You're assuming that the word "believe" means the same to both groups
But it doesn't.

From a scientific perspective, "believe" means that you accept something as the best explanation so far found, because of its explanatory power and consistency with other theories, evidence and hypotheses. But the belief would end the instant that a better explanation is presented, or that experiments proved that it was wrong.

Religious belief is very different. Facts, explanations and consistency are irrelevant; what matters is a) did I read it in the Holy Book or hear it from a Holy Man, and b) does it fit my pre-existing (and inviolate) world-view.

An example is the Turin Shroud: dating tests suggested that it was made in the 14th century*; religious commentators said that this was irrelevant as they persist in their faith that it is a holy relic.

So to say that people believe in the Big Bang is NOT the same as saying that others believe in God or Heaven.

We should really use different words for the two concepts -- but the same is true of many words, such as "energy", "theory" and even "or", which have a subtly different meaning to science than they do in everyday use.

* The point does not depend on this being correct
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 12:33, 1 reply)

Once again, the creator concept and religion are being confused.
Personally, I'd say that the two schools ask very different questions - science asks "How?" and religion asks "Why?"

But as I said, it's just poking fun at militant atheists - you know - the humourless ones that won't allow anyone to think differently to them and shout anyone who does down - like Dawkins and his gang.
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 12:45, closed)

I love the concept of "militant" atheists
I look forward to getting my gun, helmet and uniform any day now
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 13:21, closed)

Indeed.
Quite a lot of religious people feel the same way.
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 13:50, closed)

Well there are plenty of militant religionists
You know, who actually kill people, instead of writing books
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 14:05, closed)

Wasn't Stalin an atheist?

( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 14:22, closed)

Ooh, narrowly avoided a Godwin there
But the pertinent question would be: did he kill people in the name of atheism or communism?
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 14:43, closed)

in the name of being a nutjob

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Tue 18 Jan 2011, 15:02, closed)

both are fine
It's when you start to kill people cos they do not believe in the same god the SAME way. Not even killing a person for having different Jew or Muslim God.

But Jesus lovers killing each other cos a few hundred years ago there was a war about it some such. Die fucker, you don't love Jesus in the correct right way.

nutjobs.
(waxdart hello., Tue 18 Jan 2011, 17:26, closed)