For this 1000th post,I would like to recap the ones that deal with the question of whether there exists a God who can intervene in history. Now the existence of such a God does not prove Christianity is true. But if there is such a God, the obvious place to look for Him is where it is claimed He has revealed Himself. And if we believe that evidence indicates there is such a God, we will examine the claims of these faiths in a different way than we would if we start with the conclusion there is no God.
1. We must avoid certain too simple counter arguments. (see, see, see)
2. Science does not prove there is not a God who intervenes in the world.(see, see, see)
3. The idea that there is no such thing as truth does not make sense.(see, see, see)
4. The natural world cannot be explained without God.(see, see, see)
5. Meaningful thought requires that there is something which transcends the mere physical universe. (see, see, see)
6. The existence of morality requires a Lawgiver. (see, see, see)
7. The existence of Christianity requires more than just a naturalistic explanation. (see)
Love these points Mike! Have you had much of a chance to discuss with atheists or agnostics. I have had many and am convinced that folks simply ignore the points that you make here. And these days I find that I am not too interested in talking to people who simply want to argue. Not that I will stop arguing with you. ツ
ReplyDeleteI have talked to a number of atheists and agnostics (also I once was an agnostic). I think different one's come from different places and have to be reached differently. I am also convinced nobody is going to be convinced by any argument if they do not want to be convinced. But I do think it can be important in some cases to show there are reasons for believing in God and that it is not simply wishful thinking. It certainly was true in my case. I do not think just presenting the arguments will automatically bring people around. But I do not believe it is futile to present them.
DeleteMy wife's changed life caught my attention and confronted me with my unbelief. Perhaps more atheists/agnostics would take notice if they saw people who were really different than everyone else?
DeleteI know for myself one of my great objections was, "You can't prove it" and I needed the intellectual answers. My wife was the same way. I am convinced different people are impressed by different things and come different ways. I do not want in any way to minimize the value of a changed life. But I think the answer is both/and rather than either/or.
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