The Long of it: Theists and Atheists the world over engage each other in discussions and debates about the existence and/or non-existence of ‘god’ on a regular basis. In fact, those very discussions and debates have been known to arise here, in these very forums, on occasion.
During these discussions and debates, each side will present their own philosophical reasons that god does or does not exist, neither side convincing the other to change their conclusion. Shortly after the discussion begins, it usually morphs into a multi-page argument over some pedantic philosophical point that lies parallel (or perhaps at a tangent) to the original point of the discussion.
Both sides fail to prove their contention to the satisfaction of the other. The discussion was enjoyable, we hope, to both sides… and inevitably proves to be pointless overall.
Taken a bit further, the discussion will usually come to the point of “It’s all a matter of Faith”, which derails the topic with several pages worth of semantic sparring over the meaning of the word ‘Faith’.
Sometimes the angle is science, rather than philosophy. The result is the same, except that the semantic sparring is over the word ‘Evidence’: Neither side convinces the other. The result, to an observer, appears to be a strengthening of the convictions of both sides of the discussion. What an amusingly illogical thing to happen. Perhaps neither side is really listening to the other and is, instead, gathering talking points to strengthen their own stance… having had no intention to consider the other side’s views.
Doesn’t matter. The point is that whether or not the contention that ‘god’ exists has been proven or disproven is never (has never been) and is unlikely to ever be… settled. So. What’s the point? (rhetorical)
The Short of it: Whether or not ‘god’ actually exists is not the real issue. It may appear to be the core issue, but it is actually secondary. The real issue is that, using our minds, imaginations, and perceptions, we arrive at entirely different conclusions. Some of us believe and some of us do not.
Why? Why do theists believe? Why don’t atheists? What makes us so different?
Drop the inter-cranial philosophical stuff and explain yourself. What are the reasons that you believe? What are the reasons you do not? Those ‘reasons’ are certainly debatable, but let’s try to be forthright and forego the pedantic/semantic sparring and the philosophical meanderings that do not do anything to answer the original question. Just to see if it can be done.
During these discussions and debates, each side will present their own philosophical reasons that god does or does not exist, neither side convincing the other to change their conclusion. Shortly after the discussion begins, it usually morphs into a multi-page argument over some pedantic philosophical point that lies parallel (or perhaps at a tangent) to the original point of the discussion.
Both sides fail to prove their contention to the satisfaction of the other. The discussion was enjoyable, we hope, to both sides… and inevitably proves to be pointless overall.
Taken a bit further, the discussion will usually come to the point of “It’s all a matter of Faith”, which derails the topic with several pages worth of semantic sparring over the meaning of the word ‘Faith’.
Sometimes the angle is science, rather than philosophy. The result is the same, except that the semantic sparring is over the word ‘Evidence’: Neither side convinces the other. The result, to an observer, appears to be a strengthening of the convictions of both sides of the discussion. What an amusingly illogical thing to happen. Perhaps neither side is really listening to the other and is, instead, gathering talking points to strengthen their own stance… having had no intention to consider the other side’s views.
Doesn’t matter. The point is that whether or not the contention that ‘god’ exists has been proven or disproven is never (has never been) and is unlikely to ever be… settled. So. What’s the point? (rhetorical)
The Short of it: Whether or not ‘god’ actually exists is not the real issue. It may appear to be the core issue, but it is actually secondary. The real issue is that, using our minds, imaginations, and perceptions, we arrive at entirely different conclusions. Some of us believe and some of us do not.
Why? Why do theists believe? Why don’t atheists? What makes us so different?
Drop the inter-cranial philosophical stuff and explain yourself. What are the reasons that you believe? What are the reasons you do not? Those ‘reasons’ are certainly debatable, but let’s try to be forthright and forego the pedantic/semantic sparring and the philosophical meanderings that do not do anything to answer the original question. Just to see if it can be done.
