Atheists, do you (1) -- "believe" evolution is truth or (2) -- "know" (with no doubt and never, ever change your mind) evolution is truth?

Question

Atheists, do you (1) -- "believe" evolution is truth or (2) -- "know" (with no doubt and never, ever change your mind) evolution is truth?

Answer 1

1

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I accept evolution the same way I accept other sensible concepts like REM sleep, mathematics, the sun is hot, etc.



There has been no counter-argument strong enough to change my mind. But, as with anything, if a new piece of information proves that everything we've learned about the topic thus far is wrong, then I am in no way denying that proof. For example, we believed my brother's dad was dead, but a DNA test proved that his real father wasn't the dead guy. It was an, "ah, wow, okay" kind of process for all of us. It was acceptance.



The theory of evolution is not merely a tradition that is fueled by emotion, ⇒ meaningful, ⇒ therefore a "truth". When I apply the word "truth", it should stand up to every bit of knowledge available, objective, not of opinion. I don't think theism fits that description. Then again, sometimes the truth is not obtainable and we have to go by what fits into the mold of reason.

Answer 4

there is absolutely no question that life has evolved over the history of the earth. The why is the only thing worthy of questioning. Evolution is a fact, and it is such an obvious fact, people a few hundred years ago started discussing the history of life as an "evolution". It is not a case of someone invented the idea and then sought proof; the exact reverse is what happened. People thought life had always been what it is now and only when they looked, did they realize that it wasn't.



You don't discuss the evolution of something that never changed, and you sure as heck don't ask why it so obviously changed if it did not.

Answer 5

First off I get so tired of saying this: atheism has nothing to do with Evolution.



I don't think the options you give are the only legitimate answers.



I accept that Evolution has and does occur based on the massive preponderance of evidence. Just as I accept the existence of atoms or the heliocentric model of the solar system.



In science of course, one can never claim anything dogmatically. There is always a chance - no matter how small - that new evidence will emerge that is better explained by a new hypothesis. A theory can never be proven right only proven wrong.



That being said in the case of Evolution that seems about as likely as a new hypothesis replacing the sun centered model of the solar system. Evolution, after all, has been observed.



So, with your two choices: two is never an option for me. Not for Evolution or anything else. I can't "know" anything with that level of certainty.



Choice one is simply not how I would use the word "believe". I would use "belief" for a moral code or political ideology I would not say "I believe in gravity".



I hope that helps.

Answer 6

I know, without doubt, that the Theory of Evolution is currently, by far, the best and most accurate explanation anyone has managed to come up with for the existence of many trillions of independent facts and observations about the universe around us - specifically, about the history of life on Earth. I accept that, like all scientific theories, the explanation is only as good as the available evidence, and so I acknowledge that discoveries could be made tomorrow, or next week, or in a hundred years, that will cause us to reevaluate and tweak the theory to account for them. This process leads to a deeper, better, and more accurate theory. That said, I also understand that the amount of evidence that is currently supporting and explained by evolution is staggering. It is a far more heavily studied and often-challenged theory than any other idea in the history of human thought, which has allowed us to make it far more robust than any other idea. I realize that the likelihood of the theory one day being shown to be substantively incorrect is astronomically small - far less than that of me winning the lottery every day for the rest of my life.



On the flip side, I also understand that the evidence DOES allow us to conclusively, beyond a doubt, REJECT a whole host of alternative hypotheses, such as spontaneous generation, Lamarckism, and standard creationism. Science may not be capable of declaring a final and complete Truth, but it DOES routinely conclusively disprove bad ideas.

Answer 7

It is clear both from some of the answers and some of the respondents that this question did not start out in this forum. As it may again be moved I will add that as I write it is in the Biology sub-forum. Another good reason for knowing where this started is the opening pejorative, which demonstrates the depth of ignorance of the person who posed this question. The term atheist is not a synonym for scientist therefore posing this question to atheists would be like me expecting all theists to have an expert opinion on how to tune a violin. (I am conscious of the fact that many theists may claim such expertise, without possessing it, like they do on so many other matters.)



I shall first dispense with number two in the list. That is a stance found predominantly, and almost exlusively, among theists. It is true that individual scientists may be loathe to give up a hypothesis they have devoted their career, and often their life, to developing but science is greater than any individual and so the truth always prevails.



