Atheist Sees Image of Big Bang in Piece of Toast

jonnyc747 said:
Another question about atheists - why, if they don't believe in religion or a god of any kind are they so bothered when it comes to threads like this? If they don't believe anything well how can they have a valuable input to a thread similar to these 'Christian v science' debates for example. I never could work that one out.
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an atheist believes in no god so telling them there is one is the same as saying there is no god to a Christian, you are confusing them with agnostics who generally just don't care and admit they don't know.

because apparently the world would be a better place without religion, and it'd be better if we were all atheists like Pol Pot.
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And yant you are making the same generalisations as you just tore that artical down for, not all atheists or agnostics think the world would be better without religion.

And other people just like to debate as it's a great way to learn new things and gain a better understanding as you gain more than one view on the subject, and are forced to examine your own views again.
 
jonnyc747 said:
Another question about atheists - why, if they don't believe in religion or a god of any kind are they so bothered when it comes to threads like this? If they don't believe anything well how can they have a valuable input to a thread similar to these 'Christian v science' debates for example. I never could work that one out.
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???

So, because an atheist doesn't believe in God means there is no way he discuss the possibility of his existence? I don;t understand.

Personally, my problem is not so much with God as with religion. I don't believe in God, and until I see some proof of his existence, I shall continue to take that stance. I can't disprove his existence because the entire concept seems to be based outside the realms of reality anyway, so I no longer try and bother. If people want to believe in the higher power, and if that makes them happy, then fine, have your faith and enjoy it. I enjoy not having to answer to any such deity.

But....religion is different. I dislike the concept of many organised religions because I think it promotes as much hate and division as it does peace and tranquillity. It uses the concept of God as a means of controlling people and manipulating them and in some cases teaches people that subservience to "God" in this life will lead to an eternal paradise after death. It has many negative effects on society, and as someone who doesn't believe in God, having my society affected negatively due to the whims of a few who claim to be representing a (in my eyes non-existent) God angers me slightly, and I think that is wrong and backward.

There, I've laid my cards on the table I guess. If you want to believe in the existence of a God, fair enough, but I think it should be a wholly private matter.

Edit: Before Im misinterpreted: By "religion" I mean it in the broad sense of the word...organised religion. Im well aware that private faith will of course come under the term 'religion'. I didn't want people to think that im advocating a ban on the belief in God or something.
 
Tefal said:
And yant you are making the same generalisations as you just tore that artical down for, not all atheists or agnostics think the world would be better without religion.

And other people just like to debate as it's a great way to learn new things and gain a better understanding as you gain more than one view on the subject, and are forced to examine your own views again.
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Yes I realise that, but I was told by an atheist on these forums (I won't say who) that the world would be a better place without religion.
 
yantorsen said:
and it is very narrow minded as the author seems to only see what he wants to in the bible.
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Isn't that what organised religions do? :confused:

I want a piece of big bang toast, I think I'll try to make one in the galley tonight (I may have to ask the welder for a loan of his Oxy-acetylene torch to get the right effect) :D
 
titaniumx3 said:
Here lies the problem with Atheists. Many seem to take it up as a result of religion, yet Atheism by definition is simply the disbelief in God/gods, which is effectively a religion in itself.
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Unless I've missed something subtle your statement doesn't make sense. Yes atheists do not believe in God but the wider implication is that they do not need a supernatural power to influence how they live their lives nor do they need a central book with a "code of conduct". Instead they rely on morals and a sense of humanity to interact with others. We (the human race) are much more advanced both morally and scientifically than when many of the major world religions were thought up and simply don't require religion to create an ordered society. To suggest that atheism is a region because it has the opposite opinion of supernatural beings is as daft as believing in God in the first place ;)
titaniumx3 said:
A person who believes simply in a God and nothing else is for all intents and purposes an Atheist.
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Are you trying to say that someone who believes in a God but does not follow the rules and regulations set out by the followers of that God is in effect an atheist? I presume you mean this because living your life in the way the God you choose to believe in is an integral part of that belief system? Saying you believe is not enough, you need to make changes to your life to demonstrate that belief? If this is your definition of religion then your argument above doesn't even meet your own requirements.
 
yantorsen said:
Yes I realise that, but I was told by an atheist on these forums (I won't say who) that the world would be a better place without religion.
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Whomever it was I would agree with them. In my opinion if an individual wants to have faith in anything then that is fine. I think they are wrong, but then I am entitled to think what I like.

Unfortunately faith rarely stops at a privately held belief. Organised religion leads to a belief that its members are right, and that all who choose to follow a different path are wrong. You could say that the Church of England/Scotland/NI are not like this, but there is enough racial bigotry just in this country, that I would argue that they are no better.
 
Bigstan said:
Isn't that what organised religions do? :confused:

I want a piece of big bang toast, I think I'll try to make one in the galley tonight (I may have to ask the welder for a loan of his Oxy-acetylene torch to get the right effect) :D
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You on a ship?
 
MTA99 said:
Unless I've missed something subtle your statement doesn't make sense.
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He's just regurgitating a tired old argument that's been bouncing around these forums since I've been here (and presumably long before). The argument is tired and flawed and I have never seen it explained in a way which would make me think it is any where near plausible.
 
Anyone have any more good (well, they don't really have to be good;)) atheist jokes? There's a distinct lack of them out there.

Lots of atheists manage to poke fun at religion, so why aren't there more people poking fun at atheism?:D
 
Psyk said:
Anyone have any more good (well, they don't really have to be good;)) atheist jokes? There's a distinct lack of them out there.

Lots of atheists manage to poke fun at religion, so why aren't there more people poking fun at atheism?:D
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Cause their boring git :p


How many agnostics does it take to change a light bulb?


None they Don't really care if its on or not, as their trying to sleep.




*i think i should douse my coat in petrol before I get it :(
 
Tefal said:
Treating others how they would wish to be treated or pack instinct?
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instinct is quite simple, as it is just a case of doing what's best for yourself/pack.

but morals are a lot more complex, I don't think wolves would have a stance on abortion for example, and most packs of wolves would happily murder another for there own cause.
 
yantorsen said:
so you can think what you like but religions can't?
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You missed my point. Anyone can think what they like, it is when those beliefs turn into actions which are an intolerance of another that is the fault.

Someone can believe that Noel Edmunds is God for all I care, but if they then say I have to watch Deal or No Deal or I will go to hell, then that line is crossed.
 
Psyk said:
Anyone have any more good (well, they don't really have to be good;)) atheist jokes? There's a distinct lack of them out there.

Lots of atheists manage to poke fun at religion, so why aren't there more people poking fun at atheism?:D
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An atheist was taking a walk through the woods, admiring all that the "accident of evolution" had created.

"What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!", he said to himself. As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing, He ran even faster, so scared that tears were coming to his eyes. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out "Oh my God!...."
Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. Even the river stopped moving.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky, "You deny my existence for all of these years; teach others I don't exist; and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask You to treat me as Christian now, but perhaps could you make the bear a Christian?" "Very well," said the voice.

The light went out. The river ran again. And the sounds of the forest resumed.

And then the bear dropped his right paw ..... brought both paws together...bowed his head and spoke: "Lord, for this food which I am about to receive, I am truly thankful."
 
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