Why Rationality Matters by Adrian Niemetz

​In ancient times, virtually all humans assumed that the sun revolved around the earth, because, after all, that is
what appeared to happen when viewed. This of course, is not believed by people today because factual information showed it to be false. Yet, many millions still believe in supernatural forces deciding their fate and build large and impressive buildings to these supernatural beings which have not been proven to exist. They focus on death instead of living their lives which is the only one anyone gets.

The rational thought process is based on physical evidence which can be physically observed; the rational thought process will eliminate the need for irrational thoughts and beliefs from which no physical evidence has yet to be found.

There are numerous examples of this.  Possibly the most predominate unproved belief is that of an afterlife. All religions which have existed in the consciousness of humanity have some answer as to what happens after death, yet there is no hard evidence that anyone has ever delved beyond this life into the next and returned to tell of it; yet, those educated theologians in all religions claim their version of the afterlife as fact, without needing to supply any evidence; it is simply so because it is believed. This is irrational in that a religious theologian is making claims that he cannot substantiate, and is pretending to know more about something than you do; even though he or she cannot provide any evidence to back up what he or she is claiming. The only comparison anyone has with any certainty is one’s experience of life before birth. If one thought rationally about the afterlife, one would assume that it may be similar to life before birth.

​Now perhaps it may be analyzed as to why there is no evidence of supernatural beings. Or more precisely, how the idea of supernatural beings goes against all that has been discovered since the advent of science. The first question may very well be “what makes them supernatural?” And perhaps judging from a biological perspective, how can they exist?

Do the gods have more chromosomes that we mere mortals? From what species did they evolve? These are questions
which must be addressed in order to examine the field of theology with biology. Obviously, this cannot be achieved as there is no evidence which could be explored, leaving the whole pantheon of the gods impossible to substantiate. Since no evidence to exists, it would be rational to assume that none of the gods exist, and leave it at that until it can be proven otherwise. This is radical thinking for those who believe in a literal interpretation of religious writings, and most would find it difficult to abandon a lifetime of faith, yet abandonment of faith would benefit humanity by freeing us of the shackle of the belief that this life will be rewarded in some sort of paradise after death.

One sees the implications of irrational thoughts in some parts of the world. The rational thought process will eliminate the need for irrational thoughts and beliefs for which no physical evidence has yet been found. Hopefully one day homo sapiens will no longer need irrationality.

Adrian Niemetz is the second winner in the Freethinkers of Colorado Springs Freethought Views Essay Contest.