****Official Bill Nye The Science Guy Thread******* (1 Viewer)

[matuski]

Most people believe in creation event. Scientist call it Big Bang. An event where all energy and mass was created out of well... nothing. So why is God being a creator any more stupid than believing the universe came from nothing?

Because God encompasses quite a bit more than the Big Bang. The two are no where close to equivalent.

What? Creating everything from nothing is creation. Call it big bang or call it a God event, the results are the same - all scientific laws where broken when it happened.

Thanks for that, amazing talk.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

"So forget Jesus, the stars died so that you could be here today."

 

[Marvin]

Do you guys remember doing that cool fruit-fly genetic experiment in junior high or high school biology? My favorite part was when God came into the lab and curled up the wings and stuff.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Good place to start in that talk:

 

[jdoggydogg]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

 

[matuski]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

I agree on the inspirational point.Completely disagree on the bolded.. in general.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

I agree on the inspirational point.Completely disagree on the bolded.. in general.

Well I was being specific to the "inspirational point" here with both sentences. As to the more general it is pretty irrelevant if God is fictional as long as God is a passive observer as far as how the universe functions. However, if his anger at the GOP distorting his good name is why he sent Isaac up the gulf coast to disrupt their grand party, well then that would change things. I must say that I never took you as an "active player" believer in God?

 

[matuski]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

I agree on the inspirational point.Completely disagree on the bolded.. in general.

Well I was being specific to the "inspirational point" here with both sentences. As to the more general it is pretty irrelevant if God is fictional as long as God is a passive observer as far as how the universe functions. However, if his anger at the GOP distorting his good name is why he sent Isaac up the gulf coast to disrupt their grand party, well then that would change things. I must say that I never took you as an "active player" believer in God?

Not sure exactly what you mean by an "active player" believer? I certainly do not believe any Gods exist, but I absolutely recognize the power of the idea - whether it is used for the better (inspiration) or worse (manipulation). eta - regarding relevance, not believing doesn't mean it wouldn't change my life if a non fictional god existed.

 

[MasterofOrion]

Most people believe in creation event. Scientist call it Big Bang. An event where all energy and mass was created out of well... nothing. So why is God being a creator any more stupid than believing the universe came from nothing?

Because God encompasses quite a bit more than the Big Bang. The two are no where close to equivalent.

What? Creating everything from nothing is creation. Call it big bang or call it a God event, the results are the same - all scientific laws where broken when it happened.

If one side is distorting known science to prove a point you have to question their credibility.

 

[MasterofOrion]

Because

Nope the video has been vetted.

 

[MasterofOrion]

Because

This sword cuts both ways.

 

[matuski]

Most people believe in creation event. Scientist call it Big Bang. An event where all energy and mass was created out of well... nothing. So why is God being a creator any more stupid than believing the universe came from nothing?

Because God encompasses quite a bit more than the Big Bang. The two are no where close to equivalent.

What? Creating everything from nothing is creation. Call it big bang or call it a God event, the results are the same - all scientific laws where broken when it happened.

You didn't watch the video did you. This was addressed. PS - I love you!

 

[matuski]

Because

We've done this thread before (Dawkins pausing to think), and you were worked over there as well.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

This video is horrible and purposely misleading..

One of the top conspirators in the field. Highly skilled at making very complex subjects seem only slightly over the head of common folk.

If one side is distorting known science to prove a point you have to question their credibility.

 

[MasterofOrion]

Most people believe in creation event. Scientist call it Big Bang. An event where all energy and mass was created out of well... nothing. So why is God being a creator any more stupid than believing the universe came from nothing?

Because God encompasses quite a bit more than the Big Bang. The two are no where close to equivalent.

What? Creating everything from nothing is creation. Call it big bang or call it a God event, the results are the same - all scientific laws where broken when it happened.

He didn't put the issue to rest. Relativity was broken and he didn't disprove my point. The expanding universe and 30' 42" is also purposely misleading. The number had to be incredibly precised. If this number was too big expansion by even a very small amount the universe stop and reverse course and start to collapse. If it was too small, by a very small amount, the universe would expand too fast for planets to form. The exactness of this number is really and indication of a Creator, not proof against one.

