Franics Collins

[brewer]

Does he have an alcoholic brother named Tom?

[Delicate]

Strangely enough, many of the responses here can be equally applicable to atheism.

Interesting how people aren't willing to face that possibility.

[The Grand Nudger]

Why would it be strange that comments about one group of human beings (or positions held by human beings) might be broadly applicable to -another- group......... of human beings (or positions held by human beings)?    Who's denying that "possibility" (lol, wtf?), or is unwilling to face it?

I think...Delicate, that what you meant to say here was "You too!"

[Jehanne]

Strangely enough, many of the responses here can be equally applicable to atheism.

Interesting how people aren't willing to face that possibility.

I find absolutely no joy in atheism, other than the fact that I do not have to believe in lies, religious or otherwise.  But, if there was excellent scientific evidence that the human mind survived the death of the human brain, I would rejoice, exceedingly so!  But, alas, the evidence is quite the contrary.  

[Lemonvariable72]

He seemed like he converted to evangelical Christianity out of despair, in particular, being exposed to suffering, death and anguish in patients of his, young children, who were dying of cancer.  After that, he had an "experience" while walking in the woods (seeing three frozen streams of water) which lead him to a belief in the Trinity.

While we can all sympathize with the loss of young children, what does the board think of Dr. Francis Collins and his alleged "conversion" from atheism (assuming, of course, he was ever a true atheist to begin with, having been raised, by his own admission, by liberal Christian parents)?  It seems to me that his "justification" for his new theistic beliefs came ex post facto after his religious conversion.

That's the thing. Religion is often based on feeling and what feels good. Atheism has no "it feels good" bit. For us this is it, and the only thing we have to hang on to is that we see the gig for what it is, "no gods included tm"

[Jehanne]

He seemed like he converted to evangelical Christianity out of despair, in particular, being exposed to suffering, death and anguish in patients of his, young children, who were dying of cancer.  After that, he had an "experience" while walking in the woods (seeing three frozen streams of water) which lead him to a belief in the Trinity.

While we can all sympathize with the loss of young children, what does the board think of Dr. Francis Collins and his alleged "conversion" from atheism (assuming, of course, he was ever a true atheist to begin with, having been raised, by his own admission, by liberal Christian parents)?  It seems to me that his "justification" for his new theistic beliefs came ex post facto after his religious conversion.

That's the thing. Religion is often based on feeling and what feels good. Atheism has no "it feels good" bit. For us this is it, and the only thing we have to hang on to is that we see the gig for what it is, "no gods included tm"

That's why I converted to religion (Catholicism), out of despair.  But, it was always superficial, and I attended Mass, often wondering and dreaming if extraterrestrials existed.  I could not focus on the Mass at all (that is, the "Holy Sacrifice").  I kept saying to myself, "This is silly, this is stupid; why am I here?  Just to please my wife and family?"  Eventually, I just quit attending.  I found atheism to be a huge relief, in that I could at least be honest with myself, in that I simply did not believe.

[Delicate]

Strangely enough, many of the responses here can be equally applicable to atheism.

Interesting how people aren't willing to face that possibility.

I find absolutely no joy in atheism, other than the fact that I do not have to believe in lies, religious or otherwise.  But, if there was excellent scientific evidence that the human mind survived the death of the human brain, I would rejoice, exceedingly so!  But, alas, the evidence is quite the contrary.  

The lie you're most likely to believe is the lie you're convinced is the truth.

That would explain why this self pro claimed pursuit if truth peters out on this forum.

[Silver]

The lie you're most likely to believe is the lie you're convinced is the truth.

That extends to theists who believe in the lie of god perpetuated by the lie of religion.

[Delicate]

The lie you're most likely to believe is the lie you're convinced is the truth.

That extends to theists who believe in the lie of god perpetuated by the lie of religion.

Rational atheists can't say that with much confidence.

[Silver]

Rational atheists can't say that with much confidence.

There is a first time for everything.