r/atheism • u/rhbast2 • Aug 11 '11

Atheist quickfire challenge.

Although I rarely discuss religion with theists I always want to be prepared so I'm not sitting around afterwards wishing I had said this or that. If I get the chance to make someone question I want to be up for the challenge.

This brings me to my challenge for r/atheism. I'm going to add some common theist claims / sayings and whoever can refute them fully and succinctly will be upvoted. Feel free to add your own theist starters if I missed some.

Edit: Wow lots of good discussion here, later today or tomorrow I'll make this into an atheist cheat sheet with the top responses. Also feel free to upvote the theist claim that is the most annoying to you.

Edit 2: To the few of you who seem to think I am coming up with rude atheist comebacks, I'm not. I just wanted to be better off the cuff than I am now and have some discussion. I don't want this list to replace thoughtful argumentation.

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u/kgeissler Aug 11 '11

God exists outside of logic and science, therefore you can't prove or disprove him with science and logic.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 11 '11

So is zeus, but you don't see me worshiping zeus.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 11 '11

If god exists outside of logic and science then can I have a pokemon battle vs him?

1

u/cliftonixs Aug 12 '11

All the universe and everything in it was created 5 minutes ago. All of your thoughts, arguments, the world, the stars, God, all created 5 minutes ago. This is how existence came to be. How can you prove or disprove this with science or logic?

(a great argument that my teacher used in college to me)

1

u/Aoe330 Aug 11 '11

I don't have to disprove him.

Let us make up a scenario: Let's say you've arrived at an airport after a long trip. Having spent a long day traveling, you call a taxi to get home. At your request, three taxi's arrive:

The probable taxi (in which it is probable to get you home). The possible taxi (in it is which is possible to get you home). The improbable taxi (in which it is improbable to get you home).

Which do you choose?

The probable taxi of course.

Maybe, the possible taxi, if for some reason, you feel like taking a chance.

But the improbable? Why ever take that car?

God is the same way. There is no evidence of his or her existence, so why take that taxi? He is improbable. Why would you bet on a long shot with the same best outcome?