Stephen Hawking addressed the topic of religion and belief in God in his book "The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe," released in 2002.
Hawking challenged the traditional belief that disabilities were inflicted by God as a curse, suggesting instead that scientific explanations rooted in the laws of nature offer a more rational understanding.
As an advocate for science, Hawking emphasized the belief in certain laws that govern the universe, attributing these laws to nature rather than to divine intervention.
While acknowledging the possibility of God's existence, Hawking asserted that the simplest explanation is that there is no God, presenting atheism as his personal viewpoint.
Hawking expressed skepticism about the existence of an afterlife or heaven, suggesting that there is only one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe.
Despite his atheistic perspective, Hawking expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience life within the grand design of the universe.
In a separate instance, Hawking issued a cautionary statement about the potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence, foreseeing its capability to surpass human intelligence and potentially threaten humanity's existence.