Atheism is a reasonable position to hold

[Tristesse]

Thanks for the clarification and your patience. Am I really a closet Atheist?

Do you believe in a god?

 

[NeoSeeker]

Do you believe in a god?

None that I can identify. Ok, I know your answer.

 

[Milton Platt]

I don't disagree with you Meow Mix, but... some theists find atheist an irrational position to hold... and the point of this is to show them that they're wrong. I think I presented a solid logical argument and will enjoy those that try to critique it since it seems very airtight from my perspective.

At the end of the day, it is the default position not to believe without evidence. This is true in all things, otherwise you must believe everything is true untill someone proves it false. Logically, that is impossible to do, at least in the absolute sense.

 

[NulliuSINverba]

Suppose that theism is justified

How?

but a man lives on an island separate from society, who knows nothing of theism or its justifications. He's an implicit atheist, and justifiably so -- his lack of belief that theism is true is justified.

Wait. This hypothetical man has never been exposed to theism, yet he has an inherently "anti" position on the matter? How does that work?

And if he is completely unaware that theism exists, how can his ignorance of the topic count as a justifiable position on the matter?

Theists are not forthcoming with rational justifications; and as the positive claimants the ball is in their court.

Is it even fair to expect rational justifications for that which appears to be utterly irrational?

This is further compounded by the fact that theists have had thousands of years with which to justify the concept and have pretty much failed in all relevant ontological and epistemic ways. It's a sad picture, really. Yet for some reason -- perhaps speaking about something deeply entrenched in human nature regarding our aptitude for superstition -- the belief continues. It sure boggles MY mind.

I harbor the suspicion that religion is simply a sort of Scare-The-Kids-Into-Obedience mechanism that got terribly out of control back in human prehistory.