Why We Need Religion

[_SatanWasSetUp]

I think basic evolution explains why most Atheists, and even most religionists, don't desire to rape, murder, steal, etc. We are all descended from beings with the best survival genes. Anti-social people do not create as many offspring as those who get along with others and follow the laws of their society/tribe/village. Selfishness was not a smart survival strategy in the not-too-distant past. Anti-social criminals of the past were executed, banished, and imprisoned. You don't create many offspring from that lifestyle. Our genes are made up from those who got along with their neighbors, contributed to the tribe, found a partner, and produced offspring.

[_Tarski]

I don't think Log is dangerous, just inflamatory. In his own words on a related thread:

I was an atheist, like you, once. I was consistent. I never had a desire to kill people and eat them, so I never did it.

I think Log is trying to prove that even atheists believe (deep down) there is more existence than just a bunch of matter.

There is more to life that the mere existence of matter. There is love, humor, beauty and truth etc. Of course. But that does not entail the existence of a God on his throne near Kolob or in the pseudo-physical existence of something immaterial called "spirit".

[_SatanWasSetUp]

by the way Beastie, do you post on RfM? I lurk there only occasionally, and I noticed your name, but the Beastie on RfM is a Christian who is at odds with the atheists there. Judging from your posts here, you're not a Christian, and not the same Beastie. Or I could be wrong. Just wondering.

[_beastie]

by the way Beastie, do you post on RfM? I lurk there only occasionally, and I noticed your name, but the Beastie on RfM is a Christian who is at odds with the atheists there. Judging from your posts here, you're not a Christian, and not the same Beastie. Or I could be wrong. Just wondering.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!? Someone STOLE my NAME?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!??!?!?!??!?!??!?!

oh, Man, am I PO'd.

I rarely post at RFM, and when I do, it is with my oldest internet moniker, Trixie. I guess I don't lurk there enough to realize SOMEONE STOLE MY NAME!!!!

I'm calling you OUT so-called "beastie" beoooch!!!! I will take you DOWN.

And you are correct, I am an atheist. That is, the REAL beastie is an atheist. The FAKE poser beastie is some Christian over at RFM.

[_beastie]

I think Log is trying to prove that even atheists believe (deep down) there is more existence than just a bunch of matter, they are going to be driven to crime, or they are simply irrational. Perhaps by the existence of more than mere matter he may not only mean that perhaps spirit exists, but perhaps that "information" exists as well. From information one could go on to Intelligent Design and from there discredit Darwinism.

At least that's my attempt at understanding Log. He's really hard to understand as he's not much of one for discussion unless you already happen to agree with him. Makes for some very frustrating / boring discussion respectively.

I see. So he's engaging in the self-centered drivel of projecting himself onto the rest of the world. As an "atheist", he knew, deep down, there was more to existence than just a bunch of matter, so that must mean the rest of us do, too? Is that what you're saying?

[_beastie]

I had read that thread. I couldn't believe how incendiary Log was - can he really believe that tripe? At any rate, I at least appreciated those who stepped in to take him to task.

They stepped up halfway to bat. The Dude stepped all the way, and said the only rational thing in response: log should be banned. (or at least, on a board that claims to try to maintain civility on BOTH sides - or do they claim that at all? - he should be banned)

I think basic evolution explains why most Atheists, and even most religionists, don't desire to rape, murder, steal, etc. We are all descended from beings with the best survival genes. Anti-social people do not create as many offspring as those who get along with others and follow the laws of their society/tribe/village. Selfishness was not a smart survival strategy in the not-too-distant past. Anti-social criminals of the past were executed, banished, and imprisoned. You don't create many offspring from that lifestyle. Our genes are made up from those who got along with their neighbors, contributed to the tribe, found a partner, and produced offspring.

I agree, although we do seem wired to engage in a little surreptitious self-serving behavior at the cost of others while pretending to be self righteous, too.

[_asbestosman]

I see. So he's engaging in the self-centered drivel of projecting himself onto the rest of the world. As an "atheist", he knew, deep down, there was more to existence than just a bunch of matter, so that must mean the rest of us do, too? Is that what you're saying?

It was what I'm saying, but it looks like I was wrong about Log. Then again, maybe not. I can never be sure with him as he seems to love playing rhetorical games instead of actually saying anything of substance.

[_Blixa]

I believe the xtian in question on RfM posts under the name "beaglie" not "beastie."

[_ajax18]

I've always wondered this myself. What motivates you Beastie, if I might ask? I'm not trying to be smart alicky or prove a point, just curious to know how you find meaning in your life.

Has life ever gotten really miserable and you just wanted to end it? I know Shades is an atheist and he seems to advise against suicide. My question is why? If you're miserable, than why?

If life isn't eternal, what's anything matter any way? Whatever we do is very insignficant when compared to eternity. Whether I die tomorrow or 100 years from now, what's the difference when considering eternity?

[_The Nehor]

I think basic evolution explains why most Atheists, and even most religionists, don't desire to rape, murder, steal, etc. We are all descended from beings with the best survival genes. Anti-social people do not create as many offspring as those who get along with others and follow the laws of their society/tribe/village. Selfishness was not a smart survival strategy in the not-too-distant past. Anti-social criminals of the past were executed, banished, and imprisoned. You don't create many offspring from that lifestyle. Our genes are made up from those who got along with their neighbors, contributed to the tribe, found a partner, and produced offspring.

That doesn't give you any good reason to follow your genetic instincts though. In addition that's a very recent evolutionary standard. Rape would increase your chances of genetic continuance. The lust for murder could lead one to become a great warrior possibly increasing your chances of mating. Theft within the tribe/family would be unlikely to win you any accolades but stealing from the tribe next door would win you praise. Depends on the society though I suppose.