Atheist Persona - Causes and Consequences

In the past, as in the present, science has explored the reasons for belief. In recent years, with the rise of categorical, practical, and militant atheism, the scientific and philosophical community has begun studying the worldview of atheism. The Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences is a summary of the most recent research, by the best of scholars, on the subject of atheism. In an effort to create a more courteous dialogue between theists and atheists, this book acknowledges that while there are reasons for believing in God, there are also reasons for not believing in God. Atheist Persona showcases how the worldview we choose to accept determines how we live our lives and how we influence those around us.Table of ContentPreface Introduction Chapter One: The Psychological and Sociological Causes for Atheism The Dysfunctional or Absent Father Figure The Dysfunctional or Absent Mother Figure The Defective-Dysfunctional Family Aborting God Atheist Father and/or Mother Hero The Dysfunctional Cleric Atheism—A Pathological Response to Social Disintegration The Sophisticated-Recognition-Nonconformist-Need Personal Convenience, Self-Centeredness and Hedonism Comfort in Health and Life Incomprehensible Suffering The Atheist Persona—A Hopeless Life Chapter Two: God Belief: Good or Bad for You? Good or Bad? Predisposed to Healing? Chapter Three: Big Fancy Robots? God-gene? God Module or Switch? The God Helmet Neuroplasticity of the Brain Chapter Four: Biology and Atheism Continued Superman or Deficient Being? Further Neurological Insights The Media and Brain Development Men vs. Women Further Neurological Studies In Conclusion Chapter Five: The Spiritual Pivot: Humanness Explicated Spiritual Triggers Awakening Dark Night Illumination and Enlightenment Purification of the Soul and the Mystical Neuroscience and the Mystical Fully Human? Chapter Six: Intolerance and Violence Holding Back the Barbarian in Us Catholic Inquisitions, Crusades, and Religious Wars Chapter Seven: Slaughtering the Scriptures in the Name of Atheism Ignorance or Dishonesty? Bible 101 Chapter Eight: Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Cults? God of Myth or Philosophy? Christianizing Pagan Practices Pagan Roots for Atheism In Conclusion Chapter Nine: The Media: Atheism’s Evangelizing Pulpit The Media—Expressing and Fostering the Atheist Lifestyle Violence The Cult of the Body Cult of Self-Abuse A Medicated Society A Sex-Obsessed World Din of Vulgarity (continued) Dummying-down of Society Subliminal Seduction Loss of Empathy The “god” of Materialism The Fostering of Passivity Suppressing the Truth Media (in general) Chapter Ten: Science and/or Man as “god” Science as god Man as god Chapter Eleven: What Science and Man Can’t Explain Intelligent Design? Biological Design? Cosmological Design? Neurological Design? Chapter Twelve: The Spiritual: Essential for the Sciences and the Arts Priests and Religious Orders Monks The Church in General Chapter Thirteen: Atheism’s Bequest Abortion Post Abortion Trauma—Damaging Women Post Abortion Trauma—Damaging Families Contraception Modern Comprehensive Sex Education Pornographic Society Premarital Sex Same-sex Marriage Divorce—impacting the future Child Abuse—the result of the denigration of personhood and the family No Place for the Poor in Secularism Overpopulation—a myth promoted by hedonistic atheists Assisted Reproduction, Genetic Engineering, Scientific Research Euthanasia vs. Palliative Care Violence in Society—the beginnings of the end In Conclusion Conclusion: Brain in a Vat A Final Remark Appendix I: What was lost? Metaphysics and the Natural Law Appendix II: A Science-based Moral System for Atheists BibliographyReview QuoteFr. Pasquini’s book is a masterpiece. Fr. Pasquini scrutinizes atheism’s claims to enlightenment and rationality, pointing out that atheism is often a pathological response to personal tragedy, and, not uncommonly, is a cause of personal tragedy. His dissection of practical atheism is particularly salient.Review QuoteAtheist Persona is an outstanding treatment of the many varied factors contributing to the rise of atheism in Western society. Highly recommended.Review QuoteFr. Pasquini’s book is a powerful yet simple volume that leads the reader to an informed and comprehensive understanding of the threat that atheism presents.Review QuoteExhibiting a deep and wide acquaintance with the many errors in thinking of our modern age, Fr. Pasquini offers an impassioned and well-reasoned analysis of atheism.Review QuoteOne of the most frequent claims of atheists is that modern science shows a world without purpose. In fact, the opposite is true. . . . In Atheist Persona, Fr. Pasquini thoroughly knocks down this disingenuous argument from science and many more.Biographical NoteFr. John J. Pasquini, Th.D., is a priest, author, columnist, counselor, scholar, and philosopher.