Why do so many people not know the difference between what can be seen and what can be measured/tested?

In the last half hour or so I've seen at least two questions attacking atheists for not believing in god(s). Both questions said something along the lines of "atheists don't believe in god because they can't see him."

They then gave a list of other things that most people haven't seen and said that atheists weren't allowed to believe in those too. (The lists included electricity, my great grandfather, and a human brain).

As far as I know, no atheists has ever said "I don't believe in things that I can't see." I've heard many say "I don't believe in things whose existence can't be justified by testable means." Why do some theists confuse the two?

Are they intentionally equating to different things in order to make their argument seem more forceful, or do they honestly not understand the difference between sight and other forms of observation?

(Ideally, I would like answers from people who've made this mistake before, but I'll read answers from anybody).

2008-05-11T11:43:41Z

r_u_real...: A black hole can be measured and tested by observing the orbits of objects around it.

2008-05-11T11:44:06Z

IWF: It would be a sin if she didn't! =)

2008-05-11T13:51:44Z

r_u_real...: A black hole's gravity affects the objects that are close to the black hole. By observing perturbations in the movements of stars and planets, we can detect a black hole.

If I looked around your house, I would likely find evidence of your existence, even if you weren't there. You're right that it wouldn't prove your existence, (proof is for mathematics, not science) but if I found enough evidence, it would justify my believing in your existence.

Anonymous2008-05-11T12:15:39Z

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I do believe some atheists have said they can not see any evidence of any type of god which leads to the theists with their statement if you can not see your grandfather, how do you know he existed argument.

There are small minded buffoons on either side of this argument just as there are intelligent, open minded blokes. How can we elevate this discussion? By not taking the bait from some on either side who intend to only stir the troubled waters.

Just my own opinion.

Sly Fox [King of Fools]2008-05-11T14:39:08Z

Just out of interest I've seen electricity (at least the blue spark when it jumps, my great grandfather though only in pictures, and a human brain though I was not in the best of conditions). I have even measured of of those 3!

The simple and sad fact is that people can only argue on the own personal level of understanding! So I suppose that means we have to come down to their level!

Jonny I must tell you, that the Big fat man dressed in red with the long white beard that you saw last Xmas eve, was in fact your Uncle Joey and he wont be coming again next year!
Not after your father caught be dressed as bat man hiding in the wardrobe!!!
Could all be a little complex!! some people just don't want to know the hard realality of the facts of life!!

.2008-05-11T11:54:35Z

Not all testing is scientific. As a theist, I have done my own testing as to whether or not God is there, and the tests came back positive. I don't have scientific proof that He is there, but then again, scientists don't have proof that He isn't there. A lot of scientists agree that there is some higher power that keeps the universe in order, that they don't understand. They won't admit it is a God of course, but it is still something that they don't understand.

To me, Atheists do not believe in God. Their reasoning behind it is not important. I don't care what reasoning they have. I'm not saying that to be rude, just meaning that it is not important or necessary for me to know. They can believe or not believe whatever they want, and that is fine. I understand the difference between not seeing, and not justified through tests though, and as far as I know, I haven't made that mistake yet. lol

Anonymous2008-05-11T11:42:59Z

I think they are just trying to make their arguments work. No one past the age of five makes that mistake.

Then again many five year-olds also know the value of the spell check button something I noticed many of these people don't seem fond of.

Goofball Tigger™2008-05-11T11:38:26Z

they are intentionally equating different things, so when someone who doesn't know what atheism means see the arguments, they'll think "wow, those atheists don't believe humans have brains? they must be idiots!"

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