Look Who it Was Random video

Is Religion A Crutch?

1,557 views · Published 13 December 2016 · 2:22 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: Catholic Answers Live · 2016 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Is Religion A Crutch?

Atheists sometimes attack religion by saying it’s a crutch for the weak-minded. Karlo Broussard refutes this claim and explains how it is a weak argument against belief in God.

For more information about this topic, please visit our website at: catholic.com.

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About Karlo Broussard:

Karlo Broussard, a native of Crowley, Louisiana, left a promising musical career to devote himself full-time to the work of Catholic apologetics. For more than a decade he has traveled the country teaching apologetics, biblical studies, theology, and philosophy. Karlo has published articles on a variety of subjects in Catholic Answers Magazine, is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live, and is an active blogger at catholic.com.

Karlo holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology from Catholic Distance University and the Augustine Institute, and is currently working on his masters in philosophy with Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He also worked for several years in an apprenticeship with nationally known author and theologian Fr. Robert J. Spitzer at the Magis Center of Reason and Faith.

Karlo is one of the most dynamic and gifted Catholic speakers on the circuit today, communicating with precision of thought, a genuine love for God, and an enthusiasm that inspires.

Script:

Atheists sometimes attack religion by saying it’s a crutch for the weak-minded. They’ll say, “Religion is for those who can’t think for themselves—they need others to do it for them.” 

The purpose of the objection is to make the believer feel inadequate and create a perception that only atheists are among the intellectual elite. 

How should we respond? 

First, the objection is not an argument against theism. The conclusion, “No god exist,” doesn’t follow from the premise, “Some people use religion as a crutch.” The atheist would have to give reasons why God doesn’t exist for it to be an argument against theism. This objection doesn’t do that. 

Second, even if some people use religion as a crutch, so what?  The issue is not why some people belong to a religion, but whether the religion is true. 

Third, a theist could turn the table and say atheism could be used as a crutch for those who don’t want to submit to God. Does that make atheism false? Of course not!

Finally, what’s wrong with using a crutch if one is deficient? If you break your leg, using a crutch doesn’t suggest weakness. It’s actually the smart thing to do if you want to get around. As fallen human beings, we’re broken and weak. Consequently, it’s not unreasonable to acknowledge we need help from God in our journey back to Him.

So, a believer’s appeal to religion for direction in life is not a sign of intellectual weakness. It’s actually intelligent to do so because one realizes they don’t have all the answers. 

If you want to learn more about this topic and others like it, visit our website at catholic.com. 

For Catholic Answers, I’m Karlo Broussard. Thanks for watching.

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