When atheists and theists debate the existence of gods, atheists generally ask for some sort of proof of the god or gods that the theist claims exist. Why do they do this? That is a difficult question to answer because while it is true that atheists often ask theists for proof that their god exists, sometimes they shouldn't. Asking for proof may end up confusing the important issues, causing distraction, and leading the conversation away from where it should be.
If that is the case, why do some atheists always ask for proof? I think that there are two reasons — one a question of semantics and one a question of principle. First, however, it would be easier to explain what atheists should be doing and why.
If a theist claims that a god exists, an atheist is justified in asking for that claim to be supported. Support is not the same as proof, although proof is a type of support (a very good type, in fact). Claims need to be supported if they are to be taken seriously.
2007-08-01
20:50:03
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27 answers
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asked by
Jack Rivall
3
in
Religion & Spirituality