Atheist Devotional #240--Stephen Hawking: "There is no heaven; it's a fairy story"

Nikki did ya happen to notice my siggy?  

I don't base my non belief on anyone. That would sort of defeat the purpose of not believing I think. There is no one person whom I will cite as the arbiter of all things atheist or agnostic. My thoughts align with people like Hawkins (as much as I can understand what he says) and run pretty parallel with people such as Dawkins and Hitchins. But at the end of the day they are my thoughts.

Ultimately neither side can prove that there is or is not a supreme being and that's fine with me as long as someone else's belief does not infringe on my rights. We live in a country where too many people try to legislate morality and so I look with a jaundiced eye at those who thump bibles and claim to know all the answers.

I don't think Hawkins beliefs are any more arrogant than some stupid fundi televangelist saying that the quake in Haiti happened because the Haitian people had a pact with the devil.

Do I wish we were all free to believe whatever makes us happy? Sure. Do I think that day is ever going to happen, oh hellz no. You and I can agree to disagree about a the existence of a god but we're in the minority. Everyday more and more people are admitting the truth; that they do not believe in any god. The xians are not going to like that. Given their bloody and vicious history there will be a huge battle between the two sides and peaceful coexistence of atheists and xians will be impossible. We probably Better enjoy the moment huh?

I didn't see your sig line until you pointed it out! How funny! 

I will come back later to see if the conversation is still in progress. I have to go to the gym and sweat out all my evil.

What about those of us who aren't  afraid of death but still believe in an afterlife? I honestly love my life, but I'm not terrified of it ending. It's out of my control and I'm OK with whatever happens.

I think Stephen Hawking is brilliant, undoubtedly, but he has a single track mind- science. He's purposefully ignoring anything that doesn't have a scientific bent. And that, to me, is not looking at the whole picture. Just like the people who disregard scientific evidence and cling to the fundamentalist- creationist beliefs... there is a LOT of information in all arenas out there. To simply decide to focus on one without giving any credence to the others isn't forming a full picture.

But, to each their own.  I figure Stephen Hawking's opinion is just as valid as anyone elses...even if it is kind of condescending. I would say the same thing about some religious zealot claiming that people who don't believe the way they do are "going to burn in Hell." It's for everyone of us to find our own belief system... or lack thereof. 

 I see God differently, I suppose, though.  I think of it as one of those Russian nesting dolls... (for lack of a better description!) and God is the outside and everything in creation is within. We can't see that clearly because we can't remove ourselves from it. We have free will, we can move about as we please, our actions involve consequences, but God isn't sitting on some cloud, pointing His finger, causing disasters, etc.  The world moves in cycles, things happen- both bad and good- we live, we die. Without death of creatures, us included, there would be no evolution. Without death of fetal cells, we'd all be spheres, rolling around the planet. Once we accept that we're part of this life cycle, there's more peace in our minds, I think. That's why death doesn't scare me. It's inevitable and just as sacred as life.

But, that's just my opinion... just another opinion. And, I know this is an atheist devotional and maybe a differing opinion is not exactly welcomed, but I am scientifically programmed to keep talking.  

I'd say you've come to terms with your death in your own way, and Stephen Hawking says it's a fairy story. I believe him.

That's probably true... I have come to terms with my own death in my own way. I always say that I don't really have that strong of a survival instinct, like, if a bear was chasing me, I'd run, oh, a block or two before pouring ketchup on myself and saying, "Oh well. Had a good run!"  I'd try to muster up some gratefulness that at least a bear was going to get a nice, plump meal outta the whole thing... but that might be asking a bit much.

I personally don't believe Stephen Hawking in this regard, but I don't believe Billy Graham, either. (Or insert Preacher of Choice here.)  Like I said, we all have to find our own "thing" that we're comfortable believing. It's important to have some peace of mind in this lifetime, no matter what you believes happens afterward.

 See we get to believe what makes us happy in life.  I have always envied the people who can blindly follow some preacher, give their tithe, attend all services and believe that they are saved.  I was raised by strict Catholics and started questioning very early.  I can't blindly follow the priest, the preacher, the atheist or the scientist.  I had to learn, experiment, and acquire my beliefs on my own.

Until my husband died, I did not believe that there was an afterlife. Now I have been convinced that his spirit has survived his body.  He sends me messages the strangest times.  There is no fear for me.  It is just like he has stepped into another room and is waiting, watching, and given me encouragement and moral support.

Like another poster, I asked for and was given a clear picture of afterlife.  I do not need to convince anyone else.  What I believe makes me happy.  I love being able to communicate with those who have gone before me.  I love knowing that there are sources of power that I can use to get anything that I want.  Whether I am working with a cross or a pentagram, I have sources that are not available to those who blindly follow atheism.  

Belief in an afterlife has been part of the human experience for as long as there have been humans.  I believe there will come a time when science will verify some of the things that are total mysteries today.  How we will laugh at all of the fear, sadness, misunderstandings and misconceptions when the truth is finally revealed.

  Well said MaryCatherine.


Dani

Really? Well said? Which part? The part where she can commune with the dead or the part where she said she can use her religion/belief  to get whatever she wants?

Why would anyone go to the bother of WLS when they could just make their god make it happen for them?

And you people wonder why atheists think you're all more than a bubble off plumb, geesh!

*like*

Well said, Fini

A belief that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy doesn't make it so.

I like the THOUGHT of Santa Claus, too.