There is no dishonesty in my statements.
The fact of the matter is God exists or he does not. these are the only two states allowed. existence/non-existence.
While we accept that you can not 'prove' the non-existence of something, this does not stop one reaching an honest conclusion in regard to the existence of any given object.
People say that there is a monster in Loch Ness. Some claim to have seen it, some to have photographed it. Yet to date, despite many in-depth studies and searches (including a radar scan of the entire Loch) no credible evidence has been unearthed. Taking the extraordinary nature of the claim, and the lack of evidence for this claim, is it not the more credible stance to conclude that the beastie does not exist? While, at the same time, acknowledging my limitations in proving this non-existence?
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People say that there is a GOD. Some claim to have seen it, some to have spoken to it. Yet to date, despite many in-depth studies and searches over a 5000 year recorded history, NO credible evidence has EVER been unearthed. Taking the implausibly of the claim, and the utter lack of evidence for it, is it not the more credible stance to conclude that said God does not exist? While, at the same time, acknowledging my limitations in proving this non-existence?
Just because we can't prove God's non existence, and those who believe have yet to prove it doesn't mean the choice is 50/50. on this subject it is the agnostic fence sitter who is the dishonest one. The agnostic refuses to drum up an opinion either way, citing 'lack of evidence'.
Sadly for him, this lack of evidence when talking about the existence/non-existence question IS actually evidence (of sort) for the non-existence camp. The existence of the tooth-fairy is just as un-provable as any other non-existent thing, and yet you will find very few Tooth-fairy agnostics.
Why?
Christopher Hitchens writes:
What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.
Based on the evidence, 'non-x' is the only rational and honest conclusion.