A Question About Atheism
The General Idea of the Lecture
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III discusses the topic of atheism, explaining its meaning and causes, and presents rational and spiritual evidence for the existence of God through contemplation of creation and the order present in the universe and in human beings. He also explains that faith in God is rooted in human nature, and that atheism is often connected to psychological, intellectual, or social factors rather than being purely a rational issue.
First: The Meaning of Atheism
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that atheism means denying the existence of God. However, he shows that this denial conflicts with many clear evidences in the universe and in life, which point to the existence of a wise Creator who is able to do all things.
Second: Evidence of God’s Existence in Creation
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III indicates that the existence of life on earth is a strong proof of God’s existence, because life cannot come from lifeless matter or random chance. The existence of matter itself also needs explanation, since matter cannot be eternal because it is changeable and weak by nature.
Third: The Amazing Order in the Universe
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the precise order found in the universe, such as the movement of the earth, the sun, and the moon, and the succession of night and day and the seasons. This precise order indicates the existence of a great Engineer who established these laws and organized creation with great wisdom.
Fourth: The Wonder of Human and Living Creation
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reviews the complexity of the human body, such as the function of the brain, the heart, and the different systems of the body, which science despite its advancement cannot create. He also refers to examples in nature such as bees, the unique fingerprints of every human being, and different voices, all of which indicate divine wisdom in creation.
Fifth: Miracles and the Limits of Human Reason
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that miracles are not against reason, but they are above the level of reason. The human mind is limited, while God is unlimited, therefore human beings cannot understand all the works of God.
Sixth: Faith as an Innate Nature in Humans
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that faith in God exists in the nature of humans from childhood, as even a child accepts the idea of prayer and faith without objection, which shows that faith is part of human instinct.
Seventh: Causes of the Spread of Atheism
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III indicates that atheism may result from psychological factors, desires, social pressures, or philosophical ideas. He also explains that some ideological and political systems tried to deny God, yet faith remained in the hearts of people.
The Spiritual Message
The lecture emphasizes that contemplating creation and the order of the universe leads the human being to know God and believe in Him. It also encourages the believer to trust that God exists and works in the world, even if the human mind cannot understand all the mysteries of creation.
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