Hello! While Doug claims to offer the first evangelical response to Sam Harris, my book Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point has been available on Amazon and B&N for almost a month. Nevertheless, we're here to dialogue and it seems Mike and Doug are my team mates in this endeavor.
I come to the table offering a background in the hard sciences as well as a Christian theological perspective. So… any questions or comments that may seem appropriate for me… fire away!
Since I have taken the time to write my views in my book, you may wish to avail yourself of a copy and then fire away.
I may also chime in under their topic headings if the discussion warrants.
I suppose the first two questions would have to be:
1. What is the evidence for the existence of god? Describe the evidence, explain your conclusions based on that evidence, and discuss alternate explanations (if any exist).
2. What is the evidence that, if we assume god exists, it is the God of Abraham? Specifically, I’d like to know (a) the specific evidence for Yahweh’s existence and (b) the specific evidence on which your rejection of Zeus, Thor, Poseidon, Ra, and all possible other gods is based. If possible, discuss why you have rejected each other god (i.e. why did you reject Zeus? Why did you reject Ra?, etc). A related question would be, given that you clearly accept Yahweh, why are the teachings of Judaism or Islam unacceptable to you?
Yes, those are the questions, edgy. Congratulations for having identified them. You get demerits, however, for acting as if these questions have never been asked before. Welcome to the Forums; go forth and multiply.
[quote author=“Salt Creek”]Yes, those are the questions, edgy. Congratulations for having identified them. You get demerits, however, for acting as if these questions have never been asked before. Welcome to the Forums; go forth and multiply.
I am aware that they have been asked before; I wasn’t trying to be cheeky. Sorry if it came off that way (first post and all…bad etiquette).
[quote author=“edge100”]Is it possible to give a “rhetorical” answer?
The question is, is it possible to give a useful “rhetorical” answer? Otherwise, you’re just trying to prove a point. The point at the top of your head.
The question is, is it possible to give a useful “rhetorical” answer? Otherwise, you’re just trying to prove a point. The point at the top of your head.
From here forward, I am going to assume anyone posting from a “Christian theological perspective”, especially with any bells and whistles, is not only delusional, but demented as well, until that person demonstrates otherwise.
There is just no percentage in reasoning with Christians, especially those who are enthusiastic enough to visit an atheist forum and beard us with their “perspectives”. I am now, more than ever, convinced that there is, indeed, “nothing new under the sun”.
Why don’t they just stay home and stick to their knitting?
From here forward, I am going to assume anyone posting from a “Christian theological perspective”, especially with any bells and whistles, is not only delusional, but demented as well, until that person demonstrates otherwise.
That would require that they extend the same courtesty to me that I extend to them.
If they expect me to respond to their belief in Chrisitianity and its God, then they should be willing to respond to my belief in Superman.
If they expect me to seriously discuss the Bible, then they should be willing to seriously discuss Superman Comics.
I am willing to discuss the role of Jesus to his disciples, as long as they are willing to discuss the role of Superman to Lois Lane.
I promise to take their belief as seriously as they take mine.
