UCA News
Contribute

Did Einstein believe in God? The debate continues

On the publication of a definitive new biography of the great Albert Einstein, a Jesuit scholar digs deeper into the fascinating question: was Einstein a believer or an atheist?
Did Einstein believe in God? The debate continues
Published: November 18, 2011 06:44 AM GMT
Updated: November 18, 2011 06:44 AM GMT

Albert Einstein (1879-1955), the most famous scientist of the 20th century was born in a non-practicing Jewish family. During childhood he had a phase of religious fervor, but at the age of 12 reading books of science convinced him that many stories of the Bible could not be true. Einstein definitely turned away from religious practice. Some militant atheists, like Richard Dawkins, include Einstein among atheist scientists. In his book The God Delusion, Dawkins writes: “Einstein sometimes invoked the name of God (and he is not the only atheistic scientist to do so), inviting misunderstanding” (p. 36 of the Brazilian edition: Deus, un delírio). And he denounces “religious apologists” who “try to claim Einstein as one of their own” (p. 39). I feel personally implicated in Dawkins’ denounce. Indeed, years ago, I quoted Einstein’s famous phrase: “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” And I added: “In his maturity, Einstein defended a ‘cosmic religiousness’ based in the presence of a superior rational power, revealed in the incomprehensible universe” (Experiência de Deus: presença e saudade. 2ª ed. revista. São Paulo: Loyola, 2002, p. 14). To clear any doubts, the reader can look into the latest and most complete biography of Albert Einstein: Walter Isaacson’s Einstein: His life and universe (2007), translated into Portuguese by Companhia das Letras (Einstein: sua vida, seu universo. São Paulo, 2007). Isaacson dedicates a full chapter to the issue “Einstein’s God”. In this chapter, the author reproduces declarations made by the father of the theory of relativity that allow to consider him a religious man (in a wide sense) and other declarations that turn him away from the Judaic-Christian belief in a personal God. Further ahead, the author quotes a paradoxal phrase of Einstein’s: “I’m a deeply religious non-believer.” Full Story: Einstein and GodSource: MiradaGlobal.com

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia