Why are you an atheist?

All things outside of Burning Man.
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HughMungus
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Post by HughMungus » Tue Apr 04, 2006 12:33 pm

Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote:
bringer wrote:
Yes.
We are all just robots programmed by nature.

There's more to it than that
So we're both just robots AND we're more than that? Pick one.
God exists or doesn't exist. Pick one.
You have yet to prove either one.
It's what you make it.

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Lassen Forge
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Post by Lassen Forge » Tue Apr 04, 2006 12:49 pm

Kinetic IV wrote:Ok, what's it gonna take to kill this thread? Godwin's Law failed, Occam's Razor hasn't cut deep enough. What's left?
Probably the proverbial "Act of God", made famous by insurance carriers nationwide...

bb

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Post by helitack » Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:00 pm

OK, I'm back my original point:

Who really gives a shit?

Hugh has waaaaaaay too much time on his hands.

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the fire elf
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Post by the fire elf » Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:08 pm

Rob the Wop wrote: God exists or doesn't exist. Pick one.
how do you define 'God'?

what does 'exist' mean to you?

Image

i observe one fundamental consciousness working through all things...an unfathomable entity operating in strange and mysterious ways...

but it does it's thing and i do mine...we have a casual friendship, one that doesn't presume it's my place to prove that anything/nothing exists...

you want to see?...clean the mirror of your mind...the rest takes care of itself...
instantiate vacuous truth

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Post by the fire elf » Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:17 pm

Ranger Genius wrote:Can you prove that there is any form of god or spirituality in any way, and I mean ANY way, shape, or form? Can you prove a spirit, afterlife, or creator? Can you even show that there's a good reason to believe that anyone will EVER be able prove it?

Didn't think so.
ask me again when you're dead
instantiate vacuous truth

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Rob the Wop
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Post by Rob the Wop » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:12 pm

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote: So we're both just robots AND we're more than that? Pick one.
God exists or doesn't exist. Pick one.
You have yet to prove either one.
Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.
[b]The other, other white meat.[/b]

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Post by HughMungus » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:24 pm

Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote: God exists or doesn't exist. Pick one.
You have yet to prove either one.
Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.
Which page was it again that you proved there is no god? Or was it a book I was supposed to read?
It's what you make it.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:41 pm

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote: You have yet to prove either one.
Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.
Which page was it again that you proved there is no god? Or was it a book I was supposed to read?
Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.

Hate you use your 'style' of debate, but since logic and true debate techniques don't work- what the hell...
[b]The other, other white meat.[/b]

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Post by HughMungus » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:54 pm

Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote: Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.
Which page was it again that you proved there is no god? Or was it a book I was supposed to read?
Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.

Hate you use your 'style' of debate, but since logic and true debate techniques don't work- what the hell...
For someone who is supposedly so logical, it's funny to see you squirm when someone asks you to logically explain why you believe what you believe.
It's what you make it.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Tue Apr 04, 2006 3:20 pm

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote: Which page was it again that you proved there is no god? Or was it a book I was supposed to read?
Did I ever say I would?

For an English major, you sure aren't very good at reading.

Hate you use your 'style' of debate, but since logic and true debate techniques don't work- what the hell...
For someone who is supposedly so logical, it's funny to see you squirm when someone asks you to logically explain why you believe what you believe.
You see, coming from someone that doesn't understand the meaning of the word logical- it doesn't matter. All has been explained ad nauseum.
Read book. Reread thread.
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Post by Rob the Wop » Tue Apr 04, 2006 3:43 pm

Y'see Hughy, the issue here is that I have explained my stance (which you ignored), provided a logical argument for some of the premises (which you didn't understand), described the reasons being my stance (which you refused to acknowledge), and continually reiterated my belief system (which you wouldn't address). The first three or posts of mine where thoughtful replies- which you childishly ignored. Instead you performed a parrot act on a statement I made that we BOTH agreed on. At which time I became abusive since you where more interested in arguing than undertsanding. You were never here to understand why an atheist has a belief, you only want to attack what you percieve (in your own mind BTW) as the source of their belief.

