Summary Of Mccloskey's Article On Being An Atheist

McCloskey’s article, “On being an atheist” presented ideals and points that were thought provoking. It can be seen from the beginning of the article, McCloskey is a proud, and seemingly closed minded atheist. This type of attitude when debating such a heavily weighted topic becomes difficult to engage and even persuade. Throughout his article, McCloskey discusses four areas that surround atheism. The four areas are: Cosmological Argument, Teleological Argument, Problem of Evil, and Atheism as Comforting. Throughout the article, it is clear in his article that McCloskey uses these areas to try and deteriorate any belief in God as to which this paper will try and refute those claims. McCloskey first claims that arguments are “proofs” and cannot …show more content…
He bases his belief for where the world came from on basis of evolution which has no basis for where the first organism came from. The claim he is making has many holes in comparison to what he thought was “indisputable” (McCloskey, ). For example, evolution provides no basis for where the first organisms came from or how many were created. It provides no context on what types of forms were created whether they simple cells or complex organisms. Since the main argument by McCloskey is to disprove God, it is clear that in the first chapter of Genesis God does indeed provide an answer to the holes in his …show more content…
He believes that a lack of belief in an all loving God makes is easier to cope with the daily struggles many deal will. He uses the example of an individual’s daughter who has been permanently impaired. He asks why individuals choose to worship a god who chose your daughter as the vehicle to remind you to worship Him (p. 54). There is no firm reason as to why God has allowed such illnesses and accidents to leave some impaired for their lives on earth besides a sin sick world. However, God uses some individuals to gather the attention of those who have not been focused on Him. Or, many who go through such pain are only brought to the comfort by the hope that He gives. This then begs the question of what does McCloskey really put his hope into. It is clear from his article that he in fact seeks hope, but what hope does he seek? If he seeks hope in a greater power, then his entire argument as an atheist is null and void. As Christians we put our hope in a hope that never disappoints, Jesus Christ, who gave us the power of eternal life. McCloskey focuses not on the hope of God, but the hope of man. When man fails, then all hope is lost. But, with Christianity, when all earthly avenues fail, we do not lose hope, but merely rely on a God who never