Posted by Thes [Thesaurusx] on November 28, 1999 at 05:50:35 {hcnmikA.FkrnQc.SC0UsqEZbwA6cGE}:
In Reply to: Basic ? for Athiests posted by chappy on November 27, 1999 at 19:51:17:
Hi Chappy,
I do not qualify as an "a-theist" since this is a religious term, but I just might have been one once. Most of my training has been of a human nature. My favorite answer to questions that I do not know the answer to has been, "I don't know." Also, I am keenly aware when I am confronting dogmatism, that is, "opinion stated as fact". I am skeptical of all claims of a super (un) human nature and very skeptical of all testimony. I have rejected the superstition, tradition, ritual, fear, and religion of my parents.
AS far as religion is concerned, I am an infidel, agnostic, skeptic, and non-theist. I have found objective fact to be of a secular nature and my contacts have all been human.
1. Yes or no: Do you believe in the possibility of a universal, supreme Creator? I'm not asking about His/Her qualities, personality or "religious" implications, just the POSSIBILITY.
I believe just about anything is possible that has not been proven not possible. If there is a possibility that the invisible god of the Jews is real, there is also an equal possibility that Santa Claus is real. Using the same reasoning, I also can't rule out the Tooth Fairy, Goldie Locks, or unicorns. The problem I have found with story book characters being real is lack of one piece of objective proof. Do you have any proof that a supreme creator exists?
2. ASSUMING the above answer to be yes, would you believe in the POSSIBILITY that humans are "ignorant" of occurances many of us now consider impossible; ie:, eternal life, resurrection, different forms of existence; "miracles" if you will?
I believe it is possible to find human ignorance without the need to bring up superstition, tradition, ghosts or goblins. My problem has been getting away from human ignorance, not finding it.
3. IF you came to the conclusion of His/Her existence; would your outlook on life change in a dramatic way? (I don't necessarily mean Bible thumping or religious fanatisism.)
If I came to any conclusion based on logic, reasoning, blind faith or dogmatism, I would be in a delusion and my false ideas would not be important to me, or anyone, in a real way.
3. Would you "like" the idea of a creator?
I would like the "idea" of Santa Claus much better.
t