Religion - theologi...
 

Subscribe now and choose from over 30 free gifts worth up to £49 - Plus get £25 to spend in our shop

[Closed] Religion - theological question

233 Posts
51 Users
0 Reactions
468 Views
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

No,
Atheism is the belief no deity exist. - it's a decision not an absence, unprovable and therefore a belief
Agnosticism is the view that it is unknowable.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:02 pm
Posts: 3729
Free Member
 

Actually I'm inclined to think that we are the gods.

Sorry but there is no was I can accept that the universe is that messed up that human beings are gods! 😉


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:04 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:05 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Atheism is the belief no deity exist. - it's a decision not an absence.

no, that's what religionists believe it is


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:06 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

That's an interesting one Simon.

Of course, it's entirely possible that we are, but we just need to develop. The Universe may be billions of years old, but maybe it takes zajillions until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds. Maybe we're just infant Gods and need to learn how to walk still...

Maybe everything that exists is God...

Maybe nothing exists at all, and I am God, and all this is merely the product of my imagination.

Who knows? I don't. Fun trying to find the answers though.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:07 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Sorry but there is no was I can accept that the universe is that messed up that human beings are gods!

the human beings could just be the manifestations we adopt, like a play but we've forgotten we're actors...


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:08 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Now we're getting somewhere...

As for this thing of proving 'existence': Surely this is a Human construct, that something needs to 'exist' in an understandable form for it to be 'real'. What if God doesn't exist in a form that we can comprehend, yet does in other ways that we've yet to discover, if we ever will?


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:11 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

An absence would be if you have never heard of god or religion, oblivious to it's concept. This person is not called an atheist.

I'll agree it is commonly used to describe people that just don't decide either way. This is a misuse of the word from it's original Greek meaning.

EDIT: Greek is meant to say French.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:13 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

What if God doesn't exist in a form that we can comprehend

I thought that was already a given ?


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:13 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds. Maybe we're just infant Gods and need to learn how to walk still...

you're totally missing the point! We human animals are mostly gifted with empathy and a degree of mutual understanding so we can enjoy interacting and sharing with each other. Wealth, power, ability, status etc are just fatuous static in comparison


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:17 pm
Posts: 20328
Full Member
 

[i]Atheism is the belief no deity exist. - it's a decision not an absence, unprovable and therefore a belief[/i]

The actual Greek word is ????? (atheos) which translates as "without gods". In it's wider meaning atheism is the [b]absence of belief[/b] that any gods exist, there is a subtle difference to the [b]belief[/b] that no gods exist.

The benefits of a classical education! Ironically one that tried to force religion down my throat at every assembly...


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:18 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

you're totally missing the point!

Maybe[i] your[/i] point. This is my own idea. You're not the only one with ideas you know.

Maybe it's [i]you[/i] who's missing the point, eh?


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:20 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

but from the French athéisme where the English word came it would mean "one who denies or disbelieves the existence of God".

the greek meaning changed over time from the original "without gods" to have a meaning more inline with that of denying god exists.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:24 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Maybe it's you who's missing the point, eh?

oh well, if you want to go around being goddish and smiting stuff then feel free - I'll admit I'd thought my declaration was stating the bleeding obvious, but then I suppose for some, interaction is too much effort and they'd rather just get pissed 🙁 But yes, I stand corrected - if you can find anything better then do that instead!


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:37 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

Well given that it all started around religion

It didn't, it started around the fact that people had their land taken away.

Justifiable grievance, no?

Right, I'm confused now. If the bible now isn't the word of god then why do most christians put so much faith in it?

Because it may well CONTAIN the word of God. I don't see what the problem is here? It's like reading a newspaper. The events are there, but you have to read between the lines a bit, because the paper itself puts spin on it and selectively includes or leaves stuff out.

Funny, that Atheists need 'God' in order to be able to argue with others, and sell their books....

Very good post Fred except that I'm not selling a book 🙂

why believe something that is as yet unprovable does not exist

Just as valid as believing that it does.

As for hedging my bets, I'm confident that if I did meet the Christian god I could give a good account of myself.

maybe it takes zajillions until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds

Like Q off Star Trek?

