Tom Cruise on Scientology

[Giga Power]

Aight, I'll go with you on this then. Why is there not an equal likelihood? Can you show me any proof one way or another? Even some proof that makes one lean towards one or the other end of the spectrum? Sure, I do think the Christian concept of a deity is silly, but what exactly is there to say that there isn't some form of deity/deities? And vice versa what is there to say there is? And most importantly why does it really matter either way?

To be religious or atheist both require some form of faith that your beliefs are right. I lack said faith.

LOL The burden of proof is on the believer.

And it requires faith to be atheist? Seriously? For me it's simple to understand that it came about from man's attempt to understand his place in the world and how the universe works before he had any real ideas on how to go about finding the truth. I mean we don't have rain-dances anymore because we understand how the weather works.

And how many religions are there? All saying different things?

It's just man not wanting to accept his mortality. No matter what science will say or show us, people will still believe because for some reason or another they need to. I'm just not one of those people.

[Drewbacca]

you're being naive

safety, power and avoiding fear do not go hand in hand with knowledge and explanation.

Depending on the situation, you might be totally fucked. There might be zero hope for you and with in minutes you might meet a very painful demise. And there might be nothing you can do about it.

knowing of such a situation does you little good. You won't suddenly become safe after understanding just how screwed you are.

Knowledge and explanation only increase your safety and power when you are in a situation where you have options and the skills to pursue the best option.

How am I being naive, again? Learning about a subject, in this given scenario you've chosen a situation, is the only way you're going to know how to avoid it in the future. If you innocently happen to step on a sting ray and die you were fucked, regardless. But learning why stepping on sting ray's is a bad thing and why they burrow in the sand leads to signs being put up warning people from stepping in those area's without caution. Also sandals being worn on the beach.

Don't be stupid. Learning is the most fundamental tool we have as a species. Learning the truth behind the universe is only going to make it safer and more enjoyable for everyone in it. And if God does exist and he did create everything then finding out more about how everything works is the ultimate gesture in appreciation to him for everything we have.

Explain to me how it's more of a leap of faith than my sandwich shitting dog.

Less delicious if nothing else.

[Tommy Tallarico]

Because you're saying that there's absolutely no possibility that this incredibly well organized universe with its meticulous laws of existence and its intricate construction has any change of being designed by something, some form of something beyond our understanding. Yep, it could easily be random chance, but it's hard to say there's absolutely no possibility of something else being behind it as well. It really comes down to thinking about the limits of human understanding. To think that there couldn't be something above and beyond our understanding is a hell of a lot of hubris.

You didn't answer my statement. If you're going to pull this shit of answering a question I didn't even ask, then just don't bother. It's a waste of your time and mine.

[Giga Power]

Because you're saying that there's absolutely no possibility that this incredibly well organized universe with its meticulous laws of existence and its intricate construction has any change of being designed by something, some form of something beyond our understanding. Yep, it could easily be random chance, but it's hard to say there's absolutely no possibility of something else being behind it as well. It really comes down to thinking about the limits of human understanding. To think that there couldn't be something above and beyond our understanding is a hell of a lot of hubris.

ARG!

[bbobb]

You didn't answer my statement. If you're going to pull this shit of answering a question I didn't even ask, then just don't bother. It's a waste of your time and mine.

Ok, basic science will tell you that it's impossible for your sandwich to shit a dog.

No science will tell you that it's impossible for there to be some form of higher power.

[Giga Power]

Ok, basic science will tell you that it's impossible for your sandwich to shit a dog.

You're right. And that's why there can't be a God. Evolution grows, the most complex part is never at the start. And a God that would be all powerful and could create the universe and see over all in it would have to be more complex than the universe itself. Especially when you figure in how he can hear every single person that prays to him, etc.

[Drewbacca]

Aww shit ironplant was banned. I wanted him to explain how knowledge wasn't empowering.

[Tommy Tallarico]

Ok, basic science will tell you that it's impossible for your sandwich to shit a dog.

No science will tell you that it's impossible for there to be some form of higher power.

I'm not talking about my dog, I'm talking about a dog, with wings, that only I have ever seen. Now rework your argument to the parameters I already set once before or stop wasting my time. Tell me what scientists would say about that, and if your argument includes any absolutes, I won't even bother to respond.

[bbobb]

I'm not talking about my dog, I'm talking about a dog, with wings, that only I have ever seen. Now rework your argument to the parameters I already set once before or stop wasting my time. Tell me what scientists would say about that, and if your argument includes any absolutes, I won't even bother to respond.

You're arguing for a specific type of god, such as one that the christians believe in. As I've said before shit like that is silly.

[Tommy Tallarico]

You're arguing for a specific type of god, such as one that the christians believe in. As I've said before shit like that is silly.

Again, you're not actually countering anything I'm saying. Even a high school debate class would laugh you out of the building.

Don't try to act like you're smarter then me on this, I know exactly what I'm talking about.

You really should have taken your own advice on this one.