Idolizing gods undermines human potential from "summary" of Ateist Manifesto by Michel Onfray
To worship a god is to lower oneself beneath a divine being, to kneel before an almighty force that supposedly rules over human affairs. By bowing down before an idol, one relinquishes their autonomy and agency, surrendering their will to a higher power. This act of submission inhibits the full realization of human potential, as it promotes a sense of helplessness and dependence on an external force for guidance and salvation. Idolizing gods creates a hierarchy of power in which humans are relegated to a subordinate position. This hierarchical structure stifles creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, as individuals are expected to adhere to the dictates and dogmas prescribed by the divine authority. Rather than encouraging free inquiry and individual expression, the worship of gods imposes limitations on human thought and behavior, constraining the boundless capacity for growth and self-discovery. Furthermore, the belief in an all-powerful deity can foster a sense of complacency and fatalism, as believers may come to view their own efforts and abilities as insignificant in the face of divine will. This fatalistic mindset can lead ...
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