The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.

[sandyRoe]

While I'm not suggesting that the AB atheists are the worst, this line might explain why the atheist v theist debate seems so one sided.
Agree?

[naomi24]

I might agree if I knew what you were talking about, Sandy. You quote that 'quote' and then say you're not suggesting that the AB atheists are the 'worst'. Well, as far as I can see you've nominated only two 'teams' in this debate, so who are the worst?

[sandyRoe]

It wouldn't have the same eye catching appeal if I'd said: One side seem more ready to debate than t'other.

[naomi24]

So is your question 'Why are atheists more willing to debate religion than the religious?'

[sandyRoe]

That's a bit pedestrian. But, yes. It is.

[naomi24]

At least it sounds a little less biased than 'the best' and 'the worst'.

The answer is because their argument doesn't stand up to scrutiny - either historically or rationally - and I can only assume they are aware of that.

[sandyRoe]

Is there then no poetry in your soul, Naomi, that you prefer the prosaic to Yeats' eloquence ? :-)

[naomi24]

Not necessarily Sandy - but I like things straight.

[sandyRoe]

I see you don't deny you have a soul. Interesting, very interesting.

[Old_Geezer]

I may have misunderstood but I got the impression naomi had no problems with possible continued existence, which would need to be called something.

[naomi24]

OG, you didn't misunderstand - and Sandy, you are incorrigible - but then you know that. ;o)

[mibn2cweus]

There is in principle an advantage to believing only to the extent that those beliefs reflect reality. Beyond the domain of correlation between the facts and what one believes them to be, there is no virtue in believing for belief's sake. Refusing to be constrained by an improved understanding is seeking escape from the terror of the unknown through the refusal to acknowledge ones own ignorance.

Passion serves us well only to the extent that it is tempered by an acknowledgement of our ignorance and directed toward the pursuit of an improved understanding based on knowledge which is its only justification. Passion, like belief, is not an end in itself but a means to an end best foreseen, through an understanding of that which drives it based on a knowledge of what justifies it.

There is no reason for anything, neither apart from nor beyond reason. Reason . . . it’s why we are here.

[Old_Geezer]

But is reason a good reason to be here ?

I have no problem with favoured hypotheses. How dull to only believe that which is proven beyond reasonable doubt.

[mibn2cweus]

//But is reason a good reason to be here ?//

You know of a better one? Feel free to speculate.

//I have no problem with favoured hypotheses.//

In whose favour? . . . as if anyone needed to ask.

//How dull to only believe that which is proven beyond reasonable doubt.//

We could all benefit from a little more knowledge. But in the context of what little I know, there is little room for disinterest.

[Old_Geezer]

Better one ? I know of no reason at all to exist.

Favoured by the individual who wishes to form beliefs.

[ludwig]

We've been through this before sandy. The answer is because it isn't a fair fight - attacking religion is a piece of p1ss, but defending it is nigh on impossible, so very few attempt it.

[jomifl]

If as seems likely believers failed to develop their critical faculties at a crucial stage of their development it is unlikely that they will develop as they reach maturity. They are therefore at a disadvantage when it comes to arguing their case and are doomed to failure for this reason alone apart from being wrong too. Why does god only recruit foot soldiers and not generals?

[wildwood]

I must have read your question wrong sandy.

The Best Lack All Conviction (non religious), While The Worst Are Full Of Passionate Intensity (of religion).

I'll get my coat.

[naomi24]

//Why does god only recruit foot soldiers and not generals? //

Few seem willing, or able, to fight his corner.

[sandyRoe]

It's true not all of us have a Bishop's crozier in our knapsacks. But I'd sooner be a footsoldier following on the steep and thorny way to Heaven, than a general leading God knows who on the primrose path to perdition

[sith123]

because on here there are more atheists. and they gang up.