Transcendence of the Finite

Abstract

The position we have so far reached is that belief in God, regarded as something less than fully established knowledge, is not confronted by any belief which can rightly make claim to established knowledge, but only by counter-faith. Atheism, however, serves the positive function of negative criticism. It serves to purge religion of superstition and to make us aware of bigotry and hypocrisy, as well as of inconsistencies between profession and practice. But such criticism of false and degenerate religion, does not demolish religion as such. It leaves open the possibility of a theism supported by reason and demanded by the intellect in search of ultimate explanation; as well as of a practical precept that may not be faulted even if it may often be violated. The purpose of this chapter is to examine that possibility.