Is it possible to prove Bach was an atheist, or even why bother trying I expect you'll say? I take some axioms that logically express a path to a possible answer.
Axiom one. JS Bach was a highly intelligent man.
Axiom two. JS Bach was a grieving father and husband.
He lost ten children in infancy and his first wife died while he was away and he didn't even attend her funeral. Taking just these two axioms you could conclude that perhaps he had doubts about the existence of a loving God although unable to express them.
Axiom three. He had access to various reading materials in Leipzig University and he lived around the start of the Age of Enlightenment.
Axiom four. He wrote music because from a young age he realised he had a special talent and spent his entire life making the most of it, sacred or secular. I doubt anyone listens much to the words when listening to his cantatas (which I think are the greatest body of work ever written). Listen to BWV 54 or BWV 4 or BWV 134, they are truly amazing pieces and it is the music that matters.
Axiom Five. He had to 'believe' in God as he may have been burnt at the stake if he expressed doubts. Also the church provided him with an income and a place to show off his talents.
This is an interesting article I came across which puts the argument over better then I can: http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Articles/Bach-Atheist.htm
I suppose I have to answer the why bother questions. Same as a mountaineer climbs mountains because they are there. I am interested in important figures in history and possibly what they really thought about religion. Sorry if this offends anyone!
Axiom one. JS Bach was a highly intelligent man.
Axiom two. JS Bach was a grieving father and husband.
He lost ten children in infancy and his first wife died while he was away and he didn't even attend her funeral. Taking just these two axioms you could conclude that perhaps he had doubts about the existence of a loving God although unable to express them.
Axiom three. He had access to various reading materials in Leipzig University and he lived around the start of the Age of Enlightenment.
Axiom four. He wrote music because from a young age he realised he had a special talent and spent his entire life making the most of it, sacred or secular. I doubt anyone listens much to the words when listening to his cantatas (which I think are the greatest body of work ever written). Listen to BWV 54 or BWV 4 or BWV 134, they are truly amazing pieces and it is the music that matters.
Axiom Five. He had to 'believe' in God as he may have been burnt at the stake if he expressed doubts. Also the church provided him with an income and a place to show off his talents.
This is an interesting article I came across which puts the argument over better then I can: http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Articles/Bach-Atheist.htm
I suppose I have to answer the why bother questions. Same as a mountaineer climbs mountains because they are there. I am interested in important figures in history and possibly what they really thought about religion. Sorry if this offends anyone!