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Atheist looking for religious debate. Any religion. Let's see if I can be convinced.

infrabenji

Active Member
That's the usual standard for atheists. That's so familiar. I love Carl Sagan, but this was his position. That's why it's useless to convince people like you. You are stuck in the material world.
Ad hominem? Really? At least give the reasoning behind your claim. Stating that I cannot be convinced is demonstrably false as for one you cannot know that with any certainty and two you haven't seen all 90+ conversations I've had since I came to this forum. I am a genuine seeker of the truth. I came here to test the validity and soundness of my arguments. The framework of my beliefs. I haven't seen in any of our interactions the same intellectual honesty from you. As far as materialism is concerned you couldn't be farther from the truth. See I grew up in the slums of Bali and Jakarta 30 years ago. I defecated in ditches, slept in chicken coups, ate dog over hubcap, was sold into child labor, worked 30 hours a week in a textile factory, and never knew when I would get fresh water. I slept on the devils pillow and suffered unimaginable abuses. I am totally disconnected from the material world. My disconnection from the material world largely influenced my personal success. I live a simple and humble life full of passion, vibrancy, and love. I volunteer 10-20 hours a week in my community. I volunteer with the elder benevolence society and indigenous youth programs. My children are doing village restoration and infrastructure development in Africa. Don't pretend you can know anything about me. This looks more like projection of your own inability to have an intellectually honest debate. Again ad hominem by comparison to Carl Sagan. I've never been more complimented. If you wanna test the validity of your beliefs like I do you know where to find me.
 

Tiberius

Well-Known Member
...his view doesn't require the known laws of physics to change at some point in the past.

The Big Bang requires the laws of physics change at some point, since the Big Bang was a singularity. The only way he can claim the laws of physics didn't change is if he rejects the BB, which I doubt is going to be received well.
 

infrabenji

Active Member
oh so basically you are saying that you will be an atheists unless someone's proves the existance of God "beyond reasonable doubt"?

is this a correct interpretation of your position?..

don't you think you are raising the bar unrealistically too high?

why is it that naturalism gets the benefit of the doubt?

do you always expect "proof beyond reasonable doubt" before accepting a proposition? or does this degree of skepticism apply only to theism?

hypothetically, if you find out that there are good arguments for the existance of God, such that you conclude that there is a 80% likelihood that he excists would you still be an atheist? (because there would be room for reasonable doubt)


apart from all that, don't you think your definition of evidence (above) is circular and useless?
1: Yes, Proof beyond a reasonable doubt does not involve proof to an absolute certainty.
2: Yes
3: No
4: I follow the consensus of science. Can we demonstrate that there is anything beyond the natural world? Do we have a comparison? Does it meet the criteria set forth in the scientific method?
5: Yes, I use critical thinking, the laws of logic, and the systematic pursuit of knowledge every day. Criticism is the cornerstone of the scientific method.
6: I believe I answered this question already. You're first question to me. So a % is really arbitrary. I'll also reference question 1: I do not require absolute certainty. I require that my arguments be shown by the evidence to be invalid and unsound. Compelling arguments. Or God could just show up or whatever it would take to convince me. Certainly an all knowing god knows what it would take to convince me.
Lastly, No the criteria set forth by my definition of evidence are neither circular or useless. It does not place an undue burden on the affirmative.

If no further definitions are necessary for you to move forward. Let's begin. I look forward to hearing your arguments. Good luck to you.
 

Marcion

gopa of humanity's controversial Taraka Brahma
1: Yes, Proof beyond a reasonable doubt does not involve proof to an absolute certainty.
2: Yes
3: No
4: I follow the consensus of science. Can we demonstrate that there is anything beyond the natural world? Do we have a comparison? Does it meet the criteria set forth in the scientific method?
5: Yes, I use critical thinking, the laws of logic, and the systematic pursuit of knowledge every day. Criticism is the cornerstone of the scientific method.
6: I believe I answered this question already. You're first question to me. So a % is really arbitrary. I'll also reference question 1: I do not require absolute certainty. I require that my arguments be shown by the evidence to be invalid and unsound. Compelling arguments. Or God could just show up or whatever it would take to convince me. Certainly an all knowing god knows what it would take to convince me.
Lastly, No the criteria set forth by my definition of evidence are neither circular or useless. It does not place an undue burden on the affirmative.

