“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’.” (Psalm 14:1a)
What are some of the atheistic and naturalistic alternative worldviews people ascribe to instead of biblical theism? The following is but a brief list.
Soli deo Gloria!
Rationalism. In epistemology and in its modern sense, rationalism is “any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification.”
Hedonism. Hedonism is a school of thought which argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good. In very simple terms, a hedonist strives to maximize net pleasure (pleasure minus pain).
Epicureanism. In the Epicurean view, the highest pleasure (tranquility and freedom from fear) was obtained by knowledge, friendship, and living a virtuous and temperate life. He lauded the simple life, and advocated reducing one’s desires, verging on asceticism. He argued that when eating, one should not eat too richly, for it could lead to dissatisfaction later, such as the grim realization that one could not afford such delicacies in the future.
Stoicism. Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.
Materialism. In philosophy, the theory of materialism holds that the only thing that exists is matter.
Pessimistic Existentialism. Useless passions are passions that are futile. They have no meaning. Sartre’s grim conclusion is that all of our caring, our concerns, our deepest aspirations are empty of significance. Human life is meaningless. It is a cosmic joke and the cold, impersonal, indifferent universe is the comedian. It would be better for us if the universe were hostile. At least we could be involved with an enemy that might possibly be vanquished or persuaded to be friendly. But an indifferent universe is a universe that doesn’t care. It doesn’t care, because it cannot care; it is impersonal.
Secularism. Secularism is the separation of a government, organization or institution from religion and/or religious beliefs.
Sentimental Humanism is a secular ideology which espouses reason, ethics, and justice, while specifically rejecting supernatural and religious dogma as a basis of morality and decision-making.
Pragmatism. Whatever works is good. The ends justify the means.
Moralism. In our own context, moralism is one of the most seductive false gospels in existence. This false gospel can take many forms and can emerge from any number of political and cultural impulses. Nevertheless, the basic structure of moralism comes down to this — the belief that the Gospel can be reduced solely to improvements in mankind’s behavior.
Atheistic Naturalism has in many ways replaced Christianity as the main religion of the Western world. Evolution has become naturalism’s principle dogma.
What does Atheistic Naturalism look like in the everyday experience of life and living? This question will begin to be considered next time.
Soli deo Gloria!
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