Hume on Religion
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David Hume, a renown philosopher makes an incredible analysis and digest of who he believed God to be and the general role of religion. The philosopher discusses that religion as the basis to mankind’s link to spirituality has been the fore that has shaped the thinking and actions of many people. In a closer analysis, Hume discusses the role, power, and nature of God in his superior and holy aspects. In addition, Hume assess how mankind has taken and applied religion in all spheres of life as well as the effects of overreliance on religion. Hume argues that mankind cannot determine the fate of nature but rather submits to the forces of religion and the unseen who is God to control the destiny and future of mankind. In this regard, Hume seeks to breakdown the relationship between mankind, God, and nature. The philosophy behind Hume’s arguments is based on his observations, life experiences, as well as the intellectual knowledge on matters of religion. This paper will discuss Hume’s analysis of religion by looking at his philosophies. The essay will break down the core views of Hume on how he perceived God and matters of religion from mankind’s perspective.
Hume holds the thought that religion as the mankind’s platform to reaching God has evolved and taken many paths. He observes that mankind’s actions have not always portrayed God in who he is but gone contrary to the natural law. In addition, Hume states that mankind has misused his place in God’s creation to abide to unknown forces and beliefs thus causing God to draw far from his creation. He also questions the extent to which mankind has gone to abide to the perceived ways and lost paths that are both dangerous and irritating to God. In addition, Hume corrects what he sees as lack of direction among people who even claim to know their supreme God (Graham, 2016). Hume also looks at ethics, morals that are the basis upon which people’s behavior actions revolves. In his view, religion ought to shape and still the right virtual and moral sin a person thus guiding their behavior towards others and God. To elaborate on this, Hume stipulates that mankind as the image of God ought to reflect goodness, morals and wisdom in all his ways. Hume is also concerned over the lack of direction when mankind is approaching God who is by far wise and ought to be respected and feared (Sieczkowski, 2018). Interestingly, Hume also questions why mankind ought to fear the same supreme God who they should call on in times of need. These observations by Hume seem to have evry diverse and yet contradicting direction that fails to abide by their true meaning. Hume appears to hold two beliefs and takes many sides when it comes to the matters of religion and mankind’s relationship with God.
Hume seen as a conservative and a rigid philosopher argues that God as the sole controller of the man’s fate cannot be advised or changed in his decisions. The philosopher bases his argument on the perceived nature and power of God who is also senas the supreme and wise being. According to Hume, there is only one way to define God and that is based on his goodness, power, and wisdom. Hume argues that God as the wise creator has everything lined up and in a perfect way where no man can alter the fate of his destiny (Graham, 2016). In his view of seeking God and worshiping, Hume is quick to claim that God deserves all the attention from mankind. He however discourages the misguided religious beliefs that have led many to belief in a different god. The value of Hume’s ideas is rooted in what he terms as man’s half-baked view of God that has continually derived a different religion altogether.
In his view, Hume acknowledges that man should work hard and still seek God as his guide and provider. The value of religion and relationship between God and man is well analyzed where Hume sums up that man is always reliant on God. He also claims that he does believe in miracles as they are a violation of natural law. In this regard, Hume argues that miracles have blinded many in religion to a point where they are unable to lay ground to what they can do and push their way. The arguments by Hume seems to point to a very concerning aspects of religion that defines man’s role and relationship with God. In his view, Hume argues that mankind as the central pillar of God’s creation has abandoned his role by taking on beliefs that are jot in line the core teachings (Sieczkowski, 2018). He also refers to the need for wisdom over strengths when dealing with matters of religion. The arguments raised by Hume are also tied to the value of religion in shaping man’s view and relationship with God that are supposed to be on holiness and purity.
In conclusion, the views given by Hume are based on what he perceived as the place of religion in God’s-mankind relationship. In order to capture the right tone, Hume states the various aspects of religion that define what God prefers and how mankind has changed the core values of holiness and faith in God. Hume was very unpredictable in his views as he would often acknowledge God’s existence but still challenge some of the arguments about God’s existence.
Reference
Graham, G. (2016). Hume and Smith on Natural Religion. Philosophy, 91(2), 345-360.
Sieczkowski, T. (2018). David Hume and the Naturalness of Religion. Ruch Filozoficzny, 74(3), 75-88.
