Bus ad doesn't make sense.

[Samson]

The_Truth, in a nutshell just about every poster that replied to your topic simply gave you the definition to what "Atheist" or "Agnostic" actually means.

It seems to be a huge misconception amongst Christians on, not only, the definition of what the term Atheist means, but how the word it self is used.

You say you are a Christian, so it would be a pretty safe bet to assume that you do not believe or follow the core belief of what the Islam sects do? Or for that matter many of the tribe beliefs across Africa. "You" are an Atheist to those sects, but of course if you have a head on your shoulders, you would call for evidence of each belief system outside of your own. Especially if you were told it was "Fact".

That is simply what we Atheist ask for. We do not believe in a god figure, because there is no evidence to back him/her/it up, however, if someone can provide it, then we would be forced to re-look at things. Critically research and test the evidence of whatever claims that were made to prove the existence of such a being....

[Demonaura]

On the original post, I didn't see anyone mention this but, the reason the word probably was used in the bus ad was because they were trying not to be pricks. If any atheist ad goes up that seems the slightest bit challenging to christianity then a bunch of people freak out and sue the company and basically piss over everything.

So, they used a more passive word so the standards association would allow it.

Not that is mattered, in reply christians put up their own ad saying something like "God DOES exist, now start believing."

That isn't word for word I can't quite remember the second line.

[Tiberius]

I just saw a website that is discussing a Bus ad that reads, "God is probably not there, so go ahead and enjoy your life". Do you realize the word "probably" can be mistaken and inaccurate? Probably means "more than likely", but I've known tons of people who have said (probably) and they ended up being dead wrong. The word "probably" only comes from a person that is unsure of themself.

If someone says "probably", you are quite correct in saying that they mean "more than likely". However to say that only people who are unsure say this is incorrect. Firstly, it matters not that people who say "probably" can be wrong. "Probably" is a measure of probability, and many things can go against the odds. I could say "it'll probably not rain tomorrow" since it is summer and it rarely rains during August here, but this is England. I'm not going to make an assertion of knowledge when I have no knowledge of future events.

Secondly, "unsure of themself" has nothing to do with it. Since these issues are of knowledge that man cannot possibly possess (of godly beings), I am not going to make a statement of knowledge on gods. I will make a statement of belief, and I will make a statement of probability, but not knowledge.

Probably is only used when a person is uncertain. Atheists claim "they don't believe in God", but they will endorse a bus ad that says "God is probably not there". Atheists go from one extreme to the next.

In one argument, atheists say 'God doesn't exist', but then they turn around and say "God probably doesn't exist".
which one is it?

How you got "god doesn't exist" from "they don't believe in God" is quite beyond me. The first is an obvious statement of knowledge, whilst the second (from which you produce the first) is a statement of belief, saying nothing of knowledge.

[Edwardo Piet]

It is "Likely" that God does not exist? That statement still leaves you too much room for error.

How so?

You better re-analyze your statements about the existence of God.

Why?

If you are really, truly an atheist. My suggestion to you would be to quit discussing God in your forums.

Actually I'm interested in the matter, so no - I'd rather not.

And I'm anti-religious so that's one reason I discuss religion.

You are defeating the purpose of being an atheist.

What purpose?

Why do atheists contradict themself? Atheists have claimed "we walked away from God", but in reality, you haven't because you have created a website to talk about Him.

To talk about religion. And how God doesn't exist, etc. I don't support the former nor believe in the latter.

EvF

[Dotard]

One can only wonder where this fella's christian brethren are.

Arc? Jon?

[Rhizomorph13]

Dotard,

They were all banned. Oh, well, I bet Arc and Jon are facepalming about this thread. There is far to little epistemology here for them to ontologically manifest themselves.

Rhizo

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I'm talking about being certain of your afterlife.

Am I to take it that you are? [certain]

Please refrain from presenting your personal superstitions as fact simply because you are unable to distinguish between 'personal certitude' and 'certainty'. Neither you nor anyone else knows with any certainty what happens after death. We have only speculation based on available evidence and belief based on faith( no evidence).

I don't believe in an after life of any kind.That with death,the person ceases to exist. Part of my position is based on the observation that the person seems to reside in the living brain, as far as anyone can tell.Harm the brain, you harm,even destroy the person. 'Harm' is called 'brain damage' and is a common result of car accidents especially. I've seen it in a family member. Destruction of the person is the outcome of some diseases,such as Altzheimer's,which attacks the brain.

At the Catholic school I attended, I was taught only a fool never has any doubts about his faith. Being 100% certain of anything is just another way of describing a closed mind. An open mind is open to new evidence and new ideas,even if they challenge existing beliefs.Dogma and unquestioning faith are the antithesis of an open mind and a carbuncle on the arse of civilisation. Hence my contempt for members of the lunar religious right especially.Added to faith and dogma is a mind boggling willful ignorance which appalls me. Simple stupidity is not a crime,merely sad,irritating or dangerous depending on context. Willful ignorance is not a crime either,but should be.

Above all I concede the possibility of error;ALL of my beliefs remain open to question. Show me proof and I will believe what you believe. Until you have such proof,please don't waste my time.


PS: Re the handle 'The_Truth' :Can you say 'hubris' ? (look it up)