Mageth

To make that leap is to give up the "I have no responsibility " dream that atheists cling to so dearly.

Now that's a strawman argument if I ever saw one.

What makes you think I don't accept, and even want to avoid, responsibility for my life?

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: Mageth ]</p>

Infinity Lover

Actually the anology was in the previous language/religion part. The Oh O, Oh oh oh O, bit was just goofing around. Life's too short to not have some fun while you're living it .

As far as not understanding goes. I look at the practical use believing serves.

I'd say it's commiting to a notion. And I can phantom how that might have positive impact on the one hand. On the other hand it also has negative side-effects. The cons simply don't outweigh the pro's bro.

I'd rather achieve similar results with earthly alternatives, under the knowledge that I could pull it of independantly. Motivating myself. Loving myself. Believing in myself. Teaching myself.

Now that's a powerfull feeling you may someday know about, maybe you won't.

Maybe you'll always need that holy blanky, and that supernatural thumb to suck on. Maybe you simply can't do it without.

That's quite alright. We all have our limitations.

Are we incapable of embracing God, or are you incabable of doing without?

Why dwell into the realm of the pointless?

Marcel.

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: Infinity Lover ]</p>

GeoTheo

As opposed to we theist who do smell a god?

Goliath

GeoTheo,

Since atheism is a lack of belief that any gods exist, rather than the belief that no gods exist, your argument is rendered moot.

Sincerely,

Goliath

GeoTheo

Marcel,
I agree that decieving your self into thinking you are superman must be a very powerful feeling for you. I would rather accept reality though since we both will die someday and thus have only limited control of our fate.

typo

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: GeoTheo ]</p>

GeoTheo

Actually no. How's this:
Here is a thought expiriment.I have given myself an operation rendering myself color blind. Therefore I do not believe color exists.
Am I justified?

[ September 11, 2002: Message edited by: GeoTheo ]</p>

Demigawd

<strong>I agree that decieving (sic) your self into thinking you are superman must be a very powerful feeling for you.</strong>

Ah, yes. The theistic argument from "Just who do you think you are, mister?". Commonly manifesting as the "who are you compared to God?" phrase. The only supermen I know are encountered in myth and comic books.

WinAce

Once again... if there are no logical or rational reasons for believing in God, why did you start believing at the outset? Because it felt comfortable? It filled some psychological need?

The answer is simple--you start believing because you think there ARE logical and rational reasons. Either it looks like a prayer was answered, or it superficially makes sense that our universe was designed, or something. Maybe you were taught from birth to interpret subjective human experiences as God. I don't know.

What makes theistic belief *irrational*, in my view, is maintaining it for no real reasons once all those 'rational' reasons for believing are refuted as little except the result of human psychological quirks.

GeoTheo

Who do you think you are?
Why do you think I "suck my thumb" so to speak.
And how are you superior?

Demigawd

<strong>Am I justified?</strong>

If you're playing games, then yes you are justified. Other than that, you are either deluding yourself or others.