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[[Image:Cherry Blossom Japan.jpg|thumb|250px|Even in atheistic [[Japan]], researchers found that Japanese children see the world [[Intelligent design|as designed]].<ref>[http://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children see the world as designed]</ref>]]

[[File:William Paley.jpg|thumbnail|400px|William Paley was an advocate of the [[teleological argument]].]]

One of the most popular arguments for God's existence is the [[teleological argument]]. Derived from the Greek word ''telos'', which refers to purpose or end, this argument hinges on the idea that the world gives evidence of being designed, and concludes that a divine designer must be posited to account for the orderly world we encounter.

One of the most popular arguments for God's existence is the [[teleological argument]]. Derived from the Greek word ''telos'', which refers to [[purpose]] or end, this argument hinges on the idea that the world gives evidence of being designed, and concludes that a divine designer must be posited to account for the orderly world we encounter.

On October 17, 2014, The New York Times published an article entitled ''Does everything happen for a reason?'' which declared:

On October 17, 2014, The New York Times published an article entitled ''Does everything happen for a reason?'' which declared:

These atheists’ responses weren’t just the product of living in America’s highly religious society. [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/2153599X.2013.782888#.VGptUsn6dl6 Research done at Queen’s University in Belfast] by the psychologists Bethany Heywood and Jesse Bering found that [[British atheism|British atheists]] were just as likely as American atheists to believe that their life events had underlying purposes, even though Britain is far less religious than America.

These atheists’ responses weren’t just the product of living in America’s highly religious society. [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/2153599X.2013.782888#.VGptUsn6dl6 Research done at Queen’s University in Belfast] by the psychologists Bethany Heywood and Jesse Bering found that [[British atheism|British atheists]] were just as likely as American atheists to believe that their life events had underlying purposes, even though Britain is far less religious than America.

In other studies, scheduled to be published online next week in the journal Child Development, we found that even young children show a bias to believe that life events happen for a reason — to “send a sign” or “to teach a lesson.” This belief exists regardless of how much exposure the children have had to religion at home, and even if they’ve had none at all.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/opinion/sunday/does-everything-happen-for-a-reason.html ''Does everything happen for a reason?'']</ref>}}

In other studies, scheduled to be published online next week in the journal Child Development, we found that even young children show a bias to believe that life events happen for a reason — to “send a sign” or “to teach a lesson.” This belief exists regardless of how much exposure the children have had to religion at home, and even if they’ve had none at all.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/opinion/sunday/does-everything-happen-for-a-reason.html ''Does everything happen for a reason?'']</ref>}}

== Children in atheistic Japan see the world as designed ==

Pew Research reports that 35% of [[American atheism|American atheists]] often think about the meaning and purpose of life.<ref>[https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/06/01/10-facts-about-atheists/ 10 facts about atheists], Pew Research</ref>

In atheistic [[Japan]], researchers found that Japanese children see the natural world [[Intelligent design|as designed]] and purposeful and believe some kind of intelligent being is behind that purpose. <ref>[http://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children as designed].</ref>

 

 

Researchers at [[Oxford University]] have reported finding children who, when questioned, express their understanding that there is a Creator, without having had any such teaching from parents or teachers about this matter.<ref>[https://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children as designed].</ref>  In [[Japan]], researchers found that Japanese children see the natural world [[Intelligent design|as designed]] and purposeful and believe some kind of intelligent being is behind that purpose.<ref>[https://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed Children as designed].</ref>

== Jean-Paul Sartre and teleological beliefs ==

== Jean-Paul Sartre and teleological beliefs ==

''See also:'' [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]

''See also:'' [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]

 

Notable professing [[Atheism|atheists]] have had the characteristic of variability and instability when it came to maintaining thoughts in accordance with atheism. For example, [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] was one of the leading proponents of atheism of the 20th Century.  

Notable professing [[Atheism|atheists]] have had the characteristic of variability and instability when it came to maintaining thoughts in accordance with atheism. For example, [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] was one of the leading proponents of atheism of the 20th Century.  

