The remedy for atheism will be achieved through the Church’s doctrine, suitably presented, and through the integrity of her own life and that of all believers. By Rev. Dr. Enrique Cases
Saint Paul says to the Romans:
-For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man- (1, 18-23)
Saint Paul’s words help us summarize some of the most frequent causes of atheism in practice:
– Pride or arrogance. The proud man believes himself superior and independent. God gets in his way because He limits him and becomes, for him, an enemy.
– Disordered passions. God would be a brake on the uncontrolled search for pleasures. Those who think only of enjoyment do not want any limit placed on their selfishness and, as a consequence, reject God.
Before Saint Paul, the Book of Wisdom had said:
-from the works they did not recognize the craftsman (…), for from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator- (13, 1, 5)
THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO ATHEISM
-The Church holds that the recognition of God is in no way hostile to man’s dignity, since this dignity is rooted and perfected in God. For man was made an intelligent and free member of society by God Who created him, but even more important, he is called as a son to commune with God and share in His happiness. She further teaches that a hope related to the end of time does not diminish the importance of intervening duties but rather undergirds the acquittal of them with fresh incentives. By contrast, when a divine instruction and the hope of life eternal are wanting, man’s dignity is most grievously lacerated, as current events often attest; riddles of life and death, of guilt and of grief go unsolved with the frequent result that men succumb to despair.» (GS, 21)
Some atheists maintain (for example, Marxists) that hope in a future life turns man away from the necessary concern for the things of this world. Rather, the opposite must be said: when the religious meaning of life is lacking, man is degraded. Thus the lack of religious faith increases homicide, alcoholism, divorce, abortion, drug use, sexual disorder with its consequences, such as rape, etc., all sins that go not only against the law of God, but also against healthy coexistence among men.
On the other hand, only religious faith gives meaning to enigmas such as life and death, guilt and pain, which not rarely lead to despair and suicide.
-The remedy which must be applied to atheism, however, is to be sought in a proper presentation of the Church’s teaching as well as in the integral life of the Church and her members. For it is the function of the Church, led by the Holy Spirit Who renews and purifies her ceaselessly, to make God the Father and His Incarnate Son present and in a sense visible. This result is achieved chiefly by the witness of a living and mature faith, namely, one trained to see difficulties clearly and to master them. Many martyrs have given luminous witness to this faith and continue to do so. This faith needs to prove its fruitfulness by penetrating the believer’s entire life, including its worldly dimensions, and by activating him toward justice and love, especially regarding the needy. What does the most reveal God’s presence, however, is the brotherly charity of the faithful who are united in spirit as they work together for the faith of the Gospel and who prove themselves a sign of unity.- (GS, 21)
Among the remedies for atheism, the Council points out:
– the adequate presentation of doctrine; for, so that there may not be atheists through ignorance of the truth about God, believers must know and spread the truth;
– that believers should lead an upright life; for men are convinced more by facts that confirm theories than by the theories themselves;
– love for others, ratified by works, which will be a practical demonstration of love for God.
The martyrs and the saints are a clear testimony of that consistent faith.
Author: Rev. Dr. Enrique Cases
Source: Encuentra.com
