13 Questions

[tackattack]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?
-no objective evidence (common use here) would sway my faith at all, as that's not what defines faith
2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?
-most likely, I don't, unless it was on tape or someone claims it
3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?
-he did
4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?
-yes and they (personal and societal)are subjective, God's moralistic law is a goal and the only valid objective source for abolute morality
5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?
-personally and societally no; by God's standards of morality yes
6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?
-no religion, would in the end be the most dangerous if consequences spilled over into an afterlife
7. Where did the laws of logic come from?
-they are abstract concepts used by man, that have so far applied universally
8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?
-design
9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?
-without knowing the details, I would assume becasue they experienced something that changed their perspective
10. How do beliefs and thoughts differ?
-thoughts are general and varied, beliefs are a sub category of thought
11. Do you believe that God does not exist?
-No, but it's possible
12. Do you think that God does not exist?
-No, but it's possible
13. How do you think life began on Earth?
-Autogenesis seems most plausible to me.

[Doubting Thomas]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?

Probably nothing short of God appearing before me and answering all the questions I have about him, Christianity, and the universe.

2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?

In the absence of any reason to think otherwise, it's stupid to think that anyone but a human wrote that. Occam's Razor.

3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?

I really can't answer this, but since Christians like to claim that might makes right, it would probably be God. That doesn't mean his rules are just or right.

4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?

I wouldn't say "laws," but there are morals which benefit humanity and have been adopted by all societies. Namely, don't murder people or steal stuff. But morality is so subjective, I think the best way to live is to do what you want as long as it doesn't harm anyone or infringe upon others' rights.

5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?

See my answer to #4.

6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?

Any evangelical religion. Any religion that gives someone a reason to kill others.

7. Where did the laws of logic come from?

Who says they have to "come from" anywhere?

8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?

I don't know.

9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?

You would have to ask them. I have no idea why a true atheist, that is, someone who doesn't believe in a god without evidence, would start believing in any religion.

10. How do beliefs and thoughts differ?

A belief is a system of thoughts.

11. Do you believe that God does not exist?

Yes, because there's no evidence for any gods to exist, and it's quite obvious that all the gods ever worshiped throughout history were made up by man.

12. Do you think that God does not exist?

I don't really know, but until there's evidence to support his existence, I don't think he exists. Also see #11.

13. How do you think life began on Earth?

Scientists are working on it and getting closer to the answer every day. But it's not likely that we'll ever know with 100% accuracy.

[tesseract7d]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?

Define 'God'.

2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?

Probably. Humans frequent beaches, and often write things in the sand. Animals don't have knowledge of the written language, and there are no known natural processes by which they might accidentally do such a thing. As far as I know, Extra Terrestrials and supernatural beings do not, in fact, frequent beaches OR write in the sand. So it's only logical to conclude that the sand writing is man made.

3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?

The rules of what? Are we playing a game? Is it Risk? I like Risk.

4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?

Yes they do. I think you meant to ask "Do absolute, objective moral laws exist?"

I don't know.

5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?

Probably not. The only moral laws I know of were created by humans, so if all humans think that rape is okay, then I'm in no position to object.

6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?

Probably Islam.

7. Where did the laws of logic come from?

The universe happens to follow the laws of logic. I don't know how they came about.

8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?

Define rational.

9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?

Because humans are fallible and religion is comfortable.

10. How do beliefs and thoughts differ?

Beliefs are a type of thought. An example of another type of thought would be an intention.

11. Do you believe that God does not exist?

No.

12. Do you think that God does not exist?

No.

13. How do you think life began on Earth?

Most likely the clay at the sea bottom served as a catalyst for various organic reactions which eventually led to simple strands of RNA. RNA can self-replicate without protein, so this could have carried on for awhile until mutations and other chemical interactions led to DNA and a cell wall forming.

[everythingafter]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?

A scientifically modern, non-contradictory holy book that doesn't read as if it was written in bronze/iron age Palestine would go a long way. A book written thousands of years ago that includes information about DNA and natural selection would be a marvel! Maybe I just expect too much from this omniscient, all-powerful god to whom folks spend so much time groveling.

2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?

The implication here is absurd. Nonetheless, I would conclude a pair of lovers had just come through that portion of the beach.

3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?

What rules? Ethical? Scientific?

4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?

To say "moral" implies religiousity in a way, which loads the question. I think it is in man's best interest to generally be kind to one another and live in civility. If it had been otherwise, civilization as we know it would have crumbled long ago. Animals other than humans display altruistic behavior toward one another. So yes, while there is no one to set these "laws" or even a set of laws, I think there is something hard-wired within us to generally act in this way. It caters to our intrinsic struggle to survive. Sure, given all the wars, humans have historically not been kind to one another, but within those warring societies, we find internal ethical machinations.

5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?

Again, to say it is "morally wrong" or right, conjures up religion or a supernatural being to decree that it's so. Rape is not in man's best interest individually or societally. If everyone on earth practiced it, I don't think humankind would survive for very long.

6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?

Islam.

7. Where did the laws of logic come from?

From the mind of man.

8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?

After the Big Bang, evolution by natural selection. Before the Big Bang, who knows? The difference between scientists and believers is that at least scientists are comfortable saying "We don't know" when certain "gaps" have not been filled, whereas believers just make up stuff about gods and omniscience without a stitch of proof. Just because it seems "non-rational" to you doesn't mean there wasn't a natural explanation for why there is something rather than nothing and to phrase it thusly loads the question

9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?

Why do some former believers (pastors even) such as John Loftus and Dan Barker and myself become atheists?

I think questions 10-13 are splitting hairs between the words "belief" and "think" and distinguishing between them seems to me a futile exercise. I'm not sure why there wasn't a "believe" version of question 13, but no, I don't necessarily think life began on Earth. It could have, but given the sheer number of possible planets in the universe, it's quite likely that there is, or once was, or will be life elsewhere. And since ice has already been discovered on other planets, it's quite likely indeed.

[R-e-n-n-a-t]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?

Nothing short of a giant sky-person shouting 'I exist'.

2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?

because of number one.

3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?

It's useless to speculate on the behavior of an imaginary force.

4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?

No, morality is only what is popular.

5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?

It would be right, because then the person being raped would think it was right, so it wouldn't be rape.

6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?

Christianity is most dangerous in America. I can't speak for the world.

7. Where did the laws of logic come from?

From logic. It's logical to state that logic is the default position of logic. 1+1=2, because we decided the values of one and two. It's logical that if something is moving, it's moving. It's logical that if something can't exist, it does not exist.

8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?

These events certainly were rational, just not intelligent.

9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?

They're idiots. Why do some Christians become atheists? It doesn't prove anyone right.

10. How do beliefs and thoughts differ?

Really they're no different. I think something or I believe it. It's just semantics.

11. Do you believe that God does not exist?

No, nor does the devil.

12. Do you think that God does not exist?

No, nor does the devil.

13. How do you think life began on Earth?

Life is not a certain thing. There is no 'vital force'. How organic substances began is the same as any other chemical reaction.

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[Tiberius]

What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?
A valid and sound logical argument.

You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?
I don't know if it is man-made or not, as I take it from your question that I did not see the words being written. It could be that some other non-human animal that inadvertently made the words as it walked through the sand, it could be that some non-human aliens landed and wrote the message, it could be any one of an infinite number of explanations. However, I could form a belief based on the likelihood of these explanations, and I'd rank the writing being man-made as quite high (since I've seen humans doing it before, and I understand the language). Thus I'd believe the most likely explanation would be that it was man-made. Do I know this to be true? No. The existence of other possible explanations which I cannot disprove prohibits me from doing this.

If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?
It is my understanding that God set some rules, and that man sets other ones. It's been a long time since I've read the Bible, but I do not recall there being any substantial sections on the rules for handling criminal trials (unless we are going to bring back stoning).

Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?
No, all morals are subjective, and change over time based on people reasoning them out. This is clearly the case for all morals I can think of.

If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?
No. As Shell B stated, if this were true, then even rape victims would believe it were morally right.

