This morning, I noticed an exchange between Angry Grasshopper and Ron H. on my blog regarding the nature of evidence for theism. I have excerpted the relevant bits below, but you can read the fuller exchange starting here. After that, I’ll offer my own comments. Angry Grasshopper: “I don’t reject ‘mere’ theism because it doesn’t […]
belief
On the claim that believing God exists of necessity is “defining God into existence”
For the second time in as many days an atheist has tweeted me with the charge that asserting God exists of necessity is “defining God into existence.” Here is the most recent example, the amiable Shane McKee: So the theist merely defines God into existence? This is sloppy. — Shane McKee (@shanemuk) October 30, 2017 […]
Is it technically morally wrong to proselytize for something other than the true religion?
I encountered the question this morning in a tweet from Counter Apologist: Question for Theists: Is it technically morally wrong to proselytize for something other than the true religion? — Counter Apologist (@CounterApologis) August 25, 2017 Point One In response, the first point I made is that proselytization is simply the act of attempting to […]
Atheist tweets on faith: A response to Justin Schieber
The other day I came across this tweet from Justin Schieber in my twitter feed: First off, let me say that this is a good tweet: pithy and provocative, so much so that it’s apparently worth two blog posts. That’s right, two! So let’s get started. And let’s make that start on a positive note […]
Belief and Doubt in the 21st Century
On March 8, 2015 I sat down with Justin Schieber for an evening of discussion on “Belief and Doubt in the 21st Century.” The event was hosted by Dr. Ralph Korner and Taylor Seminary. I’ve included the video below and an audio version just below that for those who prefer an mp3. As an added […]
Belief and Doubt in the Twenty-First Century is Coming! (March 8th)
Here’s the poster for my upcoming dialogue with Justin Schieber on March 8th. Thanks to Justin for putting this fine poster together.
A faith once lost is hard to find again
One of my readers, blank slate, offered a skeptical response to my essay “Why a perfect God might have hardened Pharaoh’s heart“. In reply, Mr. slate wrote: “The corresponding passage in Romans (which, after all, gives the “inspired” interpretation of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart) speaks of vessels of wrath destined for destruction — it can’t be plausibly argued that […]
“I just have faith?” How atheists go wrong in understanding the concept of faith
This week Justin Brierley read some of the many responses to last week’s debate between Tim McGrew and Peter Boghossian. One of those responses caught my attention and I’m going to address it here. The response was from an atheist who reported that in his experience when he asks Christians for evidence for their beliefs, […]
Is belief in God rational? My Reasonable Doubts debate with Chris Hallquist
Just over a year ago I did my first debate with Reasonable Doubts. The debate was on the nativity with Jonathan Pearce and is available for viewing here: That debate was such a smashing success 🙂 that I was invited back for another debate. The topic was the rationality of theism and my debating opponent […]
Snapshots from Baltimore (Part 2): The perpetually missing thirteenth floor
Twenty-first century North Americans would like to think of ourselves as enlightened, rational people. And yet, I cannot remember staying in a hotel with a thirteenth floor that was willing to admit the fact. So here’s the elevator button panel at the Hilton Baltimore where I’m currently staying. Sure enough, as usual there’s no thirteenth […]
The abuse of reason (or, why rationality requires a context)
My recent critique of Reasonable Doubts prompted Counter Apologist to pose the following question: “On your view, would nothing be classified as “stupid” or “irrational”, or is it only religious belief?” Wait a minute. How did we get to this question from my position? I objected to the categorical characterization of major Christian beliefs as “clearly […]
Mock beliefs, not people?
In my essay “Laughing at Fundamentalists?” I critiqued John Loftus and Keith Parsons for advocating ridicule or mockery of those they call “fundamentalists”. In response a few commenters advocated mocking beliefs rather than the people that hold them. And how’s that supposed to work? Skeptic Sam (trying unsuccessfully to stifle a snicker): “Do you seriously […]
Wildly improbable? Some background reading
For those interested in some background reading for my article “How to confound Christians with bad arguments: #4 Believe what is probable, not merely possible” I recommend my two-part critique of John Loftus’ essay “Christianity is wildly improbable,” titled “The End of Christianity? (Part 4)” and “John W. Loftus and a Swede named Mario“. Those […]
Should Christians hedge their bets?
The other day I was speaking about doubt to a group of Christians. During the discussion that followed one lady said that while she was a Christian, she thought that even if Christianity is false and reincarnation is true, that her current belief system would put her in good stead with the law(s) of reincarnation. […]
