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PrexicKehdaki -> Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 12:55:55 PM)

I've checked the TOS and it seems I'm permitted to post here. If not, I apologize.


My friends seem to have very distinct misconceptions about atheism, which inspired me to find a forum and start this thread.

If you have any question at all, ask it here and I guarantee an answer.

It can be an argument against atheism, a question about atheism, or even a question about my personal life as an atheist. All is welcome!



earthless -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 1:01:10 PM)

Welcome - can you please use the normal (black) color font? The Rainbow Bright color schemes don't work..

And how about ask a former atheist? Which would be me and many others here. Perhaps we're more qualified than you in the atheist aspect? [;)]



mvic -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 1:04:41 PM)

I agree.

I've asked Earthless many questions. Boy ... he is good!



mikejonesoftn -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 1:07:08 PM)

How do you or most atheist think life started?



Leo71 -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:02:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mikejonesoftn

How do you or most atheist think life started?


Well, I'm not an atheist myself, but boy have I had my share of run-ins with 'em! Anyway, the typical response I've seen to this very question, mike, is by "natural selection." Some long, complex sequence of events (all completely at random, mind you) conspired to form all that we know to exist, including ourselves. Trust me, it's an extremely frustrating endeavor to discuss this with a hardcore atheist (i.e one who is not secretly seeking a revelation from God as to His existence).



GroupW -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:05:52 PM)

Welcome. There are a few other atheists that post here, and I've come to enjoy them.

BTW, what in the world does PrexicKehdaki mean?



mikejonesoftn -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:07:43 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Leo71

quote:

ORIGINAL: mikejonesoftn

How do you or most atheist think life started?


Well, I'm not an atheist myself, but boy have I had my share of run-ins with 'em! Anyway, the typical response I've seen to this very question, mike, is by "natural selection." Some long, complex sequence of events (all completely at random, mind you) conspired to form all that we know to exist, including ourselves. Trust me, it's an extremely frustrating endeavor to discuss this with a hardcore atheist (i.e one who is not secretly seeking a revelation from God as to His existence).


Hmm I c, I was hoping the OP would shed some light on the ?, I never talked or chatted with an pure atheist before, although my brother at first did not believe in God but a higher being lol.



rosamaria -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:11:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mikejonesoftn

How do you or most atheist think life started?

HI Mike,

This is a question that when I approach an atheist, they really never
full , completely answer me. Most of the time they answer my question
with a question.

Have you ever noticed that?


So really the question was never answered in the first place, uhhhhhh.


I wonder, but I know whom created all, even created them, whom call them selves atheist.

[8|]

rosamaria



Kat_D -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:18:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrexicKehdaki

I've checked the TOS and it seems I'm permitted to post here. If not, I apologize.


My friends seem to have very distinct misconceptions about atheism, which inspired me to find a forum and start this thread.

If you have any question at all, ask it here and I guarantee an answer.

It can be an argument against atheism, a question about atheism, or even a question about my personal life as an atheist. All is welcome!


I have no questions you can answer, because, after all, you are lost. I once was lost too, but now I am found.

All my questions have been answered by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray you would turn to Him and be saved so all your questions can be answered too.



seagullplayer -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:19:21 PM)

God has told me all I need to know:

(Psa 14:1) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

(Psa 53:1) To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

I pray that the Holy Spirit bring you to the point you are ready to hear the Good News of Christ.



revbill -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 2:35:58 PM)

This is my first posting so please bear with me. I have never met nor talked with a true athiest. Agnognists yes, athiests, no. Having spent some time as a yacht captain i've seen some who claim to be, but in the middle of a major storm many of them begin to pray. It's amazing that most people involved in a major accident, war or major hurricane say "O my God", atheists included.



tsnody2001 -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 3:21:06 PM)

And why don't they ever say, "Buddha," or "Muhhamed," or "Satan?" They always use the name of the LORD, who gives us life and the air that we breathe and the lungs with which to breathe the air. Never made sense to me. Even before I believed, I would almost want to smack in the mouth whoever uses the LORD's name in that way.



PrexicKehdaki -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 3:46:13 PM)

quote:

earthless

And how about ask a former atheist? Which would be me and many others here. Perhaps we're more qualified than you in the atheist aspect? [;)]


Um, you're free to start your own thread?



PrexicKehdaki -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 3:50:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mikejonesoftn

How do you or most atheist think life started?


