Enterprise-D,
Jan, you said his belief is only based on his inability to see god. Dawkins' conclusion is based also on the fact that not a single person has been able to provide evidence, effects of, or methods to perceive god. Not one. Therefore...the logical position cannot be one of belief.
The logical position IS one of belief, because we cannot see God directly.
His position is logical too, albeit simple, but it is not rational as that is not the way to percieve God directly (physical evidence which will satisfy him), according to any scripture, yet he sticks to his request knowing that it will never happen, and yet postulates God does not exist, because he cannot see him.
If Harry Potter exists as stated in the J.K. Rowling Tomes of Supreme Magics, why would he need to prove his existence?
Who is asking for proof?
Your problem here is that you assume the bible to be an absolute truth, when it could have just been a collection of ancient urban legends.
Your problem is, you have preset ideas and regardless of whether or not I press the buttons, your going to invoke them. .
Now please point out where I assume that the bible is the absolute truth, then when you realise I haven't, come back a deal with a point at a time, if that is possible.
Political oppression? I thought that was what the UN was for...
Please answer the question.
Where did I claim that? I said that religion is a motivating factor for violence. And I never said it was for pleasure.
You stated, or maybe implied, that people murder innocents, for the pleasure of virgins awaiting them in heaven.
Simple. Moderates apply to their respective Governments for tax breaks, anti-discrimination laws etc. All well and good (well except for the tax breaks). Then they push into freedom of speech, where it becomes almost criminal to discuss religion unless it begins with the phrase "Our Father, who art in Heaven".
I don't know what you're talking about.
Maybe if you just answer the question directly, you may make more sense.
When fundies begin questionable actions, and witnesses point it out...the fundies get to go "how dare you question my religion!"...and said witnesses have little choice but to back off.
An example?
The blue quotes? That's what Harris and Dawkins are talking about...we should be able to dare question any religion with no fear of jihads.
You, Dawkins, Harris, you don't question religion, you only demean it.
Where have you questioned actual religion since we started this discussion?
Oppression begets violence Jan? Give me a break.
Of course it can.
Like you said, a violent person will justify his actions any way he can. Up to and including religious means.
I was refering to a "violent person" regardless of his lifestyle.
What do you mean by "Up to and including religious means"?
You yet to show violence based purely on religion, you seem happy to cherry pick small, incontextual samples, to ring your triangle, but that is not satisfactory.
Sheer numbers...there are 5 billion odd theists in the world. With Christianity and Islam fighting for the number one spot.
Is this the best you have to offer in the way of an answer?
That in bold gave me the idea that you don't expect to be challenged...
As I said, you have preset ideas which are incapable of detecting subtlety.
Because you don't know how to.
The only people that will challenge your beliefs are those who do not perceive it as you do. That's why LG and Sandy don't argue with you...
You do not percieve as I do, why don't you challenge my ideas?
Jan.