It Ain't Easy

Being a skeptic as well as being an atheist has never been easy, but I think it becomes even more difficult if you decide to publicly declare it. It takes a lot more knowledge in order to argue from a skeptical point of view than against one, although it really shouldn't be, it should, in fact be the other way around!

What I encounter again and again in conversations and debates over god or some other pseudoscience, is that despite the other person making the affirmative statement, (there is a god, homeopathy works, etc.) I'm the one that is expected to provide the evidence against whatever is being claimed. The scientific method though, requires that when an affirmative statement is made, the onus of proof is on the person making the claim.

I'm not quite sure how this came about, and complaining about it isn't going to change it, but what this means is that if you're going to try and fight superstition with reason, you're going to have to know more than the average person about whatever subject you're debating and in most cases you'll definitely need to know more than your opponent. You're not going to convince anyone that homeopathy is bunk by simply saying, "Prove it works." More often than not, all you'll get by way of reply is, "well, I believe it does, you tell me why it doesn't." and thus ends the conversation. But if you can bring some facts to the debate, while you most likely won't change their mind, you will hopefully be able to sow some seeds of doubt.

When it comes to religion, it gets even tougher for the skeptic. You have to be really well prepared in order to take on the faithful. Having said that I can see why more people stay quiet about their atheism. Once you've announced your lack of belief, you can expect to be challenged on it, and it can get pretty tiring, I'll admit.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I really enjoy getting into it with people open to an honest debate, and I certainly wouldn't be writing this blog if I didn't welcome trouble.

All I want to say is that if more people come out of the closet with their skepticism and atheism the sooner the burden of proof will switch back to those making irrational claims, rather than us opposing them. But until that time comes, if you're going to be an outspoken skeptic, you best know your stuff.