Psychology of Atheism

One of the most jarring accusations by atheists is that believers are suffering from some kind of delusion. Believers, they suggest, are merely looking for a comfortable father-figure. However NYU psychology professor Paul Vitz has a rather fascinating rebuttal to these accusations, entitled "The Psychology of Atheism."

Part 1:


Part 2


It occurs to me that because we are subject to our parents when we are young and helpless, for good or ill, our relationship with them affects how we relate to God. Early abuse leads one to expect those with power to abuse it. I find it telling that children are born expecting their parents to be infallible. One might posit that it is an early breaking of this trust that leads to a lack of faith in God.

And Sister Mary Martha lays the smackdown...

Sister Mary Martha has a wonderful commentary on her blog in which she debunks new age ideas about Lent while also emphasizing its true meaning.

Lent is a time when we are called to try to identify with Christ's sufferings but giving up a small bit of our own comfort.

It may seem silly to give up chocolate or cigars or anime or baseball, when Christ gave up His very life. I think the goodness in this is that it is a yearly reminder of how much energy we put into the things of this world, rather than Christ. For this reason, I recommend giving up whatever it is that you spend way too much time on, whatever it is that distracts you from your home, family, and your God. Then spend all that extra time gained on prayer and good works.