Deleuze
10-01-2006, 15:09
There is a certain point for each person at which one considers something to be real based upon observations. Some people set the standard really low, such as in the case of a baseless God. Others set their standards much higher, and actually want proof. Is it possible to prove something? Not really, because it is impossible to truly "know" anything. But for all intents and purposes, proof does exist, because otherwise people would not be able to determine what is and what is not or assert anything else thereof.
Thus, one can easily come to the conclusion that theists are less logical (and indeed, some go as far as to say "stupider", though I respectfully disagree with them) than atheists. Because their standards are so low for the issue of religion, who's to say they don't also set the rest of their standards just as low? If you've ever met an "average" person in America, you'd know what I am talking about (no offense meant; it's just a fact).
That's a bit different criticism than mine. I am not criticizing science or empiricial knowledge so much as saying that there are some things that cannot and never can be explained through science and scientific reasoning. Of course, they can be explained through philosophical endeavors, so it's not so much an argument for religion as absolute truth but rather that attempting to dismiss it through scientific reasoning is non-starter.
One question, as well: Do you say this towards people who say that "God" (or whatever else) simply must exist? Because from what I can tell, many religious people are just as "virulent and dismissive" about Athieism as I am about religion, and since that was the only reason you gave for posting, I figured you must do this to theists too. Just wondering.
Short answer, yes. Long answer: I really hate people who tell me their belief is necessarily the correct one, like missionaries. So I probably go after them more than I go after someone with your point of view (possibly because I agree with you more).
Thus, one can easily come to the conclusion that theists are less logical (and indeed, some go as far as to say "stupider", though I respectfully disagree with them) than atheists. Because their standards are so low for the issue of religion, who's to say they don't also set the rest of their standards just as low? If you've ever met an "average" person in America, you'd know what I am talking about (no offense meant; it's just a fact).
That's a bit different criticism than mine. I am not criticizing science or empiricial knowledge so much as saying that there are some things that cannot and never can be explained through science and scientific reasoning. Of course, they can be explained through philosophical endeavors, so it's not so much an argument for religion as absolute truth but rather that attempting to dismiss it through scientific reasoning is non-starter.
One question, as well: Do you say this towards people who say that "God" (or whatever else) simply must exist? Because from what I can tell, many religious people are just as "virulent and dismissive" about Athieism as I am about religion, and since that was the only reason you gave for posting, I figured you must do this to theists too. Just wondering.
Short answer, yes. Long answer: I really hate people who tell me their belief is necessarily the correct one, like missionaries. So I probably go after them more than I go after someone with your point of view (possibly because I agree with you more).