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It is contended that more than 90% of the world’s people believe in some form of God when in fact there has been no hard evidence offered in support that one exists. I say, most of those 90% believe in faith and generally devolve their fate to a higher power especially when their things aren’t going so well. We are an unhappy race and generally tend to be worried about something or the other even when compared to the rest, we are better off. Ever look at any other animal apart from humans and wonder if anything apart from seeking food and rearing their young keeps them busy? Animals in zoos are the saddest lot because they have to do neither.
Getting back to the humans, assuming our extended needs and wants, you would find the happiest people in countries that are most prosperous but sadly, that isn’t true. Even political leaders need to emphasize their faith and belief in God if they have stand a modicum of chance to be elected to office. Atheists in America are the most hated group; more than the current whipping group of Muslims. Parents wouldn’t entrust their daughters to boys who openly declare themselves to be atheists. So it seems like a dire world for atheists, right?
Fortunately, if book sales are any indication then atheism is experiencing a sudden surge at least in interest. It may have started out with Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion
Demand has been so strong that booksellers and wholesalers were unable to get copies a short time after it hit stores, creating what the publishing industry calls a “dark week.” One experienced publishing veteran suggests that Mr. Hitchens will likely earn more than $1 million on this book.
Currently, there are 296,000 copies in print as compared to the initially planned 40,000. Some might argue that it is Hitchen’s personality that is selling all these books and it doesn’t say much about the subject. His exchange with Anderson Cooper on the topic of Jerry Falwell’s death was typically him and quite entertaining and refreshing. However, atheism has become a hot topic these days and its proponents are unabashedly putting forth their viewpoint. After all, they aren’t running for office and any kind of publicity especially that of controversial nature helps book sales. And people are naturally curious.
Religion in America is not exactly going through its glory days right now thanks to countless scandals that have Catholic priests and evangelists speakers in the thick of it. People are disillusioned and want to at least hear what the non-believers have to say. Getting people to hear the other side of the argument was the hardest part and now that they are listening, it makes a whole lot of sense to them.
by Patrix | on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 12:53 pm | 
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June 25th, 2007 at 1:15 pm reply
I think God is overrated :).
I don’t think there’s any harm in people believing in something they’ve never seen or heard about - if at the end of it all, it gives them a reason to live, why not?
I do believe in God - I haven’t found a convincing reason not to yet.
S
June 25th, 2007 at 2:11 pm reply
Supremus, I too am not what you would call an atheist (yet) but I am increasingly leaning toward it. I was never an overtly religious person to begin with so the transition might be easier.
June 26th, 2007 at 9:35 am reply
I think people tend to confuse between agnostics and atheists. As more and more people are opening up to the world and other religions, it causes them to question their own religion. The religious pundits/clergy denounce these people as atheists. But I suspect most of these people, myself included, are simply agnostic. As long as you don’t discount the existence of a greater entity - god/spirit/power you are not an atheist.
June 27th, 2007 at 2:11 pm reply
O boy! Does Hitchens pack a punch or what! Reading his book is entertainment exemplified. Just a personal preference though; for the best description of faith and what is fundamentally wrong with it, I will always recommend Harris’s ‘The End of Faith” as being in a class by itself (and this too was a surprise bestseller)
June 27th, 2007 at 2:19 pm reply
Santosh, Perhaps I can describe myself as being agnostic.
Ashutosh, I have read Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation which in itself was quite strong. I’ve to yet read Hitchens’ book. Damn! so many books so little time but that excuse isn’t new.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:31 am reply
You are deeply confused. Have you ever taken the time to seek out God with real intent? The reason you know of no God is because you don’t want to. He has opened up more opportunities than ever before throughout history, and you choose to ignore them.
I have no hatred for atheist’s, I only feel sorry for them and wonder how anybody can go through this difficult life with no hope for something more.
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:37 am reply
Hmm. I remember two distinct documentaries that appeared on BBC in this context. One was by Richard Dawkins with him touring Jerusalem and America in an attempt to prove that Religion is the root cause of all evil! I was rather disappointed he didn’t tour India and talk to someone who knew religion well. And if it would ever have been possible I would have loved to watch a discussion between him and Swami Vivekananda.
Then there was another documentary where a journalist went to South India to find out how people coped with the Tsunami and found that most people (Hindus) who believed in karma were able to cope with their losses much better than those who renounced their faith cursing God for their misery! Being fatalist can either help you cope with your sorrows or just add to it!
July 2nd, 2007 at 9:50 am reply
Jason, likewise. Similarly, I can say you know of God because you want to, right? But then religious evangelists have always used emotional blackmail successfully.
Kirthi, in that case just lie back and enjoy/suffer, right? Why even make any efforts at living if it is all about karma? You mean all those superhero movies are wrong when they say, you have a choice :)