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Question about physical world.

JennySue

Member
In school we're discussing religions and our teacher says that Atheists only believe in the physical realm and nothing other than that. He says that since they only believe in the physical, that it's impossible for them to believe in emotions, thoughts, morals and stuff like that- since that stuff is not strictly physical. (He said we could use that as an argument in a discussion with an Athiest if we need to) Is that true?
 

Noaidi

slow walker
Your teacher has a point. Atheists have no thoughts.

Except this one:









Your teacher is an idiot.

BTW, can you ask him where he got this idea from? Better still, get him to register here at RF and we can debate him (if he dares...)
 

JennySue

Member
I wouldn't necessilary call him an idiot. I put it more up to religious brainwashing. And most other religious people I know are stuck in their ways, and won't listen to any other sides..I've tried and it's only managed to get people thinking I'm the crazy one because I actually think about what I believe.. But I might ask him where he heard it. So I take it that the whole "only belief in physical world" and thing about thoughts and morals isn't very true..
Sorry that it was quite a stupid question, I just wanted to hear the truth since I didn't really believe it and didn't want to assume anything.
 

Gjallarhorn

N'yog-Sothep
I wouldn't necessilary call him an idiot. I put it more up to religious brainwashing. And most other religious people I know are stuck in their ways, and won't listen to any other sides..I've tried and it's only managed to get people thinking I'm the crazy one because I actually think about what I believe.. But I might ask him where he heard it. So I take it that the whole "only belief in physical world" and thing about thoughts and morals isn't very true..
Sorry that it was quite a stupid question, I just wanted to hear the truth since I didn't really believe it and didn't want to assume anything.
It wasn't a stupid question really, but your teacher doesn't know squat about what they are saying.
 

Awoon

Well-Known Member
In school we're discussing religions and our teacher says that Atheists only believe in the physical realm and nothing other than that. He says that since they only believe in the physical, that it's impossible for them to believe in emotions, thoughts, morals and stuff like that- since that stuff is not strictly physical. (He said we could use that as an argument in a discussion with an Athiest if we need to) Is that true?



Your teacher is brilliant!!! Now you can come here and get the true understandings of being an Atheist from Atheists without yer teacher breathing down yer neck.:yes:

BTW I'm not Atheist.
 

Noaidi

slow walker
I wouldn't necessilary call him an idiot. I put it more up to religious brainwashing. And most other religious people I know are stuck in their ways, and won't listen to any other sides..I've tried and it's only managed to get people thinking I'm the crazy one because I actually think about what I believe.. But I might ask him where he heard it. So I take it that the whole "only belief in physical world" and thing about thoughts and morals isn't very true..

JennySue.
That would be interesting. If he is your teacher, does he have any sources to back up his claim? Can you get back to us with his reply?
 

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
In school we're discussing religions and our teacher says that Atheists only believe in the physical realm and nothing other than that. He says that since they only believe in the physical, that it's impossible for them to believe in emotions, thoughts, morals and stuff like that- since that stuff is not strictly physical.
:rolleyes:

(He said we could use that as an argument in a discussion with an Athiest if we need to) Is that true?
Well, you could try, but I'd suggest you would have your behind handed to you for attempting to do so. Your teacher is a "dim bulb", spreading dim-witted thinking. Step into the light and glory in reason.
 
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Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
Remove "atheist" and substitute "materialist" and what the teacher says is actually correct. The problem is in assuming all atheists are materialists, which they are not.
 

JennySue

Member
Your teacher is brilliant!!! Now you can come here and get the true understandings of being an Atheist from Atheists without yer teacher breathing down yer neck.:yes:

BTW I'm not Atheist.

That's why I came here. I don't like hearing only one side, and I don't want to blindly follow what someone is saying. I don't see how other people can.

JennySue.
That would be interesting. If he is your teacher, does he have any sources to back up his claim? Can you get back to us with his reply?

Yea, I'll talk with him and tell you what he says. I wondered the same thing actually.

Also, "atheist" isn't capitalized...

Oopsi- sorry. Thanks for the correcting. :)

:rolleyes:


Well, you could try, but I'd suggest you would have your behind handed to you for attempting to do so. Your teacher is a "dim bulb", spreding dim-witted thinking. Step into the light and glory in reason.

Yeah, That's part of why I don't speak my mind too much in religion class, so I don't step on any toes, or get my butt kicked because I asked the wrong thing..I have places like this to do all my research. xD
 

9-10ths_Penguin

1/10 Subway Stalinist
Premium Member
Remove "atheist" and substitute "materialist" and what the teacher says is actually correct. The problem is in assuming all atheists are materialists, which they are not.
Even then it's not correct. Materialists still believe in emotions, thoughts, morals, etc.; it's just that they don't think they have a supernatural basis.
 

vnct

Member
In school we're discussing religions and our teacher says that Atheists only believe in the physical realm and nothing other than that. He says that since they only believe in the physical, that it's impossible for them to believe in emotions, thoughts, morals and stuff like that- since that stuff is not strictly physical. (He said we could use that as an argument in a discussion with an Athiest if we need to) Is that true?
it may be argued that emotions and thoughts exist physically within the brain, either chemically and/or in the form of electrical impulses. some even reason that the conscience itself may be located somewhere within the brain, although it hasn't yet been detected, and that physical brain damage and/or stunted brain development may potentially impair conscience, thereby leading to criminal propensity.
 

FlyingTeaPot

Irrational Rationalist. Educated Fool.
I wouldn't necessilary call him an idiot.

I would. Finding out the meaning of words is the least he should do before giving a discourse on atheism.

[A]-theism - Lack of belief in a deity.

The only requirement to be an atheist is to lack a belief in a higher power. That is it. Nothing more, nothing less. Your teacher is talking through his hat.
 
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