationEASTER, RESURRECTION AND ALL THAT CHRISTIAN STUFF!
Rev. Bob Klein First UU Church Stockton April 20, 2014 EASTER, RESURRECTION AND ALL THAT CHRISTIAN STUFF! I haven t called myself a Christian in many years, but I still value my best understanding of Jesus
More informationTurtles All the Way Down Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray February 20, 2011
Turtles All the Way Down Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray February 20, 2011 Opening Words From UU Minister, Rev. Joy Atkinson The Womb of Stars The womb of stars embraces us; remnants of their fiery furnaces
More informationNo Immaculate Conception First Unitarian Church of Saint Louis, December 22, By Rev. Thomas Perchlik
No Immaculate Conception First Unitarian Church of Saint Louis, December 22, 2013 2013 By Rev. Thomas Perchlik To summarize, there are two ideas tied to the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. The first
More informationWhat Color Is Your Turtle? Rev. Don Garrett The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley 11/7/10
What Color Is Your Turtle? Rev. Don Garrett The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley 11/7/10 What color is your turtle? Does its shell help you to feel safe? Is it real or an abstract symbol
More informationAtheism. Objectives. References. Scriptural Verses
Atheism Objectives To learn about atheism (a common belief in these days) and to be able to withstand in front of atheists and to be sure of your Christian faith. References http://www.stmarkdc.org/practical-atheist
More informationUNITARIANISM tolerance of all but intolerance. Rom.1: Unitarianism
Unitarianism 1 UNITARIANISM tolerance of all but intolerance Key question What is the Unitarian faith? Key text Rom.1:21-23 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks;
More informationour full humanity. We must see ourselves whole, living in a creative world we can never fully know. The Enlightenment s reliance on reason is too
P REFACE The title of this book, Reinventing the Sacred, states its aim. I will present a new view of a fully natural God and of the sacred, based on a new, emerging scientific worldview. This new worldview
More informationKS1 Humanist Humanism Science
Progression in HUMANISM Draft 1 Key vocabulary Knowledge and belief Meaning and purpose (Happiness) Celebrations and ceremonies Humanist ethics KS1 Humanist Science The Golden Rule Happy Human Celebrant
More information"How Big Is God?" Rev. Michael A. McGee Sunday, March 22, 2015 Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, Florida
"How Big Is God?" Rev. Michael A. McGee Sunday, March 22, 2015 Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, Florida This morning we are here to ask the question, How big is God? Is that a big enough question
More informationThey find a notecard at the end of the bar. It says How many coordinates do you need to get to a party?
The Universe in a Nutshell May 20, 2018 Rev. Otto O Connor Three ordinary seeming people are standing in New York city, at the corner of 11th Avenue and 46th street. They walk into a building and the get
More informationThe G Word by Rev. Don Garrett delivered August 11, 2013 at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley
The G Word by Rev. Don Garrett delivered August 11, 2013 at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley God is there another word that stirs up more passions than that for and against? As a
More informationThe Science of Creation and the Flood. Introduction to Lesson 7
The Science of Creation and the Flood Introduction to Lesson 7 Biological implications of various worldviews are discussed together with their impact on science. UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY OF LIFE presents
More informationLesson 2. Systematic Theology Pastor Tim Goad. Part Two Theology Proper - Beginning at the Beginning I. Introduction to the One True God
Lesson 2 Part Two Theology Proper - Beginning at the Beginning I. Introduction to the One True God a. Arguments for the existence of God i. The Scriptural Argument Throughout Scripture we are presented
More informationCreation Revelation Robert & Mary Tozier WWW.CREATIONREVELATION.ORG Rtozier@creationrevelation.org Tel/Fax 808-672-7229 92-222 Hoalii Place, Kapolei, HI 96707. 1 The Science of Creation and the Flood 2
More informationInterview. with Ravi Ravindra. Can science help us know the nature of God through his creation?
Interview Buddhist monk meditating: Traditional Chinese painting with Ravi Ravindra Can science help us know the nature of God through his creation? So much depends on what one thinks or imagines God is.
More informationProcess Thought & Process Theism. By Fr. Charles Allen, Ph.D.
