Christians

[ecolox]

We can't explain the inside of the universe, much less the outside. I think it's reasonable to stop trying to explain things once we have explained the universe.

And the dodge award goes to!

Good dodge. I'm still going to ask the question. If everything has a purpose then whats the purpose of god?

God is what I end up with upon 'reverse engineering' the universe - inductive reasoning, it's the best I can do. If I could see God plainly and apply similar techniques then I'm sure I could answer your question. As things are, it is not reasonable to ask that question. I can see the world and how it works, hence the fact that it is reasonable to ask questions about the universe that have answers that transcend it.

We can explain how to split atoms, how to convert energy on a gigantic scale, to alter DNA in animals and even the formation of not just our planet but the solar system and galaxies. It's never reasonable to stop trying to explain things. It's part of the learning process. First question then answer with either assumptions or scientific observation. (One method is somewhat better than the other) Everything will be questioned, even your god.

All of those explanations have nothing to do with the question of why we are here. And you can ask as many questions as you want. A question is not innately reasonable (e.g. a stupid question) - so, do so at your own risk.

Perhaps everything will be questioned by you, but few things will be answered.

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Give me one example of something that is positive that belief in God can give you, that atheism can't, that isn't merely the placebo effect - and that can actually be backed up by evidence.

Hope and a reason for existing - results in a different lifestyle. Belief in God results from seeing this existence (all the evidence in the world) and answering the question of where it came from...

So how have you explained that you can't get a hope and reason for existing without God? You haven't. You made assertions.

You haven't explained how you can get a hope. Just made empty statements and promoted vainness.

Nor have you given evidence for God. You've just asserted that it's "all around you", no, that's life. So since you've failed to explain my question above, perhaps you could explain why the universe not only needs an explanation, but needs "God" as one, and God on the other hand somehow doesn't need an explanation at all?

The evidence for God is the universe - what other evidence would I have? You say, "no, that's life" - what in the hell is that supposed to mean? If the universe is a mystery to you then it needs an explanation (so if you're honest). It is not so reasonable to question "where God came from" because we can't see God in the traditional sense - and see where the evidence might take us. We have nothing to work with in regards to that question. Building a case for God from the universe is hard enough with the universe to look at - now you expect someone to build a case for where God came from or why God exists without being able to see Him or His circumstances or who knows what. That's crazy in my opinion, and it certainly isn't a fair question to pose in response to the question of where this universe came from... Our circumstances don't allow that question to be reasonable.

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EvF and theVOID, how can anyone deny that this universe needs an explanation? It is a great mystery to everyone here is it not?

A great mystery it is, and explanations all mankind would love, but if you aren't going to find it in current science as we know it, you sure as hell won't find what you're looking for in religion. 'Nuff said.

Science isn't asking that question, so you sure as hell won't find the answer in science. How can you set up an experiment that demonstrates why our universe exists?

Religion is dealing with that question and has been for thousands of years, so why would you look to science that has never dealt with the question...in fact, scientifically you can't conceive of approaching it. I challenge you to solve the great mystery through the scientific process though, because it is a life-changing topic.