If no further definitions are necessary for you to move forward. Let's begin. I look forward to hearing your arguments. Good luck to you.
Spirituality (expanding your consciousness into God) however has little use for that kind of objective science. You will need the introspective science for that.
But just like religious fundamentalists you refuse to take any interest in that intuitive science.

In the eyes of the spiritualist this makes you and the religious fundamentalists look foolish.
Clinging to your atheist or fundamentalist dogma is like a dog enjoying licking its own blood, it is a very limited foolish type of satisfaction. Enjoy though!
 

The Kilted Heathen

Crow FreyjasmaðR
Spirituality however has little use for that kind of objective science.
Mmm no. Not so. Even spirituality includes a degree of a manner of science. I've lost count the number of new Heathens I've taught that just because a crow or raven looks at them funny does not mean it's a sign from Óðinn. Even rationality has a place in spirituality; the wisdom to know that if you go looking for signs, you're going to see signs everywhere.
 

leroy

Well-Known Member
1: Yes, Proof beyond a reasonable doubt does not involve proof to an absolute certainty.
2: Yes
3: No
4: I follow the consensus of science. Can we demonstrate that there is anything beyond the natural world? Do we have a comparison? Does it meet the criteria set forth in the scientific method?
5: Yes, I use critical thinking, the laws of logic, and the systematic pursuit of knowledge every day. Criticism is the cornerstone of the scientific method.
6: I believe I answered this question already. You're first question to me. So a % is really arbitrary. I'll also reference question 1: I do not require absolute certainty. I require that my arguments be shown by the evidence to be invalid and unsound. Compelling arguments. Or God could just show up or whatever it would take to convince me. Certainly an all knowing god knows what it would take to convince me.
Lastly, No the criteria set forth by my definition of evidence are neither circular or useless. It does not place an undue burden on the affirmative.

If no further definitions are necessary for you to move forward. Let's begin. I look forward to hearing your arguments. Good luck to you.

ok I can spot many points of disagreement, but I will focus on the one that I consider more relevant.


you are expecting proof beyond reasonable doubt, which nobody can meet those standards,

I guess my point is that one can accept a proposition as true even if you don't have proof beyond reasonable doubt..... (this seems to be an important point of disagreement between us)

for example doctors usually don't have proof beyond reasonable doubt, but we still trust them and follow their advice.

if a woman takes a pregnancy test and the test says "positive" she shouldn't drink alcohol because that might harm the baby, eventhough there is room for reasonable doubt (tests can fail)....... it would be naive if she says "hey since I am not sure beyond reasonable doubt that I am pregnant, I will drink alcohol, smoke and eat fish"


finally.....

i can use your same tactic...... I will reject naturalism until you show that naturalism is true beyond reasonable doubt ".... why is your epistemology better than mine? *(both seem equivalent to me)

it seems to me that under your logic you can simply accept the proposition that you want and shift the burden proof to those that disagree.
 

leroy

Well-Known Member
1: Yes, Proof beyond a reasonable doubt does not involve proof to an absolute certainty.
2: Yes
3: No
4: I follow the consensus of science. Can we demonstrate that there is anything beyond the natural world? Do we have a comparison? Does it meet the criteria set forth in the scientific method?
5: Yes, I use critical thinking, the laws of logic, and the systematic pursuit of knowledge every day. Criticism is the cornerstone of the scientific method.
6: I believe I answered this question already. You're first question to me. So a % is really arbitrary. I'll also reference question 1: I do not require absolute certainty. I require that my arguments be shown by the evidence to be invalid and unsound. Compelling arguments. Or God could just show up or whatever it would take to convince me. Certainly an all knowing god knows what it would take to convince me.
Lastly, No the criteria set forth by my definition of evidence are neither circular or useless. It does not place an undue burden on the affirmative.

If no further definitions are necessary for you to move forward. Let's begin. I look forward to hearing your arguments. Good luck to you.
just curious are you male or female?
 

infrabenji

Active Member
Spirituality (expanding your consciousness into God) however has little use for that kind of objective science. You will need the introspective science for that.
But just like religious fundamentalists you refuse to take any interest in that intuitive science.

