New Atheism and Our Role | Ahmad Javaid | Part 1 | City of Knowledge Islamic Research Institute

Summary

The transcript delves into the tension between modern science and traditional religious beliefs, exploring the challenges posed by technological, industrial, and scientific advancements. It critiques the classical understanding of existence, illustrating how modern science has transformed views on the nature of matter, spirit, and the universe. The script emphasizes the importance of adapting religious discourse to contemporary realities, urging individuals to defend their beliefs either through reasoned argument or through practical examples. It highlights the evolving understanding of reality and the constant struggle to reconcile faith with modern intellectual frameworks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modern challenges for people of faith arise due to the scientific, industrial, and technological revolution, leading to new conflicts and doubts about religion.
• 😀 A key aspect of modern faith is shifting from traditional methods of debating religion through books or confrontations to embodying the proof of faith in one's actions.
• 😀 The essence of modern philosophy rejects rationality as a basis for understanding the world and instead focuses on empirical evidence and science to explain existence.
• 😀 Classical philosophy's view of existence was rooted in materialism, which suggested that matter is eternal and had no beginning or end, presenting challenges to theological ideas of creation.
• 😀 Modern science, unlike classical philosophy, does not view God or the divine as a challenge to its findings but rather looks at the physical world through tools like telescopes and microscopes to understand existence.
• 😀 The classical theological perspective was based on the idea that matter is ancient and unchanging, but modern science examines this in ways that defy traditional concepts of time and space.
• 😀 A major difference between classical and modern thought is that modern science does not entertain the idea of a divine essence or force that can be challenged by scientific reasoning.
• 😀 The distinction between the physical world and spiritual or mental concepts in modern science blurs as both are analyzed through the lens of empirical evidence and scientific inquiry.
• 😀 Philosophical discussions have moved away from focusing on matters of faith and theology and instead delve into the practical implications of understanding material existence through scientific methods.
• 😀 The modern understanding of existence challenges previous philosophical concepts by examining the material world at its most basic level and questioning the traditional division between body, mind, and spirit.

Q & A

What challenges are being faced by those who follow religion in the modern scientific, industrial, and technological era?

Those who follow religion face challenges in reconciling their beliefs with the advancements in science, technology, and industrialization. These challenges are related to the new methods of understanding the world, which often contradict religious teachings.

What does the speaker suggest as the two main approaches to dealing with modern challenges?

The speaker suggests two main approaches: one is to protect and defend one's beliefs through knowledge and wisdom, and the other is to confront and counter these challenges directly, either through intellectual or physical strength.

How does the speaker define modern ilm (knowledge) compared to classical ilm?

Modern ilm is not rooted in rational thought alone, unlike classical ilm, which was based on reasoning and philosophy. Modern ilm is largely empirical and scientific, relying on evidence-based understanding rather than abstract reasoning.

What is the role of science in the current view of existence according to the speaker?

Science challenges traditional notions of existence by relying on empirical methods to study the universe, biology, and human beings. It does not directly oppose the concept of God, but it seeks to understand existence through observation and experimentation.

What is the speaker's stance on the concept of 'classical ilah' (God) as understood in ancient philosophy?

The speaker notes that classical ilah, especially in ancient Greek philosophy, was based on materialism and the concept of an eternal, unchanging matter. The philosophical understanding of God was linked to the idea of an eternal substance that could not be created or destroyed.

What philosophical stance does the speaker criticize in modern scientific thought?

The speaker criticizes the materialistic view of existence that modern science sometimes embraces. This view suggests that everything is explainable through material causes, which the speaker believes leaves no room for a spiritual or divine understanding.

What does the speaker mean by the 'empirical' nature of modern ilm?

The 'empirical' nature of modern ilm refers to knowledge gained through observation, experimentation, and evidence. Unlike classical philosophy, which was based on abstract reasoning, modern ilm relies on tangible, measurable facts.

How does the speaker explain the relationship between materialism and the understanding of time and space?

The speaker explains that in materialistic views, time and space are seen as dimensions in which matter exists and operates. The philosophical view of time and space as independent of material existence is challenged by the current scientific understanding, which bases everything on physical phenomena.

What does the speaker say about the concept of form in relation to existence?

The speaker discusses the concept of form as a secondary aspect of existence that shapes material reality. He critiques the scientific approach that views form as interchangeable or secondary to matter, suggesting that existence is not just about material form but involves deeper principles.

What does the speaker imply about the role of reason and passion in confronting modern challenges?

The speaker implies that reason and passion both play crucial roles in addressing modern challenges. While intellectuals and powerful individuals should engage with these challenges through reason and strength, common people should use their passion, loyalty, and zeal to defend their beliefs.