A Lifelong Atheist’s Encounter with Faith Illuminates its Profound Human Need
In a world often characterized by stark ideological divides, a recent reflection on the works of Jane Ellen Harrison, a pioneering classical scholar, offers a surprising and deeply resonant perspective on the nature of faith. As detailed in a foreword to a new edition of her 1915 work, “Alpha and Omega,” a pivotal moment occurred when a loved one, aware of the author’s lifelong atheism, urged them to “have faith.” This simple plea, set against the backdrop of profound personal connection, ignited a re-examination of what faith truly means, transcending rigid dogma and embracing a fundamental human need. This encounter, as described in The Marginalian’s commentary, challenges conventional understandings and suggests that the essence of faith lies not in belief systems, but in the courage to confront the unknown and the capacity to sustain the heart against despair.
Who Was Jane Ellen Harrison and Why Does She Matter Now?
Jane Ellen Harrison (1850-1928) was a transformative figure in classical studies, a scholar who dared to look beyond the established patriarchal interpretations of ancient Greek religion and mythology. She challenged the prevailing narrative, suggesting that the Olympian gods were not the sole or even primary deities, but rather that older, chthonic powers held significant sway. Her work, particularly in books like “Themis: A Study of the Social Origins of Greek Religion,” moved away from a focus on individual deities and towards understanding religion as a collective, evolving social phenomenon.
The foreword highlights Harrison’s intellectual bravery, noting how she herself might have been viewed as a heretic in her time for her groundbreaking theories. This spirit of intellectual defiance, coupled with a deep engagement with the very human impulse towards something beyond the purely material, makes her work remarkably relevant today. In an era where scientific rationalism often stands in opposition to religious belief, Harrison’s approach, as illuminated by the foreword, offers a bridge, suggesting that the impulse toward faith is a deeply ingrained human characteristic, regardless of specific doctrinal adherence.
Faith as a Sustaining Force in the Face of Uncertainty
The core of the foreword’s revelation lies in the personal anecdote: a confrontation with the word “faith” from someone who knew the recipient to be an atheist. This moment, situated “in the lacuna between love and reason,” became a crucible for understanding faith not as assent to creed, but as a vital mechanism for navigating life’s inherent uncertainties. The author describes it as “this ancient need for something to keep us from breaking the possible on the curb of the known, to keep the heart from breaking.”
This perspective redefines faith from a purely theological concept into a psychological and existential necessity. It’s not about believing in specific divine entities, but about possessing a resilience that allows one to face the unknown without succumbing to despair. The foreword suggests that Harrison, through her scholarly work, was perhaps touching upon these same fundamental human impulses, exploring the origins of ritual and belief as expressions of collective humanity grappling with life, death, and the mysteries of existence. The courage to be a “heretic,” as the title implies, is itself a form of faith – a faith in the validity of one’s own intellectual and emotional responses, even when they deviate from established norms.
The Courage of Heresy and the Embrace of the Unknown
Harrison’s legacy, as presented here, is inextricably linked to her willingness to challenge orthodoxy. She was not afraid to be a “heretic” in her scholarly pursuits, and this intellectual courage, it seems, mirrors the personal courage required to embrace faith in its broader, less dogmatic sense. The foreword implies that true faith, in Harrison’s vein, requires the fortitude to question, to explore, and to find meaning in areas where empirical evidence may be scarce. It is the faith that allows for the “breaking of the possible on the curb of the known” – a willingness to venture beyond the confines of what is already understood, to explore the potential of what could be.
This resonates with a conservative viewpoint that often values tradition and established order, yet also recognizes the importance of individual conscience and the pursuit of truth. Harrison’s work, by suggesting that ancient belief systems arose from genuine human needs for cohesion and understanding, offers a more nuanced view than a simple dismissal of religion as superstition. It allows for an appreciation of the enduring power of collective human experience and the search for meaning, even as one remains intellectually rigorous.
Tradeoffs: Reason vs. The Unseen
The inherent tension, as explored in the foreword, is between the “known” and the “possible.” A strictly rationalist approach might dismiss any reliance on faith as an abdication of reason. However, the article suggests that this is a false dichotomy. The “lacuna between love and reason” is not an empty space, but a fertile ground where human needs for comfort, connection, and meaning can flourish. The tradeoff is not between reason and irrationality, but between a potentially sterile, limited understanding of reality and a richer, more resilient engagement with life, which acknowledges the limitations of our current knowledge.
Harrison’s scholarship, by delving into the evolutionary roots of religious practice, provides a framework for understanding faith as a fundamental human trait, rather than solely a matter of adherence to specific doctrines. This offers a path to reconciling seemingly opposing viewpoints by recognizing the shared human impulse towards meaning-making and the need for communal bonds.
Implications: Reimagining Faith for a Modern Age
The re-emergence of Harrison’s ideas, through this new edition and commentary, suggests a cultural moment ripe for a re-evaluation of faith. In a world grappling with existential challenges and the erosion of traditional belief systems, the foreword’s narrative offers a compelling alternative to outright rejection. It encourages a broader understanding of faith – one that is less about dogma and more about the inner fortitude to face uncertainty, the capacity for deep human connection, and the courage to explore the uncharted territories of existence.
This perspective has significant implications for how we approach personal well-being, community building, and even intellectual inquiry. It suggests that the “faith” that sustains us might be found in our relationships, our commitment to shared values, and our willingness to engage with life’s mysteries with open hearts and minds, not necessarily with a creed.
Practical Advice: Cultivating Inner Resilience
For individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life, the insights gleaned from Harrison’s rediscovered vision offer practical guidance. Rather than seeking solace in prescribed doctrines, consider cultivating the following:
* Embrace Intellectual Curiosity: Like Harrison, be willing to question established norms and explore new ideas. This intellectual bravery can foster a deeper understanding of the world and one’s place within it.
* Nurture Human Connections: The foreword highlights the power of human touch and connection. Prioritize and strengthen your relationships, as they are a profound source of support and meaning.
* Cultivate Resilience: Recognize that life inherently involves uncertainty. Develop coping mechanisms and a mindset that allows you to face challenges without succumbing to despair. This is the essence of the “faith” that keeps the heart from breaking.
* Seek Meaning Beyond the Material: Engage with art, philosophy, and the natural world. Find sources of inspiration and awe that transcend the purely tangible.
Key Takeaways
* Jane Ellen Harrison, a classical scholar, offered radical new perspectives on ancient Greek religion.
* A modern encounter with the concept of faith highlights its role as a fundamental human need for sustenance and resilience.
* Faith, in this context, is redefined as the courage to confront the unknown and to sustain oneself through life’s uncertainties, rather than adherence to specific religious doctrines.
* Harrison’s intellectual bravery and willingness to challenge orthodoxy serve as an example of this broader form of faith.
* The tension between reason and faith can be bridged by understanding faith as a deep human impulse for meaning and connection.
A Call to Engage with Enduring Human Needs
The re-examination of Jane Ellen Harrison’s work, as presented through this foreword, invites us to consider the profound and often overlooked dimensions of human experience. It encourages a dialogue that moves beyond rigid ideological boundaries, fostering an appreciation for the enduring need for meaning, connection, and resilience. As we navigate the challenges of our time, let us draw inspiration from those who dared to question, to explore, and to find strength not just in what is known, but in the courageous embrace of the possible.
References:
- The Marginalian. “By Contacts We Are Saved: The Forgotten Visionary Jane Ellen Harrison on Change, the Meaning of Faith, and the Courage of Heresy.” themarginalian.org. Accessed [Current Date].