TreesNightly

I�ve been observing and taking part in on-line arguments regarding the existence of God for three years now. These interactions should be evaluated primarily by the value of their content, but I�ve also noticed a trend in their civility. Atheists, on average, are more douchy than theists. I don�t like admitting that the stereotype of the angry atheist is more often fulfilled than not, but I can�t deny it...and neither can I condemn it. Unlike most theists, atheists don�t have an obligation to a doctrine of charity. We can be mean without being hypocritical, but should we? My answer used to be a resounding �no.� Now, while I maintain the personal choice of �playing nice,� I can�t slight others for getting their hands dirty. Reason is only one way to affect hearts and minds, shame is another.  Bullying can work to deter others from adopting the subject of the abuse--which should be the erroneous belief and not the believer. I try to change minds, but I�ve seen that some people simply...

After so many discussions with internet apologists, I decided to engage a "name brand." The following is an exchange I had with Ray Comfort, who is, no exaggeration, the least effectual apologist I've ever met. The point I tried to illustrate was that, while one may have belief in the Christian God, it is impossible to have certain knowledge of him.  The blue text is me . The red is Mr. Comfort . Shortly after telling his followers that they can only assume God is real... We don't assume there is a God, we KNOW that God exists.? You believe that you know God exists.? No, I KNOW God exists. That's impossible.? "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20, KJV).? It's impossible to know that the bible is valid, so the bible saying that the bible is valid or that God is real is worthless.? ...

The simplified presentation of a straight forward theist: "I have faith in God." The simplified presentation of an apologetic theist: "I have faith in somethin g else that makes God a necessity ." Examples of "something else" include, but aren't limited to: A universe that could only be created by an external agency. Complex life that could only be intelligently designed. Objective and absolute moral values that exist in some way independent from those who value them. An external meaning for life/existence/them personally. Apologetics isn't so much a defense of faith, just a displacement of it.?