Let’s Talk About God: New Book Redefines Faith Debate

Recently, outspoken atheist critics of religion such as Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Richard Dawkins have popularized the a-religious, or even anti-religious, perspectives through their prolific and often witty publications. They've argued very publicly for an ultimatum: either you don't believe in God/Ultimate Reality or you're intelligently deficient (to put it nicely). There have been relatively few theists or pro-religionists that have retorted in any substantial way -- a notable example being Alister McGrath who has published significantly against especially Richard Dawkins (see The Dawkins Delusion).

In a forthcoming book called The Evolution of God, Robert Wright reframes the debate by not asking "Is God real?" but rather addresses how the notions and understandings of God have evolved over time in history. His argument centers on the fact that there is much potential and actual expression of benefit and good that has come of religious scripture, belief, practice, and life than is recognized by some atheistic, anti-religion writers.

The most compelling and important idea he presents is in a hypothetical conversation with a biologist. He relates God to an electron. He tells the scientist that you know the electron is there but you can't know anything about what its properties are like through observation of any kind. Rather, we believe electrons exist because of the effects that they have on the physical world. Similarly, it's only reasonable and fair that the possibility be considered that there is an Unseen Reality that effects our reality and in which we participate; perhaps we might say that love, truth, and goodness be understood as the primary expressions of the Divine effecting human experience. Admitting this kind of analogical reasoning is an important step toward greater understanding and mutual learning in the atheist-religion / faith and reason debates.

In Unity, we surely fall in the category of belief in the reality and power of God, but since we also have shown a significant amount of interest in the sciences (especially the new science or quantum physics) it is possible to set an example for other religious denominations by highlighting this sensitivity in our ministries, outreach, and publication. Espousing a flexible and open-minded worldview, Unity is in the strategic position of being at the forefront of the dialogue (rather than debate) between atheists and religious people because of this value of plurality, diversity, and the compatibility of the spiritual and scientific spheres. (In fact, Unity Institute's Lyceum 2009 scholarly conference has the theme Science and Religion: An Evolving Dialogue, which is a testament to our awareness of the need and importance of this conversation.)

Lisa Miller of Newsweek has a review and commentary of The Evolution of God.