Yet Jean-Paul Sartre made this candid confession:

Yet Jean-Paul Sartre made this candid confession:

{{cquote|As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for wont of ''being able to think otherwise''.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=BGU7LZ2bQ4cC&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109&dq=As+for+me,+I+don%E2%80%99t+see+myself+as+so+much+dust+that+has+appeared+in+the+world+but+as+a+being+that+was+expected,+prefigured,+called+forth.+In+short,+as+a+being+that+could,+it+seems,+come+only+from+a+creator;+and+this+idea+of+a+creating+hand+that+created+me+refers+me+back+to+God.&source=bl&ots=die9xMUdsB&sig=3dAJOK34aBalYieFKcJLdGpwFjY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NXhqVMSmHMexyASUyYKIBw&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=As%20for%20me%2C%20I%20don%E2%80%99t%20see%20myself%20as%20so%20much%20dust%20that%20has%20appeared%20in%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20being%20that%20was%20expected%2C%20prefigured%2C%20called%20forth.%20In%20short%2C%20as%20a%20being%20that%20could%2C%20it%20seems%2C%20come%20only%20from%20a%20creator%3B%20and%20this%20idea%20of%20a%20creating%20hand%20that%20created%20me%20refers%20me%20back%20to%20God.&f=false ''Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility'' By Dean Turner, page 109]</ref>}}

{{cquote|As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for wont of ''being able to think otherwise''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BGU7LZ2bQ4cC&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109&dq=As+for+me,+I+don%E2%80%99t+see+myself+as+so+much+dust+that+has+appeared+in+the+world+but+as+a+being+that+was+expected,+prefigured,+called+forth.+In+short,+as+a+being+that+could,+it+seems,+come+only+from+a+creator;+and+this+idea+of+a+creating+hand+that+created+me+refers+me+back+to+God.&source=bl&ots=die9xMUdsB&sig=3dAJOK34aBalYieFKcJLdGpwFjY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NXhqVMSmHMexyASUyYKIBw&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=As%20for%20me%2C%20I%20don%E2%80%99t%20see%20myself%20as%20so%20much%20dust%20that%20has%20appeared%20in%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20being%20that%20was%20expected%2C%20prefigured%2C%20called%20forth.%20In%20short%2C%20as%20a%20being%20that%20could%2C%20it%20seems%2C%20come%20only%20from%20a%20creator%3B%20and%20this%20idea%20of%20a%20creating%20hand%20that%20created%20me%20refers%20me%20back%20to%20God.&f=false ''Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility'' By Dean Turner, page 109]</ref>}}

== Charles Darwin often had overwhelming thoughts the world was designed ==

== Charles Darwin often had overwhelming thoughts the world was designed ==

== Ben Stein Interview with the evolutionist Richard Dawkins ==

== Ben Stein Interview with the evolutionist Richard Dawkins ==

[[File:Richard Dawkins in 2006.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|260px|left|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

[[File:Richard Dawkins in 2006.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|260px|left|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]

See also: [[Ben Stein Interview with Richard Dawkins]]

{{See also|Ben Stein Interview with Richard Dawkins}}

In the movie [[Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed]], [[Ben Stein]] demonstrated the folly of [[evolutionism]] in his interview with the evolutionist and agnostic/[[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12rgtN0pCMQ A clip of the interview has been uploaded to YouTube] ).

In the movie [[Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed]], [[Ben Stein]] demonstrated the folly of [[evolutionism]] in his interview with the evolutionist and agnostic/[[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12rgtN0pCMQ A clip of the interview has been uploaded to YouTube] ).

The [[Discovery Institute]] provides an transcript of part of the interview along with some commentary:

The [[Discovery Institute]] provides an transcript of part of the interview along with some commentary:

Richard Dawkins and Rael; "clear thinking" kindred spirits!

Richard Dawkins and Rael; "clear thinking" kindred spirits!