What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?
Most religions in themselves aren't dangerous; the danger often comes from followers who take what they personally believe and try to apply it to other people (often through force), or by not contemplating other points of view. That said, some of the more fundamentalist sects of religions like Christianity (e.g. faith healing groups), and Islam (followers of Al-Qaeda) scare and appall me. Those and Scientology...

Where did the laws of logic come from?
The "laws" of logic are simply the backbone of the way we think, or have to think due to the makeup of the human brain. Just as how most organisms have some kind of instinct for things, we have an instinct for thinking, and we use the laws of logic to reason.

How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?
How do otherwise chaotic events create perfectly stable systems? Nature is epic, that's how.

Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?
Ask them. I don't see what it has to do with me. Their belief, their decision.

How do beliefs and thoughts differ?
Thoughts in general can be anything that goes through your mind at any time. Beliefs are thoughts that you accept as "true"; i.e. they accurately reflect that which you observe as "reality".

Do you believe that God does not exist?
Yes, although I wouldn't call it an active belief that I cling to and try to bring into my everyday life. I simply don't believe in a God.

Do you think that God does not exist?
Often. I also often think that God does exist, but I haven't heard a valid and sound argument that supports the thought yet.

How do you think life began on Earth?
I think many different things; none of which are relevant to the actual fact that we currently don't know (and may never know). I think (and believe) it was by some kind of natural event, simply because I have not seen any evidence or reasoning to believe in supernatural events.

[Girlysprite]

I don't have time right now to answer every part of your list, but I do have a a cryptic answer for question 2:

[Doubting Thomas]

It's a rock formation on Mars. So?

http://www.britannica.com/bps/media-view/70989/1/0/0

[prayforme]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. It would have to be indisputable, really. Something shocking and out-of-place that is predicted (in detail) and comes to pass where there's simply no other possible explanation. If it was proven that God does in fact exist, it would be very strange thing. Why the hell would an all-knowing, all-perfect infinite being that resides outside of space and time feel the need to create something, give it a choice, and observe the inevitable (that we would make the wrong choice) anyways? What purpose could that possibly serve? Indeed, my sense of reality would be turned upside down if God did exist.

2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?

Because what else has the cognitive ability for written language? It is man-made because that is the most simple and logical explanation.

3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?

It is my understanding that the biblical God set rules but also afforded humans their own. “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” comes to mind.

4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?

Our (human) ability to empathize is key to what we call "moral" behavior. For this reason, no, our sense of "morality" does not exist independent of humans.

5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?

Obviously, if everyone thought rape to be a good thing, then no. If we wished to be raped just the same as everyone else did, then there would be no problem. As a general rule, however, most folks don't want to be raped (for good reason), so therefore it is considered immoral.

6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?

Any and all that promotes harm (both physical and psychological) in it's name.

7. Where did the laws of logic come from?

Our complex brains afford us the ability to reason, and thus logic is a product of the brain.

8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?

It must have been God-magic.

9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?

Or any other religion for that matter? Perhaps they were atheists for the wrong reasons. Maybe they stopped caring and joined hands with Christians for the hell of it. Absurdity and philosophical suicide. I don't know. You tell me, or better yet, what do they say?

10. How do beliefs and thoughts differ?

Depends on their usage. In the most common use of both terms, they are equivalent. Ex. "I believe you are correct." "I think you are correct." In other uses, beliefs can be said to hold more weight than thoughts. Beliefs can contain hopes and dreams for the future as opposed to mere thoughts which may be perceived as shallow and fleeting in comparison. Just depends.

11. Do you believe that God does not exist?

No. I don't believe that God exists. Absence of =/ belief.

12. Do you think that God does not exist?

I don't think that God exists. You're trying hard here aren't you.

13. How do you think life began on Earth?

Better question asked to biologists.

[simplychris]

1. What evidence would convince you of God’s existence?

I don't have a model of god to gather proof for, but going by the traditional bearded wixard in the sky model, you could start with that. This one is more difficult for me to answer than you might imagine because it's not my issue. The real question is how much absence of proof will a theist put up with before abandoning their beliefs?

