Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Beyond Our Understanding
Atheist Ryan Benson argues @ Patheos:
But why eliminate the supernatural simply because it is beyond our sense? Because then we are controlled instead of the controlling. Because then things are not only things we do not know now, but things we will never know. Because the existence of the supernatural makes me subject, not king.
Which leads me to the point where we must acknowledge that absent a supernatural all morality is arbitrary, and that dear friends is all the evidence I need.
The alternative is too horrible to contemplate.
Thanks to the readers who have taken the time to participate in my challenge. If you would like to teach me about your beliefs by attempting to convert me, send an email here (ryantheatheistnextdoor@gmail.com) or leave a comment below to join the conversation.Faith is not devoid of evidence or reason, but it is completely devoid of control. By definition God is supernatural - while we are natural. If we define all there is by what we can sense and experience, then by all means, be an atheist, because you are right, there can be little or no evidence of the supernatural in the natural. In order for there to be such evidence, the supernatural must take on the characteristics of the natural, thus disguising its nature.
Faith has been a steady theme in the responses I've received from readers.
[...]
My problem is this: If faith is not based on evidence or reason, then what is it based on? Is faith just a vague, transcendent gut feeling that rationalizes indoctrinated creeds, or is faith more than that? Why is belief in something that has no proof virtuous? Isn't faith dangerous when it's devoid of evidence and reason?
But why eliminate the supernatural simply because it is beyond our sense? Because then we are controlled instead of the controlling. Because then things are not only things we do not know now, but things we will never know. Because the existence of the supernatural makes me subject, not king.
Which leads me to the point where we must acknowledge that absent a supernatural all morality is arbitrary, and that dear friends is all the evidence I need.
The alternative is too horrible to contemplate.
Technorati Tags:evidence, morality
Generated By Technorati Tag Generator