What if God doesn't exist in a form that we can comprehend, yet does in other ways that we've yet to discover, if we ever will?

What if God IS the laws of Physics?


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:38 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

the greek meaning changed over time from the original "without gods" to have a meaning more inline with that of denying god exists.

but the word does not define the person or their philosophy, and non-believers in any and believers in none might both apply it to themselves, particularly when the outcome is similar...


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 12:42 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Sorry I'm late, errrr...

I read nothing here that changes my mind.

I've nothing to add to what I've already said. 8)


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:08 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

S'ok Woppit; we've coped fine without you.

In fact, you were inconspicuous by your absence. 😀


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:09 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I read nothing here that changes my mind.

nothing to be proud of. I would love to become a Christian - I would be able to marry the woman I love, however sadly I remain obdurately unconvinced 🙁


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:10 pm
Posts: 5559
Free Member
 

What if God IS the laws of Physics?

The laws of physics dont contain any energy or matter and therefore they dont exist. Ditto god


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:11 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

In fact, you were inconspicuous by your absence

no, you're wrong, we needed far more "I have nothing useful to say" posts!


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:12 pm
Posts: 5559
Free Member
 

I would be able to marry the woman I love

Lie it is the basis of any happy marriage and start as you mean to go on eh 😉
Seriously that is a terrible shame, no it really is ..believing in god and loving Barnes 😯

No seriuosly that does suck sfb.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:14 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Like Q off Star Trek?

I don't know about this, but it is interesting that fiction creates scenarios and possibilities. I just find the whole Meaning of Life quest fascinating.

Hmm, anyone fancy a trip to the British, have a look at some religious artefacts? Drinks and discussion after of course!


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:14 pm
Posts: 7556
Full Member
 

"Describing atheism as a religion or belief is like describing bald as a hair colour"


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:19 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

No seriuosly that does suck sfb.

well, you know, them's the breaks! I have no intention of lying to her or pretending, and she is thusfar adamant.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:29 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

"Describing atheism as a religion or belief is like describing bald as a hair colour"

Or like calling black a colour. Which it technically isn't, but effectively and in common usage is.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:30 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

Hmm, anyone fancy a trip to the British, have a look at some religious artefacts? Drinks and discussion after of course!

Would definitely love to. Anyone want to babysit? 🙁


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:30 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Anyone want to babysit?

you'll be babysitting Fred 🙂


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:43 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

Jnr Grips would be fine in the museum possibly, but I don't think she'd be a great drinking partner.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 2:44 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[url= http://cdn.okcimg.com/blog/real_stuff/ReadingLevelByReligion.pn g" target="_blank">http://cdn.okcimg.com/blog/real_stuff/ReadingLevelByReligion.pn g"/> [/img][/url]

atheists=smartest

*whistles*

😉 😳

Sorry for ruining a proper discussion.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 3:02 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

The monthly religious thread is like the comforting sight of land after a long boat trip or the lights of a pub in the distance on a night ride. I see that everyone's views remain largely the same irrespective of any argument and feel reassured that all is as it should be.

It would be a boring old world if all these relgious looneys stopped believing in god, fewer wars, less holier than thou attitides and the emancipation of millions of women in the developing world, who would want that, dull dull dull. One thing you can say for religion is it keeps everyone on their toes.

Looking at the OP I'd say that, as someone who was brought up as a practicing CofE type, I said the lords prayer at least 1500 times as a child, it was one of the first things I learnt. It is pretty straightforward indoctrination.

Other religions do it much better daily prayers sometime up to 3 times a day etc from an early age has to be the reason why those in religion disparage those who aren't.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 3:04 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I said the lords prayer at least 1500 times as a child, it was one of the first things I learnt. It is pretty straightforward indoctrination.

me too (Catholic), but it never prevented me dumping the whole lot as soon as I was invited to think about it at age 14


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 3:16 pm
Posts: 20328
Full Member
 

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 4:18 pm
Posts: 5559
Free Member
 

The monthly religious thread is like the comforting sight of land after a long boat trip or the lights of a pub in the distance on a night ride. I see that everyone's views remain largely the same irrespective of any argument and feel reassured that all is as it should be.

