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Author Topic:   Atheism - who knew?
Tangle
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Posts: 9489
From: UK
Joined: 10-07-2011
Member Rating: 4.9


(1)
Message 1 of 27 (854131)
06-02-2019 8:47 AM


The Vatican has just held a scientific conference on atheism with the University of Kent who has published its research findings on:
“The global Understanding Unbelief program to advance the scientific understanding of atheism and nonreligion will today (May 28) present results from its research at the Vatican in Rome”
quote:
Key findings from the research include:
Unbelievers exhibit significant diversity both within, and between, different countries
In all six countries, majorities of unbelievers identify as having 'no religion'
Relatively few select 'atheist' or 'agnostic' as their preferred (non)religious or secular identity
Popular assumptions about 'convinced, dogmatic atheists' do not stand up to scrutiny
Unbelief in God doesn't necessarily entail unbelief in other supernatural phenomena and the majority of unbelievers in all countries surveyed expressed belief in one or more supernatural phenomena
A common supposition - that of the purposeless unbeliever, lacking anything to ascribe ultimate meaning to the universe - does not bear scrutiny
Most unbelievers endorse objective moral values, human dignity and attendant rights, and the 'deep value' of nature, at similar rates to the general populations in their countries
Unbelievers and general populations show high agreement concerning the values most important for 'finding meaning in the world and your own life'. 'Family' and 'freedom' ranked highly for all.
Vatican hosts major atheism conference with U | EurekAlert!
Well, like I said, who knew?
As I heard Dr Lois Lee speak about this I couldn't work out why I was getting increasingly angry about it. Particularly as her research was debunking falsehoods about atheism. Then I realised it was because I was being spoken about like an alien. Consider this statement
“A common supposition - that of the purposeless unbeliever, lacking anything to ascribe ultimate meaning to the universe - does not bear scrutiny”
This despite the fact that the study found that 50% of the populations they studied were unbelievers so how do they get to their “popular assumption” if 50% are actually atheists and can't be making that assumption? In fact, just that statement speaks of an internal bias.
The unspoken assumption behind this is that atheists aren't human. Though, having said all that, their findings do disprove this obvious nonsense. I think perhaps we would have noticed if half of our population were psychopaths.

Je suis Charlie. Je suis Ahmed. Je suis Juif. Je suis Parisien. I am Mancunian. I am Brum. I am London.I am Finland. Soy Barcelona
"Life, don't talk to me about life" - Marvin the Paranoid Android
"Science adjusts it's views based on what's observed.
Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved."
- Tim Minchin, in his beat poem, Storm.

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by AZPaul3, posted 06-05-2019 1:08 AM Tangle has replied
 Message 6 by Diomedes, posted 06-05-2019 11:14 AM Tangle has not replied

  
Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 2 of 27 (854133)
06-04-2019 11:59 PM


Thread Copied from Proposed New Topics Forum
Thread copied here from the Atheism - who knew? thread in the Proposed New Topics forum.

  
AZPaul3
Member
Posts: 8513
From: Phoenix
Joined: 11-06-2006
Member Rating: 5.3


Message 3 of 27 (854134)
06-05-2019 1:08 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Tangle
06-02-2019 8:47 AM


The unspoken assumption behind this is that atheists aren't human. Though, having said all that, their findings do disprove this obvious nonsense. I think perhaps we would have noticed if half of our population were psychopaths.
In England, yes. But in the good ol' US of A we already know more than half our population are psychopaths. Christian psychopaths. It's part of our culture.
Here atheists are not treated as aliens, non-human. We are treated as heretics. Traitors to their god. Lost souls controlled by demons walking in their sacred midst.
BTW. Did you really expect anything different from the Vatican?

Eschew obfuscation. Habituate elucidation.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Tangle, posted 06-02-2019 8:47 AM Tangle has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 2:06 AM AZPaul3 has seen this message but not replied
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Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 4 of 27 (854135)
06-05-2019 2:06 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by AZPaul3
06-05-2019 1:08 AM


Hypochristians?
AZPaul3 writes:
But in the good ol' US of A, we already know more than half our population are psychopaths. Christian psychopaths.
Do they have any evidence that psychopaths by definition are largely Christian? If so, I need to rethink my mental aberrations. I surely don't want to be labeled as mentally deranged.
Of course, the standard party line is that we are a "peculiar people" and that the Godly in Christ will suffer persecution.
AZPaul3 writes:
We (atheists) are treated as heretics. Traitors to their god. Lost souls controlled by demons walking in their sacred midst.
And yet if the evidence shows that psychopaths by definition are largely Christian, it is we who are the heretics to reality itself.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. ~RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." ~Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
You can "get answers" by watching the ducks. That doesn't mean the answers are coming from them.~Ringo
Subjectivism may very well undermine Christianity.
In the same way that "allowing people to choose what they want to be when they grow up" undermines communism.
~Stile

