Atheist - Are you a strong atheist, weak, or agnostic? (religion, science)

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by wanderer085

"The assertion that "anyone's god concept is as good as any others" is absurd under any standard theory of truth."

It most certainly is not, one person's existence is as important as another's and so would be their god concept (if they have one).

This is senseless drivel. The sentence is literally irrelevant and incoherent.

[logician]

"It is absurd to think that you operate as an isolated being in this world"

In an existentialist framework, it is absurd to think that you don't.

Sure, anyone's beliefs can affect other people, but all beliefs are equally important to the individual involved, because ultimately that individual is defined by his/her beliefs.

[logician]

"This is senseless drivel. The sentence is literally irrelevant and incoherent."

You're getting funnier by the minute.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by wanderer085

"This is senseless drivel. The sentence is literally irrelevant and incoherent."

You're getting funnier by the minute.

Sadly, you are not. Be that as it may, perhaps you could tell us what it means to say that one person's god concept is "as important as another" and what relevance that piece of fluff has?

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by wanderer085

"It is absurd to think that you operate as an isolated being in this world"

In an existentialist framework, it is absurd to think that you don't.

Sure, anyone's beliefs can affect other people, but all beliefs are equally important to the individual involved, because ultimately that individual is defined by his/her beliefs.

Me thinks you misunderstand existentialism. Existentialism argues that ultimately it is up to each person to find meaning in their life. It does not logically follow from that that we operate as isolated beings. And it certainly doesn't follow that one person's god concept is as good as any other. Even if one were to take a completely autonomous view, ignoring the impact that we have on each other (which is a mistake), it would still be the case that some people's god concepts serve them better than others, in terms of leading more fulfilling, more actualized lives.

[Kungfuzed]

Originally Posted by wanderer085

Just wondering about the non-theists out there, how many are strong atheists - i.e firmly believe there is no god, weak atheists - probably is no god, or agnostic - don't know, and why.

I myself am a strong atheist, mainly because I believe science points us towards the truth, while theism many times gets in the way. I see no reason to believe in a supernatural being that isn't pwoerful enough even to convince us of it's own existence.

Thanks for your input.

I think you would have to define God before I could answer that question. Some people worship chocolate, and I can't deny the existence or tastyness of chocolate.

[logician]

"It does not logically follow from that that we operate as isolated beings"

On an existentialist framework, each person must form their beliefs in isolation, of course that doesn't mean you don't interact with others . My only point is that whatever floats your boat is what is important to you, and since we consider all men and women to be equal, then one person's beliefs are just as important as another's, TO THEMSELVES.

"would still be the case that some people's god concepts serve them better than others, in terms of leading more fulfilling, more actualized lives."

Exactly how can you prove that a "god concept" is responsible for a fufilling life. As an atheist, I believe the opposite is true, that it detracts from a fulfilling life.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by wanderer085

"would still be the case that some people's god concepts serve them better than others, in terms of leading more fulfilling, more actualized lives."

Exactly how can you prove that a "god concept" is responsible for a fufilling life. As an atheist, I believe the opposite is true, that it detracts from a fulfilling life.

I did not say that you need to believe in god to have a fulfilling life. I said that in terms of leading a fulfilling life, some people's god concepts serve them better than other people's god concepts do. If person A's god concept helps him to be happy and loving and person B's god concept causes her to be guilt-ridden and mean-spirited then it is ridiculous to say that "anyone's god concept is as good as anyone else's."

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by wanderer085

As an atheist, I believe the opposite is true, that it detracts from a fulfilling life.

And to project that judgement onto others is an act of preposterous arrogance.