Refuting Theist Arguments -- Why Agnosticism is flawed
[An addition to: Refuting Theist Arguments - Negative Proof]
Often times, after informing a theist of their negative proof fallacy, they will proceed to say something similar to: "if you cannot logically prove a negative then why do you adhere to the belief in the non-existence of a God?"
Sometimes they will also say something to the affect of: "Your denial of God and rebellion against him is transparent."
They are essentially asking why I am an atheist and not an agnostic.
The question is valid, and, as such, deserves an answer.
The statement that followed the question is an absurd assertion, as I will show.
My response would be as follows:
Ask the theist if they believe in:
Vishnu, Santa Clause, Kali, Set, Anubis, Jeebo, Jengu, Tyr, Thor, Zeus, Anansi, Allah, Yahweh, Dilga, Cinteotl, Zeme, Ogma, Jade Emperor, Gao Yao, Loki, Osiris, Shiva, Apo, Jumis, Chaac, Nabu, Tabaldak, Sedna, Whope, Heimdall, Tala, Lono, Rongo, Zempat, Vulcan, Dagon, Tiamat, Tengu, Belobog, Utu, Yellow Invisible Dogs, Magical Pixies, Invisible Pink Elephants, Tooth Fairies, Pod People, Big Foot, Wizards, Witches, Flying Cows, Sentient Hog Dogs, Intelligent Silverware, Loch Ness Monsters, Aliens (all sorts), Mermaids, Bahamut, Genies, Ghosts, Imps, Incubus, Succubus, Living Mummies, Nymphs, Ogres, Pegasus, Unicorns, Rocs, Satyrs, Undead creatures, Vampires, Zombies, Lycanthropes, Wraiths, Wyverns, ETC, ETC, ETC, ETC...
This list could go on, literally, forever...
There are an infinite number of beings and creatures that one cannot prove are non-existent.
There is also an equal amount of evidence for the existence of each of these creatures (that is to say, there is no evidence for any of them).
The theist cannot disprove the existence of any of these, so by their logic, they must believe in them all (even though the teachings of some of these religions contradict others).
If they do not believe in Santa, invisible pod people, etc. then they are being inconsistent and illogical in their belief system. If they 'deny' the pod people, then, by their own logic, they are rebelling against the pod people.
Clearly, believing in something because it cannot be proven to not exist is absurd and cannot be done with logical consistency.
It is also clearly absurd to try to say that someone is 'denying' the existence of a being for which there is no evidence.
How can you deny that which does not exist?
Now to address the circumstantial evidence against the existence of all of the aforementioned beings.
When it comes to any religion, when we examine the doctrines of that religion's 'holy texts' and teachings we find evidence that would indicate that the texts were created by humans.
This evidence includes, but is not limited to:
-The fact that all ancient holy texts are filled with little or no scientific fact (and often contain false statements)
-The fact that all religions' gods behave as if they are an ego projection of ancient man
-The fact that all 'holy texts' are riddled with internal contradictions
-The fact that the 'laws' or 'rules' prescribed by a religion's deity (1) reflect the times that the book was written and (2) are designed to protect the interests of the 'chosen group'
As you can see, the circumstantial evidence suggests that all of the aforementioned beings were made up by human beings.
Since the evidence suggests that these beings are of human construction, it is simply not reasonable to believe in any or all of them.
Unless someone can provide proof that any of these things exists; it is simply not logical to believe in them.
Unless theists can prove the existence of one of these things (i.e. their deity or deities); it is logical to assume that these things were made up by people.
The circumstantial evidence against the existence of any deity (or other mythical or supernatural creatures) is the primary reason why agnosticism is flawed.
The only difference between a mainstream deity and the tooth-fairy is the number of devoted followers; and, as we all know, majority belief does not make fact (just look at the percentage of Americans who believe in creationism).
Tags: refute refuting theist theism atheism atheist religion god deity agnostic agnosticism
