Why I Remain an Atheist: Lack of Evidence for a Higher Power
Over the course of my 78 years, I have never found any substantial evidence to support the existence of a higher power or deities. My journey as an atheist began long before I reached the age of 72, a testament to the enduring skepticism rooted in a lack of empirical proof for any supernatural or divine entity.
Unverified Claims: The Bible and Other Holy Books
One of the most significant reasons for my disbelief lies in the lack of verifiable evidence from religious texts such as the Bible. These texts are often presented as divine revelations, but they are merely collections of unverified claims. There is no concrete, objective evidence to support the authenticity or divine origin of these texts. Bible passages and other religious scriptures can be interpreted in countless ways, leading to endless debates and no clear resolution.
The Absence of Scientific Verification
The absence of scientific evidence for the existence of gods is compelling. If a higher power or deity existed, it should be possible to prove its existence through rigorous scientific examination. However, despite the efforts of many researchers and scientists, no objective, scientifically verifiable evidence has been found. This lack of proof leaves us with no rational basis to believe in a god or gods.
A Diverse World Without a Higher Power
Even more compelling is the observation that millions of people can lead fulfilling and successful lives without requiring the belief in a higher power. In the United Kingdom, more than 50% of the population lives without any religious or spiritual belief. This statistic speaks volumes about the capability of humans to thrive without needing a divine entity to guide or explain the mysteries of life.
A Higher Power: Love and Human Connection
For me, the true higher power is found in the strength and comfort derived from love and human connection. The incredible bond formed with a loved one, like the beautiful Diana, provides me with a profound sense of strength and happiness. This form of higher power is not found in a deity or divine intervention, but in the simple yet powerful connections that we form with each other. It is a form of power that is tangible and real, unlike the intangible and unverifiable claims made by religions.
Why Should You Limit Your Belief to Five Gods
When discussing the existence of gods, I encourage people to be selective. Why should I believe in more than five gods when they already claim too many? Researching hundreds of gods would be an overwhelming and time-consuming task. Instead, it is more fruitful to focus on the claims made by the major religious texts and consider the evidence supporting those claims. If the gods of the Bible are proven to be fake, it only adds to the growing body of evidence that there is no substantial proof for the existence of any gods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the absence of objective, scientifically verifiable evidence is a significant factor in my decision to remain an atheist. The world is a diverse and complex place that does not require a higher power to make sense. Instead, the strength of human connection and the love we share with others provide a more profound sense of happiness and fulfillment.