Is there really any argument between believers and atheists?

Question

I mean, if you think about it, if I say "I think God exists", and someone else says "I don't believe in God", that should about do it for that whole conversation, right? Why does each camp feel the need to defend their beliefs, when neither view can be proven? In the words of Rodney King
"Can't we all just get along?"

Answer 1

The truth requires no defense. If they both feel the need to defend their positions then chances are they are both wrong.

Answer 2

>I mean, if you think about it, if I say "I think God exists", and someone else says "I don't believe in God", that should about do it for that whole conversation, right?

Not when there are thousands of people all over the world being killed or raped or tortured or enslaved based on someone's twisted beliefs. That's the real problem: Not that people believe in God, but that people infringe on other people's rights in God's name.

>Why does each camp feel the need to defend their beliefs, when neither view can be proven?

We freethinkers and atheists actively promote freethought and atheism because we see people infringing on other people's rights based on unfounded and irrational beliefs. In the meantime, many religions (including christianity and islam, the two largest religions in the world) tell their followers that it's a good thing to convert other people. So we all have reasons. Or at least excuses.

>In the words of Rodney King
>"Can't we all just get along?"

We COULD, if everyone agreed on a system of morality and lived by it regardless of what deity they happen to worship. But so far that hasn't happened, and it doesn't look like it's even close to happening. So for the time being, no.

Answer 3

If you'd* stop at "I think God exists" we'd get along just fine, but when you* throw your* support behind politicians who use the bible to oppose things like stem cell research, gay marriage, and just about any sensible law that appears to contradict something that somebody said 2000 years ago in a dusty old tome, then I'm afraid I have to stand up because what you're* doing has an effect on me.

*By "you" I don't necessarily mean YOU in particular, just those for whom the "shoe fits".

Answer 4

I'm a Catholic but I never force my opinions on people, if it were people just saying it doesn't exist that would be one thing, but usually it comes with some ignorant insult.

I don't care what they believe we will see who is right when we die I guess.


by Danny S
there shouldn't be..believers are arguing in something that doesn't exist--maybe just for something to do...they probably also believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.

by your mother

Yea.... have you met a christian before ? dont you know its thier job to convert anyone and everyone that doesnt believe like they do. I'd like us all to get along and there are christians i like and respect but seriously.... stop converting people and let them decide for themselves

HYPOCRISY, DANNY S and a lot of the others are doing exactly what they claim Christians do how ignorant can they be. just did,
The guy who has the intelligent name (sarcasm) your mother just showed the hypocrisy of atheists, who are so gung ho to call others hypocrites.

believe what you want but don't call someone else out on things you are doing yourself.

Answer 5

The original translation of "hell" is nothing. The worst punishment God can give out is causing a soul to cease to exist. The fire and brimstone thing came from Dante.

Therefore, when a Christian says an Athiest is going to hell, and an Athiest says that they will cease to be, they are both biblically correct.


So, the real question is: Why are they argueing when they are saying the same thing.

Answer 6

If someone said to you that they believed that Unicorns existed, and that they sent money to the Unicorn Preservation Fund, and that you should send money too . . .

Would you just end the conversation and respect their belief?
After all you can not prove that Unicorns do not exist, can you.

Why do the same rules of logic and evidence that apply to Unicorns not apply to God?

Answer 7

As a former Bible college student I would have to say that they teach us how to argue this point. I mean I have seen guys at my college get a big grin when someone takes the bait and returns an answer for a metaphorical question created for the sole purpose of getting one of these students jollies off. Personally, I call it "vain babblings". My brother is one of these people who could argue both sides of the coin and does so just to get the thrill of confrontation. I'm afraid we will never "just get along" as long as students are taught this confrontational questioning.

Answer 8

because of the fact "lord" is commonly used with, the lion o' judah would possibly in no way chime in with some irrelevancy approximately Pauline epistles whilst the verbal replace is precisely approximately Judaism or Islam or Buddhism or atheism or pantheism. once you submit on a public communicate board fairly than having a verbal replace by using digital mail, or on a password shield inner maximum chatroom, assume something and each little thing.

Answer 9

Personally, the reason that I share my faith is that the Bible states in no uncertain terms that if you aren't right with God, you will burn for eternity. Christ came to earth and provided humankind with an easy way to be right with God and all he asked in return is that we help others see the truth.

I share my faith because even though I don't know you, I love you and don't want you to be eternally damned. I'm not trying to make you believe (since that kind of negates free will), I'm merely trying to point you in the right direction. I'm not going to force you to see things my way, but I will pray for you if you don't.

Answer 10

Yes... but didn't Rodney King say those words as he was getting the crap beaten out of him by "those who disagreed with him" ??

I have no problem with someone having a different belief than I do ... but if someone challenges me to PROVE my belief (or lack thereof) ... starts making ignorant statements about followers of my belief (or lack of belief) - then occassionally I get the urge to defend my position and correct them on their mis-information & ignorance.

Answer 11

Excellent Q! Really, those of different beliefs should not mess with each other. Have respect for the other person. Is that too much to ask??