Gov. Shutdown?

[sanantone]

This one statement sums up why religious debate of any kind, save with individuals who are inclined to agree with one's already-assumed belief system, is flawed. Belief in a religion requires faith, because none of us can categorically prove our chosen diety exists. Belief that no diety(ies) exist requires faith, because none of us can categorically prove that statement true, either. We have all made a leap of faith to believe in what we do. Since it becomes so fundamental to us, our logic system is driven by it, and anything outside it sounds illogical. This, in my opinon, is why all religious debates end up with participants insisting their opponents' points are illogical. Are they, or are they just outside our own individual realm of experiences to frame an understanding?

Every single one of us has personal life experiences that set up the belief system that stands as the basis for our attitudes and decisions. Unless others have lived and experienced similar, chances are our belief systems will differ anywhere from slightly to significantly. We can all probably accept the Universal Truth that all humans are mortal, but not a single human on this planet can say with absolute certainty what happens after our mortal flames wink out. We all have faith about that point, whatever that faith might be. I have my faith, you have yours (even if it is to think you have no faith), and somehow the world keeps on spinning despite these differences.

I'm actually spiritual, but I'm not religious. Since no atheists have spoken up in this thread, I'm left debating people who feel like they know for sure there is a deity(ies). I understand where both sides are coming from, but I also believe that agnostics and atheists have the stronger argument. As I said before, anyone can make up anything that's never been observed and tell people they can't prove its nonexistence.