This page contains links and my comments related to atheism and agnosticism. It is a continuation of the pages My religious beliefs (MyRel010, 020).
The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. -- George Bernard Shaw
Not only is there no God, but trying getting a plumber on weekends. -- Woody Allen
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Arguments for and against existence of God
See also Proof that the God of Christianity cannot exist.
Atheism: http://hem.passagen.se/nicb/atheism.htm I am an atheist . . . , which means that I do not believe in the existence of any gods or other supernatural beings. I was a Christian for over a decade, but I gradually began to realize, through calm, rational reasoning, that there was, in fact, no reason whatever for supposing Christianity true. I invite you to find out for yourself why this is so.
I also urge you to leave the Church of Sweden, if you are a member. For information on this and a form to . . .
Includes many interesting links to essays, including those of Richard Dawkins and George Smith.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA Existence of God: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06608b.htm
God_Arguments.htm: http://www.lclark.edu/~ndsmith/god_arguments.htm ARGUMENTS ABOUT THE EXISTENCE OF GOD AND RELIGIOUS BELIEF Total number of arguments: 54.
I. Arguments for the Existence of God
A. Cosmological Arguments ___ B. Teleological Arguments ___ C. Ontological (Conceptual) Arguments ___ D. Epistemological Arguments ___ E. Wager Arguments ___ F. Wager Arguments ___ G. Experiential Arguments ___ H. Testimonial Accounts ___ I. Arguments from the Human Condition ___ J. Arguments from Faith
II. Arguments against the existence of God
A. Anti-cosmological arguments ___ B. Anti-Teleological Argument ___ C. Anti-Ontological Argument ___ D. Moral Arguments ___ E. Anti-Wager Argument ___ F. Anti-Experiential Arguments ___ G. Arguments Against The Origins Of Belief
SELECTED RESPONSES TO RELIGIOUS ARGUMENTS
Is a Proof of the Non-Existence of a God Even Possible: http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/jeff_lowder/ipnegep.html Jeffery Jay Lowder.
If I were asked to prove that Zeus and Poseidon and Hera and the rest of the Olympians do not exist, I should be at a loss to find conclusive arguments.
-- Bertrand Russell, "What Is an Agnostic?" 1953
A common objection to atheism -- one stated by many scholars and laymen, theists and nontheists -- is that it is impossible to prove the non-existence of God. Yet the atheist response to this objection has been virtually non-existent. This response is the purpose of this paper. Whether it is the responsibility of the methodological atheist to prove metaphysical atheism, and whether any atheists have actually proven the non-existence of any gods, are issues beyond the scope of this paper. Rather, I want to examine the mere possibility of an atheological proof. I shall argue that there is no a priori reason why the disproof of a specific god is impossible. . . .
The Mind of God (Paul Davies) - review: http://dannyreviews.com/h/The_Mind_of_God.html The Mind of God is one of the recent offerings from physics populariser Paul Davies. Unlike his other books it contains very little in the way of actual physics, being instead about foundational metaphysical and epistemological issues. . . .
Proofs For And Against The Existence of God: http://www.cftech.com/BrainBank/OTHERREFERENCE/PHILOSOPHY/ArguAbtGod.html
Scientific Evidence for the Existence of God - CLM: http://www.leaderu.com/real/ri9403/evidence.html Dr. Walter Bradley received his Ph.D. in materials science from the University of Texas at Austin.
Who Made God and Who Designed the Designer: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/billramey/whomade.htm
American Atheists: http://www.atheists.org/ American Atheists is a nationwide movement defending civil rights for nonbelievers and the separation of state and church. It also addresses issues pertinent to First Amendment public policy. Since 1963 AMERICAN ATHEISTS has been the premier organization laboring for the civil liberties of Atheists, and the total, absolute separation of government and religion. It was born out of a court case begun in 1959 by the Murray family which challenged prayer recitation in the public schools. That case -- Murray v. Curlett -- was a landmark in American jurisprudence on behalf of our First Amendment rights. It began:
"Your petitioners are Atheists, and they define their lifestyle as follows. An Atheist loves himself and his fellow man instead of a god. An Atheist accepts that heaven is something for which we should work now -- here on earth -- for all men together to enjoy. An Atheist accepts that he can get no help through prayer, but that he must find in himself the inner conviction and strength to meet life, to grapple with it, to subdue it and to enjoy it. An Atheist accepts that only in a knowledge of himself and a knowledge of his fellow man can he find the understanding that will help to a life of fulfillment."
