Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

[88Mariner]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

but that's exactly the point. Just as theists cannot prove that god does exist, neither could atheists prove god doesn't exist...hence they are both beliefs.

I've never said otherwise. What I HAVE said was that atheism is NOT a belief system. Again, refer to my similie a few posts back regarding the steering wheel and the car.

Also, atheistic 'belief' is distinctly different than theistic 'belief'. Science hasn't fully grasped every last detail of how electricity works, but it is accepted that if a toaster is connected to it, the bread will cook. Even then, we have to revise our 'beliefs' as science continues to explain those gaps, gaps which it is increasingly harder to fit a supernatural being into. Quantum Physics come to mind.

Regarding theistic 'belief', anything can be believed because it does not require empirical knowledge of scientific evidence. Examples of this type of 'belief' are when children believe that the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa Clause are real characters. Also, one can believe in Unicorns, Leprechauns, and Astrology. This form of 'belief' is not formed by critical scientific investigation but by emotions, feelings, whims, and unsubstantiated opinion.

[rubyraks]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

^fair enough...was just playing devil's advovate

[88Mariner]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

^fair enough...was just playing devil's advovate

keep playin! I like this game!!!!

[rubyraks]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

^Where's cowardlydj when you need him?

[Yao]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

readin the bible and preaching.

I like 88's explanation why atheïsm is not a belief. It's rather a non-belief, and it annoys me when some religious person tries to put me in the same corner. Mine is not necessarily better, but definitely different.

[88Mariner]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

thanks for the kind word Yao. I'm curious what your explanation? Mine has always worked for me, in the sense that it's terse, integrated, and understandable. But I'm a very private atheist (in the sense of the supernatural/mystical/mythical description), so I don't publicize my beliefs but to a few close friends and anonymous internet strangers. I live in the midwest, a region where even muslims whisper to each other, "damn...we may be treated like baby-killers, but at least we're not treated like the atheists around here." So yeah...how would you explain it?

[Yao]

Re: Pat Robertson Predicts Mass Killings in 2007

Lemme try when I get back from wrk dude...I'm quite suprised by what you just told -it's almost like being in Africa where a non-belief is thought to be impossible...?