Quote:
Originally Posted by rakhra  I've been following the discussion with great interest but have decided to weigh in because of what Satyaban ji said in the above quote, to which I agree.
For 'Atheist' to say "...let us rationally and honestly try to justify the existance(sic) of god." is grossly unfair. Unfair because he calls himself an atheist and NOT an agnostic. Turning the argument on its head, one could as well ask 'Atheist' to justify his belief that god does not exist.
But, as Satyaban ji implies, we don't need to and we don't. I would go one step further and say this: If 'Atheist' would say he's an agnostic,( meaning that he does not deny the existence of god but that he does not know for certain that god does exist), I could respect that. And, maybe join in the main debate/discussion/whatever.
HS Rakhra |
Agree totally. It is hard to see the logic. To define God in narrow and specific terms, like a straw man in an argument, then to knock down the straw man, is much like rigging a discussion to go in a preferred direction.
Especially today --
when any Sikh who defies the recent edicts of Akal Takht is being declared both an RSS agent and an atheist. This is labeling used to ignite warfare, to marginalize the enemy, to firm up one's following.
The word "atheist" is now being defined according to political agendas and has lost is fundamental meaning. Some proclaim themselves atheists because they subscribe to the theory of evolution in opposition to Christian fundamentalists. Those associated with Rozana Spokesman are accused of being atheists, as are the members of Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, because they have defied the excommunication of Professor Darshan Singh. Some call their oponents atheists because they do not follow the edicts of Akaal Takht, or they disagree with Makkar, Lamba, and Dasam Granth advocates. Yet others say -- "Oh Yes -- I am an atheist because God has no form. There is no personal god in Sikhism."
So how much of this is labeling and reacting to labels? The word "atheist" has lost its meaning and is being used as a grenade.