The atheism of Oliver Sacks
Offline Oliver Sacks has been one among many in cognitive neuroscience who inspired me to pursue a career in Neurology. In his books, he describes bizarre cases of patients who suffered cerebral lesions resulting in peculiar neuropsychological deficits eg. the inability to recognize faces. His work is a testament to the notion that there is no supernatural soul separate from the neurophysiology of the brain. The following is from an interview with Christianity Today:
"Well, I sometimes jokingly call myself an old Jewish atheist, although I'm not sure what's meant by that. I have to say that I quite enjoy the practice of religion, and not only of my own religion. So, typically, I work with the Little Sisters of the Poor, with an Orthodox Catholic Home, as well as an Orthodox Jewish Home Hospital. I enjoy the Orthodox service in the temple. And I can't stand it in English because I'm used to it in Hebrew. I'm like a Catholic who wants it in Latin. But having said that, I cannot conceive of any spirit sort of which is above nature. The term supernatural is unintelligible to me. But on the other hand, nature itself seems so wonderful that I don't feel a hunger or any concept beyond it"
I find it interesting that Sacks and many other atheists find comfort in scripture and yet reject the supernatural basis. I liken this to atheists who enjoy listening to Gregorian chants. A great deal of music, art and literature have a basis in religion. Can there be an atheist "Gregorian chant" or must atheists make do with theist left overs?
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I think Verdi's Requiem is pretty close. : ) Though it was inspired by scripture, it was made by an atheist.
AFAIK, Lisa Gerrard's work is non-religious and sort of chant/ethereal at times. She did the vocals on the Gladiator soundtrack.
-Triften
I enjoyed "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat"
Its apparent that religion is attached to a particular 'feel good' emotion and many do not want to let go of it nor replace it with anything else.
People who think there is something they refer to as god don't ask enough questions.
I watched Xena: Warrior Princess at the time it ran in current production. Does that mean I enjoyed leftovers from Greek paganism?
Your not attending temple services in honor of Zeus or Apollo. Folks like Dan Dennett admit to going to church and singing hymns. That's a far cry from me enjoying Lord of the Rings. I don't regularly read the gospel of Illuvatar (the God of Middle Earth).
Actually I'm an evil orc who secretly worships Sauron and Morgoth.....heh! heh! heh! (evil sinister laugh).
I've gone to "museums" (temples of the Muses).