Catholic Answers Live #12322 Why Are There Honest Atheists? - Karlo Broussard
Aug 12, 2025
Karlo Broussard, a passionate staff apologist known for his expertise in philosophy and theology, tackles the question of why honest atheists exist despite the belief in God. He discusses the role of doubt in the pursuit of truth and the implications of divine hiddenness. Broussard also delves into the challenging topic of hell, arguing that it reflects God's justice and the seriousness of rejecting Him. With engaging insights, he emphasizes the need for a philosophical approach to morality and the relationship between science and faith.
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Rational Inquiry Justifies Intellectual Uncertainty
- God permits honest intellectual error because rational inquiry is a good in itself.
- That permission isn't unjust since God relates to us according to our finite rational nature.
Don't Confuse Justice With Gratuitous Mercy
- Demanding God do beyond what justice requires mixes up love and obligation.
- If a supposed act of mercy became required, it would cease to be gratuitous mercy and become justice.
God Judges Based On Responsibility, Not Ignorance
- The Church teaches God won't hold people accountable for lacking knowledge if that ignorance isn't their fault.
- Final judgment will account for what each person was responsible for prior to death.
