Speaking as an atheist, I’ve participated in many debates, usually with Christian leaders. Below are some of the points I made. I hope it will be instructive to those of you who engage in religious discussions. Feel free to use or modify any of my comments. Basically, an atheist is simply someone without a belief in any gods. I can’t prove there are no gods. I just find no credible evidence for them, which is also why I don’t believe in astrology or alien abduction by UFOs. Suppose I tell you that the universe was really created just 30 minutes ago, and a supernatural being planted false memories in all of you. You can’t show I’m wrong, but wouldn’t you want evidence before believing it? The burden of proof is on those whoassert a belief, not on those who don’t accept it.
I understand the appeal of religion. Fear of death can lead to a longing for an afterlife, where we can be united forever with loved ones in eternal bliss. But it’s important to distinguish between the world as we know it, and the world as we’d like it to be. Many individuals believe they’ve had personal experiences with gods, and that can be comforting. But with over 7,000 gods people believe in, do they investigate all the world religions and select the one with the most reasonable faith? I think not. As it turns out, there’s a remarkable coincidence. The overwhelming majority simply choose the religion of their parents.
Speaking as an atheist, I’ve participated in many debates, usually with Christian leaders. Below are some of the points I made. I hope it will be instructive to those of you who engage in religious discussions. Feel free to use or modify any of my comments. Basically, an atheist is simply someone without a belief in any gods. I can’t prove there are no gods. I just find no credible evidence for them, which is also why I don’t believe in astrology or alien abduction by UFOs. Suppose I tell you that the universe was really created just 30 minutes ago, and a supernatural being planted false memories in all of you. You can’t show I’m wrong, but wouldn’t you want evidence before believing it? The burden of proof is on those whoassert a belief, not on those who don’t accept it.
I understand the appeal of religion. Fear of death can lead to a longing for an afterlife, where we can be united forever with loved ones in eternal bliss. But it’s important to distinguish between the world as we know it, and the world as we’d like it to be. Many individuals believe they’ve had personal experiences with gods, and that can be comforting. But with over 7,000 gods people believe in, do they investigate all the world religions and select the one with the most reasonable faith? I think not. As it turns out, there’s a remarkable coincidence. The overwhelming majority simply choose the religion of their parents.