On Being an Atheist, by H.J. McCloskey

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Recommended: Relationship between Religion and Ethics

In the article “ On Being an Atheist,” H.J. McCloskey attempts to inform his readers that the belief in atheism is a “much more comfortable belief” by effectively using a disdainful rhetoric towards theists and their faith. McCloskey delves into both the Cosmological and Teleological arguments, which within he criticizes the arguments and to further his argument against theism, he also presents the Problem of Evil and why evil cannot possibly exist with a perfect God being the creator of universe. What will be displayed in this essay are the counter-arguments to McCloskey’s criticisms and the attempt to discredit his claims that regard the “comfortable” position that lies within atheism and its arguments.

H.J. McCloskey utilizes the word “proof” in his article in an exceptionally loose fashion in an attempt to undermine the Christian argument and thought process. Unfortunately for his case, the universe is a vast undiscovered area made up of time and space that has many mysteries and unknown causes and effects that also do not have any proof. With an entire endless cosmos of creations and beings, it can become difficult attempting to explain the science behind every existence and order. However, it can be explained through theories in the same way that a magnetic field or a black hole can be explained. Science can theorize these two answers to some of the bigger questions in science and allows people to have an answer for how a compass works with Earth’s magnetic field. The “Best Explanations Approach,” explained in our Lesson 18 presentation, gives explanation for all of creation in the universe. In theory God is the best explanation for the existence of the world.

Beyond the “proof” for the existence of God, McClos...

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...was with purpose and that all they did to better the lives of others was a great act of good free will. These three reasons for being a theist are warm and comfortable because it is not without purpose.

“On Being an Atheist” is McCloskey’s medium for making his readers feel safe with their ignorance by using an antagonistic tone to his article and logic. Belittling theism allows other atheists to feel sanctimonious with a sense of false confidence. He is quick to convey theism, as a false belief with many flaws and defects, yet there is no other form of belief or sound argument offered. The cumulative case brought to attention in this essay alludes that the best explanation for the existence of the universe is that of an all-powerful, all perfect being. Without the purpose for living and progressing, it would be impossible to feel comfort and warmth.

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