Why Atheists Debate With Theists

[nailit]

It was suggested in another thread that atheists who debate/contribute to R&S are obsessive and may require therapy. I cant speak for other non-believers but I can speak for myself.
I debate/contribute to R&S for the same reasons that the politically minded contribute to news, for the same reason that right wingers will debate left wingers. I have minimal interest in politics so don't often get involved in those debates. I also don't have much knowledge of politics but I do have some knowledge of religion and in particular the Bible. I am not obsessive, I have stated many times that I have fundamentalist Christian friends and that I work with Christians but the topic of faith/belief rarely crops up in day to day life and I rarely, if ever, think about it. But if questions of faith arise, I WILL, give my viewpoint - as I do on here.
I don't believe in God or some supernatural being, I don't believe in biblical prophecy and I don't believe in miracles...and will give my reasons why when asked. When the Bible is toted as truth I will give my reasons why I don't believe that. When the Bible is held up as a moral guide book I will say why it isn't.
Some people on here seem to have an 'obsessive' interest in other sections of the site. I wouldn't say that they needed 'therapy'. We all have our own interests and mine happens to be R&S mainly because its something that I know a little about.
Hope this helps ;-)

[Theland]

https://youtu.be/4C5pq7W5yRM

[Theland]

https://youtu.be/4C5pq7W5yRM

[vulcan42]

Theland please explain, when ever somebody asks you a question your reply is nearly always a video link yet rarely do you offer chapter and verse from the bible, the book you tell us is the word of God. If what you say is true then surely all answers are contained in the Bible yet for some reason you don't quote from it and just trot out another hackneyed video.

[agchristie]

//If what you say is true then surely all answers are contained in the Bible yet for some reason you don't quote from it //

By his own admission he hasn't read it all yet ;-)

[Theland]

What do you mean a hackneyed video?
That is a resource where all the worlds top scientists, philosophers, theologians and atheists provide in depth informative lectures.
Is it wrong to use that resource?

[vulcan42]

If as you say, all answers are in the bible then why don't you quote from it, everything else becomes irrelevant.

[Theland]

Avatar Image Theland Do you realise that the scientific method is a search for facts and the truth?
It is done by observation and experimentation, and the pursuit of the truth must not be deterred if the scientific method is to be strictly followed.
But, in the scientific community, the only result allowed by the dogmatic and authoritarian academic circles, must be strictly materialistic, and any notion of a 'mind' behind nature and the universe will be quickly quashed by withholding research grants, loss of promotion, and even loss of employment.
What do you think of that? 00:05 Sat 17th Aug 2019

[mibn2cweus]

Any understanding of the mind reveals that it is a product of natural processes, not their cause. Nature is not artificial, although some minds appear to be.

[naomi24]

Theland, as always, you need to indulge in more than a little research. You’re misleading the reader again. The videos you’ve presented here are not the work of “the world’s top scientists, philosophers, theologians and atheists”. They come from an organisation calling itself ‘Inspiring Philosophy’, run it seems by one Michael Jones, who appears to be an American evangelist. Its mission statement:

//We love Jesus and spreading His message! We are a nonprofit Christian organization with the goal of spreading and defending the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We primarily do this in video form. We create videos to showcase a library of content that is creative and fun, yet will possess significant theological depth. This ministry intends to specialize in reaching the current generation, as well as future generations, with the power of digital video, social media, and whatever new technologies the future may bring.//

https://inspiringphilosophy.org/

Hardly impartial scrutiny!

Incidentally, your video begins with a hijacked and doctored quote from a distinguished scientist. Again research required. On religious views, Wigner was an atheist.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Wigner

ps. Rather than post videos that few have the time or the inclination to watch, your own synopsis would be more helpful. I have watched a few of your offerings but frankly that method of conveying information necessitates winding on and rewinding in order to reaffirm the dialogue before responding. In fact I have to take notes! I know the following request will take some effort on your part, but is there any chance that you might do us all the courtesy of sticking to the written word?

[Theland]

Naomi - I am desperately interested in your and other atheist opinions on our Genesis.
I am not satisfied by simply saying, "we don't know."
Also, your blanket dismissal of prophecy is something I totally disagree with.

[Theland]

Naomi - what is wrong with somebody holding the theist viewpoint, working for a theist organisations?

[naomi24]

Theland, //I am not satisfied by simply saying, "we don't know."//

Then you have a problem …. because we don’t know. I trust that answers the first sentence of your post too.

//what is wrong with somebody holding the theist viewpoint, working for a theist organisations?//

They can work for whoever they want to work for – but don’t expect those who acknowledge truth to be influenced by their fantasies.

[beso]

Theland //I am not satisfied by simply saying, "we don't know." //

But you are satisfied by an irrational story made up by ancients who has very little comprehension of anything.

Bizarre.

[beso]

Theland //But, in the scientific community, the only result allowed by the dogmatic and authoritarian academic circles, must be strictly materialistic, and any notion of a 'mind' behind nature and the universe will be quickly quashed by withholding research grants, loss of promotion, and even loss of employment. //

You have confused science with religion where the answers are predetermined and all observations that don't reinforce them are discarded. Many people have been put to death for demonstrating evidence that contradicts religious dogma.

Science will consider any explanation that fits the observed reality but discards those that are contrary to observation or have nothing to offer.

[Khandro]

beso; //Science will consider any explanation that fits the observed reality but discards those that are contrary to observation or have nothing to offer.//

So? What's that got to do with religion?

[naomi24]

Khandro, I don't know why you're asking that question. The crux of the thread has been science -v- religion.

[Theland]

Then let's take just one topic. Life from dead chemicals.
Let's thrash that one to death to keep,us focused.
Your,turn.

[naomi24]

Theland, it's all been said before. Focus on something else. You'll drive yourself potty.

[Theland]

Naomi - you have broken the egg before the chick was born.

[naomi24]

Theland, I've no idea what you're talking about.