Where did you get the impression I believe "ppl... are idiots for believing in a God"? Certainly not from any of my posts. I would appreciate you not making confusing statements which might turn others against me. Especially since, as senatorgraham points out, I need as many people on my side as possible. Thanks.
<blockquote>Quote<br><hr>I am just wondering how you can be so sure you are right ? <hr></blockquote>
Assuming that's a sincere question looking to understand where I'm coming from, I'll try my best to explain, with just one example:
The mind and brain appear thoroughly united. Brain damage causes memory loss, startling personality changes, loss of consciousness, and--the kicker--can even (apparently) cause two independent minds within one skull, when the hemispheres are severed from each other. Given that limited damage to the brain causes "damage" to every trait that makes us unique, and that disrupting it causes temporary loss of awareness, what should I expect will happen once the brain is completely decomposed, permanently?
In truth, that's only the beginning. But even alone, it should be enough to make you understand where I'm coming from, at least on the issue of an afterlife. I simply believe the evidence leaves no room for it. I've seen attempted counters, but all were fatally flawed (for example, near death experiences or ghost sightings are <i>not</i> convincing evidence of an afterlife--despite their sensationalistic appeal in the media--for a variety of reasons, which I could go into if you'd like).
I don't conclude something is necessarily false because it doesn't make sense. I generally conclude it's false when it doesn't make sense, <b>and</b> the rival hypothesis--that it's false--makes a stunning deal of sense. While it's always <i>possible</i> we're missing something, I wouldn't bet on it when it appears so well-supported. In some cases, yes, you just can be sure of something. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
So, in a nutshell, I'm pretty darn sure. But even if I wasn't, why would I need to be before voicing an opinion? While I can't say the same for <i>all</i> potentially conceivable gods, I'm <i>absolutely</i> sure that none exist which are both benevolent, and would hold sincerely-held beliefs (or the lack of them) against people. That leaves benevolent ones who'd laugh off a religious disagreement, or evil gods who wouldn't necessarily deserve worship, anyway.