Atheism versus theism: what does it really boil down to?

Question

It seems to me (being an atheist and having university degrees surrounding philosophy and religion in the public sector) that when atheists and theists--Christians, especially--argue, they're actually arguing about two different things. Both sides think their explanations are self-evident, obvious. Theists tend to use the isn't-it-obvious-that-this-is-true reason, while atheists tend to use the can't-you-see-you're-misguided-and-misinformed reason.

Will there ever be a final blow in this battle? How will it happen? Is there any real, effective way to evangelize without getting emotional and resorting to small tantrums? Can we actually discuss these things calmly, maturely?

*xors

(Please, no "yes, armageddon will end it and save us all" or "yes, when all xtians are dead lol!!12!1" kinds of answers.)

By "evangelize" I mean for both sides, not just the theists. Atheists attempting to convince theists is, when it comes down to it, evangelism.

*xors

Answer 1

To discuss things calmly and maturely is very possible. You just have to make sure you are talking to a mature person with confidence in their beliefs so that they don't attack you when you question something. I do not believe there will be a "final blow", unless it is to compromise. Both sides believe strongly and are unlikely to forgo their beliefs. Also, some members of both sides are misguided in believing that the existence of the other is threatening the existence of their beliefs. The only way this battle can end is if we agree to disagree and respect each others beliefs.

Answer 2

What you believe since some people are willing to believe in a theory that is impossible to prove. The final battle will either be a total destruction of the world by theist in there biblical war or a very slow dying out of religion.

Atheist: God=theory(not even a good one) since its based on mass psychosis.
Theist: God=Fact or prove it other wise so we can just dismiss it.

maturely? Some Atheist think that discussing why Santa clause is real is not very mature. Some theist think that not believing in God is done by Satan. Maturity depends on the individual.

Answer 3

It depends on the atheist and the theist. on an individual level the debate cannot end
The argument and most atheists assume the two are antonyms
The only way our of the unending debate is to re-frame the definitions.
Most practicing Atheists in the USA and Europe are in a practical sense anti theists
if we define a-theist as we would a-moral then the atheist is without god..Buddhism is for very practical reasons a-theist but it is not anti-theist They in effect believe that the concept of god gets in the way of knowing what what Buddha knew

Compassionate theists and compassionate-a theists are both compassionate Compassion is the most widely ascribed aspect of the divine as well as the characteristic most likely to have an effect in the 'material world.

Answer 4

It's the same as two people arguing over what was said in an argument. Both have their own conception of how it went down, but neither have a recorded copy. There is no consolation except to agree to disagree.
Also, philosophy shows that the fact that we conceive something makes it real.
I just don't see how someone would concern themselves with something they don't believe in? This is not an argumentative statement and there may be an answer, I just can't think of a logical conclusion, except maybe for historical purposes or scientific purposes. I know an atheist, and he just don't care. He don't even care to argue about it, because he says there isn't a point. Of course I didn't argue with him, and I don't even know how the conversation even came up.

Answer 5

For the most part, I've not seen non-believers or atheists attempting to legislate laws that mandate their beliefs, outlaw theistic beliefs or indoctrinate children into atheism or non-belief. Nor do we have on money or in oaths to take office, give testimony or serve on a jury an oath to non-belief, atheism or any religion. The same cannot be said for Christians.

Answer 6

Uh, truth will out? I don't know if there are any definitive arguments on either side that will surely convince someone on the other, since most theists seem to think with their emotions rather than their reason, and atheists can't seem to puncture the apologetic twaddle that passes for "argument" among, especially, Christians.

Answer 7

Atheism as the belief that there is no god is, indeed, impossible to prove. Atheism as the belief that any specific god (such as the Christian God) doesn't exist is a different story. For example, the bible claims God created everything on the earth in more or less its current form about six thousand years ago over a period of six days. We can prove scientifically that that didn't happen.

Answer 8

I honestly think there will never be a final resolution, and I'm not certain that a free society would hope for one. There's been a boat-load of money poured into religion, and the chances are that people with that kind of multigenerational investment are going to have a hard time giving up their faith.

The primary benefit of religion is that is reduces anxiety about dying, and atheism has only reality to offer in the face of our demise. I find reality ultimately comforting, but it takes some getting used to.

v^v^v^v^v^v v^v^v^v^v^v v^v^v^v^v^v v^v^v^v^v^v

Answer 9

There will be a final blow in the battle. One day, when the sun burns out, all life on earth will disappear. This is the scientific answer that everyone can agree with.

Answer 10

I've asked that question before in different words (maybe some sarcastic ones) and got bombarded with insults--some people feel they have to "stand up for Jesus" or they'll "go to hell" and some people have had bad experiences with religion and thus get emotional. No one likes to be told they are stupid, and Christians especially should not resort to that as Jesus never did.