2. You see the words, “I love you” written in the sand at the beach. Is this man-made? If so, how do you know?

Of course it is. For one, it's in English, and the probability that those grains of sand would move themselves out of the way by way of the tide, or even by becoming sentient, in order to create a pattern which by itself is unique to the phrase in our language is statistically very, very improbable indeed.

3. If the God of the Bible were real, would He set the rules or would man set the rules?

Taking the first account to be true: if the god of the Bible were real, then yes. Have you never played a god sim game before? But you're leading me into stating that morality comes from religion, and I don't like the way you're doing that. Humankind eventually developed civilisation, and with that came empathy and morality. There are groups of people for whom morality doesn't depend on the threat of eternal damnation, but just altruism

"I have something you need; be nice to me and we can both share in each others' fortunes"

4. Do moral laws exist? If so, do they exist independent of humans? How do you know what they are?

Morality exists. I wouldn't state it as a law, rather than a side effect of the empathy and altruism I stated earlier. Not everyone subscribes to it, and that's when you get people breaking the judicial laws we've created based on those morals. We have our own modern-day version of hell, the prison system. Can't say it seems to be 100% effective, however. I wonder how effective 'Thou Shalt Not Steal or Thou Wilst Burn in the Inferno for All Time' was back in the day. Obviously in Latin

5. If everyone on earth believed that rape were morally right, would it still be morally wrong?

If it hurts somebody, it's wrong. I don't care what set of beliefs you subscribe to where it's ok. Some dude advertises that he wants to be eaten by a cannibal. Some cannibal takes him up on the offer. Both are mutually happy with the exchange. Doesn't make it any less wrong; victim has forgone his 'victimship' by consenting that he wants to be killed and eaten but such victim status is extended to his family and loved ones who will feel the systems in place to prevent this sort of behaviour have failed them.

6. What is the most dangerous religion on Earth?

Any which are followed by misguided fools, with power to harm. This includes televangelists conning the elderly out of their pensions in exchange for health, wellbeing and apparent salvation; muslim extremists that themselves were conned into believing a life of eternal luxury awaits them for glory killing; etc.

7. Where did the laws of logic come from?

Logic is a beautiful interpretation of how 1 plus 1 equals 2, at its most basic form. It's always been there for as long as there has been a material universe, it's just our interpretation of it which makes it outstanding and compelling.

8. How did non-rational events and processes lead to a rational human mind?

I'm not sure I understand 'non-rational events and processes', but my theory of how (nb. Not necessarily intelligent) life came about is that over time the various chemicals swirling around the cosmos and the Earth in particular meld with each other to create simple, single cells. These evolve (OH YEH!) over much, much time to create mutliple-celled organisms. It's still much longer before we get the first plants and then sentient creatures. Even longer still until intelligent life evolved. There are some who say we're still waiting.

9. Why do some atheists such as Carl Wieland and Alister McGrath become Christians?

I can only imagine they weren't ready to dismiss their beliefs for whatever reason. NB. I'm not familiar with these two names.

I'm the only atheist in my family. I'm 'out' about it and often dismissed as if I'm somehow less of a person for my lack of a belief. I could never revert to having a belief system based on a god, without proof, as the realisation that gradually turned me atheist is so profound; I'd need something equally as compelling to entice me into a religion and I can't see that happening.

But what works for some doesn't work for others. My sister is obsessed with horoscopes, spirituality and psychic mediums. I can't understand that, and she can't understand my critical thinking processes when it comes to debunking these almost cultish things which have her fooled.

10. How do beliefs and thoughts differ?

Your beliefs are what in a sense make you. It takes many thoughts to agree on a belief; you'll often have many thoughts crossing your neural pathways at once in order to come to a decision when critically analysing something like a cold reading psychic, for instance - but it's the convergence of those thoughts on a conclusion which leads to a belief.

11. Do you believe that God does not exist?

I am an atheist. I lack the belief in the existence of a god or gods.

12. Do you think that God does not exist?

Changing one word in your question does not make another question and I shan't repeat the same answer.

13. How do you think life began on Earth?

Oh, lucky me. I've already answered this question by proxy of question #8. And, as I said, I shan't repeat the same answer.Caveat: I just did