Are Athiests in a state of abject panic to prove that they're right -?

Question

1st a premise - Most scientists are athiest or agnostic. If you disagree, ignore this question.

Last night on the Science Channel, there was a documentary on the "discovery" of nanobes - extra small structures - maybe bacteria being observed in rock formations. These resemble those same structures found in the "mars meteorite" discovered in '96.

It was amazing to see the frantic state of these scientists (c'mon, admit it, most are athiest or agnostic) seeking to prove that this was a new life form. These people were so desperate that they accepted contaminated DNA as possible evidence.

All because - golly if these are life forms, and they kinda look like those seen in the alleged "Mars meteorite" then darn it, we can prove all those creationists and Christians wrong!

Same attitude with SETI. "Lets spend billions of dollars and over 20 years to disprove those darn Christians"

I thought athiests were supposed to be confident in what they believed.

Answer 1

YEP they are. (In panic I mean)

Answer 2

"I thought athiests were supposed to be confident in what they believed."

There's nothing about the definition of atheism about confidence. Atheism is viewpoint that dieties do not exist, that humans have made them as a construct of their psychology. There are confidenct and non-confident atheists, just as there are confident and non-confident agnostics, and religous people.

"darn it, we can prove all those creationists and Christians wrong."

Science exists to find NATURAL explanations for natural phenomena. Many people associate science and atheism because natural explanations do not *require* the existence of a diety to occur--however, this is NOT the same as *denying* that the diety exists. Science will describe a process: an atheist can now say, "Ah, now I know how this works." And a religious person can say, "Ah, now I know how God causes this to work." How a discovery is viewed in terms of spirituality is up to the fields of philosophy and religion. The science itself is neutral.

The fact that scientists have found evidence for explanations that contradict the Bible does NOT mean that their reason for conducting the research in the first place was to discredit God. Evidence exists whether the Bible says it is true or not. Scientists who interpret the evidence according to a natural explanation are simply doing their job. They are in a "frantic state" regarding the nanobes because they are an incredibly fascinating, unique find, which will probably make the career of several of the more involved researchers.

Honestly, scientists have better things to do with their time, education, and budget than purposely try to offend Christians--if you talk to any scientist, you will probably find it pretty far down on their list of priorities, if it's even on there at all.

Contradiction does NOT equal persecution.

Answer 3

I think some scientists, as well as some Christians will do anything to find more evidence for their beliefs. I did not see the show, but it is unlike a scientist to study something simply to prove someone wrong. Unlike religion, science searches for truth, and while you say they used something contaminated, I wouldn't assume that it was based in fear or hope, simply part of the scientific method. They had it, they studied it, and found some possibility.

From what I see in religion, it is unlikely anything will really change their mind. Especially the faith based religions. Since they are based on faith, and not science or logic, it is impossible to prove them wrong. Even with all the problems they see philosophically and occasionally scientifically, they continue to have faith.

Scientist have a system whereby they test the things they believe. Unlike religious people, they will not accept something as a whole, until it has been proven. Einsteins theories are still theories because they cannot be completely proven though most scientists believe they are probably correct.

Answer 4

Irrespective of their faith or lack thereof, what they're most concerned with is finding out for sure if we're alone or not. Statistically we can't be. But proving it is getting to be an exercise in frustration.

As for those whose atheism is of the pro-active or let's-knock-the-Christians, they're a minority. Vociferous but tedious.

Sadly, (for said atheists), even if the galaxy is proved to be teeming with sapient lifeforms, all it'll do is give believers the proof they want to show that if God is at all; He really IS infinite, eternal, omnipotent, etc. After all, such a God would hardly let all that nifty real estate go begging when he's got all the Moxie necessary to create any number of species to live in and enjoy it.

Answer 5

I believe discovery is more likely the motive, than to "disprove those darn Christians."

Rather than calling themselves atheistic or agnostic, I would tend to believe more scientists simply feel their work does not require the influence of religion.

What, exactly, about Christianity does discovering new life disprove?

Answer 6

Most scientists are very passionate about what they are studying. When the pieces of the puzzle start falling together our energy goes up. We get excited. We get jazzed. It is a very cool experience. We like talking about what we're learning.

It is a tad arrogant to think that everything has to do with Christianity. The world does not revolve around you. Most scientist probably spend less then 1 minute thinking about Christianity each day.

Answer 7

Christians and creationists aren't a big issue for scientists. Any scientist who is desperate to prove some new theory is valid is probably driven by straightforward egotism or professional pride.

Answer 8

I don't think anybody is confident about anything...be it atheist or Christian or other religion.

All people have is faith and hope (or nothing at all...empty souls). Atheists are no different. They want to prove as badly that there is no God as much as any religious person (or religious fanatic and extremist for that matter) wants to believe and prove there is a God.

Ultimately, in the end, you only have faith. No one will ever prove a thing, except that they are fools in trying.

Believe what you want, and keep it to yourself, and to those who believe along with you.

Answer 9

The answer is that your question is twisted, and should be worded: "are Atheists in a state of abject panic trying to avoid confrontation by evangelical Christians whose rigid mindsets and attitudes are beyond rational discussion based on empirical, and not belief-based facts? The answer to that question, is "yes".

Answer 10

The inner voice of conscience tells every one whether he is right or wrong Atheist and scientists are no exception. You can argue against any one but not against your own conscience. That small voice always keeps nagging the atheist saying you may be wrong are you sure ?

Answer 11

Scientist are in a panic to find cures for disease, new sources of energy, new forms of matter and energy, and things that will propel man forward.