Stephen Hawking: There is no God, and no after-life

[999969999]

Well if Stephen Hawking isn't enough, allow me to remind everyone that there has never been a god, gods or spirits, all have been stories created by men. Not a single scenario is evidenced on its own merit, but rather hearsay and ownership over the unknown. Each unknown that we've started to understand leaves the domain of spirituality and enters the domain of science. Mystical beliefs are a psychological coping mechanism that most have never been able to truly overcome.

So there you have it, Stephen Hawking and mjmacky agree that there is no afterlife. That on its own is pretty convincing, but you should be the ones questioning your beliefs, otherwise it's pointless to commit to one side or another.

Finally, I agree with you about something.

[999969999]

It's a pity that the majority of the world doesn't believe this way. There would be less wars, less suffering, and far less fear in the world today.

Why?

The operative word is "LESS."

Yes, there will always be squabbles over finite resources.

But, how many wars are going on right now fueled by religious ideas?

Now, how many wars are started in the name of the oblivion of non-existence that comes after death? Can you name any? I can't.

As for fear, think of all the idiots who were afraid that the world was coming to an end today (May 21st, 2011)?

[clocker]

But, how many wars are going on right now fueled by religious ideas?

Good question...why don't you tell us?

[Snee]

Why?

The operative word is "LESS."

Yes, there will always be squabbles over finite resources.

But, how many wars are going on right now fueled by religious ideas?

Now, how many wars are started in the name of the oblivion of non-existence that comes after death? Can you name any? I can't.

As for fear, think of all the idiots who were afraid that the world was coming to an end today (May 21st, 2011)?

And you know for a fact that the same people running those wars of yours hadn't started them anyway? Apart from the crusades, I can't really, off the top of my head, think of anything that can't also be attributed to population pressures, or one party wanting someone else's natural resources and so on. Religion usually seems to be more of an excuse than a reason.

And then there's all the people who, for fear of god, fear of hell, or for the promise of an afterlife, behave themselves.

I'm not even sure we'd have the kind of civilisation we have t day if it hadn't been for religion. Before proper government, and the ability to enforce laws, a least you could rely on religion to keep (some) people in line, for better or worse.



As for the topic, no one has the full picture. No evidence of there being a god, gods and/or an afterlife, but no evidence to the contrary either. Making a definite statement either way is seems kind of silly to me, but having either belief should be allowed. The sooner people figure out that, the better

[megabyteme]

Freedom of Religion- somebody should write that down somewhere so guys like 9's remember it.

[devilsadvocate]

Freedom of Religion- somebody should write that down somewhere so guys like 9's remember it.

Freedom of religion means you have the freedom to practice or NOT practice a religion without government interference. It doesn't mean that you are free from criticism or opinion

[megabyteme]

Freedom of Religion- somebody should write that down somewhere so guys like 9's remember it.

Freedom of religion means you have the freedom to practice or NOT practice a religion without government interference. It doesn't mean that you are free from criticism or opinion

You are absolutely right. However, this is what 9's had to say:

It's a pity that the majority of the world doesn't believe this way. There would be less wars, less suffering, and far less fear in the world today.

Blaming religion for the evils of the world is not very intellectual, nor open minded...

[devilsadvocate]

You are absolutely right. However, this is what 9's had to say:

It's a pity that the majority of the world doesn't believe this way. There would be less wars, less suffering, and far less fear in the world today.

And? He offered an opinion on faith and religion.

How is that statement hindering my or your freedom of religion? What about that statement changes your agreement with me when you said I am "absolutely right"

Blaming religion for the evils of the world is not very intellectual, nor open minded...

He has suggested that the belief in God and heaven/the afterlife has caused many issues and that he thinks there would be less if there were no belief in God. He is doing nothing different than the preacher that suggests the world is better for the belief in God and would we would have less issues if we were all faithful.

I don't see anywhere 9 has said that religion is to blame for every wrong. I do however get the impression that you feel offended that he dared suggest that some bad has been done in the name of religion. If I have that wrong I apologize in advance, but that how you are coming across to me.

[mjmacky]

Religion has mostly enabled many of these wars, though they aren't the root cause. There's usually a much more concrete reason for going to war (land, resources, political power, business, etc.). Those in power have used religion as a tool in generating support for wars throughout history. If no religion existed, it would be something else. People are easily led through their convictions in their own beliefs. Whether or not this "something else" would be as potent a tool, well that would be left to the imagination.

Edit:
I think no. 2 could be patriotism/nationalism. However, I'm not convinced it has been as effective as religion, because even though it's been used, religion has been heavily tied into it.

[bigboab]

We do not have the information to argue about some religions because those same religions burnt all the 'written' information disputing their beliefs. They also burnt the authors for heresy and anyone else who as much as questioned 'The Word'. It also plunged the western world into the dark ages. Without these events the world maybe lost a lot of innovation and would probably be more advanced than it is today. I can't prove this theory, then again you can't disprove it. We do know for fact that millions were killed in South America because they would not accept 'The word of God'. I could go on and on.

No need to remind me that I do that too often.