Atheism: http://hem.passagen.se/nicb/atheism.htm I am an atheist . . . , which means that I do not believe in the existence of any gods or other supernatural beings. I was a Christian for over a decade, but I gradually began to realize, through calm, rational reasoning, that there was, in fact, no reason whatever for supposing Christianity true. I invite you to find out for yourself why this is so.
I also urge you to leave the Church of Sweden, if you are a member. For information on this and a form to . . .
Includes many interesting links to essays, including those of Richard Dawkins and George Smith.
Atheism Central for Secondary Schools - A World of Difference: http://www.eclipse.co.uk/thoughts/kimwalker.htm
Atheist Express: http://www.hti.net/www/atheism/athlink.html Atheist, Humanist, and Freethought Links.
THE BEST ATHEIST LINKS: http://www.actwin.com/eatonohio/gay/atheist.html
Atheism: http://www.atheists.org/drive.thru/atheism.html Atheism -- What It Is, and What It Isn't, Fallacies of Atheism, Atheism is NOT a Religion, Atheism is NOT linked to Communism, Atheists are NOT "secular humanists", Atheists do NOT Advocate Satan Worship, Atheists are NOT "Forcing their Opinions" on Society. . . .
Atheism is religion." When you hear a statement like this, it often comes from a person who has actually done little research or thinking about either Atheism or religion. Most people rarely study or investigate their own religious beliefs . . .
Nearly every dictionary will
define religion as "belief in a divine or superhuman power
or powers to be obeyed a worshipped as the creator(s) and
ruler(s) of the universe. The definition of all other terms
linked to religion employ much the same language -- church,
monastery, priest. They are all part of a religious-language
universe or "game" that has little to do with Atheism.
There cannot be an
Atheist "Church", or an Atheist "priest"
anymore than there could be an Atheist "god."
Atheists are NOT "secular humanists", "freethinkers", "rationalists" or "ethical culturalists." Many of these terms have their origins in religious doctrines. Rationalism, for instance, was a movement which tried to reconcile religious faith with the findings of science especially during the Enlightenment. "Freethinker" has been used to describe a spectrum of belief, including those who questioned the doctrine of the Trinity.
Often, people who are Atheists find it useful to masquerade behind such labels. This is sometimes understandable, considering the opprobrium Atheists have been subjected to throughout history. There have been times when Atheists who described themselves by using the "A-word" faced public condemnation, even violence for their convictions.
AMERICAN ATHEISTS have struggled for over three decades to "de-sensitize" this culture, and demonstrate that Atheism is a moral and legitimate intellectual conviction, and lifestyle. We try to live ethical, positive and productive lives without god-belief! There are over 25 million Americans who are Atheists, or describe themselves in approximation to this position; our organization works to encourage these people to "come out of the closet," and proudly admit -- and proclaim -- their Atheism!
Atheism FAQ: http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/blfaq_atheism.htm
Atheism FAQ: http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/blfaq_atheismdef.htm Atheism & Agnosticism What is Atheism? The broader, and more common, understanding of atheism among atheists is quite simply "not believing in any gods." . . . There also exists a narrower sort of atheism, sometimes called "strong" or "explicit" atheism. With this type, the atheist explicitly denies the existence of any gods -- making a strong claim which will deserve support at some point. . . . Theists also tend to make the error of focusing only on the specific god in which they believe, failing to recognize the fact that atheists don't focus on that god. Atheism has to involve all gods, . . .
Isn't not believing in any gods the same as believe there are no gods?
No, they aren't the same -- mere disbelief in the truth of a proposition is not equivalent to the belief that the proposition is false and the opposite is true. In better dictionaries, you will find that "disbelieve" is not defined as meaning "to deny."
In the Oxford English Dictionary, for example, the primary definition of "disbelief" is simply "not believe" and the secondary definition is "reject belief in." Both of these meanings are distinct from "to deny," which is not listed. Both of these match the definition used for "weak atheism," which is to lack belief in the existence of any gods.
Atheism FAQ Index: http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/blfaq_main.htm
Atheism Web: http://www.infidels.org/news/atheism/ A shared resource for atheists, agnostics and freethinkers on the Internet. Brought to you by The Internet Infidels, maintainers of The Secular Web. Extensive links.
CAA Home Page: http://www.cwu.edu/~brownj/caahome.htm The Center for Atheism and Agnosticism. . . . BECAUSE SELF-DECEPTION ISN'T HEALTHY. . . . this site is intended for all those who have rejected certitude, absolutism, superstition, and the supernatural, or those who are simply curious about and interested in the plausibility of religious beliefs.
