Atheist view point and Gaudiya Vaishnava Hinduism answer

Atheists have developed several key arguments against the existence of God, especially as conceived in classical theism (an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good deity). Here are the most prominent arguments:

1. The Problem of Evil

• Core Argument: If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist?
• Details: Philosophers like J. L. Mackie and David Hume argue that the existence of unnecessary suffering, natural disasters, and gratuitous evil is incompatible with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God. If God is willing but not able to prevent evil, He is not omnipotent; if able but not willing, He is not all-good; if both, then why does evil exist?1245
• Quote: “Is God willing to prevent evil but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?” — Epicurus5

2. Incoherence of Divine Attributes

• Core Argument: The traditional attributes of God (omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence) are logically inconsistent or incoherent.
• Details: Some philosophers argue that these omni-properties cannot coexist without contradiction, making the concept of such a God logically impossible.1

3. Lack of Evidence

• Core Argument: There is insufficient empirical or logical evidence for God’s existence.
• Details: Many atheists argue that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and the existence of God has not met this standard. The absence of convincing evidence is itself a reason for disbelief.3

4. Divine Hiddenness

• Core Argument: If God exists and wants people to know and believe in Him, His existence should be more obvious.
• Details: The fact that many reasonable people do not believe in God, despite seeking truth, is taken as evidence against an all-loving, all-powerful deity who desires a relationship with humanity.6

5. Scientific and Historical Explanations

• Core Argument: Naturalistic explanations for the universe, life, and consciousness make God unnecessary.
• Details: As science increasingly explains phenomena that were once attributed to divine action, the need for a God hypothesis diminishes. Some also cite factual errors or inconsistencies in religious texts as evidence against their divine origin.37

1. The Problem of Evil

Atheist Argument: If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist?

Gaudiya Vaishnava Response: Evil and suffering in this world are explained as the result of misuse of free will by individual souls (jivas). Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is all-good and desires only the happiness of all beings. However, He grants souls independence to love Him or turn away. When souls choose to forget Krishna and act selfishly, they fall under the influence of maya (illusion) and experience suffering as a consequence of their own karma. Suffering is not caused by God but arises from the soul’s separation from Him. Even so, Krishna remains compassionate and arranges for suffering to ultimately serve as a catalyst for spiritual awakening, prompting souls to turn back to Him. Thus, evil is not a flaw in God’s nature but a byproduct of free will and the soul’s journey back to divine love.

2. Incoherence of Divine Attributes

Atheist Argument: The traditional attributes of God are logically inconsistent.

Gaudiya Vaishnava Response: Krishna’s attributes are described as inconceivable (acintya) and harmoniously reconciled in His transcendental nature. He is simultaneously omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent, but these qualities are not limited by material logic. For example, Krishna can be both present everywhere (as Paramatma) and have a unique, personal form in Goloka Vrindavan. Apparent contradictions are resolved by understanding that the Absolute Truth is beyond mundane reasoning. The tradition emphasizes that Krishna’s loving nature is His highest attribute, and all others serve to enhance His loving exchanges with devotees.

3. Lack of Evidence

Atheist Argument: There is insufficient empirical or logical evidence for God’s existence.

Gaudiya Vaishnava Response: Direct perception of Krishna is possible through the purified heart, not just through material senses or logic. The Vedic process is experiential: by practicing bhakti-yoga (devotional service), one can directly perceive Krishna’s presence, mercy, and reciprocation. Scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are considered evidence, but the highest proof is anubhava—personal realization and transformation. Just as love cannot be proven in a laboratory but is known through experience, so too is God realized through sincere devotion and practice.

4. Divine Hiddenness

Atheist Argument: If God wants people to know Him, why is He hidden?

Gaudiya Vaishnava Response: Krishna is both manifest and hidden by His own will. He reveals Himself to those who sincerely desire Him and approach Him with humility and devotion. Krishna does not force Himself on anyone, respecting the free will of each soul. The Lord is described as “bhakta-vatsala”—always eager to reveal Himself to His devotees. The apparent hiddenness of God is an invitation for sincere seekers to purify their hearts and seek Him with love. When one’s heart is free from envy and selfishness, Krishna becomes self-evident.

5. Scientific and Historical Explanations

Atheist Argument: Natural explanations make God unnecessary; religious texts have inconsistencies.

Gaudiya Vaishnava Response: Science explains the workings of the material world, but it cannot address questions of ultimate purpose, consciousness, or the source of existence. Krishna is the cause of all causes (sarva-karana-karanam), and the laws of nature are His energies in operation. Apparent inconsistencies in scriptures may arise from translation issues, symbolic language, or limited human understanding. The essence of the Vedic texts is to awaken love for Krishna, not merely to provide historical or scientific data. Gaudiya Vaishnavas focus on the transformative power of these texts and the living tradition of realized saints.

References:

1. https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-of-religion/chapter/reasons-not-to-believe/
2. http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/GODEXIST.html
3. https://boxingpythagoras.com/2014/08/11/an-atheist-answers-20-short-arguments-against-gods-existence/
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/10hcyku/what_are_considered_the_strongest_arguments/
5. https://bigthink.com/thinking/arguments-on-gods-existence/
6. https://iep.utm.edu/divine-hiddenness-argument-against-gods-existence/
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence_of_God