Alex_G
Enlightner of the Senses
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?
I dont agree with what your teacher has said for a number of reasons.
1. 'Atheists only believe in the physical realm' is a misleading premise to begin with. A-theism simply meaning a lack of belief in a God(s), and the theistic interpretations of things that follow from such a belief.
This position is taken due to the total lack of hard evidence. Most reasonable people who are atheist would of course rethink their position if such extraordinary evidence came to light, but under the best interpretation of things as they stands today, nothing backs up these supernatural claims.
Only believing in the 'physical realm' is not what atheism means at all.
2. 'The physical realm' is too ill defined. The choice of words makes you think it means 'only the things you can see and touch', and that it is only part of a greater reality (true), but a part that atheists solely believe in, denying all the rest (false).
The truth is, theres plenty in this world that isnt strictly 'physical', like time for example. These things, whilst not physical do have evidence for them, and will not be denied by any rational person.
By distorting the definition of atheism and providing a loaded misrepresented version of what means to respect evidence, your teacher is tricking you into thinking his point follows when it doesnt.
By successfully loading your brain with this misinformation, he then tries to conclude that atheists dont believe in emotions, thoughts, morals.
Of course he doesnt have a leg to stand on.
Alex