(January 3, 2010 at 8:35 am)EvidenceVsFaith Wrote:(January 3, 2010 at 8:25 am)Pippy Wrote: And yes, I think Adrian did tip over a little there. It is like the Hitler argument in the sense that you can't blame a man's beliefs (or especially others who share similar beleifs) for his own shortcomings. If an Atheist is bound to be responsible for his own actions, so is a Theist.
What's funny is not only do I disagree with that but I personally believe the complete opposite. I do not believe in Free Will and I also ultimately do not (or at least always try not to) blame anybody for their character but only for their behaviour and actions (if that makes sense?). Beliefs are what drive people's behaviour, so I believe that beliefs are the only thing that you can (justly) blame. Just as this belief that I have that I am mentioning here (the belief I have that beliefs are the only thing that you can (justly) blame), if it were to cause me to live my life in ways that harmed others then it, this belief, is what is to blame... it is simply that it is dealt with by dealing with me who is the holder of the said belief.
EvF
In bold, make perfect sense, because this guy was compelled to do this act. I agree with you. Beliefs are what drive people's behaviour. To whichever belief that person holds, farfetched as some beliefs are, if this perpetrator believes what he believes, and thinking this all right in his eyes. He is very delusional.
In italics, actions speak louder than words!! But then the pen is mightier than the sword!!
Freedom is the ability to march to the beat of a different drummer without fear of retribution. Secularone
Ignorance is bliss but understanding is wonderful. Atheist forums.org
Ignorance is bliss but understanding is wonderful. Atheist forums.org