Spirituality
21 Jun 14
Originally posted by twhiteheadYou should know that I am anything but vague. 🙂
If I missed the point, please clarify. Or are you just trying to ensure that your claim that I cannot understand because I am an atheist remains true, by being deliberately vague?
Choice. To choose. Make a decision. Decide. We do it every minute of everyday about virtually everything.
I can only think of a few things we don't actually choose. Our parents, our gender and when we die. There are probably more, but that's just off the top of my head right now.
When I say, 'we can choose to believe', that doesn't mean I'm saying we choose blindly. I choose to believe blue is the most beautiful color based on my own preference and in contrast to all the other colors. It's only my opinion.
But when I say we have a choice as to whether to believe in the existence of a creator of all that exists, it's not because there's no evidence, and because that choice exists for everyone, and it's not a matter of opinion.
Kinda cloudy, but it's the best I have to offer at the moment. 😕
26 Jun 14
Originally posted by josephwMy point was that several people asked for clarification, and your response was quite negative and lacking any clarification whatsoever.
You should know that I am anything but vague. 🙂
Kinda cloudy, but it's the best I have to offer at the moment. 😕
Yes, its very cloudy. You say 'the choice exists for everyone'. This is like saying 'the choice to run through a wall exists for everyone'. Sure we can choose to do it, but most of us would choose not to because the evidence tells us it is not possible. Similarly, although I could theoretically choose to believe in God, the evidence stops me from making that choice.
Similarly, you could choose to believe that the moon is made of cheese.
26 Jun 14
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyChildren are naturally quite enthusiastic about learning new things. Arrogance is something that develops later. I need to think about it before commenting further.
Deep Thought, it occurs to me that there's an implicit cost in replacing complete or partial ignorance [and apprehension] with relevant information assimilated as knowledge [and confidence] in any educational realm: a cost that always involves the acceptance of authority which requires enforced [as with young children] or genuine humility, a pric ...[text shortened]... ortable old intellectual clothes. Never realized you "Joined 27 Oct '04". Almost a decade! -Bob
Yes almost 10 years, although with quite long gaps, as I had to cut down the time I spent on the site several times. Bruce.
Originally posted by twhitehead"Similarly, although I could theoretically choose to believe in God, the evidence stops me from making that choice."
My point was that several people asked for clarification, and your response was quite negative and lacking any clarification whatsoever.
[b]Kinda cloudy, but it's the best I have to offer at the moment. 😕
Yes, its very cloudy. You say 'the choice exists for everyone'. This is like saying 'the choice to run through a wall exists for everyone'. Su ...[text shortened]... rom making that choice.
Similarly, you could choose to believe that the moon is made of cheese.[/b]
There it is. You can choose, you did choose.
Now that that is settled we can move on to the most important thing you said in the quote above. "..,the evidence stops me from making that choice."
The evidence.
Do you mean the existence of the universe, or are you referring to some other evidence?
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemBut you didn't communicate clearly except to degrade. That was clear, but I don't pay attention when I'm being insulted.
Wow. Clearly communicating your meaning to your reader is 'counter productive'?
Didn't they teach you anything about writing in school?
No, they didn't teach me anything in school. But if you knew what I know you wouldn't have to keep asking so many redundant questions.
How do you like that one? This is fun! Keep it coming. And keep smiling.
🙂
Originally posted by josephwOther evidence. A lot of it. The existence of the universe is not evidence for anything - except that it exists.
Do you mean the existence of the universe, or are you referring to some other evidence?
So do you agree that you can choose to believe that the moon is made of cheese and that you have chosen not to?
Originally posted by josephwOh Good Lord. 😞
But you didn't communicate clearly except to degrade. That was clear, but I don't pay attention when I'm being insulted.
No, they didn't teach me anything in school. But if you knew what I know you wouldn't have to keep asking so many redundant questions.
How do you like that one? This is fun! Keep it coming. And keep smiling.
🙂
26 Jun 14
Originally posted by twhiteheadOne can choose to believe whatever. I choose to believe the truth.
Other evidence. A lot of it. The existence of the universe is not evidence for anything - except that it exists.
So do you agree that you can choose to believe that the moon is made of cheese and that you have chosen not to?
What evidence do you have that God doesn't exist?
Originally posted by josephwWhen I say Neither clause of that sentence can be deduced from BDP's statement. it is a statement of fact. Not a belief.
Whatever you choose to believe gang is fine by me. It's your choice.
You seem to have a real problem differentiating between facts and beliefs.
Perhaps that is the root cause of your problem?