I think I've heard every theist argument.

[PixyMisa]

The Howard barbarians get all the hot chicks. Okay, so some of them are green and lay eggs, but still...

 

[rikzilla]

Ten?! Where the heck did that number come from?

There are on the order of 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars in the observable universe. Planets seem to be pretty common. Our solar system alone has somewhere between 8 and, oh, 20, discovered so far. (Including 2005FY₉, Easterbunny.)

Let's assume that 90% of stars don't have planetary systems; that the average planetary system has 10 planets; and that 90% of those are automatically unable to sustain life simply due to temperature (too hot - organic molecules decompose; too cold - necessary chemical reactions don't work).

That leaves us with 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 planets with the right general conditions. What happened to the other 999,999,999,999,999,999,990?

Pix,...there is such a thing as "exponential notation" ya know?

But really, our galaxy alone has something like 10^11 stars, and there are even likely to be more than 10^11 galaxies in the universe. It's an unbelievable number of possible life bearing planets. So why does anyone think we're so special? Because we just happen to be here? The Catholic Church once taught that the earth was the center of the universe and was then debunked by science. (Even though scientists at that time were known as "heretics" and often used as firewood)

The universe is merely a giant random number generator. If you can pull the handle of a slot machine an infinite number of times, you're bound to see a vast number of payoffs. There's really no need of further explaination. It's of course more personally meaningful (I guess) to think of a friendly God providing you the "perfect" payoffs you see...but logically speaking an infinity of random possibility explains it well enough withour resorting to a magic being.

-z

 

[Darth Rotor]

But really, our galaxy alone has something like 10^11 stars, and there are even likely to be more than 10^11 galaxies in the universe. It's an unbelievable number of possible life bearing planets.

I just had an unbelievable thought: 10¹¹ pints of Guinness. That's just enough to handle the world Rugby cup refreshments requirement, I think.

So why does anyone think we're so special? Because we just happen to be here?

I think the Guinness has an influence on that.

The universe is merely a giant random number generator.

Note: 'is merely' is a flag that means "ration of reductionist tripe to follow."

If you can pull the handle of a slot machine an infinite number of times, you're bound to see a vast number of payoffs.

And a bad case of tennis elbow.

There's really no need of further explaination. It's of course more personally meaningful (I guess) to think of a friendly God providing you the "perfect" payoffs you see...but logically speaking an infinity of random possibility explains it well enough withour resorting to a magic being.

But it's the "infinity plus one" pull that pays out the really big jackpots in Vegas, which is why I never one won.

DR

 

[blobru]

Hobbes, or R. E. Howard, styled barbarians?

"Conan not atheist, by Crom!"

 

[Dunstan]

Have you read all of these?

Some of my favorites:

ARGUMENT FROM CREATION, a.k.a. ARGUMENT FROM PERSONAL INCREDULITY (I)
(1) If evolution is false, then creationism is true, and therefore God exists.
(2) Evolution can't be true, since I lack the mental capacity to understand it; moreover, to accept its truth would cause me to be uncomfortable.
(3) Therefore, God exists.

ARGUMENT FROM FEAR
(1) If there is no God then we're all going to not exist after we die.
(2) I'm afraid of that. (3) Therefore, God exists.

ARGUMENT FROM INCOMPLETE DEVASTATION
(1) A plane crashed killing 143 passengers and crew.
(2) But one child survived with only third-degree burns.
(3) Therefore, God exists.

ARGUMENT FROM PERSECUTION (II)
(1) Jesus said that people would make fun of Christians.
(2) I am an idiot.
(3) People often point that out.
(4) Therefore, God exists.

 

[blobru]

Have you read all of these?

bust-a-gut funny thanks!

toss in...
Argument from the "Trailer Park Boys":
HOW THE %$#@ did that show get on the air?
therefore, God exists.