5.1 Context to critiques of beliefs & points for discussion

• What does Atheism describe?

  The position that God does not exist
• What does a theist believe?

  A theist believes in God.
• How does Agnosticism differ from Atheism?

  Agnosticism describes your knowledge state, while A/theism describes your belief state.
• What is the position of a gnostic?

  A gnostic would claim to know what they believe for sure.
• What is a Gnostic atheist?

  A Gnostic atheist is a strong atheist who claims to know for sure that there is no God.
• Why is strong atheism considered a rare position?

  It is difficult to be absolutely sure of anything, especially a negative claim like the non-existence of God.
• What does the term weak atheism refer to?

  Weak atheism refers to atheists who do not claim to know for sure that there is no God.
• How does Dawkins describe his certainty about the existence of God?

  Dawkins claims he is at a 6 on a scale of 1 to 7 regarding certainty that there is no God.
• What does Russell's teapot illustrate?

  Russell's teapot illustrates weak atheism by showing that we should not believe in something without evidence.
• What is Freud's view on religion?

  Freud called religion an 'obsessional neurosis' stemming from the fear of death.
• What are the two main psychological forces Freud identifies as deriving religion?

  The fear of death and the desire for eternal innocence.
• How does Freud explain the term 'father' in relation to God?

  Freud argues that Christians call God 'father' due to a desire to remain a child forever.
• What is a critique of Freud's account of religion?

  Freud's account is unscientific, overgeneralized, and overly-reductive.
• What is Marx's view on the function of religion in society?

  Marx believes religion serves to legitimize structures of social domination.
• How does Marx's theory relate to ideology?

  Marx's theory of religion is part of his theory of ideology, which addresses social privilege and oppression.
• What is a critique of Marx's approach to religion?

  Marx's approach ignores the spiritual side of religion and the personal connection to God.
• How does Westphal describe the shift in philosophy of religion?

  Westphal describes a shift from critical analysis of religious belief to providing alternative psychological or sociological explanations.
• What was Scholasticism's stance on reason in theology?

  Scholasticism insisted that reason had an important role to play in theology.
• How did Kant and Hume impact belief in God?

  Kant and Hume critiqued arguments for the existence of God, undermining the credibility of reason-based belief.
• What did Kant argue about knowledge of God?

  Kant argued that God exists in the 'noumenal realm,' which we cannot experience.
• What is Kierkegaard's view on faith and reason?

  Kierkegaard insisted that religion requires a 'leap of faith' and cannot be based on rational arguments.
• How does Schleiermacher contribute to the understanding of religion?

  Schleiermacher argued that the essence of religion is found in an experience of unity with God.
• What does Westphal say about the shift from skepticism to suspicion?

  Westphal notes that Hume shifted the critique of religion from logical reasons to the psychology behind belief.
• What does Hume's notion of instrumental religion imply?

  Hume's notion implies that piety is often grounded in selfish hopes and fears.
• What is the main issue with sociological or psychological critiques of religion according to Westphal?

  These critiques do not address the truth of religious belief or the existence of God.
• What is the response to Westphal's critique regarding psychological explanations of religious belief?

  The response is that psychological explanations suggest humans created the concept of God rather than God existing independently.
• What is Dawkins' view on irrational belief?

  Dawkins argues that an irrational mind believes whatever it wants instead of seeking the truth.
• How does Dawkins compare religion to fairy tales?

  Dawkins compares religion to fairy tales, suggesting it is an unscientific and childish attempt to explain reality.
• What is McGrath's counterargument to Dawkins' view on religion?

  McGrath argues that many reasonable adults convert to religion, indicating it is not solely a childish belief.
• What does McGrath say about the analogy of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy?

  McGrath states that the analogy is flawed since there are no adults who believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy.
• What is the significance of postmodernism in relation to religion?

  Postmodernism represents a decline in the credibility of grand narratives, including religion.
• How has multiculturalism influenced postmodernism?

  Multiculturalism has made it harder to entertain the idea that one religion could be the true grand narrative.
• What is the consequence of the decline of grand narratives according to postmodern theorists?

  The consequence is that religion has become a commodity or social club rather than a grand narrative.
• What is the implication of modernism's failure to replace religion?

  The implication is that we are left without an ultimate guiding backdrop to interpret life, leading to hedonism.
• What are the main types of atheism and agnosticism?

  • Strong atheism: Gnostic atheists who claim to know for sure there is no God.
  • Weak atheism: Agnostic atheists who do not claim to know for sure there is no God.
• What are Freud's main arguments regarding religion?

  • Religion is an 'obsessional neurosis.'
  • It derives from the fear of death and the desire for eternal innocence.
  • Psychological forces lead to delusions explaining religious experiences.
• What are Marx's main critiques of religion?

  • Religion legitimizes social domination.
  • It provides consolation to the oppressed.
  • It ignores the spiritual side of religion.
• What is the shift in the philosophy of religion according to Westphal?

  • Shift from critical analysis of religious belief to alternative psychological or sociological explanations.
  • Emphasis on the historical context of religious thought.
• What are the key ideas of postmodernism regarding religion?

  • Decline of grand narratives, including religion.
  • Religion becomes a commodity or social club.
  • Multiculturalism complicates the idea of a single true religion.
• What is the significance of the transition from skepticism to suspicion in critiques of religion?

  • Shift from questioning logical reasons for belief to examining psychological motivations.
  • Focus on why people believe in God rather than if God exists.