"Prove to me god doesn't exist"

[TanithDaUnicorn]

This argument is usually used in a debate when you've backed a religious person into a corner, and they can't answer. They always have this in their arsenal. Right next to "Mysterious ways" And "That's just what I believe"

How arrogant that you (Talking to someone who would use this argument) Think it is MY job to prove to YOU that your god doesn't exist. Prove to me Pink unicorns don't exist. Can't? Then you should believe it because you can't rule it out!

You may think that example is a little extreme but I see no difference between "Prove to me god doesn't really exist" To "Prove to me lord voldemort doesn't really exist"

What are your thoughts on this argument? Do you use it? Has someone used it on you? Do you get as frustrated as I do?

[HermioneWeasley]

Whether or not I argue with them depends on whether or not I think they have the brain cells to comprehend the argument. If they do, and it's more of a discussion than blind defence of medieval ideas, I point out that you can't prove a negative, and it's up to the person making the claims for which there is no evidence whatsoever to prove its existence, and then refer them to the orbiting teapot argument.

If however they have said something as inane as "evolution is just a theory" I write them off as an idiot.

[TanithDaUnicorn]

Someone told me the other day "Evolution and Creationism are both theories yet to be proven" Or something along those lines, I may have giggled a little too hard.

Some people just cannot wrap their head around certain things, which is entertaining to say the least. Like watching a bird trying to get into a container and not quite figuring it out.

[HermioneWeasley]

The only response to "evolution is just a theory" is "so's gravity - want to jump off a cliff?"

[Seriouslyffs]

Why would you be having these conversations? Do you live under the Taliban or Cromwell?
For me, it's like justifying love. I don't have to explain to you why I love someone. As it is I fervently hope everyone could have the comfort and extra dimension in their lives I have through faith, but if I was 'backed into a corner' by someone so hostile, I'd try and end the conversation ASAP.

[TanithDaUnicorn]

I said "In debates" I don't just walk up to random people in the street and shout "You are wrong" I participate in debates.

Don't worry, I can tell you wouldn't last 5 minuets in a formal debate, so I won't bother you. But with people who try to implement their beliefs as law. Or stand in the street shouting it, or even come to MY door, trespass on MY property, trying to "Convert" Me, then I have a problem with it.

Believe in bullshit all you like, I just don't want it to effect me in any way, shape or form.

[DioneTheDiabolist]

Do you think the person you were debating with will read this thread OP?

[HermioneWeasley]

seriously have you really never had this discussion? I don't go up to people insisting that they prove their god/s exist, but when we are discussing it, and when they are insisting that laws (for example over abortion or equal marriage) should take their religious beliefs into account, I get a bit tetchy.

[TanithDaUnicorn]

Exactly what HermioneWeasley Said.

[TanithDaUnicorn]

DioneTheDiabolist No, I do not, I just wanted to see other's opinions of it. The "You" Was rhetorical, as if I was talking to someone who would make such a stupid argument. That's all.

[Seriouslyffs]

Wow Tanith you're rude.
I take it you're also a member of the the secularist society and campaign against church schools? Are you also politically active or are you just a keyboard warrior?
Hermione I've not had this discussion because I don't impose my beliefs on others. I'm not a fan of church schools have no problem with equal marriage and I think that faith is a personal and unique gift to individuals, not something that I can badger someone into.

[DioneTheDiabolist]

I don't know about politically active, but AS tells me the OP is a GF.

[TanithDaUnicorn]

I am brutally honest. I don't believe in sugar coating explanations or my opinions to make them easier to swallow. And yes, I am politically active, I just said "I participate in debates" Both online and at events, or sometimes to street pastors on the street. If you perceive that as rude, then I don't care.

We do not impose out beliefs on you. Did you not CHOOSE to come on to this thread? Did you not CHOOSE to read this post? Yes you did, so we had no part to play in your lack of better judgement.

I do campaign against church schools. They teach debunked nonsense that has no place in the modern world, and it hurts education as a whole. Not teaching evolution? That's problematic. Indoctrinating children who don't know any better and have had no say in the matter is nothing short of brainwashing, as I'm sure you were too. Forcing children to believe certain things, yet the atheists are the once imposing beliefs?

Equal marriage? What right do you, or anyone for that matter. To vote on who OTHER people get to marry? Is that any of your business? Should you even care? No one voted on if YOU got to marry anyone, yet you expect the right to vote on their marriage? How is that not discrimination?

[Seriouslyffs]

Ok. I don't know whether you're a GF but I'm backing away rather nervously.
But you d know that schools in the UK don't teach creationism don't you?
As for the last paragraph. Do you think I'm a Bishop?

[TanithDaUnicorn]

What the heck is "GF" Supposed to mean?

[HermioneWeasley]

It stands for "goady fucker"

[fohamy12]

Oh get over yourself OP

[TanithDaUnicorn]

I am not gaudy, I am generally nice and well mannered. For example I can tell that you are very nice, good with people. And are probably successful.

When it comes to religion, I express my views on it. If you want to believe it, then go ahead, you have every right, I believe strongly in freedom of speech and freedom of religion. But when it comes to creationism (Common in america) And child brainwashing, I have problems with it. And religion is so involved with our lives, especially in america.

For example the pledge of alligence, which up until recently was mandatory to be said by every child in school every morning. Had "One nation under god" In it, and, especially in the south, you could be landed with punishment for refusing to say it.

Those are the kinds of religious actions I fight against. Believing in Jesus, going to church every Sunday and just being normal. I have no quarrel with, it's when people try to push their particular strand of crazy into science books. Or pass it off as fact, that's when debates take place. So yes, don't mistake me as a complete asshole, I have my moments but I am usually very nice and well manured

[DangerMouth]

This is the most aggressive OP I've ever read on MN.

We generally DONT NEED TO FUCKING SHOUT AT ANYONE READING. It makes you look like, well a GF doesn't doubt for a second OP is one

You sound like you are actually frothing at the mouth OP.

[TanithDaUnicorn]

Get over myself? Nah, I'm pretty great.

[SirChenjin]

I would normally say something along the lines of "I'm glad a god exists for you" - but try not to get that far down the conversation route.

[Seriouslyffs]

I'm glad you're not goady in real life. It rarely brings light, only heat.

[Micah]

You cant prove god, neither can you disprove.

Therefore choosing to believe, or not choosing to believe, is the individuals choice.

Unless you have absolute proof one way or the other, you cant call stupid, idiotic or ridiculous. Neither should you try and persuade otherwise someone by offering "proof".

[Hoplikeabunny]

Couldn't agree more OP, and for what it's worth, it makes me as angry as it makes you. I am yet to hear a single argument which makes me think that religion is anything even worth considering.

[fohamy12]

God bless you x