A Theist and Atheist: Only a Small Space Separates!
I would like to take this post to honor some sites devoted to atheism that I think are respectful and worth looking at. As you can see from my post on An Anti-Response to An Atheist, with 116 comments so far (not even a prize was offered!!), it is entirely possible to have a congenial discussion between people who radically disagree on an issue. I commend all those who took part in the discussion, and some of the atheist writers and I have agreed that we should continue talking. In fact, as one atheist commented:
“This is the first online conversation I’ve observed where both sides actually engaged with each other. It’s also been refreshingly troll-free. That says a lot about the quality of the online community you attract to your blog, David.“
Another wrote to me personally to say,
“I agree that the debate was very interesting and held in a tone of unusual sportsmanship, considering the differing views on display. Both sides are to be commended. I can’t help feeling that if all Christians were like you and your readers, there would be no problem.”
This is a testiment not only to the sincerity of the atheists who did comment on my post, but also to my regular readers, many of whom are members of my church. All are quality people. The fact is that I agree with much of what atheists are saying, such as we are not aware of any scientific proof of the existence of God; that religion has a bad track-record; that religious people often resort to infantile and circular arguments to support their positions; that the brain is an incredibly complex organ which borrows, creates, and stores our beliefs; etc., etc., etc. So I sincerely look forward to some good discussions.
Here are some links to check out:
That’s it for now. I’ve invited these atheist bloggers to link to me. So far a load of bright has agreed. Daylight is thinking about it. We’ll see what happens with the others.
I took this photograph last Sunday. Lisa and I went to the shore and just walked, threw stones, and talked for the afternoon. This small fishing vessel gently dancing in the brilliant sunlight sparkling on the salty sea spoke beauty and peace to me.
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Again, another pic that makes me homesick. I know its a few hundred miles from you ,but it looks the same. I love this picture. There is something different about the way the light dances on the water in the north east. Beautiful.
I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion, it was refreshingly stimulating. I would also agree that many athiest views should not be quickly brushed aside by us Christians. I’d consider myself to be firm in my faith, but there’s no harm in being challenged and some criticisms are valid.
There are no cut and dry answers, but everyone was VERY generous in taking the time to express their point of view. Impressive indeed!
I’ve often pondered belief and why I do. I’ve asked myself why. I have no answer.
It could be because of my upbringing. It could be because of the God-gene. It’s not because I think it will make me a better person because I’ve seen some Christians who would make Hitler proud. It’s not because I want to “miss hell” and “make heaven” because I’m not so sure I believe in either of them.
So why do I believe? I honestly don’t know — maybe I don’t and I think I do.
And I’ll repeat the essence my other comment on the original post here: that conversation was really excellent and thought provoking.
Who was it again that treated religious leaders with utter contempt? Oh yeah - that would be Jesus.
David, your recent posts should be required reading for everyone interested in Christ-like missional action. We so insulate ourselves..
This conversation reminds me of a recent event: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070327/26539_Howard_Stern_Invites_%5C%27Live_Prayer%5C%27_to_His_Studio.htm
It’s refreshing to run into theists with whom it is possible to respectfully disagree without getting involved in a flame war. So often such discussions end up in personal insults and hurt feelings.
In a world where religious extremists are so vocal and sometimes violent, it’s nice to be reminded that their are religious people that seek to uphold the best lessons of their religion, those of tolerance and love for one’s fellow man.
Interesting. A visitor to my blog commented about this discussion and said I should check it out. I have had a couple of positive experiences with Christian blogs - even to the point of writing some material for each others blogs. Finding Christians who are capable and willing to engage in thoughtful discussion is a treat. I will follow this topic with interest.
I’m glad to see there are “discussions” between atheists and theists. Generally the theists I speak with, as you suggested, are caught up in circular reasoning that gets tiresome for someone who wishes only to educate others about the wonders of nature and naturalistic principles. I do however wish to point out that it is doubtful that the future discoveries of science will ever reveal what the various theistic scriptures speak about as truth. The reasonable position I still must insist is an atheistic one. Atheism and even strong atheism is still willing to rest with the evidence regardless where it takes us. On the other hand, I don’t think the position of theists is flexible enough to offer a change of perspective in the face of contradictory evidence, regardless of its merit or significance. Blind faith may provide temporary solace, but it also stifles progress and pluralism in an age where these qualities are the zeitgeist of our time and our future generations. An open mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Sincerely,
Paul
http://TheDancingAtheist.com