Religious proponents often argue that it is crucial to shield humanity from atheism, contending that individuals in distress require support and hope to cultivate patience, which they assert are absent in atheism.
Counterargument:
Numerous atheist and non-religious societies, such as those in China, Vietnam, and parts of Africa, have thrived for millennia. If reliance on divine hopes were essential, these societies would have struggled to sustain themselves through early generations.
Mental Resilience:
The human mind is capable of providing the necessary support and preparation to face challenging situations. For instance, when faced with the prospect of death, it is the mind that rationalizes and accepts death as a reality. The mind might further perceive death as a form of relief or transition, leading to a sense of peace. Consequently, atheists often exhibit greater tranquility at the time of death compared to their religious counterparts [Interviews of mostly irreligious people before Euthanasia where they are calm as they are mentally ready to die].
Similarly, when confronted with injustice, the mind recognizes that the universe does not inherently operate on principles of justice. Instead, concepts of justice have been developed by human beings through the process of evolution to enhance societal well-being. The mind encourages persistence and patience in the face of injustice, fostering the courage to confront and address such issues.
Mental Preparation:
In essence, there is no situation in the world for which the human mind cannot prepare an individual. Once mentally prepared, individuals do not require additional external hopes or support from a deity.
Further Considerations:
Religious individuals often rely on divine hope, which may result in a lack of mental preparation for adverse situations. When these hopes are unfulfilled, the resultant disillusionment can exacerbate their distress. Additionally, false hopes can prevent individuals from addressing real issues effectively, leading to poor decision-making and increased vulnerability.
Moreover, religious individuals may allocate their resources—time, energy, and money—towards prayers and sacrifices rather than resolving underlying problems. This diversion of resources can hinder the practical resolution of issues, perpetuating reliance on divine intervention.
Hassan Radwan