Superb comment, amusing and spot on.


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 6:18 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

one of them made me realise I wasn't an atheist any longer last year...


 
Posted : 08/09/2010 6:23 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

Elfinsafety - Member

Of course, it's entirely possible that we are, but we just need to develop. The Universe may be billions of years old, but maybe it takes zajillions ...

Yes, we need to develop but you need to empty your glass first before refilling. The only way to describe the age of the universe is aeons which cannot be calculated no matter how you try.

...until we as Humanity become mature Gods with the capability to destroy and create entire Worlds. Maybe we're just infant Gods and need to learn how to walk still...

Just like the delusional one(s) who feel s/he has the power to create because of his/her ego.

Maybe everything that exists is God...

The association of god with existence is nothing but ignorance that has been passed down for centuries.

Maybe nothing exists at all, and I am God, and all this is merely the product of my imagination.

Something exists but not in the way god perceives them to be or how people constantly imagine them to be.

Who knows? I don't. Fun trying to find the answers though.

Yes, it's fun but unfortunately the fun part is being taken out once the serious question is asked.

molgrips - Member

As for hedging my bets, I'm confident that if I did meet the Christian god I could give a good account of myself.

Since you can give a good account of yourself perhaps the question you want to ask him/her is where does s/he came from.

What if God IS the laws of Physics?

Then you need to understand the laws of physics or at least find out if things can spontaneously create themselves? i.e. is there an effect without a cause? Or can there be cause without effect? Can physics/nature go without cause and effect? Whatever you find there should be the principle that govern the metaphysical and beyond. Anything that is out of that context is simply not plausible.

🙂


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 1:01 am
 JCL
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

All religious belief is a product of fear. Scholars wrote the bible to prevent anarchy of the peasant masses. Presently the low self esteem, gullible and uneducated people of the world simply find the moral ideas and tales of immortality written in religious texts comforting.

It is strange that certain types of people believe in these concepts more than others no matter what their upbringing involved. Maybe the belief gene does exist, not just for belief systems and spirituality but for UFO's and ghosts etc.

Perhaps we shouldn't be so hard on the tragically afflicted.


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 5:17 am
Posts: 12148
Free Member
 

Koran - Korean, you know some people might be stupid enough.


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 6:14 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

all i can say is, if there was a "god" wont he perfer if no one know about him (or her) then have millions of people die just to prove that there ideas about god. and that is why i dont belive in him as, if he had the power to build the world why didnt he make it fair for everyone and thing and if it was just adam and eve would we look all the same and be very inbred?


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 6:57 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

The association of god with existence is nothing but ignorance that has been passed down for centuries.

sounds good but what does it mean ?

Yes, it's fun but unfortunately the fun part is being taken out once the serious question is asked

I don't follow...

Whatever you find there should be the principle that govern the metaphysical and beyond. Anything that is out of that context is simply not plausible.

I can see you're trying to say something, but I can't make out what it is 🙁


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 8:43 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I don't know - That simple phrase is the main difference between religion and science.

Science says I don't know and then sets about finding out, certain things then become proven truths like evolution, electronics, physics, chemistry. Others remain theoretical like elements of cosmology and so on certain things may always be unknowable for example how did life on this planet begin? Science is about asking questions, trying to prove things and accepting that today we don't know certain things and maybe never will.

Religion offers the solace of certainty, but the arrogance is beyond a joke.

Not only do the religious claim to have special knowledge of their creator, they also claim to know the mind and preferences of this being and then furthermore claim to be representatives and translators of it's will on earth.

Religion is completely contradictory, has absolutely no evidence for ANY of it's claims and has no room to develop. as all it's truths are already in place.

I am happy not knowing every answer but being amazed by what we do know. I have no need for a god in my life.


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 9:25 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

page boundary bump (due to forum bug)


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 9:26 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

"well, I guess that's why I'm willing to accept any number of gods from zero to infinity and ignore them all equally"

that's pretty much my philosophy. although, everyone else has their own ideas and philosophy, and that's ok. I find it really hard going though, trying to have the same point of view as sfb!