Process Thought & Process Theism By Fr. Charles Allen, Ph.D. What is process thought? It s a broad, mostly American philosophy of nature. It views the everyday world as fundamentally interactive, not inert
More informationJesus Christ Edict of Milan emperor worship paganism religio illicita = illegal religion ❶ the apostolic age (33 100) ❷ the persecuted age ( )
Humanism in History Theism in History The Roman Empire 33 313 Christianity Evangelical Jesus Christ Edict of Milan emperor worship paganism religio illicita = illegal religion ❶ the apostolic age (33 100)
More informationLESSON 1: ESTABLISHING CLASSROOM RULES, RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
UNIT I: INTRODUCTION TO RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES LESSON 1: ESTABLISHING CLASSROOM RULES, RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OBJECTIVES: To establish rules that ensure a safe, respectful classroom environment
More informationI'm sure that we all agree that there is a big difference between the word "Black" and what we commonly call "The 'N' word."
Atheist Debate ("Highlight" key words) I'm sure that we all agree that there is a big difference between the word "Black" and what we commonly call "The 'N' word." One describes an ethnic group, the other
More informationReview of Ronald Dworkin s Religion without God. Mark Satta Ph.D. student, Purdue University
CJR: Volume 3, Issue 1 155 Review of Ronald Dworkin s Religion without God Mark Satta Ph.D. student, Purdue University Religion without God by Ronald Dworkin. Pages: 192. Harvard University Press, 2013.
More informationIntroduction to Evolution. DANILO V. ROGAYAN JR. Faculty, Department of Natural Sciences
Introduction to Evolution DANILO V. ROGAYAN JR. Faculty, Department of Natural Sciences Only a theory? Basic premises for this discussion Evolution is not a belief system. It is a scientific concept. It
More informationSir Francis Bacon, Founder of the Scientific Method
There are two books laid before us to study, to prevent our falling into error; first, the volume of Scriptures, which revealed the will of God; then the volume of the Creatures, which expresses His power.
More informationPhilosophy is dead. Thus speaks Stephen Hawking, the bestknown
26 Dominicana Summer 2012 THE SCIENCE BEYOND SCIENCE Humbert Kilanowski, O.P. Philosophy is dead. Thus speaks Stephen Hawking, the bestknown physicist of the contemporary age and author of A Brief History
More informationThe Laws of Conservation
Atheism is a lack of belief mentality which rejects the existence of anything supernatural. By default, atheists are also naturalists and evolutionists. They believe there is a natural explanation for
More informationRevelation, Reason, and Demonstration Talk for Glenmont, Columbus, Ohio October 18, 2015 Laurance R. Doyle
Revelation, Reason, and Demonstration Talk for Glenmont, Columbus, Ohio October 18, 2015 Laurance R. Doyle One of the arguments against Christian Science is that it is about blind faith, rather than being
More informationNON-RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHIES OF LIFE AND THE WORLD Support Materials - GMGY
People express non-religious philosophies of life and the world in different ways. For children in your class who express who express a non-religious worldview or belief, it is important that the child
More informationCreating God in Our Own Image UU Church in Reston March 20, 2016 Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman. The Monthly Worship Theme for March is Many Images of God
1 Creating God in Our Own Image UU Church in Reston March 20, 2016 Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman The Monthly Worship Theme for March is Many Images of God Creating God in Our Own Image As we explore this month
More informationRonald Dworkin, Religion without God, Harvard University Press, 2013, pp. 192, 16.50, ISBN
Ronald Dworkin, Religion without God, Harvard University Press, 2013, pp. 192, 16.50, ISBN 9780674726826 Simone Grigoletto, Università degli Studi di Padova In 2009, Thomas Nagel, to whom Dworkin s book
More informationOne Scientist s Perspective on Intelligent Design
Science Perspective on ID Nick Strobel Page 1 of 7 One Scientist s Perspective on Intelligent Design I am going to begin my comments on Intelligent Design with some assumptions held by scientists (at least
More informationThe Odd Couple. Why Science and Religion Shouldn t Cohabit. Jerry A. Coyne 2012 Bale Boone Symposium The University of Kentucky
The Odd Couple Why Science and Religion Shouldn t Cohabit Jerry A. Coyne 2012 Bale Boone Symposium The University of Kentucky The problem Accomodationism: The widespread view that science and faith are
