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Author Topic:   The Law Of Contradiction
Archer Opteryx
Member (Idle past 3597 days)
Posts: 1811
From: East Asia
Joined: 08-16-2006


Message 144 of 177 (340468)
08-16-2006 10:29 AM
Reply to: Message 10 by Hyroglyphx
08-11-2006 12:52 PM


Re: those 'rabid' atheists
See Message 145.
Edited by Archer Opterix, : I accidentally posted twice.
(Sorry folks. I'm still evolving.)

Archer
_

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by Hyroglyphx, posted 08-11-2006 12:52 PM Hyroglyphx has not replied

  
Archer Opteryx
Member (Idle past 3597 days)
Posts: 1811
From: East Asia
Joined: 08-16-2006


Message 145 of 177 (340469)
08-16-2006 10:31 AM
Reply to: Message 10 by Hyroglyphx
08-11-2006 12:52 PM


Re: those 'rabid' atheists
nemesis juggernaut writes:
If atheists claim they don't believe in God, then why spend so much time showing all of us just how much they disbelieve?
Have you considered that atheists' presentation of their views might also represent a normal part of a normal conversation about beliefs? A conversation is a dialogue.
Consider, too, that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Have you given any thought to the possibility that aggressive proselytizing efforts by theists over the years might be one factor in the intensity of response you see from atheists?
If they truly disbelieved, then what compulsion is there is in telling us all about it? Who cares, right? Why not just choose something arbitrary to get angry about?
One could ask theists, by the same logic, why so many of them feel the compulsion to proselytize. If the existence of their deity is as self-evident as they say, belief will come naturally. The chatter should be unnecessary.
This leads me to believe that there is something in themselves that recognizes God as a threat. But a threat only comes from a fear that He might just exist.
That's a big stretch. And an invalid premise.
Faced with aggressive efforts to proselytize them, people often feel something they value is under threat. But it's silly to say the feeling can come 'only' from one thing. People can, and do, perceive a threat toward a number of things they value, including these:
- Rational discourse.
- Intellectual honesty.
- Good taste.
- Religious tolerance.
- Mutual acceptance.
- Productive use of time.
- Quality of public school education.
- Freedom to maintain one's beliefs in an atmosphere of respect.
...To suggest a few.
It is thus not realistic, in our diverse world, to imagine that everyone who disagrees with you does so only out of a secret fear that you are right. But I can see how this would be reassuring if one wants to think one is special.
The best way for them to argue for their own atheism is not to engage in an argument.
The logic escapes me but I can see why you like the picture. Non-resistance makes it easier for the mighty juggernaut to blow through the town, doesn't it? It's harder for a juggernaut to make headway when it gets caught in a game of bumper cars. Now it takes rude hits, it gets pounded on every blind spot, it makes negligible forward progress, and the whole scene inspires more amusement from witnesses than awe. In fact, a vehicle caught in a game of bumper cars ends up looking not much like a juggernaut at all. It looks more like just another bumper car in a crowded game of bumper cars.
Talking about God only ensures that the concept of God will always exist. If they simply gave it no thought and refused to spend ridiculous amounts of time trying to disprove God, this would show everyone their truest intent. Does that make sense?
As much sense as it makes to say the flip side of it: Theists should stop talking about God, because talking about God only ensures that the concept of atheism will always exist.
How much sense does that make to you?
[....] But had they figured out that not talking about God is the best way to deny God, they might not be in this precarious situation that they're in.
But again, by your same reasoning: Not talking about God is also the best way to affirm God. Precarious situations can take interesting forms.
Imagine you are sitting on the bus. The passenger next to you grabs you by the arm and says 'Hey, my heart is beating! I'm so glad my heart beats! Want to hear my heart beat? How lucky I am to have a heart that beats! You should take one of these pamphlets about heart disease and heartbeats. I carry these with me everywhere I go! Boy, I'm so glad I'm not one of those stupid people whose heart doesn't beat. I'm just a juggernaut of heart-beating energy! I'm glad my heart beats! Want to feel my heart beat? The first thing I do every morning is feel my heart beat! The last thing I do every night is feel my heart beat! I just want to feel my heart beat all the day long! By the way, have I mentioned lately that my heart beats?'
What do you think if you meet someone like this? Do you think you have met a person who is confident? Who is in excellent health?
Or do you rather suspect the opposite?

Archer
_

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by Hyroglyphx, posted 08-11-2006 12:52 PM Hyroglyphx has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 146 by Phat, posted 08-16-2006 10:53 AM Archer Opteryx has not replied
 Message 148 by Annafan, posted 08-16-2006 11:34 AM Archer Opteryx has not replied

  
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