1. Do you think it is possible to know why the universe exists?
I just think it's the curiosity of humans that make us want/need the universe to have a reason to exist. I just think it's a fantastic sum of chances that made the universe what it is, and that there's no greater plan behind it all.
2. How do you think morality can exist without objective authority or verification?
Easily. People like order in their lives. An effective group of individuals must know what to do and not to do in order to survive. If we all went anarchistic on each others asses, we would not survive for long. And no verification? Rape a girl with a family who loves her dearly, and you can be sure that they'll (given the chance) cut your balls off or beat you to death. No action comes without a reaction. You just need to find out who's authority is the most valid one.
3. If there is no afterlife, what motivation would/should anyone have for living any particular way, such as trying to live ethically, civilly, healthily, or any specific way?
Because if you're a lazy cunt, people don't like you, but work for your society and you get perks. It's as easy as that. And life is short, but I at least want to live it for as long as I can (not eternally, mind) and as painless as possible, so that is great motivation for me to e.g. exercise.
4. If there is no afterlife and no essential or ultimate meaning to existence, why should an atheist care if someone believes in a religion and, indeed, if believing in a religion would make their life easier, would that bother you as an atheist?
Because I can never agree with people who want to stay ignorant.
If you choose religion because it makes your life easier somehow, then you are lazy and stupid. Atheists care because we know the lies religion brings and what horrors it brought into this world, just because of a fairytale.
5. Can you be absolutely certain, without a doubt, that God or something supernatural does not exist?
Never. I always reserve the right for someone to prove me wrong.
I just think it's the curiosity of humans that make us want/need the universe to have a reason to exist. I just think it's a fantastic sum of chances that made the universe what it is, and that there's no greater plan behind it all.
2. How do you think morality can exist without objective authority or verification?
Easily. People like order in their lives. An effective group of individuals must know what to do and not to do in order to survive. If we all went anarchistic on each others asses, we would not survive for long. And no verification? Rape a girl with a family who loves her dearly, and you can be sure that they'll (given the chance) cut your balls off or beat you to death. No action comes without a reaction. You just need to find out who's authority is the most valid one.
3. If there is no afterlife, what motivation would/should anyone have for living any particular way, such as trying to live ethically, civilly, healthily, or any specific way?
Because if you're a lazy cunt, people don't like you, but work for your society and you get perks. It's as easy as that. And life is short, but I at least want to live it for as long as I can (not eternally, mind) and as painless as possible, so that is great motivation for me to e.g. exercise.
4. If there is no afterlife and no essential or ultimate meaning to existence, why should an atheist care if someone believes in a religion and, indeed, if believing in a religion would make their life easier, would that bother you as an atheist?
Because I can never agree with people who want to stay ignorant.
If you choose religion because it makes your life easier somehow, then you are lazy and stupid. Atheists care because we know the lies religion brings and what horrors it brought into this world, just because of a fairytale.
5. Can you be absolutely certain, without a doubt, that God or something supernatural does not exist?
Never. I always reserve the right for someone to prove me wrong.
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
