Q's from a theist

[Arcturus]

1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends?
Both my family and friends consists of mainly christians.
2. What is your general location? (If U.S. please use northwest, northeast, etc.)
Singapore (Southeast Asia)
3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past?
I was brought up as a Roman Catholic, but I became an atheist since 9. However, I only began to get out of the closet at age 15.
4. What is your highest level of education?
I am currently studying in college.

Cosmology/Physics:
5. Many people have argued that the “big bang” implies a finite universe. Some people (myself included) believe that a finite universe tends to have more theistic leanings. How would you respond to this?
I believe that we are one of many universes.
6. If you have not already answered above- do you believe in a finite or eternal universe?
7. How would you respond to the fine tuning argument?
By the principle of mediocrity.

Biology:
8. Do you believe in IDT (Intelligent Design Theory), TOE (Theory of Evolution), or other? (Seems like a weird question but there are some atheists that believe that we were designed by aliens)
I accept the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this?
Fossil record, continental distribution, artificial selection, lab experiments etc
10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief?
If our origins can be explained in a naturalistic way then I believe the origins of the universe can be explained in a naturalistic way too.

Other:
11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain
Yes. Morality is by no means a creation of any divine being, but rather that of cultures. This, in turn, originates from evolutionary psychology, where
"altruistic" (note the inverted commas) genes are favoured in complex organisms due to the importance of corporative behavior.
12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others?
I don't have any beliefs in the supernatural.

[Violet]

---

1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends?

Light christians, agnostic deists, fellow atheists. In about equal measure.

2. What is your general location? (If U.S. please use northwest, northeast, etc.)

Alaska.

3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past?

Yes. Nothing so severe as a shift of religion however.

4. What is your highest level of education?

Master of Orion.

In academia: Language.

5. Many people have argued that the “big bang” implies a finite universe. Some people (myself included) believe that a finite universe tends to have more theistic leanings. How would you respond to this?

I respond with apathy towards the makeup of the universe. I won't see it in my lifetime, and am thus unconcerned with it. Until people try to reach out to a spacefarring civilization... because in my experience that bites one in the ass far more often than not... and I'd rather not gain than lose.

6. If you have not already answered above- do you believe in a finite or eternal universe?

Finite universe-->Eternal cycle.

7. How would you respond to the fine tuning argument?

With more apathy.

8. Do you believe in IDT (Intelligent Design Theory), TOE (Theory of Evolution), or other? (Seems like a weird question but there are some atheists that believe that we were designed by aliens)

Evolution. Survival of the lucky. Or was that unlucky. Can never tell.

9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this?

It follows simply my understanding of who survives.

10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief?

It doesn't.

11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain

Relative. I consider it quite moral to kill you, rape your wife, eat your children, and throw cabbages at passerby.

12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others?

Perhaps. Others tend to find that immoral. There is a dissonance if morals are absolute or even intersubjective.

Again I’m not trying to be nosy. I just want to get a better understanding of beliefs that run quite contradictive to mine. Please don’t attack my belief; I respect your beliefs and I hope that you respect mine. If you have any questions for me then feel free to ask. Thanks for taking the time to help me with some of my questions. If you would like me to elaborate on any of the Q's please respond accordingly. If this is in the wrong section I am very sorry.

You did well enough.

---

[lilphil1989]

I have an interest in string theories. Wrapping your mind round it all takes some doing... but even with the lack of evidence it still makes far more sense than half of the bible, and seems more plausible aswell... it is after all a scientific theory... however, I do not see it as truth as of yet as not enough is truly known on the subject for me to say.

It is at least internally consistent, unlike the bible!


It is not however a scientific theory, since the defining characteristic of a scientific theory is falsifiability, which string theory is not (at least not yet!).
However, I would say that if you're interested and have a little basic physics knowledge (basic quantum mechanics, special relativity and tensors) get hold of this book.

