(January 23, 2011 at 1:07 pm)OnlyNatural Wrote: Just to clarify, I wasn't referring to you or your arguments. I was referring generally to belief in the supernatural (God, heaven, etc.), and the religious mythology that is based on these beliefs.So then why did you refer specifically to me if what you were saying didn't apply to me in some way? It, too, believe that the world is awe-inspiring and beautiful for many of the same reasons you probably do. And I believe in God, and a Heaven, and a Hell etc. etc. I see nothing contradictory or 'supernatural' about these beliefs, either.
Quote:Perhaps that was a bit of an oversimplification. Although, looking over the first chapter of Genesis, maybe not. It's full of 'God created this and that, and saw that it was good, and he was pleased' etc.Why wouldn't He be pleased with the creation of he universe? I know I would be if I had just created an entire universe. It doesn't say He created the universe for the sole purpose of His own pleasure, however.
Quote:And I find that to be a gross oversimplification of the origins of the universe.It isn't meant to be a scientific explanation of the universe, obviously. It is meant to say, simply, that God created the universe in it's entirity. That's all.
Quote:Again, I wasn't making any assumptions about you, nor referring to your personal beliefs. I was simply answering your question about how, as an atheist, one might see the world.But you did not actually answer the question. The question was in regards to what I, as a believer, am missing out on and what you all, as atheists, now posess in the way of 'truth'. Since your answer was about you, but directed at me, I can only assume your anecdote was meant to 'show me' that I may be seeking religion because it is 'comforting' and 'easy'. You stated
OnlyNatural Wrote:I sought out religion because at the time, it was comforting, and I wanted easy answers to complex questions. Simple as that.which does not answer the question itself about what I am missing. You merely presuppose things about why I sought religion. Hence why I responded the way I did.
Quote:I said there 'might be' nothing comforting, to some people, but it depends on the individual. Personally, I think we're all extremely lucky to be here, given the odds against it. But that doesn't mean there was a god involved.Of course it doesn't. But you must admit that the idea of all of our trials, all our struggles and pains in life, being nothing more than a speck compared to the great struggle that is and has been the evolution of the earth is quire comforting.
Quote:But I have looked back at the beliefs I used to hold, many times. And I've thought about them a lot. But the more I analysed them, the less sense they made. And I got tired of having to compartmentalize my beliefs to keep them safe from rational thought.As long as you've looked back before, you should be fine.
Quote:You've 'seen' it? I doubt it.Why do you doubt it?
Quote:You've 'felt' it? I'm sure you have, but that doesn't make it true.No, it doesn't. But if you'd had the experiences I have, you might be inclined to agree with me.