 

[Frostillicus]

Do you guys remember doing that cool fruit-fly genetic experiment in junior high or high school biology? My favorite part was when God came into the lab and curled up the wings and stuff.

I'm sure that's what you were told. But to be fair... back when you were in high school, Origin of Species hadn't been written yet.

:rimshot:

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

This video is horrible and purposely misleading..

One of the top conspirators in the field. Highly skilled at making very complex subjects seem only slightly over the head of common folk.

If one side is distorting known science to prove a point you have to question their credibility.

He is a well know atheist preaching his religion in the name of science, just like Dawkins.

What religion is that?

 

[timschochet]

If you are in favor of evolution being taught more emphatically in our public schools, how would you bring this about? Should there be strictly enforced federal guidelines?

 

[charvik]

If you are in favor of evolution being taught more emphatically in our public schools, how would you bring this about? Should there be strictly enforced federal guidelines?

I would hope common sense would dictate it, but if people still persists, yes absolutely federal guidelines.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

If you are in favor of evolution being taught more emphatically in our public schools, how would you bring this about? Should there be strictly enforced federal guidelines?

Yes. Guidelines to teach science not religion.

 

[matuski]

If you are in favor of evolution being taught more emphatically in our public schools, how would you bring this about? Should there be strictly enforced federal guidelines?

Yes. Guidelines to teach science not religion.

Also known as a Science curriculum.

 

[shader]

... It doesn't prove anything in regards to the entire "theory of evolution" as a whole. You're using it to try and prove the whole theory and that is disingenuous.

What exactly is the "whole theory"? Which pieces can be removed from the "whole theory" and leave the "truth" of evolution in place? "Special Creation"? "Intelligent Design"?

I would think, and correct me if I am in error, that the whole theory of evolution has itself evolved into the umbrella of science. Different sciences test and retest themselves versus the theory of evolution everyday to try to break that umbrella and fail every time. I have come to a personal conclusion that the theory of evolution is the parent to all science. People like to ask where is this or where is that. People were piecing together parts of science before the theory was widely known but when it became widely known and scrutinized over and over, the theory itself evolved into the parent of all other sciences combined. Everything fits underneath it in some way or another.

With that said, is there anything above the umbrella? Does anything day in and day out stack up or come close to defeating the theory?

 

[shader]

... It doesn't prove anything in regards to the entire "theory of evolution" as a whole. You're using it to try and prove the whole theory and that is disingenuous.

What exactly is the "whole theory"? Which pieces can be removed from the "whole theory" and leave the "truth" of evolution in place? "Special Creation"? "Intelligent Design"?

Well it's a fundamental difference in the way you approach the entire universe.Obviously, if you refuse to accept a Creator that lives outside of the physical universe, then the fact that we are all here REQUIRES that you believe in evolution. Obviously, how else would we be here? So to a staunch atheist, there is no question at all about whether evolution happened, because here we are.I'm not as interested in what I can test scientifically, I'm interested in what the truth is, and in what really happened.My brain doesn't allow for the construction of the universe, DNA and the structure and order of everything we see, just due to blind chance. Obviously, I feel there had to be something that designed it. That basic outlook is as simple as 1+1 to me. But others disagree, and they have that right. But neither side can prove how it all happened, and I have more faith in God and the things I feel he left us, than I do in science and their ability to eventually prove that it all happened by chance.Because like it or not, we are here, and we either were created by God or we evolved. We can debate all day long, but one group is right and one is wrong. I guess it's up to the individual to decide what they believe.So back to your question, I'm perfectly comfortable taking certain things out of the theory of evolution, because I have allowed for the existence of a force that exists outside of the physical world. If you don't allow for that, than you obviously cannot take out parts of the theory of evolution, because you've already determined that there is no possibility for a God regardless of what obstacles you find. So a person in that state just chalks up any challenges to the fact that science is still learning and moves on, completely comfortable in their beliefs.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

... It doesn't prove anything in regards to the entire "theory of evolution" as a whole. You're using it to try and prove the whole theory and that is disingenuous.

What exactly is the "whole theory"? Which pieces can be removed from the "whole theory" and leave the "truth" of evolution in place? "Special Creation"? "Intelligent Design"?

