Al-Mawrid Webinar

(Syed Musarrat Ali, Karachi)

Arguments for and against the Existence of God have been proposed by philosophers, theologians, scientists, and others for thousands of years. In philosophical terms, such arguments involve primarily the disciplines of epistemology (the nature and scope of knowledge) and ontology (study of the nature of being, existence, or reality) and also the theory of value, since concepts of perfection are connected to notions of God. A wide variety of arguments exist which can be categorized as metaphysical, logical, empirical, or subjective. The existence of God is subject to lively debate in philosophy, the philosophy of religion, and popular culture.

Atheism views arguments for the existence of God as insufficient and indemonstrable, resting on faith alone. Additionally, some atheists or members of contradicting religions contend that it is possible to affirmatively disprove the existence of certain gods, such as Christianity's Yahweh and Islam's Allah, by their characteristics attributed, such as perfection. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Okay, no problem. I attended today Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015 an International Webinar held in Islamabad by Al-Mawrid. Al-Mawrid has initiated a monthly “Research in Progress” series. For the 15th session, Mr Usman Ramzi was kindly consented to present his views on the following topic:
“A Critical Study of Richard Dawkins and New Atheism in the Perspective of Philosophy”

Mr Usman Ramzi critically evaluated the ideas of Richard Dawkins and New Atheism. He focused on the history, evolution, roots and different forms of Atheism with a special reference to Dawkins. He has thorough study and firm grip about Thinkers who have provided arguments against the existence of God like Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Kant, Richard Dawkins and Bertrand Russell etc.

In modern culture, the question of God's existence has been discussed by scientists such as Stephen Hawking, Francis Collins, Richard Dawkins, and John Lennox, as well as philosophers including Richard Swinburne, Alvin Plantinga, William Lane Craig, Daniel Dennett, Edward Feser, and David Bentley Hart.

As an attendee on-line I asked only one question:
Question: Was Moses a Jew, Jesus a Christian and Mohammad a Muslim, if not then why we are divided in sects?
Answer: No they were all Muslims and we should live in Unity.

My Comments:
1. To hold a debate on Existence of God is meaningless as it has no practical purpose. Ideology in favor or against will not affect even if He exists and it is neither affecting both the categories of Humans. Yes it has psychological impact on that individual who is shaky & confused. Normally any Human expects help from Almighty (May be a figure or substance) when he is in absolute helplessness condition.
2. While a debate on Existence of God has no practical implications in any society / culture, how come a debate on “A Critical Study of Richard Dawkins and New Atheism in the Perspective of Philosophy” will resolve the basic and major issue of Humanity, hence Al-Mawrid should consider a topic to unite the Humanity which will be a great service.
3. From the day one the system is being run on a single law of Humanity which is in my conviction, not an opinion, that is “Might is Always Right” and will go on till Dooms Day, the reason Creator of The Universe is called “Almighty” in any ideology. Anyone who has Physical, Mental and Financial Power more than others will always rule the world.

Mr. Usman Ramzi was very patient to listening me twice even when the allocated time of the Webinar was almost elapsed and appreciated my query & comments with a commitment to work on the issue raised.

I am really thankful to him, Al-Mawrid and the team that arranged such a friendly discussion platform.
 

Syed Musarrat Ali
About the Author: Syed Musarrat Ali Read More Articles by Syed Musarrat Ali: 182 Articles with 149942 views Basically Aeronautical Engineer and retired after 41 years as Senior Instructor Management Training PIA. Presently Consulting Editor Pakistan Times Ma.. View More