Is it senseless to discuss the existence/nonexistence of gods?

Question

Either they exist or they don't. Does discussing it really change anything?

Answer 1

Good point. We may be better off talking to each other about how we can all live together peacefully. Many of the atheists and religious folks actually want to achieve very similar goals. Nearly all people of all ideologies oppose stupidity like war and support greater freedom for all and would like hunger and poverty to be solved. We could work together on that instead of debating things that will never change anything.

Answer 2

Yes and no. There is a time for discussion and then there is a time when we make up our minds and are not really looking for answers anymore (but we are always happy to give our opinion, right?).

I will say that I have a great time discussing the possible nature of existence and the gods - and I have received new ideas about god right here from some of you. I know that my ideas have brought about change in some people I know, too.

The problem is not the discussion of existence - the problem is the broken record, tired old nonsense of "my way or the highway" thinking". That droning voice that says "You are stupid if you believe in the fairy tale of God" or "You are going to hell if you don't follow my church's rules".

I love to find questions that say "Let's discuss god - what do you think" because more often than not it allows me to sort through my own feelings and beliefs. It allows me once again to examine and re-affirm what I believe in - and sometimes you get such an interesting new idea from another answerer, now that'sI might fun and useful!

Peace!

Answer 3

You cannot prove or disprove the existence of God or the validity of any religion. That's why it's belief and not fact/science. The fact that people argue, fight, try to control others and kill over this is completely insane. However, if you look at if from the angle that discussing it (in an open and non-emotional way--which is almost impossible for anyone with a strong bias or belief) may lead to more understanding and acceptance, then it may change things in a positive way or have some purpose. But to argue about it is a complete waste.

Answer 4

It is because if a divine being does exist, he will be outside of our universe We cannot determine anything outside of our universe (as all physical theories only apply to what we know) so there is no way to prove or disprove a divine being's existence. Here, you are in the realms of metaphysics, not physics. Physics only applies to physical things (why its called physics), divine beings are not physical so will not be controlled by physical laws.

As to believing what we can prove, Robert. It is now believed amongst theoretical physicists that our universe exists on a membrane. But we cannot prove, with current technology, that membranes exist. So, there is no experimental evidence to support the current belief and until we can build an accelerator or collider big enough there will not be. But that does not mean we change our minds about the theory. We are waiting for something that will either confirm what we think or will disprove it.

Answer 5

No... when people are killing each other by the hundreds and thousands because they believe both that their god exists and that their particular book (one of hundreds) is the written word of his mandate, then it's important to challenge those beliefs on any level and through any venue.

These people are trying to remove science from schools and replace it with fairytales of creation and prayer, they're trying to prevent the most promising field of medicine and biology today (Stem Cells), trying to forbid a woman's right to choose, trying to re-write history (claiming the founding fathers were christian when they weren't, preventing grand canyon park officials from stating the estimated date of the canyon because it's older than the biblical world creation, etc.), and otherwise trying to take over our government and lives.

We need to ditch religion to progress as a society. We made very little to no progress during the reign of religious tethers, it wasn't until the 1850s or so when Germ theory came about (and they finally realized demons and witches don't cause sickness) that they stopped killing any free thinkers as heretics or witches. The spanish inquisition continued to exist until that point. That consequently coincides with the industrial revolution and the start of modern society.

Answer 6

You are right! If God exists, He exists whether we believe in Him or not, whether we can prove Him or not, or whether we like it or not. But there are other reasons to discuss the existence of God. For example, just say that God created the world, and that there is a reason for us to be here. And just say that He told us in fact that He came here and told us that we had one free chance to accept Him and our purpose here before He destroys the world...it might be important to know that He existed then...because it would affect your existence and maybe even an existence beyond Earth.

Answer 7

You are correct. People believe what they believe and those who try to dissuade or persuade in either direction ultimately only end up making themselves look small and foolish.

I believe what I do and if asked, I will share, but I will not presume to discounts other beliefs or non-beliefs as the case may be.

It is called mutual respect, something I find sorely lacking on YA! most of the time.

Answer 8

Thov thinks it is silly to try and prove or disprove anothers beliefs.

your personal faith should not effect other people, because then it is not personal anymore.

Thov is happy with his faith and that is all that matters to Thov.
and Thov thinks if everyone were more like Thov Yahoo answers would be a better place.

Answer 9

YES! You need experimental evidence to prove anything. People spent the whole middle ages talking about god. And we are no closer to knowing the truth about god than they were.

Answer 10

We presume that somewhere out there someone is intellectually honest or curious enough to seek the truth instead of rejecting it out-of-hand. God shows Himself to honest seekers.