When a child is born are they born with a belief structure in them or are the born Atheist.
I believe that a child has a belief structure in them, my reasoning is simple, where did it start otherwise. I believe it started because it is within us already, when man could speak and voice his thoughts religion was formed, not as we know it, but the spark and basis was there.
Interested in others differing opinion as well as those in agreement.
Belief structure or Atheism
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mlcole8907
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Post #2
I would have to disagree with you on this one. Religion or a "belief system" is a seed that has to be planted. I just recently had a baby ( well, 10 months ago that is) and I know that she has no concept of a God. As far as I believe, if she does believe in a higher power, it has to be me (not implying that I am a God) but me and father is all she knows.
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Gunnarr
Post #3
I can understand that, but where did the gods come from. Let a child develop in a godless enviroment until an age where they start questioning life and their society, and I guarantee you that the thoughts of a higher being and a belief in them will come out.
Looking back in history to the very creation of community and tribal beliefs and all of them although different have a belief system, all that is not some all.
Looking back in history to the very creation of community and tribal beliefs and all of them although different have a belief system, all that is not some all.
Re: Belief structure or Atheism
Post #4You are right about that. Belief in a higher power is an evolutionary asset that helps human survival. Just read:Gunnarr wrote:When a child is born are they born with a belief structure in them or are the born Atheist.
I believe that a child has a belief structure in them, my reasoning is simple, where did it start otherwise. I believe it started because it is within us already, when man could speak and voice his thoughts religion was formed, not as we know it, but the spark and basis was there.
Interested in others differing opinion as well as those in agreement.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/scien ... 41022.html
http://clinicallypsyched.com/neurotheol ... godinmind/
For instance, when people where scared of thunder and lightning and couldn't explain it they attributed it to Thor the Thundergod. Then at least they had a for them rational explanation. Making the unknown known makes it appear less dangerous.
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Goat
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Post #5
I disagree. I saw the development of my niece, and that is not the pattern that was followed, and she is very atheistic.Gunnarr wrote:I can understand that, but where did the gods come from. Let a child develop in a godless enviroment until an age where they start questioning life and their society, and I guarantee you that the thoughts of a higher being and a belief in them will come out.
Looking back in history to the very creation of community and tribal beliefs and all of them although different have a belief system, all that is not some all.
“What do you think science is? There is nothing magical about science. It is simply a systematic way for carefully and thoroughly observing nature and using consistent logic to evaluate results. So which part of that exactly do you disagree with? Do you disagree with being thorough? Using careful observation? Being systematic? Or using consistent logic?�
Steven Novella
Steven Novella
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Gunnarr
Post #6
Can you expand on this as the way I read supports my argument, I believe an Atheist rejects rather than the other way.Goat wrote:I disagree. I saw the development of my niece, and that is not the pattern that was followed, and she is very atheistic.Gunnarr wrote:I can understand that, but where did the gods come from. Let a child develop in a godless enviroment until an age where they start questioning life and their society, and I guarantee you that the thoughts of a higher being and a belief in them will come out.
Looking back in history to the very creation of community and tribal beliefs and all of them although different have a belief system, all that is not some all.
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Goat
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Post #7
My niece never had an inclination to have 'thoughts of a higher being' , and to accept that to begin with.Gunnarr wrote:Can you expand on this as the way I read supports my argument, I believe an Atheist rejects rather than the other way.Goat wrote:I disagree. I saw the development of my niece, and that is not the pattern that was followed, and she is very atheistic.Gunnarr wrote:I can understand that, but where did the gods come from. Let a child develop in a godless enviroment until an age where they start questioning life and their society, and I guarantee you that the thoughts of a higher being and a belief in them will come out.
Looking back in history to the very creation of community and tribal beliefs and all of them although different have a belief system, all that is not some all.
“What do you think science is? There is nothing magical about science. It is simply a systematic way for carefully and thoroughly observing nature and using consistent logic to evaluate results. So which part of that exactly do you disagree with? Do you disagree with being thorough? Using careful observation? Being systematic? Or using consistent logic?�
Steven Novella
Steven Novella
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Goat
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Post #9
Right now, she turned 21. When it comes to religion, I had absolutely no influence on her at all... since it was none of my business to influence her choices in that matter.Gunnarr wrote:Can I ask how old she is, and as you are an Atheist did you have any influence over her.
“What do you think science is? There is nothing magical about science. It is simply a systematic way for carefully and thoroughly observing nature and using consistent logic to evaluate results. So which part of that exactly do you disagree with? Do you disagree with being thorough? Using careful observation? Being systematic? Or using consistent logic?�
Steven Novella
Steven Novella
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Gunnarr
Post #10
I think your story highlights the influence family, modernity and media can have on a young impressionable adult, it does not support your theory of being born an Atheist.
Communitys thousands of years ago, having no outside influences, in every continent in the world developed a belief structure in the gods. From remote regions in South America to the Aboriginal tribes in Australia, they believed in gods.
You counter that with your 21 yr old niece who you admit you had regular contact with, and yet you claim no influence, on balance your standpoint is a non starter.
Communitys thousands of years ago, having no outside influences, in every continent in the world developed a belief structure in the gods. From remote regions in South America to the Aboriginal tribes in Australia, they believed in gods.
You counter that with your 21 yr old niece who you admit you had regular contact with, and yet you claim no influence, on balance your standpoint is a non starter.
