Richard Dawkins lecture on Science & Religion

Yes. Many scholars and theologians argue that the Pauline view, having "won out" in the early church, unduly weighted the religion away from Christ's humanity, as passed on by those who walked with him as a carnal human.

 

like gnostics or something, viewed christ as more human?

 

I thought the gnostics were more about about some mythological struggle between good and evil, played out in heaven; having roots in earlier zoroastrianism, just as Christianity had roots in the cult of Mithras current at the time. I really don't know and could well be wrong.

 

I wish there were more people like Richard Dawkins who speak out against religion. Every statement he makes is based on facts and backed up by logical reasoning that can be explained and understood without the need of any blind 'faith'.

Creationism is an outdated theory that was the best humans could come up with at that time but has since been proved as false. The only reason religion still exists in western society is because it is passed on to children by their parents.

Life has been on earth for billions of years while humans have only existed for less than 100,000 years. We live on one of many billions of planets in the universe and we are as insignificant as any other living thing on earth.

The very idea that the universe was created for humans is ridiculous.

 

I was surrounded by atheists as a child. Some were rude with their beliefs, and others just believed what they believed (same as christians). I'm not in favor of making an US vs THEM position. I to this day do not understand the inclination to position beliefs in warlike manners.

Note: I'm a thomas ie I'm riddled with doubt on religion.

???Hmmm..I'm not quite sure of that.
http://www.asu.edu/clas/iho/lucy.html#age

That's a belief, although I share that to some level.

That's another opinion, but I generally share that opinion.

 

Yes I agree it should not be turned into an US V THEM type debate. But generally as an atheist I am very annoyed with the way religion is treated in society. I hope for change.

That skeleton is not a human skeleton. Wether we have been around for 100,000 or 10,000,000 years, my point is life on earth existed billions of years before humans did.

Humans are no different to any other animal. We just happen to be the smartest. Other animals are bigger, smaller, faster, can see in the dark, can see without eyes, can generate electricity, and the list goes on.

Yes the size of the universe can't be proven but its not a beleif in the same way one would beleive in a god.

We know the universe exists, we know its big, we know planets exist and my belief relates to the number of planets.

Lions think Africa was made for them, sharks think the sea is theirs and we humans think the universe is ours.

 

Here are some videos that show a lecture and Q&A that took place in Lynchburg Virginia. Some of the questions being asked in the video are also being asked here, so you might find it interesting to watch.

Lecture:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe7yf9GJUfU&eurl=

Q&A:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR_z85O0P2M&eurl=

Many of the people asking questions are from Liberty University and are hardcore Christians.

 

I don't like how atheism was used in communism, but I don't hate people whom disbelieve in sane manner.

I'm guessing you don't want it to be part of the political sphere.

Can't? I think it's just not to our capabilities yet.

I think it's probable that an entity exists, which has superior capabilities...beyond our comprehesion. Doesn't necessarily have to be a part of a 'book'.

If humans could continue on with intellectual advancements, and not kill each other, I could see us becoming 'god-like'. Life expansions beyond our paradigm...technologies beyond our views. As oddly as it sounds, it's not impossible to comphrend us eventually controlling the functionings of our universe.

 

At the moment we cant, but in the future who knows of course. I think humans travelling across the whole universe is as likely as ants travelling to the moon. Even coming to terms with the size of the universe is difficult, never mind actuallt travelling across it!
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I think life probably exists in many different places in the universe. It probably stemmed from the same source as life on earth.

Its the physical properties of the planet that shapes the 'type' of life that thrives. I'm amazed by learning about new creatures on earth, the variation of life elsewhere in the universe is almost unimaginable.

I dont agree with this 'god-like' possibility of humans. Yes we are the smartest animal on earth, but thinking we are in any way god like is a mistake.

Just think about what you said about humans controlling the universe. Have you thought about the distances involved? It would take hundreds of years for sunlight to travel across the universe.

 

yeah but people could go into stasis or whatever like the movies

wasn't there at some point some fossilzed micro organisms found on piece of rock from mars or an astroid?

 

We have the genius to fashion the sword, but not to put it down.

 

If you asked a man in the 1770's to watch a nuke go off or to fly in a jet, he would think it was unworldly. I think there are many advancements that will be taken before we even conceive going from one side of the universe to the next. I do think Hawkins is right,...and we'll end-up in space...on other planets. My guess is that's a hundred years down the road.

Fusion is the key. With fusion (or some kind of boundless energy) and advanced medical protocols our futures will be full of advancements.

I wouldn't say that, but I guess it could.

Not now. I think we'll be more like robots when that happens . Nanotechnology will probably be a huge thing in our near future. Some people forsee little machines healing our internal parts, while others see machines taken roles into our brain functions.

The arguement I heard was, if you could have a surgery that increased your capabilities ten-fold...many would consider doing it. Obviously it would have to be safe, but I could see this later down the road.

I use to read alot into Transhumanism ie the idea of human's surpassing the flesh. I believe it's eventual, as do many other scientists.

I'm not speaking of the whole universe (perse), but must understand I'm talking about a long time from now...if we're wise enough to realize killing each other isn't productive.

 

I believe one day 'man' will look upon his ancestors as though they were ants.


I know I can't imagine living like our pre-industrialist ancestors....living to 35, working 12 hours of hard labor/a day, and being reverted to a hut. It was quite atrocious how many kids didn't even live to 5.

 

There was this story too about 'Panspermia':

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6146292.stm

The life is out there. The real issue is if its close enough for us to find.