Fine tuning specifics: Reasons for God (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Saturday, April 29, 2017, 06:34 (2765 days ago) @ David Turell

dhw: To blame atheism for the slaughter of the Jews seems to me as destructive a distortion as to blame theism for the jihad. You were defending Olasky’s article, and in my view such distortions can only foster prejudice and conflict. I don’t know what you are referring to when you accuse me of “prejudice about religion”.

David: It is my distinct impression that you are highly prejudiced against religion in general.

It is my impression that he likes to tweak our beards. When I look at the world, particularly the world of Atheist, I see a certain tendency towards fatalism. Particularly in the hardline materialist versions that both deny free will and subscribe to the at death there is nothing mentality. YOLO, right?

Yes, there are variants on many religions that have the same impact, which is why we see the same results. The line of reasoning that believes in predestination, or a divine will that guides everything tiny detail of what happens in all of creation is every bit as toxic as Atheism, and for exactly the same reason!

However, a careful study of the bible actually addresses all of those points, which is why among true Christians (i.e. those that study and follow the bible as oppose to those that ignore the bible and follow people) avoid those pitfalls. Ironically, the bible also talks about those who are NOT Christians that follow the Christian laws. (Romans 2:13-15) This would be the group that DHW lumps himself in with: good people who try to live a principled life in a loving manner.

The bible declares our free will as a gift from God. It shows that we are accountable both to our fellow humans and to our creator for our actions. It shows that our lives are a precious gift and that recklessly endangering them is not only against our best interest but disrespectful and ungrateful. It teaches that imprisoning men is a pointless waste of time, that man will dominate man to his injury, that the love of money is the root of much wickedness. Yes, it teaches us that the perfect standard is unattainable, but also that there is compassion and forgiveness for our mistakes provided we not only feel remorse but do our best to make amends and correct ourselves, which also sets the stage for how we should treat others, by pointing out that it is impossible to meet everyone's expectations so we should forgive each other where they fall short.

So yes, some Atheists are good people, and some theists are bad people. That is a fair statement. However, in my humble opinion, Atheism can never measure up to the bible. Not only does it lack the explanatory power, but it also lacks the humility.

Ecclesiastes 8:17 No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

--
What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.