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Do we as Atheists have a definitive place to put our entire argument against the existence of 'God?'
This may be a super stupid question but, do we as Atheists have a definitive place to put our entire argument against the existence of 'God?' If so where is it? I need it to defend myself against the constant onslaught of those who wish to push their retarded beliefs upon me, Thanks!
p.s. I live in the rural south, so I need all the damn ammo I can get, lol
p.s. I live in the rural south, so I need all the damn ammo I can get, lol
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tarquin St John Sh'gn'sty on -
"This may be a super stupid question but, do we as Atheists have a definitive place to put our entire argument against the existence of 'God?'"
I have no idea to whom you refer. I do not identify as part of a group calling itself "we atheists".
An agnostic atheist ,I assert ONLY ""I do not believe". I make no claims and and have no arguments to offer. I have a personal code of morality and ethics and views on range of topics,which with a few exceptions,are pretty ignorant. None of my life views are the direct result of my atheism.
I decline to get into arguments about metaphysical propositions such as free will and the existence of god(s) This is because my perception is that such propositions are unprovable and unfalsifiable.[ so far]
I do not accept that God can be argued into or out of existence.I believe human logic (especially induction) is deeply flawed. Great as a literary device for Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie,but virtually useless for determining absolutes.
Whenever challenged by a theist .EG "How do you explain X Y or Z ?" my answer is " I don't.It is you who are making the claims, not I. The burden of proof is yours alone. I need to prove NOTHING"
From Wiki
"The burden of proof (Latin: onus probandi) is the obligation to shift the assumed conclusion away from an oppositional opinion to one's own position. The burden of proof may only be fulfilled by evidence.
The burden of proof is often associated with the Latin maxim semper necessitas probandi incumbit ei qui agit, the best translation of which seems to be: "the necessity of proof always lies with the person who lays charges." This is a statement of a version of the presumption of innocence which underpins the assessment of evidence in some legal systems, and is not a general statement of when one takes on the burden of proof. The burden of proof tends to lie with anyone who is arguing against received wisdom, but does not always, as sometimes the consequences of accepting a statement or the ease of gathering evidence in its defence might alter the burden of proof its proponents shoulder. The burden may also be assigned institutionally.
He who does not carry the burden of proof carries the benefit of assumption, meaning he needs no evidence to support his claim. Fulfilling the burden of proof effectively captures the benefit of assumption, passing the burden of proof off to another party."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burden_of_proof
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Permalink Reply by Jared on -
Some of my favorite ammo!
http://www.atheistnexus.org/forum/topics/theres-some-harry-potter-in
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Permalink Reply by El Solo Lobo on -
What rural South? I'm in GA. You might like Positive Atheism and Secular Web, two huge sites that will keep you busy for a long time.
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Permalink Reply by OutlawGirl on -
I try to stay out of the debate unless a theist provokes it first. Then I ask them to prove to me that there is a god. If the debate turns to creationism and debunking evolution, always ask them where they got their sources. Most of these people just quote Answers in Genesis ad nasum. You could also point out that even if evolution was disproven it wouldn't be an arguement for or against their god, so there's no point in them trying to prove anything about science. Of course, it helps if you know a little about evolution, too. Then you can provide the other person with good facts and hopefully get them thinking about their beliefs. Visit www.talkorigins.org/ to learn more about the evolution vs creationism "debate." It also helps if you know your Bible.
More on debating creationists: How to Debate Creationists Video, Part Two
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Permalink Reply by Фелч Гроган on -
This is a good place to start.
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Permalink Reply by OutlawGirl on
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Awesome site. Definately a great place to start. =D
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on -
I exist and you don't - prove both! Then crawl back into your theist hole and remain there until your saviour pulls you out by what ever body part he prefers.
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Permalink Reply by MrBiggMan on -
What do you mean by "god"?
...the existence of... what, exactly?
case closed.
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Permalink Reply by Greywolf on -
I know this is self-promotion to a degree. But if you knew just how heart-felt an implacable foe of the religious right I am you would recognize that I am trying to "defend" atheism more than anything else.
Anyway, there are a number of terrific sites now available to the atheist defending his or her non-belief. On good one is: http://godisimaginary.com/
Now as to that self-promotion: I think my little back-and-forth with two theists in regards to the origin of evil (in the comments section) will provide you with some ammo you can lay down one mean artillery barrage with: http://theatheistobserver.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/the-origin-of-ev...
I'm sure others will follow-up with some outstanding sites. Also, check the blogrolls of atheist sites you find particulary helpful. They may lead you to sites that will fill your needs quite nicely.
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Permalink Reply by MrBiggMan on
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You have to KEEP DEMANDING a clear definition for what "god" is.
If you get tired of that, because they CANNOT give a clear definition of what god is (they can define the WORD "god" but they cannot define the being itself... they cannot point to the object to which the word "god" refers) then you can ask them for EVIDENCE that there is a creator/designer that was not designed itself. They might say, "look at the birds & flowers" - and you say, "So birds and flowers need a designer but your god doesn't? That means the birds & flowers are more amazing & fantastic than your god!"
Another one of my favorites is, "How is your god different from all those fake ones?" - they'll trip over their brains trying to think up an answer on the spot... Sunday school lessons never review this kind of stuff.
And when you're finally done with them... toss this one out there... "If God wanted me to believe in Him, why didn't he send someone more intelligent than YOU to convince me?"
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