On another thread, I posed this question to those who call themselves atheists: “Do you hope you are right?*” There were a couple of interesting responses, which I want to share and properly attribute as follows:
I think it is fair to summarize the responses as 1) I know I’m right, 2) I don’t care, 3) no reason to think I’m wrong, 4 ) not if it’s your god, and 5) which god am I supposedly wrong about anyway?
“I know I’m right.” – Maybe the rest of you could explain to those who say they know they are right that you cannot prove a negative, atheism is just the lack of belief, etc. etc.
”I don’t care.” – For the truly agnostic atheist I suppose this is a legitimate response, but it sounds disingenuous coming from people who discuss and dismiss religious claims. At the very least, former believers reject the doctrines of their previous faith. That rejection shows that they care just a little.
”I have no reason to think I’m wrong?” – Sure. This person says he is willing to believe in god if presented with sufficient evidence or satisfactory proofs. But this reply doesn’t really answer the question. If you are open to the possibility that you are wrong, then do you hope that you are?
”I hope so if it’s your god.” & ”Which god am I supposed to be wrong about?” - These kinds of replies skirt the challenge. The question intentionally does not specify any particular god concept. The former reply is really just a dig at whatever god the posting member wants to mock. The later is a dodge. Pick what you consider to be the least objectionable god.
*I cannot take credit for the question. I heard it while listening to Dennis Prager on the radio and I found it thought provoking and worthy of presenting on AF.
(October 13, 2015 at 10:36 pm)Kitan Wrote: I know that I am right.
(October 13, 2015 at 10:43 pm)Beccs Wrote: Pascal, is that you?
(October 13, 2015 at 10:46 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: Right about what? That theists have not been able to meet their burden of proof? On that point, I am right.
(October 13, 2015 at 10:53 pm)Cthulhu Dreaming Wrote: The question doesn't exactly keep me awake at night.
(October 14, 2015 at 2:42 am)Losty Wrote: I personally don't care if I'm right.
(October 14, 2015 at 11:13 am)houseofcantor Wrote: The advantage of evidence based reasoning, no hope necessary.
I think it is fair to summarize the responses as 1) I know I’m right, 2) I don’t care, 3) no reason to think I’m wrong, 4 ) not if it’s your god, and 5) which god am I supposedly wrong about anyway?
“I know I’m right.” – Maybe the rest of you could explain to those who say they know they are right that you cannot prove a negative, atheism is just the lack of belief, etc. etc.
”I don’t care.” – For the truly agnostic atheist I suppose this is a legitimate response, but it sounds disingenuous coming from people who discuss and dismiss religious claims. At the very least, former believers reject the doctrines of their previous faith. That rejection shows that they care just a little.
”I have no reason to think I’m wrong?” – Sure. This person says he is willing to believe in god if presented with sufficient evidence or satisfactory proofs. But this reply doesn’t really answer the question. If you are open to the possibility that you are wrong, then do you hope that you are?
”I hope so if it’s your god.” & ”Which god am I supposed to be wrong about?” - These kinds of replies skirt the challenge. The question intentionally does not specify any particular god concept. The former reply is really just a dig at whatever god the posting member wants to mock. The later is a dodge. Pick what you consider to be the least objectionable god.
*I cannot take credit for the question. I heard it while listening to Dennis Prager on the radio and I found it thought provoking and worthy of presenting on AF.
