I just want to address one point here:

You're basically arguing that if you say "The universe is a mystery" or "Some things happen for no reason" or "There is an integral order to the universe" is theism.

I don't totally buy that. It's easy to point at someone and say "Do you think the universe has an all-encompassing order to it? Yeah? Well, then you're a theist." It's easy to label someone instead of deal with their opinions. I don't mean to blame you, as I know you are an intelligent person, but let me post a synopsis of your recent arguments with Dick.

Harv: You're an anti-realist.

Dick: No I'm not.

Harv: Yes you are.

Dick: No I'm not.

Harv: Yes you are.

Dick: No I'm not.

Harv: Yes you are.

I think we spend too much time debating what to call each other rather than pick apart the actual philosophies that lead to those labels. Shouldn't we deal more with the reasons behind the labels instead of trying to paste names on each others' foreheads?

Personally, I would classify theism under belief in a sentient creator. But that's just my interpretation of the label.

• I like labels - yanniru - August 3, 2001 - 09:45 UTC
• Labels can be handy sometimes - aurino - August 3, 2001 - 14:44 UTC
  • A joke - harvey1 - August 3, 2001 - 15:38 UTC
  • As long as we use them instead of them resricting us - stormcrow - August 3, 2001 - 15:54 UTC
• Yes you are, no I'm not - harvey1 - August 3, 2001 - 16:04 UTC