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READ!!!!!!
As promised (to the guy that said he’s an atheist), my take on why Atheism is irrational.
ATHEISM
Definition: one who denies the existence of g-d.
There are three possible attitudes one could have towards g-d: First, one can be absolutely sure that g-d exists. People who posses such certainty are known as believers (which I think comes from a middle-English word which means "complete knowledge").
Second, one can be unsure whether there is a g-d. Such people are called agnostics (which comes from a Greek word which I’m again not sure of but means "not known").
Third, one can be absolutely sure that g-d does not exist. These people are called atheists (from the Latin word 'a-theos, which means "without g-d"). Only the first two of these theological attitudes are potentially sensible. The third, atheism, is necessarily irrational.
There are two ways one can be rational and believe certainty in g-d. First, it is possible (at least in theory) that g-d might introduce himself to you. Although we have a right to view any such claim with extreme scepticism, we must also admit that someone could possess absolute certainty about g-d's existence through such an event.
Second, one could come to know that g-d exists through indirect evidence, that is, through circumstances and phenomena that cannot be explained without positing g-d's existence.
A great deal of what we know today, we know only through such indirect evidence. For example, we know that there was once an American president named Abraham Lincoln. We know this not because we knew or met Lincoln, but because there is no other reasonable way to explain the existence of a universally accepted tradition that he lived. Whether direct or indirect evidence of g-d actually exists is a separate issue. The point here is that it is possible for such evidence to exist, and therefore we cannot a priori know that someone is irrational just because he claims to know that there is a g-d.
It is also possible to be rational and be uncertain if g-d exists, just as it is possible to be rational and uncertain if any particular person, force, or object exists. Until one has either direct or indirect evidence, it is reasonable to remain unsure.
In contrast, it is impossible to be rational and know with certainty that g-d does not exist, just as it is impossible to be rational and know that any person, object, or force does not exist. Knowing with certainty that something does not exist requires first being aware of all things that do exist. This would mean simultaneously examining every cubic centimetre of the universe for objects or forces in question. Because we cannot monitor every corner of the universe, we cannot reasonably declare the non-existence of anything, including g-d.
Any student of history knows how many men have made fools of themselves proclaiming the non-existence of things: of a continent west of Europe; of a particle smaller than the atom; of a natural force besides gravity and magnetism. Atheism – the state of knowing that g-d does not exist – is inherently irrational!
Why then, do some very rational people claim to be atheists?
Most of them do not understand the difference between atheism and agnosticism. These people are really just healthy sceptics; lacking any evidence of g-d existence, they are unwilling to call themselves believers. Once introduced to the category of agnosticism though, these people happily re-label their attitude.
Other professed atheists understand the distinction between the two, but do not fully appreciate the formers inherent illogic. Most of these people we’re raised in non-religious homes. Since religion was a non-issue for their parents, it became a non-issue for them, and their atheism was affirmed out of inertia more than conviction. These people slip comfortably into the agnostics’ camp when seriously questioned.
A smaller group of atheists affirm their atheism as rebellion against their religious parents or school. Since most of these people rebel for emotional reasons (not intellectual ones), they are not deterred by any demonstration that their position is irrational. Their desire to condemn religion or religious people closes their minds.
The smallest group of declared atheists are highly sensitive and intelligent people. Most have never encountered argument for g-d’s existence, but they are woefully familiar with the single most powerful argument against it: bad things happen to good people. Most of these people have experienced real suffering, either firsthand or through a friend or relative. For these people, personal tragedy speaks only too eloquently of g-ds non-existance. Still, when faced with atheisms inherent irrationality, even these people retreat to highly sceptical agnosticism.
This post is getting must longer than I had expected…. Sorry guys….
To sum things up:
Of the three possible attitudes one can take towards g-d – belief, agnosticism, and atheism – only the first two are rationally defensible. The third is a viable option only for someone who either does not know or does not care what atheism really is.
Done and done!
Peace.
I.Y.
I'd like to hear what you guys have to say... agree, disagree?
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Signature Suspended as it was deemed offensive.
Last edited by melech_mike on Feb-02-2003 at 03:54
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Re: Atheism And Seclusion
