How do I know I know?

[LordDirk]

Greetings everybody.

First time on the site, loving it so far.

I was raised Irish Catholic but now call myself an atheist. I have been challenged to back my beliefs against creationist teachers, reverends, priests, and what have you. I've read books like "Origin of Species", "The Panda's Thumb" and found some solid footing for explaining why I believed what I do. I also have to give allot of credit to people like Thunderf00t and Dprjones on youtube, for giving me an arsenal of reasoning to combat the philosophical questions I get hammered with on a daily basis.

The problem is I feel as though I am regurgitating what Thunderf00t, Dprjones, Richard Dawkins, and many other vocal atheists say. I want to honestly understand the theory of evolution, and why I believe there is no god. Is simply stating the fact enough, or would that make me another follower of something I do not understand?

I'm rambling a bit.

Can anyone on this site suggest to me some good sources for the theory of evolution, the study of the origins of the universe, and the study of early earth in ways that I wouldn't need a masters degree in the respected field to understand?

P.S.

This is my first time on the site, so I greet you all with warm welcome. "Cead mile failte" as they say in Ireland.

I thank you all in advance for taking the time to read this, and any replies would be greatly appreciated.

-Patrick S.-

 

[ImprobableJoe]

I'm wondering why and how you're getting into arguments all the time... shouldn't you just AVOID preachers of all stripes? If for no other reason than for the sake of your sanity? And what "beliefs" do you need to back up?

Otherwise, just keep on reading. At some point, we're all regurgitating something from someone. Take some biology classes, and check out http://www.talkorigins.org/

 

[LordDirk]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

As for how I get into these arguments, it comes with going through schools that are comprised mainly of priests or people of faith. Many times I have taken required courses such as "Comparing Religions." I will use this class as an example. The teacher, a reverend, displayed favoritism towards Christianity. Often he would point out flaws in other religions, such as Buddhism (I understand that many refer to Buddhism as a philosophy, but it does have religious qualities), and show how Christianity had no such flaws. I did not approve of the favoritism, and contested my teacher about it after class. My teacher, a strong creationist, offered up many difficult questions about the theory of evolution, morality, etc. to which I did not have the knowledge to answer, and did not know how false many of his claims were.

I have learned allot about how misleading allot of typical creationist questions can be. An example of a morality question from my teacher would be, "Lets say there is an apple between you and me, what's to stop you from murdering me to get that apple if we are nothing more than animals?" I have since learned where we get such concepts as good and evil, and where they stem from in relation to the survival of a society.

Perhaps I was too harsh in saying that the arguments are daily. Ever since I moved to the college I now reside at, I have found people more open minded and respective of each others beliefs. I do not actively seek out confrontation, but I admire honesty so I do not lie about my atheism when asked.

I wish I could take more biology classes. I am nearing my final year at my college and have quite a few loans to pay off. I thank you for the link, I will check it out right away. I am looking for more ways to improve my knowledge in my spare time.

 

[ImprobableJoe]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

As for how I get into these arguments, it comes with going through schools that are comprised mainly of priests or people of faith. Many times I have taken required courses such as "Comparing Religions." I will use this class as an example. The teacher, a reverend, displayed favoritism towards Christianity. Often he would point out flaws in other religions, such as Buddhism (I understand that many refer to Buddhism as a philosophy, but it does have religious qualities), and show how Christianity had no such flaws. I did not approve of the favoritism, and contested my teacher about it after class. My teacher, a strong creationist, offered up many difficult questions about the theory of evolution, morality, etc. to which I did not have the knowledge to answer, and did not know how false many of his claims were.

I have learned allot about how misleading allot of typical creationist questions can be. An example of a morality question from my teacher would be, "Lets say there is an apple between you and me, what's to stop you from murdering me to get that apple if we are nothing more than animals?" I have since learned where we get such concepts as good and evil, and where they stem from in relation to the survival of a society.

Perhaps I was too harsh in saying that the arguments are daily. Ever since I moved to the college I now reside at, I have found people more open minded and respective of each others beliefs. I do not actively seek out confrontation, but I admire honesty so I do not lie about my atheism when asked.

I wish I could take more biology classes. I am nearing my final year at my college and have quite a few loans to pay off. I thank you for the link, I will check it out right away. I am looking for more ways to improve my knowledge in my spare time.

You can also watch and listen to other people argue against creationists and theists, and watch where they FAIL. Then you can figure out a better answer.

For instance, your teacher asked you "Lets say there is an apple between you and me, what's to stop you from murdering me to get that apple if we are nothing more than animals?" My answer would be "What's to stop you from murdering me and then asking for forgiveness? Do you walk around wanting to murder people and only the thought of punishment holds you back? I'm an atheist, and my first thought was that we could share! What's wrong with YOU?!?!"

 

[GoodKat]

Have you watched Potholer's "made easy" series? If not, be sure to, it's a masterpiece.

 

[LordDirk]

Have you watched Potholer's "made easy" series? If not, be sure to, it's a masterpiece.

I haven't but I will. Thank you!

Thank you ImprobableJoe as well. I have seen similar arguments from watching Dawkins in debates. Creationists always seem to have a new underhanded question to ask, or so it seems. This is why I want to understand more and not rely on remembering specific arguments. But perhaps I am looking at this the wrong way, it's all a learning process. Watching the lead debaters debate has taught me quite a bit. Perhaps I just want to strengthen my foundation a bit.

 

[ImprobableJoe]

Well, it all kind of goes in a circle. You read stuff, you watch videos, and then you go back and read more stuff based on what you see. Then you go look up debates and discussions dealing with what you read, which maybe inspires you to read something else.