The Morman hypothetical

[Hopper]

Oh, you mean atheism. No, it's a lack of theistic belief. Is apathy a political position?

Mebbe you're talkin bout agnosticism, steada atheism, eh, Eric?

 

[Gameface]

The problem is that once the "reason" that something is considered moral or not is because God commanded it the conversation is over and there's no more need for thinking...you know that special thing that human beings do better than any other living thing. I tend to think that morality should follow rules that we can understand and demonstrate. But then, of course, who can know the mind of God? Once again, no more need for silly thinking and a desire to understand.

That's why atheists sound arrogant, because there is no reason great enough to make thinking about these things and coming to an independent conclusion worthwhile to a religious person. In the end they are going to follow what someone taught them about what God wants them to do. It is very frustrating.

 

[Hopper]

Is apathy a political position?

Mebbe not, but anarchism is, doncha figure?

 

[Hopper]

The problem is that once the "reason" that something is considered moral or not is because God commanded it the conversation is over and there's no more need for thinking...

Well, Game, ya know...Even good ole Davy Hume, a stout "natural religionist" and "rational" skeptic extraordinaire done saids this here:

"Reason is, and ought to be, only the slave of the passions."

 

[One Brow]

Looky here (from Webster's):

"Main Entry: re·li·gion 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith."

Well, there ya have it, then, I spect.

Atheism has no causes, no principles, and no systems of belief. Many atheists believe in freedom of religion, but atheism does not teach freedom of religion. You would be hard-pressed to find other beliefs held by, say, 3/4ths of all atheists.

 

[One Brow]

Mebbe you're talkin bout agnosticism, steada atheism, eh, Eric?

No, but that is a common confusion. Agnosticism can be the belief that there is insufficient evidence, or that such evidence is impossible due to an impassible divide in natural/supernatural. Atheism. generally, is the position that there is no reason to believe in a god/gods.

 

[One Brow]

Mebbe not, but anarchism is, doncha figure?

The religious equivalent would be the destruction of the gods, or perhaps of their influence on humans? Why would I try to destroy what I don't believe exists?

 

[Hopper]

Atheism has no causes, no principles, and no systems of belief. Many atheists believe in freedom of religion, but atheism does not teach freedom of religion. You would be hard-pressed to find other beliefs held by, say, 3/4ths of all atheists.

So you say, eh, Eric? But that don't stop large "atheist societies" from croppin up all over the country with regular meetins and far-flung agendas to promote.

 

[Hopper]

Atheism. generally, is the position that there is no reason to believe in a god/gods.

I disagree. That might be agnosticism.

Sayin "I don't believe there is a God," either is, or it aint, just another way of sayin "I believe there is no God." When there's a difference, that's where the distinction between an agnostic and an atheist comes in.

 

[moevillini]

Looky here (from Webster's):

"Main Entry: re·li·gion 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith."

Well, there ya have it, then, I spect.

Atheism has no causes, no principles, and no systems of belief. Many atheists believe in freedom of religion, but atheism does not teach freedom of religion. You would be hard-pressed to find other beliefs held by, say, 3/4ths of all atheists.

There's no rule that says that all adherents to any religion have to have identical beliefs - I know plenty of folks who disagree with much of Catholicism, yet still consider themselves Catholic for instance.

LOL, how's this for a new religious standard - if 3/4ths of the people agree on 3/4ths of the beliefs, it's a religion. Sound good?

 

[richgates]

I am surprised by the moderately civil discourse with such a hot button topic. My definition of Agnosticism is that one doesn't know if god exists or not. An Atheist actively disbelieves in a deity for any number of reasons. My choice is primarily driven by science and reason.

 

[Hopper]

I am surprised by the moderately civil discourse with such a hot button topic. My definition of Agnosticism is that one doesn't know if god exists or not. An Atheist actively disbelieves in a deity for any number of reasons. My choice is primarily driven by science and reason.

Yeah, what Rich done said, eh, Eric?

 

[Archie Moses]

This question goes to my agnostic brothers and sisters here on the board...

One day, your child comes to you and says that he or she is religeous. What do you do? Or, rather, how do you handle the situation?

Thanks!

 

[Scat]

This question goes to my agnostic brothers and sisters here on the board...

One day, your child comes to you and says that he or she is religeous. What do you do? Or, rather, how do you handle the situation?

Thanks!

I'd think your question would be better directed towards the atheists on this board.

 

[Hopper]

I would have some tips for em if they wanted to haul off and git religion. For example: Don't forget to put some superglue on yo mitts when they pass the collection plate your way.

 

[richgates]

This question goes to my agnostic brothers and sisters here on the board...

One day, your child comes to you and says that he or she is religeous. What do you do? Or, rather, how do you handle the situation?

Thanks!

I would support them Archie. I think everyone should find their own truth.

 

[richgates]

This question goes to my agnostic brothers and sisters here on the board...

One day, your child comes to you and says that he or she is religeous. What do you do? Or, rather, how do you handle the situation?

Thanks!

I would support them Archie. I think everyone should find their own truth.

 

[Archie Moses]

I'd think your question would be better directed towards the atheists on this board.

Yeah, that's what I meant. It's funny cause I was hoping I didn't write "agnostic" and that I wrote "atheist" and that's why I got back online. Sure enough I wrote "agnostic" but I really meant "atheist". Just a typo and yes, I do know the difference.

 

[Darkwing Duck]

This question goes to my agnostic brothers and sisters here on the board...

One day, your child comes to you and says that he or she is religeous. What do you do? Or, rather, how do you handle the situation?

Thanks!

I'd ask if his/her new beliefs would cause him/her to exclude me from any wedding he/she may have. If the answer is yes, I'd slap 'im/'er.

 

[Darkwing Duck]

So you say, eh, Eric? But that don't stop large "atheist societies" from croppin up all over the country with regular meetins and far-flung agendas to promote.

Ah, so MADD is a religion then. I didn't know.