Why do Atheists spend so much time debatng the existence of God?

[Tortino]

Some atheists believe in reincarnation or ghosts, for instance. Although they'd get a drubbing around here.

A form of atheism that believes in an afterlife?

You're thinking of existentialism, I think. A lot of atheists are existentialists, but atheism isn't a synonym for existentialism. An atheist can have any philosophy consistent with not believing in any gods...and I'm not sure about that, because consistency isn't required to be an atheist (or theist), either. Note Christian admirers of Ayn Rand's phiolosophy.

I agree with that.

There's nothing about ethical subjectivism that precludes one from concluding that some way people spend their time is wrong (as you are doing here). It is a form of moral relativism, and one thing can be good or bad in relation to another. Unlike moral skepticism, in ethical subjectivism a moral statement can be true or false, in relation to the subject. To a cat, catching and eating mice is fine; while to a mouse it's horrible. Both statements are true (hypothetically speaking) from the point of view of the cat and mouse.

This is just not about morality, but rather meaning / purpose.

It depends on the person, I suppose. In my case, because I think it matters if what you believe is true. And, I enjoy the mental exercise. However, note that you won't find me on theist forums challenging the theists, or going door-to-door to tell people the neutral news.

Fair enough.

You do this so much you've developed a list of common objections?

It my job.

I dunno. I think they should get the same tax breaks as any other 501©3 organization as long as they follow the same rules. Are you saying this is something it's irrational to spend discussion time on?

Nope.

They do. They don't have a right to a government-provided podium, microphone, and venue though...and they have a record of frequently trying to get those things.

Why not?

Everyone has a right to voice their opinion. That includes the right to criticize what other people say. It's people who wish to suppress critcism who are actually against free speech, because they've mistaken a right to speak without anyone using force to stop them with a right to say whatever they want without anyone else publically disagreeing with them.

Agreed.

Theism doesn't keep you from becoming a fine scientist. Christianists altering public school science textbooks to suit their religious preferences could well have that effect.

Intelligent design looks at the same evidence as everyone else, but comes up with alternative conclusions which are very rational.

Welcome, btw.

Thanks.

Intelligent Design isn't a theory, it's a hypothesis. One that has failed every test proposed to support it. Without empirical support, it doesn't amount to more than an argument from incredulity (I personally don't see how that could have happened unless it was designed by someone, therefore it was designed by someone).

How has it failed? How can you test for God?

One of the more amusing results of the Dover trial was the revelation that the intelligent design textbook being used was just a creationist textbook with references to creation changed to 'intelligent design'. Believe me, the Discovery Institute started with a religious text. The intent of intelligent design as it is promoted by the DI is to soften students up for creationism. See the 'wedge document'.

Again, ID looks at the same evidence that is presented to non believers, but looks at conclusions that allows the possibility of a designer.

Why would you conclude from a comment about being more polite to religious visitors than to sales people that he considers solicitation a big problem in his life?

Just a question to gauge how much of an issue someone knocking on another persons door once every 5 years really is a problem?

It's only evidence of your contention if internet forums that cater to a demographic are representative of the entire demographic. If you really want to know if this sort of thing is typical of atheists, start by determining the number of different atheists on forums discussing the existence of God. You should probably stick to one country, the USA for instance, because working the numbers wil be easier that way. Then divide by the total atheist population of the country (in the USA that's about 8 million self-identified atheists).

Fair enough.

It's a scientific one. People who promote intelligent design only have to propose one biological feature that can't be accounted for by the modern synthesis of biological evolution to get traction. Until they can do that, they're spinning their wheels. And the reason they hold on to intelligenct design despite being unable to find a single biological feature that can be explained only by their hypothesis, is because they have an agenda that isn't following the evidence wherever it leads.

A parameter to determine if something is designed is if has any purpose and its complexity.

On Ivy post, I am trying to start a secular group here. Since Secular students alliance is the only on in the Louisiana northern region. Bible belt sucks at times.

When I started my group, Meetup was free. It isn't anymore, but it's still a good tool for forming a group if you can afford it. I think it's like $30-40 a month now for three sites. I only have to pay $9 a month because I get a grandfathered price.

OTH, starting a FB page is free.