A warning against practical atheism
Monday, 22nd week in Ordinary Time
1 Thes 4: 13-18; Lk 4: 16-30
One of our philosophy professors would often refer to what is called practical atheism. We know what atheism means: it is saying there is no God. It is much safer and clearer than practical atheism which actually is a stand of subtle self deception.
Practical Atheism is the way of life where a person lives his or her life as if God did not exist, though theoretically the person claims to believe in a god. For all practical purposes there seems to be no difference between the life of an atheist and this person who claims to believe in God. At times we can live our life with values and priorities that are so ungodly, with mere external practices that seem religious.
The readings today invite us to examine our deep seated convictions and judge for ourselves how much our beliefs transform our lives.