Scientific advancement, the problem of evil and logical proofs are just a few of the many arguments put forward against the existence of God. However, David Baddiel’s proclamation in The God Desire of being a ‘reluctant atheist’ is one that is particularly resonant. Following a revealing exploration of antisemitism in Jews Don’t Count, Baddiel’s The God Desire talks of the reasoning behind atheism – an increasingly popular standpoint.
A belief in God is certainly enticing: as an omniscient protector, providing a paradisiacal afterlife for humanity, he offers a sense of all-encompassing comfort. So then, in all humans arguably rests a genuine desire for God to exist. Baddiel shortens this idea to a simple equation: ‘desire + invisibility = God’. In a Freudian manner, he argues that belief in God is essentially wish fulfilment – to lessen the fear of death, and to have a parent-like figure to turn to.
It is refreshing to see an account of atheism that is not aggressively dismissive towards religion. In fact, Baddiel humorously rejects ‘macho’ atheists – those like Richard Dawkins who see religion as nothing more than harmful indoctrination. Although Baddiel’s comparison of faith to an ‘intense form of OCD’ does seem to echo Dawkins’ sentiment, The God Desire is certainly not an attempt to sway theists from their belief. Atheism does not mean a dismissal of religious identity. As an atheist Jew, Baddiel explains how these two identities are completely compatible; one can partake in Jewish rituals whilst feeling a ‘disconnect’ from God.
Packed with personal anecdotes, wit, and a conversational tone, The God Desire is a short and sharp exploration of atheism through a Jewish lens. Baddiel shows that whilst atheism is distinctly ‘depressing’, it should not stop one from ‘grasp[ing] life by the bollocks’.
“David Baddiel – Cambridge 2011” by Chris Boland is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