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by AZPaul3, posted 06-05-2019 1:08 AM AZPaul3 has seen this message but not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 7 by ringo, posted 06-05-2019 12:17 PM Phat has replied

  
Tangle
Member
Posts: 9489
From: UK
Joined: 10-07-2011
Member Rating: 4.9


Message 5 of 27 (854139)
06-05-2019 2:37 AM
Reply to: Message 3 by AZPaul3
06-05-2019 1:08 AM


AZP writes:
BTW. Did you really expect anything different from the Vatican?
I expect nothing but bollox and self serving paedophilic lies from the Vatican but I do expect more from the University of Kent.
But, as I say, the actual findings were fair - though blindingly obvious.

Je suis Charlie. Je suis Ahmed. Je suis Juif. Je suis Parisien. I am Mancunian. I am Brum. I am London.I am Finland. Soy Barcelona
"Life, don't talk to me about life" - Marvin the Paranoid Android
"Science adjusts it's views based on what's observed.
Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved."
- Tim Minchin, in his beat poem, Storm.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by AZPaul3, posted 06-05-2019 1:08 AM AZPaul3 has seen this message but not replied

  
Diomedes
Member
Posts: 995
From: Central Florida, USA
Joined: 09-13-2013


(1)
Message 6 of 27 (854156)
06-05-2019 11:14 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Tangle
06-02-2019 8:47 AM


The unspoken assumption behind this is that atheists aren't human. Though, having said all that, their findings do disprove this obvious nonsense.
Most religious folks are conditioned to distrust anyone who is not part of their flock. Atheists often get more of the brunt of the dislike, but it permeates to any faith that is not conducive to the status quo of that particular religious branch. Most Catholics distrust Protestants. Most Protestants distrust Mormons. Most Christians distrust Muslims and vice versa. All religions have to paint anyone outside of their faith circle as being 'the other' in order to reinforce the notion of staying with their particular brand of religion.
Back to the Kent study, it somewhat reminds me of that Pew research poll conducted a few years ago that tested religious knowledge. And to the surprise of many, atheists scored the highest. Which debunked the notion that atheists weren't well informed about religion. It actually proved they were the most well informed.

This message is a reply to:
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Replies to this message:
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ringo
Member (Idle past 412 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 7 of 27 (854178)
06-05-2019 12:17 PM
Reply to: Message 4 by Phat
06-05-2019 2:06 AM


Re: Hypochristians?
Phat writes:
I need to rethink my mental aberrations.
Believing the voices in your head would be called a mental aberration in any other context, wouldn't it?

Izquierdo.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 2:06 AM Phat has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 8 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 12:46 PM ringo has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 8 of 27 (854181)
06-05-2019 12:46 PM
Reply to: Message 7 by ringo
06-05-2019 12:17 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
I also elicit feedback from those close to me who know me the best---because they have perspective on my "normal" behavior. And so far I have passed their test...in fact they think I am becoming wiser and deeper.
Plus...as for you, the fact that you question whether faith and belief have any business in science shows which altar you have groveled at the whole time. Faith and I can agree... Boy will you guys be surprised one day soon!

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. ~RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." ~Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
You can "get answers" by watching the ducks. That doesn't mean the answers are coming from them.~Ringo
Subjectivism may very well undermine Christianity.
In the same way that "allowing people to choose what they want to be when they grow up" undermines communism.
~Stile

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by ringo, posted 06-05-2019 12:17 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 9 by ringo, posted 06-05-2019 12:52 PM Phat has replied
 Message 10 by Tanypteryx, posted 06-05-2019 1:07 PM Phat has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 412 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


(1)
Message 9 of 27 (854184)
06-05-2019 12:52 PM
Reply to: Message 8 by Phat
06-05-2019 12:46 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
Phat writes:
Plus...as for you, the fact that you question whether faith and belief have any business in science shows which altar you have groveled at the whole time.
That's exactly the problem. You only accept the opinions of sycophants who agree with you. And you mock those of us who might possibly be more objective.

Izquierdo.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 12:46 PM Phat has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 1:10 PM ringo has replied

  
Tanypteryx
Member
Posts: 4344
From: Oregon, USA
Joined: 08-27-2006
Member Rating: 5.9


Message 10 of 27 (854187)
06-05-2019 1:07 PM
Reply to: Message 8 by Phat
06-05-2019 12:46 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
Faith and I can agree... Boy will you guys be surprised one day soon!
I love surprises! At least I won't have to listen Christian BS after you guys get your surprise.

