When faced with uncertainty, one might instinctively call out, “Is anyone listening? If you are there, wise presence, please respond!” This instinct seems rational even for those who doubt the existence of such a being. The fundamental query about the existence of this wise figure is significant enough to warrant exploration. If there’s even a slim possibility that this figure exists, not reaching out might seem illogical. After all, you have little to lose.
Considering the act of prayer
Although you may not hold a belief in God, if you entertain even a slight chance of His existence and recognize the importance of this question, it is reasonable to pray for help in believing. Tim Hawthorne, a scholar in religious philosophy, argues in his paper “Praying to Cease Being an Atheist,” published in the International Journal of the Philosophy of Religion, that praying for belief is akin to calling out in a dark room: “If you perceive a significant chance that God exists and value the question of His existence, then, barring a few technicalities, you should reach out and ask Him for assistance.”
This perspective offers a compelling rationale. The existence of God has profound implications on one’s worldview, lifestyle, and perceptions of mortality. Praying doesn’t require much time—just a few moments at bedtime. If there is a minor action that might illuminate such a pivotal question, why not undertake it?
What about the imaginary creatures?
You likely have a firm conviction that fairies do not inhabit your garden (if you don’t, perhaps it’s time for a conversation). However, a tiny sliver of doubt remains; thus, it wouldn’t require much effort to call out, “Hello, fairies! If you’re real, please show yourselves!”
If Hawthorne’s argument holds true, should we not also call out to fairies? And maybe leave notes for extraterrestrial visitors or write letters to Santa Claus, even as adults?
Not necessarily. The crux lies in assessing the significance of the question and the effort required for further knowledge. While discovering fairies would be enchanting, their existence lacks the same implications for life and death as the existence of God. Additionally, daily calls to the garden could have unintended effects, such as disturbing neighbors or confusing family members.
Concerns about self-delusion
Another valid concern is that regularly praying could lead to a false perception of divine responses, potentially causing one to believe in something that isn’t real. However, as Hawthorne points out, the mere possibility of obtaining a misleading result doesn’t negate the value of the inquiry. In scientific practice, experiments are conducted despite risks of false positives; avoiding research would halt advancements in medicine and other fields.
The goal of Hawthorne’s proposed experiment—praying to God—aims to assess if one’s rational confidence in atheism might shift rather than simply changing belief in a binary way. He acknowledges that this experimental approach applies to everyone, suggesting that theists, agnostics, and atheists alike should engage in this practice.
So, should you pray to a deity you don’t believe in? Hawthorne concedes that the act of praying to cease being an atheist may not resonate with everyone. “You must view the question of God’s existence as important,” he explains. “You should believe there’s a reasonable chance He exists, that praying requires minimal effort, and that you’re not overly concerned about developing delusions.” For many atheists, these criteria could indeed apply, suggesting that they might benefit from such prayer.
At the very least, praying offers an opportunity to reflect on whether your atheism is well-founded, making it a useful exercise.
Am I inclined to start praying? I find myself uncertain. I fit Hawthorne’s criteria, and the significance of the “God question” leads me to ponder why I haven’t engaged with it more. Admittedly, I struggle to envision how I could pray to a deity I don’t believe in without feeling somewhat ridiculous. Yet, since feeling silly is rarely a valid reason to avoid an action, I might just give it a try.
If you wish to delve deeper into the topic of prayer for atheists, I recommend checking out this insightful podcast interview with Tim Hawthorne. Additionally, you might find value in the “Atheist Prayer Experiment” conducted by Premier Radio, where 70 atheists prayed daily for forty days; the outcomes are quite intriguing.
In conclusion, while grappling with the question of whether to pray to a deity in whom you lack belief can be complex, considering the potential benefits and implications of doing so may offer valuable insights into your own beliefs.
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