Two
atheist・s theses:
1)
It is more
important to be free or autonomous than to have a grand meaning or purpose to
life.
2)
Religion
provides a grand meaning or purpose to life but it does not allow human to be
free or autonomous.
Definitions
of ．autonomy・: self-governing, the ability to make choices on the basis of
good reasons rather than being coerced by threats or forces from without. Definitions
of ．meaning・: life has a purpose. There is some intrinsic rationale or plan
to it.
Walker
against that:
1)
It makes
autonomy into an unjustified absolute.
2)
It creates a
false dilemma.
Explain
from giving example:
1)
Autonomy can be
measured in units (calls ．autontoms・)
A)
we have 100
autontoms, we can do every thing we want, but we will die in 5 minutes
B)
we have 95
autontoms, we only cannot commit adultery or kill someone, but we can be joyful.
Walker
would choose the situation B.
èautonomy
is not the only value in the universe. Most of us are willing to give up a few
autontoms for an enormous increase in happiness.
OR èautonomy
is not an absolute which always overrides every other value. It is an important
value among others.
2)
In the bible,
John 8:32 ． Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free・
èfreedom
and meaning are not in opposites.
Having
beliefs is important in reaching one・s goals, it follows that our autonomy is
actually heightened, in having the truth about the purpose of life.
If
theism is true and we have a benevolent supreme being governing the universe.
Than the world is far better than if it is not.
èThe
following eight theses area true:
1.
We are the
produce of a Heavenly Being who care about us.
2.
Good will win
out over evil. God is on our side in the battle.
3.
God loves and
cares for us. So that we have a deeper motive for morale good actions.
4.
We have an
answer to be moral; it・s clearly in your interest. Evil is bad, god is good.
5.
Cosmic Justice
reigns in the universe. The scales are perfectly balanced.
6.
All person is
of equal worth.
7.
A happy ending
for all.
8.
There is a life
after death. We shall live on, recognizing each other in a better world.
The
world of the theist is far better and more satisfying to us than one in which
God does mot exist.