When faced with uncertainty, one natural response might be to call out, “Is anyone there? If you exist, wise figure, please respond!” This seems like a sensible action, even if you’re skeptical about the existence of such a being. The existence of a higher power is a significant question—one that merits exploration. If you hold even a slight belief that this figure might exist, it may seem irrational not to reach out. After all, there’s little to lose in making that call.
The Rationale Behind Praying as an Atheist
You may find yourself grappling with the concept of a deity, and while you may not firmly believe, if there’s a chance that God exists, it could be reasonable to pray for assistance in belief. Tim Lawson, a philosophy scholar at Oxford, argues this perspective in his paper “Praying to Develop a Belief in God,” published in the International Journal of the Philosophy of Religion. Lawson posits that if there’s a significant possibility that God exists, and you regard that existence as consequential, then it’s logical to pray for guidance. This argument is compelling, as the question of God’s existence can profoundly impact your worldview, lifestyle, and perceptions of mortality. A brief moment of prayer—just a couple of minutes before bed—might be a small price to pay for clarity on such an important issue.
What About Other Mythical Beings?
Consider your confidence in the non-existence of fairies in your garden. While you likely don’t believe in them, there’s a tiny chance they might exist. Would it be worth your time to call out to them as you prepare breakfast? If we follow Lawson’s logic, should we not also reach out to fairies and perhaps even write to Santa Claus or leave our teeth for the tooth fairy?
However, the significance of the inquiry matters. The existence of fairies holds far less weight for your life, and shouting for them might lead to odd looks from neighbors.
Concerns About Self-Deception
You might worry that praying could lead to a false belief in God’s existence. Yet, Lawson argues that the potential for misinterpretation doesn’t negate the value of the inquiry. In scientific research, experiments carry risks of misleading results, but the potential benefits of discovery often justify them. The goal of praying, in this case, is not simply to alter beliefs drastically but to explore whether your confidence in atheism could shift.
Lawson acknowledges that this experimental approach applies to everyone—if someone believes in God and receives no response, it should challenge their faith. This openness to outcomes makes it worthwhile for atheists, agnostics, and theists alike to engage in the practice of prayer.
Should You Pray If You Don’t Believe?
Lawson concedes that praying to seek belief may not appeal to everyone. You must consider the significance of God’s existence, believe there’s a reasonable chance of His reality, and not be overly concerned about falling into delusion. For many atheists, these conditions are valid, suggesting that prayer could indeed be valuable for them.
Even if you’re skeptical, it’s hard to deny that prayer could be a useful exercise in examining your beliefs. It prompts reflection on whether your atheism is well-founded.
So, will I start praying? I’m uncertain. I align with Lawson’s criteria, and the question of God’s existence feels paramount enough to warrant deeper contemplation. Admittedly, I struggle with the idea of praying to a deity I don’t believe in, as it feels somewhat absurd. However, “feeling silly” is rarely a valid reason to avoid an action, so I might just give it a try.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the benefits of prayer for atheists, check out this insightful podcast interview with Lawson. Additionally, you can read about an interesting “atheist prayer experiment” where a group of non-believers engaged in daily prayer for forty days.
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In summary, while the act of praying to a deity you don’t believe in may seem counterintuitive, it offers a unique opportunity for reflection. Whether it leads to a change in belief or simply serves as a self-exploration tool, engaging in prayer can be a worthwhile endeavor for those questioning their stance on the existence of God.