In 1667, John Milton published his famous epic poem, Paradise Lost. Milton wanted his masterpiece to convince others about the loving mercy of God. To Milton’s horror and to the surprise of even today’s scholars, however, the most interesting character in the poem is neither God the Father nor Jesus himself. Ironically, the most enduring and memorable character in the poem turns out to be Satan.
In Paradise Lost, God comes across as a cold, inflexible tyrant who bullies others with His infinite power. Satan takes on the role of a victim who deserves another chance. We sympathize with him because he fights onward despite the fact that he cannot succeed. Satan’s “delusional optimism” strikes us as something very human.
On the surface we are baffled as to why we should find more interesting the characters in fiction and real life who have questionable morals and who stand up to authority. But upon a closer look there is a great reason for doing so.
The list of anti-heroes that we secretly admire is long. The stories of dictators, gangsters, murderers and drug lords make up the content of the movies that we watch. When O.J. Simpson led 10 police cars on a wild goose chase down a California freeway, we were shocked by his audacity and we watched in awe. Against all odds, “the Juice” was making yet another improbable run for the “end zone.” Apparently, girls find “bad boys” attractive because they exude confidence and flair. Delinquents, the girls explain, offer them a kind of permission to act in the same way. Even modern “pirate types” like Johnny Depp or Keith Richards —who follow a bizarre, personal code of ethics— continue to hold wide appeal.
We respect people who act in accordance with their beliefs in spite of the consequences they face. And we hold in high regard anyone who is willing to die for their beliefs. This is because what we really admire —and wish we had more of— is personal courage.
In life, many express a faith that seems largely theoretical and is often self-serving. Do Christians actually believe in the hereafter or have they signed up for “fire insurance?” Do Buddhist monks live in cloisters to pursue a disciplined, spiritual life or are they really just hiding from the challenges and temptations of the world? Would many who profess a devotion to Christ actually welcome him in their house, were he around today? Would he not, rather, be deemed too dangerous and of questionable character by most “worshippers?” And in general, do the people on the planet who profess religious views have the actual cajones to live them out?
This is where an atheist may have something to offer those who seek the spiritual life. It takes courage to live out your convictions. And it takes courage to face the consequences for doing so.
The rational atheist is neither ignorant nor arrogant. She has searched and found no conclusive evidence for the presence of an absolute power. Stripped of the myriad of ulterior motives that can accompany all spiritual “acts” and religious ritual, she faces her uncertainty and death with honesty and dignity.
In this simple way, she is an example for many to follow.