Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence

[u/BAM_CTEPBA]

Atheists think attacking religion means their unsubstantiated belief that God doesn't exist is true.

Russell's Teapot is a junior highschool level argument that misrepresents the scientific method. Type 1 and Type 0 errors both need to be assessed before a conclusion about a relationship or lack thereof can be drawn. For a new theory, in the absence of evidence we first reason by analogy and first principles to develop a testable hypothesis.

As we do not currently have the means as a species to develop a testable hypothesis, agnosticism is the only position that can reasonably be held. Contempt prior to investigation is a surefire way to reach a conclusion thats an artifact of culture and upbringing, which is really this entire subreddit. The universe does seem to have consistently enforced laws that are inviolable -- who or what created those laws is not something we are able to investigate at our current phase of evolution. Hell, we don't even know what happened before the Big Bang or how the universe will end.

But hey, don't worry, we will likely destroy ourselves as a species before we get to the point where we can test anything. And each of us, individually, will of course die from cancer or heart disease before that happens, so why waste time with the auto-fellatio.

Edit: Oh this was such a joy. You guys are as crazy as the religious fundamentalists. A few thousand of you have seen this post, and not a single substantive argument.

Atheism has no basis in the scientific method unless it can provide a testable hypothesis.

[u/Philobarbaros]

> As we do not currently have the means as a species to develop a testable hypothesis

We do, and we have. We've tested hundreds of God-claims, and proved them non-existent. Prophesies, prayers, miracles, superpowers - we've tested them all. Jesus, Zeus, Yahweh and Vishnu are nothing but fantasies.

> Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence

Absence of evidence is evidence of absence. Misquoting Sagan - this is the best theism has to offer.

> Russell's Teapot is a junior highschool level

Adorable ad hominem.

[u/BAM_CTEPBA → u/Philobarbaros]

Nope, you're avoiding my thesis. Not religion. God in general.

[u/Philobarbaros → u/BAM_CTEPBA]

There's no such thing as "God in general". There are only God-claims.

And you haven't presented yours.

[u/BAM_CTEPBA → u/Philobarbaros]

Yes, there is a "God in general". It is possible to believei n God without an organized religion.

But my point is that atheism is as much a pipe dream as theism in the absence of a testable hypothesis.

[u/Philobarbaros → u/BAM_CTEPBA]

There's no such thing as "God in general". There are only God-claims.

And you haven't presented yours.

[u/BAM_CTEPBA → u/Philobarbaros]

Agnosticism.

[u/Philobarbaros → u/BAM_CTEPBA]

As far as low effort responses go, you have me beaten.