Hi Simon, I do thank you and others for clarifying the definition of atheism. Lack of belief, owing to insufficient evidence, as opposed to militant assertion of impossibility. That was helpful to me.
With regard to how an atheist might theoretically "convert" to theism, I offered my own experience as a suggestion on how this might be done (this is a thought experiment only; I'm not expecting you to consider it worth the effort).
(1) Understand the potential advantages, health-wise.
(2) Be open to the physical universe possibility.
(3) Do the "clinical trial." Pick out a couple or three religions with convenient branch offices. Go to the services, as participatory theater. Suspend disbelief. Participate. See what happens. It's not really all that different from setting up an array of radio telescopes to intercept radio waves emanating from outer space, from postulated inhabited planets. There's no evidence at all that such extra-terrestrial life exists, but it's possible, and legitimate scientists have found it worth exploring.
My hypothesis (again, Google "Boltzmann Brain") is that massive amounts of energy may be organized into sentience. This energy could be dark energy, as well as ordinary energy. It could be energy in our universe; or it could be energy in another universe, out in the multiverse. My hypothesis is that this ("Boltzmann) sentient energy has the potential capability of communicating with our own sentient energy, based on bioelectricity -- our sentient energy being wired; God's sentient energy being wireless.
I tried this and it worked for me. I believe that I talk to God and I believe that God talks to me. Billions of human beings, since the dawn of homo sapiens, have believed the same thing.
As to why cosmologists haven't thought of this, en mass, I honestly think that it's because it's a new concept. They are aware of the physics; they just haven't been motivated to consider the theological implications. I don't think, though, that I'm either the first or last person to think in this way. I'd like for others to test the hypothesis and report their own experiences. If not here, then where ever. But I think that the concept is neither irrational nor fanciful and that curious atheists, lacking in certitude, might be motivated to try this, if only for the sake of intellectual curiosity.
- Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach CA
With regard to how an atheist might theoretically "convert" to theism, I offered my own experience as a suggestion on how this might be done (this is a thought experiment only; I'm not expecting you to consider it worth the effort).
(1) Understand the potential advantages, health-wise.
(2) Be open to the physical universe possibility.
(3) Do the "clinical trial." Pick out a couple or three religions with convenient branch offices. Go to the services, as participatory theater. Suspend disbelief. Participate. See what happens. It's not really all that different from setting up an array of radio telescopes to intercept radio waves emanating from outer space, from postulated inhabited planets. There's no evidence at all that such extra-terrestrial life exists, but it's possible, and legitimate scientists have found it worth exploring.
My hypothesis (again, Google "Boltzmann Brain") is that massive amounts of energy may be organized into sentience. This energy could be dark energy, as well as ordinary energy. It could be energy in our universe; or it could be energy in another universe, out in the multiverse. My hypothesis is that this ("Boltzmann) sentient energy has the potential capability of communicating with our own sentient energy, based on bioelectricity -- our sentient energy being wired; God's sentient energy being wireless.
I tried this and it worked for me. I believe that I talk to God and I believe that God talks to me. Billions of human beings, since the dawn of homo sapiens, have believed the same thing.
As to why cosmologists haven't thought of this, en mass, I honestly think that it's because it's a new concept. They are aware of the physics; they just haven't been motivated to consider the theological implications. I don't think, though, that I'm either the first or last person to think in this way. I'd like for others to test the hypothesis and report their own experiences. If not here, then where ever. But I think that the concept is neither irrational nor fanciful and that curious atheists, lacking in certitude, might be motivated to try this, if only for the sake of intellectual curiosity.
- Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach CA
(January 31, 2014 at 7:31 pm)Simon Moon Wrote:(January 31, 2014 at 6:49 pm)lweisenthal Wrote: I wouldn't assert that theism is the single most effective means of longevity extension or the only path which leads to happiness. I am merely suggesting that it's not illogical to pursue the possibility of "conversion" to theism for benefits
You are assuming, that one could, by force of will (or some other mechanism) start believing in a god. Belief doesn't work that way.
My mind works in such a way that I am unable to believe things for which there is insufficient demonstrable supporting evidence, reasoned argument and valid/sound logic.
I would be completely unable to 'convert to theism' unless the case for the existence of a god met its burden of proof via the above criteria.
Quote:I further suggest that it's useful to consider the plausibility of a higher order of sentient consciousness, based on up to date theories in the field of cosmology.
Interesting that the majority of physicists and cosmologists are atheist. Why aren't they seeing the same thing in those up to date theories as you are?
Most atheists are open to the possibility that a god exists. Plausible no, possible yes.
Quote:Beyond the above (potential for improved state of well being and physical universe plausibility), it's then simply a matter of belief: does one have it or does one not have it?
I do not have to compromise my intellectual honesty by believing something that is unsupported by evidence, in order to improve my well being. It has now been pointed out by several people here of non theistic methods to achieve improved well being, no supernatural beliefs necessary.
Belief is the psychological state in which one accepts a premise or proposition to be true. How does one go about believing something that they don't accept to be true?
Quote:With respect to proving what is "real" (or not) -- well, that has never been within the realm of possibility (proof, that is, either way) and that's where it's likely to remain, no matter how much the likes of you and I may argue about it.
How do you know it will never be within the realm of possibility?
But here's the thing. The atheist position does not require proof that a god does not exist. It is only the position that the case for the existence of a god has not met its burden of proof.
Atheism is not the assertion that a god does not exist. It is the disbelief that a god does exist.
