The Case for Theism

[Drew_2013]

Stooshie,

There is a reason most sane lucid adults who don't believe in Fairies, Santa Claus, Invisible pink elephants do believe in a Creator of the universe and humans. It's not just because folks are brought up to believe in the existence of God, there are plenty of beliefs folks are taught as children that they later reject. It's because in part it's the best explanation for why we find ourselves alive and in a universe that allows our existence.

That's the wrong way round. If the universe wasn't fit for life, life wouldn't exist. Indeed there may be many other universes where life can't exist.

Lets attempt to limit this discussion to known facts. If the day comes the existence of other universes is a fact then we can consider it. Since life does exist as does the universe thats what the debate is about.

The multiple universe hypothesis is on the same level as the god hypothesis as no-one can see "before" the singularity, if that word even makes sense in that context.

It doesn't but we have to use words that make sense to us.

Whateverist,

When I answer "no" I very reasonably mean "no, I have no reason to believe that", not "I believe the opposite to be true". My answer would be exactly the same if you substituted the pink elephant, unicorn and other nonsense you mentioned earlier and I would mean exactly the same thing "no, I have no reason to believe that". There is no way and no reason for me to manufacture believe (including disbelief) in things I have no experience of. There is no inconsistency in the agnostic atheist's position. The agnosticism is primary. The atheism is only elaboration.

Do you just 'lack belief' in the existence of Santa Claus or toothfaires? Or are you fairly certain they don't exist since you put them in the same category as God?

I have no problem with others having faith in gods for reasons they can't justify to me. I understand that. It is only when someone tries to insist that others believe without justification that which they accept for personal reasons that I object.

I don't have faith in God, I believe God exists due to evidence in favor of that belief as well as lack of evidence of some other mechanism that can account for our existence.

So are you an agnostic theist as was suggested or do you think that is just as untenable as you seem to think true of agnostic atheism?

My understanding is an agnostic claims there isn't enough evidence pro or con to beileve God exists. I actually loathe that position. Its like people who check undecided on a survey. Why bother? Its my opinion we owe our existence to a Creator but I could be wrong.

Another question I have is whether your argument is intended to show that belief in any system of religion whatsoever is justified or only belief in one of them?

Thats up to the individual. However, if we do owe our existence to God, then any belief that believe in God is at least partially right.

Baalzebutt

I was just wondering because I have a feeling you are about to get your ass handed to you.

I doubt that.