Thank you NGB for your fine response.
Your take on denominations is well received for we both know there differences among atheist and Christians alike. If anything, it means that using the same source of information does not guarantee unanimity.
Ironic you mention "smug" when the majority of your post is praising yourself without addressing much of what I said.
As intelligent as you are, you are not really interested in spiting contest. Most of the assertions in your post, fit in well with discussion with Christians who, though earnest in their faith, have not philosophically thought through their faith and are walking by blind faith. Some atheist are this way also. My comment about "smug" was intended for those people both of whom are easy to debunk. It may be a little sadistic of me to enjoy debunking them, I admit; but, I don't get out and about anymore and its the only fun I have. By the way, sometimes I get debunked but I like that too. That is why we are here, right?
I think it's unfair how you say what an entire group of people will do when that group is very heterogeneous. Many atheists won't do this because they use logic: the burden of proof is said to be on the christians to show such a god exists, otherwise the atheists proves a double negative (not believe there is not a god). This occurs when there's the "prove it!" argument.
It is unfair to challenge the uninformed and not leave them a reason for why you attack their faith. Pick out the best of the Christians, the enlighting him, you have accomplished something. You are not saying that atheist are not obliged to explain their logic of why they believe what they do while they challenge the faith of another person, are you? Otherwise your point is well taken.
Reasoning, logic and knowledge are constantly shown how they're possible without god in just about every debate against christians. Cosmology from a scientific view is shown but not from a religious view. Ontology, well you have me there
There are two broad topics of what is really real. What is real is metaphysics. One type of real is cosmology. In cosmology the stars, planets, mountains, creatures, atoms, cells, and generally all physical things are considered.
Ontological thing are beings. Spirit, existence,logic, scientific methods, God, Paul Tillichs ground of being, soul, mind stuff, first cause, logos, all these things are the subjects of ontology. In short, ontology is the study of being. You can have pure being which one might not be called God. The prime directive on Star Trek comes to mind in this last category.
You have probably noticed that many things cross over into both ontology and cosmology. Some philosophers believe that ontology and cosmology are one and the same.With this illustration, we should be on the same footing. I hope you did no my sharing this with you.
So with ontology out of the way
, With our understanding of ontology, can you see how we can not just dismiss it?
As for determinism, many atheist believe in it strongly and do not believe in free will at all. Some believe in free will and not in derertnism.It is very difficult to explain cosmology without ontology.
Many of them can be supported by evidence through science, although I'm sure not all atheists fall into this group. The ones that do fall into it are the ones I'm considering as I haven't had experience with ones that don't. Cosmology fits into the same here when you consider it scientifically as how the universe and planets got here, and possibly how we got here on Earth through abiogenesis and evolution. Ontology, well as mentioned, will have to wait for another day.
Atheist as a whole usually deny self evident truths or eternal truths because this would be an admission that God exist.Theist point out that science and logic are eternal truths that are self evident and come from God.Every scientist that is worth his salt depends on a strict innate logic to arrive at his conclusions. I 2would never trust a doctor that did not use ontology in his treatment of me. We use ontology to measure cosmology.
Now, If you are ready to challenge my belief in God, my ears are open. If you would enjoy my challenging your unbelief, let the fun begin.