In the eyes of the spiritualist this makes you and the religious fundamentalists look foolish.
Clinging to your atheist or fundamentalist dogma is like a dog enjoying licking its own blood, it is a very limited foolish type of satisfaction. Enjoy though!
I've seen so many people throw around conjecture like party confetti. Mix in a little ad hominem and we have statements like this. If you have evidence of any kind you think is valid present it. Don't hide behind rhetoric. Wundt's phycological research on introspection has nothing to do with the [sic] spiritual. Or was it intuitive science? Another study in psychology not spirituality. Did you just hear these at a party once and thought it sounded cool. Because they are grossly misapplied and do not support your conclusion of expanding your "consciousness into god" in any meaningful way..
 

ratiocinator

Lightly seared on the reality grill.
You have to ask with an open heart and an open mind. Humility also appears to be a prerequisite. Pride, and prejudice, are sure to shut you off from the sunlight of the spirit, so leave them at the door. Maybe then, if you sincerely search deep in your heart, you may find the Great Reality there; where it has always been.

I was kind of expecting an answer like that. I almost sounds as if you have to want it to be true, so if you really, really try to believe it, you might just succeed. It's the opposite of a genuinely objective test and dangerously close to being a recipe for self-deception.
 

infrabenji

Active Member
ok I can spot many points of disagreement, but I will focus on the one that I consider more relevant.


you are expecting proof beyond reasonable doubt, which nobody can meet those standards,

I guess my point is that one can accept a proposition as true even if you don't have proof beyond reasonable doubt..... (this seems to be an important point of disagreement between us)

for example doctors usually don't have proof beyond reasonable doubt, but we still trust them and follow their advice.

if a woman takes a pregnancy test and the test says "positive" she shouldn't drink alcohol because that might harm the baby, eventhough there is room for reasonable doubt (tests can fail)....... it would be naive if she says "hey since I am not sure beyond reasonable doubt that I am pregnant, I will drink alcohol, smoke and eat fish"


finally.....

i can use your same tactic...... I will reject naturalism until you show that naturalism is true beyond reasonable doubt ".... why is your epistemology better than mine? *(both seem equivalent to me)

it seems to me that under your logic you can simply accept the proposition that you want and shift the burden proof to those that disagree.
You seem to be really hung up on proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It shouldn't deter you. Let me further clarify. Proof must be beyond a reasonable doubt. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves one firmly convinced of the evidence. If, based on the consideration of the evidence, you are firmly convinced that the evidence is factual, you must adjust your position. You're making extraordinary claims, of course the definition for the standard of the evidence will be as rigorous as possible. Once again absolute certainty is not required. You do not have to make me absolutely certain you are correct. You simply need to present arguments that meet an uncompromising quality made necessary by the sensationalism of your claims. Lastly, shifting the burden of proof isn't my tactic. It's yours. We can easily prove the natural world beyond a reasonable doubt. You are standing in it right now. for example looking at a computer as am I. I can see how your cognitive assumptions are distorting your view. You are arguing in favor of the supernatural in some sense are you not? Why worry about the natural world. Unfortunately, I do not have a model of the supernatural to compare against our natural world. I only have the natural world as reference in our upcoming debate. Though honestly, I doubt it will be an issue for either of us as I will be using critical thinking, the laws of logic, logical fallacies, and a systematic approach to test the veracity of claims made. We have yet to determine who's epistemology is better. Though frankly that is not important to me. What is important is that you are willing to apply the same rigorous skepticism I am. Let me know if you have any additional questions. .
 

infrabenji

Active Member
OK, so admitting that science cannot know what came before the Big Bang, or even what precipitated it; that starting point is not a mystery for Bible believers who understand (from his written communication to mankind) that an infinite Creator existed before the physical universe.....everything in existence comes from this powerful Entity, the one who can create “something from nothing”.....and whom science will never be able to quantify, nor invent any physical “test” for his existence......he will not perform tricks for anyone to prove his existence....because his creation already speaks volumes about him. He doesn’t need to prove anything to any of us......I believe that it is we who need to prove ourselves to him. So that is the major difference IMO. So many atheists judge God by the idiots who claim to represent him......he is nothing like their man-made doctrines portray.


When does design not need a designer? When does any human invention not come from an intelligent source and fulfill the purpose for which it was designed? When does information not need an informer or a physical means to transmit it? When does programming not need a programmer? Science IMV, has never been able to answer those questions in any satisfactory way. Making suggestions based on what “might have” or “could have” taken place before there was a means to document anything, makes theoretical science nothing more than an educated guessing game to me.


This is another aspect of science that I find extremely annoying.
Science stands itself on a pedestal and makes claims that it can’t substantiate, then accuses those who see clear evidence of intelligent design in the physical world, as those who need the bear the burden of proof. If science can confidently state that it needs no proof for any of its assertions, why does the Creator need to answer to their lack of belief? If people don’t “believe” by observing his creation, then what makes them think he owes them more? If you go to a gallery that is exhibiting paintings by Van Gough....do you need proof that they are genuine, or can you trust those that know his work intimately to guarantee that they are not reproductions?


