Atheists unite

[Theophany]

For one, in most cases the person doesn't seem to appreciate the complexity of the terminology used - secondly, the debate winds up in cesspit of semantic circular stupidity.

Firstly, a lot of the terminology is used as some academic circle jerk to inflate the egos of those who choose to attack people's misuse of them rather than the argument they make. Secondly, you've basically described most GD threads about any subject requiring an IQ of 30 or greater to meaningfully engage in. Slug vs. snail is about the level of enlightened discourse that prevents such circular stupidity.

 

[James J]

That's the point though, in some schools in America they wish to teach creationism in Science classes - not religious education lessons.

Indeed, I find it hard to understand why people struggle with this so much.

You can believe in god, or not believe in god & also be agnostic.

"Agnostic theism is the philosophical view that encompasses both theism and agnosticism. An agnostic theist believes in the existence of at least one deity, but regards the basis of this proposition as unknown or inherently unknowable. The agnostic theist may also or alternatively be agnostic regarding the properties of the God or the gods he believes in."

"Agnostic atheism, also called atheistic agnosticism, is a philosophical position that encompasses both atheism and agnosticism. Agnostic atheists are atheistic because they do not hold a belief in the existence of any deity and agnostic because they claim that the existence of a deity is either unknowable in principle or currently unknown in fact. The agnostic atheist may be contrasted with the agnostic theist, who believes that one or more deities exist but claims that the existence or nonexistence of such is unknown or cannot be known."

Directed at the bit in bold.

American politics plays on the religious masses every 4 years, just like our political system plays on the working masses for the same goal. I still don't see how some guy making videos in his bedroom is going to make it into school education, when the schools that are guilty of teaching creationism are mostly central american, in areas of very old christian beliefs, which are not just taught in the school but outside of it as well with the family.

When people like Sarah Palin, who is idolised by millions of americans, thinks that creationism is true, you already have a very hard time convincing people otherwise, which is why you need both sides of the argument in the first place.

 

[elmarko]

Firstly, a lot of the terminology is used as some academic circle jerk to inflate the egos of those who choose to attack people's misuse of them rather than the argument they make. Secondly, you've basically described most GD threads about any subject requiring an IQ of 30 or greater to meaningfully engage in. Slug vs. snail is about the level of enlightened discourse that prevents such circular stupidity.

But in this case the misuse of the term is the problem with the arguments they are making - they are implying the person is holding a position they do not (then not listening to the actual views they have expressed).

I've had people tell me I'm not an atheist because I've said I don't know - then not agnostic because I've said I don't believe in god (the reality is I'm both because they are not mutually exclusive).

Secondly, slug is faget.

 

[Theophany]

Secondly, slug is faget.

Such sweet music to my ears.

 

[James J]

1. He wasn't posing as a religious person to cause discredit as you claimed.

2. The pastor asked his girlfriend in his presence if she felt safe with him. Obviously it's not the only motivation but that would annoy anyone.



Burn it down for me pls?

He describes himself as a militant atheist though. Look at how many people switch religions and become radicalised. You are a bit naive if you think that this isn't the same for disenfranchised ex religious people using atheism as a conduit to preach hate.

 

[Mynight]

He describes himself as a militant atheist though. Look at how many people switch religions and become radicalised. You are a bit naive if you think that this isn't the same for disenfranchised ex religious people using atheism as a conduit to preach hate.

So you have no proof?

 

[James J]

Thankfully OCUK forums don't represent the wider atheist community for the most part. I agree with you that many atheists who post here can be arrogant and dismissive. However, I've been involved with the wider atheist community for over ten years. I'm a regular poster on Free Thought Blogs ( http://freethoughtblogs.com/axp/ ) where many prominent American atheists post including those from The Atheist Experience TV Show, PZ Myres, various YT atheists etc. and the type of debates we have there are much more factual and civil than the usual mud slinging we get here at OCUK.

Because you all hold the same belief system and circle jerk each other. I thought that would be obvious. You can't have an argument without differing opinions.

 

[tbyeah]

He describes himself as a militant atheist though. Look at how many people switch religions and become radicalised. You are a bit naive if you think that this isn't the same for disenfranchised ex religious people using atheism as a conduit to preach hate.

Again, no-one posing as religious.

But ok, there are people who identify as militant atheists who hit some-one who insulted them. To put them in the same league as religious extremists is ridiculous is my point.

