Vanderzyden

This is directed to the pure atheists:

Is it possible that God exists, and that the atheist is merely denying his existence for want of particular evidence?

Please explain.



(I am unaware of formal argumentation on this question, so please direct me to any pertinent information.)

Vanderzyden

not a theist

What's a "pure atheist"? Is it the same as a strong atheist?

Mageth

Is it possible that God exists, and that the atheist is merely denying his existence for want of particular evidence?

I don't "deny the existence of god," I lack a belief in god(s).

Think: It is possible that a giant diamond lies at the center of one of Jupiter's moons. It is possible that an identical earth with an identical me orbits Alpha Centauri. Since there's no evidence of either, I lack a belief in either. I don't deny their existence.

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]</p>

Automaton

Vanderzyden, is it possible that you are in denial about your position on God? Is it possible that atheists are right?

Well, yes, it is. This is universally true for everyone, regardless of their position. Why you bring it up for this specific case is beyond me though.

rebelnerd

I believe the existence of god(s) or alternate life forms is possible. I have yet to see evidence of such. Denying the existence of something presupposes it's existence. I make no such presuppositions.

Filo

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Filo Quiggens ]</p>

Vanderzyden

I appreciate the fine distinction you make, Mageth, but this may be seen as the equivalent of a denial. To lack a belief that the majority of humankind holds justifiably is tantamount to a denial. Who do you know that has any particular interest in the existence of a diamond at the center of Ganymede?

Certainly I will admit the my belief in God is possibly erroneous. I'm willing to explore the probability of it's truth or falsehood.

Allow me to rephrase the question for you:

Is it possible that your lack of (ignorance, indifference) is erroneous?

Mark_Chid

Though I personality accept the possibility of an intelligent creator it seems to me to lack any explanatory power and therefore to be of no great interest as a theory.

On the other hand I am absolutely certain that Christianity is false, because I understand its pagan origins and because its dogma makes no logical or moral sense to me, and the more I look the sense sense it makes.

Jayhawker Soule

I reject a belief in God because there is no evidence to warrant such a belief. Is it logically possible that I have correctly judged the state of the evidence only to be wrong in my conclusion. Yes. Is it a reasonable postulate. No.

MJones

Wow! Rare is the believer who'll admit that it's possible that he's wrong!

Is it possible that I could be wrong? Absolutly! Is it probable? Probably not.

Dirty Dog

Philosoft

Not me, I guess. I'm as impure as they come.

</strong>

The word "God" means nothing to me, until such time as you are able to use it to convey information about the thing being labeled. I'm not talking about omniscience, omipotence, etc; I would like to have a description that allows me to picture in my head, as I can do with any other proper noun, the thing in question.

[ August 29, 2002: Message edited by: Philosoft ]</p>