Arguing with you in any type of adult manner is impossible. Therefore I decided to stoop to your level. Sssssoooooooooo-

Read book. Reread thread.

Once you understand logic, you might become enlightened by reading those posts you didn't understand.
[b]The other, other white meat.[/b]

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Post by Isotopia » Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:29 pm

I'm an athiest because they make better fucking cocktails.

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Post by HughMungus » Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:32 pm

Rob the Wop wrote:You see, coming from someone that doesn't understand the meaning of the word logical- it doesn't matter. All has been explained ad nauseum.
Your explanation is obviously insufficient.
Read book. Reread thread.
Ha!
It's what you make it.

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Post by HughMungus » Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:33 pm

Rob the Wop wrote:Y'see Hughy, the issue here is that I have explained my stance (which you ignored), provided a logical argument for some of the premises (which you didn't understand), described the reasons being my stance (which you refused to acknowledge), and continually reiterated my belief system (which you wouldn't address). The first three or posts of mine where thoughtful replies- which you childishly ignored. Instead you performed a parrot act on a statement I made that we BOTH agreed on. At which time I became abusive since you where more interested in arguing than undertsanding. You were never here to understand why an atheist has a belief, you only want to attack what you percieve (in your own mind BTW) as the source of their belief.

Arguing with you in any type of adult manner is impossible. Therefore I decided to stoop to your level. Sssssoooooooooo-

Read book. Reread thread.

Once you understand logic, you might become enlightened by reading those posts you didn't understand.
Right. It's not that you haven't proven anything, it's that I don't understand. Since you obviously think you can't possibly be wrong, what other explanation can there be?
It's what you make it.

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Post by bringer » Tue Apr 04, 2006 8:52 pm

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:Y'see Hughy, the issue here is that I have explained my stance (which you ignored), provided a logical argument for some of the premises (which you didn't understand), described the reasons being my stance (which you refused to acknowledge), and continually reiterated my belief system (which you wouldn't address). The first three or posts of mine where thoughtful replies- which you childishly ignored. Instead you performed a parrot act on a statement I made that we BOTH agreed on. At which time I became abusive since you where more interested in arguing than undertsanding. You were never here to understand why an atheist has a belief, you only want to attack what you percieve (in your own mind BTW) as the source of their belief.

Arguing with you in any type of adult manner is impossible. Therefore I decided to stoop to your level. Sssssoooooooooo-

Read book. Reread thread.

Once you understand logic, you might become enlightened by reading those posts you didn't understand.
Right. It's not that you haven't proven anything, it's that I don't understand. Since you obviously think you can't possibly be wrong, what other explanation can there be?

He never said he would prove anything.

Ha!
All Your Base Are Belong To Us!

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Post by Isotopia » Tue Apr 04, 2006 9:09 pm

Since you obviously think you can't possibly be wrong, what other explanation can there be?
That your comprehension skills are um, sub-standard?

Just a thought.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:05 pm

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:Y'see Hughy, the issue here is that I have explained my stance (which you ignored), provided a logical argument for some of the premises (which you didn't understand), described the reasons being my stance (which you refused to acknowledge), and continually reiterated my belief system (which you wouldn't address). The first three or posts of mine where thoughtful replies- which you childishly ignored. Instead you performed a parrot act on a statement I made that we BOTH agreed on. At which time I became abusive since you where more interested in arguing than undertsanding. You were never here to understand why an atheist has a belief, you only want to attack what you percieve (in your own mind BTW) as the source of their belief.

Arguing with you in any type of adult manner is impossible. Therefore I decided to stoop to your level. Sssssoooooooooo-

Read book. Reread thread.

Once you understand logic, you might become enlightened by reading those posts you didn't understand.
Right. It's not that you haven't proven anything, it's that I don't understand. Since you obviously think you can't possibly be wrong, what other explanation can there be?
But you appear to be the only one that didn't understand what I was trying to say. Odd that.