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 12:46 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

dalesboyz - Member

all i can say is, if there was a "god" wont he perfer if no one know about him (or her) then have millions of people die just to prove that there ideas about god. and that is why i dont belive in him as, if he had the power to build the world why didnt he make it fair for everyone and thing and if it was just adam and eve would we look all the same and be very inbred?

That's the reason the concept is flaw in terms of creation god and would be better if they simply referred to them as titans. Titan is more acceptable because they can be considered as normal gods with egos and perhaps unfairness.

For centuries many have tried to evolve an acceptable concept of creation god but no matter how they tried the concept lacks logic in relation to the law of nature. Look at the three different versions of Abrahamic religions and you will notice that the root cause of the problem inevitably link to the concept of creation god, except that the earlier schools slowly gives way to a more evolved latter version of the same concept. Worst still they fight amongst themselves in addition to trying to eradicate others who do not follow their chain of thought. Also you get those who use them as vehicle for expansion and create even more suffering.

😕


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 6:10 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

sounds good but what does it mean ?

Many lack the wisdom to question the concept due to many factors (fear, intimidation, etc ...) or simply too quick to give in (again many factors contribute to that).

I don't follow...

Attempt to question or to debate or to doubt the concept would inevitably bring severe sanctions on the individuals. Punishment by death in many cases so light hearted debate in STW is completely different from say trying to question the validity of the concept in some other countries.

I can see you're trying to say something, but I can't make out what it is

It is "cryptic" 😉 but perhaps you could search for the terms cause and effect and law of nature to make up your mind. Plenty being debated and not only in science.

🙂


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 6:30 pm
 OCB
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

"Not even wrong" - and that's all of it, all religion, all lumped in together ...

I find it difficult, impossible even to see past the absurd, arrogant, self-centred conceit implicit in 'religion'. Of the millions of species that have ever lived, that H. sapiens have the idea that they are in any way special or chosen is only because of a brain wiring that makes such thoughts both likely, and evolutionarily self-serving.

In evolutionary terms, it just luck that we ended up where we are, the world hasn't been created with us in mind, East Africa got a bit drier following a big quake, the highlands then create a rain-shadow, and the equatorial forest (although I'm not sure that's quite the right word, given that forest has come to mean a deer-park, not a wooded area) dries out, becomes a savannah, and some members of whichever higher primate species was around to make use of it chances it's arm and spends more and more time out on the plain exploiting the new environment (whilst the other side of the family stays in the woods).

Nobody has time to think about 'religion; until some kinda agrarian practice means that there is now a bit of spare time off. Time off from trying to find enough food to survive without [also] being eaten in turn. It's all nice simple stuff for a while, a few beads and flowers popped in as grave goods, a bit of ochre wiped on, and being laid out facing the rising sun, and something to say thanks to the animal spirits for the fecundity of the catch [i]et cetera[/i] ... but it all then goes kinda way too intense at some point after that.

At some future point in time, and statistically quite soon (albeit based on a combination of verifiable, sound empirical data [i]and[/i]the perhaps, slightly mystical applied mathematics field of probability) we'll join the significant majority of other species that have ever existed, and simply become extinct, owing to insurmountable environmental change.

Whatever follows on in a bit might have a go at something similar if it evolves up a similar evolutionary dead-end, or life might happily rumble on for a good few million years until the next big nugget / super-volcano / ice:seawater:methane ratio wipes the slate clean and something else gets to have a go.

Will any of it mattered then?
Not in any way likely is it? - Unless [i]it[/i] turns out to be true of course 😉 - but we all know that's it's not [i]really[/i] true don't we, even if one has to dig all the way down, past all the incontrovertible solidity of all that faith, the dogma, the rhetoric: when it comes to it, that there is nothing there at the end.

"Existence" doesn't hate you, nor does it love you, it's completely indifferent - all the human endeavours, the suffering, the glory, love, hope ... all just tricks of your endocrine system, itself duped by a bit of viral protein simply hitching a ride onto the next generation, and the next, and the one after that ... reprogramming the host a bit as it goes to suit the conditions (like it's done for the last ~3.5 billion years (on this planet anyway - could be longer elsewhere)).

What was the question - I think I might have gone off on a bit tangent?

