The origins of atheism

[ScottA]

I have not read the text called "Yes." Can you direct me to it?

http://www.christianforums.com

 

[muichimotsu]

When our beliefs are uncertain that's when hope is the most powerful because it gives us a reason to continue making rational assumptions that can lead to the truth, which then allows us to be certain of our beliefs.

Uncertainty is not a reason to cling to false hope. Having a provisional set of beliefs is preferable to sticking to a flimsy standard that changes with caprice and popularity or one that is inflexible and doesn't change except with societal pressures on the religious institution.

Truth is not something that is a final destination we reach, it's a quality of the knowledge we possess as relates to reality. We can come closer to truth, but never in the absolute and complete sense, since we aren't able to be purely objective.

 

[David Colin Gould]

Is name calling necessary?

How other am me gonna get edumacated?

 

[ScottA]

If you could show God proof, that would suggest God is not all knowing, so you're creating a catch-22 situation. Either God exists and you can show proof of it, in which case, it's not godlike enough to have faith in or God exists and you could show proof to God of something it didn't know, in which case it's not all knowing.

The proof is not given to God, but is demanded by God, from all who are born into the world. On the contrary, it is God who gives all things, death and life. What one does with the gift, is of their own doing, whether it be organic only, or first organic and then spiritual.

 

[David Colin Gould]

My claims are true, and they are only fantastic to those who are far from knowing it. You may as well be the hick who exclaims, "Why, I never hearda such a thing!" ... and it is obvious that you cannot fathom the idea. But just like the hick, if you go demanding some backwater explanation that you can sink yer tooth into...you may as well stay on the porch.

But I don't have a porch.

 

[David Colin Gould]

The proof is not given to God, but is demanded by God, from all who are born into the world. On the contrary, it is God who gives all things, death and life. What one does with the gift, is of their own doing, whether it be organic only, or first organic and then spiritual.

Well, if God wants proof of my existence, all he needs to do is look inside himself and recognise the David Gould shaped hole in his heart. Once he believes in me, he will be bathed in my love and mercy for all of time. Of course, if God wishes to continue in his agouldism by denying me, then I will be very sad. But I will wait for him.

 

[ScottA]

I'm not afraid of your scare tactics Scott. They may work on an impressionable child or the gullible but not on me.

Your presence here places you at an intersection with a lost look on your face. We are simply offering directions. Take it or leave it. But you still got that look.

 

[AirPo]

There is no book written without negative critics. So this is article is virtually meaningless. What is interesting is that you trust this critic without judging for yourself about the books. That is called pre-judging (i.e., prejudice) without examining the evidence. McDowell’s long (and therefore somewhat boring) list of proofs can overwhelm a reader who is not that interested in the facts that might prove what they already don’t believe.

For those less motivated to examine this large amount of facts, I can also refer them to Lee Strobel’s books such as “The Case for Faith” and the “The Case for Christianity”. They are must shorter and easier to read.

the irony. You have no idea if I have read the books or not.

 

[ScottA]

Is name calling necessary?

No names called. Only honest "like" examples.

 

[JonFromMinnesota]

Your presence here places you at an intersection with a lost look on your face. We are simply offering directions. Take it or leave it. But you still got that look.

I'm actually here because I enjoy a healthy debate. Unfortunately you haven't made one iota of sense in your arguments. You don't seem to have a problem making baseless assumptions about someone though.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

So our beliefs are a choice, but our dispositions to believe are determined? Maybe I read that wrong, but if that's your belief, it kind of creates a contradiction

A paradox to be sure. It is the essential paradox of the existence of human responsibility (and choice) and the sovereignty of God. I don't expect you to understand it.

 

[ScottA]

Well, if God wants proof of my existence, all he needs to do is look inside himself and recognise the David Gould shaped hole in his heart. Once he believes in me, he will be bathed in my love and mercy for all of time. Of course, if God wishes to continue in his agouldism by denying me, then I will be very sad. But I will wait for him.

God has proof of your organic existence and of your funeral march. Good job with that. Is there more?

 

[AirPo]

we cant post links here just go to google and type in the words 'confirmed miracle'

Actually you can. There is a site call let me google that for you. It creates the link for you.

 

[ScottA]

I'm actually here because I enjoy a healthy debate. Unfortunately you haven't made one iota of sense in your arguments. You don't seem to have a problem making baseless assumptions about someone though.

You mean like, you came to pick up a newspaper for your entertainment, and then want to argue about the content? 'Cause I am not here to argue, just put out the news.

 

[JonFromMinnesota]

You mean like, you came to pick up a newspaper for your entertainment, and then want to argue about the content? 'Cause I am not here to argue, just put out the news.

You realize this is a debate thread correct?

 

[ScottA]

Your link is broken. There is nothing there about you identifying yourself, or providing substantiation of your assertions.

The burden of substantiating your assertions is on you. Is this news?

And who sold you that ticket?

“Selling eternal life is an unbeatable business, with no customers ever asking for their money back after the goods are not delivered.” ― Victor J. Stenger

1. You are HERE. Read.
2. I am not here to substantiate what I already know to be true. I am just sharing the good news of life beyond the grave.
3. The ticket was a gift. It just appeared from the sky. I guess you didn't get one.

 

[AirPo]

Most atheists will believe anything that can be demonstrated over and over.

So should the Antichrist pull a rabbit out of a hat, they'll probably line up to take his Mark.

Christians,* on the other hand, won't even attend the demonstration.

* Tribulation saints.

Your posts make me laugh over and over again. I believe that!

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

Science doesn't rely on opinions. It relies on what the evidence tells them. If you disagree with a theory, you are free to submit a paper for peer review in attempts to falsify the theory. This is encouraged and the dream of scientists to prove something wrong.

Of course science depends upon opinions. Scientists argue all the time. Scientific theories depend upon the opinions of the scientists. Only over time do the facts support one theory above the others, and sometimes it is many years before even those theories are proved false.

 

[AirPo]

no the burden of proof is on God not us its not my job to convince you of anything and i know i cant thats why i say debating with an athiest is completely useless and futile . but i enjoy debate so all debates i find interesting but as far as being productive in convincing anyone on either side the possibility of convincing someone exists by words alone is zero .

Are you seriously telling God what to do?

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

Well I became a happier, more caring person after I dropped my faith so I don't see any spiritual problems at all.

If you do not have any spiritual problems at all, why would you come on to a website and thread like this one to vociferously argue against faith? Sounds like you are compensating for something... and going nuts trying to rationalize your newfound lack of faith. Good luck with that.