But if the “evidence” (for evolution specifically) is misinterpreted or biastly interpreted and presented as fact, then “belief” can run amok from both sides.....one in defense and the other in support....but "belief" is all that separates them.

Absolute “proof” does not exist for either claim, so you have two sides who cannot “prove” their case, but science seems to see its position as superior.....I cannot see why, unless science itself has become just another “religion” of "believers" with a different mind set and a different way of evaluating creation.

All science has is its own interpretation of its evidence, but at the end of the day, in the bigger picture, whilst so many are arguing about the details, stepping back to see the big picture tells a different story.

Science’s first premise (amoebas to dinosaurs) has not a single shred of evidence to prove that it ever happened the way that science suggests it “must have”.....or even that it was biologically possible. To suggest that "adaptation" can lead to new creatures, via 'common ancestors' has never been proven. These “common ancestors” on every graph I have ever seen, are never identified. That is like having a chain with no links. These links are suggested because without them evolution falls in a heap. Who can talk to me about proof then....?

All experiments in adaptation have led to new varieties within a single species, but have never stepped outside of that “family”. Interbreeding capabilities or not, they never became creatures that were outside of their biblical “kind”...did they?

If you build a castle on matchsticks, how long will it stand? You can admire the construction all you like, even argue about details of the construction materials, but don’t ignore the foundations. (Matthew 7:24-27)


This is, I guess the most difficult thing for atheists to comprehend....the fact that this incredible Creator can actually interact with us individually, and confirm his existence to us in a very real way. Do you honestly think he has any interest in those who have no interest in him? He knows us and what is in our heart. To believers, creation is the absolute proof of God’s existence, his interaction with us just confirms it.....but to unbelievers, creation is no such thing....science has eliminated all need for an intelligence responsible for creation, so excuses are found to make him go away. If you want him to go away, he will. He does not need us....we need him. I believe that we will all find that out in the not too distant future.


No, on the contrary, it proves to me what the Bible says....that no one can come to the Creator without his personal invitation. (John 6:65) Those who demand proof will get it eventually, but not in a way that will benefit them. God is choosing citizens for his Kingdom, and each one of us will need qualifications in order to be accepted. Believers will not all qualify, let alone unbelievers. (Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Peter 4:17-18)


Could there be a reason why God has chosen not to show himself to those who need to be convinced by more “evidence” than the vast amount that already exists? Giving it a different interpretation doesn’t necessarily make it the right one. Time will tell, but in the meantime, have you tried asking God in humility and with an open heart to reveal his truth to you?

It seems as if you have never studied anything that would lead you TO God.....”religion”...”theology”....”philosophy”...so far has not led you to God, but rather these have confirmed for you the error of those things as a means to know God. "Seek and you will find"....are you a seeker?
There are to many assumptions, claims, assertions whatever you want to call them being made. I've got to go through a fallacy every sentence for 10 paragraphs. Unfortunately, I just can't type that fast. I feel bad you must have put a lot of time and thought into this but, Is there any way you could condense this maybe go through this take out your best argument. Even if you were able to summarize some hand picked arguments maybe bullet point your claims it would be a huge favor and allow me to address your arguments in a timely manner. Did I see an intelligent design argument in there? Anyways, Thanks so much for your response. I look forward to being able to address this soon.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
I have read the quran 3 versions of it. I don't find old scripture books especially the quran to be compelling evidence for the existence of god or that belief is warranted because of it in any way. Personal paths is the easy way to deflect from having any responsibility to show evidence as to the truth of ones beliefs and not surprisingly is usually accompanied with an argument from personal experience which has been shown to be useless. Doesn't it bother you that you can't demonstrate that your own beliefs are real except in your head? That others that follow your religion engage in the same practice? Not a single one able to meet the criteria for the burden of proof. Is most of your religion people who were raised that way? Or is your religion geographically condensed into one area. Looks like mostly Africa. As to your claim of a spiritual heart. What is a spiritual heart? And can it be shown to exist?
No it does not bother me that "evidence" can not be physically shown to a non believer, because the evidence arise from within spiritually. Sufism has spread to mostly all corners of the world. But it is a socalled mystical path within Islam, a personal path to understand God from within our own being.

Other sufi practitioner has their answers, i can not speak for them.

