Our God — Page 149
Great Benefits ofBelief in God 149 fathers—strung together in unity and oneness by some factors despite this difference—were in fact sons of the same father, their mutual love and brotherhood would express itself more perfectly. Therefore, if atheists at times are found to be loving and sympa- thetic to other humans, this does not mean that belief in God is not needed anymore. These sentiments would manifest only in their perfect form, quantitatively and qualitatively, when, in addi- tion to other motives for unity, people are united in their belief in God—when they regard themselves as originating from one source of creation and springing forth from one fountain of life. My dear ones! How can I convince you that belief in God (if it is a real and living belief ) stirs up a vast ocean of love and sym- pathy for mankind and sentiments of brotherhood for them? It is impossible to find a parallel elsewhere. All other motives for such sentiments are empty rhetoric by comparison, both quantitatively and qualitatively. If the question is asked, why does an atheist have these senti- ments, there are generally two reasons. First, consciously or sub- consciously, an atheist, influenced by teachings of religions in his environment, concludes that [expressing] sympathy and love for mankind is a good deed and not doing this will lower his standing among people. In addition to losing respect personally, he feels that he will give the people a chance to criticise his beliefs, say- ing that he lacks sentiments of love and brotherhood for mankind because he is an atheist. Therefore, intentionally or unintention- ally, he tries not to lag behind those who believe in God in those deeds that are universally considered to be good. In other words, the spirit of competition and fear of disrepute motivate him to these acts. Obviously, these sentiments cannot find highest and