Theological implications of atomism

[Qoeleth]

The atomists of the classical period, such as Epicurus or Lucretius, where generally non/anti-religious (non gods, or believing in totally indifferent gods), and hedonists (not necessarily in a depraved sense, but in the sense of believing that the suffering/happiness in the here-and-now- was the right determinant of behaviour).

It seems that since the revival of atomism in the natural sciences (the theory that all matter is reducible to particles of basically the same type, and that the universe is basically a void with atoms), religious faith has decreased, and hedonism/utilitarianism has become prevalent.

To me, this suggests a relationship between atomism, non-theism and hedonism. Does the idea that everything is reducible to basically the same kinds of particles, which in themselves have no particular properties, inevitably leads to a loss of the sense of the transcendent?

It seems to be the case, both for the ancient and the modern atomisms.

 

[JNdoum]

I think that believing in atoms in and of itself would not be destructive to faith, but making that the center of all your beliefs is where the danger would set in.

 

[Khalid]

First, Christianity is false. Secondly, and just as importantly metaphysically, hard determinism is necessarily true.

 

[Qoeleth]

First, Christianity is false. Secondly, and just as importantly metaphysically, hard determinism is necessarily true.

Yes, it seems as if hard determinism is a necessary consequence of atomism. Do you think hard determinism will eventually emerge (at an ethical and cultural level) due to the revival of atomism in the present age?