Q's from a theist
June 13, 2011 at 3:01 pm
(This post was last modified: June 13, 2011 at 7:48 pm by duck101.)
Hi, I am an agnostic theist that is looking to get a better understanding of atheists. Where I live there are very few atheists, but I assume there to be some closeted atheists. Anyways the few atheists I have had conversations with would be the kind of people that you guys would probably say give atheism a bad name. Their favorite way to start a conversation about beliefs usually begins with “you really believe in a mystical being in the sky”. They have no problem in proudly proclaiming that the TOE proves atheism to be the truth. I know all atheists are not like this and that is why I’m here. I’m looking for some educated atheists/agnostics to answer a few of my questions so I can get a better idea of your side. If you could answer some of these questions for me I would greatly appreciate it. I have always wondered why some people end up as theists and some as atheists.
Environment:
1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends?
Ex- my family consists of mainly atheists while my friends tend to be mainly theists.
2. What is your general location? (If U.S. please use northwest, northeast, etc.)
3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past?
Ex- I used to be a theist then I became an atheist at age 15.
4. What is your highest level of education?
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?
Ex- I believe that we are one of many universes.
Ex- I do not believe in the “big bang”.
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?
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)
Ex- I believe in neo- Darwinism.
9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this?
Ex- Fossil record, embryology, etc.
10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief?
Ex- 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.
Ex- My belief in [response above] is not related to my atheist/ agnostic beliefs.
Other:
11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain
12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others?
Ex- I have had numerous events occur in my life that are partly responsible for my belief.
Ex- I don’t know how to explain it. It seems almost as if it’s instinct… it just seems right to me.
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.
Environment:
1. What is the predominate belief of your family and friends?
Ex- my family consists of mainly atheists while my friends tend to be mainly theists.
2. What is your general location? (If U.S. please use northwest, northeast, etc.)
3. Have you changed your beliefs in the past?
Ex- I used to be a theist then I became an atheist at age 15.
4. What is your highest level of education?
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?
Ex- I believe that we are one of many universes.
Ex- I do not believe in the “big bang”.
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?
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)
Ex- I believe in neo- Darwinism.
9. Based on the question above, what would you say are the general points that back up your belief in this?
Ex- Fossil record, embryology, etc.
10. How does a belief in [response above] relate to an atheist/agnostic belief?
Ex- 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.
Ex- My belief in [response above] is not related to my atheist/ agnostic beliefs.
Other:
11. Do you believe that morals are relative/preference? Please Explain
12. Is your belief partly due to something that you may not be able to explain to others?
Ex- I have had numerous events occur in my life that are partly responsible for my belief.
Ex- I don’t know how to explain it. It seems almost as if it’s instinct… it just seems right to me.
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.
