Subject:
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Re: Problems with Christianity
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Fri, 15 Dec 2000 18:46:56 GMT
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Viewed:
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386 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Jon Kozan writes:
> David:
> I hate to be so simplistic. But you've certainly written a great deal...
> and that deserves a response.
Well-- I hope not! My writing a lot should only inspire response if you
think it's worty of responding to :)
If you'd like to respond, feel free. Really, the point is to try and allow
others to learn from me, and to allow myself to learn from others who
respond. But I'm not actively looking to get a response, as I'm rather
convinced that no new or major issues will be brought to light. As in the
scientific method, I present my theory for critique. I won't think it's
wrong until I have reason to believe so, and I don't. If you have reason,
then, in the intrests of making progress (for you or me), you should voice
them where relevant. And really, I'm doing this to be confident in my view.
I'm purposefully exposing it to attack to test its validity. If it doesn't
get attacked, I'm likely to go on believing it. Likewise if I've already
predicted the attacks-- some of which I tried to bring up in my post...
> However, a point by point response is probably inappropriate, not to mention
> exhausting, and would require more time than I certainly have available right
> now.
Very true. I don't expect a paragraph by paragraph response to what I wrote.
But I did try and show what specific points I had so that if you objected to
one of them, you could do so without having to reference the whole thing. I
suppose I could re-evaluate it.
Problem 1: Objectivity vs. Subjectivity
(Scientific method vs. Religious/Faith method)
1A: Does God exist?
1B: Is there an afterlife in the form of Heaven/Hell?
Problem 2: Specific conflicting points in Christianity?
(this doesn't REALLY fit with problem 1)
2A: Why is Jesus/the Bible/etc significant?
2B: (probably more)
Problem 3: Morality (the big one... for me)
3A: How is morality defined?
3B: Is morality universal?
As stated, if you're going to respond at all, at least respond to 3. I can
envision problems 1 and 2 having plausible answers that I can't logically
find fault with and may therefore, by my own definitons, concede to be
possible. But the morality thing... good luck.
> But, I can recommend a book that approaches the subject, admittedly from a
> Chistian perspective, but does so in some length, taking on each perspective
> of athiests et al. and countering with the theist position. It attempts to
> address the atheist positions as strongly as possible so as to not minimize
> the strengths and value that such agruments present for the theist.
>
> If you're interested, just email...
Admittedly, not really. For now, I don't have any doubts whatsoever with my
own version of the system. And I'm extremely doubtful that such a book would
provide me with any new or devastating (to my beliefs) points that would
make me change my mind. To be blunt, at the risk of sounding conceited, I
don't think it'd be worth my time, nor do I see the possibility for a real
debate on the issues. Suppose it doesn't address my points? Suppose I have a
counter point to their counter point? Can I be sure that ALL my concerns
will be addressed? At least here I can debate dynamically. If I had any
doubts about my beliefs at present, I'd be a lot more willing to explore
further-- but honestly, I feel pretty steadfast in my convictions...
DaveE
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Problems with Christianity
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| David: I hate to be so simplistic. But you've certainly written a great deal... and that deserves a response. However, a point by point response is probably inappropriate, not to mention exhausting, and would require more time than I certainly have (...) (24 years ago, 15-Dec-00, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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