Atheism doesn't mean much.

[Glaurung]

So many things "could" be. But really, a being that just happens to be, with no evidence whatsoever?

Nothing that you consider evidence.

Generally, I don't think either side really cares about evidence. People believe what they want to believe and rationalise after the fact. You're no different.

 

[LuisDantas]

I do see a point in avoing belief for the sake of belief, if that is what you mean. There is merit in trusting things for a reason as opposed to for immediate confort.

Then again, I would be lying if I said it is even a choice.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

In my opinion, those who think that they are always right are the most ignorant people.

:yes:

I think we are on the same page even if the terms differ and you dont completely agree

I think we are too, mate.

 

[paarsurrey]

When someone says, 'I'm an atheist', my reaction is pretty much, "so what"? I mean, it's not telling me anything, it's basically a statement in the negative. It doesn't tell me that the person is excercising some 'rationale' to reach that conclusion. It could just as easily be assumed that atheism is the default position for that individual when not thinking about the ideas at all.

I agree with you. They live in hollowness.

Regards

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I agree with you. They live in hollowness.

Regards

Hollowness? Phht.
Long as there are enough babies around, I'm ALWAYS full.
*burp*

 

[LuisDantas]

Same here. Although the sauce could be a bit more piquant...

 

[Thief]

So for every question there may be a firm response.
Then two more questions arise...
More response.
Then many more questions pop up.

And soon you realize you have more questions than answers.

The more you know....the more ignorant you are.
(however.....not to hold ignorance as bliss)

I see the lack of faith as the inability to appreciate the statement....I AM!

(back to the beginning....again)

 

[thau]

Good thing I don't believe in any of the above. Whew. Maybe it would help if I said that I fully expect people to just read what I said, roll their eyes, and move to the next post.

Was what I said out of line? You would prefer not to have any possible evidence presented your way perhaps? Ok. But I cannot help but think of the following.

John 9:39-41
"I came into this world," said Jesus, "to judge men, that those who do not see may see, and that those who do see may become blind." These words were heard by those of the Pharisees who were present, and they asked Him, "Are we also blind?" "If you were blind," answered Jesus, "you would have no sin; but as a matter offact you boast that you see. So your sin remains!"

 

[LuisDantas]

It is not so much that it is out of line as that it is strange.

 

[paarsurrey]

Atheism doesn't mean much

They come to Atheism for finding fault with others, not for anything positive.

Regards

 

[LuisDantas]

Atheism doesn't mean much

They come to Atheism for finding fault with others, not for anything positive.

Regards

We do not "come to" atheism; it was born with us. Nor does it exist for finding fault with others, nor does it lack positive aspects.

Among the most notable are the resistance to painful delusions and a degree of resistance to social manipulations based on belief in deities.

All things told, atheism has a superb ratio of cost-benefit.

 

[Willamena]

We do not "come to" atheism...

Many have.

 

[paarsurrey]

Many have.

Thanks and regards

 

[LuisDantas]

Many have.

Some did, certainly. At least arguably after having been pressured out of it in the first place.

Still, I probably should have been a bit more detailed previously.

I just find it... very odd, and more than a bit libelous, to claim that atheism is as Paarsurrey claims it to be. How come there are still people actually saying such things in the 21st century?

Edited to add: and come on, I am sick and tired of such blanket judgements with no basis on reality. Am I supposed to take the time to carefully explain why they are delusional and disrespectful every single time? Paarsurrey has been here long enough to know better already, yet he has not extended us similar courtesy. At some point he should expect not to receive it either.

People should expect to find a common level of interaction with others. Not to enjoy a level of consideration that they do not want to attempt to deserve.

 

[Desert Snake]

Atheism doesn't mean much

They come to Atheism for finding fault with others, not for anything positive.

Regards

Usually when atheists try to argue with me it does take a very negative slant, even 'personal' when they say less intelligent people are theists etc.
Nothing backs this up, it's all opinion of some sort.

 

[paarsurrey]

Usually when atheists try to argue with me it does take a very negative slant, even 'personal' when they say less intelligent people are theists etc.
Nothing backs this up, it's all opinion of some sort.

They are not ethically pushed to be reasonable .

Regards

 

[LuisDantas]

Usually when atheists try to argue with me it does take a very negative slant, even 'personal' when they say less intelligent people are theists etc.
Nothing backs this up, it's all opinion of some sort.

Most of the time what I have seen is demolition of arguments that, frankly, usually should not have been presented in the first place. Things like threats of a fiery doom in hell or variations of Pascal's wager.

I don't think it is reasonable to expect that kind of argumentation to receive a lot of respect.

 

[LuisDantas]

They are not ethically pushed to be reasonable .

Regards

See, that is one fine example of the libel and slander that I complain about.

Do you even truly believe in that?

 

[viole]

When someone says, 'I'm an atheist', my reaction is pretty much, "so what"?

It is my reaction, too. It is like hearing someone saying: "I don't believe I can fly by flipping my arms at a fast rate".

Ciao

- viole

 

[Willamena]

Some did, certainly. At least arguably after having been pressured out of it in the first place.

Still, I probably should have been a bit more detailed previously.

I just find it... very odd, and more than a bit libelous, to claim that atheism is as Paarsurrey claims it to be. How come there are still people actually saying such things in the 21st century?

Edited to add: and come on, I am sick and tired of such blanket judgements with no basis on reality. Am I supposed to take the time to carefully explain why they are delusional and disrespectful every single time? Paarsurrey has been here long enough to know better already, yet he has not extended us similar courtesy. At some point he should expect not to receive it either.

I don't know your history with Paarsurrey, but I agree with his assertion. Many do come to atheism through criticism of religion.

And yes, you're both employing generalizations to emphasize your points, but everyone does it. Anything to make the point stronger. It's important to see the point, rather than the generalization.