Therefore, if God existed, only in one way could he serve human liberty - by ceasing to exist

Therefore, if God existed, only in one way could he serve human liberty - by ceasing to exist

Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian revolutionary and anarchist thinker, was a staunch critic of organized religion and the concept of a supreme being. He believed that the existence of a god was incompatible with human liberty and autonomy. Bakunin argued that if God did exist, the only way he could truly serve human liberty would be by ceasing to exist altogether.

Bakunin's rejection of the idea of a god was rooted in his belief that any form of authority, whether it be political, social, or religious, was inherently oppressive and stifled individual freedom. He saw organized religion as a tool used by the ruling class to control and manipulate the masses, keeping them in a state of submission and obedience. In Bakunin's view, the concept of a god served to justify and perpetuate this system of domination and exploitation.

For Bakunin, true freedom could only be achieved through the abolition of all forms of authority, including the belief in a divine being. He believed that the idea of a god was a hindrance to human progress and enlightenment, as it encouraged passivity and resignation in the face of injustice and suffering. Bakunin saw religion as a barrier to human liberation, as it promoted blind faith and obedience rather than critical thinking and self-determination.

In this context, Bakunin's statement that if God existed, the only way he could serve human liberty would be by ceasing to exist takes on a deeper meaning. Bakunin was not advocating for the literal destruction of a deity, but rather for the rejection of the idea of a god as a source of authority and control. He believed that true freedom could only be achieved through the rejection of all forms of external authority, including the belief in a divine being.