(May 31, 2012 at 10:45 am)Tobie Wrote: I'm not really aware of the numbers regarding proportion of atheist artists compared to proportion of atheists in the population as a whole, but I wouldn't be surprised if the proportion of atheist artists were lower, because studies have shown that atheists tend to think more analytically, which implies more "right brain thinking" , whereas art comes from "left brain thinking".

I agree, on a modern census. Any classical art comparison would be hopelessly skewed in that it would be inadvisable, and potentially dangerous/lethal to admit to atheism in the societies the "great" painters lived and worked in.

Please don't say any more Kichi, it's your damn wildlife that stops me ever considering emigrating to your otherwise awesome country.

(May 31, 2012 at 10:50 am)NoMoreFaith Wrote: Please don't say any more Kichi, it's your damn wildlife that stops me ever considering emigrating to your otherwise awesome country.

You DO get accustomed to them ya know NMF. The weather here IS to die for! Oh yeah...and the Drop Bears!!

(May 31, 2012 at 10:49 am)StatCrux Wrote: I am saying that belief in a transcendent reality (God, Gods whatever term you choose) is inspirational and more conducive to creating art, poetry, music etc than materialism or atheism. There seems to be a correlation between artistic thinking and belief in the transcendent. Atheism seems to attract people of a less artistic nature, more attracted to logic and science etc.

I don't see a need for the transcendent in order to be creative, our brilliant reality is quite sufficient. Some might look to their gods in order to find the inspiration they need, but not all do so. There is most certainly a link, but am I for instance not proof enough that atheists aren't purely logical and scientific, that there are artsy atheists out there (and I'm definitely not the only one)?

(May 31, 2012 at 10:49 am)StatCrux Wrote:

(May 31, 2012 at 10:41 am)Kayenneh Wrote: So, you are acknowledging that atheists do get inspired and do make art. What on earth are we in that case arguing about?!

I am saying that belief in a transcendent reality (God, Gods whatever term you choose) is inspirational and more conducive to creating art, poetry, music etc than materialism or atheism. There seems to be a correlation between artistic thinking and belief in the transcendent. Atheism seems to attract people of a less artistic nature, more attracted to logic and science etc.

Looks like you're back pedaling a little. But you didn't answer my points so I don't suppose you can. All your supposing and seat of your pants philosophizing don't amount to much. It seems this way to you because that is the way you think. You're not getting much agreement here. Did you have a point or did you just want to share the way the world looks to you?

(May 31, 2012 at 10:09 am)StatCrux Wrote:

(May 31, 2012 at 10:02 am)Zen Badger Wrote: Prove it

If I tell you that I see the colour red how can I prove it, especially if you deny the colour red exists, I can never prove it to you, but it doesn't mean the colour doesn't exist.

Then don't compose your post as if it were an absolute fact then otherwise of course people are going to call you out.

I have to say, if we are working from a likelihood of creativity. I would say that those who are more easily convinced by fairy tales, like children, are almost certainly more creative than those who are not.

If we are looking for a compromise, I can accept that one.

(May 31, 2012 at 10:45 am)Tobie Wrote: studies have shown that atheists tend to think more analytically, which implies more "right brain thinking" , whereas art comes from "left brain thinking".

This is what fascinates me, Herman Hesse addresses this issue in his book "Narcissus and Goldmund" The two different natures found in man, how both seek God in very different ways but equally valid for each person, Narcissus the controlled, logical, analytical. Goldmund the care free, artistic, pleasure seeker. Very interesting.

Hmmmm back peddling troll,, can't prove anything, just vocalising....hmmmm..... mk

(May 31, 2012 at 10:58 am)NoMoreFaith Wrote: I have to say, if we are working from a likelihood of creativity. I would say that those who are more easily convinced by fairy tales, like children, are almost certainly more creative than those who are not.

If we are looking for a compromise, I can accept that one.

Perhaps I see it slightly differently than how you have phrased it..

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christia...ldren.aspx

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(May 31, 2012 at 11:02 am)KichigaiNeko Wrote: Hmmmm back peddling troll,, can't prove anything, just vocalising....hmmmm..... mk

I haven't changed my position and I'm not a troll, I have no idea what your problem is?

Some things are beyond proof, but are still valid. How do you prove logic?

To be fair, my atheism does influence my art. I am not shackled by dogma when I create. I can write characters who are without god without making them villains. I can write characters who are religious who are bad guy because I'm not blind. I can write about religious characters who are good guys, also because I am not blind. I can draw anything without worrying whether I'm breaking a rule. The list goes on . . .

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I should say that the fact that the logical guy was called Narcissus shows a seriously lack of understanding on that particular myth.