Luceat!

The other day, I attended a lecture on campus about atheists and the myths that surround this “victimized minority.” The man who spoke spent about an hour talking about why atheism was a probable belief and bemoaning how victimized he felt by Christians (while misinterpreting various Biblical verses to show how we were oppressive to those of other beliefs). In answer to one of his questions (”Can you give an example of an irrational belief?”), one of his faithful followers piped up, “Kneeling by your bed at night and thinking someone is listening.” Wow. And I thought we were just fighting relativism!

This mentality is just a small taste of what has been labeled the “new atheism.” This is not the mild atheism of, “Whatever truth is good for you is fine.” Rather, the new atheists define their views as the “intolerance of ignorance, myth and superstition; disregard for the tolerance of religion,” and the “indoctrination of logic, reason and the advancement of a naturalistic worldview.” Militant atheism, under the banners of Dawkins, Harris, Dennett, Hitchens, and others, has certainly implanted its roots in philosophy, science, and some religious studies programs within American universities. Sadly, few people know how to defend this “sola-ratio” [reason alone] approach to a belief in God.

C. S. Lewis, in his space trilogy, notes that at some point, developing societies sort out their ideological complexities and two focused and opposing points emerge. The battle between good and evil ceases to merely hide in the shadows and clashes out in the open. In Lewis’ book, That Hideous Strength, he presents a glimpse into this society, divided into two camps, and contrasts the warm and insightful theists with the scientific men who idolize human reason and the ego and end in worshiping demons. Perusing those pages filled with stunning imagery and cutting truths, the plot strikes me as an icon and warning for our society today.

In a sense, I’m glad that the battle is becoming more public. It seems to me that the devil is getting desperate to keep his hold on our culture.  Gradually, many of Satan’s followers are becoming dissatisfied with the empty succession of pleasures with which he seduces them. However, the publicity of this battle also means that we, as Christians and Catholics, must be armed to fight a cultural and ideological war and must heed the warning of Peter to, “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled….Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:14-15)

Fortunately, we have 2000 years of amazing philosophers and theologians and humans living out the Universal Call to Holiness to back us up! Use them to prepare yourself. If you are of a philosophical turn of mind, look up Thomas Aquinas’ 5 proofs for God’s existence. If you like to read, check out C. S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity [easier] or G. K. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy [a bit denser.] If you are tempted to get discouraged, read the lives of the great saints who stood up for the Faith in their own times. Everyone should read Section 1, Chapter 1 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It speaks eloquently of the innate desire within man to know His Creator and to be in relationship with Him. Lastly, but certainly not least of all, pray to Him yourself. Develop your friendship with the One who knows you intimately, created you, and wrote a plan for you beyond your most fantastic dreams. Your lived witness and joy is the greatest proof that can be offered to the new atheists. A life of cold rationality can never compete with the warmth and vivacity of the life of grace. Ask St. Paul (especially on the feast of his conversion tomorrow) to intercede for you and to grant you a portion of his zeal for the Lord and for the truth. Live within your own life the “both/and” of the Catholic Church–both REASON and FAITH equal a fully human life, headed towards true fulfillment and perfection. Go get ‘um tiger!