(October 5, 2012 at 12:35 pm)Akincana Krishna dasa Wrote: It's interesting that atheists can't prove God doesn't exist.

Well, it's not for us to disprove the claim of gods, or do you suggest that you should be able to prove that Voldemort indeed doesn't live in my closet?

Quote:I'll want to organize my thoughts before putting them out there to be shredded by an atheists forum.

Take your time, there's no hurry. But I bet there are many here looking forward to debating and discussing with you, we don't get Hare Krishnas here very often.

I'm going to be completely honest: I have never even heard of a Hare Krishna. I bet you'll bring some interesting new ideas...maybe.

Quote:Can you prove Santa doesn't exist?

That's a way less interesting or important question. Questions about God are all about who you are and what your life is about.

Quote:I beg to differ.

Awesome. Feel like giving it a shot?

Quote:Just replace nothing with god did it, that seems to be the logical leap in thinking for so many people.

What's the logical leap you've chosen to make?

Quote:The question is are there any smart arguments to say the opposite?

Yeah, the only smart arguments I've heard say the opposite. I'd love for you to enlighten me, though!

Oh, for crying out loud. Something came from nothing is not how it goes. Furthermore, that has nothing to do with atheism. That has to do with Creation beliefs and/or origin of the universe theories. I, as an atheist, can believe that a fat orangutan drew us into existence.

In short, the fact that you cannot reconcile something coming from nothing has naught to do with how well you understand atheism, but with how little you educated yourself on origin theories.

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Akincana Krishna dasa Wrote: That's a way less interesting or important question. Questions about God are all about who you are and what your life is about.

Nope. Perhaps that is the case for you. Me? Not at all. Santa is far more important.

Quote:Well, it's not for us to disprove the claim of gods, or do you suggest that you should be able to prove that Voldemort indeed doesn't live in my closet?

Why would someone call themselves an atheist if they don't have an active disbelief in God?

God has, historically, been a really popular answer for answering questions like "Why do I exist?" "Where does everything come from?" "Why can't I have or do whatever the hell I feel like?" "Why do I have to die?" Stuff like that, and more.

As an atheist, it seems to me that the least you're saying is "Well, I know the answer to all those questions isn't God." So then what - do you have a better answer?

Why does there have to be an answer? Ever wonder if you're looking for a crutch and we've realized that we can walk without it?

(October 5, 2012 at 1:13 pm)Shell B Wrote: Why does there have to be an answer? Ever wonder if you're looking for a crutch and we've realized that we can walk without it?

I'm posing rational questions. I thought atheists would be more into that. But maybe when the questions get too hard, it's easier to give up and say something snotty.

I appreciate you telling me you don't know, though.

(October 5, 2012 at 1:20 pm)Akincana Krishna dasa Wrote:

(October 5, 2012 at 1:13 pm)Shell B Wrote: Why does there have to be an answer? Ever wonder if you're looking for a crutch and we've realized that we can walk without it?

I'm posing rational questions. I thought atheists would be more into that. But maybe when the questions get too hard, it's easier to give up and say something snotty.

I appreciate you telling me you don't know, though.

Seriously? You go straight from assuming that people need answers to stupid ass questions like "Why am I here?" to pretending your questions were too hard? Yeah, I'm an asshole, but that doesn't make you less of a holier-than-thou pseudophilisopintellectual. Seriously, you're a Hairy Krishna, dude, and are suggesting that the existential questions you post are rational of all things? Pfft.

(October 5, 2012 at 1:20 pm)Akincana Krishna dasa Wrote: I'm posing rational questions. I thought atheists would be more into that. But maybe when the questions get too hard, it's easier to give up and say something snotty.

lol.

What questions are meant to be too hard?

Welcome btw

(October 5, 2012 at 1:11 pm)Akincana Krishna dasa Wrote: God has, historically, been a really popular answer

I have to quote one of our admins, Darwinian in this case: "If 3 billion people believed that 6+6=13 it still wouldn't be true!". Argumentum ad populum is a fallacy.

Quote:As an atheist, it seems to me that the least you're saying is "Well, I know the answer to all those questions isn't God." So then what - do you have a better answer?

No, as an atheist I say I don't know, but I''m waiting for proof. As long as there's no proof, there's no need for belief, but instead there will be someday knowledge.

As for answers to your questions, well:

"Why do I exist?" Because mum and dad had intercourse and their haploid cells were compatible.
"Where does everything come from?" From stars, actually. Without all the suns, the bigger elements wouldn't not have formed.
"Why can't I have or do whatever the hell I feel like?" You cannot have everything you want, because not all wants are achievable due to loads of factors. You can do whatever you want, but there will always be consequences. When you think the consequences are worth it, you'll probably do it too.
"Why do I have to die?" Because your body can't hold on for ever.