This letter is intended for every theist, and does not focus on any particular theistic religion. It sums up my problems with theism in question form (as there may well be answers to these problems), and defines my position. In essence, this is the answer to the question,"Why don't you believe in God?" I hope this settles the matter...
Important Note: This letter is not intended to be some kind of ultimate proof or even a list of what I find wrong with theism. It is a summation of my opinion. If you wish to respond, do so to my other, more complete articles.
Dear Theist:
My name is Nathan, and I'm an atheist. I feel like there has been a communication breakdown between us, so I am writing this letter to clear things up, and perhaps receive some clarification for myself. I used to be a theist, so I know quite a bit about your views, but I'm not sure if you really understand mine, or why I am no longer a theist.
You see, I don't believe in your god. That's all. I am not the only one, either. Most people in the world don't share your beliefs. Most people do, however, have religious beliefs of some kind.
Many beliefs are mutually exclusive, claiming that others are false. How am I supposed to know which one is true? How do you know that yours is true? What makes the Christians or Jews or Moslems or Hindus etc. wrong, while you are right? Wouldn't you most likely be of another faith if you were born in a different household or country?
Do you accept these people of other faiths? Do you respect those deep, personal beliefs held by others who do not agree with you? Do you extend the same courtesy to me?
I have examined your faith, most likely. I have studied, to varying degrees, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Mormonism and Scientology. Have you? Have you deeply examined the faith you currently hold?
Most religions have a "holy" book, and I am guessing that your religion is no different. Have you read the entire thing? Have you seen and looked into criticism of your book from an outside source? Is your book absolutely 100% true, or are there some errors or discrepancies or ambiguities? How do you know which parts are true, and which are questionable? Have you examined historically the claims about your book? Are you sure it was written the way it says it was?
Have you ever seen any real action by your deity (like through prayer)? I thought that I did, but have come to realize that I just really wanted to believe. Why would your god permit suffering and injustice until someone asks him to change things? Is this real justice? If you are a true follower, then why would your god allow bad things to happen to you? If your god rewards his followers, then why weren't the world's problems solved a long time ago, especially in areas dominated by your religion?
Not a single religion exists that tells a creation myth that is anything like the scientific facts. How do you reconcile your doctrine with the facts? Many theists don't believe that their creation story is literal truth. Where do you draw the line? How do you know when any of your stories are literal or metaphorical? Do you believe these things until they are proven impossible?
If you believe your particular creation story, how do you know this is true? What evidence, other than oral traditions and your religious book, do you have to support this? Why would your deity create everything and then make it look like he didn't? Why wouldn't he make it abundantly clear? Why wouldn't he make your book, your divine message, clear and unequivocal on all important issues?
Where are the miracles? Many religions, such as Christianity, claim that true followers are capable of mighty supernatural deeds. Who and where are these people? Why is it that your powerful deity restrains himself to small, questionable "miracles" that could be faked or misunderstood as such? Why not do something large and well-documented (videotape) to prove his existence? Wouldn't this earn many followers? Wouldn't this eliminate doubt? Do you view miracles pertaining to your faith with the same skepticism you would use when viewing miracles of other faiths?
Does your religion have an eternal reward/punishment view of the afterlife? How can eternal punishment for earthly sins be justice? Would Adolf Hitler really deserve to burn forever for his crimes against humanity? Two billion years, perhaps? Two thousand years of excruciating, unimaginable pain? What about someone who, after searching, honestly finds no compelling evidence to believe in your particular god? How much unbearable torment should they receive?
Is your deity all knowing and all-powerful? How can evil, sin, or anything your god disapproves of exist in his universe? Why not eliminate these things? What is the fate of the billions of people in human history who have died without ever hearing about your god? Are they punished for their own ignorance, something they could not control? Are they rewarded? If so, why do they get a free ride while the rest of us have to work for it? How could either of these options be justice?
How do you explain the numerous wars and atrocities committed in the name of your god? Were these people confused? How so?
Do you believe that all morals, all right and wrong, are because of your god? How do you explain actions by your god that are immoral, or approval by your god for heinous acts (as detailed in "holy" books)? Has the morality taught in your book changed at all? Do you still follow commandments for food, dress, and religious rituals? Do you follow the rules for slavery, subjugation of women, and destruction of other cultures of a different faith?
I cannot get past these things. I assume that you somehow can. Perhaps you could tell me how.
My position is one of default. Having searched, studied, and debated, I still find no compelling or desirable reason to believe as you do. In the end, I have rejected all of the different religions (just one more rejection than you), but will continue to seek knowledge. Such a pursuit can only be a virtue.
I admit that it is not particularly desirable to me to worship your deity alongside you. Based on what I know from my reading, I would not consider your deity worthy of my time or praise. Your deity has been credited with actions and rules that all objective people would deem unjust. In addition, I don't see why an omnipotent deity, who needs nothing, would want or demand worship...especially from beings like us. I find this illogical.
I think that your religion has done more harm than good. It has, in the past and present, caused unnecessary wars and impeded significant scientific and cultural progress. I consider your religion an obstacle, not an aid, on the road to true liberty and enlightenment.
Personally, I find your beliefs lacking. I see no good reason to believe such things. Nonetheless, I encourage you to find your own path, and I will treat your beliefs and practices the same way I would expect mine to be treated: with absolute non-intervention. While I may state reasons why I think you are wrong, I would never presume to impose my beliefs (or lack thereof) on you. Please treat me the same way.
Perhaps, someday, in a more perfect world, we can coexist in mutual respect and modest understanding. I am an atheist, and you are a theist. We happen to have slightly different impressions of the human experience, but for the most part our experiences on this planet are the same. Maybe we're not so different after all.
Sincerely,
Nathan