Well it's a fundamental difference in the way you approach the entire universe.Obviously, if you refuse to accept a Creator that lives outside of the physical universe, then the fact that we are all here REQUIRES that you believe in evolution. Obviously, how else would we be here?

So to a staunch atheist, there is no question at all about whether evolution happened, because here we are.

I'm not as interested in what I can test scientifically, I'm interested in what the truth is, and in what really happened.

My brain doesn't allow for the construction of the universe, DNA and the structure and order of everything we see, just due to blind chance. Obviously, I feel there had to be something that designed it. That basic outlook is as simple as 1+1 to me. But others disagree, and they have that right. But neither side can prove how it all happened, and I have more faith in God and the things I feel he left us, than I do in science and their ability to eventually prove that it all happened by chance.

Because like it or not, we are here, and we either were created by God or we evolved. We can debate all day long, but one group is right and one is wrong. I guess it's up to the individual to decide what they believe.

So back to your question, I'm perfectly comfortable taking certain things out of the theory of evolution, because I have allowed for the existence of a force that exists outside of the physical world. If you don't allow for that, than you obviously cannot take out parts of the theory of evolution, because you've already determined that there is no possibility for a God regardless of what obstacles you find. So a person in that state just chalks up any challenges to the fact that science is still learning and moves on, completely comfortable in their beliefs.

One group has a massive amount of evidence to prove its theory and the other group says 'god did it'.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I'd been meaning to watch the Lawrence Krauss video for a long time. I'd started it a few times, but never got very far into it.

I finally finished it this morning starting from the place Pickles linked to.

Great stuff.

 

[Marvin]

Do you guys remember doing that cool fruit-fly genetic experiment in junior high or high school biology? My favorite part was when God came into the lab and curled up the wings and stuff.

I'm sure that's what you were told. But to be fair... back when you were in high school, Origin of Species hadn't been written yet.

:rimshot:

Yeah that was a good one.

 

[Marvin]

One group has a massive amount of evidence to prove its theory and the other group says 'god did it'.

This should be the only reply whenever one of these threads pops up. Yet somehow we get sucked into to arguing with a bunch of rubes.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Most people believe in creation event. Scientist call it Big Bang. An event where all energy and mass was created out of well... nothing. So why is God being a creator any more stupid than believing the universe came from nothing?

Because God encompasses quite a bit more than the Big Bang. The two are no where close to equivalent.

What? Creating everything from nothing is creation. Call it big bang or call it a God event, the results are the same - all scientific laws where broken when it happened.

Yeah, he has the postcard stating this right in his talk.

 

[GeauxTigers]

It doesn't matter what Bill Nye thinks. You are not going to convince people that operate within a faith based ideology of anything scientific

This absolutely untrue. You can believe in God and also believe in science.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

It's absolutely relevant. If god's fictional, then the bible is a collection of fiction that people worship as god's word.

 

[matuski]

Obviously, if you refuse to accept a Creator that lives outside of the physical universe, then the fact that we are all here REQUIRES that you believe in evolution. Obviously, how else would we be here?

How in the hell did you arrive at this?

 

[Marvin]

It doesn't matter what Bill Nye thinks. You are not going to convince people that operate within a faith based ideology of anything scientific

This absolutely untrue. You can believe in God and also believe in science.

Well not all science according to Shader.

 

[fsword]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

It's absolutely relevant. If god's fictional, then the bible is a collection of fiction that people worship as god's word.

People can be inspired by their beliefs, whether their beliefs are true or not. It doesn't matter whether people believe in a Creator that created all that is "natural", or that all that is "natural" has always existed, or even whether all that is "natural" just magically evolved from nothing. Belief is the motivator for the action, not the truth of the belief.

 

[GeauxTigers]

It doesn't matter what Bill Nye thinks. You are not going to convince people that operate within a faith based ideology of anything scientific

This absolutely untrue. You can believe in God and also believe in science.

Well not all science according to Shader.

Shader doesn't have a clue of what he is talking about. All living organisms on this planet are related....that means trees and humans have a common ancestor.As for God, you have to define "God". Is God the creator of humans? Is God the creator of living organisms on this planet? Is God the creator of the Universe?

