What did it?

[genkaus]

We are here as the result of the fact a universe exists to begin along with a myriad of exacting conditions and characteristics that allow for life.

Are you aware of the anthropic fallacy?

Our modern technology would look like magical feats to someone from a few hundred years ago. But it wasn't magic, it was planning and design that done it.

Atheists aren't the ones who propose supernatural entities. In fact, if entities as described in your mythology were shown to exist, we are pretty certain that they would natural - not supernatural - and therefore within the purview of science.

On the other hand most atheists I have chatted with propose that this is one of an infinitude of universes or that this universe 'poofed' into existence uncaused out of nothing. Kind of like pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

Name three.

I've never known an atheist who argues that the universe poofed into existence without any cause. On the other hand, it is a very common strawman presented by theists in order to make their position look marginally less ridiculous.

Evolution is a fact and natural selection does have a an influence. Whether that mechanism suffices to account for the variety of life is uncertain. I am skeptical.

The irony is simply too delicious.

[paulpablo]

I was born an atheist and remained one because i realised all religious cults are a con.

[Drew_2013]

So the miracles of the Bible was like the product of high technology rather than the supernatural?Thinking

Just an FYI I'm a philosophical theist not affiliated with any church or religion.

That's funny, because every time I hear someone claim "the universe came from nothing", it comes from a theist who misunderstands the Big Bang theory and sets up strawmen.

I have been on many boards in the past where many theists vehemently defended the hypothesis that the universe came into existence uncaused out of nothing and they offer quantum mechanics as evidence. If that isn't the case any more that's a step in the right direction.

Nor have I ever heard of anyone who insists that multiple universes definitely exist, it's nothing more than an untested hypothesis.

No, but it is often offered as a possibilty.

Are you aware of the anthropic fallacy?

Yes I am and I think its a weak counter argument. But by all means give it your best shot.

Atheists aren't the ones who propose supernatural entities. In fact, if entities as described in your mythology were shown to exist, we are pretty certain that they would natural - not supernatural - and therefore within the purview of science.

I don't know what mythology you're referring too, I am a philosophical theist. Yes I am aware the demarcation between what is 'supernatural' and what is natural is at best a moving target. Essentially the supernatural is something that can't happen unless it does happen in which case it is natural whatever that means.

[genkaus]

I have been on many boards in the past where many theists vehemently defended the hypothesis that the universe came into existence uncaused out of nothing and they offer quantum mechanics as evidence. If that isn't the case any more that's a step in the right direction. universes definitely exist, it's nothing more than an untested hypothesis.

That's right - theists do that. Not atheists.

Yes I am and I think its a weak counter argument. But by all means give it your best shot.

Why do you consider it a weak argument then?

I don't know what mythology you're referring too, I am a philosophical theist. Yes I am aware the demarcation between what is 'supernatural' and what is natural is at best a moving target. Essentially the supernatural is something that can't happen unless it does happen in which case it is natural whatever that means.

If you believe that, then your position on god should be "he can't exist unless he can be shown to exist in which case he is not god but simply an advanced entity".

[naimless]

I was a nice guy and I never won.

[KichigaiNeko]

Reading the so called "Holy books" of the Abrahamic religions at least once.

[Angrboda]

So the miracles of the Bible was like the product of high technology rather than the supernatural?Thinking

Just an FYI I'm a philosophical theist not affiliated with any church or religion.

I'm not clear on what you mean when you refer to yourself as a "philosophical theist," and I can't help but note that you use the distinction to distance yourself from specific claims when they come up in discussion. That being the case, I think it only reasonably to request that you provide some explanation of what you mean by this term as it applies to yourself. I'm not finding an introduction thread for you, but that would be an ideal place to share the nature of your "philosophical theism".

[pop_punks_not_dead]

What caused you to avert from your natural disposition and turn to atheism?

My natural disposition is an atheist, all babies are atheists until they are taught the bits of their religion.

Are you referring to the wacky Muslim claim that we are all born Muslim? Sorry dude it doesn't work that way.

If you mean why did I leave religion well the lack of morality, the contradictions in scripture, the way the treated me like a second class citizen (gay) all took responsibility for this. I try to be and am a good selfless loving person, but because I am gay it means nothing and I am going to suffer for eternity ? Why would I want to believe in something like this?

Tell me, why would a loving God allow such things like the Tsunami, HIV, The Plague to happen?

[fr0d0]

He/she is referring to your God given gift of moral sense, for one. Without God you cannot justify it.

Just sayin'. Don't shoot the messenger.

[Zen Badger]

He/she is referring to your God given gift of moral sense, for one. Without God you cannot justify it.

Just sayin'. Don't shoot the messenger.

Since most of us are morally superior to your god it is in fact quite easy to justify.