Author(s): MURRAY, MALCOLM

Philosophy

"The Atheist's Primer" examines arguments for belief in God and finds them all untenable. But there are many and diverse arguments for God's existence, and so atheists need to be as savvy as theists - hence the Primer. This little book lays down reasons for atheism. To the question, 'Does God exist?' the resounding answer is 'No!' Individuals may believe whatever they want, of course. There is no shortage of untenable beliefs. This book does not address one's right to believe whatever one wants. Its concern is strictly with the epistemic warrant of the belief. The intended audience of the book is not restricted to atheists. Whatever side of the fence we sit on, our beliefs should be well-founded. The goal of this primer is to offer the best reasons going - for both sides. Atheists may learn them and use them at their disposal. Theists should be well informed of them (if not acquiesce to them). "The Atheist's Primer" has five parts. Part 1 examines the differences between agnosticism and atheism, and explores the common criticism that atheists dismiss the wrong god. Part 2 clarifies why proofs for God fail. Part 3 examines the contradictions inherent in conceiving the nature of God.
If God is defined as the being with specific attributes, and those specific attributes are impossible, or self-contradictory, then God, so defined, cannot exist. The classic problem of evil and the famous paradox of the stone occur here. Part 4 examines issues with faith, including rational, existential, fideist, mystical, and postmodern views. In all cases the conclusion is not much different. The appeal to faith reduces to the claim that the speaker believes in God. But since that was never in doubt, the diversion was idle. Part 5 examines the existential fear that often accompanies persons who consider giving up their belief in a god. Are mystical experiences devoid of spirit? What happens to morality? Does one have a reason to keep on living? What happens after death, then? The answer to the first is, 'Yes, what else?' The answer to the second is 'Nothing.' The answer to the third is 'Yes, of course.' The answer to the last is 'Nothing, sorry.' This is a rigorous yet accessible examination of various epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical issues pertaining to belief in God.