<ref>http://www.discovery.org/a/4589</ref>}}

<ref>http://www.discovery.org/a/4589</ref>}}

== Related quotes from science publications ==

== Related quotes from science publications ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes]]

" “A slew of cognitive traits predisposes us to [[faith]].”  - Pascal Boyer, in the British science journal ''Nature'' <ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref>  

" “A slew of cognitive traits predisposes us to [[faith]].”  - Pascal Boyer, in the British science journal ''Nature'' <ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref>  

“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think. … They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref>

“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think. … They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref>[https://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref>

== Meaninglessness and hopelessness under an atheist worldview ==

== Meaninglessness and hopelessness under an atheist worldview ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and meaninglessness]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and meaninglessness]] and [[Atheism and incoherency]] and [[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]

[[File:Russell1907-2.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|[[Bertrand Russell]] ]]

[[File:Russell1907-2.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|[[Bertrand Russell]] ]]

*[http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_MeaningLife.htm Under a Christian worldview: What is the purpose and meaning of life?]</ref>

*[http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_MeaningLife.htm Under a Christian worldview: What is the purpose and meaning of life?]</ref>

In December of 2003, the University of Warwick reported:

In December 2003, the University of Warwick reported:

{{cquote|Dr. Stephen Joseph, from the University of Warwick, said: "Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier. Looking at the research evidence, it seems that those who celebrate the Christian meaning of [[Christmas]] are on the whole likely to be happier.<ref>http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html</ref>}}

{{cquote|Dr. Stephen Joseph, from the University of Warwick, said: "Religious people seem to have a greater purpose in life, which is why they are happier. Looking at the research evidence, it seems that those who celebrate the Christian meaning of [[Christmas]] are on the whole likely to be happier.<ref>http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html</ref>}}

{{cquote|If [[atheism]] is true, it is far from being good news. Learning that we're alone in the [[universe]], that no one hears or answers our prayers, that humanity is entirely the product of random events, that we have no more intrinsic dignity than non-human and even non-animate clumps of matter, that we face certain annihilation in death, that our sufferings are ultimately pointless, that our lives and loves do not at all matter in a larger sense, that those who commit horrific evils and elude human punishment get away with their crimes scot free — all of this (and much more) is utterly tragic.<ref>[http://theweek.com/article/index/241108/where-are-the-honest-atheists Where are the honest atheists?]</ref>}}

{{cquote|If [[atheism]] is true, it is far from being good news. Learning that we're alone in the [[universe]], that no one hears or answers our prayers, that humanity is entirely the product of random events, that we have no more intrinsic dignity than non-human and even non-animate clumps of matter, that we face certain annihilation in death, that our sufferings are ultimately pointless, that our lives and loves do not at all matter in a larger sense, that those who commit horrific evils and elude human punishment get away with their crimes scot free — all of this (and much more) is utterly tragic.<ref>[http://theweek.com/article/index/241108/where-are-the-honest-atheists Where are the honest atheists?]</ref>}}

Although [[Bertrand Russell]] was an [[agnosticism|agnostic]], he had favorable views of atheism.<ref> Russell, Bertrand (1947) "Am I An Atheist Or An Agnostic?"[http://www.luminary.us/russell/atheist_agnostic.html] Most online sources say "by which one prove," probably a mistake.</ref>  Bertrand Russell wrote in 1903 about [[entropy]] and the [[universe]]:

Although [[Bertrand Russell]] was an [[agnosticism|agnostic]], he had favorable views of atheism.<ref>Russell, Bertrand (1947) "Am I An Atheist Or An Agnostic?"[http://www.luminary.us/russell/atheist_agnostic.html] Most online sources say "by which one prove," probably a mistake.</ref>  Bertrand Russell wrote in 1903 about [[entropy]] and the [[universe]]:

{{cquote|That man is the product of causes that had no prevision of the end they were achieving; that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms; that no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling, can preserve individual life beyond the grave; that all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of Man's achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins- all these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain that no philosophy which rejects them can hope to stand.

{{cquote|That man is the product of causes that had no prevision of the end they were achieving; that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms; that no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling, can preserve individual life beyond the grave; that all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of Man's achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins- all these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain that no philosophy which rejects them can hope to stand.

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and meaninglessness]]

*[[Atheism and emptiness|Emptiness of atheism]]

*[[Denials that atheists exist]]

*[[Denials that atheists exist]]

*[[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]

*[[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]

*[[Atheism and beliefs]]

*[[Atheism and beliefs]]

*[[Atheism and belief]]

*[[Atheism and belief]]

== Notes ==

== Notes ==

{{reflist|2}}

{{reflist|2}}

[[Category: Atheism]]

[[Category:Atheism]]

[[Category: Intelligent Design]]

[[Category:Intelligent Design]]

[[Category: Featured articles]]

[[Category:Featured articles]]