OT : Einstein also spoke of the "God of Spinoza" in that, Spinoza being one of the great heros of modern day religious thought , Einstein expressed a belief in "Spinoza's God who reveals himself in the harmony of what exists."
One doesn't get the luxury of deducing this implies any charge or cause for or against atheism if "religion" is defined in terms of respect for any unifying natural , moral or ethical laws . For if you study religion objectively what is called ancient religion & down thru centuries was always chiefly concerned with social power structure & codified laws & in the case of Christianity the fear of God in the Judeo tradition .
You might want to romantically believe that such a Abrahamic tradition of law & morality led to & underpinned the formation of the wonderful democratic institutions now enjoyed today, but any casual observation of history shows both in Islam & Christianity this was hardly the propensity of rule (divine right of kings , war, persecution, theocracy) and only just changing in Islam today, a "mirror religion" .Another quote by Einstein here finds absolutely no endorsement of religion per se or even the slightest need for ethical or moral choices be based from any religious dogmas, cosmology, theology or practices .
Science has therefore been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hopes of reward after death.
Albert Einstein |
