ATHEISTS SHOULD DIVORCE CHRISTIAN MORALITY
For centuries atheists have been arguing that they provide a framework superior to Christianity. Today it is not unusual for many non-theists to declare that human life can have intrinsic worth independent of the Judeo-Christian deity in whose image we are thought to be made or that morality is possible without God. Some non-theists have offered compelling arguments in favor of these claims and this is exactly why atheism is not radical. If you deny the existence of God, then divorce Christianity. Writers from Christopher Dawson to Larry Siedentop propound the thesis that Western civilization is a product of Christian. So, an atheist can only express real radicalism by rejecting Christian ethics. Christians inform us that dignity in Christ is unmerited; therefore, life has intrinsic worth because it is a sacred creation. Atheists doubt the existence of God, but some submit that human life is intrinsically valuable, on the account that we have the capacity to express value in his absence. On the other hand, others claim that there is no God, so since we are existing without him, life is innately valuable, because our existence is not contingent upon him.
Listening to atheists is quite intriguing. One must wonder why people opposed to the idea of God would want to appropriate the religious values of Christianity. Christians believe that life is intrinsically valuable, so to dismiss Christianity, atheists should state that intrinsic value is not necessary for a satisfying life. Atheists must proudly contend that human life is valuable, due to its potential. As a result, instead of mimicking Christianity, they will begin to revere life due to its instrumental value. Humans have the capacity to achieve by expressing their desires, as such, it is sensible to respect human life. Economists have long known that property rights are essential in achieving long-term economic growth. None of us are desirous of residing in a world where our rights are frequently abrogated. Therefore, from an atheistic perspective valuing life for its instrumental function is legitimate. Life does not need to possess intrinsic worth for it to be valuable.
Neither is purpose necessary for a satisfying life. Unlike atheism, Christianity is a religious and philosophical system with a solid roadmap. The purpose of life is to live in accordance with biblical principles, according to the Christian worldview. Atheists do not subscribe to a religious outlook; thus, they are not obliged to believe that life has an essential purpose. Individuals are therefore forced to chart a course of their own. Obviously, not all goals are equal, but humans are intelligent enough to appreciate that some activities ought to be avoided, based on the costs they incur. We have established that life is important, because of its instrumental value. So, all questions about the meaning of life are irrelevant. Atheists cannot have the same standards as Christians who passionately explore the meaning of life.
Lacking belief in God the atheist must ensure that his life is productive. There are many happy and astute people who express no belief. Contemplating the meaning of life and existence must be dismissed by real atheists. These questions are fallacious when there is no religion to describe a clear case for man’s existence. A true atheist is interested in the fact of his existence. Metaphysical assumptions are more important to religious people. It may sound unsettling, yet atheists should not shy away from asserting that man is just matter. Spiritually is a religious concept, so taking his atheism seriously, a true atheist will repudiate mysticism.
Spirituality without religion is a fad that needs to die if atheists want to distinguish themselves from religious adherents. Likewise, atheists must desist from debating moral issues with Christians. Christian morality is of a regulative form in that it recommends what is proscribed and disallows prohibitions. Therefore, the atheistic position must be radically different. Whereas Christian morality is concerned with righteousness, atheists should depict morality as a defense of individual rights. Fornication and homosexuality, for example, are immoral according to Christians. Clearly when they discuss morality atheists and Christians are having separate conversations. Hence, atheists have no option but to create a counter-morality.
This counter-morality will be premised on individual rights. Any action seeking to violate the rights of another person is immoral. As individuals, we only exert autonomy over ourselves. Imposing our standards on third parties is intrusive and immoral. By jettisoning Christian morality, atheists can finally liberate themselves from Christianity. Some may say that atheistic morality is fodder for licentiousness. But this is a simplistic view. The licentious man has a choice, we may disagree with his endeavors, but forcing him to express a sentiment contrary to his conscience is immoral. If he chooses to reform, that is a different matter, yet so long as he prefers an alternative lifestyle, ignore him.
Man is the author of his path and requires no moral creed from God. Furthermore, science proves that that humans evolved to be good. Through reason, they have developed their own ethics. Moreover, the argument of religious people that there are limits to human reason based on the brutality of totalitarian systems is flawed. Nazism, Communism, and Fascism are often invoked to justify this thesis. However, these examples represent the triumph of collectivism over individualism. A political system designed to protect individual rights, if properly managed cannot produce such atrocities. The tragedies of the twentieth century do not reflect, the frailty of human reason, but rather the dangerous ascent of groupthink.
Politeness is no defense of atheism. Atheists should not be coy about human achievement. In the absence of God, they can indeed establish a system conducive to human flourishing. Christians may indicate that replacing God with a counter-morality is prideful. Such utterances do not deserve a serious reply. There are many Christians lacking in morals and wisdom. On the contrary, notwithstanding the criticisms of atheism, several Christian ideas are promoted, due to their instrumental value, for example, marriage. Properly understood, Christianity is just as utilitarian as atheistic morality. Atheists should no longer express their views with caution, they must unabashedly divorce Christianity.