Author: Mawlana Abdul Rahman Mu'tasimi
The Phenomenon of Atheism and Ways to Combat It (Part 10)
C: Enumerating the Deviant Actions and Beliefs of the Faithful as a Reflection on Religion and Belief in God
After a thorough and extensive study of the history of atheism, we conclude that one of the important and fundamental factors contributing to atheism has been certain deviant beliefs and wrongful actions of the faithful. These factors have led to a loss of trust and confidence among people in religion and, subsequently, in their absolute belief in God and the Creator of the universe. In the following lines, examples of this issue will be presented.
D: Crimes with Religious Connections and Labels (The Abuses of the Church in the Middle Ages)
The Crusades in the Middle Ages were waged under the banner of religion. During these wars, approximately two million people were killed, and rivers of blood flowed. Additionally, the Inquisition trials of Christianity resulted in the deaths of around 12 million people. These great and horrific crimes were committed in the name of religion, leading to its disrepute and paving the way for atheism in the West.
E: Moral Corruption of Priests and Church Leaders
Religious institutions and their leaders are viewed in society as symbols of chastity and purity, embodying moral virtues. Therefore, their lapses and errors can confuse the public’s perception of the essence of religion and its values. Nevertheless, religious figures in the West, including church leaders, have committed acts that tarnished the reputation of religion and sparked a wave of propaganda against both religion and the faithful. As a result, this has provided a pretext for atheists and non-believers to denounce anything associated with religion.
In this context, Pasquini, under the title “The Priest and the Ineffective Church,” discusses the performance of the church and religious leaders in the Christian community as one of the factors contributing to atheism. Any misstep on their part is often considered an unforgivable sin that could completely destroy an individual’s religious beliefs. Observing the moral and legal corruption, as well as serious crimes such as illicit relationships, rape, having illegitimate children, violence, and financial corruption by church leaders, has had a detrimental effect on the foundations of faith and trust in the church.
John Toland (1670-1722) was the illegitimate son of a priest. He saw himself as a victim of a priest’s irresponsibility and soon lost his faith. He went so far as to burn the Book of Common Prayer and later published a book titled “Christianity Not Mysterious.”
Another example of the corruption of priests and church leaders is Richard Dawkins (1941), a prominent figure among the new atheists, who was sexually abused by an Anglican priest during his childhood.
The painful reality is that the corruption of the church has confronted the Christian community with such turmoil that it is often deemed irreparable. This situation has created a foundation for the erosion of beliefs and the decline in the status of the church and its priests, even leading to their removal from society.
Continues…
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