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I
do not see spirituality and science as in conflict at all, or
indeed separate. Atheism's primary conflict is not with spirit
but with monotheistic dogma. They believe humans created the
gods, and for all intents and purposes are gods. Humans
should not undermine their achievements, and have faith in
themselves to direct their own destinies. They should not rely
on a "higher power" to dictate ethics and
accountability, nor blame that "higher power" for
their actions. On all these points, I essentially agree... but
that's another topic altogether.
The
character Cillian plays, the physicist Capa whose research
created the bomb, is supposed to be an atheist. All the
nightmares he's had of plummeting headlong into the sun are
coming true. When he surrenders himself to death he does not do
so with my dreams of glory, bragging rights for all eternity,
and a treasured memory across infinite lifetimes. As far as he's
concerned, this is the end and he will face it alone. It makes
his self-sacrifice that much more meaningful, more beautiful,
and more spiritual to me.
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