Atheism is more probable than Theism

It is a pleasure to debate you on this important subject. In this debate, I will be defending two main contentions: 1) There are no good reasons to think that Theism is true; and 2) There are good reasons to accept atheism over Theism. I wish you the best of luck. I. Case for weak Atheism Weak Atheism is literally “without Theism. ” In Greek, a means “without” and “theos” means God. Therefore, an atheist is simply one without a belief in God. We call this weak atheism. The definition you provided in round 1 (which I will defend in part 2), is strong atheism. This means that Atheism is the absence of Theistic beliefs. (Martin, 1992) In my next section, I will defend positive (or strong) atheism (I’m a strong atheist) A. Presumption of Atheism This argument takes advantage of a commonly accepted principle that extraordinary claims require extraordinarily strong evidence in order to be believed. I will define an extraordinary claim as: “[A] claim that contradicts accepted physical laws or our common sense, everyday experiences of the world. ” (Krueger, 2003) As Carl Sagan puts it: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. ” 1. If a claim is extraordinary, then in the absence of extraordinarily strong evidence in its favor, the claim may be considered false. 2. The claim that a god exists is an extraordinary claim. 3. Therefore, in the absence of extraordinarily strong evidence in its favor, the claim that a god exists may be considered false. 4. There is no extraordinarily strong evidence for the claim that a god exists. 5. Therefore, the claim that a god exists may be considered false. (Krueger, 2003) Extraordinary claims vary in their degree of extraordinariness. Let me give you three statements: 1. I have eaten lunch; 2. I have won the lottery; and 3. Last night, God called me to be His final prophet on earth and wants all men to follow my words. The first claim does not contradict accepted physical laws or our commonsense, everyday experience; consequently, my word would be sufficed for one to accept that claim. The second claim that I won the lottery would not contradict accepted physical laws, but it would contradict out commonsense, everyday experience since most people do not win the lottery. Consequently, if I were to present this claim, it may be sufficient to show that I have won by reading the account in the newspaper or reading the number on the lottery ticket. Finally, the claim that God called me to be His final prophet on earth is extraordinary to the highest degree. To believe the latter claim, you would have to change some of your beliefs about how God reveals Himself to man, your religion, and your views about God etc. Indeed, it would be irrational to believe the latter account unless I put forth lots of evidence. The claim that there is a God is the highest claim one can make. Why? Because it is a being that differs from all known organisms with regard to power or intelligence; thus, this being is different in every way we experience. For example, God is all powerful. In this way, God is different from all known organisms because all known organisms are limited in their power. This attitude regarding “god” is quite common. In the words of Stephen Roberts, “I contend that we are both atheists; I just believe in one fewer gods than you do; when you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours. ” For example, by definition of atheist, all Christians are atheistic about all gods except their own. No-one has been able to prove that other gods do not exist, yet no Christian believes that such gods exist. Why do they disbelieve? Because of the presumption of Atheism. Is there strong evidence for the existence of God? The subsequent arguments will show that there is not. Moreover, I will refute my opponent’s arguments and show that there is not. Dr. James Dobson notes that, “faith ranks at the top of God’s system of priorities…This determination to believe when the proof is not provided and when questions are not answered is central to our relationship with the Lord. He will never do anything to destroy the need for faith. ” (Dobson, 1993) This approach justifies me rejecting all other gods that may be proposed until extraordinary evidence is available. Thus, I can rationally conclude that there are no gods at all. II. Case for Strong Atheism In the subsequent arguments, I am going to argue for strong atheism—the positive claim that God does not exist. A. Demographics of Theism 1. If the demographics of Theism are better explained by Atheism than Theism, then the demographics of Theism makes Atheism more plausible than Theism; 2. The demographics of Theism are better explained by Atheism than Theism; 3. Therefore, Atheism is more plausible than Theism. This argument begins by making the following observations: 1. There are many more Muslims than Christians than in Saudi Arabia[1]; 2. There are more Hindus in India than in any other part of the world[2]; and 3. In the ancient world, every nation had its own distinct mythology[3]. This pattern is very surprising on the Theistic part. Isn’t it bizarre why God would let such an important matter of faith be dependent upon the place and time of one’s birth? The fact is, atheism better explains these demographics. If God does not exist, then religions are but elaborate social constructions. Therefore, we would expect the demographics to vary based upon culture and time. In conclusion, Theism is better explained by Atheism than by Theism! [1] According to the US Department of State, there is a 99% Muslim population. . http://www.state.gov... [2] The Census of India reports that 80.5% are adherence to Hinduism. . http://censusindia.gov.in... [3] These mythologies are contradictory and vary wildly. See . http://www.ancient-mythology.com... Bibliography Dobson, D. J. (1993). When God Doesn't Make Sense. Carol Stream, Illinoise, United States of America: Tyndale House Publishers. Krueger, D. (2003, March 24). The Krueger-McHugh Debate: Theism or Atheism (2003). Retrieved from Internet Infidels: . http://infidels.org... Martin, M. (1992). Atheism: A Philosophical Justification. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.