Alter Ego

I have been watching a lot of debates lately, typically theists vs atheists. Sometimes the atheist comes out on top, and sometimes the theist comes out on top. Unless it is Al Sharpton, then the atheist always wins. But when it comes down to it, it does not matter who wins because the fact of the matter is that anything is possible and if it remains a possibility then it really can not be refuted/supported in it's entirety. So my question to you is do you think the focus should be shifted to a primary focus on disputing the credibility of the religions themselves with a secondary focus on disputing god or do you think that the current format typical of debates is sufficient enough where they tend to focus on god primarily and religion secondary? Or maybe I am just watching the wrong debates???

What type of ripple effects do you think we would see among religious societies?

Shouldn't that be common sense? We know that everything that we are is connected to our brain in some way and if our brain is manipulated we become a puppet. Should we logically conclude that once our brain turns off for good that we cease to exist? Any concept of an afterlife is pretty much speculation based on no evidence. Some will say but wait, energy is neither created or destroyed, well our energy dissipates when we die so I doubt it retains identity.

If not, what aspect of you do you feel survives life after death? I know how most Atheists feel on this issue but I am curious on the different beliefs regarding the afterlife for those who believe in it.

http://www.natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2008a/...

Sorry that it's the form of a link, it was just too long to paste. The Article proposes that the mind and consciousness is unified and thus death brings the end of existence until the biblical resurrection. This article is from a Catholic perspective

I mean why would anyone want to be resurrected if they get to be in heaven? Doesn't having an immortal soul diminish the value of the resurrection? It makes more sense what the Jehovah witness believe in ceasing to exist and then being resurrected, which then gives it more value. Please clarify.

Especially since throughout the bible it states that the dead are asleep and unconscious with no thoughts.

Also the original translations do not talk about an immortal spirit, but a breath from God that gives life, the nephesh (breath of life).

It is also said that the concept of the immortal soul was introduced to Christianity by the Hellenistic view that was already adopted by Greek Philosophers.

"When I was a kid I used to pray for a bike. Then I realized God doesn't work like that. So I stole a bike, and prayed for forgiveness"

I asked this question earlier but did not get enough Theist responses. Below is the repost. Thank you for your time.

I have been researching the topic "Intelligence and Religious preferences" and wanted to ask you all some quick questions

1 - What is your IQ or IQ range

2 - Are you an Atheist, Deist, or Theist?

3 - How old were you when you chose this path?

I appreciate your time and your responses. It would be hard to choose a best answer for something like this so if you want to add any thoughts to it feel free to do so. Thanks.

I have been researching the topic "Intelligence and Religious preferences" and wanted to ask you all some quick questions

1 - What is your IQ or IQ range

2 - Are you an Atheist, Deist, or Theist?

3 - How old were you when you chose this path?

I appreciate your time and your responses. It would be hard to choose a best answer for something like this so if you want to add any thoughts to it feel free to do so. Thanks.

Please explain the event if possible. Did it have any effect on your personal philosophy of life?

I have a blind friend who is so inquisitive and I really was at a loss for words when he asked me to describe to him different colors. I don't even know where to begin in what to say so he fully understands.

Can we truly blame one another for our different intellectual and/or physical capacities? Should we just accept it instead of lashing out at those we feel are inferior?