Nietzsche. Existence of God

The presence of God is a contentious issue since it cannot be confirmed or refuted; there is a wide range of lines of argument on the subject that can be classified as metaphysical or empirical. Some philosophical scholars have attempted to give evidence that God exists, while others have argued that there is no practical evidence pointing to his presence. Aside from the solid arguments offered both for and against this subject, there are biblical deductions that support both schools of thinking. In this, regard, there is the issue of atheism which has aroused mixed reactions, mostly negative, from different people who view the rejection of God’s existence as a religious transgression.

Among the well-known philosophers who have made substantial contributions to this area of study is Friedrich Nietzsche, a German realist, whose works have greatly influenced western historical and philosophical perspectives. Through his work, Nietzsche explains that human existence is based on God’s existence which means religious beliefs can no longer be founded on an external notion of divine intervention(Nietzsche 299). In as much as the view on God’s presence remains debated, developments on both sides continue to be seen as some theologians attempt to make anthropocentric views an integral part of their religious teachings. This paper explores the concept of God’s existence given the arguments made by Friedrich Nietzsche on the matter.

The Concept of Divinity

The endless debate on the existence of God arises in various aspects of life. While some seek to establish the truth on the origin of humanity and other species of nature, others attempt to justify to beliefs and values about morality, either way, the question of whether God exists or not is a central part of all human beings. Most religions suggest that there is an existence of one particular God (depending on religion) that people can rely on and believe to be happy and live their life correctly. Friedrich Nietzsche had his views on the subject of the existence of a God, which eventually lead him to be recognized as an atheist/nihilist (Nietzsche301). Nietzsche claims that God is dead. Indeed, this phrase appears to be shocking to people since it contradicts their beliefs and does not portray God as a figure that has power and control over everything.

Nietzsche uses the phrase ’God is dead’ in most of his works, especially in ’The Gay Science,’ which has been the topic of debate as some take it as an in-depth insight on divinity while others view it as atheistic. The phrase means more than the literal notion it arises since Nietzsche uses it about the disturbing contradictory modern Christian actions which depict the loss of value in the pure truth about the being of God(Nietzsche 303). He views the belief in the existence of God as far-fetched, and while he does not try to discredit the fact that God exists, he presents his view on atheism asserting that the knowledge of God has lost its thrill. Most people might take this argument as though Nietzsche supports atheism. However, this is more of an exploration of the facts of the inability to prove that God exists, but also the repercussions of his belief and that of atheism.

It is apparent that Nietzsche used this phrase to show his concern. He said: “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him”. Using this expression, he was trying to show his concern about the fact that people will begin to reject religion at some point and start accepting atheism or become nihilists. This would eventually lead the world to chaos as there is no higher power or a moral role model that will hold control over people. He provides more argument that what atheists support regarding this spiritual concept and his work supports the freedom to explore new ways of consciousness outside the restrictions of religious teachings of God and evil.

Nietzsche’s asserts that when God dies, there is more that is lost from the existence of God. He explains that the concept of morality, reason and meaningful interpretation of issues is all depended on the subsistence of a supreme spiritual being (Nietzsche 304). There is truth to this argument keeping in mind that for a story to exist there must be an author. This means that there would be no meaning to what can be regarded as morally upright, and all views on the issue will be mere personal opinions. Nietzsche claims that the existence of God overshadows the meaning of life and that the question of good and evil relies on personal experiences and knowledge (Nietzsche 305). While an atheist advocate for scientific and evolutionary explanations to the origin and existence of humankind which focuses on the survival of the fittest, Nietzsche explains the non-existence of correlation between what can be termed as correct and survival.

He goes on to explain that an all-natural existence would hinder the survival of the human race. Analyzing most of Nietzsche’s works, especially the ’The Gay Science’ and ’Beyond Good and Evil,’ it can be deduced that Nietzsche adopted a more exploratory approach to human existence rejecting philosophical restrictions on reasoning (Nietzsche 307). He advocates for a more independent self-realization of a person’s nature and identity without the influence of external factors such as religious beliefs on the soul and divinity. While some might interpret this view as cosmological, others perceive it as a general approach to existence and origin of humanity as most of his work is concerned with creation.

Nietzsche criticized religion, especially Christianity claiming that it inhibits the freedom to explore and establish new ways of being, and therefore it does not give a correct image of Christian teachings as Christians practice the opposite of what they teach. He argues that the institutionalization of the Christian faith and establishment of standards and system of morality are erroneous. Nietzsche views Christianity as something opposite to a healthy life. In fact, he sees Christianity as his enemy. He believes that this religion is ridiculous as it makes us feel ashamed of our instincts/feelings and instead “feeds” us with promises about the afterlife. From his perspective, this is ridiculous as it makes us as humans lose their appreciation and value of life in exchange for something that is waiting for them after they die. Nevertheless,

Nietzsche is not trying to substitute morality that is in Christianity with his own. He genuinely believes that the loss of religion will lead to chaos (mainly that the western world at that period lived by the rules of Christianity). However, he believes that people should stop denying their instincts and instead be more realistic and honest about our motives. In his “Will to Power” Nietzsche is again being misunderstood. People mistook his concept for something that has to do with domination and power (Nietzsche 134). However, it is not so. The will to power stipulates that a thing goes as it goes. Everything that takes action is already a will to power, hence, in his book ’Beyond Good and Evil,’ Nietzsche condemns the philosophical belief of restricted moral standards of determining the difference between good and evil.

These standards are derived from religious faiths and assume that good is the exact opposite of evil. His perspective on good and evil can be termed as a consenting approach which challenges the notion of knowledge. This makes a significant contribution to the subject of the existence of God and also furthers his argument on human freedom by insisting on the notion of free spirits. Nietzsche’s view on, matters relating to the external existence of the soul and divinity does not dispute the belief that God exists, nor does it support this conviction. Instead, he attempts to explore the notion of deity, pointing out its relevance to meaning, morality, and reason while condemning the restricting perspectives that have developed out of religious faiths and values.

Conclusion

Religion is an integral part of human culture as it impacts values and beliefs that guide how people relate to each other. This makes the topic of the existence of God a controversial and sensitive one to discuss. Whether this is true or false depends on personal convictions and experiences. Atheism is a concept that has not been received well by most people especially the religious ones, which is contrary to the spiritual teachings encourage people to accept others without condemning them. It should be appreciated that each person is free to voice and practice what they believe. The freedom of religion has been given great significance in the current world to the extent that the constitution protects it. The vast amount of literature both for and against the notion of God’s existence provides convincing evidence on the subject, what a person decides to b beliefs is their personal decision. This means that whether God exists or not, what is important is to respect individual personal preferences relating to matters of divinity.

Work Cited

Nietzsche, Friedrich. Beyond Good and Evil, The Twilight of the Idols and The Will to Power in Stumpf (readings), 299-307

Nietzsche, Friedrich. The Gay Science: With a prelude in rhymes and an appendix of songs. Vintage (2010)