 

[anything I don't mind]

I heard a great definition of atheism from aron ra in one his lectures. He basically compared it to theism, and said it is A-theism. Meaning it is the disagreement ultimately with theism. Which is that no gods exist. However being open to evidence or agreeing that there is a possibility of a god existing, does not make someone agnostic per se (well it does but not necessarily). It is simply saying that like any other subject in science (or the world) given enough evidence they will be be open to the new information and change their views and so on.

Agnostic is where i defined atheism as someone who does not think there is evidence either way. This is not far off from atheism and like elmarko says is just semantics. It is only that using the word "believe" gives ammunition to the religious to classify it as a belief system. This is why a lot of atheist avoid using the word believe when describing their opinions on god. However that does not mean they can't call themselves atheist.

 

[krooton]

I'm not for any sort of preaching, but thanks for asking.

 

[Glaucus]

Not my cup off tea and he doesn't even say what his videos are about.

However I already support one creator on patreon.

If you like space, it's a good weekly ish show
http://www.patreon.com/tmro

Be nice if they could get to several thousand a show, so they can go back to the old days, when they were massive doing live shuttle launches. All kind of fell apart when shuttle retired, but they're on their way back up.

 

[tbyeah]

Because you all hold the same belief system and circle jerk each other. I thought that would be obvious. You can't have an argument without differing opinions.

Atheists agree on one thing only; they lack belief/don't believe in a god.

Plenty to disagree on.

 

[tbyeah]

I heard a great definition of atheism from aron ra in one his lectures. He basically compared it to theism, and said it is A-theism. Meaning it is the disagree ultimately with the theism. Which is that no gods exist. However being open to evidence or agreeing that there is a possibility of a god existing, does not make someone agnostic per se (well it does but not necessarily). It is simply saying that like any other subject in science (or the world) given enough evidence they will be be open to the new information and change their views and so on.

Agnostic is where i defined atheism as someone who does not think there is evidence either way. This is not far off from atheism and like elmarko says is just semantics. It is only that using the word "believe" gives ammunition to the religious to classify it as a belief system. This is why a lot of atheist avoid using the word believe when describing their opinions on god. However that does not mean they can't call themselves atheist.

Just like to add how this shows atheism/theism and agnosticism/gnosticism aren't mutually exclusive.

Bill Nye; agnostic athiest.
Ken Ham; gnostic theist.

 

[OhEsEcks]

I'll donate if he burns his hat, has a shave and cuts his hair. He's a cliche.

 

[Sliver]

Because you all hold the same belief system and circle jerk each other. I thought that would be obvious. You can't have an argument without differing opinions.

Ridiculous post. If you can't be serious and mature then don't bother.

 

[elmarko]

Atheists agree on one thing only; they lack belief/don't believe in a god.

Plenty to disagree on.

Very true.

People also forget that you can actually believe in god & hate organised religion, you can lack a belief in a deity but think it's socially useful/has a net positive social benefit.

Personally, I all I care about are actions & behaviours which result in avoidable human suffering - if a religion or belief system is the catalyst or the key motivator behind that activity then I do care about it. In reality all religions are responsible for a mixture of both positive & negative social interactions - ranging massively from denomination, to local sect & the individual on the net worth.

 

[tbyeah]

Very true.

People also forget that you can actually believe in god & hate organised religion, you can lack a belief in a deity but think it's socially useful/has a net positive social benefit.

Personally, I all I care about are actions & behaviours which result in avoidable human suffering - if a religion or belief system is the catalyst or the key motivator behind that activity then I do care about it. In reality all religions are responsible for a mixture of both positive & negative social interactions - ranging massively from denomination, to local sect & the individual on the net worth.

Exactly.

 

[anything I don't mind]

Not my cup off tea and he doesn't even say what his videos are about.

However I already support one creator on patreon.

If you like space, it's a good weekly ish show
http://www.patreon.com/tmro

Be nice if they could get to several thousand a show, so they can go back to the old days, when they were massive doing live shuttle launches. All kind of fell apart when shuttle retired, but they're on their way back up.

I only just came across patreon but there is some high quality content on there.

These two making food were quite funny http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=435102

 

[anything I don't mind]

I'll donate if he burns his hat, has a shave and cuts his hair. He's a cliche.

Some people have said this before on his youtube comments but i have never seen anyone make videos that looks like him before, especially on evolution and creationism etc.

 

[Glaucus]

Lol, can't say that's for me.

Tbh haven't found much on their I like. I love the idea and can't wait for more creators to get on their. In fact can all TV shows move to it. Bypass sky, virgin etc. Pay per show.

I want a decent BBQ show, fine dining cooking show, DIY gadget hack, and lots of science shows.