Dave's Free Press: http://www.cantrell.org.uk/david/religion/index.phtml Religion. Religion - especially authoritarian religion such as christianity - has a big problem. Religious belief is a belief in the unprovable. Whilst religious people may point to various bits of 'proof' none of the proofs I have had the pleasure of having thrust at me cut it. Now, rational people can sometimes accept something without a great deal of proof if it explains something which is otherwise inexplicable, which is why religion was so popular with thinkers in less enlightened times. However, as there is no need for gods ( http://www.cantrell.org.uk/david/religion/occam.html) in our modern world-view, we expect the standard of any proof presented for them to be of the highest quality. . . .
Gre-Gro Positive Atheism's Big List of Quotations: http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/quotes/quote-g3.htm
Ruth Hurmence Green (1915-1981).
I am now convinced that children should not be subjected to the frightfulness of the Christian religion . . . If the concept of a father who plots to have his own son put to death is presented to children as beautiful and as worthy of society's admiration, what types of human behavior can be presented to them as reprehensible? -- Ruth Hurmence Green, Preface to The Born-Again Skeptic's Guide To The Bible.
There was a time when religion ruled the world. It is known as the Dark Ages. -- Ruth Hurmence Green,.Women Without Superstition.
Jim Grill, Founder of Web-1 Hosting.
If the "melissa" virus was the world's biggest prank on the Internet, then the Bible must be the world's biggest prank in print. -- Jim Grill, in a private e-mail to Cliff Walker, Feb 1, 2001.
Surely one smart enough to translate the Bible to English would also be smart enough to know that one cannot walk on water.-- Jim Grill, in a private e-mail to Cliff Walker, Feb 1, 2001.
Happy Heretic Judith Hayes: http://www.thehappyheretic.com/default.htm Home page. I am Judith Hayes, The Happy Heretic. This monthly column was born in November 1996. My grandfather was a Lutheran minister, his son was a Lutheran pipe organist, and his granddaughter is an atheist. Now that's my kind of evolution.
Happy Heretic: http://www.thehappyheretic.com/sep11.htm May
We Never Forget. Judith Hayes. SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
"Tonight in
Paradise!"
These screaming
words have been heard from Muslims as they drive bomb - laden
jeeps into shopping centers filled with people. They are
fervently believed and obviously provide a fanatic with the
motivation to kill himself. Allah is said to approve of such
slaughters as long as the correct people are being killed,
preferably Jews, but Americans will do. Religion kills. . . .
This is one UN - happy heretic writing here. . . .
There is no longer any place on this planet for any God of any kind. We can no longer afford the luxury (if indeed we ever could) of kowtowing to some pie - in - the - sky Great Father, who showers us either with blessings or bloodbaths, depending on his vicious temper tantrums. The harm Gods do on a personal level as well as the global level far, far outweighs any comfort people might derive from believing in an invisible spirit with supposed magical powers. We must finally grow up, all of us, and realize that we are the only ones who can help ourselves. The Gods we humans have created do not exist today and never did. . . .
HarperCollins Religious: http://www.harpercollinsreligious.com.au/books/extracts/god_factor.htm Book. The God Factor. . . . Dr Dawkins argues that religion is irrational, but Dr Carson's irrational action and the unexplainable event which followed saved the life of the patient. Dr Carson prayed because he could see no natural way of stopping the bleeding. . . . The purpose of this book is to reveal the diversity of reasons why highly educated university academics believe in God. . . .
How to Defend Atheism: http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/george_smith/defending.html By George H. Smith, the author of the book Atheism: The Case Against God (Buffalo, NY: Prometheus, 1980) and Atheism, Ayn Rand, and Other Heresies (Buffalo, NY: Prometheus, 1991). He has also been a frequent contributor to Reason and Libertarian Review.
. . . The basic point I wanted to make about atheism in regard to this is: atheism is important only when viewed in this larger context which I will call the "habit of reasonableness." Atheism is significant only if and when it results from this habit of reasonableness. . . . So the issue of reasonableness pertains to the concern for truth, concern for the correct methodology of reasoning. And just because a person espouses atheism is no guarantee -- believe me -- that person is necessarily reasonable. . . .
