Atheists only: What do you consider to be open minded?

Question

a) I don't believe there's a God as I don't see any proof to believe. If you can show me proof then we can discuss the possibility of their being a God. And if you can't show me proof then there is no God.

or

b) Well if you can bring me some proof then I would be glad to look into your claim of their being a God but as of right now I don't believe there to be any higher power. But at the same time I am willing to look for some evidence by myself just to see if I can prove or disprove the existence of any higher power.

Now before you guys go on attack mode just assume that I have no stance on the matter meaning don't assume that I am a Deist or Theist type of any sort such as a Christian, Muslim, Jew, or Hindu because maybe I am an Atheist or an Agnostic, or a Freethinker or Secular Humanist or Humanist of some sort.

So which of the two options fits your way of thinking and why?

Answer 1

"B"..... "A" would be close-minded.

Answer 2

It depends on what people will consider to be evidence. There are some people who will look at the sky and say that it is evidence that there is a god. However, that is not evidence because there are other explanations of why there is a sky.

Now, technically, you cannot disprove the existence of a higher power. You cannot disprove the existence of anything. How do you prove that something does not exist? What kind of evidence of a god not existing would you suggest would be valid?

Also, what do you mean by looking for evidence. Some people are not going to spend their free time looking for evidence of a god. They will leave the subject alone until some evidence comes along. Atheists are not going to be actively searching for evidence of god. They might passively keep an eye out. Consider new things as they see them even if they are not presented as evidence of a god. Learn something new and then see if it presents itself as possible evidence.

I would think that the mind of an atheist is like a balance. The evidence is stacked on the balance in support of god. The evidence presented so far is not enough to move the balance. Therefore, the atheist does not support the idea of a god.

Answer 3

I have already done (B). I was a religion major in college, took Greek & Hebrew, and spent a year in seminary. Your assertion of your secularity, though doesn't hold up well given the wording of your options.

A more "open-minded" option would have been: "I have never been shown evidentiary proof of God's existence. If you can show me proof, then I'm willing to reconsider my position. If you cannot show me proof, I will continue not to believe in any God."

This makes no positive assertion that there is no God, but only that without proof, an atheist finds no compelling reason to believe.

Answer 4

I'm sorry I have to say C, I believe there is no God much in the way a devout Christian might believe there is one. I have my reasons, as you have yours.
We can talk about why we differ and I will respect you if I feel you respect me. I'll not hesitate to dish it out if I feel you are attacking my beliefs for your own benefit. I would also hope our conversation would actually be intelligent.
I won't change- but I'll speak with you respectfully on the issue if you return the favor.

Answer 5

Sorry but neither of those two options apply to me. I am not interested in proof as I know that such things do not exist. Including any proof.

Fairies, elves, gods, ghosts, Santa and the Loch Ness monster. If one exists then they all must.

They don't of course.

Answer 6

You know you are "open minded" when you accept any and every person's theory, belief and thought as viable, except those who are convinced there IS a higher power who they choose to call God. You demand proof for every concept, belief and working lifestyle that encorporates God and accoutability to Him and are so fearful of 'believers' and their testimony that you criticize and berate them; you know your brains done fell through the holes and cracks and now is in the quicksand-trap!

Answer 7

c) As a former Christian, I have read ALL of the evidence and found it to be false, and very often to be deliberately fabricated.

With the Biblical God(s) disposed of, and the others faded into history as Anthropomorphic projections of ancient cultures, Atheism is the only remaining choice.

Unless I want to become Hindu or Buddhist, but I don't see that happening.

Answer 8

They are both quite open minded. Neither holds a position that can't be reconsidered.

I personally feel no need to look for evidence because there is nothing to make me think there would be any. I don't try to find evidence that there is a Tooth Faerie either. If you think there is, well you can waste your time on it.

Answer 9

Neither choice. Can't I be open-minded in listening to your beliefs without have to endure you trying to prove something to me? If you are Christian, you are not going to entertain for one MINUTE that I might be RIGHT. For both people in this discussion to be open-minded, you both have to know where you each stand and merely discuss the issue, not try to force the issue. If I have to be subjected to forced Christianity, then I am close-minded. If I can carry on a civilized conversation, then I am open-minded.

Answer 10

I consider both positions to be open-minded, although I would use the word evidence instead of the word proof. Anyone who is willing to re-evaluate his/her position in light of more information is open-minded in my book.

Answer 11

being honest enough with yourself to admit you haven't met god, and that u lay your head on your pillow each night without the faintest clue as to the meaning of life or the origin of the universe, just like everyone else...