As for number one that is our current position. Evolution is so widely supported by such a large corpus of evidence with no falsifying evidence that it would be as irrational to deny its veracity as to reject reality. Science is healthily sceptical and always testing knowledge. In fact that ability to falsify evolution would make one as famous as, and probably more famous than Darwin, earn them a Nobel Prize and quite a healthy sum of money. Therefore, there is some considerable incentive to falsify evolution. The question that is relevant is will it ever happen.



May be in 200 years with the advances in technology in the lifetime of many of us our knowledge and skills will be so far advanced be our imaginations that evolution will be falsified. I and no reputable science thinks it will happen. There is just too much evidence and it is too strong. Part of the reason for the evidence is because so many people call it into doubt. No one tries any more to produce evidence that matter is formed from atoms or that pathogens cause infective disease. But, evidence for evolution is still deliberately sought in a never ending cycle of trying to satisfy its critics. So those who believe evolution is not true and are vociferous about it are to be thanked for the huge corpus of evidence supporting this theory.

Answer 8

Natural selection is a proven fact, beyond a shadow of a doubt. That and whether there's some sort of God, either as energy itself, which cannot be created or destroyed it only changes form, or perhaps something hiding behind it somewhere, are two separate things. The Genesis story, the literal truth of the bible has been disproven so many times now, it's not worth arguing, yet a third of Americans say they believe in the literal truth of the bible, even though most of it was written by the same people who nailed Jesus to a cross for turning over their money tables and calling them liars and thieves.

Answer 9

I guess when you say 'believe' I think there are emotions involved, and that's not a conviction of heart, but how I would interpret an opinion that evolution is true.

But the part about knowing is that the facts, the things about natural selection, make me continue with just a little more confidence and a solid center of gravity, (which I must tell you is a completeness that absolutely enforces the balance of a more personal understanding.)

Answer 10

I have no idea about atheists.



I KNOW for sure that the Church had accepted evolution as a fact, even before Charles Darwin entered the seminary as a student (he wanted to become an Anglican Parson, thus making him a perfect atheist in your eyes).



Charles learned about evolution in a course called Natural Theology, using a manual with the same title.

At the time, of course, it was thought (and taught) that evolution was directly guided by God.

What Darwin did, much later in his career, was to propose an explanation (a theory) about how evolution COULD proceed without the need for direct divine intervention.

THAT is the part that annoyed a lot of people back then (including Darwin himself, of course).

Darwin proposed that evolution could be the result of environmental pressures acting on the probability of survival of slightly different divergences in a given species.



Since then, scientists have been trying to prove his theory wrong... and they have been failing.



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Therefore, I can't speak for atheists. As a true Christian, I can only accept that if my Church accepted evolution as a fact over 200 years ago, then I would need very solid evidence if I were to go around claiming evolution does not exist.

Answer 11

The burden of proof is on the person with the claim.

Belief has nothing to do with it.

New evidence is found and presented every day about evolution.

The same can't be said about god.

Although I am not sure if proving evolution to be true actually proves god doesn exist. I am a Christian and am also a free thinker, so for me just because it can be explained it doesn't mean that it lacks Devine influence.

Answer 12

why are people so ate up over ateists a person can say anything on here in respose to your question they can do the same thing if you discuss this with them face to face so do you really get a real live atheist who doesn't believe. Why don't you ask this question If your an atheist do you just not believe or do you hate God too. see cause there are also a lot of evil wicked people in the world. for example remember back when those preisets raped those young boys "priests" raping young innocent impressionable boys a man of God raping them. Is this a person that believes in God or working against God

Answer 13

Why are you asking atheists? Biologists are a better choice, like Kenneth Miller who is one the most famous cell biologists in the United States that not only accepts evolution to be a fact of life but is also a devout catholic.



Just because someone is an atheist doesn't make them smart in biology.



What science does it creates a model based on data, such as Newtonian physics. Later someone might find that Newton was wrong (such as Einstein) and the model gets recreated and science will realign it's views accordingly. This is the exact opposite of what we see in religion. Theists will almost never realign their views.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re4zVcRgTz0

Answer 14

A Simple Proof...... ....... and .… God does not lie.



Look at the issue of population. In 1804 there were 1 billion people,

in 2012 there were 7b, and in 2024 it will be 8b, and in 2048 it will be 9b.

That means it only took 208 years for the population to go from 1 to 7 billion.



