The Threat of Anti-Theism: What is at Stake in the Axiology of God?

This essay examines the philosophical position of anti-theism—the view that God's existence would be bad for us—and argues that certain forms of anti-theism conflict with Biblical theism, which holds that God's existence is a great good warranting worshipful love. It contends that the Bible’s teachings, central to Judaism, Christianity, and possibly Islam, imply a pro-theist axiology asserting that God’s existence is fittingly met with complete, joyful devotion from all people. The author presents the "Argument from Unfitting Attitudes," showing that if wide personal anti-theism (the claim that God's existence is overall bad for us) or certain narrow versions are true, then worshipful love toward God is irrational, thereby undermining Biblical theism. The essay concludes that rejecting these anti-theist positions is essential for Biblical theists, who may do so by disputing anti-theist value judgments or arguing that God's existence secures greater goods outweighing any downsides.