That's not my question. My question was "have you tried the technique described in the verse", i.e. the following of the way of Islam (basically translating to five prayers daily, roughly 2.5% annual charity, 30 days fasting)? If you haven't how can you judge and say that the two (the second one...
I didn't say "we" are babies. I said "I" am a baby.
That's your opinion that "techniques similar to those described in that verse can be effective at instilling false beliefs"; have you tried the technique described in the verse? If not, without practicing how can you judge them and say they...
Why is that? I am not sure you understand that what is really meant by tawheed and how it differs from a superficial understanding of monotheism=1 God; polytheism = many Gods.(at least that's how I understand the term monotheism/polytheism.) The word God is really a symbol of Reality here. I...
I don't bother with monotheism, polytheism etc much; and I rather take the position that these groupings of faiths are comparatively recent and are artificial. But all that will divert this thread.
The way I see it, is that right now I am a baby (in matters of faith). A baby won't notice a...
That may very well be; I was just pointing out that its incorrect to equate Bible and the Quran in this fashion. I have no opinion on this thread otherwise.
Because the role of the Bible in Christianity is not as the same of the role of the Quran in Islam. If you want to equate, then the role of Jesus(on whom may be peace) and the role of the Quran should be equated. The Quran plays the role of "something directly from God" in the Islamic way of...
Actually throughout this thread I am primarily addressing those who claim to know with certainty that God doesn't exist. Those who have an agnostic stance/are not bothered with God, that's all different and I understand their way of thinking. I was (and except for the few people who have clearly...
I am not quite sure that an assertion requires evidence a-priori to be considered. A claim may be open, a conjecture may be made. It may very well be considered/investigated(by those interested) without assuming whether it is true or false or even decidable. I would personally find that reasonable.
okay. Anyway, atheists who reject the claim that 'God exists' arguing that this claim is unsupported is fine. What I still don't understand is the position of the atheists who go on to make the claim that God doesn't exist and who moreover don't fall in any of the following categories:
1. They...
For the first point, I would really prefer that this thread did not get derailed. You are welcome to not accept it. This is a book that you may care to read if you have time. In reality Muslim, Baptist, Amish are differences only in form but not in spirit.
For the second point I would say one...
Firstly no paths contradict each other, (but I wouldnt like to divert the thread there). Secondly, its basically learning something after doing its pre-requisite; I wouldnt call it succumbing or deluding oneself. Similarly I wouldnt understanding a book on physics after reading A,B,C and then...
In formal logic (and not philosophy) I do not still know what is the meaning of the term "positive claim". Can you tell me? (with a source if possible)
I think the word "belief" is much misinterpreted. So without using the word belief my basic idea regarding God is this:
One can start with a gut feeling that something is true; thats not certain faith and perhaps should not be classified as such. He/she can start worshipping/following a path...
I believe that's a philosophical approach. I was asking for a meaning within formal logic.
Again my question was why? (and within the confines of formal deductive logic). Also, if no claim has been put forth regarding the existence of something do you a-priory assume it is false? Finally, if no...
This isn't deductive logic I think. Firstly, what is a negative in the logical sense and not the language sense? Secondly why is the burden of proof on me? Is there a (deductive) logical explanation. Thirdly, even so, if I have failed to demonstrate anything and so have you, how does that prove...