Whats the point?

[Napoléon]

Taking the stance that no possible spiritual view of reality is possible

Umm it's certainly possible to take that view. Does that mean it has any basis in scientific fact? No.

[Voltair]

Well, I can't disprove the idea that a spiritual realm exists anymore than I believe it can be proved it does. There is no real standard to measure/test for it. So is there a metaphysical component to our universe? Perhaps but there is no way for me to find out if it is there.... hence why Carl Sagan's invisible dragon analogy works for me.

It is also why I define myself as Agnostic Atheist instead of straight atheist.... to avoid being pushed into a "So you don't REALLY know he doesn't exist" corner. It is really an irrelevant point if there is a undetectable/unverifiable spiritual realm. Deists/Agnostics/etc are fine because their belief in a higher power doesn't harm them or others.

A lot of other religions though.... yeah those can go.

[Nine]

This is all very interesting Abracadabra had some good points. I can definitely go too far and have a rant at all beliefs when its only the harmful aspects of each individual belief system I have a problem with. I like seeing another point of view makes me think. <3

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It is also why I define myself as Agnostic Atheist instead of straight atheist.... to avoid being pushed into a "So you don't REALLY know he doesn't exist" corner. It is really an irrelevant point if there is a undetectable/unverifiable spiritual realm. Deists/Agnostics/etc are fine because their belief in a higher power doesn't harm them or others.

A lot of other religions though.... yeah those can go.

I called myself an Agnostic atheist for a similar reason. But I figure if somebody is that daft they are going to take my 0.00000000000001% uncertainty (where i also put the idea that the universe is in a marble in a massive kids pocket) They aren't worth entertaining.

[Abracadabra]

Taking the stance that no possible spiritual view of reality is possible

Umm it's certainly possible to take that view. Does that mean it has any basis in scientific fact? No.

Is there any basis in scientific fact for the outrageous claims that there can be no spiritual essence to reality? No.

So what does science even have to do with the question?

Nothing.

Science and religion only bang heads in specific areas, such as "creationism" versus "evolution". Now there's a debate where science can step in and clearly show that evolution wins hands down.

So with respect to specific mythological rumors science can be used to reveal the falsity of those claims.

But it doesn't automatically follow that science can then rule out all possible spiritual concepts.

Yet, many atheists are erroneously holding up science as an argument that no possible spiritual view of reality is possible and therefore everyone who even remotely considers such a things must necessarily be a complete idiot because science has ruled out all such 'nonsense'.

That itself a street myth that has absolutely no grounds in scientific knowledge whatsoever. It's just a growing myth that is being erroneously supported when in fact, it has no scientific support at all.

On the contrary, the scientific community is currently hypothesizing and speculating themselves about many quite strange and seemingly esoteric possible aspect of nature. Aspects of nature that, if true, would provide more than enough secular room for many spiritual philosophies and ideas.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I figured everyone should care about the effect of religion..

There is no universal 'should'. From my experience,most people are not all that interested,nor is there any reason they should be.The people on this forum are atypical. A common Aussie attitude is "I'm here for a good time,not a long time"

Anyway what would you have replied if you were me?

It's my time. There is no obligation for you to waste your time. (one cannot argue with somebody as shallow and thick;it's like trying to communicate with the dead)

[AthiestAtheist]

The point of talking about atheism is to convince people to not be religious. The world would be better off without it. I don't want to live in a world where our freedoms are imposed upon by religion.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

The point of talking about atheism is to convince people to not be religious .

It's most definitely not my point. I really,truly do not care about the personal superstitions of others. I also consider actively trying to change the world view of another person(proselytisng) the height of arrogance.

I DO exchange unpleasantries with some of the literalists we get here because they annoy me and I'm intolerant of fuckwits. I have neither the desire nor the expectation to change what passes for their minds.

In reality,I do not discuss religion with people unless I know them very well. Anyone who gets in my face regrets having done so.

[Nine]

The point of talking about atheism is to convince people to not be religious. The world would be better off without it. I don't want to live in a world where our freedoms are imposed upon by religion.

Agreed. I think Religion is a very dangerous third wheel by this point. It puts our entire species at risk. Nobody can tell me that religious extremists of one religion of another would hesitate at all in attempting to wipe the others out given the opportunity.

[Napoléon]

Yet, many atheists are erroneously holding up science as an argument that no possible spiritual view of reality is possible and therefore everyone who even remotely considers such a things must necessarily be a complete idiot because science has ruled out all such 'nonsense'.

Considering it is fine. Believing it is another matter all together. This is where you seem to get confused.

The thing is, is you are free to 'consider' these things, but personally I think it's a waste of time BECAUSE there is no basis for it in scientific evidence. That's why science comes into it.

If you believe in unfounded ideas such as what you describe then yes, I do believe you to be an idiot. Because it's as baseless as believing in pixies or trolls that live under bridges.

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On the contrary, the scientific community is currently hypothesizing and speculating themselves about many quite strange and seemingly esoteric possible aspect of nature. Aspects of nature that, if true, would provide more than enough secular room for many spiritual philosophies and ideas.

They are speculating yes. But mostly they conform to Occam's razor. Can the same be said about your beliefs?

[Doubting Thomas]

I would at least like to explain to people what atheism really is, why I (and presumably others for the same reasons) don't believe in their god, and to let them know that we really are good people who aren't a bunch of immoral evil Satanist baby murderers.