Is There Life Elsewhere in the Universe? Is There a God?

[ArmoBarbi]

It is one thing to say that one BELIEVES that no diety exists. It is another that the hold of this BELIEF is equal to the practice of a religion!

You believe that you have green eyes, no? Is it a religion simply because it's a belief? Obviously not.

[winoman]

It is one thing to say that one BELIEVES that no diety exists. It is another that the hold of this BELIEF is equal to the practice of a religion!

You believe that you have green eyes, no? Is it a religion simply because it's a belief? Obviously not.

Agreed - but you wouldn't believe the lengths of argument I have endured with those professing that (and I paraphrase) "to believe anything in regards to existance/non-existance of diety/dieties automatically consititues (choosing a) religion" - yes it is quite silly to take such a postion I know - thus my above post....and why I must be the most religious guy on earth (for all the dieties I reject)...you too - unless of course you accept the Pink Pony et al...

[ArmoBarbi]

Hey, when I was little I watched "My Little Pony" and even had an action figure! hehehe

To bring this back to religion, a religion based on My Little Pony sounds just as absurd (to a DEVOUT Atheist such as myself that is ) as an old guy in the sky with the magical ability to create the world etc

Atheism and Agnosticism are not religions. Forms of Theism are religions.

[Anonymouse]

so it is...so?* Some (incorrectly) claim that this makes it a religion. If so then I must be the most religious person on the planet - becuase i ascribe to the (non) belief in a great many gods and god combinations. Perhaps we actually share a religion mouse - what do you think? Non - belief of Zeus. I annoint you high priest - perhaps you wish to lead a non-prayer?


*reference to my point earlier about some beliefs being better then others (or at least based upon better reasoning/evidence/insight...etc)

Beliefs being better than others are nothing more than a subjective preference, which is why I said you can't determine that by "scientific criteria".

Yes it remains that to not believe in a diety is itself another form of belief.

[Anonymouse]

It is one thing to say that one BELIEVES that no diety exists. It is another that the hold of this BELIEF is equal to the practice of a religion!

You believe that you have green eyes, no? Is it a religion simply because it's a belief? Obviously not.

You misunderstand religion. Even your unbelief can itself be a religion, according to the definition of religion by Merriam-Webster

Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

As it stands, to not have belief or to not believe in a God or Gods is itself a belief. It reminds me of Pascal's chilling reflection, "To not be mad, is itself another form of madness".

[winoman]

what is the underlying creed that atheists share (other then rejection of various stuff proposed by others)? What rituals and practices do atheists share? What common observances (holidays/sacred days etc) and such do atheists celebrate? What do atheists think about the supernatural? etc - belief (or non-belief) alone is insuficient to constitute "religion" - there is no such thing as a/the religion of atheism nor can (the vast majority of atheists) be considered as religious in any way (unless perhaps they are buddists or such...)

[ArmoBarbi]

Leave Pascal alone. Your conclusion is absolutely wrong. I do not misunderstand religion by any means. You misunderstand "belief".

Your attachment to the dictionary is not very practical, dear. None of those definitions accurately define "believing that no diety exists".

It is not a personal set or institutionalized system. There is no faith involved.

I simply think it is the most likely out of all the options presented or imaginable to me. I am constantly open to learning of new options and changing my position.

Feel free to continue arguing of course, as usual.

[Anonymouse]

I sense some people insecure with their beliefs.

[ArmoBarbi]

It is so obvious that you simply don't have a good response! Hahahahaha That was awesome. I guess you better retire as Captain Armenia, and let someone with better senses have the job!

[Anonymouse]

It is so obvious that you simply don't have a good response! Hahahahaha That was awesome. I guess you better retire as Captain Armenia, and let someone with better senses have the job!

To respond to you would mean I would have to restate the same things I've already stated. But there is a fine line between differing views, and when one ignorantly trumpets the claim of knowledge. Your misunderstanding of the definition of religion and belief combined with an adamance that lacks sense is enough to convince me that you do not understand what you talk about, although you will claim you do.