Re: On the topic of atheism.

[Doug Pensinger]

Robert Seeberger wrote:

Uh.........I'm asking a serious question here Doug.
And to be perfectly honest, I would trust Erik to give a straightforward
answer (if there actually is one) more than anyone else participating in
this discussion.
If the answer is "Its never actually been done" or "Its not possible to
perform such an experiment and get meaningful results" it might change the
discussion a little, but that has to be accepted.
BTW, WTF an IPU?

But mine is a serious question too.



I know it sounds like I'm being sarcastic or flippant, but you seem to

have

been convinced at some point by something you consider factual or

actual,

and I'm curious as to what it was you found to be convincing.


I would say that the burden of proof is on those who claim that
something exists despite a complete absence of credible evidence.


I would think that since a majority (at least it appears this way correct me
if I'm wrong) of the world believes in some sort of "deity" and since
'deities" have been a dominant meme throughout history, that the burden of
proof falls on both sides equally.
Why?
Well, you aren't going to change 10,000+ years of Theism with sophistry, no
matter how compelling, with out some proof of your own. Thats not exactly
fair, and not really scientific, but it sure beats the hell out of "yes it
is/no it isn't" type arguments repeated ad infinitum.
<Bungee Cord Type Argument>
Theists have 10 millenium long traditions that include miracles,
supernatural events, avatars of deities, ascensions, holy books, holy men,
prophesies...... ect yadda yadda yadda that reinforce theists belief
(rightly or wrongly)
Athiests have........... lots of arguments

Agnostics are unsure

</Bungee Cord Type Argument>

When peole are looking at the world and trying to decide what to believe,
what will they find convincing, something presented as an argument or
something presented as history?
Can you see where my question is coming from?


Question for yourself and the rest of the believers on the list: If you
believe in a god, why?  What convinced you?


1 Why would you ask others to do something you are unwilling to do?

2 I stated my case earlier in the thread. But I don't know what to call my
position. I can send you that post if you missed it.
xponent
May God Bless You Maru
rob
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