Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Garnet · 08-16-2004, 03:16 PM

I said No. I can only think of my eldest sister and what would happen to her if she lost her faith. Since the death of her son, her faith is sometimes the only thing that keeps her going from day to day.

Marduk · 08-16-2004, 03:58 PM

No it isn’t. I have to agree with reprise, I’m not the ‘stealing candy from a baby’ type and besides, I could be wrong, and there are too many people out there that I am quite glad have some sort of subconscious fear o' God ‘n hellfire in em.

Howard · 08-16-2004, 04:14 PM

From a marketing standpoint, atheism doesn’t stand a chance against any of the religions that promise an afterlife. I mean, could you see us stopping people on the street and saying: “Hi there. Let me tell you about our beautiful non-belief system. We can promise you eternal… nothingness.�?

We need a much better hook than that… maybe a lifetime supply of donuts?

Shven · 08-16-2004, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill B

Precisely. The truth is that none of us knows the "truth" . THAT is what should be confronted. Unfortunately, theists claim otherwise and tout faith over reason. I think atheists should make precisely the point you have raised to me in your post to all theists-- in a thoughtful way when the opportunity is right.

Stop generalising about theists!

Shven

reprise · 08-16-2004, 04:38 PM

On another messageboard on which I post, the brother of an extremely devout Christian fundamentalist died last year. One of the resident antagonistic atheists thought that "your brother isn't in Heaven, he's wormfood in the ground" was an appropriate comment to post. He was quite rightly condemned by atheists and theists alike for that post. The rest of us were perfectly able to empathise with this man's loss without supporting his theistic viewpoint about his brother's spiritual fate, and that "honest" comment in no way furthered the "atheist cause" or benefitted anyone's understanding, least of all that of the person at whom it was directed.

Magus55 · 08-16-2004, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reprise

Magus, could I have your permission to use you as an example of the kind of destructive impact which someone bullying you into disbelief (yeah, I know it's not going to happen) would have on your life and the far-reaching negative consequences which would follow for you personally and those close to you?

And how are you gonna go about doing that? :huh:

Magus55 · 08-16-2004, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohNeo

Atheists don't have a monopoly on truth, but at least they seek it based on real, tangible evidence rather than conjecture and assumption. So you know what truth is? How about you say "we don't know what it is." You only believe, you don't know . Show a little humility.

JohNeo

I never claimed to know what the truth is, I only believe I know the truth. And what does tangible evidence have to do with knowing the ultimate truth? Universal truth is philosophical, not scientific. Proving evolution or the Big Bang true, doesn't have anything to do with showing God doesn't exist, and atheism is the true position in life.

Mageth · 08-16-2004, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magus55

Proving evolution or the Big Bang true, doesn't have anything to do with showing God doesn't exist, and atheism is the true position in life.

Hey, finally a theists that gets this very important point. :notworthy

Magus55 · 08-16-2004, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mageth

Hey, finally a theists that gets this very important point. :notworthy

I never said I accept it as true, but even if evolution and the Big Bang were proven for a fact to be true, it wouldn't destroy my faith. Although, I guess you could argue that in a way I believe in a "big bang", I just think God's voice was the bang, and then He stretched out the Heavens :Cheeky: :angel:

Anitra · 08-16-2004, 05:08 PM

God-or-Something help us all if everyone on the planet held exactly the same worldview.

View Poll Results: Is atheism for everyone?
Yes	60	38.96%
No	87	56.49%
Other	7	4.55%
Voters: 154. You may not vote on this poll

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-16-2004, 03:16 PM	#21
Garnet Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 6,610	I said No. I can only think of my eldest sister and what would happen to her if she lost her faith. Since the death of her son, her faith is sometimes the only thing that keeps her going from day to day.

08-16-2004, 03:58 PM	#22
Marduk Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: the 10th planet Posts: 5,065	No it isn’t. I have to agree with reprise, I’m not the ‘stealing candy from a baby’ type and besides, I could be wrong, and there are too many people out there that I am quite glad have some sort of subconscious fear o' God ‘n hellfire in em.

08-16-2004, 04:14 PM	#23
Howard Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 5,864	From a marketing standpoint, atheism doesn’t stand a chance against any of the religions that promise an afterlife. I mean, could you see us stopping people on the street and saying: “Hi there. Let me tell you about our beautiful non-belief system. We can promise you eternal… nothingness.�? We need a much better hook than that… maybe a lifetime supply of donuts?

08-16-2004, 04:38 PM	#25
reprise Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sydney Posts: 3,997	On another messageboard on which I post, the brother of an extremely devout Christian fundamentalist died last year. One of the resident antagonistic atheists thought that "your brother isn't in Heaven, he's wormfood in the ground" was an appropriate comment to post. He was quite rightly condemned by atheists and theists alike for that post. The rest of us were perfectly able to empathise with this man's loss without supporting his theistic viewpoint about his brother's spiritual fate, and that "honest" comment in no way furthered the "atheist cause" or benefitted anyone's understanding, least of all that of the person at whom it was directed.

08-16-2004, 05:08 PM	#30
Anitra Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 837	God-or-Something help us all if everyone on the planet held exactly the same worldview.

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.