No one knows for sure, but one theory goes like this..

dna = replication

how did dna appear?

primordial earth had hydrogen, hydrogen-cyanide, methane, ammonia

dna = long chain molecule with four nucleotides

where did nucleotides come from?

Hydrogen-cyanide and ammonia can form adenine under primordial earth conditions (this has been proven in experiments).

Adenine is a nucleotide in dna.

The other three nucleotides have been formed in similar experiments that mimic the primordial earth (if not the same one.. not sure).

Next, the nucleotides joined together to make polynucleotides in a catalyst abundant on the primordial earth: montmorillonite. This has also been replicated and proven in experiments.

Some of these polynucleotides could replicate, like RNA. Some were better adapted to the environment than others.. thus they evolved into DNA over hundreds of millions of years.

Difference between RNA and DNA is that DNA needs proteins. Proteins are made of amino acids.

where did amino acids come from?

In the same experiments that proved that hydrogen-cyanide and ammonia can produce nucleotides, amino acids were also produced including long chains of amino acids called polypeptides.

As mentioned before, montmorillonite is an amazing catalyst (abundant on the primordial earth) for complex molecules. It gives us nucleotides, amino acids, and also.. lipids.

Lipids have a natural tendency to clump together forming spherical structures called mycelles.

RNA and DNA that attracted these lipids would then find themselves protected inside a mycell membrane. Because they were better protected, they better survived.

There we have it. The first primitive cell.

Granted this is a new theory in its beginning stages.. but it's picking up a lot of speed, support, and evidence.



PrexicKehdaki -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 3:54:06 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Leo71

quote:

ORIGINAL: mikejonesoftn

How do you or most atheist think life started?


Well, I'm not an atheist myself, but boy have I had my share of run-ins with 'em! Anyway, the typical response I've seen to this very question, mike, is by "natural selection." Some long, complex sequence of events (all completely at random, mind you) conspired to form all that we know to exist, including ourselves. Trust me, it's an extremely frustrating endeavor to discuss this with a hardcore atheist (i.e one who is not secretly seeking a revelation from God as to His existence).


It's not at all completely random, actually.

DNA undergo random mutations. Mutations that are more prone to help the organism survive are more likely to be passed down to further offspring. Natural selection is the selection of mutations that help the organism survive and it is not at all random, even though mutations are.



PrexicKehdaki -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 3:58:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: revbill

This is my first posting so please bear with me. I have never met nor talked with a true athiest. Agnognists yes, athiests, no. Having spent some time as a yacht captain i've seen some who claim to be, but in the middle of a major storm many of them begin to pray. It's amazing that most people involved in a major accident, war or major hurricane say "O my God", atheists included.


Actually, you most likely have met an atheist or agnostic. We aren't usually talking about our lack of faith so it's not like you'd know in the first place.

Also, anecdotal evidence (evidence of what, I'm not sure) is not very convincing.

I personally say Oh my God, but that's not because of a hidden faith in God. It's a psychological quirk that develops in the same exact way language does. I heard it many multiple times as I was learning language and it stuck as a phrase that has useful meaning for "wow" or surprise.



PrexicKehdaki -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 3:59:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tsnody2001

And why don't they ever say, "Buddha," or "Muhhamed," or "Satan?" They always use the name of the LORD, who gives us life and the air that we breathe and the lungs with which to breathe the air. Never made sense to me. Even before I believed, I would almost want to smack in the mouth whoever uses the LORD's name in that way.


Because they didn't likely learn their language in the presence of people saying "Oh my Buddha" or "Oh my Muhhamed" or "Oh my Satan" very often.



PrexicKehdaki -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:04:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GroupW

Welcome. There are a few other atheists that post here, and I've come to enjoy them.

BTW, what in the world does PrexicKehdaki mean?


Well, it's not a real word.. and, it's personal meaning is very hard to explain. :P



GroupW -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:21:03 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrexicKehdaki

quote:

ORIGINAL: GroupW

Welcome. There are a few other atheists that post here, and I've come to enjoy them.

BTW, what in the world does PrexicKehdaki mean?


Well, it's not a real word.. and, it's personal meaning is very hard to explain. :P


I'm sure there's a good story there. Would be fun to hear it sometime when it's appropriate.

BT



atheistinpeace -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:26:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrexicKehdaki

quote:

ORIGINAL: mikejonesoftn

How do you or most atheist think life started?


