Stephen Hawking says afterlife is a fairytale...

Well, it is.
Though I do believe in Eternal Return.

[QUOTE="t3hrubikscube"]I like that. It more eloquently sums up the way I've felt for a while.JJ_Productions

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"] There is nothing logical about opinions.

Nibroc420

As for my argument....I never presented an opinion on the afterlife in this thread. Show me where I did.

[QUOTE="Nibroc420"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"] There is nothing logical about opinions.

LJS9502_basic

log·ic/ˈläjik/Noun

1. Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity

What you're suggesting is proof, or evidence. I'm sure Mr. Hawking didn't just pull something out of his ***, and i'm sure he's more logical than you.

And in a sense, i guess that's somewhat ironic, seeings as how you called his statement illogical. Where as your claims are even more so.

[QUOTE="Nibroc420"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"] There is nothing logical about opinions.

LJS9502_basic

As for my argument....I never presented an opinion on the afterlife in this thread. Show me where I did.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"][QUOTE="Nibroc420"] :| There goes your arguement.

Nibroc420

1. Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity

What you're suggesting is proof, or evidence. I'm sure Mr. Hawking didn't just pull something out of his ***, and i'm sure he's more logical than you.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]

[QUOTE="Nibroc420"] :| There goes your arguement.

jimmyjammer69

As for my argument....I never presented an opinion on the afterlife in this thread. Show me where I did.

"I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first. I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."

"What could define God [is a conception of divinity] as the embodiment of the laws of nature. However, this is not what most people would think of that God," Hawking told Sawyer. "They made a human-like being with whom one can have a personal relationship. When you look at the vast size of the universe and how insignificant an accidental human life is in it, that seems most impossible."

Source

Stephan Hawking

We have something in common when it comes to the idea of this personified diety people have entrusted themselves to. Instead of realizing that "god" is all around us and is everything that makes up life, people have instead felt more comfortable with giving this creative force a sex and calling it "the father" in an attempt to make their lives feel more meaningful then it was before they were introduced to the concept of "god".

The man is full of logic

Yes, this has been known. It's not new at all.

Obviously, he hasn't been introduced to the concept of the "soul".

Necrifer

The "soul" is something we have made up..Just like GOD and heaven..Its 2011, time to evolve our way of thinking.

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"][QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"] Not at all. Using the word logical to push one's opinion doesn't work. Hawkings opinion is no more logical than another. And the user that credited logic to his opinion was wrong. Now had he died and come back to life then I might...and I stress might....give it some credence. But he hasn't. So his opinion is not based on logic. It's unknown.

As for my argument....I never presented an opinion on the afterlife in this thread. Show me where I did.

LJS9502_basic

Think about the way Descartes begins his Meditations. He universalises from an assumption similar to this one: that many of the wishful, unproven magical or supernatural beliefs held as a child (lets say in a tooth fairy or Father Christmas) have turned out to be nonsense; therefore why not assume they are all at least unlikely to be true. Right or wrong, there's probability reasoning in there.

I agree with Hawking. He is a very wise man, I began reading his newest book and it was just so good. He has a knack for explaining complex things in common terms and I love that.

Personally I agree with Hawking.

I don't understand why so many theists (of whatever persuasion) get up tight about someone stating what he believes...

I've yet to see one compelling argument for the existence of "god" from anyone, anywhere, yet if someone simply states what he thinks, he is berated? Bit petty.

Oh, give me a break. Let me guess, another offended Christian from an Atheistic belief? So hypocritcal.

Optical_Order

Not even close.

Personally I agree with Hawking.

I don't understand why so many theists (of whatever persuasion) get up tight about someone stating what he believes...

I've yet to see one compelling argument for the existence of "god" from anyone, anywhere, yet if someone simply states what he thinks, he is berated? Bit petty.

