As has already been stated - I'm an atheist because I do not see sufficient evidence for any deity. That's all. IF such a creature were to show up and say "hi", I would no longer be an atheist.
The problem that I see is that there are people who are "evangelistic" about their atheism to the point of "I'm right and you're stupid". Some folks out there are very passionate about thinking that they have the answer and everyone else needs to recognize their brilliance and get on board, just like the worst of the religious preachers. Do I think the world would be better off without religion? Oh certainly, parts of my LIFE have been horrifically damaged by Fundamentalist dogma. But that does not mean that I can get away with disrespecting others who do not agree with me.
Am I absolutely certain that there is no god? No. But I'm certain enough. I'm no longer driven by fantasy and fear. I value examination of ideas over dogmatic certainty.
The problem that I see is that there are people who are "evangelistic" about their atheism to the point of "I'm right and you're stupid". Some folks out there are very passionate about thinking that they have the answer and everyone else needs to recognize their brilliance and get on board, just like the worst of the religious preachers. Do I think the world would be better off without religion? Oh certainly, parts of my LIFE have been horrifically damaged by Fundamentalist dogma. But that does not mean that I can get away with disrespecting others who do not agree with me.
Am I absolutely certain that there is no god? No. But I'm certain enough. I'm no longer driven by fantasy and fear. I value examination of ideas over dogmatic certainty.
"The family that prays together...is brainwashing their children."- Albert Einstein
