Believing in god is equivalent to children believing in the tooth fairy. Both of these characters begin their stardom within a simple, man-made tale of ‘how things came to be’. Although there is no way to prove the existence or nonexistence of the tooth fairy, there is also no concrete way to prove the case against god’s existence. So then why are adults quick to say that the tooth fairy does not exist… yet hold on to the common belief in god’s existence. Although there is no (100%) fact behind this claim, logic and reason gives us the ability to lack the belief in the existence of such an entity as the tooth fairy.
Why is the idea of god not approached with the same amount of skepticism/scrutiny as the toothfairy (ie. bigfoot, UFO's landing)? What causes religion to become so immune to a healthy amount of disbelief?
God, just as the tooth fairy, has no way of being proven or disproven for that matter. The only proof that god exists is enclosed within holy, hand-written scripture. However, science has shown us that there is no validity in these scriptures (By the way: You cannot use a comic book to prove superman’s existence).Science, reason, and logic demands more evidence & accurate sources when it comes to the scientific proof which is needed to develop certain theories. And although many of these scriptures hold some form of historical information within the manuscripts, if I were to create my own religious text during this moment in time, it would include: ipods, laptops, condoms, NYC, cars, how to prepare a great quesh, Tim McGraw, Diddy, warning to not fry fish with olive oil because it's not possible, & How not to shit your pants when watching the 10 greatest Horror flix of all time etc. (all things current during THIS day and age). Although my book would be considered historically accurate to some degree, the content/stories would be as fictional as it gets. So the argument that the bible (i.e.) is in fact true because it contains historical truth, is an unacceptable argument. Within the scientific realm, ideas are guilty until proven innocent. Yet, the lack of proof of god’s existence--besides unreliable manuscript-- continues to lead people into dedicating their entire lives to such blind-faith.
Why is the idea of god not approached with the same amount of skepticism/scrutiny as the toothfairy (ie. bigfoot, UFO's landing)? What causes religion to become so immune to a healthy amount of disbelief?
God, just as the tooth fairy, has no way of being proven or disproven for that matter. The only proof that god exists is enclosed within holy, hand-written scripture. However, science has shown us that there is no validity in these scriptures (By the way: You cannot use a comic book to prove superman’s existence).Science, reason, and logic demands more evidence & accurate sources when it comes to the scientific proof which is needed to develop certain theories. And although many of these scriptures hold some form of historical information within the manuscripts, if I were to create my own religious text during this moment in time, it would include: ipods, laptops, condoms, NYC, cars, how to prepare a great quesh, Tim McGraw, Diddy, warning to not fry fish with olive oil because it's not possible, & How not to shit your pants when watching the 10 greatest Horror flix of all time etc. (all things current during THIS day and age). Although my book would be considered historically accurate to some degree, the content/stories would be as fictional as it gets. So the argument that the bible (i.e.) is in fact true because it contains historical truth, is an unacceptable argument. Within the scientific realm, ideas are guilty until proven innocent. Yet, the lack of proof of god’s existence--besides unreliable manuscript-- continues to lead people into dedicating their entire lives to such blind-faith.
From the agnostic standpoint: If there is no specific way to find out if a super-being does not exist, what is wrong with my belief in a powerful, universal creator? And I have no problem with this idea. Both ideas are probable (however, not equally probable at the moment). The problem lies within the stereotypical indoctrination of children to the point that when they become adults and “free” their selves from religion, while still maintaining their belief in a higher being, they believe their personal god has the same attributes as the monotheistic gods. How does a theistic person know for a fact that god is all-loving, omniscient, forgiving, damning, fair, and judgmental?
I think it’s safe to say that god may or may not exist, but until this god gives humans a sign… science will continue to practice the concept of “guilty until proven innocent” in regards to the god theory. Fine! Believe in a super-being if you want. All I’m saying is that there is no logic behind dedicating your entire life to a man-made concept which perpetuates the qualities of a multifaceted mystical-being and the wastefulness of worship that is based on these same creative principles—blind faith.
I believe that religion is a “pacifier” for the human conscience. Asking questions without finding an answer can be extremely frustrating at times. However, just as the child who survives their childhood on the concept that babies are delivered by storks--one day, that child WILL grow up. One day, that child will discover the ugly, frightening, devastating truth as to how babies are actually created. So then why is it so difficult for adults to think outside of their box (childhood indoctrination)? Why, then, do we feel the need to hold on to these fictitious practices/dogma/belief systems? I think that a lack of a education plays a role in this, the inability of a person to think on a universal level (outside 'their box'), & ingrained fear.
And..
As for the people who believe that religion is the key to living a meaningful and moralistic life?--Think again. Majority of the most intellectual, affluent, progressive scientists/philosophers/theorists have been free-thinkers. If it was not for these atheists/agnostics, humans civilization would not have been able to advance as far as we have 'today'. We should 'thank' these secular humanists--NOT GOD--alot more often for their contributions to society.
With that said, I will conclude this with a 'little' end note:
I believe that religion is a “pacifier” for the human conscience. Asking questions without finding an answer can be extremely frustrating at times. However, just as the child who survives their childhood on the concept that babies are delivered by storks--one day, that child WILL grow up. One day, that child will discover the ugly, frightening, devastating truth as to how babies are actually created. So then why is it so difficult for adults to think outside of their box (childhood indoctrination)? Why, then, do we feel the need to hold on to these fictitious practices/dogma/belief systems? I think that a lack of a education plays a role in this, the inability of a person to think on a universal level (outside 'their box'), & ingrained fear.
And..
As for the people who believe that religion is the key to living a meaningful and moralistic life?--Think again. Majority of the most intellectual, affluent, progressive scientists/philosophers/theorists have been free-thinkers. If it was not for these atheists/agnostics, humans civilization would not have been able to advance as far as we have 'today'. We should 'thank' these secular humanists--NOT GOD--alot more often for their contributions to society.
With that said, I will conclude this with a 'little' end note:
“Religious believers like to think that their god and ancient texts provide them with an inside track to defining what is 'good' and what is 'bad'. But it is surely far more morale to do 'good' things for their own sake, rather than as a way of sucking up to god. Our true sense of 'right' and 'wrong' has nothing to do with religion. I believe there is kindness, charity, generosity in human nature.” --Richard Dawkins
