(October 2, 2013 at 9:44 am)Brian37 Wrote:(October 2, 2013 at 8:29 am)Tortino Wrote: This to me, borders on the height of irrationality. Let me give my views, look at some common responses, and answer to those.
By definition, under Atheism, this is the ONLY life we have, therefore, every second is precious. Why would you waste precious time debating about a being you don't believe exists? Isnt it a real waste of your life?
I have been told that under Atheism, the meaning of life is subjective. That is, you give your own meaning to your own life. If playing the piano gives meaning to the pianist, then so be it. If playing baseball gives someone meaning, then good luck to them. If helping friends and family gives you meaning in life, then good luck to them. We cannot tell them it is wrong. It is subjective and gives them meaning. If Christianity gives people meaning in their lives, then who is anyone to tell them no? Why spend time arguing something that gives people meaning in their life?
Now, here are some of the common objections I get.
"Religious get tax breaks, they shouldn't." , Well, a major function of the Christian Church is charitable works. Like every other charity, why shouldn't the Christian church also get tax breaks as a major function of their work is charity.
"Because they impact on policy". Well, I agree church and state should be separated, however, why just like every other person, don't Christians also have the right to voice their opinion? Aren't people all for freedom of speech? Doesn't everyone have a right to voice their opinion? However, once this goes to govt, it becomes more of a question of politics rather than philosophy/theology.
"Religion stuns scientific thought / discovery", well some of our greatest scientists have been Theists. Science is the study of the natural world. The gospels do not tell us that we should not observe the world. Under Theology, God gave us rational minds to observe the universe. Science is built on the very foundation of Christianity. Dr Francis Collins was the director of the genome project to find cures for disease.
These are just a few.
Why? Um look at what the Republican party is trying to do to women's rights and voting rights in America. Look at what has been done in the name of the Christian god to blacks and native Americans and women and gays. And what do you think happens to atheists like me?
Why? For the same reason both you and I are affected by the beliefs of Islamic nuts who blow themselves up and slam planes into buildings.
I really would like to not give a shit, but when the "parties of God", as Christopher Hitchens put it, use the only planet I live on for their childish game of capture the flag, with deadly results, DAMNED FUCKING RIGHT I care. You think it is "irrational" to care about how others can affect you?
This is merely another stupid argument to avoid any challenge to your belief.
If the fans of all three death cults could find another planet to live on, I wouldn't have to give a shit. But all three mix weapons and religion and put me in the middle of their pissing contest.
Well, I am not a Muslim. I believe Islam is false, But that is another topic.
