Theists vs. Atheists?

Question

Personally, I am a theist, and I'm tired of all the religious debate between theists and atheists. Many times, the atheists are guilty of the same close-mindedness that they accuse the theists of. As I have said, I believe in God, however, I realize that just because I believe something, it doesn't meant it's true. Even with conviction in a belief, people should realize that they may be wrong. I can respect theists and atheists; however, I cringe every time a person from either side of the debate lets their conviction get in the way of reason. Atheism is often embraced with the conviction of even the most fanatical theist. The bottom line is that nobody knows the answers, but we have to make our own decisions for our beliefs. So, for theists and atheists, I understand you have faith, but would you concede in the possibility of being wrong? If not, are you guilty of the same flaw that you accuse the other party of? If you said no to that, are you capable of reflection?

Answer 1

Quite. It's dogmatism that I have a problem with. Particularly when the view that one has the answers extends to the belief that those are the only answers that can possibly exist.

I understand Buddhist teachers used to precede everything they taught with "Thus I have heard..." Perhaps if more people did this instead of stating the unprovable as fact it would be a good thing?

Certainly I'd like to think that should additional or conflicting evidence arrive I will always be prepared to reassess my position.
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Answer 2

I am capable of reflecting my opinion to others that solicit it. I am close-minded because I have made up my mind. I know God does not exist to me. I do, however, realize and respect that He does exist for other people. A healthy argument, in my experience, has only re-affirmed one's faith or lack of it. What's wrong with debate?

Nobody is 'flawed' because of their belief in God. I have never accused anyone of being 'flawed'. I do think your question is rather flawed, though.

Answer 3

Good question. Firsty an atheist by definition is not someone who KNOWS there is no god, but somoene who BELIEVES there is no god.

Im the same way that a christian cannot know there is a god.

The difference is that religion is based on faith which requires no logic or reason. Whereas atheists generally base their belief on scientific evidence which is based on reason, logic, measurement etc.

Answer 4

Debate is good. It allows both sides to learn, and promotes understanding--provided, of course, that both sides are open-minded. Learning and understanding can be accomplished simultaneously on both sides, even if neither side changes their mind.

Harassment, discrimination, and personal attacks are bad.

In my experience, it is theists who are less likely to admit the possibility of being wrong, and theists who are most likely to go beyond debate into active proselytization. Perhaps what we are seeing is the most fanatical of each side venturing over into the other side's territory to pick a fight.

Answer 5

I don't believe in God, but I completely agree with your approach to this whole debate. I'm an agnostic, so I acknowledge that I don't have all the answers and I'm not prepared to make assumptions. Everyone should have the humility to admit they may be wrong. It doesn't mean they have to change their beliefs, only have a realistic approach to them. I wish more people thought like you.

Answer 6

Faith = To put aside man's Logic, Intelligence, Rationality, etc..

Atheist = The validity of science for "hard" tangible proof. "I can see it therefore I believe in it!"

Theist = The validity of "hard" tangible proof of "cause and effect." By Faith all of this came into existence!

The means to get one to ponder and meditate or reflect is really the end goal! Just how to go about it ... to accomplish pondering, meditating or reflecting ... I do not know.

I think it is called patience in waiting to see an outcome or effect of the cause.

Just some observable thoughts!

Answer 7

Firstly, I don't have "faith" that there is no such thing as god. Secondly, if any reproducible testable evidence came up that somehow proved the existence of god, then I would obviously change my mind. I just think it's highly unlikely god exists, so I assume he does not and get on with my life

Answer 8

I believe you are not suppose to doubt your faith because once u do you have sinned the biggest sin you can ever commit. which comes with the first commandment. I don't believe atheist are wrong but if i am wrong what wrong have i committed, i never insulted them nor did i to my own believe. Just respect each others believes that is all we can do. But hearing an atheist speak is quite disturbing because i believe with all my heart a there is a greater being than us that created me...and they believe other Wise

Answer 9

I agree with you completely, and there have been time where i just think what if im wrong, what will happen.....but then i realise that what will happen if im right and i turn against God is far worse what what will happen if i was wrong.

I have nothing to lose and everything to gain in believing in God.....but at the end of the day, if i die and i see that i just sease to exist, or if the end of the world comes and i see there is no God, id just say, "oh ok, u lot were right, i was wrong" and it would end there. Nothing more and nothing less.

But one day, if God does exist, i will die, and if i turned my back on Him, i will burn in hell, but if i do trust in Him, i will go to heaven.

So i prefer to make an...in other people's eyes..."idiot" of myself than to burn in hell. ; )

Answer 10

Looking at the scientific evidence I can say for a FACT that God is real and Evolution is False... There is no possibility that I'm wrong whatsoever.