Interesting topic!

First of all, I am not an atheists but I have the diffulty of believing that god is actually who he/she (unisex anyone?) appears to be. Maybe the "god" that our ancestors met are indeed a higher being from outer space?

You mean, as in aliens?

Yes, at least that is my theory (sort of).

It's no longer a very original theory, actually. Others have come up with this theory before.

I'm open to this possibility, though I wouldn't say all religion came about in this way.

Epona, don't mean to contradict you on any point, but what if someone replied:

"So? What good does it do for us to be here now? Why isn't extinction an acceptable option?"

There are people who have actually asked this, mind you.

[ 10-25-2002, 03:50 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]

I didn't say mine was the original theory ;)

One of my friend read a book and took some time to explain to me and I found that some of the theories offered are in certain extend seemed logical.

As I've said, I'm open to the possibility, though I would like to see more substantial evidence either way before I come to a verdict. :D

I believe God to be an eternal awareness. Outside time, space and the constraints of the rational, theoretical and physical universe. Holding atoms together, perpetuating existence. Omnipresent. Omniscient. Omnipotent. A being of pure love and positivity. Source of all life and spirit, substance and idea.

A being called "I AM". He just is. Not 'was' or 'will be'. He just IS.

Not some beared dude on a chair that can be confused with aliens. ;)

In this I hold to the "Abrahamic" revelation, (interesting term KT) of a personal God, seperate from creation, as opposed to the 'Eastern' Panthiestic view of all existence being God.

It's interesting that many of the so-called athiest quotes identified disbelief in a 'personal God'. Meaning they could well have been pantheistic, Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus or any other non-monotheistic view.

Here's something though. What is the percentage of atheists who believe in alien existence?

Does atheism necessitate a need to belief in life on other planets? So that we're "not alone".

How then, does an atheist rationalise the supreme odds against life developing by chance, occurring twice or more without a divine 'push'.

How also does an atheist rationalise the reality that it is impossible to know for certain something does not exist - given that a human cannot explore all the universe to be 100% sure. All one can say is "I have not experienced this".

Which no-one can argue with.

Similarly, how can an atheist argue with a theist who says "I have experienced this"

To each their own experience, and to each their own analysis. We'll never know whether if we really did walk a mile in anothers shoes, whether we would believe the same things we do.

[ 10-25-2002, 03:59 AM: Message edited by: Yorick ]

Proof you say?

*looked up to the sky*

If they respond to this thread, they should be here anytime now. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

Seriously, I don't think we will be able to find any concrete proof unless the aliens decided to revisit us, that is if the theory is true.

Epona, don't mean to contradict you on any point, but what if someone replied:

"So? What good does it do for us to be here now? Why isn't extinction an acceptable option?"

There are people who have actually asked this, mind you.</font>[/QUOTE]Animals don't have a moral code do they? Self needs first. Even if it means a male killing it's own offspring so it doesn't have mating competition.

What do we call humans so depreaved they seemingly act without any regard for human life etc etc. Either a maniac or an animal yes?

The thing about theism is that it provides a reason for life. The eternal question "why are we here" can get answered.

Mine is this:

Love.

I am here to love and be loved. To give it to, and receive it from:

God

Others

Myself.

Largely agree with what you've said so far, Yorick -- though I have to say I'm still more inclined towards the 'Eastern' view of the Divine.

Sorry! ;)

[ 10-25-2002, 07:42 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]