More informationCh01. Knowledge. What does it mean to know something? and how can science help us know things? version 1.5
Ch01 Knowledge What does it mean to know something? and how can science help us know things? version 1.5 Nick DeMello, PhD. 2007-2016 Ch01 Knowledge Knowledge Imagination Truth & Belief Justification Science
More informationSESSION 1. Science and God
SESSION 1 Science and God I was convinced that science and faith were at odds and that science definitely had the edge in the credibility department... And rather than facing an unyielding despair that
More informationRussell s China Teapot Peter van Inwagen St Thomas Aquinas has presented five well-known arguments for the
Department of Philosophy The University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-4619 vaninwagen.1@nd.edu Russell s China Teapot Peter van Inwagen St Thomas Aquinas has presented five well-known arguments
More informationOctober 5, 2014 I ve known the song Spirit of Life,
A Renewal of Faith Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson October 5, 2014 I ve known the song Spirit of Life, by heart, for longer than I can remember. Spirit of life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings
More informationMany people discover Wicca in bits and pieces. Perhaps Wiccan ritual
In This Chapter Chapter 1 Believing That Everything s Connected Discovering the key to Wicca Blending Wicca and science Finding the Divine: right here, right now Many people discover Wicca in bits and
More informationMorality, Miracles & Prophecy March 6, Ross Arnold, Winter 2015 Lakeside institute of Theology
Morality, Miracles & Prophecy March 6, 2015 Ross Arnold, Winter 2015 Lakeside institute of Theology Apologetics (CM4) Jan. 30 Introduction to Apologetics Feb. 6 Reliability of Witnesses Feb. 13 The Existence
More informationWHY I AM A UU HUMANIST Rev. Don Beaudreault First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Beaudreault
1 WHY I AM A UU HUMANIST Rev. Don Beaudreault First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist 10-4-15 OPENING READING My humanism tells me of the incredible panoply of human possibilities. The intricacies
More informationThe Development of Laws of Formal Logic of Aristotle
This paper is dedicated to my unforgettable friend Boris Isaevich Lamdon. The Development of Laws of Formal Logic of Aristotle The essence of formal logic The aim of every science is to discover the laws
More informationMorality Without God Rev. Amy Russell Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Glen Allen Sunday, February 7, 2016
Two itinerant preachers were riding horseback to get to the next town where they were scheduled to preach on Sunday. They started talking together and it turned out that one of the preachers was a Universalist.
More informationWHY BELIEVE? THE END OF THE MEDIEVAL WORLDVIEW
WHY BELIEVE? LECTURE ONE: CHALLENGES TO BELIEF INTRODUCTION THE END OF THE MEDIEVAL WORLDVIEW Gutenberg and the invention of printing press in mid-15 th century. The possibility of reading in one s own
More informationDARWIN and EVOLUTION
Rev Bob Klein First UU Church Stockton February 11, 2018 DARWIN and EVOLUTION The Theory of Evolution has been under siege from Fundamentalist Christians almost from the moment it was first described early
More informationFAITH & reason. The Pope and Evolution Anthony Andres. Winter 2001 Vol. XXVI, No. 4
FAITH & reason The Journal of Christendom College Winter 2001 Vol. XXVI, No. 4 The Pope and Evolution Anthony Andres ope John Paul II, in a speech given on October 22, 1996 to the Pontifical Academy of
More informationTheists and Atheists: Can We All Just Get Along?
Theists and Atheists: Can We All Just Get Along? Intro Years ago Jay Marx, who is a friend to many in this congregation, gave a sermon about his personal atheism. You can t really be an atheist, said Jay,
More informationIDHEF Chapter 2 Why Should Anyone Believe Anything At All?
IDHEF Chapter 2 Why Should Anyone Believe Anything At All? -You might have heard someone say, It doesn t really matter what you believe, as long as you believe something. While many people think this is
More informationJohn H. Calvert, Esq. Attorney at Law
John H. Calvert, Esq. Attorney at Law Kansas Office: Missouri Office: 460 Lake Shore Drive West 2345 Grand Blvd. Lake Quivira, Kansas 66217 Suite 2600 913-268-3778 or 0852 Kansas City, MO 64108 Dr. Steve
More informationProcess Theology. Duane Fickeisen
Process Theology Duane Fickeisen Lighting the Chalice Flame There are no whole truths; all truths are half-truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that plays the devil. A. N. Whitehead Introductions
More informationWhat is God? Does God Exist?
