View from the Chapel Window, Pizzaonian Monasteries, Pizzaonia
The following is a summary of the remarks made by Brother Franco at the monthly caucus of novice monks.
On the God delusion:
Richard Dawkins has contributed a great service to all of us religious folks. I do find his strident advocacy for atheism akin to Christian fundamentalism in its zeal. That alone makes his ideas suspect, nevertheless his contribution to the discussion forces us to once again confront the reality of faith.
Dawkins directs his criticism to the theology of organized religion. For him it is an easy target since all theology is a smattering of history with the rest a complete act of faith based on little, if any empirical evidence. That’s why they call it faith.
The bigger question which is given short rift in his strident attacks should be to the larger philosophical and logical inquiry into the existence of an infinite power in the universe, be it personal or completely indifferent.
Is there a power in the universe that has always been here without beginning or end?
Even Dawkins admits the possibility of an infinite source existing even though he is reluctant to give it a name. That admission of possibility regardless of the degree of probability would force a more reasonable man into the position of an agnostic.
As far as his right to be an atheist and to have atheism as a legitimate alternative, more power to him and his supporters. In our pluralistic culture where we claim religious freedom we have no alternative but to grant equal status to non believers without prejudice. To do so is to acknowledge the power of our faith.
Brother Franco
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