Posted by thor (63.249.67.160) on March 07, 2002 at 23:27:02:
In Reply to: Re: evidence of god posted by Jim on March 07, 2002 at 13:19:57:
-well i think it's obvious to most atheists that christians (and other religious people) are wrong about their beliefs. As you said, the point of interest is that there are so many of them.
-It has long been a staple of the godless critic to say that religion is just a comforting fantasy, accepted because it puts our minds at ease about so many difficult questions. But I don't think so many could be so adamantly convinced of any religion unless there were some "evidence" to back it up.
-i think more study needs to go into WHY people believe in christianity (et al.) rather than just rationalizing it away as stupidity, brainwashing, dependence, or whatever. My only point is that I think religious people don't base their faith on the things they are accused of basing them on.
-One example: christians aren't disturbed by the fact that god and the bible seem to double implicate. Similarly, atheists are incredulous when new-age hippies start talking about "mind-energy" or whatever.
-I find that science is the atheist's main reference. It is difficult to deny and it covers so much, there is little room for the supernatural. With physics in hand, an atheist can deflect most crazy notions, at least to himself. It provides him with self-assurance and a foundation that gives his beliefs stability.
-What is the christian's bag of tricks? What keeps him assured when evolution and the big bang come knocking? Not just stubborness. It must be something similar to science: "verifiable" evidence that transcends any sacred text or brainwashing.
-so. given that so many people are religious: WHY ARE THEY? not a question to be answered dismissively, but one to be studied earnestly.
-thor