I do not see my "self" as anything special, nor do I believe sufism is for everyone.
But the core teaching is to leave the self or ego behind and become one with God.
 

RestlessSoul

Well-Known Member
I was kind of expecting an answer like that. I almost sounds as if you have to want it to be true, so if you really, really try to believe it, you might just succeed. It's the opposite of a genuinely objective test and dangerously close to being a recipe for self-deception.


And I was kind of expecting an answer like that.

Round and round we go.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
I believe in every thing you say except for the last sentence, after the comma. I would say you have to investigate for yourself. There are both outer and inner reasons for belief when you investigate for yourself. If you practice your religion, your belief will get stronger.
It is true that investigating once own being is a very important aspect of sufism:) and I realized that it will take a long time to reach the answer, so maybe investigating without a set goal is best :)
 

ratiocinator

Lightly seared on the reality grill.
And I was kind of expecting an answer like that.

Round and round we go.

Indeed. I'm in the "once bitten, twice shy" position here. I (albeit a long time ago when I was a young teen) got caught up in religion because (basically, and with hindsight) I rather wanted it to be true. Took me ages to extract myself from the absurd doublethink that was necessary.

Now, I really can't see why I should be making the effort if there's some immensely powerful god out there who cares about us and has an important message, why would it play silly games of hind-and-seek? Why can't it get off its almighty **** and talk to me and everybody else in a clear and unambiguous way?
 

Marcion

gopa of humanity's controversial Taraka Brahma
IWhy can't it get off its almighty **** and talk to me and everybody else in a clear and unambiguous way?
Because you are looking in the wrong way. People you talk to face to face are like living objects you can relate to.
God however is the Supreme Subjectivity, who is aligned with your own subject, your own I-feeling.
So if you want to relate with Him, you have to dive into your own subject, your own consciousness.
There is no other way. In the outer world He is also there, but only indirectly (everywhere, inside or behind everything).
 

RestlessSoul

Well-Known Member
Indeed. I'm in the "once bitten, twice shy" position here. I (albeit a long time ago when I was a young teen) got caught up in religion because (basically, and with hindsight) I rather wanted it to be true. Took me ages to extract myself from the absurd doublethink that was necessary.

Now, I really can't see why I should be making the effort if there's some immensely powerful god out there who cares about us and has an important message, why would it play silly games of hind-and-seek? Why can't it get off its almighty **** and talk to me and everybody else in a clear and unambiguous way?


Yeah, there’s nothing like a good dose of religion early in life, to drive us away from God.

I left the Catholic Church when I was about 14 for all sorts of reasons; no particularly noble or principled ones, it just didn’t seem worth the candle.

My mum said to me a million times - and always with love - that I would never be happy until I came back to the Church. In a way, she was right. I found my way to a God of my understanding anyway, and I am grateful for that.

Uo to you if you want to make the effort to find God. But don’t you think it’s rather spurious, to present your lack of willingness and open mindedness, as evidence that God does not exist?
 

infrabenji

Active Member
No it does not bother me that "evidence" can not be physically shown to a non believer, because the evidence arise from within spiritually. Sufism has spread to mostly all corners of the world. But it is a socalled mystical path within Islam, a personal path to understand God from within our own being.

Other sufi practitioner has their answers, i can not speak for them.

I do not see my "self" as anything special, nor do I believe sufism is for everyone.
But the core teaching is to leave the self or ego behind and become one with God.
Sufism! Pretty cool. Yeah that seems to be the problem. A total lack of measurable testable evidence. Failing to meet even the most basic criteria. Since we cannot demonstrate gods existence in any material way and we cannot demonstrate his existence subjectively what makes you think there is a spiritual? Do you believe other religious people from different disciplines when they say god talks to them? Are you afraid of going to christian hell? Just curious.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
Sufism! Pretty cool. Yeah that seems to be the problem. A total lack of measurable testable evidence. Failing to meet even the most basic criteria. Since we cannot demonstrate gods existence in any material way and we cannot demonstrate his existence subjectively what makes you think there is a spiritual? Do you believe other religious people from different disciplines when they say god talks to them? Are you afraid of going to christian hell? Just curious.
I do not say other people from other religious faiths or spiritual teachings can not experience God/speak to God. My focus is not on making critique of other religions or faiths.

If I follow and practice sufism the way it is taught i have no worries about a Hell.
Only if my own speech,action and thoughts are false or evil i might end in Hell, but that is up to God to say.

What make me believe in the spiritual? Because I have faith in the teaching, and belief in God
 
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