Dare I look at this thread...?
Unfortunately, I did dare. Religion is a very touchy subject, especially on the internet where your face is masked by a screen name. I didn't even look at the rest of the replies to this post but I already know it's out of hand.
In all honesty, I am an Atheist. Evolution, the big bang, everything is just a theory. To be honest, there's some big, big holes in the theories. Often times I come across a very religious person who questions my beliefs, and they ask me one of the things they know that only religion answers so far. I tend to respond with "Nobody knows", in order to compromise for a more credible argument.
I do not wish to anger anybody, I'm sure I already have but please consider that I am only voicing my beliefs. It's a thing that people can do, ya know.
Religion answers the questions that are left by the holes of the aforementioned theories, but they are not always... *ahem* ...plausible.
For example, if I were Christian, I could say that God works in mysterious ways to counter any possible argument opposing my beliefs.
Atheist in question: Is god all powerful?
Theoretical Theist: Yes, of course. What makes you think otherwise?
Atheist in question: Well, if god can create a stone he cannot lift, then he is not all powerful. If he cannot lift it, then he is limited to physical strength. However, if he cannot create it, he is not all-powerful because he is limited to magical power.
Theoretical Theist: God works in mysterious ways, no question.
I also would like to address the religious people who attempt to convert others. For the sake of me being extremely tired and a widely accepted by some generalization, let us localize them as Christians. I know not all Christians do this, and that not all who do this are Christians, but please, this makes it easier for me.
I totally see where you're coming from dudes. Hell seems pretty scary. A whole eternity of suffering? Kind of harsh if you ask me, especially because the God in question is leaving us clues to believe anything but the stories he is involved in. A false shepherd, seeking only to lead our lamb astray.
The problem is that Atheists aren't fearful of hell. We are fearful of the unknown though, as is any sane human being, and we sure as heck don't wanna suffer for x*infinity²! Though trying to believe in God again is like... well... (look away kiddies)
Attempting to believe in Santa again
I understand you don't want to watch us being dragged to the depths of the underworld and tortured but it's our beliefs. Only talk about that if the other party is curious about the ways your religion works and stuff.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of Heaven either. As a human, it's physically impossible to comprehend infinity, thus impossible to understand eternity. No matter what you will ALWAYS continue. You will go INSANE. You will lose your head and will constantly be reminded that this is the only thing that you will ever know FOREVER. FOREVER!
Why would I want that?! Eternity sucks! I don't want to be conscious forever! I really hope there is no life after death, no matter how terrible it sounds. The concept of infinity terrifies me so.
And if Aliens exist, they may either be so primitive that they don't need a God to comprehend life, or so advanced that God is a foreign concept to them. We can't be sure that God isn't an Alien Concept either though.
In conclusion (Or TL:DR if you're a nerd ) Keep and open mind, fellas.