[Anomalocaris]

1. We evaluate, we don't believe
2. West coast
3. I use to think true tolerance of other's faith is a virtue. I no longer think that is.
4. Post graduate
5. Big bang does not imply a spacially finite universe. Spacially finite universe does not imply any thing that would please theists. But theist string together unrelated proposition so as to seem to arrive at a bullshit conclusion all the time. But that does not make the practice any less worthless.
6. You shouldn't not believe in a finite or eternal universe. Instead you should seek to discover which is the case. If you can not discover that in your life time, that is no excuse to make something up.
7. Fine tuning not an argument. That's an impression based on superficial understanding.
8. I believe in neither ID nor Evolution. I find evolution to be a robust and well grounded theory with high level of predictive and explanatory power and correspondingly high probability of close correlation with reality. I find Intelligent design to lack attributes of a worthy theory suitable for evaluation, and deem it to be indistinguishable from primitive creationism chewed by modern weasels.
9. All of modern biological and geological sciences
10. It doesn't.
11. No, morals are result of trial and error attempts to reconcile the fulfillment various demands of primitive biologically based desires to the conditions of complex society.
12. No

[Paul the Human]

I’m late to the party, but I’m bored, so… what the hell… I’ll answer your questions.

1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends?

Mostly Christian, half of those Catholic.

2. What is your general location?

Muskegon, Michigan, USA

3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past?

Raised Catholic and realized I was an atheist in my teen years, so... yeah... sorta. I don't actually recall ever believing those ridiculous stories were true, even as a kid, to be honest.

4. What is your highest level of education?

High enough.

5. Many people have argued that the “big bang” implies a finite universe. Some people (myself included) believe that a finite universe tends to have more theistic leanings. How would you respond to this?

With a blank stare, probably. The term 'Theistic Leanings' is just silly. Only people that can't say 'I have no idea' have to resort to saying 'goddidit'.

6. If you have not already answered above- do you believe in a finite or eternal universe?

I believe that the universe exists, because I perceive it. Has it always been there? No one knows. Will it always be there? No one knows. But the question is which do I believe, isn't it? Okay then... I believe that the question has given rise to several very interesting fields of study as those who refuse to accept 'goddidit' for an answer have searched for the truth. I have no need to know which is the correct theory, as I know that the universe exists now... and that's really all that matters.

7. How would you respond to the fine tuning argument?

With laughter, which is all it deserves. Perhaps a bit of pity for those so desperate to believe that they cling to such nonsense.

8. Do you believe in IDT (Intelligent Design Theory), TOE (Theory of Evolution), or other?

Silly question. All life on earth is a product of evolution through natural selection. That is simply fact.

9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this?

The 'general point' that backs up that belief is that... it's a fact. That's why IDT exists. That evolution through natural selection is an indisputable fact has caused many poor souls to rework their belief system so that their magical father figure stories fit the actual facts.

10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief?

It doesn't relate. Admittedly, most atheists are aware that evolution through natural selection is how "it" actually happened, but there are certainly those that cling to some unsubstantiated notion or the other.

11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain

What people call "morals" come from the natural survival instinct that is hardwired into all life. A large part of survival depends on being accepted into the group. The group, of course, has rules. Each group has it's own rules. Each group is a society.

Fuck it. This is easier. Survival Instincts + Societal Pressures = Morality. Don't forget to toss in that pinch of individuality, though. It's important. It's how people's ethics and values (what you call 'morality') can differ within a society.

12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others?

Apparently. I haven't met a theist willing to stop imagining things and see reality based on anything I've said, so...

[BloodyHeretic]

Not sure, trying to bend my mind around M-theory just at the moment.

Whilst doing so, bear in mind that there's no experimental evidence whatsoever to support it!

Thanks, I know this, but I was reading Hawking's 'The Grand Design', and it's an interesting prospect. String theory is very interesting too, although it'd be useful to get a prediction out of either of them.

I have an interest in string theories. Wrapping your mind round it all takes some doing... but even with the lack of evidence it still makes far more sense than half of the bible, and seems more plausible aswell... it is after all a scientific theory... however, I do not see it as truth as of yet as not enough is truly known on the subject for me to say.

Absolutely, but that's rather the point, being an atheist, and a scientist, it's acceptable to say 'I don't know, I think this is probably the best explanation as of yet, but it's not infallible'. There's no shame in temporary ignorance as long as you're trying to rectify it.

[MilesTailsPrower]

Environment-
1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends? - Christianity

2. What is your general location? - Northeast

3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past? - I was religious when i wasn't at the age of reason, for example: If my parents say's santa is real, I believed in it. Same as when my parents told me about god I just went with what they said. But it never played a role in my life, i just presumed he was just a person. I never really thought of him at all until they told me about god at age 9 and never really cared for him. And now I'm 14 and don't believe anything about him, so I really wouldn't know if i changed my beliefs in the past since i really never cared or believed in him.

