A.C. Grayling, the Master of new College of the Humanities (London) new book ‘The God Argument’ is divided into two sections. The first sets out the case against religion following the ‘ball wherever it rolls’, interweaving historical, psychological, scientific and philosophical considerations as they occur. The second is Grayling’s view of humanism which is his answer to religious belief.
The first part is an excellent resource for undergraduate students studying the philosophy of religion and arguments against the existing of God. However for the average person not interested in philosophical debate these arguments will have little impact.
Grayling acknowledges it is superficial to think that philosophical argument alone will convince people to give up their belief in God but he does not address the many psychological, emotional and intangible reasons that motivate people’s belief.
In the second half Grayling sets out his view of Humanism and in stark contrast to the first section degenerates into sweeping generalisations. For example, he writes of the characteristics of a humanist life such as living with “real intimacy”. Intimacy, however, is not defined other than a broad statement of love and/or friendship. Another characteristic is that life feels rich or satisfying to the person living it but what comprises this richness is left to the reader’s imagination.
The book is disappointing, particularly as it is essential to maintain the division of state and church in an era where there is an increasing incursion of the church into state affairs.
Repeating philosophical arguments on the existence of God or a starry eyed genuflection to ancient Greece does not address the issues of guilt, shame, loneliness, social isolation, existential fear and the impact of technology on friendships that people in the 21st Century deal with.
As secular humanists we need to move out of academic fortresses and the repetition of old arguments. We need to develop a system of belief that addresses 21st Century concerns; a philosophy which is rigorous and robust in addressing the average person’s concerns otherwise we will continue to see the rise of religion in the public sphere and the increase of fundamentalism as people seek security and assurance that is not met by intellectual argument alone.
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David Kernohan
