Sam Harris Intellectually Honest

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[eltronrangamma]

this universe? If so, you have a belief that this universe came about on its own, not a belief in the universe that was created by a god. Atheists always ask for replicable evidence or proof for a God and attack Christians on this notion that we do not have "proof" or "evidence". Now that we have established that you have a positive belief about the universe (everyone does, if people did not have beliefs, they wouldn't be able to live!) can you provide proof for your positive beliefs? Thanks!

[eltronrangamma]

? If you do not believe in God, then you basically have a default belief about a universe that is godless, a universe that came about on its own. All your beliefs stem from this basic cosmological belief. For example, you would probably believe that morals have evolution drive at its base. Or you would probably believe that humans and human culture are the sources of moral systems. Do you live without praying to a God? Do you live believing in your heart that human beings are all alone in

[Jason B]

I didn't propose how, or claim to know how, the universe began (whatever “began” even means I’m not sure, but it seems hardly definable and not at all intuitive). If I had to guess I’d say you do think 'you' know, which makes this interesting; like sitting in the pew of a church where the spotlight is literally on the preacher making claim after extraordinary claim, but all the while the burden of proof was -conveniently- shifted on me before I ever walked into the building.

[eltronrangamma]

Interesting what is your "replicable" evidence that this universe came about on its own?

[Jason B]

When "replicable" is typed into wikipedia it redirects to a similar word "Reproducibility" which is described as "the degree of agreement between measurements or observations conducted", "the ability of an entire experiment or study to be reproduced", and "is one of the main principles of the scientific method".

As to your 2nd question: I 'accept' claims and proposals which can be supported by evidence and reason. My level of acceptance is commensurate to the amount evidence supporting a claim.

[eltronrangamma]

1) How about me? I am a Christian, but only because I want to have a deeper relationship with God and because I see other people as the image of God want God to empower me to not act selfishly and not hurt other people. You think I fit your assessment of Christians?

2) "I think christians are christians because they can rest assured that no matter how ignorant they are, how much evil they inflict on others or how selfish they are they can be forgiven, as long as they believe in their precious"

[eltronrangamma]

Interesting. Just like Harris's worldview is dogmatic and unreasonable, yes?

[eltronrangamma]

Now is your chance for intellecutal honesty!

[eltronrangamma]

a set of principles and rules, etc. that govern the way he thinks and lives--is this not dogma? If not, what is it? I am also interested how Sam, since he thinks religion should be abolished and that all people should subscribe to the truth that the world came about through a mindless process, can govern people if there is no dogma--sets of beliefs and principles--to which people must adhere and conform to?