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God does not make more sense once you weigh the scientific evidence against the missing evidence for a god. Just because you don't understand the science, does not make the supernatural likely.I say I can't believe it because God makes more sense. How would you feel if somebody told you that squirrels are descended from raccoons? (I still can't fathom how we got Chihuahuas from wolves and dogs are ninety-nine percent man-made due to breeding.)
Your answer shows that you don't.
A scientific theory provides an explanatory framework of the body of available facts.
In this case, the Theory of Evolution provides an explanation for the observed heritable changes in biological populations over time (ie evolution).
No. Just, no.
I wonder, have you actually formally studied anything concerning the underpinnings of the ToE?
If not, I can recommend some free text books and (university level) online courses that cover the basics.
The scientific usage of the word theory is different from the colloquial usage of the word theory. If you don't like that word or phrase then talk to them about it.
That's fine.
Do you have a rational, evidentially supported reason for believing this, or is this a theological commitment?
What alternative do you offer?
It is rude despite your intention.
Facts are not ever changing. Facts are true and remain true. Science continues to make new discoveries and models change based on new discoveries--that does not change the facts. A basic 100 level science class covers this. You misrepresent the scientific method when you propagate this idea.
You are talking to a skeptic; I'm always going to agree that people be skeptical. That's good science and critical thinking.
I have the evidence within my own life .... I have an on-going relationship with the Lord .... something that is beyond a non-believers understanding.
Are you actually aware of what a theory is in scientific terms?
At least we've circled back to the origins of the thread, with blanket statements about what atheists/agnostics believe or do not, or in this case whether they understand faith.
Generally I would put atheists/agnostics in a few, broad "experiential" categories regarding their experience with religion.
1. The "never religious" who grew up without any religion or god beliefs. They likely *don't* understand the faith you speak of but have seen it in others. This is still a fairly small group, but will increase as more children are raised without religion.
2. Those who were formerly fervent believers and for various reasons started to question their faith until they ultimately rejected it. These people understand the kind of faith you and many others on this site speak of because they felt it themselves. A lot of the prominent/vocal atheists fall in this category.
3. Then there are those who had a more modest or subdued faith and fell out of it. They believed but were the kind who were unlikely to tell you about it in line at the grocery store. Their experience of faith may be less intense, but they did believe. Eventually they too lost their faith.
I was in the 3rd category. I believed the teachings of the Church, but outside my obligations, didn't put much consideration into it. So though I've seen a lot of the faith you describe, I haven't personally experienced it.
God does not make more sense once you weigh the scientific evidence against the missing evidence for a god. Just because you don't understand the science, does not make the supernatural likely.
This is often what Dan Dennette calls deepities; they sound profound, but are in fact uninspiring and sound like the philosophical ramblings of a dilettante.I also find Christian speak (like sermonising) incomprehensible. It seems to often consist of a list of truisms, Bible quotes and in-house jargon strung together in some random order. It reminds me of a Website which produced essays on philosophy by stringing together philosophical jargon. The result was something which sounded impressive but actually said nothing.
That is a tautology.
I know what you are saying, but it is a tautology. It doesn't work.I'm saying that if you simply believe in God because it's the most logical option to you, that's fine, but it kind of misses the point of why you should believe in Him.
One should believe in God because they have faith, not just because God "makes sense", IMO.
I'm saying that if you simply believe in God because it's the most logical option to you, that's fine, but it kind of misses the point of why you should believe in Him.
Saying humans are descended from monkeys is the same as saying you are descended from your cousin. Primates, including monkeys and humans, are descended from common ancestors who lived several million years ago. Think of monkeys as (very) distant cousins and your common ancestors as the great, great, great, great .... grandfathers and grandmothers you share with them.True, I completely agree with you, but doesn't it also make more sense than being descended from monkeys?
Wanting to believe is not, in itself, a valid reason to believe.
OB
Think of monkeys as (very) distant cousins and your common ancestors as the great, great, great, great .... grandfathers and grandmothers you share with them.
OB
Why not?
Umm,.. no. I'd rather not.
I'm with @Rose2020 and @Strathos on this one. Wanting something does not mean it has to be true. I can want God to exist, I can want to believe in God - it makes no difference if God exists or not. If it gives me comfort, is that not a good enough reason?Because you can't make something factually true by simply wishing it were true. God either exists or He doesn't. Wanting to believe will have no impact on His existence (or not).
OB
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