WAJ

I'm not sure what internet you come from, but from all the years I've been playing online games, reading forums, etc (more than I care to recall), I have seen more atheist fanaticism than theist. Hawking was a little condescending in his delivery, and the people in this thread backing him up are as well. I think that is the major problem people are having. You may have opinions that you want respected, but so do others.

I have not, and won't ever say what I believe on these forums because I live my life without bias as much as possible. However, I do pick up on patterns. And most people that believe in an after life have adapted to rational, non-judging tactics when talking about theology. Right now it's cool to pick on religion, and uncool to believe in anything that isn't proven scientifically (which is kind of ironic, seeing how no matter what you believe, it is taken on some amount of faith or another).

[QUOTE="WAJ"]

Personally I agree with Hawking.

I don't understand why so many theists (of whatever persuasion) get up tight about someone stating what he believes...

I've yet to see one compelling argument for the existence of "god" from anyone, anywhere, yet if someone simply states what he thinks, he is berated? Bit petty.

UltimoIce

I'm not sure what internet you come from, but from all the years I've been playing online games, reading forums, etc (more than I care to recall), I have seen more atheist fanaticism than theist. Hawking was a little condescending in his delivery, and the people in this thread backing him up are as well. I think that is the major problem people are having. You may have opinions that you want respected, but so do others.

I have not, and won't ever say what I believe on these forums because I live my life without bias as much as possible. However, I do pick up on patterns. And most people that believe in an after life have adapted to rational, non-judging tactics when talking about theology. Right now it's cool to pick on religion, and uncool to believe in anything that isn't proven scientifically (which is kind of ironic, seeing how no matter what you believe, it is taken on some amount of faith or another).

[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"]You know, if Stephen Hawking was saying that there was an afterlife, atheists would be making fun of his disability. I never see theists make fun of his disability despite disagreeing with him on a number of issues.GreySeal9

And you know this how?

[QUOTE="GreySeal9"]

[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"]You know, if Stephen Hawking was saying that there was an afterlife, atheists would be making fun of his disability. I never see theists make fun of his disability despite disagreeing with him on a number of issues.Genetic_Code

And you know this how?

sorry but most atheists i know are not hipocrits who need a big bad invisible guy watching over us to be decent.

Krelian-co

You're claiming atheists aren't hypocrites while childishly criticizing Christians when atheists pride on themselves as acting as adults. Right...

Many atheists are the biggest hypocrites I know. All these individuals do is spew hatred toward anyone not sharing their belief, claiming that they're the ones being hated when really, it's the other way around.

Stephen Hawking himself referred to the afterlife as a fairytale. How would you like it if someone referred to evolution as a fairytale? I would find it offensive.

You have a link to your claim? You sure its not just anyone talking garbage?...tocool340

[QUOTE="tocool340"]You have a link to your claim? You sure its not just anyone talking garbage?...Genetic_Code

...and?

the voice actor with down syndrome defended her performance and was proud of it... so unless you you think people with down syndrome arent intelligent enough to have opinions, you have no point.

Oh snap, suck that catch 22!

[QUOTE="tocool340"]You have a link to your claim? You sure its not just anyone talking garbage?...Genetic_Code

I don't believe in God.If God created us,Who created God? Nobody can answer this question.

People believe silly things.For Example "Ghosts".I respect other people's thoughts but when someone doesn't respect my thoughts , that makes me angry.

I agree with Hawking.If there is an Heaven and Hell , We will go to the Hell probably because we sin a lot everyday.

...and?

the voice actor with down syndrome defended her performance and was proud of it... so unless you you think people with down syndrome arent intelligent enough to have opinions, you have no point.

Oh snap, suck that catch 22!

SoBaus

Family guy was always known to insult or attack people. How do you know they were doing it in their disbelief of God and not simply doing it for comedy? Why judge one liberal Atheist for the entire lot if that's your proof?....

tocool340

[QUOTE="Krelian-co"]

sorry but most atheists i know are not hipocrits who need a big bad invisible guy watching over us to be decent.

Genetic_Code

You're claiming atheists aren't hypocrites while childishly criticizing Christians when atheists pride on themselves as acting as adults. Right...

Many atheists are the biggest hypocrites I know. All these individuals do is spew hatred toward anyone not sharing their belief, claiming that they're the ones being hated when really, it's the other way around.

Stephen Hawking himself referred to the afterlife as a fairytale. How would you like it if someone referred to evolution as a fairytale? I would find it offensive.

Really? last time i checked most of the wars over the last two thousand years have been thanks to religions, its a plague, even now because religious people always take everything to the extreme, and did you forget who used to burn everyone because they said they didnt believe in god and you talk about people hating those who dont share their beliefs?

And yes i dislike religions.. a lot... all i see in the history of religions is ignorance used to justify their agenda

If someone says evolution is a fairytale i wouldn't be offended, i would ask show me your FACTS which you are basing that statement, after all every theory poved wrong or right is a step forward to understanding this universe, but truly understanding, not just create imaginary beings to explain everything like the greeks did, and like the rest are doing now, is just only one now.

So far evolution has genetics on their side, people working and studying day after day all over the world, religion has.... some book someone write very long ago who didnt even knew the existance of cells in our body, and we all know people never exagerate or tell lies.

[QUOTE="SoBaus"]

...and?

the voice actor with down syndrome defended her performance and was proud of it... so unless you you think people with down syndrome arent intelligent enough to have opinions, you have no point.

Oh snap, suck that catch 22!

Genetic_Code

Family guy was always known to insult or attack people. How do you know they were doing it in their disbelief of God and not simply doing it for comedy? Why judge one liberal Atheist for the entire lot if that's your proof?....

tocool340

[QUOTE="tocool340"]You have a link to your claim? You sure its not just anyone talking garbage?...Genetic_Code

lets assume what you said is true (even if im almost sure is not, i watched the interview they did to the girl with dawn syndrome who acted in that episode), so an atheist attacks a kid with dawn syndrome, i bet no religious person has ever made fun of someone with dawn syndrome? there are asses in both sides you know.

But hey lets generalize, all priests are pedophiles. Want me to get you some links, because i can get more than a few just for you

[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"][QUOTE="tocool340"]You have a link to your claim? You sure its not just anyone talking garbage?...Krelian-co

lets assume what you said is true, so an atheist attacks a kid with dawn syndrome, i bet no religious person has ever made fun of someone with dawn syndrome? there are asses in both sides you know.

But hey lets generalize, all priests are pedophiles. Want me to get you some links, because i can get more than a few just for you

[QUOTE="SoBaus"]

...and?

the voice actor with down syndrome defended her performance and was proud of it... so unless you you think people with down syndrome arent intelligent enough to have opinions, you have no point.

Oh snap, suck that catch 22!

Genetic_Code

What family guy did, is show everyone that people with down syndrome are intelligent and talented... we probably all had our thoughts of what people with down syndrome are like. But family guy showed us, that people with down syndrome are creative and talented people.... far more capable than most originally thought.

you might not agree with the method, but it raised awareness and ultimately was VERY beneficial for people with down syndrome as a whole.

EDIT: and if we all though black people were dumb (we did a long time ago), but a black individual gave a tremendous performance as an actor... even if he was reinforcing stereotypes. It would force people to reconsider their perceptions, and ultimately do good.

Why must a thread be made every time this guy says something?

KH-mixerX

I am sure he has been there and he is now kind enough to share with us what he saw.

[QUOTE="Necrifer"]

[QUOTE="tocool340"]

Well, if there is a heaven and hell, one would think that...right? I mean wouldn't people then turn around and say "Who create the afterlife? It didn't get there by itself"....

Nibroc420

Nothing was ever said about Heaven nor Hell either.

[QUOTE="Nibroc420"][QUOTE="Necrifer"]

Nothing was ever said about Heaven nor Hell either.

00-Riddick-00

why 72 exactly? Where did you get that?

[QUOTE="00-Riddick-00"]

[QUOTE="Nibroc420"] 72 virgins would be a nice surprise.omho88

why 72 exactly? Where did you get that?

is the number the coran says they will get when they get to heaven, almost as funny as a red guy with tail, horns and a giant fork.

Stephen Hawking is a brilliant scientist, though his opinions on philosophy really don't carry more weight than average. However, I like how he said that we should strive to do the best we can in this world because there is no afterlife, even if I don't agree with his philosophy about an afterlife, I certainly agree that people should try their hardest in life, with or without a god.

[QUOTE="omho88"]

[QUOTE="00-Riddick-00"] It never is specified whatt gender the virgins would be :P

Krelian-co

why 72 exactly? Where did you get that?

is the number the coran says they will get when they get to heaven, almost as funny as a red guy with tail, horns and a giant fork.

Note to self: troll face everyone by saying "u jelly?" in hell whilst being surrounded with 72 beautiful virgins.

Stephen Hawking is a brilliant scientist, though his opinions on philosophy really don't carry more weight than average. However, I like how he said that we should strive to do the best we can in this world because there is no afterlife, even if I don't agree with his philosophy about an afterlife, I certainly agree that people should try their hardest in life, with or without a god.

Grodus5

Well, there certainly isn't anything wrong with that. I always strive to do the best I can - whether it is with my family or at my job. :)

WoW he doesn't believe in an afterlife whatsoever? Thats crazy.

WoW he doesn't believe in an afterlife whatsoever? Thats crazy.

Morphic

Not sure if serious?

I believe him. But I have my own opinion that i might make into a theory and it deals with the biological notion that we are chromosomes in a cell in God's body, which is the universe we live in.

When you look at the vast size of the universe and how insignificant an accidental human life is in it, that seems most impossible.tocool340

[QUOTE="tocool340"]When you look at the vast size of the universe and how insignificant an accidental human life is in it, that seems most impossible.Armenianwarrior

Stephen Hawking is the most brilliant mind of our generation, but I don't see what makes his thoughts on the afterlife bear any more weight than anyone else's. This kind of reminds me of this comic strip.

GabuEx

[QUOTE="omho88"]

[QUOTE="00-Riddick-00"] It never is specified whatt gender the virgins would be :P

Krelian-co

why 72 exactly? Where did you get that?

is the number the coran says they will get when they get to heaven, almost as funny as a red guy with tail, horns and a giant fork.

Little correction, there is nothing of such matter in the Koran, what was mentioned is " Houri " who are very beautiful creatures of complete pure in the paradise ..... and their describtion was actually not as exposing as in the bible or anywhere else.

[QUOTE="Armenianwarrior"]

[QUOTE="tocool340"]When you look at the vast size of the universe and how insignificant an accidental human life is in it, that seems most impossible.tocool340

if there is no God then what are we? how was everything made so perfectly (animals, plants, ozone layer, gravity,our perfect distance of the sun,...)? how was life created without Him?

if there is no God then what are we? how was everything made so perfectly (animals, plants, ozone layer, gravity,our perfect distance of the sun,...)? how was life created without Him?

Armenianwarrior

Just because you don't understand science doesn't mean goddidit.

[QUOTE="Armenianwarrior"]

if there is no God then what are we? how was everything made so perfectly (animals, plants, ozone layer, gravity,our perfect distance of the sun,...)? how was life created without Him?

tenaka2

Just because you don't understand science doesn't mean goddidit.

God vs. No God

I will never understand why moderators don't close these topics by now, it's not even a dead horse anymore. It decomposed into the earth, became a tree, was chopped down, and turned into paper which was then set on fire.

In short, it's a never-ending my opinion vs your opinion discussion. No one ever brings anything concluding to these threads so why even debate it?