Theism and Western atheism are on the same continuum. Both are realist.

[festive1]

That's because it doesn't exist.

[Darkstar]

That's because it doesn't exist.

This whole thread is just a collective delusion between us. No one who is not in the thread even knows we think it is real. None of the posts in this thread actually exist, and neither does the internet. It's all just a big conspiracy that was allegedly created by people who don't actually exist. "I think, therefore I am" is the biggest conspiracy of all. None of us exist. Existence doesn't exist. Screw logic! /sarcasm

[Polaris]

I have seen many atheists adopt the same logical fallacies in America and Commonwealth nations that the theists have been prancing around with for eons.

[Angrboda]

[SpecUVdust]

Theism and Western atheism are both based on the assumption that things exist. Thus both are on the same continuum of realism.

The following is a summary of Madhyamaka (which is a system of negation):

All philosophical and religious positions revolve around only 2 views: Existence and Nonexistence.

One cannot claim that anything exists, since for something to exist it would logically have to arise from a) itself b) other or c) both these possibilities together

Something cannot arise from itself, because that brings numerous contradictions. For example, arising would have to be part of its intrinsic nature, which would in turn lead to endless arisings.

Something cannot arise from other, because then you could have a giraffe spring from a rock. Anything could arise from anything. Moreover if an entity in itself does not exist, an entity other than it does not exist either.

Something cannot arise from both these possibilities together, because each one has been individually negated already.

All we are left with is illusion. Things only seem real because of imputed identities.

Reference: Center Of The Sunlit Sky by Karl Brunnholzl

For an atheist, you sure have nihilistic views. Here is what an atheist is... Generally , at least most of the atheists that I know. It doesn't seem weak to me at all.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VeJy2a-QgWo#

[genkaus]

One cannot claim that anything exists, since for something to exist it would logically have to arise from a) itself b) other or c) both these possibilities together

Wrong. Just because something exists doesn't mean it has to arise.

Something cannot arise from other, because then you could have a giraffe spring from a rock. Anything could arise from anything. Moreover if an entity in itself does not exist, an entity other than it does not exist either.

Wrong again. Something arising from something else does not equal anything arising from anything.

---

Science will never explain the beginning of the universe, because there is no beginning.

Something we agree on. Just because the universe exists doesn't mean it had a beginning. Hold on a sec - I think that's what a lot of scientists are saying.

Even from a common sense standpoint, Big Bang has previous causes,

Prove it.

[alwayson]

For an atheist, you sure have nihilistic views.

It is not that we claim non-existence, we merely remove claims for existing existents.

We do not put forth a philosophical position.

Nagarjuna said "If I had any position, I thereby would be at fault. Since I have no position, I am not at fault at all."

Aryadeva said "Against someone who has no thesis of “existence, nonexistence, or [both] existence and nonexistence,” it is not possible to level a charge, even if [this is tried] for a long time."

Just because something exists doesn't mean it has to arise.

You do realize thats EXACTLY what theists say when asked where their Creator came from.....

[genkaus]

It is not that we claim non-existence, we merely remove claims for existing existents.

We do not put forth a philosophical position.

Nagarjuna said "If I had any position, I thereby would be at fault. Since I have no position, I am not at fault at all."

Aryadeva said "Against someone who has no thesis of “existence, nonexistence, or [both] existence and nonexistence,” it is not possible to level a charge, even if [this is tried] for a long time."

I agree. Your philosophy sounds completely useless and empty of any meaning whatsoever.

You do realize thats EXACTLY what theists say when asked where their Creator came from.....

So what? They fail to prove that their creator exists in the first place.

[Creed of Heresy]

Dude.

I am drunk. Ok? I am at that stage where I am rambling in nonsensical ways that most people have to struggle [and really won't expend the effort bothering with] to understand what the hell I mean when I say something. Not because I'm slurring but because my train of thought is out somewhere way beyond left field where making sense is not my business anymore.

Comparing timestamps to the PM I just received from Creed.....

Dude, you realize that you've still got me on ignore, don't you? I couldn't reply to you.... and he won't see this either. *sigh*

I do see it, I just have to click "see this post." Which I do every so often. Kind of moots the point of ignoring.

Anyhoo, I unignored you.

[Angrboda]