Ive heard of people defending their belief (s) but this is absurd.

I guess one cannot help being present when absence of belief is on the table.

ant wrote:Ive heard of people defending their belief (s) but this is absurd.

I guess one cannot help being present when absence of belief is on the table.

Yeah, it's hard work for regulars on this site to refute your posts once or twice a week. We must be mad at God.

Atheism believes that God does not exist and attempts to logically defend that belief.

But its not a system of belief.

Anyone else buying into this crap?

Any other dictionary definitions that are "crap" that you want to change?

Dexter wrote:Quote:
Atheism believes that God does not exist and attempts to logically defend that belief.

But its not a system of belief.

Anyone else buying into this crap?




Any other dictionary definitions that are "crap" that you want to change?

It doesn't seem to be as simple as the dictionary definition. In one poll in the the U.S. 38 to 40 percent of those self described as agnostic or atheist said they believed in a "higher power."

Maybe they are just confused but in any case here's the article titled; Scientists discover that Atheists might not exist.

http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_ ... oke-139982

ant wrote:The fact that most all of you are willing 100% of the time to jump to the defense of disbelief is telling us all something is rotten in Denmark.

Well, I'm confused. I enjoyed the the article you posted and agree with most of what the author says. Including this:

It is also unclear how atheism is positioned to replace religion, in the following way. Atheism is the belief that no God or gods exist. But this, in and of itself, cannot form the foundation for a way of life. Only by forming and practicing positive beliefs and values can one build a coherent and meaningful life. So if something is to replace religion, it will not be atheism.

This is exactly what many of us have been saying for years. So I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to be defending. it's up to you, Ant, to step up and articulate where you disagree with the writer. Maybe you didn't read the article? Or maybe we're not even discussing the article?

Atheism most certainly is a religion. Here are some of its commandments

1. Thou shalt not believe any claim that lacks evidence.
2. Thou shalt apply logic to test the rationality of all belief.
3. Thou shalt query the value and sense of beliefs and rituals which lack clear rationality and purpose.
4. Thou shalt support the scientific world view and method, recognising the material existence of the universe as described by modern empirical observation.
5. Thou shalt consider consequences of actions as a primary factor in their moral justification.
6. Thou shalt understand that all supernatural mythology is primarily a projection of human imagination, not a magical revelation from divine beings
7. Thou shalt place the highest value on evolutionary scientific discussion of how to achieve abundant sustained human flourishing on planet earth.

(smfh) Why do you guys insist on taking the bait? Why??

ant wrote:

LanDroid wrote:

It is true that much of the developed world lives in not only a post-Christian, but a post-religious society.

That negates most of his message.

When the definition of religion is narrowed, yes.

Wait, you're saying if the definition of religion is "embiggened" then these post-Christian / post-religious societies are actually extremely religious? ( I understand you will never provide the proper definition, that's part of why we all enjoy going 'round in circles...)

DB Roy wrote:(smfh) Why do you guys insist on taking the bait? Why??

It's not "bait"

Ive been at it here longer than you and I know tbe core here much better.
They often lose themselves in a belief system they deny exists - atheism.

That negates most of his message.[/quote]
When the definition of religion is narrowed, yes.[/quote]
Wait, you're saying if the definition of religion is "embiggened" then these post-Christian / post-religious societies are actually extremely religious? ( I understand you will never provide the proper definition, that's part of why we all enjoy going 'round in circles...)[/quote]

This makes zero sense and exposes a deep and profound ignorance of history.

Robert Tulip wrote:Atheism most certainly is a religion. Here are some of its commandments

1. Thou shalt not believe any claim that lacks evidence.
2. Thou shalt apply logic to test the rationality of all belief.
3. Thou shalt query the value and sense of beliefs and rituals which lack clear rationality and purpose.
4. Thou shalt support the scientific world view and method, recognising the material existence of the universe as described by modern empirical observation.
5. Thou shalt consider consequences of actions as a primary factor in their moral justification.
6. Thou shalt understand that all supernatural mythology is primarily a projection of human imagination, not a magical revelation from divine beings
7. Thou shalt place the highest value on evolutionary scientific discussion of how to achieve abundant sustained human flourishing on planet earth.

You forgot one:
Thou shalt remember all scientific evidedence is provisional and as such should be ready to throw out all "factual evidence" out the window and in so doing changing your ideological worldview that was based on evidence beforehand.

Thanks, zealot.