Quote: SlagA @ June 22 2008, 6:57 PM BSTI guess I'm trying to question what we believe and why, because we often criticise blind faith in others but ignore the blind faith we exercise in our own lives. Anything accepted from outside personal experience is a step of faith. And we usually preselect sources (books / programmes) that confirm what we already hold 'true'.
Quoting for emphasis.
Quote: Aaron @ June 22 2008, 7:00 PM BSTQuoting for emphasis ...
... is something I hold true. 
Apologies. 
It seems to me that the kind of irrational, leap-of-faith fervency required to make of one a fundamentalist religion adherent sits ill with the kind of laidbackness necessary to produce a belly laugh.
In other words, ayatollahs generally don't watch sitcoms.
More fool they.
Let's face it, on sites like these you tend to find more than your average quota of groovy, laid back dudes and dudesses.
This does mean, however, that you'll probably not find too many Paisleys etc arguing the religion case...
NEVAHHR! NEVAHHHRRR! NE- Oh. Sorry.
Quote: zooo @ June 22 2008, 4:17 PM BSTAlso that if you're an atheist you have no real morals. As if the religious invented them, and that if you reject the idea of the bible you reject all the ideas that happen to have been put inside it.
This reminded me of a great post on another message board I sometimes visit:
Groups of animals have 'cultures', and within these there are 'rules' that govern what is acceptable behaviour. It is based on what is good for the individual, their offspring, and the group as a whole. If we had no morals then society would break down/never have been established, and we would wipe ourselves out. They are a vital part of evolution.
...
Religion can't be the backbone of our morals because morals must have existed before religion was invented. Religion was just tied to morals, maybe consciously to control a population, or I guess maybe subconsciously as a way of explaining what people didn't understand.
(with thanks to 'davros' on Spurscommunity)
Personally I think Timbo Aaron is to blame for most things
No, actually it is me.
It's not like atheists get to a certain age and think, hmm, I think I'll choose not to believe in the bible. It's just not even an issue.
It's as screamingly obvious to me that there's no mystical being as it is that there is a sun in the sky and a tree outside my window. There just is no debate.
Quote from Zooo.
Thats fair enough for Atheists but for alot of others there is a debate. I grew up in a non religious environment, educated to believe in science and logic. And yet I've always felt as if there is a God, I don't want to believe in Him and feel guilty and confused about doing so when I know about Darwin and Newton etc. But deep down I do believe...I think.
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 8:58 PM BSTPersonally I think Timbo Aaron is to blame for most things
No, it's the French.
sacre bleu!
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 1:40 PM BSTI certainly tolerate other peoples beliefs - I hope that the reverse has not come across in my posts?
As far as I can see, Alan C, you've helped create a good debate, here.
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 1:40 PM BSTReligions, alas, give power to people who abuse it as well as politicians, etc. As for not having all the answers - I hope that will always be the case.
Yup! And not always having the answers gives us choices.
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 1:40 PM BSTWhat kind of comprehensive school did you go to that deemed it necessary to take your pants off for a ticking off?! Or is this a recently acquired reaction?
Silly me! I forgot they've banned the cane, now, in schools. 
I'll write a hundred lines instead. Anyone got a slate and chalk?
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 1:40 PM BSTBesides that I am now informed that I got it all wrong about the quotation marks - he meant something completely different.
Thank you. I'll "quote" away, if a suitable occassion arises.
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 1:40 PM BSTSo get those pants back up and quote for England (or Scotland or whoever)
Have we met before? You seem to have an idea on my pedigree!
Anyway, back to the discussion. The way I see it, is that atheism doesn't believe in a God, and would assume the Big Bang theory is the only possible answer to creation. Fair play... Chicken... Egg... Chicken... Fried or boiled?
Basically, it all boils down to interpretation. What each religion preaches, what each follower understands, from the preaching, and how they use it in their daily lives. Not always a smooth connection within each faith, either. The problem for atheists, I think, is seeing a God, or Gods, as a supreme power, which most religions seem to have us believe.
I don't see God in quiet the same way as some, and even those sharing my faith have differing opinions as to what God is. To me, God is love, and if you've got love in your heart, you've nothing to fear. Therefore, find something to believe in and you'll find the power within yourself.
Quote: zooo @ June 22 2008, 3:28 PM BSTTo even debate the possibility of the existence of a god seems ridiculous to me. Genuinely feels the same as debating seriously the existence of the tooth fairy.
And... Your point is?
Don't you dare go telling me there's no Santa.
Quote: JJ Cocker @ June 22 2008, 10:48 PM BSTHave we met before? You seem to have an idea on my pedigree!
You do sound familiar 
I agree with you about having love in your heart and it evolves from having a trust in people that is reciprocated. There is no better feeling than knowing that the bond you have with another human being is justified. The older you get the more cynical you become and the more you filter those with transparent motives. I envy people who find love with a partner that lasts for life but I also know that, from experience, I will never find it.
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 11:20 PM BSTYou do sound familiar
Another writers site?
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 11:20 PM BSTI envy people who find love with a partner that lasts for life but I also know that, from experience, I will never find it.
Don't envy anyone, Alan. Never say never as things can change, often when we least expect it. Be positive and dream a little.
Quote: JJ Cocker @ June 22 2008, 11:33 PM BSTDon't envy anyone, Alan. Never say never as things can change, often when we least expect it. Be positive and dream a little.
Oooh I dream a lot and have not closed off any avenues.
Quote: Alan C @ June 22 2008, 11:38 PM BSTOooh I dream a lot and have not closed off any avenues.
So you may go Bi then.