When asked an unanswered question...
The theists usually say that they know.

The atheists/scientists will usually say that they don't know. But they're looking into it.
( Amish Information Systems hates misplaced, commas, Fri 20 Feb 2009, 18:26, 2 replies)

This
I know some deeply christian people who simply. don't. question. why. they. hold. those. beliefs.

I'm a scientist and an atheist but I also studied philosphy for two years. I remember many discussions with these people that consisted of reasoned arguments from me which only recieved the reply "It just is".


Be christian if you want. Be muslim if you want. Be jewish if you want, I really don't give a fuck. But if you accept things blindly, then the world is better off without you.
( MatJ LOOK, Fri 20 Feb 2009, 18:38, closed)

add "be atheist"
to that list and we can all agree and go home
(ewe, Fri 20 Feb 2009, 18:44, closed)

It's kind of assumed.
The general adopted stance with atheism is a scientific outlook on it, in that if proof does show up to the contrary, and it's sufficient to warrant a change in theory, then you change the theory.

Whereas with religion, blind faith is all that's involved. Whether you work by the book, or make your own beliefs. You fundamentally look away from the evidence around you and say

'Fuck off reality! I believe what I believe and no one can change that!'

And that's going to get us nowhere.
(Tetigi can't be bothered with apathy., Sun 22 Feb 2009, 19:49, closed)

A bloke at college
very intelligent but believed in the Bible literally. I asked him about the fossils of Dinosaurs in the ground. He said "Satan put them there to trick us". Can't argue with that.
( stopmeandslapme Cometh the hour, cometh your mum, Fri 20 Feb 2009, 18:46, closed)

Hasn't this been lifted from Bill Hicks
/dubious :P
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Mon 23 Feb 2009, 13:43, closed)

Not quite.
"God put them there to test our faith."
"God put you here to test my faith, dude."
( flake has nothing against your right leg, Tue 24 Feb 2009, 0:02, closed)

Precisely.
A true scientist is able to say - with no shame whatsoever - "I don't know everything about the universe. However, I keep an open mind and I am prepared to change my world view depending on the new evidence that becomes available."

A religious person, however, thinks that they know everything and they resolutely refuse to consider any new evidence, because they believe in a fairy tale that was written thousands of years ago.

I know which sort of person I'd rather give my respect to.
(EuroSong I love horse meat: best of all the animals, Sat 21 Feb 2009, 12:02, closed)