"Atheism is Irrational" thread summary

1. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   For those who want to get a quick update on where the Mega-Thread Of Doom has got to,  I will post newly-agreed propositions on this thread as they are agreed.
   
   Please don't try to argue about them on this thread!
   
   Jenny
   
   The story so far ...
   
   Theists and atheists agree that:
   
   1. Statements cannot be proven true, but they can be proven false.
   2. Believing something to be true is a choice beyond the rational, as the rational can only demonstrate that something is false, not that it is true.
   3. The Bible makes reference to people, places and events which are historically verified by other sources.
   4. The Bible contains some inconsistencies and/or inaccuracies.
   5. There was a historical figure who corresponds to the Biblical Jesus.
   6. The NT accounts of the life of Jesus are accepted as accurate if there is a non-Biblical corroborating source.
   7. For the purposes of providing evidence for new facts, the Bible should be treated in the same way as any other writings of the time.

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   1. 71

      Inspirepubposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      and 8. Without specifying how it first appeared, the spark of sentience triggered the development of our mental landscape, including language, the arts, reason, and many derivatives.

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2. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   Currently under discussion:
   
   
   9. The life of the person historically and theologically recognised as the biblical Jesus Christ of Nazareth was prophesied in Scripture with exact references to his birthplace, his baptism, and his passion.

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3. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   That Proposition 9 failed to get agreement and was eventually ruled a rabbit hole.
   
   Now under discussion:
   
   
   9. All other religious and philosophical writings shall be treated in the same way as the Bible.
   
   10. Any proposition must be formulated in ecumenical wording (that is, in such a way that it applies to any Theist's position, not just to one particular religion).

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4. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   OK, the new Proposition 9 got up, and we are still debating Propostion 10 - or would be, if we were on topic ...
   
   No new propositions yet, but there have been some definitions entered into the debate. I will post them here when it is completely clear which ones are universally accepted.
   
   Jenny

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5. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   Current working definitions:
   
   The term "theism" derives from the Greek theos meaning God. Theism in the broadest sense is the belief in at least one deity. In a more specific sense, theism refers to a particular doctrine concerning the nature of God and his relationship to the universe. Theism, in this specific sense, conceives of God as personal and active in the governance and organization of the world and the universe.
   
   A deity is a postulated preternatural or supernatural immortal being, who may be thought of as holy, divine, or sacred, held in high regard, and respected by believers.
   
   The agnostic says "I don't know whether or not there is a god" probably due to a lack of convincing evidence. The atheist takes that statement to the logical conclusion and says "since there is nothing to base a belief on, I therefore lack belief in a deity."

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   1. 71

      Inspirepubposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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6. 64

   Mishaposted 15 years ago

   That's a good idea Jenny, as i gave up on reading that thread in its entirety, yet i am sort of interested in what is going on over there

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7. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   Well, there has been a resounding lack of interest in my proposed Proposition 10, so I am declaring it dead.
   
   We are now debating Sandy's:
   
   10. Those aspects of human life which are experienced and described by people as "spiritual experiences", "peak experiences", "enlightenment" and "meeting God" are all experiences of the same objective thing, whatever that thing is, regardless of the person's age, gender, race, culture, religion or lack of religion.

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8. 71

   Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

   Proposition 10 was accepted by most, and those who didn't accept it left the discussion.
   
   Still no solid contender for Proposition 11.
   
   That leaves us discussing whether atheism is boring or not, something the participants seem to find boring in itself.

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9. 61

   Ron Montgomeryposted 15 years ago

   Have we defined boredom yet?

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10. 71

    earnestshubposted 15 years ago

    I do not find atheism boring at all.
    Within my belief I can freely learn knowable things such as science, psychology, mythology astronomy, astrology, history, sex, culture, society and more, without any restrictions on my freedom of thought associated with religion's many tombs that forbid the reading of the "devil's" work.

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11. 0

    sandra rinckposted 15 years ago

    No way!  If find that being an athiest is way more interesting that being a theist.  I get...shi*t... like Earnest said...

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12. 61

    Ron Montgomeryposted 15 years ago

    Drifting......
    
    Calling captain moderator.

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13. 71

    Inspirepubposted 15 years ago

    HEY!!
    
    Have the discussion on the DISCUSSION thread PLEASE!
    
    I had to start the summary thread to people could find the actual content without having to wade through all the banter - please keep it pure and unsullied.
    
    Jenny

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