A common argument used repeatedly in this forum so I see... Have you considered that atheists do not cling to faith or fixed inherited beliefs. They usually adopt an empirical view of the world that leads them explaining existence through scientific evidence rather than prehistoric superstition.

As a consequence of this, as an atheist I can see no evidence that supports God, but plenty that supports evolution as the source of creation... However, and here lies the difference, I do not hold these beliefs as a fundamentalist.

Should scientifically sound evidence of Gods existence suddenly come to light, I and most other atheists, would gladly give way to the demonstrable evidence of God. I would admit to being quite wrong about evolution and all my other beliefs. (Not the main point here but if absolute scientific proof of God did come about would the religious majority claim this proof was unacceptable owing to the fact that it was derived through science? I think not!)

As a consequence of this, it is impossible to be a 'fundamentalist atheist,' hence the argument that atheism is a religion breaks down.

I could state that my pet dog used magic powers to make GWB win the last election, we may argue about the truth of this for hours but the notion that there is a 50/50 chance of us being both being correct is quite false. As such truth in this, and many other matters, does not lie half way between both points of view, it is quite possible for one half of a debate to be wholly incorrect and the other wholly in the right.

Providing that the argument the atheist makes is able to be tested by others and is backed up by a body of solid evidence as opposed to personal unsubstantial beliefs, and the atheist is quite prepared to be proven wrong by more compelling evidence then they will never become 'religious' in their atheism.

They will simply be using evidence about the world in which they live to support their views, as opposed to believing that their ability to believe without reason is a virtue that makes them worthy.

There is a GOD and its not a friend of human but our creator... Those who speak to it are naive or schizophrenic because they believe GOD actually listen to their unimportant blabbing.

"You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means..."

So, you have a vague idea that a vague idea exists?  And we are supposed to take that seriously?

WHY do you believe this, is the question?  How would you try to convince someone of this, if you were asked?

Jane, you are very angry. Why is that?


But thanks for bringing up Bruno. A brave and great man (though he was off the mark in many cases). He has a quote that stands as true to today as ever:

"Perhaps you, my judges, pronounce this sentence against me with greater fear than I receive it."

Some more quotes:

    * "Firstly, I say that the theories on the movement of the earth and on the immobility of the firmament or sky are by me produced on a reasoned and sure basis, which doesn’t undermine the authority of the Holy Scriptures […]. With regard to the sun, I say that it doesn’t rise or set, nor do we see it rise or set, because, if the earth rotates on his axis, what do we mean by rising and setting ..." -Giordano Bruno, from the Vatican summary of Bruno's trial ([5]).

    * "I fought, and that's a lot. I thought I could win ... but nature and luck curbed my endeavour. But it's already something that I took up the struggle, because I see that victory is in the hands of Fate. In me was what was possible and what no future century will be able to deny to me: what a winner could give from his own; that I did not fear death, that I did not submit, my face firm, to anyone of my breed; that I preferred courageous death to pavid life." -Giordano Bruno, De Monade

    * "I cleave the heavens, and soar to the infinite. What others see from afar, I leave far behind me." -Giordano Bruno

    * "'I have held and hold souls to be immortal speaking as a Catholic, they do not pass from body to body, but go to Paradise, Purgatory or Hell. But I have reasoned deeply, and, speaking as a philosopher, since the soul is not found without body and yet is not body, it may be in one body or in another, and pass from body to body. This, if it be not (proved) true seems at least, likely." -Giordano Bruno, Venice Trial