As a critical-thinking atheist, the following science article struck me as borderline ridiculous, riddled with assumptions:
Angry at God? If so, you're not alone, says CWRU psychologist
From scientist (and I use that term somewhat loosely here) Julie Exline we learn,
"Many people experience anger toward God," Exline explains. "Even people who deeply love and respect God can become angry. Just as people become upset or angry with others, including loved ones, they can also become angry with God."
First question: which god? Second question, are they angry at a real entity (if so, how was its realness empirically confirmed)? Or is this "God" an idea, a mental phenomenon? Also note the social aspect. This god is not just a creator, but one people have personal feelings about. Which I find quite telling.
More surprisingly, we learn that even atheists can be angry at this undefined god-thing! Which is a bit curious, for it is strikes me as analogous to being afraid of Sasquatch, despite the fact you don't believe in him.
According to Exline's findings, Protestants, African Americans, and older people tend to report less anger at God; people who do not believe in God may still harbor anger; and anger toward God is most distressing when it is frequent, intense, or chronic. (bold added)
So, what, we atheists "harbor anger toward God" because we lack a relationship with him? I wonder if Exline controlled for the possibility that atheists are irritated by the notion of "God," because it strikes them as ridiculous and/or a serious impediment to social progress.
Finally, we get this recommendation by the 'scientist':
Overcoming anger at God, she says, may require some of the same steps needed to resolve other anger issues.
Third assumption: anger at this god thing is bad; it needs to be overcome.
With science like this, who needs religion?
Tags: atheism, belief, critical thinking
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