The Intersection of Atheism, Science, and Belief: Reflections Inspired by Kushi
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I recently watched the Telugu romantic comedy film “Kushi” (2023), and its portrayal of atheists sparked some intriguing thoughts that I felt compelled to share. In the movie, the character representing an atheist is depicted as a “science believer,” which, from my perspective, falls short of capturing the essence of atheism. Allow me to elaborate on this matter further. There’s a distinction between what we can call a “strong atheist” and a “science supporter.” A strong atheist, based on the classification by renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, is a person who asserts with 100% certainty that there is no God. However, even in this extreme case of atheism, one should not automatically assume a strong inclination toward science. The reason I emphasize the distinction between a “supporter of science” and a “believer” is rooted in the core tenets of scientific thinking. Science is fundamentally about inquiry, skepticism, and the pursuit of knowledge based on empirical evidence. It is not a system of belief but a conceptual tool for understanding the world. In science, one cannot merely believe; one must question in order to comprehend.
It’s essential to recognize that science is not a religion; it is a methodological approach to gaining insights into the natural world. I can understand why some may associate atheism with science, as atheists often use scientific principles to understand or teach about how things work. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between the two concepts. The assumption of the existence of God is, in a way, a scientific statement. It posits the existence of a supernatural being within the framework of the natural world. However, the reason many theists shy away from using science to prove the existence of God is that such endeavors have historically proven futile. Science, by its very nature, requires testable hypotheses and empirical evidence, and these have been elusive when it comes to matters of faith.
My own stance in this ongoing discourse aligns with what can be termed a “De facto atheist.” Based on the current evidence available to me, I find the existence of God to be highly improbable, and I live my life on the assumption that there is no God. However, what keeps me from adopting the position of a strong atheist is the recognition that doing so would involve assuming the conclusion before conducting the experiment—an approach that goes against the principles of scientific inquiry. Moreover, it’s crucial to emphasize that being a science supporter means being open to various opinions and respecting the diversity of thought. Healthy debates should be encouraged, and differing perspectives should be acknowledged and examined. This brings me to a critical point: I strongly disagree with the approach taken by the “atheist” husband in the movie “Kushi,” where he attempts to impose his beliefs on his family. In societies where culture and religion intersect significantly, it’s essential to strike a balance. While we can’t ignore the cultural context, we should always encourage critical thinking and skepticism.
In conclusion, “Kushi” may have prompted me to reflect on the portrayal of atheists, but it has also reminded me of the intricate interplay between atheism, science, and belief. It’s fascinating how a mediocre film can serve as a catalyst for discussions on profound topics, encouraging us to ponder the complexities of our own beliefs and the role of science in our understanding of the world. The key takeaway is that, regardless of our beliefs, we should always remain open to new ideas, respect diverse opinions, and promote constructive dialogue within our communities.