I guess it might be something similiar to the definition of insanity.
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Post by HughMungus » Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:40 pm

Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:Y'see Hughy, the issue here is that I have explained my stance (which you ignored), provided a logical argument for some of the premises (which you didn't understand), described the reasons being my stance (which you refused to acknowledge), and continually reiterated my belief system (which you wouldn't address). The first three or posts of mine where thoughtful replies- which you childishly ignored. Instead you performed a parrot act on a statement I made that we BOTH agreed on. At which time I became abusive since you where more interested in arguing than undertsanding. You were never here to understand why an atheist has a belief, you only want to attack what you percieve (in your own mind BTW) as the source of their belief.

Arguing with you in any type of adult manner is impossible. Therefore I decided to stoop to your level. Sssssoooooooooo-

Read book. Reread thread.

Once you understand logic, you might become enlightened by reading those posts you didn't understand.
Right. It's not that you haven't proven anything, it's that I don't understand. Since you obviously think you can't possibly be wrong, what other explanation can there be?
But you appear to be the only one that didn't understand what I was trying to say. Odd that.

I guess it might be something similiar to the definition of insanity.
No, I was just the only one who challenged you on it. Trust me, I would love it if someone could explain to me how they arrived at "there is no god". No one has done that yet. If you think you have, please point me to the page where you did.
It's what you make it.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:50 pm

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote: Right. It's not that you haven't proven anything, it's that I don't understand. Since you obviously think you can't possibly be wrong, what other explanation can there be?
But you appear to be the only one that didn't understand what I was trying to say. Odd that.

I guess it might be something similiar to the definition of insanity.
No, I was just the only one who challenged you on it. Trust me, I would love it if someone could explain to me how they arrived at "there is no god". No one has done that yet. If you think you have, please point me to the page where you did.
Once again, it falls on deaf ears. On this very page was the answer you sought. Name one other person that has read this thread and does not understand why I have my belief system. I believe I have explained my views well enough for anyone but you.

Read book. Reread thread.
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Post by HughMungus » Wed Apr 05, 2006 12:02 am

Rob the Wop wrote:Once again, it falls on deaf ears. On this very page was the answer you sought.
Where? Since I'm so stupid could you point it out to me?
It's what you make it.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Wed Apr 05, 2006 12:15 am

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:Once again, it falls on deaf ears. On this very page was the answer you sought.
Where? Since I'm so stupid could you point it out to me?
Bringer said it once, and I said it twice. I also said it on pages 1-3. I said it in more pages than those, but it's not worth giving you ANOTHER breakdown like I have before.
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Post by HughMungus » Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:29 am

Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:Once again, it falls on deaf ears. On this very page was the answer you sought.
Where? Since I'm so stupid could you point it out to me?
Bringer said it once, and I said it twice. I also said it on pages 1-3. I said it in more pages than those, but it's not worth giving you ANOTHER breakdown like I have before.
OK. I've already addressed everything you've said. Got anything new?
It's what you make it.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:49 am

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote: Where? Since I'm so stupid could you point it out to me?
Bringer said it once, and I said it twice. I also said it on pages 1-3. I said it in more pages than those, but it's not worth giving you ANOTHER breakdown like I have before.
OK. I've already addressed everything you've said. Got anything new?
Why? My stance have never changed. What are you getting out of this?
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Post by Kinetic IV » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:53 am

Since this is turning into a stalemate how about settling it in a classic BM setting: THUNDERDOME!!!!

I can see it now: Hugh Mungus vs Rob the Wop. Heck we could even make up a card of potential eplaya contests and make it an eplaya night at Thunderdome!

Seriously the way this "argument" is going I'm not sure if anything but a Thunderdome contest is going to settle it.
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Thank you for over 7 years of eplaya memories. I have asked Emily Sparkle to delete my account and I am gone. Goodbye and Goodluck to all of you! I will miss you!