I never crusade for atheism per se outside of a wider framework. Atheism is significant, to be sure. But it's significance derives entirely from the fact that it represents the application of reason to a particular field, specifically the area of religious belief. Atheism, unless it is ingrained within this greater philosophical defense of reason, is practically useless. When, however, it is the consequence of the habit of reasonableness, then atheism stands in opposition to the wave of supernaturalism and mysticism we are currently experiencing. In other words, irrationalism in any form it may occur.
Now what this means is that atheism will not get very far simply by attacking religious belief. Rather, we have to defend reason, first and foremost, and then criticize religion within that framework. If you understand that most people adopt religion for psychological rather than intellectual reasons, you will understand why I think direct, frontal assaults on religion rarely, rarely persuade anyone to atheism. If, as atheists have been pointing out for many years, religion is an emotional and psychological crutch, then you don't get a person to stand on his own two feet simply by kicking out the crutch, if for no other reason that the person will hold onto it for dear life. Rather, you must first convince the person that the crutch is unnecessary and even harmful. And then, you can convince him that he's able to get along much better off without the crutch. So you don't have to kick it out, at this point, he will simply throw it away himself.
So to demonstrate that there is no need for a religious crutch, we must first be concerned with demonstrating the crucial and significant role of reason in a person's life, philosophically, psychologically, practically, and every other way. Above all, there is one message we must communicate: one has nothing to fear and everything to gain, from the honest pursuit of truth. The desire for knowledge, for facts unvarnished by emotional prejudices and so forth, will always function for a man's long-range benefit. It can never be against your interest to know what the truth is. . . .
Leaving Christianity: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~slocks/decon.html Over the years I have come to know and know of many ex-Christians most of whom were well-churched, their numbers including former ministers, apologists, missionaries, theologians etc. Why should such people leave Christianity? These people are the best versed in Christianity and yet they leave despite so much personal and professional investment in their religion, enjoyment of their time as believing Christians and social pressures to stay. How can this happen if the evidence for Christianity is so good? If supernatural Christianity is true, shouldn't they have known better? . . .
From our research and testimonies it is apparent that Christianity is not what we once thought it was.
Has extensive links.
Madalyn Murray O'Hair on church and state: http://www.ifas.org/fw/8903/ohair.html © 1998 Institute for First Amendment Studies, Inc. Madalyn Murray (Mrs. O'Hair by remarriage) went on to found American Atheists, the largest atheist organization in the nation. She recently (1989?) gave the following interview to the Freedom Writer.
The Meaning Of Atheism: http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/e_haldeman-julius/meaning_of_atheism.html By E. Haldeman-Julius. Little Blue Book No. 1597 Haldeman-Julius Company. . . . But atheism is not in the least bigoted. It is a conclusion reached by the most reasonable methods and one which is not asserted dogmatically but is explained in its every feature by the light of reason. The atheist does not boast of knowing in a vainglorious, empty sense. He understands by knowledge the most reasonable and clear and sound position one can take on the basis of all the evidence at hand. This evidence convinces him that theism is not true, and his logical position, then, is that of atheism. . . .
The remnant of religion that is cherished by a few educated and urbane men -- the philosophical or poetic religion that one observes here and there -- does not concern us so acutely. Such a provisional or partial belief in religion is baseless logically and it is confusing; but we may grant that it is relatively harmless; we can point out its fallacy and continue cheerfully on our way about other things. But this philosophical or poet religion is not, after all, the religion of the masses.
There are many cultured people who do not realize that among the masses -- among millions of honest but deluded people -- the most extravagant, fanatical and obviously dangerous notions about religion are prevalent. One of the malign emotional and prejudicial influences that helped to lend menacing strength to the late Ku Klux Klan, for example, was the spirit of religious prejudice. We all know how that vicious organization was strengthened by a Protestant tone of creedal fanaticism. On the other hand, the Catholics have their own extreme tone of fanaticism; and they still assert, moreover, that the Catholic religion should be and rightfully is supreme in belief and power -- Catholicism, that is to say, is definitely opposed to the modern principles of political liberty and intellectual freedom.
Protestantism is not, in its definite official statements, so brazenly intolerant. Probably this is because Protestantism includes so many creeds -- . . .
In a number of American states atheists cannot testify in a court of law. Blasphemy laws are still on the statute books; and occasionally they are enforced. Our laws regarding marriage and sex are sadly distorted by religious prejudice; and a few of these distortions and absurdities are ably summarized by Anthony M. Turano. Bible reading (which means Bible-teaching) in the public schools is compulsory in Pennsylvania, Arkansas and other states. in Tennessee and Mississippi a medieval law bans the teaching of evolution -- the teaching, in a word, of the most serious principle of truth in modern science -- in the, public schools. The circulation of a responsible, scholarly, important sex questionnaire at the University of Missouri was followed by a ridiculous campaign of prejudice in which the chief element, plainly enough, was a religious attitude of obscurantism on sex question.
