COLUMN: Belief and disbelief, which is rational?

    Is it rational to believe in a god or higher power of sorts? In contemporary discussion and debate this question has become a major point of interest. Those in the secular and atheist camps often argue that such beliefs are outdated superstition that once served a purpose, but are now silly beliefs held only by the simple-minded and mentally ill among us. A truly intelligent and reasonable fellow, according to such thinkers, would not fall for a hoax as absurd as religion.

    Others still find an appeal in such beliefs for a variety of reasons. Belief in a higher power gives them direction in life, a sense of purpose, or the simple comfort that can only come from a source larger than us. In this, like many great debates, there is wisdom and validity to be found on both sides.

    There are many forms of belief in deity or deities. Some believe that deity is involved in every aspect of existence. For this God, a bird does not die without his awareness of such an event. This is the God who hears prayers, and has intervened to aid humanity, as the God of Moses did for Israel. Others see a world where days seem to come and go much like they always do. The outcomes of these days are a product of human decisions and various natural causes. Supernatural occurrences are seen as nothing more than myth or misunderstood phenomena by these individuals. However, a higher power is not seen as completely absurd by these individuals. After all, the universe as we know it must have some cause, else it would not exist. This is the god of Antony Flew, Thomas Jefferson and other Deists.

    Deism is often left alone by those criticizing faith and religion. I will follow suit and focus on those who believe in a personal and intervening God. Is belief in such a God rational? I would argue that the answer to this question can be both yes and no. After all, this category encompasses a variety of faithful.

    For many individuals religion and faith are positive aspects of life. The central philosophies shape a life of selflessness and responsible living. A healthy social life often goes hand in hand with membership in a local religious community. A 2005 National Geographic article investigated groups all around the world who are known for their long and healthy lives. This study took them to places as far as Okinawa, Japan, and as near as Loma Linda, California. However, the characteristics of each of these groups were found to be quite similar. All of the groups studied had, as a defining characteristic, belief in a higher spiritual power of some sort. Other studies have given an account of the benefits resulting from faith and religion. If something adds to your well-being and satisfaction in life, one would be hard pressed to argue it irrational.

    Unfortunately, the beliefs of individuals or groups often affect others in detrimental ways. This can be seen all throughout history as zealots have used religion as an excuse for violence. Even today there are those who claim to follow an individual such as Jesus Christ, but sound more like Adolph Hitler in their rhetoric. They demean individuals simply because of their race, religion, or whom they choose to love. Faith might also lead an individual to harm themselves. Imagine an individual who refuses medical care based on modern science because they believe faith alone will heal their ailments and dies as a result. In this way, religion and faith become irrational and detrimental to society.

    To individuals like Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris I would say one can indeed be both a person of faith and intelligence. There are indeed ways to find meaning and happiness in life without faith, but this does not exclude faith as being the harmless path to such qualities. However, I would advise those among us who are faithful to acquire independence and self reliance for when prayers seem to go unanswered, and respect and tolerance for those who have beliefs centered around philosophies and answers just as adequate as yours directing their lives. On the surface these beliefs may seem quite absurd to an outsider, but when one is able to look past cultural and differing traditions there are many similarities to be discovered among the world’s various religions.

    The universe is a result of a higher power which is without causation, or the universe spontaneously came into being without causation. Both theories sound pretty irrational, huh? And yet, they are our only options to choose from.

Cam Davis is a senior studying political science and religious studies. He can be reached at cam.davis@aggiemail.usu.edu.