What is God? Does God Exist? Throughout this article I will refer to God as it rather than he or she for we have no evidence with which to ascribe a gender to God. The two questions What is God and Does
More informationHUMANISM November 11, 2007 Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum
HUMANISM November 11, 2007 Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum When I was in junior high, I declared that I was an atheist. In college, I tempered that a bit and referred to myself as agnostic. It wasn t until
More informationANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT ATHEISM
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT ATHEISM OUR LADY OF VICTORY FEBRUARY 28, 2016 INTRODUCTION Roots of Modern Atheism French Enlightenment Modern Atheism Our Response ROOTS OF MODERN ATHEISM Scientific Method
More informationWAR OF THE WORLDVIEWS #3. The Most Important Verse in the Bible
WAR OF THE WORLDVIEWS #3 The Most Important Verse in the Bible I. Welcome to the War of the Worldviews! A. What is a Worldview? 1. A worldview is simply how we see the world. A worldview is a set of beliefs
More informationTheists versus atheists: are conflicts necessary?
Theists versus atheists: are conflicts necessary? Abstract Ludwik Kowalski, Professor Emeritus Montclair State University New Jersey, USA Mathematics is like theology; it starts with axioms (self-evident
More informationThe Goldilocks Enigma Paul Davies
The Goldilocks Enigma Paul Davies The Goldilocks Enigma has a progression that is typical of late of physicists writing books for us common people. That progression is from physics to metaphysics to theology
More informationTHE ELEVATOR QUESTION. A sermon preached by the Rev. John H. Nichols to First Parish of Wayland on November 10, 2013.
THE ELEVATOR QUESTION A sermon preached by the Rev. John H. Nichols to First Parish of Wayland on November 10, 2013. The elevator question is essentially this: Imagine you have boarded an elevator on the
More informationGod and Evolution: E. F. Burr, Charles Darwin, and William Graham
The publication of Charles Darwin s On the Origin of Species in 1859 was a watershed moment in both the history of science and the history of religion. The theory of evolution (transmutation of species)
More informationWorldview Basics. What are the Major Worldviews? WE102 LESSON 01 of 05
Worldview Basics WE102 LESSON 01 of 05 Our Daily Bread Christian University This course was developed by Christian University & Our Daily Bread Ministries. Nineteenth-century American poet John Godfrey
More informationName: Period: 10 points Scientific Revolution / Enlightenment Study Guide
1. Define Scientific Revolution. Name: Period: 10 points Scientific Revolution / Enlightenment Study Guide 2. Name the scientist who incorporated scientific thought with philosophy and helped develop the
More informationThe Universe And You. Introduction
The Universe And You Poor Charles Darwin, father of modern evolution. He had a terrible time trying to keep God out of his theories. Just thinking about the eye merely evolving, Darwin admitted, was enough
More informationMarcel Sarot Utrecht University Utrecht, The Netherlands NL-3508 TC. Introduction
RBL 09/2004 Collins, C. John Science & Faith: Friends or Foe? Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2003. Pp. 448. Paper. $25.00. ISBN 1581344309. Marcel Sarot Utrecht University Utrecht, The Netherlands NL-3508 TC
More informationOne God, More or Less By Rev. Steven Protzman May 15, 2016 May, 2016
One God, More or Less By Rev. Steven Protzman May 15, 2016 May, 2016 First Reading: "Do You Believe in God?" by Rev. Jane Rzepka 1 Second Reading: "I Don't Have a Personal Relationship with God" by Patrick
More informationAtheism HISTORY. By Robert M. Bowman, Jr.
By Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Atheism Organizations: American Atheists; American Humanist Association; Atheists United; Council for Secular Humanism; Freedom from Religion Foundation Books: Bertrand Russell,
More informationGround Work 01 part one God His Existence Genesis 1:1/Psalm 19:1-4
Ground Work 01 part one God His Existence Genesis 1:1/Psalm 19:1-4 Introduction Tonight we begin a brand new series I have entitled ground work laying a foundation for faith o It is so important that everyone
More informationSample from Participant Book
Sample from Participant Book Introduction to Session One of The Fragrance Life PRAYER: "Imagine" Prayer from http://www.lutheransforlife.org/article/imagine-prayer/ Date: August 18, 2010 Almighty Father,
More informationYou should be able to explain and evaluate the Design argument, including its strengths and weaknesses
Theme C: Existence of God and Revelation. You should be able to explain and evaluate the Design argument, including its strengths and weaknesses Design (TELEOLOGICAL) Argument: The Argument that God designed
More informationBeing and the Hyperverse
Being and the Hyperverse Gabriel Vacariu (Philosophy, UB) Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil. Plato (?) The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge. Stephen Hawking
More informationIN THE BEGINNING GOD (Genesis 1)! The Story of Us Part 1! Message #1333" Pastor Keith Stewart" June 25-26, 2016" " Expanded Message Resources!
1 IN THE BEGINNING GOD (Genesis 1)! The Story of Us Part 1! Message #1333 Pastor Keith Stewart June 25-26, 2016 Expanded Message Resources! Our job as Christians is always to begin from the very beginning.
More informationChapter Six. Aristotle s Theory of Causation and the Ideas of Potentiality and Actuality
Chapter Six Aristotle s Theory of Causation and the Ideas of Potentiality and Actuality Key Words: Form and matter, potentiality and actuality, teleological, change, evolution. Formal cause, material cause,
More informationIntelligent Design: Two of the leading proponents of. Why Has It Become a Battleground Between Science and Religion? Nature&Science.
Nature&Science Intelligent Design: Why Has It Become a Battleground Between Science and Religion? By Nathan Aviezer Two of the leading proponents of intelligent design (ID) are the mathematician and philosopher
More informationFlowers in the Desert A Spiritual Journey Karl Weston. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito Solana Beach, California March 30, 2008
Flowers in the Desert A Spiritual Journey Karl Weston Good Morning Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito Solana Beach, California March 30, 2008 A few months ago, I was scheduled to give a
More informationThe Nature of Science: Methods for Seeking Natural Patterns in the Universe Using Rationalism and Empiricism Mike Viney
The Nature of Science: Methods for Seeking Natural Patterns in the Universe Using Rationalism and Empiricism Mike Viney Fascination with science often starts at an early age, as it did with me. Many students
More informationDoes Science Contradict Scripture?
In Defense of Holy Scripture HaDavar November 7, 2017 Ron Keller Session 6 Does Science Contradict Scripture? Aldous Huxley once said: Modern science makes it impossible to believe in a personal God; Bertrand
More informationWho are The UU s? September 20, 2009
Who are The UU s? September 20, 2009 By now I can imagine you are puzzled and asking yourselves, What is she doing? Opening the service quoting from the bible, a chalice lighting from a humanist, and a
More informationThe Really Real 9/25/16 Romans 1:18-23
The Really Real 9/25/16 Romans 1:18-23 Introduction Today I m going to violate a rule of grammar. The adverb is not our friend. It s the weak tool of a lazy mind. Don t use adverbs in other words. But
More informationThis is copyrighted material
June 2010 ISBN 978-0-8356-0853-4 $16.95 pb 6x9 272 pages THE POWER OF STORY God made man because He loved stories. Elie Wiesel What are you doing here? As we just discussed in the chapter on Incarnation,
More informationFrege and Russell on Names and Descriptions Naïve theories
Frege and Russell on Names and Descriptions Naïve theories Owen Griffiths oeg21@cam.ac.uk Churchill and Newnham, Cambridge 9/10/18 Talk outline The Philosophy of Language The Name Theory The Idea Theory
More informationwww.xtremepapers.com Context/ clarification Sources Credibility Deconstruction Assumptions Perspective Conclusion Further reading Bibliography Intelligent design: everything on earth was created by God
More informationAPOLOGETICS The Mind s Journey to Heaven
APOLOGETICS The Mind s Journey to Heaven 2 Questions today 1. Hasn t science proven Christianity false? 2. Can a rational person believe in Christianity? THINGS BELIEVERS SHOULD REMEMBER Matthew 5:3 blessed
More informationPhilosophy Quiz 12 The Age of Descartes
Philosophy Quiz 12 The Age of Descartes Name (in Romaji): Student Number: Grade: / 8 (12.1) What is dualism? [A] The metaphysical view that reality ultimately consists of two kinds of things, basically,
More information