Our laws and customs are still deplorably handicapped and corrupted by the ideas of religion. These ideas are no longer of valid currency in the intellectual world. They are centuries behind the times. . . .
We, of course, believe in the force of reason and argument and persuasion; yes, and the force of ridicule and denunciation, all legitimate and free weapons which we can employ against religion; in short, we believe in the clarifying conflict of ideas, and as region cannot be defended intelligently we know that in the long run it must he conquered. . . .
We are well aware that religion is not as bad an influence as it was a short time ago, as history is counted. But it is a sufficiently bad influence even in modern times; and its reduced viciousness (in practice) is due plainly enough to its reduced power. We want to reduce that power to an absolute nullity. We want religion to be entirely outgrown by the advancing intelligence of mankind. Universal education is our ideal; and this means, in our convinced opinion, that the philosophy of atheism (which is also the philosophy of realism) will displace with complete sanity and wholesomeness the dark and morbid and unintelligently fanciful ideas of religion. . . .
We oppose religion not merely as a set of theological ideas; but we must also oppose religion as a political, social and moral influence detrimental to the welfare of humanity.
We attack religion because religion is not true -- because religion is an obstacle (or a set of obstacles) in the way of progress -- because religion foments strife and prejudice -- because religion is the breeding ground of intolerance -- because, in short, religion is essentially hostile to mankind.
Religion glorifies the dogma of a despotic, mythical God. Atheism ennobles the interests of free and progressive Man. Religion is superstition. Atheism is sanity. Religion is medieval. Atheism is modern. . . .
This question is put to Christians who believe that the Bible unerringly describes God and reports the commands and the characteristics of God. If there is a God, it is natural that we should wish to be quite correct in our understanding of that God's nature. So, we ask: Can and does God lie?
Looking this point up in the mazes of Holy Writ, we discover confusion. In Numbers xxiii, 19, we are told: "God is not a man, that he should lie." This is put even mere strongly in Hebrews vi, 18, where we read: "It was impossible for God to lie."
But do these citations settle the matter? Ah, no, we are upset in, our calculations the moment we turn to 2 Thessalonians ii, 11, where we read: "For this cause God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie." And in I Kings xxii, 23, God is thus reported: "Now, therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee."
Can God lie? Can the Bible lie? Anyway, there is a mistake somewhere. The big mistake is in entertaining the idea of a God. . . .
Positive Atheism Magazine (since 1995): http://www.positiveatheism.org/
Is God willing to prevent evil,
but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God? Epicurus Very extensive links.
http--www.infidels.org-~godlessheathen-: http://www.infidels.org/~godlessheathen/ I have temporary switched the front page of The Godlessheathen Home Page to this page in remembrance of those who died in the terrorist attacks on the east coast of the U.S. . . .
Skeptics Corner: http://home.inu.net/skeptic/ A T H E I S M1 by Louis W. Cable. Atheism is one of the most misunderstood philosophical positions a person can hold. To most people, atheism is simply the denial of the existence of a god. However, a closer look reveals how fallacious this definition really is. No knowledgeable atheist would ever make such an unprovable declaration as "There is no god." In the following statement atheism is correctly defined and objectively explained. . . .
Atheism is a word created by the joining of two different words, "a," meaning without, and "theism," meaning belief in the existence of a god, higher power, or supreme being. Put them together and you have "atheism." Atheism is therefore properly defined, not as a belief, but as the absence of a belief. When one finds the arguments offered in support of the existence of god unconvincing, atheism is the only alternative. . . .
In its broader meaning, atheism can be subdivided into three separate categories, implicit atheism, emotional atheism, and rational atheism. . . .
Quotes on atheism: http://www.freedomsnest.com/cgi-bin/q.cgi?subject=atheism Freedom's Nest Quotes. Many links to many authors. Excellent!
Skeptic Tank's WEB Pages!: http://www.skeptictank.org/
Wasteland Of Wonders Atheism and Atheist Dept.: http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/index.html
What They Said About Religion, FFRF, Inc.: http://www.ffrf.org/nontracts/quotes.html
Why I Left The Ministry And Became An Atheist: http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/vincent_runyon/left_ministry.html
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You can e-mail me at waynerp@sympatico.ca.