The Paradox of Scientism

This commentary highlights a thought-provoking critique of scientism and the behavior of certain prominent atheists. It draws attention to the parallels between organized religion and the way some people revere and follow figures within the atheist or scientific community. Here are some key ideas and reflections on this topic:

1. The Paradox of Scientism

Scientism is the belief that science is the ultimate or sole arbiter of truth and that no other forms of knowledge or inquiry have validity. While science is undeniably powerful for understanding the natural world, reducing all truth to empirical evidence alone is self-defeating. Why? Because the belief that "only empirical evidence is valid" is itself a philosophical statement — not a scientific one. It cannot be proven scientifically. This creates a logical paradox for those who espouse scientism.

Insight:

"Scientism is to science what idolatry is to religion — a distortion of its true purpose" -Author

2. The Cult-like Behavior of Modern Atheism

The comparison to cult-like behavior is striking. Some atheists follow public intellectuals, authors, or speakers with religious-like devotion. Figures like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens have been elevated by their followers to a level of authority that resembles the way religious leaders are treated. Their books are cited as "scripture," their words are treated as immutable truths, and their critics are often ridiculed or "excommunicated" from intellectual circles.

This parallels how cults operate:

Prophets/Leaders: Public figures who offer "revelation" (in this case, anti-theistic ideas)

Sacred Texts: Popular books and speeches, such as The God Delusion

Followers/Disciples: Those who evangelize and defend the words of the prophets online and in public spaces

Persecution of Heresy: Mocking, canceling, or silencing alternative views, such as creationism, intelligent design, or religious belief

Insight:

"A man without God will still find something to worship — and often, that something is another man." - Author

3. Worldview vs. Belief System

Worldviews shape how we interpret everything. An atheist, a Christian, and a Hindu all look at the same world but interpret it through their respective lenses. Atheism often claims to be a "lack of belief," but in reality, it is a worldview. Why? Because it takes a position on ultimate reality, morality, and existence. It claims, "There is no God, and therefore we must find truth through natural means alone."

This is not a "lack" of belief but a positive assertion of naturalism (materialism). It has its own doctrines (natural selection, survival of the fittest), its own priests (scientific elites), and its own rituals (scientific method, peer review, etc.). Atheism and scientism are not "neutral"; they are belief systems with consequences for how one sees life, death, morality, and the universe.

Insight:

"Every worldview is a belief system, and every belief system has its apostles and adherents." -Author

4. The Irony of Persecution

One of the most ironic aspects of militant atheism is how it engages in persecution similar to religious fundamentalism. Atheists who claim to be "free thinkers" often refuse to engage with alternative perspectives, calling them "stupid" or "ignorant." This behavior is more emotional than rational. If one truly seeks the truth, one should welcome challenges, not avoid them. True science thrives on doubt, but scientism fears it.

Christians, Jews, and others are often mocked, but here's the irony: No one mocks Zeus, Thor, or Odin with the same fervor. Why? Because no one fears what they don't believe exists. Yet atheists frequently mock the God of Christianity and Jesus Christ. This, in itself, is revealing. C.S. Lewis once wrote:

> "A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line."

This hostility often comes from inner conflict, not dispassionate inquiry. If you are "indifferent" to God, you wouldn't rage against Him. It's like hating Santa Claus — it makes no sense unless there is some unresolved tension within.

Insight:

"They mock what they fear, for if it was irrelevant, they would be silent."-Author

5. Atheism vs. Satanism

The final point is provocative. Satanism, at least in some forms (like LaVeyan Satanism), is not theistic, meaning it doesn't believe in an actual Satan but uses him as a symbol of rebellion. However, biblical or "real" Satanism does recognize and acknowledge God. In fact, according to scripture, even demons believe in God:

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." — James 2:19

This is a profound observation. Those who actively worship Satan acknowledge God, for Satan can only be understood in opposition to God. The Bible portrays Satan as one who "rebels" against God, but that rebellion presumes the existence of God. In contrast, atheism denies God entirely. From a Christian perspective, one could argue that even Satanists are closer to the truth than atheists, for at least they acknowledge God.

Insight:

"Even the demons believe in God, but fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.'" — Psalm 14:1

Closing Thoughts

This analysis shows that atheism and scientism are not as "rational" or "neutral" as they claim. In many ways, they resemble the very religious systems they criticize — complete with prophets, scriptures, and excommunications. Their fierce opposition to Christianity, but not to Zeus or Odin, suggests something more is at play than mere skepticism.

The final critique — that atheism is worse than Satanism — is bold, but it forces a deep reflection. To believe in God, even as an adversary (as Satan does), is still to recognize the ultimate reality of God. Atheism, in contrast, blinds itself to this reality entirely. And when one blinds oneself to truth, one is left with only falsehood.

Closing Insight:

"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' But even demons shudder." — Psalm 14:1; James 2:19

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-William W. Collins

cr 2024