For all we know, a supernatural being could have created the universe, which in turn set off events that would eventually lead to the creation of the first single celled organisms, which would have evolved into ape like creatures. Then, aliens could have traveled to earth and genetically altered the ape-like creatures DNA and created humans...so you could have 2 "Gods".

Personally, I have no idea if "God" exists. What I do know is that evolution is a FACT. I also know that the universe was created 7 billion years ago. I don't know how or why or possibly who created it though.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Personally, I have no idea if "God" exists. What I do know is that evolution is a FACT. I also know that the universe was created 7 billion years ago. I don't know how or why or possibly who created it though.

13.72 billion. The interesting thing is that a god isn't needed to explain the origin of the universe.

 

[matuski]

It doesn't matter what Bill Nye thinks. You are not going to convince people that operate within a faith based ideology of anything scientific

This absolutely untrue. You can believe in God and also believe in science.

Well not all science according to Shader.

Shader doesn't have a clue of what he is talking about. All living organisms on this planet are related....that means trees and humans have a common ancestor.As for God, you have to define "God". Is God the creator of humans? Is God the creator of living organisms on this planet? Is God the creator of the Universe?

For all we know, a supernatural being could have created the universe, which in turn set off events that would eventually lead to the creation of the first single celled organisms, which would have evolved into ape like creatures. Then, aliens could have traveled to earth and genetically altered the ape-like creatures DNA and created humans...so you could have 2 "Gods".

Personally, I have no idea if "God" exists. What I do know is that evolution is a FACT. I also know that the universe was created 7 billion years ago. I don't know how or why or possibly who created it though.

13.72 billion

 

[jdoggydogg]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

It's absolutely relevant. If god's fictional, then the bible is a collection of fiction that people worship as god's word.

People can be inspired by their beliefs, whether their beliefs are true or not. It doesn't matter whether people believe in a Creator that created all that is "natural", or that all that is "natural" has always existed, or even whether all that is "natural" just magically evolved from nothing. Belief is the motivator for the action, not the truth of the belief.

I agree that inspiration can come from many places. I just don't see the point in worshiping the bible if you don't think it's the word of god.

 

[fsword]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

It's absolutely relevant. If god's fictional, then the bible is a collection of fiction that people worship as god's word.

People can be inspired by their beliefs, whether their beliefs are true or not. It doesn't matter whether people believe in a Creator that created all that is "natural", or that all that is "natural" has always existed, or even whether all that is "natural" just magically evolved from nothing. Belief is the motivator for the action, not the truth of the belief.

I agree that inspiration can come from many places. I just don't see the point in worshiping the bible if you don't think it's the word of god.

I don't know any Christians who claim to worship the Bible, and would also speculate that would even be an unbiblical form of idolatry? Some who believe in God also wouldn't understand how others might believe as you believe, and find your rationale equally silly as you find theirs. They would claim they have the same amount of evidence as you, just a different kind of evidence, and that you are exercising a form of religion based upon what evidence you limit yourself to consider as real and accept; aka you have a different form of faith, whether it is faith in yourself, faith in the wisdom and judgement of others, or faith in the FSM.I am not saying anyone in that argument is right or wrong, just offerring a lense that might help you better understand others better, which would lead to more discussion and less argument, imo. "Can't we all just get along?"

 

[Captain Quinoa]

I agree that inspiration can come from many places. I just don't see the point in worshiping the bible if you don't think it's the word of god.

Good grief, man. You can read the bible or hear stories about Jesus or whomever and think "that's cool, I'd like to be more like him" (i.e. inspiration) without believing in or worshipping any of it.

 

[jdoggydogg]

The reason that people get believe in fairies and goblins is the innate terror at the thought of non-existence. Since we're all made from the same stuff that the cosmos is made from, and since everything in the universe is recycled, it could be argued that living on for all eternity is scientifically accurate. Beyond that, it's all iron age mythology.