4. What is your highest level of education? - I'm 14 right now just going into highschool this fall when school starts but im in Advanced Science, and Advance language arts (reading). But plan on getting a doctorate degree.

Cosmology/Physics:

5. Many people have argued that the “big bang” implies a finite universe. Some people (myself included) believe that a finite universe tends to have more theistic leanings. How would you respond to this? - I believe that there are many universes that hold life, out of hundreds of billions and increasing universes that we can't be the "only" universe with life. With technology expanding in the field of science there is much more to be found, with technology and science expanding it could possibly controvert the "Big Bang" theory; but if this theory gets controverted there will probably be another theory in place of it. Personally I don't think we will find the answer in my lifetime. But I can't really agree on a limited universe or a infinite universe but seeing as the big bang suppose-ably made the universe than you could apply that to all the universes now and seeing the possibility of it happening again. Basically I'm sorta confused about infinite and finite. But right now I'm leaning towards the Infinite side.

6. If you have not already answered above- do you believe in a finite or eternal universe? - Yes, I think I verified that I do believe in an ever expanding universe but saying I'm atheist should clarify that I don't believe in an eternal universe, but I'll just give my opinion on it.
e·ter·nal/iˈtərnl/Adjective - Lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning.
Personally I think the definition contradicts religion and the creation of the universe by a supreme being. So how would god exist without a beginning? Suppose-ably the universe was created by god so it would be the beginning, and suppose-ably the world is supposed to end, or the universe? But when you apply physics/science to the definition of a eternal, an ever expanding universe would be infinite (still not sure if the universe is finite or infinite) and seeing as The law of conservation of mass states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed we could possibly be living in a "eternal" universe. But since I'm definitely not so sure of my science, and if you are talking about eternal universe as when we die like going to heaven and seeing god, then no. But one thing I don't understand is why people go to religion as in 1 god, why is there a designated place you go when you die like "heaven". I think it would be a bit more comforting to die and not be judged for what you've done your whole life and go to where you wanted to go the most. For example: If you always wanted to go to heaven (Christianity heaven) when you die you would go there when you die. Not if someone else wanted to go somewhere different like to the playboy mansion when they die they would go there. Most religions already has a predetermined place to go when you die and tasks you have to do to get there, Since I'm in America wouldn't it be more easy to make up a place that you wanted to go to when you die and do nothing to achieve going there before you die? Basically why do most religious people live in someone elses fantasy, get creative a just make up your own and keep it to yourself. But to have eternal you don't need a "god" controlling it. But at this point I don't believe in a eternal universe such as "Heaven" but it's more fun making up your own fantasy when you die other than living another persons fantasy. But the likely hood of it actually happening is slim to none unless, when you die your brain gets stuck in some loop like a bricked ipod.

7. How would you respond to the fine tuning argument? - Lol you like to hear others opinions about yourself don't cha? Well I love debating religion and I haven't seen a religious person come up with these kind of questions, most questions for atheist are mostly redundant like "what happens when we die", and "who made the world!" and usually end up in this . But thank you for taking the time to get to know me! hopefully you don't judge atheist like most people do.

Biology:
8. Do you believe in IDT (Intelligent Design Theory), TOE (Theory of Evolution), or other? (Seems like a weird question but there are some atheists that believe that we were designed by aliens) -
Haven't really studied it, but created by aliens? I don't think we were made by someone else from another universe. But I really never took the time to study the theory of evolution.

9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this? - Biological evolution is genetic change in a population from one generation to another. The speed and direction of change is variable with different species lines and at different times. Continuous evolution over many generations can result in the development of new varieties and species.

10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief? - My response relates to a atheistic point of view, because not all atheist have to believe in the theory of evolution to come to terms that they don't think god is real. The reason it is a atheist view is because religious people believe that god created us, and my point goes against religion, and if that view pertaining that god didn't make us and that biological evolution is genetic change in population form one generation to another it also helps give credibility to atheistic point of view.

