Ryde Secondary College Year 11 student, Maya Yamauchi-Blach, has achieved remarkable success in the international John Locke Institute Essay Competition, standing out among nearly 64,000 entrants from 191 countries.

In addition, Maya has been awarded a scholarship to attend the John Locke Summer School, an opportunity to further develop her skills and engage with like-minded thinkers.

The essay competition, hosted by the UK-based John Locke Institute, invites young thinkers to explore complex topics beyond the school curriculum, with essays judged by senior academics from leading universities including Oxford and Princeton.

Maya’s essay, submitted in the theology category, addressed the thought-provoking question, “Is Atheism Implausible?” and saw her and her family attending the prestigious award ceremony in London during the spring holidays.

Maya said she was honoured to attend the awards ceremony, where she met other shortlisted students.

“It was inspiring to meet other young writers from around the world, learn about their motivations, and discuss how we approached our essays,” she said.

Maya said her interest in faith and belief drove her to explore the topic of atheism.

“Writing in the theology category allowed me to deepen my analysis, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.

“The process challenged me to write and refine my work, and I am especially grateful for the support and feedback from my English teachers and my parents for enabling my travel,” Maya said.

The award event was held at London’s iconic Grosvenor House, where Maya joined shortlisted students from across the globe, who submitted essays in diverse categories such as philosophy, politics, economics, history, law, psychology, and theology.

The event encouraged open dialogue and the exchange of ideas among contestants of similar age but varied cultures and perspectives.

“This experience gave me lifelong memories and friendships, and has inspired me to keep improving my writing,” Maya said.

The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize competition challenges students to think critically and write persuasively on complex topics beyond the usual school curriculum. It celebrates independent thought, depth of knowledge, and clear reasoning, with entries judged by senior academics from world-leading universities.

“Is Atheism Implausible?”

Maya’s essay begins by explaining the meanings of belief, atheism, and theism, describing atheism as a clear choice to disbelieve in God.

It looks at how atheism grew alongside science and reason, especially during the Enlightenment, and mentions Nietzsche’s view that belief in God can hold back human progress. The essay also explores different ideas about how the universe began, comparing religious creation stories with the scientific Big Bang theory.

It discusses arguments about whether the universe’s start needs a cause, with atheists questioning if that cause must be God. The essay references Richard Dawkins’ view that natural explanations are simpler and more likely than a divine creator, while also considering the idea that the universe seems finely tuned, which some see as evidence of design. Using thinkers like Sartre and C.S. Lewis, it asks if life can have meaning without God, noting that even rejecting meaning assumes some kind of belief system.

The essay looks closely at the “problem of evil,” questioning how a loving God can allow suffering. It reviews religious answers such as free will but finds them insufficient for explaining unfair suffering. On morality, it argues that without God, there is no absolute standard, and changing human values can’t fully guide right and wrong. It also suggests that beliefs, whether religious or scientific, rely on interpreting indirect evidence, not just direct proof.

In closing, the essay reflects on whether it’s possible to stay neutral in the debate about God. It points out that what people believe depends on their background and experiences, and that atheism’s appeal depends on how evidence is seen. The essay ends with Pascal’s Wager, highlighting the risk of disbelief if God exists and the minimal loss if God does not.