A rational response to the bare bones claim that: "there is a god", is not to refute it in kind with a bare bones denial, or refutation. An appropriate and rational response would be "Why do you believe there is a god?". To respond according to "Hitchen's Razor", with something like: "No there isn't" is just childish IMO.

not merely. its understandably so.

The point is that being unconvinced of the truth of a statement in no way prepares one to reasonably refute it.

Without being given a usable reason to believe the assertion, one ought to remain unconvinced.

Granted. Unsupported assertions can be reasonably dismissed, but not reasonably refuted.

One ought to remain unconvinced despite pseudo-reasoning as well, yet we have theists…

Even the most careful reasoning rests on unsupported assumptions, yet we have atheists who naively think that simply by denying the existence of god, they somehow rise above what the rest of us are still held back by.

If there truly was no proof (convincing evidence) that a certain assertion is true, this lack of evidence wouldn't be grounds to refute the assertion, merely to take the position of being unconvinced.

Yes.

It's a good pointed question, and it's interesting to watch as people avoid directly answering it. Someone who murders a pregnant woman can, at least in many states here in the US, be charged with double homicide regardless of what stage of development the fetus is at. So the state has already established interest in protecting the unborn child's right to life.

Since this debates scope is so narrow Try this one

Testing "Clarify" Feature .

I seriously think that we're arguing from different point of view.

I think you might be on to something...WE ARE different people!

Suffering is beneficial in that it helps us to avoid allowing harmful behavior to continue. I don't think of it as a complicated philosophical realization.

Here..I stole this quote and I'm giving it to you for free!

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.” ~ Buddha

~laughs~ I wrote that.....silly person !

"The violent eye

can never see a defeat

without injury" ~atypican

I already explain the differences above.

I remain unsatisfied.

You might want to read more before making comment sir. Please read through my comment above before another question.

Your presumption that I haven't considered your comments is unwarranted.

If its unclear, you can ask me to expand on any fuzzy issue.

No thanks. I am not into one sided conversations where I am expected to be open to having my thinking challenged and you won't be open in the same way. I am not your pupil.

You are confusing yourself not knowing the differences between Lacking of desire and contentment. Many people made this mistake.

Ok. Help me out then. Explain the difference.

This is the way I see it. Religion (like it or not) affects our personality. It plays a key role in the development of a person's (or group's) value system. It has a profound effect on what we are curious about. Also what we are passionate about.

I am not inclined to study the context of the quote, but I believe it is unrealistic to discuss science and religion as being mutually excludable.

Religion influences what we study, Science consists of the most useful theories we have developed by applying the scientific method to those studies.

Only if you also reject the authority of whoever typed those definitions. LOL

Of course they're feasible. The problem is they are not preferable (to enough people).

I suspect the vast majority of people prefer to be subordinate. Sure it stinks when you have to ask for the permission of a government agency to do so many ordinary things, but were all kept so safe remember. lol.

"competition by definition must cause some degree of harm to the losers."

That is not true. I compete as often as I can. I gain more from losses than I do wins.

Buddhist philosophy is worthy of respect. However like all philosophical/religious constructs it is due criticism.

Here are my thoughts (starting with the four noble? truths?)

#1.Suffering and uneasiness can be beneficial. I don't think the avoidance of suffering is a goal that should be at the forefront of "enlightened" philosophy.

#2. I am not convinced that craving or attachment is the sole or even main cause of suffering. Certainly it is a component of many problems. I would say wisdom is in large measure the ability to let go AND hold on when appropriate.

#3. Right!? Don't desire anything and you will be freed from suffering. Enlightened Buddhists shouldn't swim under water then because while trying to conquer their desire for a breath of air they may drown. LOL

I have desires, areas of discontent, ie hopes. I am motivated to action by them.

My curiosity, my favored form of discontent which I cherish, would "enlightenment" quench? I hope not.

In my opinion they (desires) like everything else can get out of hand if left un-moderated or obsessed upon.

I think a better target for elimination (instead of desire) would be obsessiveness in general. But then there are even times where obsessing could be beneficial.

#4. I would say... Don't seek a teacher....ask yourself solemnly realistically and regularly...What do I want to make of my life? AKA What are my priorities

Now to the noble eightfold path (Buddhists have somewhat of an attachment to these no?)

#1. Understand that you CAN be deceived is how I would put it. Trust but don't take it too far you/they/it may fail - This would fall under the humility category

I am happy if the statement provokes deeper examination of things beyond initial appearances but I'm irritated by the wording in that it implies that we can completely avoid delusion. I think we must necessarily battle it.

#2. Isn't intention much the same as desire? If you intend to renounce as much as you can I sure wouldn't leave any of my valuables under your care. And intending freedom and harmlessness? I agree with those

#3. #4. #5. #6. Well I agree with that but that's not at all unique to Buddhism

#7. Blah Blah Blah

#8. I would not give a recipe for meditation and expect the recipe to work for anyone and everyone. The shoe that fits one pinches another.

Can you believe that Buddhism is one of my favorites? LOL