For atheists only.?

Question

What can you say about Francis Bacon's quote, "It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion."

What is your reaction?

Answer 1

I would point to all the great minds that have been atheist or atheistic. Epicurus, Spinoza, Nietzsche, Marx, Freud, Darwin, Einstein (since his and Spinoza's pantheism is practically atheism), and nearly all of the philosophers of the 20th century.

If I were to give a sympathetic reading to this quote, I would take what Bacon means by "religion" is not actually the dogmatic religions of much of the world. It is, in this reading, a religious viewpoint which appreciates the world, is in awe over the simplest of natural objects, and constantly aware of the mystery of existence, not taking life for granted. If this is what is meant by "religion" I would agree. Unfortunately this kind of view many times is embodied the least often in those who follow dogmatic religions. Religion is not religious. In fact even the great thinkers who have belonged to religions often have had highly unorthodox religious beliefs. So if one (mis)reads Bacon to be advocating dogmatic religions, one has a hard time actually coming up with supporting evidence. Most great thinkers have rejected orthodox dogmas.

In any case, it is always a mistake to base very much on one sentence taken out of context, no matter who uttered it.

Demi-LAncer: Nobody can find the answer to creation. Even Christians can not explain creation. They admit that they cannot know God's mind or God's power, and they are unable to account for why or how God came to be. This is not necessarily a problem though, because the aura of awe and mystery which surrounds existence helps to give us that "religious" feeling. If we really had the answer to creation, I dare say things would be boring and less awe-inspiring.

Willa: So i'm sure you remain agnostic about what science cannot tell you. You want to reject philosophy; that is fine. But what are your philosophies on what is right and wrong? What is your political philosophy? You must have no opinion on these issues, since they cannot be answered by science. Even your belief that only what can be empirically proven is meaningful is a philosophy. Can you empirically prove that only what can be empirically proved matters? You haven't rejected philosophy, you wallow in it, you just don't realize it. We have reasons for our beliefs. Philosophy is the study of those reasons. If you reject it, you still have reasons for your beliefs; they will just be assumed, unexamined reasons. If we embrace empirical evidence with no understanding of reason or logic, we are just as blind as the religious dogmatic.

Answer 2

Buddhists don't believe in God so they are atheists but at the same time they are very religious. Perhaps this is the spirit by which Francis Bacon was talking about. At first you realize that a belief in God is a crutch that is keeping you from understanding the Universe. As you go deeper you realize what a wonderful mystery the Universe really is which gives you the feeling of awe usually described as the religious experience.

Answer 3

I think depth in philosophy (though I don't know what kind Bacon was looking at) brings men's minds to spirituality, not religion. Just the idea of spirit. Life and all that---death too. And if that's what Bacon meant by religion (which I doubt) he'd be right.
But I don't think he is. I think he meant a much more Puritanical way of looking at things; at least Victorian... something more straight-laced yet with more lice than we can imagine. (I've forgotten Bacon's years; am too hungry to take the time to look 'em up... later)

Answer 4

In my own experience, philosophy helped me to realize that I determine my existence by my own choices, rather than a bearded man in the sky, but, through studying philosophy, I became obsessed with the origins of religious beliefs. Perhaps he refers to the act of taking a few steps back and reevaluating the question of God. Religion and philosophy are inextricably linked. They both evolved to answer the same questions about the purpose and condition of humankind.

Answer 5

Philosophy and religion are essentially the same thing. I'm an atheist, and I like to wax eloquent with the best of them, but ultimately philosophy and religion are meaningless mind exercises. So yes, if you begin to believe your own or another's philosophical beliefs about the world without any scientific proof, you have entered the realm of religion. Science was born from philosophy, but attempts to align itself with physical reality by requiring empirical evidence. Philosophy and religion do not.

In short, Bacon was on to something.

Answer 6

I don't really get the second half of the quote, but it sounds like he's saying that the more deeply a person thinks about it, the more they will believe in religion. I don't agree, and nothing in this quote compels me. Undoubtedly Bacon expounds, but I haven't studied him, so I can't comment on that. I will say, "The more you know, the more you realize how little you know." Is that along the same lines?

Answer 7

But religion is an earthly group believe following ...
it does not have nothing to do with God at all as God is universal or personal . The philosophy that one has, could be extensive or very plain and not necessarily have any connection with God .

Answer 8

The result he claims for "depth" never kicked in for me!

All deeper philosophy brought me was deeper atheism.

Answer 9

lol so you're pinoy and you're an atheist huh? i'm not one but here's my answer.

i think that when you are deep on philosophy you can't find the answer to creation.

Answer 10

Fearful minds will create all manner of beliefs to soothe it.