" Actually you can't prive something doesn't exist. In fact, it is impossible to prove a negative. This is why logic has the 'burden of proof' which requires that the person asserting a statement be able to prove that statement is true. It is also why the criminal justice system has the 'presumption of innocence' and there are a lot of other things. "
But if there is no way to prove something doesn't exist, doesn't that apply to god also?
" I do not believe in god, and yet I am capable of compassion, mercy, kindness and helping my fellow man. It's called "Enlightened Self Interest". The basic principle of the philosophy is that I, as a member of society, wish to live in a society which provides basic human rights, charity and other qualities because that makes for a better society in general. "
The problem with that is that those values had to come from
a religious source. Show me a non-religious source from ancient times where they were created. Now I'm not saying without religion they wouldn't have been created but it falls into the area of 'what if.' Athiests tend to refuse to
acknowledge things like that ... the ones I know do
anyway. Present company exempted of course.
"So... all those children born with AIDS in Africa are just sex machines, are they? I mean, you've never heard of virgins getting STDs, therefore it must be impossible. So all those babies must have been born with... uh Not-AIDS. It's exactly like HIV, but is morally upright! "
Are you trying to tell me that the AID epidemic in africa is caused solely by dirty needles and blood transfusions? With abstinance there are a lot of indicators that the epidemic would not be anywhere near as bad or even BE an
epidemic at all. Again this falls into 'what if' though. Also
it may seem mean but if you have aids and know it what the hell are you doing trying to have kids anyway!?! That's
monsterous IMO.
"I don't think he's objecting to your personal faith. It is when people impose their faith on others that there is a problem. It is especially relevant when matters of faith conflict with matters of reason.
If a man preaches that god is with him and that all is right with the world that is one thing. If his congretations is next to an erupting volcano and he is preaching that they shouldn't move because 'god will protect them' then that is entirely another matter. "
That's the main crux of the problem if you combine it
with the inability to let others beleive as they wish. I
have that problem with those that do it myself.
Well in my faith, that falls under 'God helps those who help themselves'. Which means you tell the man preaching just that then run like hell.
Hope it helps,
But if there is no way to prove something doesn't exist, doesn't that apply to god also?
" I do not believe in god, and yet I am capable of compassion, mercy, kindness and helping my fellow man. It's called "Enlightened Self Interest". The basic principle of the philosophy is that I, as a member of society, wish to live in a society which provides basic human rights, charity and other qualities because that makes for a better society in general. "
The problem with that is that those values had to come from
a religious source. Show me a non-religious source from ancient times where they were created. Now I'm not saying without religion they wouldn't have been created but it falls into the area of 'what if.' Athiests tend to refuse to
acknowledge things like that ... the ones I know do
anyway. Present company exempted of course.
"So... all those children born with AIDS in Africa are just sex machines, are they? I mean, you've never heard of virgins getting STDs, therefore it must be impossible. So all those babies must have been born with... uh Not-AIDS. It's exactly like HIV, but is morally upright! "
Are you trying to tell me that the AID epidemic in africa is caused solely by dirty needles and blood transfusions? With abstinance there are a lot of indicators that the epidemic would not be anywhere near as bad or even BE an
epidemic at all. Again this falls into 'what if' though. Also
it may seem mean but if you have aids and know it what the hell are you doing trying to have kids anyway!?! That's
monsterous IMO.
"I don't think he's objecting to your personal faith. It is when people impose their faith on others that there is a problem. It is especially relevant when matters of faith conflict with matters of reason.
If a man preaches that god is with him and that all is right with the world that is one thing. If his congretations is next to an erupting volcano and he is preaching that they shouldn't move because 'god will protect them' then that is entirely another matter. "
That's the main crux of the problem if you combine it
with the inability to let others beleive as they wish. I
have that problem with those that do it myself.
Well in my faith, that falls under 'God helps those who help themselves'. Which means you tell the man preaching just that then run like hell.
Hope it helps,