What if Eleanor Roosevelt had wings? -- Monty Python
One important characteristic of a theory is that is has survived repeated attempts to falsify it. Contrary to your understanding, all available evidence confirms it. --Subbie
If evolution is shown to be false, it will be at the hands of things that are true, not made up. --percy
The reason that we have the scientific method is because common sense isn't reliable. -- Taq

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 12:46 PM Phat has replied

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Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 11 of 27 (854189)
06-05-2019 1:08 PM
Reply to: Message 10 by Tanypteryx
06-05-2019 1:07 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
LOL ...It will be surprising one way or another!

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. ~RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." ~Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
You can "get answers" by watching the ducks. That doesn't mean the answers are coming from them.~Ringo
Subjectivism may very well undermine Christianity.
In the same way that "allowing people to choose what they want to be when they grow up" undermines communism.
~Stile

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by Tanypteryx, posted 06-05-2019 1:07 PM Tanypteryx has not replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 12 of 27 (854190)
06-05-2019 1:10 PM
Reply to: Message 9 by ringo
06-05-2019 12:52 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
ringo writes:
You only accept the opinions of sycophants who agree with you. And you mock those of us who might possibly be more objective.
No, I don't. I listen to your arguments, don't I? And have done so for many years. Most Christians wouldn't bother.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. ~RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." ~Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
You can "get answers" by watching the ducks. That doesn't mean the answers are coming from them.~Ringo
Subjectivism may very well undermine Christianity.
In the same way that "allowing people to choose what they want to be when they grow up" undermines communism.
~Stile

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by ringo, posted 06-05-2019 12:52 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by ringo, posted 06-05-2019 1:20 PM Phat has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 412 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 13 of 27 (854191)
06-05-2019 1:20 PM
Reply to: Message 12 by Phat
06-05-2019 1:10 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
Phat writes:
No, I don't.
Yes, you do:
quote:
Plus...as for you, the fact that you question whether faith and belief have any business in science shows which altar you have groveled at the whole time.
You don't think "grovelling at the altar" is mockery?
Phat writes:
I listen to your arguments, don't I?
I wonder if you do. You keep coming back with the same old same old nonsensical claims like, "People choose Hell."
Phat writes:
Most Christians wouldn't bother.
And shame on them. Is that any way to stand up for Jesus?

Izquierdo.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by Phat, posted 06-05-2019 1:10 PM Phat has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by Phat, posted 06-06-2019 7:52 AM ringo has replied

  
caffeine
Member (Idle past 1024 days)
Posts: 1800
From: Prague, Czech Republic
Joined: 10-22-2008


(1)
Message 14 of 27 (854237)
06-06-2019 5:09 AM
Reply to: Message 6 by Diomedes
06-05-2019 11:14 AM


quote:
Most religious folks are conditioned to distrust anyone who is not part of their flock. Atheists often get more of the brunt of the dislike, but it permeates to any faith that is not conducive to the status quo of that particular religious branch. Most Catholics distrust Protestants. Most Protestants distrust Mormons. Most Christians distrust Muslims and vice versa.
I don't think this is true at all. Most Catholics don't distrust Protestants. Most Catholics don't see any meaningful distinction between Catholics and Protestants. It's just something you inherit, like a surname.
Obviously I'm talking from the perspective of someone who has always lived in very secular countries, but I don't think trying to view things from the perspective of a doctrinaire zealot helps to understand how most Catholics, Protestants etc think.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 6 by Diomedes, posted 06-05-2019 11:14 AM Diomedes has not replied

Replies to this message:
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Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 15 of 27 (854238)
06-06-2019 7:52 AM
Reply to: Message 13 by ringo
06-05-2019 1:20 PM


Re: Hypochristians?
ringo, addressing me writes:
You keep coming back with the same old same old nonsensical claims like, "People choose Hell."
And you know that this is nonsensical because...? Granted it is a belief but it makes sense within the belief paradigm. You insist that all of scripture and belief must conform to your paradigm and be discussed under those terms, which is why we never get anywhere. And if you explain to me why "I am wrong" I submit that you indeed are groveling at that altar. You act as if though we invented God rather than the other way around.

Chance as a real force is a myth. It has no basis in reality and no place in scientific inquiry. For science and philosophy to continue to advance in knowledge, chance must be demythologized once and for all. ~RC Sproul
"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." ~Mark Twain "
~"If that's not sufficient for you go soak your head."~Faith
You can "get answers" by watching the ducks. That doesn't mean the answers are coming from them.~Ringo
Subjectivism may very well undermine Christianity.
In the same way that "allowing people to choose what they want to be when they grow up" undermines communism.
~Stile

This message is a reply to:
 Message 13 by ringo, posted 06-05-2019 1:20 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 16 by Theodoric, posted 06-06-2019 8:18 AM Phat has replied
 Message 20 by ringo, posted 06-06-2019 11:47 AM Phat has replied

  
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