sophie

I have been reviewing the various posts on II, with the intent of discerning what are the basic differences between Theists and Atheists. This was what came to mind.

Theists in their belief of GOD would hardly ascribe the wickedness of humankind to the patronage of their GOD, instead they attribute it, to the failings of humankind. Theists try to rectify the problems of the world in their worldy ways, fail a lot but continue. Theists try to achieve self-improvement as a way to a better more enjoyable life.

Atheists on the other hand, ascribe the wickedness of humankind to the failings of the GODS, in other words they dump the onus on to the theists telling them it is your GOD that made all this mess. Atheists seem more likely to not to believe in a purpose of life hence they seem more unwilling to affirm life on a global or collective scale. It is possible that Atheists try to achieve self-improvement but I am not sure to what ends their means take them.


Atheists usually say the only difference between Theists and Atheists is the belief state and lack of belief state. However I believe this belief and lack of belief has far more compounded effects on the minds of those involved.

Heathen Dawn

Atheists don't believe in gods.

(edited to remove flames. Mods, sorry about that)

Dr Rick

Atheists will argue the contradictions inherent in believing the existence of perfect omni-gods given our imperfect existence, but only theists can ascribe any characteristic to the gods.

Muad'Dib

I have relatives who claim that God created evil and wickedness so that those who are saved will better enjoy heaven.

At my parents' church, there is a large group who argues against improving "the world" because that's God's job.

According to most statements of mainstream Christian theology I'm familiar with, "self-improvement" is not nearly as important as trying to get out of God's way and letting him improve you.

Surely not; I think humans are responsible for much of their own problems, and natural disasters, disease, etc. are responsible for the rest.

What do you mean by "on a global or collective scale"? I'm not sure what you mean here.

Neither are theists sure what ends they will arrive at; this is not necessarily a bad thing. Nobody knows everything.

Some, e.g. Buddhists, say there is no difference at all.

Like what?

sophie

So now try to explain to me from an Atheist point of view, where does all the wickedness of humankind originate?


Am I to blame for your failings?

sophie

From what I have read an II, this seems quite true.

Then you would have to say from an Atheist point of view, that your arguments are only Academic in Nature, and bear no ill-will towards Theists. Would you not?

Heathen Dawn

By Richard Dawkins:

"In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you won't find any rhyme or reason in it, nor any justice. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference." (River Out Of Eden, p.133)

Evil happens because people do it and because nature strikes indifferently. Evil happens to us because of natural consequences beyond our control, and because of human consequences within our control.

No, but you're to blame for ignoring what atheists have been saying all these threads over: atheists do not believe in gods, therefore they do not blame gods for the evil that happens in the world. If anything, atheists blame belief in gods, when it motivates people to fanaticism, as one reason for evil in the world.

JCS

No I don't. By the way what exactly is the wickedness of humankind ? The only thing I dump on theists is their responsibilty to back up their claims.

Wrong again.

3 swings 3 strikes you're out. You're not very good at this are you?

sophie

That is most unfortunate. It would be nice if some one could quote their God for them : "GOD helps those who help themselves"

Biff the unclean

Oh has the ban on flames been lifted?

I too have been reviewing the various posts on II, with the intent of discerning what are the basic differences between Theists, Folk-philosophers and Atheists. This was what came to mind.

<no the ban has not been lifted. flame deleted - liv>