Can an Atheist Be Superstitious?

Technically, yes. Atheism means not believing in deities or gods. It does not preclude the possibility of holding beliefs in the supernatural or engaging in superstitions. In fact, the boundaries between these concepts can sometimes blur.

Defining Atheism

Atheism is simply the lack of belief in the existence of deities or gods. It is important to recognize that disbelief in gods does not equate to disbelief in all supernatural phenomena. This means that an atheist can, and sometimes does, believe in the existence of the supernatural.

The Case of Irving Leonard Finkel

Consider the example of Irving Leonard Finkel, an English philologist and Assyriologist. He was raised as an Orthodox Jew but became an atheist as a teenager. Finkel’s academic background in Assyriology, which involves the study of ancient Mesopotamian languages and cultures, including their religious and mystical texts, provides a fascinating perspective on the relationship between atheism and superstition.

Finkel earned a PhD in Assyriology from the University of Birmingham, where he specialized in Babylonian exorcistic spells against demons. His work involves texts that often describe supernatural entities and rituals. This background might make him more aware of and even sympathetic to supernatural beliefs, even though he personally does not adhere to them as part of his atheism.

Superstition in Practice

Superstition can manifest in many forms. It might involve an irrational fear of a black cat crossing one’s path or stepping under a ladder. These beliefs do not necessarily require the existence of deities. For example, the idea of stepping on the lines in the streets can be seen as a form of superstition, believing that transgressing these lines will bring bad luck.

Personal Beliefs and Superstitions

Many people, including those who identify as atheists, engage in superstitions or rituals out of fear, cultural heritage, or a wish to feel in control of uncontrollable situations. While superstitions are often dismissed as irrational, they can still be meaningful for individuals who find comfort or a sense of security in them.

It's important to note that these beliefs do not negate one's atheism. A person can choose to believe in the supernatural without endorsing it as a basis for their philosophical or scientific worldview. The distinction lies in the reasons for holding such beliefs.

Some might argue that engaging in superstitions can be seen as a form of questioning one's own beliefs. However, as with many personal choices, this is subjective and varies from individual to individual. Some might find superstitions intellectually intriguing, while others view them as trivial or superfluous.

Conclusion

While atheism is defined as a lack of belief in deities, this does not preclude all forms of belief in the supernatural. Examples from academic fields, like Assyriology, and personal experiences with superstitions show that an atheist can indeed be superstitious. The key is understanding the boundaries between one’s core beliefs and peripheral superstitious behaviors.

Athèism superstition can coexist, providing a nuanced view of human beliefs and behaviors.