Atheism – A Philosophical Justification

“Atheism: A Philosophical Justification” by Michael Martin is a comprehensive exploration and defense of atheism from a philosophical perspective. Published by Temple University Press, the book presents a rigorous case against the existence of God, critically examining various arguments for theism and presenting a positive case for atheism. Martin outlines five principal justifications for atheism, each contributing to a thorough philosophical analysis. While these justifications offer a robust defense of atheism, a Christian perspective can offer counterarguments that challenge Martin’s conclusions.

1. The Argument from Incoherence: Martin argues that the concept of God, particularly as understood in classical theism, is incoherent. He contends that attributes typically ascribed to God, such as omnipotence, omniscience, and perfect goodness, are logically incompatible or lead to contradictions. This argument suggests that the very notion of God is unintelligible, undermining the foundation of theistic belief.
2. The Argument from Evil: This argument, also known as the problem of evil, posits that the existence of evil and suffering in the world is incompatible with the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfect God. Martin argues that the prevalence of evil, both natural and moral, challenges the belief in a benevolent Creator, suggesting that such a God would not allow the existence of gratuitous suffering.
3. The Argument from Nonbelief: Martin contends that widespread nonbelief or disbelief in God is evidence against God’s existence. He argues that if a loving God existed, He would ensure that all people had access to the truth of His existence, particularly since belief is often considered necessary for salvation. The fact that many people do not believe in God, Martin argues, suggests that such a God does not exist.
4. The Argument from Lack of Evidence: This argument asserts that there is insufficient evidence to justify belief in God. Martin argues that the burden of proof lies with the theist to provide compelling evidence for the existence of God and that the available evidence is inadequate to support theistic belief. This argument challenges the rational basis for belief in God, suggesting that atheism is the default position in the absence of convincing evidence.
5. The Argument from Divine Hiddenness: Martin argues that the hiddenness of God, or the lack of clear and unambiguous divine revelation, challenges the belief in a God who desires a relationship with humanity. He contends that if such a God existed, He would make His existence and will clearly known to all people, eliminating any ambiguity or doubt. The fact that God’s existence is not evident to all, Martin suggests, is more consistent with the non-existence of God.

From a Christian perspective, these justifications for atheism can be refuted or addressed in various ways:

1. Coherence of God’s Attributes: Christian theologians have long grappled with the compatibility of God’s attributes, offering nuanced understandings that seek to reconcile apparent contradictions. For example, omnipotence does not mean the ability to do the logically impossible but rather the power to do all that is logically possible.
2. Theodicy and the Problem of Evil: Christian responses to the problem of evil often appeal to the concept of free will, the greater good, and the inscrutability of God’s purposes. These responses argue that God allows evil for the sake of greater good, such as the development of virtues or the preservation of human freedom.
3. Divine Hiddenness and the Role of Faith: Christians believe that God has revealed Himself through various means, including scripture, the natural world, and the person of Jesus Christ. God’s hiddenness is understood as an invitation to faith and a means of preserving human freedom, allowing individuals to choose or reject a relationship with God.
4. Evidence for God’s Existence: Christian apologists point to various forms of evidence for God’s existence, including the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, and the moral argument, among others. These arguments suggest that the existence of the universe, its apparent design, and the existence of objective moral values point to the existence of God.
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit and Human Responsiveness: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit works in individuals’ hearts and minds, enabling them to recognize and respond to God’s revelation. The presence of unbelief is attributed to human resistance to the Holy Spirit’s influence rather than a failure on God’s part to reveal Himself.

While “Atheism: A Philosophical Justification” presents a comprehensive case for atheism, a Christian perspective offers counterarguments that challenge Martin’s conclusions. These counterarguments seek to demonstrate the coherence of theism, address the problem of evil, and highlight the evidences for God’s existence, providing a rational basis for faith in the God of the Christian Bible.