🙂


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 7:05 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

It is "cryptic" but perhaps you could search for the terms cause and effect and law of nature to make up your mind. Plenty being debated and not only in science.

that's not how I like to debate. Instead of saying "look it up" say what you mean. If you can't put it in a paragraph then it's too vague...


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 8:06 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

In evolutionary terms, it just luck that we ended up where we are, the world hasn't been created with us in mind

but that's a hypothesis too. Had the world been fashioned by Slartybartfast, complete with fossil record, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I say it doesn't matter - what we have is NOW, however it came about, and whatever it leads to.


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 8:14 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

It is "cryptic" but perhaps you could search for the terms cause and effect and law of nature to make up your mind. Plenty being debated and not only in science.

that's not how I like to debate. Instead of saying "look it up" say what you mean. If you can't put it in a paragraph then it's too vague..

Ok, perhaps look at it this way events that happened are dependent on the causes and conditions that themselves are triggered by their own causes and conditions, which is similar to chain reaction that continues from one to another or as the result of cause and effect. That is the nature of things. To say that event happens spontaneously by itself is in fact ignoring the very fundamental principle of the nature. Applying this principle to the idea of creator you will see that it is not plausible because there cannot be an effect without a cause. To say that creator come into being by him/herself is also not possible because there is an absence of the condition/causes which triggers his/her appearance. Hence, the creator him/herself is in fact the result of causes and condition that derived from somewhere but that question is no longer important since the notion of creator that created us in his/her image is inaccurate. 🙂

simonfbarnes - Member
"... what we have is NOW, however it came about, and whatever it leads to."

Whatever you do now will have consequences in the future. Cause and effect.


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 9:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

is in fact ignoring the very fundamental principle of the nature

but I've also seen it suggested that we invented the concepts of time and cause and effect, rather than them being inherent. But either way if deities are outside our universe then they may follow different rules


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 10:01 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

but I've also seen it suggested that we invented the concepts of time and cause and effect, rather than them being inherent. But either way if deities are outside our universe then they may follow different rules

Your answer still relates to cause and effect.

The question you need to ask yourself (tiny self in the spectrum of the universe etc) is this - Does it matter to me NOW to know how deities or gods outside of our universe live their lives?

Like I said before the principle is the same ... cause and effect ...

🙂


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 10:12 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Does it matter to me NOW to know how deities or gods outside of our universe live their lives?

obviously not - but I don't see how causation is relevant.


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 10:15 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I've got some biscuits..


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 10:15 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

obviously not - but I don't see how causation is relevant.

It is irrelevant but what I am advocating is that the same principle should apply too. i.e. if we perceive them to be there then they are there and if they got there by themselves then they must have done something to get there, either way there is a condition and a cause.

🙂


 
Posted : 09/09/2010 10:20 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

❗ I have faith in lager and real ale.


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 12:06 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

if we perceive them to be there then they are there

but not all things we perceive are real

and if they got there by themselves then they must have done something to get there

I don't see any of this following, and the terms are too vague. There are so many possibilities. The gods may have their own gods, or whatever. I don't really care, and only apply myself to things that relate to my own experience.


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 12:23 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

are you still banging on about this Barnes? it's almost like you believe in something!


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 12:27 am
Posts: 6282
Full Member
 

Religion?
Yes (theological answer)

I'm a scientist though, so show me proof.


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 12:42 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

are you still banging on about this Barnes? it's almost like you believe in something!

although I'm universally sceptical, I believe in loads of things 🙂


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 10:25 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I certainly believe you are a pain in the arse, but I like your style!


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 3:35 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

Whatever you find there should be the principle that govern the metaphysical and beyond. Anything that is out of that context is simply not plausible.

Plausible? We're back to that common sense thing again, which doesn't apply.

By the way, you may like to consider the fact that the words 'metaphysical' and 'supernatural' are oxymorons...

Religion offers the solace of certainty, but the arrogance is beyond a joke

You're being pretty cock sure on the subject of religion tho mate...!

(btw you're quite wrong above - you clearly don't know the subject very well. Every hear the phrase 'God moves in mysterious ways' ?)

