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Atheism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Who is More Prideful, Theists or Atheists?

By Vexen Crabtree 2006 Mar 26

Atheists, educated people and psychologists know that pride, in ourselves and in our work, is an essential part of mental health. But some theists, especially Christians, are adamant that pride is a "cardinal sin" responsible for all sins. With this in mind, is it more prideful to be an Atheist or to be a theist? If it is more prideful to believe in God, then those who believe that pride is the cardinal sin should stop believing in God.

Bertrand Russell, the philosopher, hits upon this subject in two separate books (Religion and Science is the most pertinent of the two on this):

Book CoverIf Christianity is true, mankind are not such pitiful worms as they seem to be; they are of interest to the Creator of the universe, who takes the trouble to be pleased with them when they behave well and displeased when they behave badly. This is a great compliment. [...] It is an even pleasanter compliment if He awards to the good among us everlasting happiness in heaven.

"Why I am not a Christian" by Bertrand Russell (1957)1

Is there not something a trifle absurd in the spectacle of human beings holding a mirror before themselves, and thinking what they behold so excellent as to prove that a Cosmic Purpose must have been aiming at it all along?

"Religion and Science" by Bertrand Russell (1935)2

Read / Write Comments  |  By Vexen Crabtree 2006 Mar 26
http://www.vexen.co.uk/religion/pride.html

References: (What's this?)

Crabtree, Vexen
"Homocentricity or Anthropocentrism: Why Do Religions Think Humanity Is Central to God?" (2003). Accessed 2011 Dec 18.
"Christianity v. Astronomy: The Earth Orbits the Sun!" (2006). Accessed 2011 Dec 18.

Russell, Bertrand. (1872-1970)
Religion and Science (1935). 1997 edition with introduction by Michael Ruse. Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
Why I am not a Christian (1957). Quotes from Fourth Impression of 1967 edition, 1971, Unwin Books.

Notes

  1. Russell (1957) p40.^
  2. Russell (1935) p221.^

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