Working forward from the accepted date for Adam & Eve (about 6000 years

ago) there should be 2.2 Trillion people. We all know that did not happen.



OK, add in Noah's Ark with about 7+billion lost in flood. From 6 people (Noah's 3 son's and

wives) over 4000 years it works out to 7 billion+ today.



These SIMPLE facts (dates and numbers that have already happened) are ignored by evolutionist,

they want us to believe that our ancestors have been around about 1 million years (do the math).

Google the facts.



Even with all this some will not believe



Luke 16:31

But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”



Proof of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3J2mtlpjJ0&feature=youtu.be

Answer 15

*1st off God doesn't believe in atheists because God knows lliterally everything.

2nd God doesn't evolve, change, adapt or anything but that sure doesn't take anything away from what already has happened to God. Evolution is how we have been able to describe what we have pieced together and observed through adaption and carbon datinng. Everything has already happened for God since time isn't relative, tangable or physical. People who know evolution as fact but also understand evolution never claimed anything that gives an ounce of credence to atheism accept it as the best theory that has been tested and verified from scientists who believe in God and who don't believe in God for over 100 years.

Answer 16

I accept that, like all scientific theories, the explanation is only as good as the available evidence, and so I acknowledge that discoveries could be made tomorrow, or next week, or in a hundred years, that will cause us to reevaluate and tweak the theory to account for them. This process leads to a deeper, better, and more accurate theory. That said, I also understand that the amount of evidence that is currently supporting and explained by evolution is staggering. It is a far more heavily studied and often-challenged theory than any other idea in the history of human thought, which has allowed us to make it far more robust than any other idea. I realize that the likelihood of the theory one day being shown to be substantively incorrect is astronomically small - far less than that of me winning the lottery every day for the rest of my life.

Answer 17

Which extremist sect or cult indoctrinated you to believe that God was not clever enough to use the big bang, evolution and science as his tools?



The Pope, Catholic Church, Church of England and mainstream churches all accept the big bang and evolution!



Lord Carey the former Archbishop of Canterbury put it rather well – “Creationism is the fruit of a fundamentalist approach to scripture, ignoring scholarship and critical learning, and confusing different understandings of truth”!



Nice that Christians and atheists can agree and laugh together but sadly at God’s expense!

Answer 18

After every mass extinction new species sprang up...We know that for a FACT because we have EVIDENCE of their existence, and we know about when they went extinct. There are two ways to explain this: One, the new species 'evolved' from the remaining gene pool, or 'God' simply created new species out of the 'dust of the Earth'. However, if that were the case wouldn't the 'Bible' have said so? In fact, the Good Book never even mentioned these extinctions...except for Noah's flood, though in that case nothing actually was extincted...not dinosaurs, not cave bears, not dire wolves, not saber toothed cats...they all were safely aboard the Ark and live among us today...except they don't! Now with of these stories should I believe? You tell me!

Answer 19

Interesting phrasing, but as many have clearly pointed out, evooution is a theory well supported by current comparative information. A theory however is not truth, but a hypothesis based evidence from the existing and modifying information.

Personally, if one s religious beliefs interfere with scientifically based and gathered evidence and information, then the scope of one s diety would appear to be your limitation.

Most late medieval and rennaissance scientists believed accurate science was a means of learning the minfd of god, not denying or limiting it.

Answer 20

"Believe :

To believe is to give his assent to a proposition which is held to be true without having the objective certainty of its truth. This is an opinion.



"When assent is sufficient only from the subjective point of view, and is insufficient from the objective point of view, it is called belief." Kant





Know :

To know is to give his assent to a proposition by having the objective certainty of its truth. This certainty is linked to validation procedures that can be justified.

Knowledge is knowing why one knows (justification in principle shareable, therefore universal claim). "



So I KNOW evolution is true.



Podarcis siculus is an example.



Looks to me you have a problem with "validation procedure" in science. Let me explain some things :

Dreams are not evidence.

Wishful thinking is not evidence.

Logical fallacies are not evidence.

Personal revelation is not evidence.

Illogical conclusions are not evidence.

Disproved statements are not evidence.

Unsubstantiated claims are not evidence.

Hallucinations/delusions are not evidence.

Information that is ambiguous is not evidence.

The Universe doesn't care what you believe in.

Data that requires a certain belief is not evidence.