I find it difficult, impossible even to see past the absurd, arrogant, self-centred conceit implicit in 'religion'. Of the millions of species that have ever lived, that H. sapiens have the idea that they are in any way special or chosen is only because of a brain wiring that makes such thoughts both likely, and evolutionarily self-serving.

Anthropic reasoning works well both ways. If there were a God, and he did create one species in his own image capable of thought and whatnot, then they'd be the ones thinking about these questions. IE us.

but we all know that's it's not really true don't we,

That sounds a lot like conceit there mate 🙂

What was the question - I think I might have gone off on a bit tangent?

Yeah you were preaching a bit there. Oops! 🙂

Lots of irony in the last couple of days' posts 🙂


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 5:20 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

molgrips - Member

Chew: "Whatever you find there should be the principle that govern the metaphysical and beyond. Anything that is out of that context is simply not plausible."

Plausible? We're back to that common sense thing again, which doesn't apply.

By the way, you may like to consider the fact that the words 'metaphysical' and 'supernatural' are oxymorons...

It's not common sense since the vast majority, who have faith in creation, cannot comprehend it nor see how it works instead prefer to leave out it of their own thinking by relying on others to conjure something up.

On the other hand, although science follow some of the basic principles of finding the cause and effect (investigating the relationship between one to the other ... whatever they are etc), they have forgotten or they cannot see the application of such principles to greater whole as they have indulged too much on their narrow experiments whatever they are.

I do not discount the notion of metaphysic but I find it not plausible to have a creator. 🙂


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 9:00 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

but not all things we perceive are real

Then you need to ask yourself this question. Is it important or necessary to know and what does it do for me in my present life?

I don't see any of this following, and the terms are too vague. There are so many possibilities. The gods may have their own gods, or whatever. I don't really care, and only apply myself to things that relate to my own experience.

Yes, there are many possibilities but yet they follow the same principle without which they would be impossible. Like you said "The gods may have their own gods, or whatever." which is the result of cause and effect. i.e. without the previous gods, there would not be present gods etc.

The same principle apples to all of us. Your experience is based on your previous action(s) - can be a single action or multiple actions. i.e. if you sow the seed you harvest the reward good or bad and there is no escaping that.

🙂


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 9:11 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Then you need to ask yourself this question. Is it important or necessary to know and what does it do for me in my present life?

isn't that for you to ask and answer ? I know nothing about your preferences.

just because we hypothesise cause and effect in our experience, that doesn't mandate its application in all conceivable situations


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 9:59 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

isn't that for you to ask and answer ? I know nothing about your preferences.

Replace the word "me" by "you".

just because we hypothesise cause and effect in our experience, that doesn't mandate its application in all conceivable situations

[b]Like I said it is applicable to ALL.[/b] You need not take my word for it but investigate them yourself then ask yourself if it is possible to have a result without action?


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 10:06 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Like I said it is applicable to ALL

but how do you know ? You cannot make it so just by [b]bolding[/b] it.

You need not take my word for it but investigate them yourself then ask yourself if it is possible to have a result without action?

if I were to investigate it, how would I know if it applied in other contexts ? It's simple enough to imagine others where it didn't, and impossible to prove they don't exist. In any case, I don't know how you would investigate C and E, we kind of take it for granted in the here and now, making it a circular argument


 
Posted : 10/09/2010 11:45 pm
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member
but how do you know ? You cannot make it so just by bolding it.

Can you not observe it yourself? Can you not put some efforts into observing? After all you are in charge of your own learning and understanding. It might take time, a very long time but eventually you will know.

So if you observe events carefully you will find that there will always be a cause and effect or at least the conditions that might or will enable future actions. It will never cease. For example, in a very brute simplistic sense as a person your thoughts turn into action and action create result and the result will have implication on you or others.

Or if you are a scientist your knowledge(condition/thought) enables/encourages you to do experiments(action) which leads to +ve/-ve outcome (result) that will have impact (implication) on your/all/society etc depending on your initial thought & action.

