Posted on 04/27/2009 9:01:01 AM PDT by GodGunsGuts
--snip--
I asked Doug why the atheists are suddenly so active, and getting so much attention.
‘For many years, atheism has been patronizing to Christian theists—they would pat us on the head and say, you can be allowed your silly little superstition. But it’s beginning to dawn on them that they might lose, and they’ve panicked. They’re worried at the resurgence of conservative Christianity in the United States'...
(Excerpt) Read more at creation.com ...
Interesting take on why the atheist have suddenly become so militant! All the best—GGG
I’m skeptical on this take. Recent poll data suggests a surge in atheism in the last 10-15 years. This is predictable from the Vitz hypothesis, which suggests that many atheists choose atheism as a reflection of their hostility towards their earthly fathers. In an era of broken families and deadbeat dads, one would expect a surge in atheism if this hypothesis is correct, and I think that is what we are seeing. As they grow in numbers, we would naturally expect them to become more militant.
This argument is so tired. It reminds me of how pro-affirmative action folks insult those who are against it (Thomas, Sowell) as being recipients of affirmative action but not appreciating and supporting it.
The American theist takes everything positive aspect of human philosophy from freedom to charity and takes credit for it.
Even though Confucius gave us the Golden Rule 500 years before Jesus was born, we're supposed to believe that morality is impossible without a theistic Christian God. Demonstrably false.
How convenient.
The question is whether or not truth is an inherent good. Do you consider truth to be an inherent good, GunRunner?
I’m downloading that to read later! Thanks for that!
Hate against Christians is allowed now. That’s the key difference. That’s why the atheists keep their mouths shut about Islam. They know it isn’t allowed.
When Atheists try to debate me about “Theism”, I frame their argument as against Islam. They don’t last very long.
[[In an era of broken families and deadbeat dads, one would expect a surge in atheism if this hypothesis is correct, and I think that is what we are seeing.]]
I think there’s some truth to this- it’s also a reason why there’s a huge increase in violence and disrespect as well- these kids today just have NO parental guidance growing up- but I also htink the article above gives soem insight as well
It is no more a "non-material truth" than any other adage conveying practical advice, like "honesty is the best policy," or "good fences make good neighbors," or "a stitch in time saves nine," or "look before you leap."
"Atheism -tends- to discard entirely anything that does not exist in material space.
Which, I suppose, explains why atheists are always burning their hands on hot stoves. They just don't "get" that "non-material truth" stuff.
Tell me: why IS honesty the best policy? Sometimes a little white lie could be better, right? Or maybe you could get ahead in life with embellishing your resume, or stretching the truth a bit on your taxes. Why not?
As for the stove, I think fire counts as material :-)
Why shouldn't atheists get their turn?
Maybe they can extract some subsidies from the taxpayers when all is said and done.
Some atheists, maybe, but not all.
There are a number of atheists who use Islamic extremism and terrorism as a major data point in favor of their view.
Sometimes it is. But the practicality of the advice is based on the generally beneficial result. There's nothing "supernatural" about it, just accumulated experience passed on.
That wasn't the question posed by the author. The author was asking why we should listen to people who are not theists.
Part of the answer is that the truths you are referring to are inherent to non-theists, and their practice isn't is not dependent on what ancient text you hold as divine.
I see a lot of people passing on advice that they tell me is beneficial: My own relatives tell me how I can stretch things on my taxes to avoid paying my full amount! They’re of course pretty liberal and wealthy. I think that they typify what we see in the Obama administration wrt his appointments. But it still amazes me when it’s my own family. I will say that with my family, it is not blatant theft like the Obama administration. It is more like stretching the truth of what a remodel was really for, what they use their ‘company vehicles’ for, etc...
Seems to me that they’ve done what is beneficial to their wealth, but I’ve not taken advantage of it by being completely honest with the government.
I guess I should pass on this accumulated experience to my children — after all, they’re saving lots more money than I! But I wouldn’t feel right about it.
For me, I know why — because my God doesn’t tolerate ANY sin; I am made in His image, his laws are written upon our hearts, and the Holy Spirit dwells within me.
Also, Jesus told me to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to render unto God what is God’s.
Sorry about the length of my post, it was probably for my own benefit to analyze my family rather than yours. LOL!
Thanks for indulging me, and all the best!
You're mistaking a rejection of the supernatural for a rejection of everything that is transcendent, numinous, and existential.
I'm certainly not someone who rejects the latter ideas, but then again, non-belief takes as many forms as belief. I'm sure there are some who do reject those things, but there's no central creed or text that speaks for all non-theists.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.