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Post by HughMungus » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:58 am

Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote: Bringer said it once, and I said it twice. I also said it on pages 1-3. I said it in more pages than those, but it's not worth giving you ANOTHER breakdown like I have before.
OK. I've already addressed everything you've said. Got anything new?
Why?
Because you haven't convinced me of anything.
It's what you make it.

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Post by Rob the Wop » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:04 am

Kinetic IV wrote:Since this is turning into a stalemate how about settling it in a classic BM setting: THUNDERDOME!!!!

I can see it now: Hugh Mungus vs Rob the Wop. Heck we could even make up a card of potential eplaya contests and make it an eplaya night at Thunderdome!

Seriously the way this "argument" is going I'm not sure if anything but a Thunderdome contest is going to settle it.
It's not an argument. He asked for my reasons for being an atheist and I replied. Since then he's discarded anything I've said as not being a valid reason TO HIM. Arguments require some semblance of structure.

Eventually he'll realize that I don't need anyone else's approval for my belief system.

Or not.

Either way it doesn't change my beliefs.
[b]The other, other white meat.[/b]

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Post by Rob the Wop » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:06 am

HughMungus wrote:
Rob the Wop wrote:
HughMungus wrote: OK. I've already addressed everything you've said. Got anything new?
Why?
Because you haven't convinced me of anything.
I don't need to. Besides, you don't have the tools to comprehend what I've said anyway. So it's kind of like explaining physics to my cat.
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Post by geekster » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:06 am

I suspect that when most bacteria become antibiotic resistant there will be fewer athiests. People tend to become more religious when faced with situations that humans have absolutely no control over or that are totally lost causes such as caught in a flash flood or headed toward the ground in a crashing plane. Having a child dying from what was once a common bacterial infection but is now resistant to all of man's countermeasures might tend to cause people to at least secretly say a prayer no matter what their "official" position might be. Religion allows a holding out of hope in the face of completely overwhelming odds and gives one strength to continue going forward when all logical hope is lost. Other people don't need it, but some find the little extra strength they need there.
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Post by Rob the Wop » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:10 am

geekster wrote:I suspect that when most bacteria become antibiotic resistant there will be fewer athiests. People tend to become more religious when faced with situations that humans have absolutely no control over or that are totally lost causes such as caught in a flash flood or headed toward the ground in a crashing plane. Having a child dying from what was once a common bacterial infection but is now resistant to all of man's countermeasures might tend to cause people to at least secretly say a prayer no matter what their "official" position might be. Religion allows a holding out of hope in the face of completely overwhelming odds and gives one strength to continue going forward when all logical hope is lost. Other people don't need it, but some find the little extra strength they need there.
Nope. Anytime I've ever been in a situation where my outcome was uncertain, I've never turned instantly religious. The adage of 'no atheists in foxholes' doesn't always ring true.

I might change that tune if God appeared before me, but nothing less than that would make a difference.
[b]The other, other white meat.[/b]

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Post by AntiM » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:22 am

I suspect that when most bacteria become antibiotic resistant there will be fewer athiests. People tend to become more religious when faced with situations that humans have absolutely no control over or that are totally lost causes such as caught in a flash flood or headed toward the ground in a crashing plane. Having a child dying from what was once a common bacterial infection but is now resistant to all of man's countermeasures might tend to cause people to at least secretly say a prayer no matter what their "official" position might be. Religion allows a holding out of hope in the face of completely overwhelming odds and gives one strength to continue going forward when all logical hope is lost. Other people don't need it, but some find the little extra strength they need there.
I do not think fear and hopelessness necessarily induce prayer and belief. From a personal perspective: During that terrible two weeks between my diagnosis with breast cancer and the surgery to find out just how far it had advanced, I did not pray or call on any powers to save me. Nope. I recall quite vividly thinking, "Gee, if I believed in God at all I'd be praying like crazy."

I very much believed in my surgeon and modern medicine to do the best possible for me, but I certainly never wished for some magical being to make it all better.

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