The sequence is there so you need to decide how you want to sequence to continue that's all. You are in charge of your own direction.

if I were to investigate it, how would I know if it applied in other contexts ? It's simple enough to imagine others where it didn't, and impossible to prove they don't exist. In any case, I don't know how you would investigate C and E, we kind of take it for granted in the here and now, making it a circular argument

Simple answer. Try it. No point reading and learning while not even try or dare to give it a go. You simply need to observe how things unfold with the chain reaction but obviously there will be distraction (many conditions) when your are doing your observation of events.

Yes, we have taken things for granted or simply being distracted by all that surrounds us. We are entering the forest but see no firewood. Yes, you see circular argument here because you have not started to observe the events yourself. Once you have done so you will move on to another set of questions but we all start from somewhere.

🙂


 
Posted : 11/09/2010 12:34 am
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

It's not common sense since the vast majority, who [s]have faith in creation[/s] who read popular science, cannot comprehend it nor see how it works instead prefer to leave out it of their own thinking by relying on others to conjure something up.

Fixed that for ya 🙂

Seriously though, surely you can see the massive irony in what you're saying?


 
Posted : 11/09/2010 9:41 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Can you not observe it yourself? Can you not put some efforts into observing?

of course, but I don't assume my observations apply to every possible universe 🙂 Or for that matter that they reliably reflect the one I'm in...


 
Posted : 11/09/2010 8:55 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

As a general principle, I don't bother to argue with people with religious beliefs, as their judgement is so obviously so fundamentally flawed to begin with, and so many believe that atheism is inconsistent with living within a moral framework, it's like arguing with people who believe that the earth is flat, or the moon is made of cheese,dogs are good,black pudding isn't technically a vegetable etc.

Thank you and goodnight.


 
Posted : 11/09/2010 11:45 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Simple answer. Try it. No point reading and learning while not even try or dare to give it a go.

and I'm saying one cannot use one's assumptions to investigate their own validity

I don't bother to argue with people with religious beliefs

well, we seem to have strayed into epistemological backwaters, with [b]chewkw[/b] getting all stampy foot over my rejection of universal unconditional cause and effect, which isn't particularly religious....


 
Posted : 12/09/2010 12:00 am
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

simonfbarnes - Member

of course, but I don't assume my observations apply to every possible universe Or for that matter that they reliably reflect the one I'm in...

Well, it's up to you as to what you intend to observe really and I think trying to understand the universe perhaps is a bit far fetch for all our tiny minds at the moment but personal situation could be a good starting point. Just don't dwell on it too long.

simonfbarnes - Member

and I'm saying one cannot use one's assumptions to investigate their own validity

Nobody is going to judge you on your assumptions or validity (no creator btw) you have to make up your mind whether to reject or to accept what you observe but before coming to a conclusion perhaps it is best to keep an open minded approach to your reasoning that's all. That's only a start before you find out more yourself.

well, we seem to have strayed into epistemological backwaters, with chewkw getting all stampy foot over my rejection of universal unconditional cause and effect, which isn't particularly religious....

Stampy foot? LOL! You are accountable for yourself and nobody else so my views make no different to others if they do not investigate matters themselves. (note: the notion of creator is NOT plausible as that goes against my understanding)

What I am saying is to investigate matter a bit more that's all and hopefully you will find something useful. Aristotle, although a great philosopher, looks at things differently and his is the part of the foundation for all Western thinking which continues until today but is he right? That's the question.

🙂


 
Posted : 12/09/2010 1:00 am
Posts: 19451
Free Member
 

jahwomble - Member

As a general principle, I don't bother to argue with people with religious beliefs, as their judgement is so obviously so fundamentally flawed to begin with, and so many believe that atheism is inconsistent with living within a moral framework, it's like arguing with people who believe that the earth is flat, or the moon is made of cheese,dogs are good,black pudding isn't technically a vegetable etc.

Thank you and goodnight.

The argument for a creator is flawed as that goes against the principle of cause & effect while atheism could do with more investigation. IMO both are extreme in their views if not careful.

Goodnight? The night is still young. 😆


 
Posted : 12/09/2010 1:12 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

The argument for a creator is flawed as that goes against the principle of cause & effect

but couldn't exactly the same argument be equally levelled at any other entity or universe ?


 
Posted : 12/09/2010 10:20 am
Page 3 / 3