Score: 7
"Funny. BUT"
date: November 8, 2009
It was funny.... BUT it certainly doesn't hold a candle to part 1.
The biggest problem, that bugs the hell out of me (in case you can't tell from the length of my monologue) is this:
That supposed atheist is merely a representation of what theists think atheists think. Atheists don't think "I don't believe in gods or the afterlife because I wouldn't like the consequences of such a universe." THAT is the way theists think. People who believe in god or gods choose their beliefs because they are afraid of the consequences of believing anything else, or because they think one far-less-likely reality is "prettier" than the most likely one. THAT is the way theists think. Matzerath (the author), do you REALLY think that I, as an atheist, don't believe in god because I PREFER a universe without one? That I, as an atheist, don't believe in an afterlife because I would RATHER it be that way, for the reasons you gave in this video? Of course not. THIS is the way atheists think: our dearest wishes don't mean shit. That's right. We would LOVE it if there was an afterlife for us, if everyone got a destination that was both ironic and malevolent for those who deserve such, and loving and enlightening for those who deserve that. But we don't believe in such a universe, not because it wouldn't be a nice thing, but because we know that it isn't the case. Wishing that tree that you're about to crash into isn't there isn't going to keep it from smashing your brains into the windshield and neither will wishing to be reunited with loved ones when we die allow it to happen. Death is oblivion. We know it. Probably every living thing with a mind knows it deep down. But that doesn't mean we prefer it that way. You think I believe death is oblivion because I take comfort in knowing that everyone I've ever loved has been utterly annihilated? You must think we're pretty messed up, don't you? In fact it is the opposite. We accept facts that would crush theists because they can't handle the truth (can you even comprehend your time ending? That's why people invented the idea of an afterlife, they couldn't comprehend much less deal with the very notion of time ending for them as observers, for there to not BE an "after" following their final moments) and that is why they believe in fairy tales and imaginary friends and we do not. We prefer reality to the dearest illusions. And frankly I resent you putting words in my mouth, trying to comprehend my position when you clearly do not.
