As part of the “The Church and the Law” interview series, Iravaban.net spoke with Father Vrtanes Baghalyan, the spiritual shepherd of St. Hovhannes Church in Byurakan in the Aragatsotn Diocese, on the topic “Atheism: Does spiritual life exist without religion?”
According to the clergyman, atheism is an ideology that rejects God and divine beings, supposedly based on experience, rational thinking, and scientific foundations.
“Unfortunately, in post-Soviet countries, militant atheism is more widespread, which persecuted the church and clergy during the Soviet era. During the communist period, this ideology was also used against the nobility and clergy,” he noted.
According to the clergyman, one of the more positive manifestations of atheism is humanistic atheism, which contains moral elements.
“The Soviet Union has collapsed, and we have gained independence, but we see that there is no concept from the state or authorities to give place to spiritual and moral values. Even within atheism, there can be moral aspects, which we do not deny. Many atheists try to maintain their share of duty toward conscience, moral norms, the state, and homeland, but from an ecclesiastical perspective, I think this is not sufficient. From a church perspective, the existence of God, the circumstance of God is very important, meaning that atheistic humanism leads to anthropocentrism,” said Father Vrtanes.
Details in the video.
