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Why is atheism untenable? [Spirituality & Religion]

“Gradually, I realized that in the twenty years since I opted for philosophical atheism, a vast, systematic literature had emerged that not only cast deep doubt on, but also, from any reasonable perspective, effectively refuted my atheistic outlook. . . . Today, it seems to me, there is no good reason for an intelligent person to embrace the illusion of atheism or agnosticism, to make the same intellectual mistakes I made.
“As recently as twenty-five years ago, a reasonable person weighing the purely scientific evidence on the issue would likely have come down on the side of skepticism. That is no longer the case. Today the concrete data point strongly in the direction of the God hypothesis. It is the simplest and most obvious solution to the anthropic puzzle.”
(Patrick Glynn)
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badminton · 61-69, MVIP
In the U.S. people are free to believe as they wish in matters of religion. The first Amendment of the Bill of Rights states,

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

I myself do not believe in supernatural religion so that makes me an atheist. However, I do study the world's religions. I find elements of value, and some negative things, in all of them. One of my favorites is the beliefs of the Native North Americans tribes.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
I didn’t say atheism was not allowed I just said it was untenable intellectually@badminton
badminton · 61-69, MVIP
@Speedyman "Of all religions, the Christian should of course inspire the most tolerance, but until now Christians have been the most intolerant of all men." [b]Voltaire[/b]
badminton · 61-69, MVIP
@Speedyman That is a matter of opinion.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Having read the life of Voltaire I have not noticed much tolerance in him ! I have noticed that people who quote things like that are generally intolerant themselves. Like those with biggest feet have biggest bunions! Mind you I’m not saying you shouldn’t be free to be an atheist, just that the position is intellectually untenable to me@badminton
badminton · 61-69, MVIP
@Speedyman "We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies" Voltaire
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Yes that’s what he said but in practice it didn’t quite work out sometimes. You will have noticed that peoples actions don’t sometimes reflect what they say@badminton
badminton · 61-69, MVIP
@Speedyman "Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too." Voltaire
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Well you think for yourself instead of letting dear old Voltaire think for you! 😊@badminton
badminton · 61-69, MVIP
[@Speedyman "I Disapprove of Everything You Say, But I Will Defend to the Death Your Right to Say It." Voltaire
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Yes I believe that too. But when are you going to say something yourself? @badminton
@badminton You are right about that. Many have proved that, but please don't judge the rest of us by those who do not appreciate nor practice their faith the way God gave it or intended it. I humbly apologize for them. I pray each day, this will improve, yet it is not only one specific group doing this, and we must practice, all of us who say we follow Christ, what we preach, in word and deed. I, personally, do not follow a religion. I follow the person of Christ. Huge difference. Religion is man-made philosophy.
Sharon · F
@Speedyman [quote]Mind you I’m not saying you shouldn’t be free to be an atheist, just that the position is intellectually untenable to me[/quote]
Just as a belief in gods (including the christian one of course) is intellectually untenable to Atheists.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Because atheists are intellectually untenable in themselves@Sharon
Sharon · F
@Speedyman [quote]Because atheists are intellectually untenable in themselves[/quote]
One can just as easily say christians are intellectually untenable in themselves. That statement is no less valid than yours.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Well according to you it is but actually your atheism is intellectually completely untenable@Sharon
Sharon · F
@Speedyman [quote]Well according to you it is but actually your atheism is intellectually completely untenable[/quote]
As your claims lack any supporting evidence whatsoever, one can say your belief in a god is intellectually completely untenable with equal validity.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
My claims have tremendous supporting evidence because the universe from its largest to its smallest features support a creator to all but whom are blind to it@Sharon
Sharon · F
@Speedyman [quote]My claims have tremendous supporting evidence because the universe from its largest to its smallest features support a creator[/quote]
Even if that were true (which it isn't), there is nothing to suggest the creator is your specific god. It could just as well be The Flying Spaghetti Monster. Despite all the christians' protestations, not one has been able to prove The Flying Spaghetti Monster doesn't live.
redredred · M
@Speedyman And youve never once produced a single syllable of this "evidence", never once. All you do is rant and rattle like the empty vessel you are.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
As people are rant and rave without any credible supporting evidence whatsoever you are both hoist with your own petard apart from a SFM of your own invention. 🤣🤣🤣@redredred @Sharon
Sharon · F
@Speedyman There is at least as much supporting evidence of the FSM and other gods as there is for your made up one.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Wrong again@Sharon
Sharon · F
@Speedyman I know you are.
Speedyman · 70-79, M
Sharon · F
@Speedyman Good advice. It is pointless arguing with you.