Delusions of Superiority?

[Zzyzx]

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Some members seem to have the mistaken attitude / opinion that they occupy a superior position in life or in debate by virtue of their religious beliefs; perhaps because they are ‘saved’ or ‘chosen’ by one of the proposed ‘gods’ – or because they claim to have been given wisdom and/or knowledge by a ghost.

One might be cautious about claiming (or even thinking) they have been granted special knowledge or wisdom or ability. Unless they are exceptionally capable, claiming to have help getting where they are suggests they started in a deep hole and/or have required assistance to become mediocre.

Apologists often convey the notion that Non-Christians cannot understand the Bible – as though religious belief conveyed special understanding of the written word. This conveniently ignores the fact that Christians themselves cannot agree on their ‘understanding’ of the Bible (as evidenced by tens of thousands of Christian denominations with different beliefs about the Bible). It also ignores the fact that many present Non-Christians are, in fact, Ex-Christians (some devout believers for decades before concluding the religious beliefs are based on hokum).


Edited to add question for debate since thread has been moved to C&A

Question for debate: Does theistic position confer a superior position in life and/or in debate?

[Eloi]

I can say exactly the same about atheists or agnostics. I think it is worst an atheist or agnostic who thinks he has a special knowledge than a person who at least can talk based on the Scriptures, since these (atheists and agnostics) have not a thing to being guided by ... not a stable, secure or definite guide to follow.

[Zzyzx]

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I can say exactly the same about atheists or agnostics. I think it is worst an atheist or agnostic who thinks he has a special knowledge than a person who at least can talk based on the Scriptures, since these (atheists and agnostics) have not a thing to being guided by ... not a stable, secure or definite guide to follow.

I can say exactly the same about atheists or agnostics.

OH? Have Atheists or Agnostics here claimed to have been granted special knowledge or wisdom by a ghost?

I think it is worst an atheist or agnostic who thinks he has a special knowledge than a person who at least can talk based on the Scriptures,

Opinion noted:

It might be prudent to learn what Otseng (site owner, Administrator, Christian) says in C&A Guidelines: “6. Realize that most participants here are strong debaters and have a vast knowledge of Christianity and the Bible (including non-theists).�

A very common blunder made by Apologists is to assume that they have superior knowledge of scripture. Underestimating the opposition and overestimating one’s self often leads to disaster.

since these (atheists and agnostics) have not a thing to being guided by ... not a stable, secure or definite guide to follow.

Some Atheists and Agnostics (and Non-Theists and Non-Christians) are guided by intelligence, knowledge, experience.

Those who are competent do not depend upon a ‘stable, secure, definite guide to follow’. Following a preordained guide can be a serious handicap since things change over time and place – making adaptation necessary.

If Theists / Apologists have advantageous guidance, wisdom, assistance by virtue of their religious beliefs, WHY are they so often on the run in debates? Why play word games in lieu of debate?

[Eloi]

Maybe they don't say it ... but some here act like it.
A picture is better than a thousand words.

[Eloi]

There are many discussions in the scientific field almost on every issue, regardless of whether these scientists are believers or not. Exactly the same thing that happens between different religious people. That makes us all human, and the discussions between one another as something common in the human race ...

These discussions do not necessarily indicate that someone believes that he is superior or that another is inferior. I think that this thread is about accusing religion of something that is common in all people regardless of whether they are believers or not ... even the accusation is addressed to Christianity, when in most religions the same thing happens, which I find it fallacious.

[Zzyzx]

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I can say exactly the same about atheists or agnostics.

OH? Have Atheists or Agnostics here claimed to have been granted special knowledge or wisdom by a ghost?

Maybe they don't say it ... but some here act like it.

OH? How, exactly, does one act like (without saying) that they have been granted special knowledge or wisdom by a ghost?

Are you attempting to say that Atheists or Agnostics often DISPLAY knowledge and wisdom in debate?

A picture is better than a thousand words.

Cliches aside, a ‘picture’ of Theists doing poorly in debate is not likely lost on readers.

Perhaps it is frustrating to attempt to defend tales of invisible, undetectable supernatural entities and events, particularly when the ‘evidence’ consists of little or nothing more than the unverifiable tales themselves.

[Eloi]

Even magicians can make believe that an illusion is reality without being. What can be made to look like real, is not necessarily real, the same to beliefs that to non-beliefs. Non-believers have absolutely nothing that makes them superior to believers.

[Zzyzx]

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Even magicians can make believe that an illusion is reality without being.

Yup, some illusionists / magicians can ‘turn water into wine’ or ‘walk on water’. Long ago such things were offered as ‘miracles’ and people evidently took them to be of supernatural or divine origin (and some still do).

What can be made to look like real, is not necessarily, the same as beliefs that non-beliefs.

How, exactly, is non-belief ‘made to look like real, is not necessarily’?

How is 'I don't believe your god tales' unreal?

Non-believers have absolutely nothing that makes them superior to believers.

Agreed – and vice versa. However, it is not uncommon for Believers to claim special status as ‘chosen’ or ‘saved’ or ‘heaven bound’ – while thinking others are destined to hell ‘after you die’.

A Theist or two in recent threads have actually claimed to be receiving help from a ghost and others even claim to have conversations with Jesus. Such musings may be accepted in religious circles, but do not fare well in debate.

[Eloi]

Not all religious persons believe the same things or act the same way ... like not all atheists think the same or act the same way. There are atheists who believe in aliens, and there are atheists who believe that there is concience on objects, and there are atheists who believe that reincarnation is real.

[Zzyzx]

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Not all religious persons believe the same things or act the same way ...

Has someone here claimed that all religious persons believe or act the same?

like not all atheists think the same or act the same way.

Agreed. And, not all who debate against Christianity / religion are Atheists.