Robert Ingersoll’s quote sets the stage: ‘If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would strictly follow the teachings of the New, he would be insane.’
Is the world truly becoming less religious? While some perceive a decline in traditional faith, many argue that religion is actually resurgent. To understand this debate, clear definitions are crucial. Atheism, agnosticism, and anti-theism represent distinct viewpoints.
Atheism, at its core, is the belief that God does not exist. Agnosticism, conversely, maintains an open mind, acknowledging the possibility of God’s existence but finding conclusive evidence lacking. Anti-theism, a more assertive stance, views religion as harmful and advocates for its elimination.
Francois Tremblay’s work champions anti-theism, denouncing religion as a form of deception and ‘mental terrorism.’ He argues that belief in the afterlife fosters immorality and criticizes religion’s intolerance and shifting doctrines. Tremblay contends that religion relies on false promises, objectionable texts, and unnatural concepts, essentially branding it a ‘criminal enterprise.’
Tremblay challenges arguments for the existence of God, referencing the works of George Smith, Michael Martin, and Corey Washington. He posits that complexity and order do not automatically imply design.
While Tremblay’s book offers valuable insights, it is not without its flaws. For example, it doesn’t differentiate between established religions and cults, and its definition of theocracy is debated. Additionally, the work could benefit from incorporating discoveries in science and logic. For instance, Gödel’s incompleteness theorems demonstrate inherent limitations in formal systems, a concept relevant to discussions about proving or disproving God’s existence.
Ultimately, Tremblay’s analysis may miss the broader context. As Freud suggested, religion can be viewed as a psychological phenomenon rooted in emotional needs. Religious beliefs, while potentially irrational, fulfill deep-seated emotional requirements.
Tremblay’s book serves as a guide to the ongoing conflict between reason and faith, offering a perspective on the challenges posed by what he sees as a resurgence of irrationality.