Information that cannot be verified is not evidence.

Information that cannot be falsified is not evidence.

Experiments with inconclusive results are not evidence.

Information that is only knowable by a privileged few is not evidence.

Experiments that are not and cannot be duplicated by others are not evidence.

The wonderful thing about science is that it doesn't ask for your faith, only your eyes.

Answer 21

No one can say they 'know' evolution is true as it is just a theory but it seems very plausible. I cannot decide and anyone who is intelligent shouldn't 'decide already' without much evidence as it should take time and a lot of research to form a true answer. It is not good to be ignorant. I see evolution as a very good theory but there could be other explanations so I cannot say.

Answer 22

Everything is a theory, even you. But there are experiments and observations I can do that show that you exist. The same is true for evolution ... the data is overwhelming that the theory of evolution and natural selection is the correct explanation for what we see with regard to life on this planet. That is, the experiments (repeatable) and data like DNA prove evolution is how we ended up with the tree of life we actually observe.

Answer 23

We pretty much know for a fact evolution is the truth, we can see things evolve in front of us. Whether it be plants adapting or athletes changing their bodies to suite their sports. Take the giraffes for example we have bones and left overs from when they had shorter necks but only the ones with long necks survived as the short necked ones couldnt reach the food and so only the tall ones continued to breed.

Answer 24

You committed a mistake: you can be Christian and believe in evolution or know it happened, actually only 30-40% of the Christian population is creationist, so you should be asking "Evolutionists, do you(1)..." Even the catholic pope knows evolution happened

Answer 25

No I don't , the current science indicates that animals on this planet evolve , from the little I have looked into it it seems reasonable , if something comes along and proves it wrong I am all for it , I really don't give a flying dingo kidney either way, I am here now and that's about the extent of my care factor

Answer 26

Do you (1)-- "believe" god is truth or (2)-- "know" (with no doubt and never ever change your mind) God is truth? Well thats done, im not really atheist but i dont know it could be true in might not be i dont really know

Answer 27

I don't think any atheist is as stubborn as many religious people who have said they will not change their opinion on the existence of a god even with proof otherwise. Athiests have seen the theory of evolution and it has the most proof of any current theories so it is the most likely to be correct

Answer 28

Know is a very strong word I would like to avoid using unless there is 100% certainty. I may be an atheist, but I don't accept or reject any incomplete answers or beliefs. I find it ridiculous to claim that you know for a fact about anything related to religion or the earths origins.

Answer 29

the burden of proof is on the person with the claim...

belief has nothing to do with it...

new evidence is found and presented every day about evolution...

the same for the life of me cannot be said about god...

although i am not sure if proving evolution to be true actually proves god doesn exist... i am a christian and am also a free thinker, so for me just 'cause it can be explained it doesn't mean that it lacks devine influence...

Answer 30

I am not an Atheist so I cannot answer as one. I do however have to ask the questions (i) How did man come into being? 2. Where did early mans intelligence come from? It did not come from experience for even experience has to have intelligence.Surely you are not suggesting trial and error for even that requires intelligence. I think that we are in a bit of a pickle here.

Answer 31

There is a creator. I personally believe in God (not that the earth is 20000 years old). I feel that believing isn't any more farfetched than the universe being created from nothing and life started from nothing. The Big Bang seems like bologna.

Answer 32

Frist point, you do not have to be an Atheist to believe in evolution, Second, rational thought favors the scientific viewpoint, but the scientific viewpoint can only answer questions about "how". and not "why".

Answer 33

I am an atheist and I KNOW that evolution is a fact. There are plenty of evidences of it. Genetics, fossils, embryo development, species similarities, and so forth

Answer 34

as far as atheists are concerned the question is stupid and irrelevant



the only relevant question is - do you believe a"god" is responsible for it all?



An atheist? - NO

a theist? - YES



Atheists do not have to believe anything

Atheists dont have to explain how it all came about



ALL they have to do is believe "god" didnt do it



so ends your 1st lesson in "atheism"



2nd lesson

Add this phrase to your vocabulary - "I dont know"



3rd lesson

lets use the phrase you learned in lesson 2



Question - "how did life originate?"

now lets use the phrase

Answer - "I dont know"



your homework

write down a number of questions you cant answer

Now add the phrase as your answer

Answer 35

The overwhelming evidences for evolution of life on earth make perfect sense. The alternatives come up short.

