--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Logically, this kind of atheism did not…" description: "\"“Logically, this kind of atheism did not prove that there was no God… On the contrary, Southwell was typical in placing the onus probandi on those who ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/edward-royle-141962_atheist_logically-this-kind-of-atheism-did-not-p_1729270.jpg" --- # Logically, this kind of atheism did not prove that there… ![“Logically, this kind of atheism did not prove that there was no God… On the contrary, Southwell was typical in placing the onus probandi on those who affirmed the existence of God and Holyoake regarded himself as an atheist only in his inability to believe what the churches would have him believe…” quote by Edward Royle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/edward-royle-141962_atheist_logically-this-kind-of-atheism-did-not-p_1729270.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/edward-royle-141962_atheist_logically-this-kind-of-atheism-did-not-p_1729270.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/edward-royle-141962_atheist_logically-this-kind-of-atheism-did-not-p_1729270.jpg) > ““Logically, this kind of atheism did not prove that there was no God… On the contrary, Southwell was typical in placing the onus probandi on those who affirmed the existence of God and Holyoake regarded himself as an atheist only in his inability to believe what the churches would have him believe. They were content to show that the Christian concept of the supernatural was meaningless, that the arguments in its favor were illogical, and that the mysteries of the universe, insofar as they were explicable, could be accounted for in material terms.”” Edward Royle ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Atheism can shift the burden of proof to believers, questioning supernatural claims and favoring material explanations. **In simple terms:** Atheists often demand proof from believers, favoring materialism. Key Takeaway Consider who holds the evidential burden. Themes philosophy religion logic materialism Mood analytical skeptical Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - debates - academic lectures - personal belief assessment Key Concepts burden of proof skepticism naturalism Questions to Reflect On - How does burden of proof affect belief? - Can materialism fully explain human experience? A Different Perspective Materialist view may overlook personal experiences of the sacred. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Atheist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheist/) [Belief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/belief/) [Existence of god](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence-of-god/) [Freethinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freethinker/) [Freethinkers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freethinkers/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Logic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/logic/) [Materialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/materialism/) [Meaning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meaning/) [Mystery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mystery/) [Naturalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/naturalism/) [Supernatural](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/supernatural/) ## Related quotes > [Freethinkers are generally those who never think at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-sterne/freethinkers-are-generally-those-who-never-think-at-all/) [Laurence Sterne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-sterne/) > [ And so \[my brother\] Gilbert and I, brought up without a formal religion, remained throughout our lifetimes just what Father was, freethinkers. 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