“Do We Need God?”

What the book “Question Everything” has to Teach Us About God

(Kripa Sarkar)

The question, "Do we need God?" isn't a simple yes-or-no proposition. It's a plunge into the heart of human existence, a confrontation with our deepest anxieties and aspirations. It compels us to examine not only the potential existence of a divine being but also the very nature of our being, our search for meaning, and the structures we build to navigate the complexities of life. This isn't just a theological debate; it's a deeply philosophical and existential one.

The book “Question Everything”, in my opinion, doesn't aim to provide a definitive answer; rather, it paves a path to unravel the layers of this multifaceted question. It acknowledges the sheer difficulty of defining "God" – a concept that has been shaped and reshaped by millennia of human thought, culture, and experience. Is God a personal, intervening force, a cosmic architect, an abstract principle of order, or something else entirely? The chapters under this section of “Question Everything” take the help of personal experiences and insights and recognise this plurality of conceptions, understanding that any attempt to answer the question of God's necessity is contingent upon which version of God we are considering.

The inquiry into God's necessity often begins with the classic arguments for and against God's existence. It is important that we delve into debates and discussions, perhaps touching upon the Cosmological Argument, which posits that the universe's existence necessitates a first cause, often identified as God. It is also necessary that we dig into the Teleological Argument, the argument from design, which suggests that the intricate order and complexity of the universe point to an intelligent designer. And then there's the Ontological Argument, a more abstract philosophical argument that attempts to prove God's existence through the very concept of God. 

However, this book wouldn't be complete without addressing the counterarguments. The problem of evil, the existence of suffering and injustice in a world supposedly governed by a benevolent God, poses a significant challenge to theistic belief. The lack of empirical evidence and the inability to verify God's existence through scientific observation also weigh heavily on the balance. And the historical conflict between science and religion, from Galileo to Darwin, further complicates the issue, forcing us to confront the potential incompatibility between faith and reason.

But the question of God's necessity extends beyond the realm of logical proofs and disproofs. It delves into the human need for meaning, purpose, and value. Does belief in God provide a unique and indispensable framework for understanding our place in the universe, for establishing a moral compass, and for finding solace in the face of mortality? The book's discussions probe faith and hope in providing answers to these fundamental existential questions.

Faith and hope are complex and often paradoxical phenomena. They can be the source of profound comfort, strength, and inspiration, providing a sense of belonging and connection to something larger than oneself. They can motivate acts of selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice; yet, they can also be a source of division, conflict, and intolerance, leading to dogmatism, fanaticism, and the suppression of critical thinking.

Furthermore, the book examines the societal implications of belief and disbelief. Religion has played a pivotal role in shaping human societies throughout history, influencing everything from art and culture to law and politics. Does religion provide a necessary foundation for social cohesion, moral order, and collective identity? Or can a society thrive, perhaps even flourish, without a shared belief in God? The chapter grapples with these questions, exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of religion's influence on the public sphere.

The question of God's necessity is not just an abstract intellectual exercise; it has profound implications for how we live our lives. If we believe that God is essential for meaning, morality, and social order, then the erosion of religious belief can be seen as a grave threat to the fabric of society. But if we believe that we can construct a meaningful and ethical existence without God, then the decline of traditional religion may open up new possibilities for human flourishing.

Ultimately, this is an open-ended question; there is no easy or universally acceptable answer. It requires a process of critical self-reflection to examine our own beliefs and assumptions, and to consider the evidence and arguments from a variety of perspectives. It challenges us to confront the fundamental questions about our existence, our purpose, and our place in the universe, regardless of whether we find those answers in the concept of God or elsewhere.

"Do we need God?" The answer may lie not in a simple declaration of belief or disbelief, but in the ongoing and often difficult process of questioning itself. It is in this questioning, this relentless pursuit of understanding, that we truly engage with the deepest mysteries of life and forge our own paths to meaning and purpose. The book serves not as a provider of answers, but as a catalyst for a journey of intellectual and spiritual exploration, a journey that is as essential as it is challenging. And perhaps, in the end, that journey, that persistent questioning, is the closest we can get to understanding what it means to be human and realize God.