Oblivion...

[birdie1971]

What's so scary about the concept of oblivion? The god believers that I converse with are either terrified at the notion of oblivion or seem unable to comprehend it. Personally I think it's an inevitability.

This question is to the believers in god: would you feel your life was meaningless if it was shown that god does not exist? And if it was shown that god does not exist, would you be an honest and upstanding member of society? If so, why?

[baza]

I think the non believers are terrified that we are right and they are so wrong, they cannot abide being wrong.
The question to non believers in God ,is why, as you cannot prove God exists or not, do you find it so much fun to dig at others who are content with their lives.

[Canary42]

Because we're jealous of the comfort of your self-delusion.

[birdie1971]

baza

I'm also content with my life. More than you'll ever know. However, you have it wrong when you say, "... The question to non believers in God ,is why, as you cannot prove God exists...".

Ignoring your clumsy wording, the simple truth is that it is the believers upon whose shoulder the onus of responsibility rests. It is the people that believe in god who are making the extraordinary claim that the planet we inhabit and the fact that we as a race of humans exist is the creation of an immortal, all-knowing deity. That is the extraordinary claim. It requires extraordinary evidence. And none can be or ever has been shown.

Over to you.

[BlackadderV]

I disagree. From the beginning of time people of all races, creeds and cultures have believed in a deity or deities. Surely the onus is on those who wish to refute it.

[birdie1971]

Nope. An extraordinary claim requires extraordinary evidence. Proof of something is not based on the number of people who believe in it. Many, many centuries ago, people believed that the Earth was flat; carried upon the backs of four elephants standing on the back of a turtle. Just because many people believe in something does not make that belief factually correct.

The responsibility to prove that "god" exists rests up the shoulders of the believers. It is incumbent upon them to prove their case. They have not and cannot do so. Ergo, their "theory" of a supreme deity "god" lies in tatters - believed in only by people who have a problem with logic and reasoning.

[SirOracle]

Seems to me that on this site it is the atheists/agnostic who are constantly the ones who are having a go at the " believers "....Not the other way round as you suggest birdie.

[birdie1971]

And anyway...

Oblivion?

Scary or not?

[BlackadderV]

1. 'Many, many centuries ago, people believed that the Earth was flat; carried upon the backs of four elephants standing on the back of a turtle.'

Well, of course it is, what other explanation can there possibly be?

2. If you are wholly content with your theories, then that is your choice, so why the need to post this question in the first place, unless it is to provoke or mock those of a religious faith. A most unattractive trait, reminiscent of the worst excesses of the Inquisition.

[SirOracle]

Yes Blackadder........thank God they don't have access to the rack and thumbscrews nowadays.

[birdie1971]

SirOracle -

I'm not "having a go" at anyone. Read the thread. It was "baza" and "BlackadderV" who failed to address my initial question and instead attempted to derail the thread into a wider theological discussion.

[BlackadderV]

The answer to your questions are 1) No and 2) Yes.
OK?

[Buenchico]

I've always regarded death as 'nothingness' and I simply can't understand how anyone can be scared of 'nothing'. So I've never been afraid of death (or of 'oblivion'). Obviously I'm scared, or even terrified, of the pain that might precede death but 'oblivion' hold no fears for me.

[Mamyalynne]

Everyone's view of oblivion will be individual - either respite from their life and work on this Earth, or the suffering of silence, and many interpretations.

[BlackadderV]

I have often been in a state of oblivion, thanks to the barley, the grape, the grain and the malt.

[Mamyalynne]

Exactly Chris,I fear what may lead to my death,but I also know I have banked so much with those around me that I feel it's been a job well done.

[BlackadderV]

...sorry, forgot to mention the juniper berries.

[birdie1971]

BlackadderV - "... why the need to post this question in the first place, unless it is to provoke or mock those of a religious faith. A most unattractive trait, reminiscent of the worst excesses of the Inquisition..."

I can barely believe what I am reading. You are equating my "mocking" of religion to the Inquisition!?!. Wow. Just wow.

Your idiocy and bigotry leaves me genuinely speechless.

[SirOracle]

Sorry Birdie if I misread your opening post,but I still feel that it is not a mile away from religion.

To try to give you an answer to your 2nd para.

No I wouldn't feel my life was meaningless,but lacking in something.

If you could prove that God did not exist(an impossibility) then I would continue to lead my life as I do at present.

[BlackadderV]

/Your idiocy and bigotry leaves me genuinely speechless./

Thank you for that calm, polite, rational assessment of my contribution. I shall leave others to judge.

[birdie1971]

SirOracle - "... No I wouldn't feel my life was meaningless,but lacking in something. If you could prove that God did not exist(an impossibility) then I would continue to lead my life as I do at present..."

Thanks for an honest answer. I really appreciate it. Why do you feel that your life would be lacking in something if it was shown to you that god does not exist and has never existed?

If god doesn't exist, you're still you. You'll still know right from wrong. You're not going to immediately go out and rob the first person you come across. Or steal his car. Or assault him. Or rape his wife. These are things that we all know are wrong and unjust. We don't need to be told these things do we? We know right from wrong don't we? It's inherent within us isn't it?