14 Jun 11
Originally posted by KellyJayWhich is why nobody does (as far as I know). I say I am an atheist, but I do not define myself as an atheist ie it does not define me. It is not a belief system nor a religion.
A little odd to only be able to define yourself by the disbelief of something else.
Once you realise that me saying I am an atheist is really no different from you saying you are non-Muslim, then you will start to understand the position better.
14 Jun 11
Originally posted by rwingettYour belief is that you have no Maker and that you can do as you please,
The term 'atheism' literally means 'to be without theism' (a=without, theism=belief in a god or gods). If there were no theists then the term 'atheism' would make no sense. It exists solely as a reaction to theism. Being an atheist tells you nothing about what I am or what I believe, it only tells you one thing I don't believe. That being said, there are an ...[text shortened]... o the fact that the theist has failed to adequately demonstrate the validity of his case.
as long as you can get away with it by avoiding detection from human
authorities, since you will not be punished in an afterlife. Is that your
thought process in dening the existence of God? We can not physically
show God to you as proof of his existence because He is invisible. All we
can do is point out the things God has produced or made. You say it all
might of happened by accident without any source. So we are left with
two opposed belief systems with neither accepting what the other gives
as proof. Do you see any way to overcome this deadlock?
14 Jun 11
Originally posted by rwingettAs I said, you define yourself by what you are against or without, there is
The term 'atheism' literally means 'to be without theism' (a=without, theism=belief in a god or gods). If there were no theists then the term 'atheism' would make no sense. It exists solely as a reaction to theism. Being an atheist tells you nothing about what I am or what I believe, it only tells you one thing I don't believe. That being said, there are an ...[text shortened]... o the fact that the theist has failed to adequately demonstrate the validity of his case.
no reason for Atheism on its own. Much like the cause for everything you
either have something to believe in or you don't. You beliefs against theism
is just that, it is how you define yourself, there is no real looking into if those
causes are real or not, if there were you would not be defining yourself against
such things.
Kelly
14 Jun 11
Originally posted by KellyJayMy atheism does not define what I am. It only defines, very narrowly, what I am not (a theist). I have a great number of beliefs that have nothing to do with atheism (or theism) that define what I am.
As I said, you define yourself by what you are against or without, there is
no reason for Atheism on its own. Much like the cause for everything you
either have something to believe in or you don't. You beliefs against theism
is just that, it is how you define yourself, there is no real looking into if those
causes are real or not, if there were you would not be defining yourself against
such things.
Kelly
14 Jun 11
Originally posted by RJHindsAre we to understand then, RJ, that fear of punishment is all that keeps you on the straight and narrow?
Your belief is that you have no Maker and that you can do as you please,
as long as you can get away with it by avoiding detection from human
authorities, since you will not be punished in an afterlife...
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14 Jun 11
Originally posted by RJHindsDoes your morality depend on the threat of punishment in the afterlife? That is a case for atheism at least with respect to your religion, for its reduction of morality to 'obey me or I'll hurt you.'
Your belief is that you have no Maker and that you can do as you please,
as long as you can get away with it by avoiding detection from human
authorities, since you will not be punished in an afterlife. Is that your
thought process in dening the existence of God? We can not physically
show God to you as proof of his existence because He is invisible. ...[text shortened]... neither accepting what the other gives
as proof. Do you see any way to overcome this deadlock?
14 Jun 11
Originally posted by RJHindsWell, that's at least one thing we have your religion to thank for then. If you look around, however, you'll find that most people have a pretty decent moral code regardless of their religious inclinations.
At one time that was the case. But now, Jesus has set me free
and I no longer desire to sin. HalleluYah!
14 Jun 11
Originally posted by JS357No, not now, like I said before I do what I want. It is just
Does your morality depend on the threat of punishment in the afterlife? That is a case for atheism at least with respect to your religion, for its reduction of morality to 'obey me or I'll hurt you.'
that I no longer have the desire to sin. Jesus has set
me free from the law of sin and death.
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14 Jun 11
Originally posted by RJHindsBeing free from the law of sin and death and having no desire to sin because of it, is a much kinder way to talk about it.
No, not now, like I said before I do what I want. It is just
that I no longer have the desire to sin. Jesus has set
me free from the law of sin and death.
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14 Jun 11
Originally posted by RJHindsSo you think that all of the outwardly moral people in the world who do not share your faith, only appear to be moral, and they aren't, really?
Outwardly, it might appear that way.
Also, you said you no longer have the desire to sin. Is losing the desire to sin superior to having desires come up and defeating them? I can see how it might be easier, but virtue is only present if there is actual temptation.
Take a look at a related argument against case for atheism. It's only one minute long. I don't expect to change your mind on anything, in fact I think it might be better not to.
15 Jun 11
Originally posted by rwingettIt is a lazy belief system that has nothing to hang its hat on, on its own merit.
My atheism does not define what I am. It only defines, very narrowly, what I am not (a theist). I have a great number of beliefs that have nothing to do with atheism (or theism) that define what I am.
You can have other things to define you, so do I, none of which has anything to
do with theism, big deal. With respect to Atheism you picked something you do
not have to defend, you only attack another's belief, what a pathetic waste of time.
Kelly