Answer 36

I know it's true. Sadly, there are those humans who shun evolution -- and it shows in their willful ignorance and their contumacious refusal to see what's right in front of them. They would rather rely on "goddidit" than use their brains.

Answer 37

Evolution is the only hypothesis which fits EVERY SINGLE ONE of millions of observations. If any idea was to supercede evolution it would also have to fit every one of these observations. Needless to say nothing has even come close but if it did then of course I would accept it.

Answer 38

You should grow up and realize evolution was thought up to explain the diversity of life.



This was a christian or catholic man that discovered it . and belief in it is not connected to being athiest.



Your belief that god created you is not proof that he exists its just proof you believe he exists



Enjoy your belief i couldnt give two pennies what you belive

Answer 39

Evolution is a fact and I follow the facts so I will always know the truth.

Answer 40

I "understand" a description of the process of natural selection that corresponds with the science we have so far. Not truth.

Answer 41

One need not believe in undeniable reality. I know evolution occurs. Ergo, I know evolution is true.

Answer 42

(2) I "Know" evolution is true, because there is overwhelming scientific evidence in its favor. Mere "Beliefs" have inadequate supporting evidence.

Answer 43

I believe it's true like how we know the sun is hot. But the only thing that would change my mind, is evidence

Answer 44

2) Evolution is a firmly-established scientific fact.

Answer 45

first off second off and third off

the vast universe from atoms of elements and properties that follow

rules everywhere had an origin,that origin was a point,whence bo gravity time,space or particles existed,can something arise from nothing?

no

who made it? how? what preceded the universe?

I am an agnotheist

Answer 46

1:

Take it from an atheist who was once an extremely devout Christian. You cannot know anything. You must assume everything and prevent your ego from blinding you to what may someday prove you wrong.

Answer 47

Option (3) - I trust the evidence that evolution by natural selection probably happened. If evidence were president to the contrary, I would reassess my position.

Answer 48

I believe science is not belief. I believe Natural Selection is a scientific fact and until it can be proved different, I trust it.

Answer 49

Either evolution which has overwhelming evidence supporting it is true or magic Effing Magic!!😂

Answer 50

Hello Everyone

Answer 51

Do you seriously think that there are people in this world who can look you straight in the eye and declare that a fish turned into lizards without laughing? i've always suspected they aren't serious.

Answer 52

Natural selection is the purest form of evolution .

Answer 53

well, why are you asking atheists? biologists are a better choice, like kenneth miller who is one the most famous cell biologists in the united states that not only accepts evolution to be a fact of life but is also a devout catholic...



just 'cause someone is an atheist doesn't make them smart in biology...



what science does it creates a model based on data, such as newtonian physics... later someone might find that newton was wrong (such as einstein) and the model gets recreated and science shall realign it's views accordingly... this is the exact opposite of what we see in religion... theists shall almost never realign their views...

Answer 54

Obviously, Election is truth.

Answer 55

psychology has a concept, as do some religions, that say there is an objective reality, and a subjective reality; these are in balance when they are fused into a single reality.

Answer 56

the overwhelming evidences for evolution of life on earth make perfect sense... the alternatives come up short...

Answer 57

Evolution is observable and verifiable.

Answer 58

Dinosaurs existed 200 million years ago, we have physical proof, just go to your local museum. Jesus? Not so much...

Answer 59

I believe we are 99% stardust and 1% alien overlords/simian DNA. 🤓🐒

Answer 60

Why do you insist upon putting quotation marks around everything?

Answer 61

evolution is not a 'belief'.

Answer 62

what the heck, being a atheist has nothin to do with evolution or homo sapiens

Answer 63

Good

Answer 64

I know, because we have this amazing thing called evidence

Answer 65

Theists, do you believe that your god is so inept that his supreme creation has many design flaws (link)?

Answer 66

Evolution is the only logical answer...

Answer 67

I know it's the truth.

Answer 68

I have faith in evolution.

Answer 69

I have faith based on empirical evidence. You have faith based on make believe.

Answer 70

Isn't it stupid to try to make God non-existent

Answer 71

The evidence is to much to deny. That is all.

Answer 72

Why do you bother asking such stupid questions, troll?

Answer 73

Or maybe, just maybe, none of the above. WHOOPS I BLEW YOUR MIND!

Answer 74

fck you