Other:

11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain -
mor·al/ˈmôrəl/
Adjective: Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.
Yes, some morals are relative. Some religions teaches morals that are bad, or we just interpret them the wrong way. It shouldn't be hard to understand what kind of behavior is acceptable and not acceptable. Some morals are relative and some are learned. And this also has to do with my anger towards westboro baptist church for their protesting at military funerals of deceased "gay" soldiers because they are different. They talk about morals when they have none. What goodness of human character is to ridicule and treat others in a inhumane way just because they are "different". This just proves some morals are common sense, and some are learned.

12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others? - If they can't understand common sense or logic than it's impossible to get them to understand.

Thank you for respecting atheists and people with other views than yours.

[BlackBow]

1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends?
---My friends and family don't have a religion. But believe in the supernatural big time. They primarily follow the beliefs of Sylvia Browne
which (according to Ms.Browne most atheist are dark entities -_-)
2. What is your general location? (If U.S. please use northwest, northeast, etc.)
Northeastern America. Pennsylvania to be specific. 30 minutes away from Pittsburgh to be more specific.
3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past?
I use to be a theist until I as around 13. Then I turned into an agnostic who doubted a god although I was highly
obsessed with New age beliefs.
4. What is your highest level of education?
10th grade education. I'm only 16.
Cosmology/Physics:
5. Many people have argued that the “big bang” implies a finite universe. Some people (myself included) believe that a finite universe tends to have more theistic leanings. How would you respond to this?
I highly believe we are just one finite universe in a bunch of universes. I don't see how the belief in a finite universe
has more theistic beliefs though.
6. If you have not already answered above- do you believe in a finite or eternal universe?
~Answered above~
7. How would you respond to the fine tuning argument?
It's just a desperate attempt to make the impossible seem likely. Anyone can throw some scientific words into
an illogical idea and make it sounds reasonable.
Biology:
8. Do you believe in IDT (Intelligent Design Theory), TOE (Theory of Evolution), or other? (Seems like a weird question but there are some atheists that believe that we were designed by aliens)
I believe in TOE, I always have even when I believed in god. I see no reason to otherwise.
9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this?
Fossil records, scientific evidence.
10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief?
For me personally it doesn't relate to my atheist beliefs. As I said before I believed and accepted
evolution as fact when I was a strong theist.

Other:
11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain
Morals are basically tattooed into us for survival reasons.
12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others?
I don't think I can explain it. I just know whats right and wrong from common sense and
my own personal morals based on logic.Ex. If I saw a cow being killed I would cry since I
know it's sad. I don't have a God or magical deity telling me it is. I just know.

[AtheistFromMorocco]

Environment:
1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends? my famliy are Muslims except my brother, he is an atheist.
2. What is your general location? (If U.S. please use northwest, northeast, etc.) I'm from Morocco.
3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past? Yes, I have. I was a muslim before i became an atheist at age about 14.
4. What is your highest level of education? Who knows? hhhhhhhhhh

[The Grand Nudger]

1: There is no "predominate belief" of my family and friends. My wife is a born again christian, beyond that the rest of us have no beliefs.

2: Midwest

3: Again, it would be difficult for me to change beliefs when I don't (nor have I ever) held any. I'm assuming you mean religious beliefs here btw. I do recall vividly believing in monsters as a child.

4: I opted out of highschool when I was 16 and went the route of the standardized test, then joined the service and dabbled very briefly in community colleges.

5: I do not have any beliefs regarding the big bang, I'm currently reading The Grand Design, and I've been devouring books on physics and cosmology for as long as I can remember, there are several theories floating around at the moment, I don't have any belief in any of them, nor do I feel qualified to select which theory is "correct"

6: Are you going to keep asking the same question over and over, have we sufficiently twisted the meaning of belief around yet?

7: I would respond that there is no such thing as a "fine-tuning argument" only a "fine-tuning statement".

8: More of this..you know what, I'm not even going to be mean about this one, only mention that you should probably write "Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection" It's the natural selection bit that's a theory, evolution is simply an observed fact. That's what a theory is btw, a model proposed to explain an observed fact.

9: Are you asking why the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection is a strong one, don't be lazy, educate yourself. (let me just stop you before you say you have, okay?)

10: Whether or not Natural Selection is the means by which we can fully explain the observed effect of evolution in no way affects my view on mythical beings.

11: I don't believe that morals are relative, its an observable fact. Take cannibals for instance, balls in your court.

12: :FACEPALM: