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My conversation starter for Atheists
It goes like this.
1) Consider a hypothetical world in which there is a study that conclusively proves that certain aspects of religious practice, or the practice of particular religion, has an immediate benefit to your health. (I'm aware that such studies exist in the real world, but they're flawed. I'm asking you to consider one that, to your eyes, is conclusive.)
a) Okay -> Go to 2.
b) I would never find such studies conclusive, regardless of the methodology or repeated results -> Go to END.
c) I cannot imagine such a world -> Go to END.
2) Now you've imagined this world. Would you take up that religious practice?
a) No, it's a bunch of superstition -> Go to END.
b) No, I barely even eat right anyway -> Go to 3.
c) Yes, of course -> Go to 3.
3) Consider yourself/someone else who purported to be an atheist, but took up this practice. Are they still an atheist?
a) No, duh -> Go to 4
b) Yes, duh -> Go to 4
c) Maybe, it's complicated -> Go to 4
4) Do you consider them more or less rational?
a) Yes, they're helping their health -> Go to End
b) No, they're practicing a superstition -> Go to End
c) Huh. -> Go to End
End) Huh. Isn't that ... interesting?
1) Consider a hypothetical world in which there is a study that conclusively proves that certain aspects of religious practice, or the practice of particular religion, has an immediate benefit to your health. (I'm aware that such studies exist in the real world, but they're flawed. I'm asking you to consider one that, to your eyes, is conclusive.)
a) Okay -> Go to 2.
b) I would never find such studies conclusive, regardless of the methodology or repeated results -> Go to END.
c) I cannot imagine such a world -> Go to END.
2) Now you've imagined this world. Would you take up that religious practice?
a) No, it's a bunch of superstition -> Go to END.
b) No, I barely even eat right anyway -> Go to 3.
c) Yes, of course -> Go to 3.
3) Consider yourself/someone else who purported to be an atheist, but took up this practice. Are they still an atheist?
a) No, duh -> Go to 4
b) Yes, duh -> Go to 4
c) Maybe, it's complicated -> Go to 4
4) Do you consider them more or less rational?
a) Yes, they're helping their health -> Go to End
b) No, they're practicing a superstition -> Go to End
c) Huh. -> Go to End
End) Huh. Isn't that ... interesting?
no subject
You make no mention of whether or not the "religious practice" was moral or not. This is an important issue and would be the first and last question--the ONLY question, in fact--that would influence my decision.
If I had to rape, then murder a baby every day to live forever, the answer is NO NO NO, regardless of any other circumstances.