Comment by Colleen on November 3, 2012 at 9:06pm

Jessica, I understand your reaction to the remark next to number two.  I hope you can also understand why, we approach option two with some incredulity.  While the comment is a bit biting, I think it's fair to point out that option two is highly unlikely when put into historical context.

As I was exploring options other than theism, I was also studying psychology, and I became heavily interested in the history of man and what we know of the human brain thus far.  I came to understand that mankind has imagined all sorts of gods in all sorts of unexplained phenomena throughout the centuries.  My favorite examples, for the sake of simplicity, are cargo cults.  I had to then ask myself: if we can demonstrate the capacity for the human mind to invent and create deities and rituals surrounding these deities, can I really trust my own personal experience or that of others on this matter?  My answer eventually was - I can't.

Comment by archaeopteryx on November 3, 2012 at 11:05pm

I'm confused as to why the remark following Number 2 should bother anyone. What is the likelihood that a believer in Yahweh is going to say, "I know, I know! - Number 2, Zeus!"

"I distrust those people who know so well what god wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires."
-- Susan B. Anthony --

Comment by James Cox on November 4, 2012 at 1:08am

Because he would have missed the opportunity to suggest arrogance on the part of theists. Theists pretending to some 'center of the human cognitive universe' at times surely can make them fair game.

Generally, I have issues with anyone claiming some perfect model for truth aquistion. I guess I still assume that my primate history precludes, as yet, perfect knowledge. Aspiring to such a state of enlightenment, might be excessively linked to self delusion, IMHO. 

Comment by Milos Cakovan on November 4, 2012 at 1:20am

@Jessica
IMHO means: In my honest opinion.

Comment by archaeopteryx on November 4, 2012 at 1:36am

Actually, Milos, I believe it's "Humble," rather than "Honest," but the thought is similar.

Comment by Colleen on November 4, 2012 at 1:38am

The only knowledge claim the post makes is regarding the number of gods in our history.  The rest is what logically follows.  Take a look at the numbers: 1 in 2000, and you just happened to be born in the country that taught you about the one true god?  What are the odds?  The remark is just there to emphasize this point.

I must say that your "no one knows argument" is getting a bit old and honestly doesn't hold much weight around here.  You are certainly entitled to your own opinions and beliefs, but I would like to remind you that there is plenty of evidence for the natural world.  Not only that, but so far, there is no need for a supernatural power to explain this grand universe.  I (and other atheists) concede that it is possible that you are right and there is a god, but given what we do know thus far it's not at all probable.

Comment by Dave Gibbs on November 4, 2012 at 2:43am

D. Multiple of the gods are real :)

There's got to be some whose existence would not be incompatible with the possibility of the existence of others.

Comment by Dave Gibbs on November 4, 2012 at 2:47am

+1 clever point to the first person who can find multiple gods from multiple pantheons whose existences would not preclude the existence of any of the others.

Comment by Nate Lundgren on November 4, 2012 at 3:05am

4. Humans are the only true gods in the universe. :) hehehe

Comment by Nate Lundgren on November 4, 2012 at 3:15am

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