As noted previously in the thread – this is a simple matter of physics and the fact that all byproducts of an initial thermodynamic event that has a spin characteristic will share the SAME spin characteristic.

I.e. If a spinning bottle expodes the shards coming out of it will have the same direction of spin. The fact that some of the planets have opposite spin – and some galaxies have opposite spin – seems to define what an atheist would “expect” from the laws of “uniformitarianism” —

Bob

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” [-Dumbledore]

No one is saying that faith isn't real. The question is whether or not the object of that faith is real.

If your friend has faith and it is helping him get through this time, then I don't imagine anyone would wish to take it away from him.

It's been said that perception is reality. I think that is a valid maxim in the world of blogging. We see words and perceive emotion behind them. At times, merely because of terms and vocabulary used, or literary tone, those perceptions are real in actuality, not merely in the imagination of the 'receptor'. When the subject is 'God' emotions run high. I am passionate about what I believe, and I will defend my faith. We believers are called to defend our faith and to proclaim it, but it is foolish for us to try and 'persuade' because that is God's business. We believers are rightly reminded that faith is to be demonstrated, not pounded down anyone's throat. That is the purpose of this comment, to tell you about a demonstration of faith.

I have friend named Georg (that's right – no 'G'). He has days to live due to a battle with brain cancer. I met Georg years ago when we were both attending the same language course at a military base in New England. I found myself discussing matters of faith with someone in the course (not Georg) who was not a Christian, but not atheistic either. Georg walked over to where I was having an early breakfast in a dining facility and told me that he had heard the discussions about God and it stirred his heart. He became a man of faith and will die a man of faith. How do I know that in the midst of pain and suffering he has not denied his God?

I receive email updates from His wife Wendy. Yesterday's update was that Georg has just days left. When, months ago, the diagnosis was certain and the effects of having brain cancer kicked in, Georg's comment to Wendy was that he hoped there would be no turning away from, or anger at God for what he (Georg) was going through. He was able to see his daughter married and during lucid moments they have done some video so Georg could speak to the grandchildren he would never be able to see in person.

In the hospital, when he still could, Georg had a habit of either praying with, or after they left, for those who came to visit. He would pray that God would bless THEM in the middle of his own suffering. As things have worsened for him – friends and family have consistently cared for him and tended to his needs. When he could only speak a few words at a time to those taking care of him, his most frequent words, spoken through pain, have been "God bless you."

That is a demonstration of faith! How can it NOT be real? Is that sort of faith a delusion or myth? I think not. The strength of Georg's faith amazes me – and shames me.

I just wanted to share that.

Just out of curiosity, do you think the contradiction is here: "We will not become enthusiastic for the fact, the knowledge, the absolute truth of the day [...]" ? This merely means we will not care about thinking we have the right answer as much as truly having it when we arrive at it.

Feynman was an atheist, but are you sure he was anti-God? I haven't heard that about him. He was most famous for his physics lectures, especially quantum electrodynamics, so I can forgive him for not having the sharpest points against theism in the toolbox.

"But I have to say that as much of my “faith” is tied up in doubt as it is in belief."

I didn't understand that, but as long as I'm continuing to role-play on this post, here's another from my automated atheist-quote generator:

"I agree that faith is essential to success in life (success of any sort) but I do not accept your definition of faith, i.e. belief in life after death. In my view, all that is necessary for faith is the belief that by doing our best we shall come nearer to success and that success in our aims (the improvement of the lot of mankind, present and future) is worth attaining. Anyone able to believe in all that religion implies obviously must have such faith, but I maintain that faith in this world is perfectly possible without faith in another world."

- Rosalind Franklin, letter to her father

(Note that Rosalind basically set Watson up for modeling DNA, but he gave her no credit.)

Brad: good point about the book! Although, Feynman? Really? Alright, in quotable form I can take him, but by and large he’s not my favorite anti-God writer/thinker on the planet. He seems to contradict himself too often…as your chosen quotes indicate. But I have to say that as much of my “faith” is tied up in doubt as it is in belief. It is not a purely atheistic point of view.