Theological Parodies (Creator, tradition, Revelation, prophet, atheist)

[Random]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

What do you mean by this?

I mean that science doesn't invent things or make accurate predictions about things, it is only the tool by which PEOPLE do these things. Science is on a losing streak by being set up to emcompass and replace religion and dominate popular philosophy, as it has no moral or intellectual case for attainment to that kind of authority.

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Random

I mean that science doesn't invent things or make accurate predictions about things, it is only the tool by which PEOPLE do these things. Science is on a losing streak by being set up to emcompass and replace religion and dominate popular philosophy, as it has no moral or intellectual case for attainment to that kind of authority.

If atheism is a religion then why does it lack this authority? Why doesn't this lack of authority make it not a religion?

[Random]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

If atheism is a religion then why does it lack this authority? Why doesn't this lack of authority make it not a religion?

There is a difference between faith born of the religious impulse, and the elevation of a pseudo-ideology to religious status. Scientism is pretend religion because it cannot satisfy the impulse, and so is Atheism - which after all, is merely the disbelief in deities. I once believed in the non-existence of God too, but I never sought substitutes in Science or the Arts to make up for the void, the "gaps in the soul" (so to speak).

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Random

There is a difference between faith born of the religious impulse, and the elevation of a pseudo-ideology to religious status. Scientism is pretend religion because it cannot satisfy the impulse, and so is Atheism - which after all, is merely the disbelief in deities.

I'm quite happy with the label "pretend religion". As long as we agree that "religion" and "pretend religion" are distinct concepts and that atheism and Christianity fall into separate categories then this is just semantics. You say "pretend religion", I say "not religion". What's the difference?

Originally Posted by Random

I once believed in the non-existence of God too, but I never sought substitutes in Science or the Arts to make up for the void, the "gaps in the soul" (so to speak).

What do gaps in the soul feel like and will a person who is not religious (or pretend religious) always feel them?

[Random]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I'm quite happy with the label "pretend religion". As long as we agree that "religion" and "pretend religion" are distinct concepts and that atheism and Christianity fall into separate categories then this is just semantics. You say "pretend religion", I say "not religion". What's the difference?

Admittedly none, if you're happy and have no reservations about accepting substitutes for the real thing, or time to entertain notions of "authentic fakery".

Originally Posted by Fluffy

What do gaps in the soul feel like and will a person who is not religious (or pretend religious) always feel them

I guess...if you've never had those gaps, you're one of the luckiest people alive. It is an abstract, emotional concept. Gaps in Consciousness would more accurately describe it, I think. That feeling there is something hidden you're not aware of, but it is like a "splinter in your mind". It's something subjectively experienced, but I believe it forms the basis of the afforementioned religious impulse.

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Random

Admittedly none, if you're happy and have no reservations about accepting substitutes for the real thing, or time to entertain notions of "authentic fakery".

Yeah but surely this boils down atheism is wrong + theism is right vs atheism is right + theism is wrong. You, being a theist, will see pretend religion as fake whereas I, being an atheist, will see religion as fake. Either of us could be unknowingly accepting a substitute.

I suppose one difference is that I merely see religion as factually wrong and not wrong in any other sense whereas you appear to be the antithesis of your perception of Dawkins.

Originally Posted by Random

I guess...if you've never had those gaps, you're one of the luckiest people alive. It is an abstract, emotional concept. Gaps in Consciousness would more accurately describe it, I think. That feeling there is something hidden you're not aware of, but it is like a "splinter in your mind". It's something subjectively experienced, but I believe it forms the basis of the afforementioned religious impulse.

Oh yeah I think I know what you mean. Mine pushes me in the way of Buddhism and Taoism. Mysticism as well to a lesser extent.

[Random]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Yeah but surely this boils down atheism is wrong + theism is right vs atheism is right + theism is wrong. You, being a theist, will see pretend religion as fake whereas I, being an atheist, will see religion as fake. Either of us could be unknowingly accepting a substitute.

Yes, that's true.

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I suppose one difference is that I merely see religion as factually wrong and not wrong in any other sense whereas you appear to be the antithesis of your perception of Dawkins.

That's also fair comment.

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Oh yeah, I think I know what you mean. Mine pushes me in the way of Buddhism and Taoism. Mysticism as well to a lesser extent.

You make me want to be Atheist again. Stop making so much sense, damn you!

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Random

That's also fair comment.

I think we both share the same goal in one sense since neither of us wish to see an atheism full of Dawkins. I just think that if you leave the ear-boxings to other atheists then you'll see better results.

Originally Posted by Random

You make me want to be Atheist again.

Yeah I feel that way about theism sometimes.

Originally Posted by Random

Stop making so much sense, damn you!

Its not me! Its those damn Buddhists .