Faith

After reading “Is Science a Religion?” by Richard Dawkins, I was offended and turned off by his absurd claims and radical thinking. Dawkins begins his paper with a statement that portrays his ignorance quite well, “I think a case can be made that faith is one of the world’s greatest evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.” After reading this I thought to myself, “Did he really just say that?” Therefore I would like to use this blog entry as a chance to embarrass and expose Dawkins ignorance.

As a confirmed Catholic and person of faith I personally was taken aback by Dawkins’ absurd attitude toward faith and religion. As a blinded scientist Dawkins doesn’t understand the incredible powers of faith. Through faith humans can achieve seemingly insurmountable feats. Through faith humans achieve things that science would say to be impossible. For example, Dawkins need look no further than the blessed Mother Theresa to realize how stupid he sounds. So Dawkins… would you like to explain to me how Mother Theresa, a women of extreme faith, is “one of the world’s greatest evils”? Her faith empowered her who served the poor and dying victims of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and leprosy in India. Another example is Martin Luther King Jr, whose unshakeable faith gave him incredible strength and perseverance to look evil in the eye and turn the other cheek. Dawkins blames faith and religion for the very small group of Muslim suicide bombers. To associate those radicals with all people off faith puts Dawkins’ ignorance on display again.

Dawkins doesn’t only attack organized religion, he attacks faith in general. I found this even more surprising and incorrect. Faith can be a lifesaving power in an individual’s life. Faith is believing that you are stronger than any evil and you will overcome any challenge. For example, my aunt is not religious, however she has great faith in herself and has overcome many tragic events like being put up for adoption and seeing her husband die of cancer. However she never let these events conquer her. Faith can also bring great happiness and other strong emotions that are healthy. Isn’t it the faith in Santa Clause that causes to put out milk and cookies, be a good kid all year, and go to bed early on Christmas Eve. Dawkins better open his eyes or he may find coal in his stockings this year.

-Spencer Bambrick