The burden of proof is on the person who claims something exists. It is impossible to prove that anything doesn't exist - I could say that there's an invisible angel watching my every move, who only talks to me and makes good things happen in my life. Can you prove that that's not true? No, it's impossible.
If you claim something is the truth, the burden of evidence is always upon yourself. Asking other people to prove something doesn't exist is futile. If you think it's there, either you have to be able to admit that there is no solid evidence and your belief is based upon subjective circumstances, or you have to produce actual evidence.
Most people with religious beliefs are unable to do either. They can't produce evidence, but they also won't admit that their beliefs are no more backed up by evidence than any other mythological stories.
Also in regards to where you're raised affecting your religion more than anything else - I agree with Tim, if any of us had been born in a Muslim country then would we be Buddhists, Atheists or Christians? No, you're far more likely to be Muslim. If your religion is based almost entirely on where you born, then that suggests that whatever the truth is, people don't come to it through critical analysis and study, they are either born into it or are surrounded by it in their culture.
If you claim something is the truth, the burden of evidence is always upon yourself. Asking other people to prove something doesn't exist is futile. If you think it's there, either you have to be able to admit that there is no solid evidence and your belief is based upon subjective circumstances, or you have to produce actual evidence.
Most people with religious beliefs are unable to do either. They can't produce evidence, but they also won't admit that their beliefs are no more backed up by evidence than any other mythological stories.
Also in regards to where you're raised affecting your religion more than anything else - I agree with Tim, if any of us had been born in a Muslim country then would we be Buddhists, Atheists or Christians? No, you're far more likely to be Muslim. If your religion is based almost entirely on where you born, then that suggests that whatever the truth is, people don't come to it through critical analysis and study, they are either born into it or are surrounded by it in their culture.
