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An Atheist Responds
Posted By Stefan Monsaureus
In his characteristically eloquent and unequivocal response to Michael Gerson’s “What Atheists Can’t Answer” op-ed (13 July 2007), Christopher Hitchens lays to rest the long-dead but oft repeated notion that religion is a prerequisite to morality.
Here is my challenge. Let Gerson name one ethical statement made, or one ethical action performed, by a believer that could not have been uttered or done by a nonbeliever. And here is my second challenge. Can any reader of this column think of a wicked statement made, or an evil action performed, precisely because of religious faith? The second question is easy to answer, is it not? The first — I have been asking it for some time — awaits a convincing reply. By what right, then, do the faithful assume this irritating mantle of righteousness? They have as much to apologize for as to explain.
Perhaps the most salient point in this piece was this:
But this sober conclusion, objective as it is, is surely preferable to the delusion that we have been created diseased, by a capricious despot, and then abruptly commanded to be whole and well, on pain of terror and torture. That sick joke is one that we can cease to find impressive, that belongs in the infancy of our species, and gives a false picture of reality that we would do well to outgrow.
Well said, Mr. Hitchens! It is a mark of maturity when one can recognize (and, indeed, do) the right thing without the threat of everlasting damnation or the even more frightening prospect of excommunication, exile, torture or death at the hands of one’s fellow travelers. Religions, like fairy tales and fables, have their place in a child’s education, but must be surrendered to reason. It is one of the surest signs of becoming a responsible adult.
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14 July 2007
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