You know, the funny thing is, John C. Wrong, that plenty of philosophers might argue that free will does NOT actually exist. If you think about it, how many of our “choices” are formed by events that have already occured and cannot be changed anymore? Not to mention by our current emotional state and such? Can you TRULY make any choice you want at any given time?
But even so, I’d like to once again point out that you’re argueing from a NIHILIST perspective(*), not an Atheist one. I mean, I’m an Atheist yes, but I’m NOT a Nihilist. I’m an Existentialist instead, as I’ve argued plenty of times before. The difference is that while I agree with Nihilists that the Universe is inherently without purpose, justice, and compassion, that only makes it all the more important and meaningful that we DO create these things ourselves.
Sure, “love” may be just chemicals in the brain instead of some “sentient cosmic force", but that doesn’t make it any less real to those who experience it.
We’re ALL born without (pre-determined) purpose, live without reason, and die without meaning. So just enjoy what you do have and try to make the best of it instead of walloping in Despair. We’re all free to either give our own lives meaning and keep living, or to just fall down and give up and die. I know which I prefer…
(*)And frankly, your belief that without an Almighty being telling us what to do then our lives are utterly meaningless and we might as well die in despair makes you FAR more of a Nihilist than ANY Atheist.
I hope I’m making it clear what I mean, as this is a topic I’m very religious about even though I’m not always able to articulate my thoughts on it as easily. I’m just tired of Nihilistic Fundies projecting their own beliefs on Atheists instead.
