Scientists Discover That Atheists Might Not Exist

[grasscarp]

This is an interesting article which I thought may interest some of you

http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_edge/blog/scientists_discover_that_atheists_might_not_exist_and_thats_not_a_joke-139982

It is a long article and ends with this thought:

In the meantime, it might be wise for religious folks to refrain from teasing atheist friends who accidentally say something about their souls. And it might be equally smart for the more militant of today’s atheists to stop teasing religious people at all.

We might all be a little more spiritual than we think.

[agchristie]

Quality rather than quantity in my book. Besides, the world is getting stranger.

As in Freddie Mercury's words - 'who wants to live forever?'

[pixie373]

What would the purpose of eternal life be, anyway?

[jomifl]

GC, If it is all the time we have and I have a strong suspicion that it is then the sensible thing would be to make the most of it. It is never a good idea to rely on a deity to pull one out of a hole, it has never worked in the past and is just as likely to work in the future.

[jomifl]

pixie373
/What would the purpose of eternal life be, anyway? / to get used to tedium?

[pixie373]

Ah, thanks. Sounds....useful.

[Zacs-Master]

You all need to read Micheal Moorcock' Dancers at the end of time' trilogy. There is no purpose. We're just an accident.

[jomifl]

I have a couple of problems with the idea of eternal afterlife. The first is how do you know it is eternal and the second is can one opt out?

[Zacs-Master]

Mr Moorcock explores that particular aspect particularly well.

[Zacs-Master]

Or I should I say 'those particular theories'.

[grasscarp]

Am having such a great time so far that I would very much welcome eternal life. Can only think that those who dread the thought of an existence beyond their short time on earth must be the ones not having such a good time.

[pixie373]

I don't dread it, but wanting it doesn't make it any more likely.

[Zacs-Master]

Your time may come Grass, when you wish you weren't here. Sorry to be maudlin but it's a serious subject.

[grasscarp]

Pixie- who knows? I hope - that's all.
Zacs - I doubt it. Have children and grandchildren and am already working through choice beyond retirement age. Very much hope my health (always the joker in the pack) keeps as well as it's been so far.

[naomi24]

Grasscarp, I don’t think anyone has said they dread the thought of existence beyond their time on earth – they’re simply realistic enough to acknowledge that the possibility is, at the very least, an unknown. Belief or hope doesn’t make it so.

[Zacs-Master]

Well, I wish you luck with G that I really do.

[Zacs-Master]

Bleuuuuurgh. I wish you luck with that G I really do.

[Khandro]

v-e; // I, for one, am totally convinced that there is a purpose. Unfortunately I don't have the slightest clue what that purpose may be. So I need a bit of help.//

Well, you are not alone, perhaps you might find help if you dropped your arrogance, shift from your imagined position of neutrality and take stock.

[pixie373]

It's more arrogant to think humans must have a higher purpose. Maybe you could help us out, khandro. What is it?

[vulcan42]

" Am having such a great time so far that I would very much welcome eternal life."
Why do you think an eternal life would be the same as this current life?

[naomi24]

Khandro, it would be rather more conducive to any discussion if you stopped taking petulant swipes at questioners who, in response to your own posts, present you with something you subsequently find you’re reluctant to answer. Tell VE what you think that purpose might be – as he asked.