No one knows for sure, but one theory goes like this..

dna = replication
...
There we have it. The first primitive cell.

Granted this is a new theory in its beginning stages.. but it's picking up a lot of speed, support, and evidence.


Cracking answer, beat me to it. Good thing too; my knowledge of the details is evidently a bit sketchier.

Prexic - hope you don't mind if I contribute the odd thought to this thread. I like to chip in on these forums here every now and then, and have done for a while now, and quite enjoy it. Nice to have exchanges of views between people with differences in opinion and belief, and they're almost always good natured. Frustratingly, the odd non-believer does pop up with a rather unlettered tirade against belief. So the more civil exchanges we all have, the better.

AiP



DreadPirateRandy -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:29:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrexicKehdaki

No one knows for sure, but one theory goes like this.


A theory is nothing more than a presumption, which, at best, is a guess.

I've heard one too many "theories" on the origin of existence. All of them fail to present itself as cold, hard fact without any second guessing or newer additions that modify old theories and basically rewrite the hypothesis altogether. I can't put my faith in something that constantly changes.

I did read this one book though. It made a lot of sense. Pretty good author, too. He knows how to tell the origins of life pretty well.



tsnody2001 -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:29:11 PM)

the first primitive cell.... Have you ever considered irreduceable complexity? This "primitive" cell, how did it live while the very components it needs to live are evolving (by blind, unintelligent chance by the way). For example, every human needs a functioning brain, heart, and lungs (plus a whole bunch more) to live. How does the body function while these parts are "evolving"? One other question, how do scientists know the conditions of this earth billions of years ago to conduct these so-called experiments, when they won't even accept a lot of eye-witness accounts of history because it makes somewhat of a joke out of you theory? Plus, producing some useless amino acids in a dish is nothing compared to creating the universe out of nothing with a spoken word. And they're not even using their own material, but material created by God. They're using HIS material to disprove Him with. By the way, UNI = single, VERSE = spoken sentence; UNIVERSE = single spoken sentence. Well, isn't that amazing? You were created as a result of God's spoken voice, and the amazing part of it is, God loves you so much, even though he knew you would reject Him, He still created you, and before He put you together in your mother's womb, He became a man so that HIS blood could pay for YOUR sin and MY sin. THAT is LOVE. THAT is amazing grace.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:31:27 PM)

This one is for AiP[;)]

I have wanted to ask this of you for a long time...

If you are so much in "peace", why do you feel the need to announce it[8D]



PromiseLander -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:33:11 PM)

You're an atheist? Wow, I've never met a person who had infinate knowledge before... [;)]

You see, because that's what you'd need in order to say that there is no God.

You would have to know the intimate details of exactly everything there is to know in the universe to be able to say that there is no evidence to prove the existence of God. I'm sure that you don't have infinate knowledge of everything, so the best you can do is to say that you are an agnostic. Atheists by definition do not exist.

Now, to your "beginning" explaination: go back in your mind to the very first thing... An atom of anything, or whatever the very first "thing" was that existed to which just a nanosecond before there was nothing... How did that come into being? Since time exists, and all things wind down, or die, or burn up, or expire, ect... then it's safe to assume that on a much larger scale there MUST have been a beginning to everything. So what caused it? (Remember, start with absolutely nothing - that's a "zero" with the edges rubbed out)



atheistinpeace -> RE: Ask an atheist! (6/26/2008 4:35:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: revbill

This is my first posting so please bear with me. I have never met nor talked with a true athiest. Agnognists yes, athiests, no. Having spent some time as a yacht captain i've seen some who claim to be, but in the middle of a major storm many of them begin to pray. It's amazing that most people involved in a major accident, war or major hurricane say "O my God", atheists included.


I'll chip in on this one actually and share my interpretations of the two terms you mention:
An atheist is someone who either 1) holds the belief that there is no god; or 2) rejects the belief that there is a god. I'm in the second camp. I think there is evidence that suggests that the existence of a god is unlikely, but I'm more content to reject belief in God, simply because I personally see no evidence of the existence of one. (Note how that leads to the second view, not the first one.)
An agnostic is someone who claims that the truth over whether a god exists is unknowable. Further, it implicitly claims a 50:50 probability either way. Technically, then, I'm an agnostic atheist, as I believe that the truth is unknowable, but I suspect that claims that god exists are wrong.

I mention this because in my occasional exchanges here, there's been the odd bit of confusion over definition. I hope what I've put is useful.

AiP



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