We all eventually decay to nothing? Well, except that "nothing" means something different to a physicist then merely "nothing".ETA: And just because the authors of the books of the bibles had infantile and childish interpretations of God and the world around them, doesn't mean they weren't inspired by God to write those books. We are just doing a disservice to God when we tag him with that nonsensical grasp and try to push that ignorance as having equal footing to even a bad 21st century understanding of the universe.

How can you be inspired by something that doesn't exist?

Are you suggesting that no one was ever inspired by a fictional character? That is just plain stupid!And whether God exists depends entirely on the relevant definition of God and/or exists.

So you're saying god is fictional?

I'm saying that it is irrelevant whether God is fictional. Whether a supreme being or supreme dream God certainly inspires many.

It's absolutely relevant. If god's fictional, then the bible is a collection of fiction that people worship as god's word.

People can be inspired by their beliefs, whether their beliefs are true or not. It doesn't matter whether people believe in a Creator that created all that is "natural", or that all that is "natural" has always existed, or even whether all that is "natural" just magically evolved from nothing. Belief is the motivator for the action, not the truth of the belief.

I agree that inspiration can come from many places. I just don't see the point in worshiping the bible if you don't think it's the word of god.

I don't know any Christians who claim to worship the Bible, and would also speculate that would even be an unbiblical form of idolatry? Some who believe in God also wouldn't understand how others might believe as you believe, and find your rationale equally silly as you find theirs. They would claim they have the same amount of evidence as you, just a different kind of evidence, and that you are exercising a form of religion based upon what evidence you limit yourself to consider as real and accept; aka you have a different form of faith, whether it is faith in yourself, faith in the wisdom and judgement of others, or faith in the FSM.I am not saying anyone in that argument is right or wrong, just offerring a lense that might help you better understand others better, which would lead to more discussion and less argument, imo. "Can't we all just get along?"

I'm all for polite discourse. That said, there's no evidence of god. There's a massive, wonderful universe that seems impossibly large and magical. But that's not evidence. And the "atheism is a religion" meme gets repeated a lot, but it's simply a fallacious statement. Atheism is just the lack of god-belief. As someone said, "...if atheism is a religion, not collecting stamps is a hobby."

 

[fsword]

That said, there's no evidence of god. There's a massive, wonderful universe that seems impossibly large and magical. But that's not evidence. And the "atheism is a religion" meme gets repeated a lot, but it's simply a fallacious statement. Atheism is just the lack of god-belief. As someone said, "...if atheism is a religion, not collecting stamps is a hobby."

I will argue that what is seemingly impossibly large and magical IS evidence, but that we just cannot validate or interpret that evidence in a 100% full proof manner to gurantee it as truth. But that is beside the point.A Christian would argue there is evidence for God. That evidence obviously doesn't meet your standard for evidence, so you don't believe it; completely reasonable. However, that same Christian would say you are believing in your own logic to dictate what standards you accept for evidence to be legitimate. Hence, they would claim that is where you are placing your faith. Some can call it atheism, some can call it humanism, but whatever it is called, it is still an "ism", a belief system. Belief requires some level of faith. You can rely on others judgement, or your own, but to a deist, you are still elevating someone or something else into "God's" position as supreme arbiter.

 

[charvik]

Do you guys remember doing that cool fruit-fly genetic experiment in junior high or high school biology? My favorite part was when God came into the lab and curled up the wings and stuff.

I'm sure that's what you were told. But to be fair... back when you were in high school, Origin of Species hadn't been written yet.

:rimshot:

Yeah that was a good one.

It was an appropriate response to the level of insight and intelligence you're bringing to this thread.It's all good, though. Just about anyone is capable of being the smartest or dumbest person in the room depending on the topic on hand and people present. Just because sn0mm1s knows less about the Bible than MasterOfOrion knows about science doesn't mean they are both idiots. It just means neither of them should speak on those respective topics as if they are knowledgable about them.

Interesting take. Wouldn't it benefit us all if they were both equally knowledgeable on at least the basics for each stance? It seems to me that was the basis of the thread.I did not grow up with an American school curriculum, and to me it's absurd that you would limit children to just one side. I was taught evolution as part of science class and Christianity as part of religion class. I have a hard time seeing the problem with that.

I was also taught the basic tenants of Islam, Buddhism, Judaism etc etc, and was allowed to make my own informed decision what to believe or not believe.

