Atheism and Judaism

I am an atheist. I believe that the laws of thermodynamics rule the physical universe and that there is no nonphysical existence.

Judaism is both a culture and a religion and many aspects of it, such as ethics, are appealing to many people. But this is not my point.

God is a human invention. But why? It can be understood in evolutionary terms. The human brain is a product of evolution. Religion is found in all human cultures (http://pinker.wjh.harvard.edu/articles/media/2004_10_29_religion.htm). This suggests that religion, and a belief in God, has an evolutionary benefit. What is that benefit?

I believe that it is not religion that is evolutionarily beneficial. Rather, it is a byproduct. A byproduct of what? Science.

Science is a human activity that our evolved brains undertake. In science, the goal is to discover underlying causes. For example, the scientific method of hypothesis and experimentation led to the discovery of electrons and genes. The human brain has evolved to carry out these activities.

God is perceived by some to be an underlying cause. I believe it is an erroneous conclusion. But the quest for God is the result of our intelligent seeking of underlying causes.

But then why do I practice Judaism and attend synagogue? I use the word “God,” despite being an atheist.

In a word, poetry. I believe that God-language is metaphor. All language is metaphor. Poetry is evocative metaphor. The powerful God-ideas are metaphors for our deepest emotions. Love, yearning, regret, hope, joy, despair.