Many an atheist and theologian have sat down for coffee to debate the reality of the biblical literature and the purported stories handed down by religion over the generations.
The atheist will usually state the obvious and say it is but a false story.
And the theologian will either take a complete literal interpretation of agree that some is indeed a matter of speaking and cite examples of interpretations, translations and various re-writes.
Some Christians will yell and scream; "Why should I believe it's a false story? Just because some guy named James Winthrop from Denver Colorado, says so?" In over hearing just such a debate at a Starbucks Coffee shop recently, I chuckled as this debate is as old as the religion and its predecessors combined.
The gentleman went onto explain; "I am not saying you should follow me.
I have no desire in controlling your life like those who wrote up all that poppycock and utter hokum to control the mindless masses.
What I am suggesting is that you observe your surroundings and ask god to come visit your butt and when he does not show up maybe that might be a sign, not from god, but from reality.
" Of course this set off a firestorm in the Christian believers mind and so I moved closer and continued sipping on my Frappachino, knowing that one of these days I am going to have to put some more money on my Starbucks Card indeed.
The Christian said; "What proof do you have that it's false? Were you there? Were you living when it happened to say that these men "duped" us?" The atheist, I am assuming maybe he was agnostic then indicated that he had no proof actually and said; "None of course not but I did watch L.
Ron Hubbard create a religion from scratch in the present period.
And followers and believers are abounding.
" Infuriated the Christian stated; "I find it very interesting that atheists fight so hard against something that they claim they don't even believe!" Then I thought to myself you know from my perspective it seems that No, I think the problem is the constant preaching, witnessing and loud conversations at coffee shops and the incessant ridiculous non-ending, asinine comments that Hurricane Katrina was because god was angry or pray for this or the other thing? Indeed I do believe that is a form of mental illness.
But the atheist or agnostic said; "Why do you assume I am an atheist? Does you little mind wish so much to classify me, because I am unpleasant to you in some way?" The Christian said; "Well then; On the other hand since Christians are right, you have a lot more to lose.
If you're ready to roll the dice, then that's your choice.
" The atheist or agnostic then stated; "Sure that is a common BS comment from those who don't get it.
But you have more to lose if you live your life in fear, guilt and for something else which does not even exist rather than living your life experience for all there is to offer; the pain, sorrow, joy and laughter and all that is.
I have read your Biblical doctrines and works and all the others and to tell you the truth they are rather similar in nature the more of this literature you read.
I do not refuse philosophical discussions.
But you have not brought up anything I have not heard before.
" Do you think Christians and atheists will ever get along? Do you think they can agree to disagree? How can they live together with so much religious fundamentalism around? It seems there is such a large gap of separation one has to wonder what can be done if anything? Consider this in 2006.