 

[Marvin]

Do you guys remember doing that cool fruit-fly genetic experiment in junior high or high school biology? My favorite part was when God came into the lab and curled up the wings and stuff.

I'm sure that's what you were told. But to be fair... back when you were in high school, Origin of Species hadn't been written yet.

:rimshot:

Yeah that was a good one.

It was an appropriate response to the level of insight and intelligence you're bringing to this thread.It's all good, though. Just about anyone is capable of being the smartest or dumbest person in the room depending on the topic on hand and people present. Just because sn0mm1s knows less about the Bible than MasterOfOrion knows about science doesn't mean they are both idiots. It just means neither of them should speak on those respective topics as if they are knowledgable about them.

Geniusburger. There is a running joke between Frostilicious and others that I am really, really old. It's all in good fun. That gif was in response to his post, not yours.But after this post feel free to consider it in response to you as well.

 

[jdoggydogg]

That said, there's no evidence of god. There's a massive, wonderful universe that seems impossibly large and magical. But that's not evidence. And the "atheism is a religion" meme gets repeated a lot, but it's simply a fallacious statement. Atheism is just the lack of god-belief. As someone said, "...if atheism is a religion, not collecting stamps is a hobby."

I will argue that what is seemingly impossibly large and magical IS evidence, but that we just cannot validate or interpret that evidence in a 100% full proof manner to gurantee it as truth. But that is beside the point.A Christian would argue there is evidence for God. That evidence obviously doesn't meet your standard for evidence, so you don't believe it; completely reasonable. However, that same Christian would say you are believing in your own logic to dictate what standards you accept for evidence to be legitimate. Hence, they would claim that is where you are placing your faith. Some can call it atheism, some can call it humanism, but whatever it is called, it is still an "ism", a belief system. Belief requires some level of faith. You can rely on others judgement, or your own, but to a deist, you are still elevating someone or something else into "God's" position as supreme arbiter.

The dictionary defines faith as, "...belief that is not based on proof." So being an atheist doesn't require any faith.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

I love a good Peter Dinklage meme.

 

[GeauxTigers]

It doesn't matter what Bill Nye thinks. You are not going to convince people that operate within a faith based ideology of anything scientific

This absolutely untrue. You can believe in God and also believe in science.

Well not all science according to Shader.

Shader doesn't have a clue of what he is talking about. All living organisms on this planet are related....that means trees and humans have a common ancestor.As for God, you have to define "God". Is God the creator of humans? Is God the creator of living organisms on this planet? Is God the creator of the Universe?

For all we know, a supernatural being could have created the universe, which in turn set off events that would eventually lead to the creation of the first single celled organisms, which would have evolved into ape like creatures. Then, aliens could have traveled to earth and genetically altered the ape-like creatures DNA and created humans...so you could have 2 "Gods".

Personally, I have no idea if "God" exists. What I do know is that evolution is a FACT. I also know that the universe was created 7 billion years ago. I don't know how or why or possibly who created it though.

13.72 billion

Whatever....a long time ago.

 

[GeauxTigers]

I agree that inspiration can come from many places. I just don't see the point in worshiping the bible if you don't think it's the word of god.

Because alot of people think it is the word of God and it inspires alot of people. Religion also brings people together and bonds people together.

 

[sn0mm1s]

It was an appropriate response to the level of insight and intelligence you're bringing to this thread.It's all good, though. Just about anyone is capable of being the smartest or dumbest person in the room depending on the topic on hand and people present. Just because sn0mm1s knows less about the Bible than MasterOfOrion knows about science doesn't mean they are both idiots. It just means neither of them should speak on those respective topics as if they are knowledgable about them.

I actually know quite a bit about the Bible. Sundays of misspent youth being forced to go to church does that to you. MasterOfOrion knows nothing about Evolution though - or is a great troll. I haven't decided if he believes his tripe or if he is just posting stuff to get a rise out of others.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I agree that inspiration can come from many places. I just don't see the point in worshiping the bible if you don't think it's the word of god.

Because alot of people think it is the word of God and it inspires alot of people. Religion also brings people together and bonds people together.

And it tears people apart and causes wars.