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

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.

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!!

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

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.

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!"

"A stupid man's report of what a clever man says is never accurate because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand."

Bertrand Russell

Would it be a sin if a penguin wanted to see, measure and test a turtle?

(Just kidding lol! Don't be angry :D)

The really really love to grasp straws, even if said straws are imaginary.

sure, the common radiowave argument, very simple minded - hopefully it is children who ask these questions, but i fear they are not

I SEE SO OFTEN THAT ATHEISTS DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR LIFE.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO DESIRE TO UNDERSTAND, SO THEY CHOOSE TO HATE, USING A HATEFILLED INSULT INSTEAD.