Maybe we've been going about this all wrong?

Question

Instead of trying to convince the religious types that religion is false, and vainly trying to point out that Atheism is not a religion, evolution is not a religion, why not just acknowledge that they cannot comprehend it?

Something in their nature or intellect or education prevents them from understanding in those terms.

Why not spin in into something they can relate to? They want prophets? Give them George Carlin, Lenny Bruce and Lewis Black. They want spectacles and men on stages telling them what to think and how to act? Give it to them. The Romans understood this, and never hesitated to give the people a show, a God or a religion to keep them pacified.

Atheos, the Atheist God? Could be the ticket.

Answer 1

Well, that'd be simple, but misguided. It's not that they "cannot comprehend it" (their brains *can* work), it's that they've been indoctrinated/brainwashed. (Practically, it might be the same.)

And I'd be just TOO EMBARRASSED, re Atheos - if LOGIC and TRUTH can't get 'em, sobeit... Let them flounder. Now if you suggested the FSM, I'd go for your idea!

Answer 2

I've been struggling to understand why Christians are so resistant to both rigorous logic and rational thought. From my own spiritual explorations, I've figured out that if one adopts a solipsistic philosophical viewpoint, the existence-of-God, the-soul, and life-after-death all seem obvious and reasonable. Because solipsism is the "default" human viewpoint, it amounts to the way the uneducated view their own subjective experience, which they interpret as reality. Everyone embraces solipsism at least part of the time. It's how we temporarily suspend our disbelief while we watch an engaging movie. When the movie's over, we all smile to ourselves and remember that it was "only a movie."

My hypothesis (hunch, really) is that, for reasons related to intelligence and education, true-believers never learn to think in ways beyond the default human perspective. Severely limited, because their brain has only one "operating system," true believers are unable to accept rational reason or rigorous logic as explanations for the true nature of reality. All they can understand is their own direct experience, mistaken for reality, which is why they are so easily led by superstition and arbitrary authority. I think I may be close to understanding why education seems to be the only cure for all fundamentalist ideologies.

Yes, Jeanmarie, you are correct. It must be quite irritating to be referred to in those terms. I'm sorry, but I can't think of a more politically correct way to express this concept. Perhaps you can see how irritating it can be for us, when Christians stick their nose in the air and tell us we're going to Hell, over and over and over and over again.

Answer 3

I still find it very interesting that many Atheists think we Christians are silly hillbillies who are married to our cousins. I have a brain. I have looked at both sides and have come to the conclusion that Atheism is just not the truth. Just because you don't agree with my logic does not make you "correct"!
I am not a "type" and I take offense to being called, "Them". Like I'm the enemy. I also take offense to questioning my nature, intellect and education.
My degree is in Science tell me about yours!
In my church there are 2 Md's, a Lawyer, 2 pharmacists, Many Engineers and our Preacher has his PhD!
It is a STEREOTYPE that we Christians are idiots.
Get yourself educated man!
†

Answer 4

You seem to think that it is foolish to believe in God. You claim to be wise well check this out, when it is all said and done we'all find out who was the foolish one doncha think? Eternity is quite a long time to think about it, What is wisdom and what is truly wise? To realize that we are here for a moment and that eternity is well for eternity

I continue to be amazed at how supposedly educated people think that intelligence is on their side. I guess intellectual pride clouds peoples mind to true wisdom, soul saving wisdom. To the wise the existence of God is so obvious it'd be foolish not to see it. There is much evidence yet it is discarded on the whim of pride. Apart from personal belief. You know what true folly is? the biggest folly of them all? Yep you guessed it, atheism that's what. People's hearts are hardened, I'am not surprised

Answer 5

We are not all intellectual zeros. We understand where you are coming from...we came from the same streets(we were once as you),and one day were given light,which you have yet to experience. And yet,we persist in trying to share a spiritual revelation to those who will to not hear...We can not erase what we have have seen...there is still hope for you and others,however to catch up,when God finds you.

Answer 6

Good point.
I think that the term "religion" is what throws them off - if there's no "god" in their beliefs, then how can it be a religion? I think people fail to realize that religion is what your beliefs are, and where your faith lies, instead of being held responsible by, or worshiping a higher deity.

Answer 7

It's better if we just accept that we see things differently and let each other be. Not leave each other alone, just let each other be. Assume that each person has a valid life experience that leads them to see things the way they do, just like you do. What does it matter to you? Do you need a crowd to validate your view?

Answer 8

For months I have asked logical questions and hoped for logical answers. Fundies are totally incapable of intelligent thought, I am sure of it.

Answer 9

LOL....

prophets: Nietzsche...Mark Twain...Thomas Jefferson...

I like the way you think.

Answer 10

love ya father, why u still kicking cool wonder wgere ro-ann n martin r these days ? when last time u hurd mmm ? rev. milam sj