David Mathews

Hello99percent,

David: Are you suggesting that atheists do not lack self-esteem?

Every time I hear atheists express anger directed at God, religion and religious people I suspect that all this sort of behavior is a revelation of the atheist's lack of self-esteem.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

phaedrus

Or the reason could be frustration manifesting itself in the form of anger. Frustration as they wonder what is wrong with religious people who cant understand the simple fact that there are people in this world who dont subscribe to the concept of God and do not require a book of BS to tell them how to live. And frustration that inspite of being repeatedly told otherwise, they still want to "sell" their religion or want the whole society to live according to some pink unicorn's commandments.

JP

AtlanticCitySlave

"Every time I hear atheists express anger directed at God, religion and religious people I suspect that all this sort of behavior is a revelation of the atheist's lack of self-esteem."

-I would hope no one is falling for this line, since David has taken this sort of position several times now, i.e. he claims that since atheists do something (argue against God, express anger at God, etc.) that they lack self-esteem or something else. David has no basis for making this statement, or any of the other ones he does. He, as always, simply says it and, at least in this case, you can't really show him to be wrong, since anything you say he'll just turn it around.
Of course, we can do the same thing: It suggests to me that the more David argues for God the more he just shows how deep down inside he's really a closet atheist. Perhaps it's time to drop the pseudo-psychological nonsense.

NialScorva

The psychology of athiests is <a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=56&t=000202&p=" target="_blank">not appropriate for this forum.</a> Baiting comments as questioning your opponents self-esteem have no bearing on the truth or falsity of an argument or musing.

In addition, the philosophy forum is a place to have discussions that aren't polluted by questions of the Existence of God, Evolution/Creation, Morality, and the topics we have other forums for. In other words, there's no need to automatically assume that *everything* is an underhanded religious ploy.

99Percent

Too bad David Mathews quickly went off topic although I admit I should not have inserted the "lack of self esteem" comment in my paragraph.

I hope he answers the other points in my post.

MadMordigan

In other words, there's no need to automatically assume that *everything* is an underhanded religious ploy.

Fair enough. But if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, swims like a duck, looks like a duck and shits like a duck, its a fucking duck.

NialScorva

Yeah, I understand the reality of the situation, but you don't have to hunt down every quack you hear, especially in a forum that is intended to deal with other types of fowl.

David Mathews

Hello 99percent,

David: I think that the passage of huge amounts of time is magnificent, not lamentable.

David: I think that looking at existence from such a perspective serves to demolish human arrogance.

David: I am aware of that.

David: I do appreciate and enjoy the Universe. The Universe is a beautiful place, all humans are beautiful and the cycle of life and death is also beautiful.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

David Mathews

Hello Everyone,

The question of life's meaning in a Universe which is near infinite in size and age (relative to humans and our own lifespan) has a long history in philosophy.

The question is equally applicable to theistic and atheistic worldviews. I do ask such questions because people do benefit from thinking about the potential answers.

I must say that you atheists are not benefiting your cause by attempting to insult or offend Christians and theists. While it may feel good to say something bad about someone else, all of these types of comments are irrelevant distractions relative to the subject under consideration.

I think that the theism/atheism discussion is characterized by too much anger and bitterness on all sides. Christians say bad things about atheists, atheists say bad things about Christians. No one benefits from such conduct.

There is absolutely no reason at all why Christians and atheists cannot discuss these issues of mutual interest calmly, respectful and peacefully. I believe that atheists should tolerate theists and that theists should tolerate atheists.

Although we may disagree, we don't have to harm each other either in thought, word or deed. Rational and reasoned discussion can only occur when both sides are patient, listen attentively to each other and frame all of their comments in a respectful manner.

Once emotions take over and people begin speaking in an angry manner, reasoned discussion becomes impossible and the discussion generates anger rather than understanding.

I don't believe in anger. I have no use for bitterness. I don't consider any of you an enemy.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

John Page

I met a guy from Texas once who swore this was just what the alien leader said just before they took over the planet.

Anyway, going back to your original post and my unanswered questions, what do you think is the eternal part of an individual other than dust?

Cheers, John