On Being Athiest by HJ McCloskey

Today I would like to respond to H. J. McCloskey’s article entitled, “On Being an Atheist.” In his article, McCloskey gives several of his atheistic opinions and criticizes the theistic position. As a theist myself, McCloskey perspective somewhat alarmed me. I find it difficult to believe that someone could wholeheartedly deny the existence and love of God. I know atheist who have converted, who have stated that deep down in their heart, they knew that their views were wrong. Could that be the case for McCloskey? Deep down in his heart, does he know that his viewpoints are incorrect? In my response, I will address key points and very specific areas of McCloskey’s article.

First McCloskey claims that the cosmological argument “does not entitle us to postulate an all-powerful, all-perfect, uncaused cause.” I would argue that McCloskey is denying the principle of sufficient reason, and has chosen to rival it from a more naturalistic perspective. The cosmological argument is a single argument among many that does not disqualify theist from postulating an all-powerful, all-perfect uncaused cause. The cosmological argument according to Evans and Manis’ represents one who is in the position to learn more about God. This position is one of openness, not skepticism such as McCloskey’s mindset. For example, consider the structure of a car. Cars are made to transport people to great distances and at a faster rate than they ever could reach by walking. The foundation of a car is called the uni-body. The floor, roof and sides are welded to the frame of the body. Next, the doors, hood and trunk are constructed and assembled. After the car is sent into an outsized furnace, it is overlaid with clear-coat. Once the exterior is complete, they com...

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... given his meaning and purpose. The theist is motivated and has a source of reference in order to be fulfilled. I can only image the emptiness that the atheist fills when he is alone, during the times when no friends are around and there are no books to read. What goes through his mind? At some point God has to be a thought, whether he believes in Him or not. I would encourage McCloskey to view the position of the Bible with an unbiased open-mind. I would advise him to read the Gospels, starting with John. I would encourage him to ask God to reveal and prove himself.

References

McCloskey, H. J. (1968). On Being a Atheist. Page 62-68.

Retrieved from http://knowitstrue.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/McCloskeyArticle.pdf

Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Philosphy of Religion: Thinking About Faith (second edition). Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic.