10 Reasons why I am an Atheist: #5

"Children entering the world through birth have no concept of the existence of any god. It would be reasonable to suppose that the deity would implant within the human being knowledge of his existence. But no, children have to learn religion from those around them. And, curiously, they learn different religions in each different culture!"

ASSUMPTIONS:
1. If there was a God, he would implant knowledge of his existence into everyone from birth.
2. Children are not born with knowledge of God -- they have to learn it.

VERDICT:
False assumption

DISCUSSION:
Assumption #1 is pure speculation, and silly speculation at that. Children are not implanted with knowledge of anything, so why would God have to make an exception for this? Why can't the existence of God be something people learn as they grow up (just like the existence of, well, everything else in the universe)?

And if any of you see any merit in Assumption #1, I suggest you read "The 'God' Part of the Brain" by Matthew Alper -- although usually used against religion, it would turn this particular atheist argument upside-down.

posted by Matt @ 7:54 PM