cantata
Queer non-theist, with added jam.
- Feb 20, 2007
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Please excuse me, LoudAtheist, if I may just try to rephrase what you've said to make clear the question I think you are asking, and the reasoning behind the question:
StrongAtheist implies (and I agree) that belief is of little value if it cannot conceivably be changed. Most Christians will cite evidence in favour of the existence of God, but they do not agree that the falsification of this evidence would result in changing their beliefs. I don't think you can fairly have it both ways; if evidence supports your claim, you must also accept that some evidence, even if we don't actually have it, could theoretically count against your claim.
(Someone will probably say that it is impossible to prove a negative. Of course, this is true - but I'm not talking about proof in the total, mathematical sense. I'm talking about reasonable doubt.)
If evidence does not play a role in the Christian's belief that God exists, then what does? Faith, you say? But then, why have faith in this and not that? Why have faith that God exists, and not that jam sandwiches are plotting to take over the world? If evidence does not play a part in your beliefs, you have no reason to accept one faith-based claim over another.
So, StrongAtheist's question, as I see it:
As a Christian, do you, the reader, believe that there is any evidence which could be presented to you which would persuade you that God does not exist? If you do not, how do you justify your belief?
StrongAtheist implies (and I agree) that belief is of little value if it cannot conceivably be changed. Most Christians will cite evidence in favour of the existence of God, but they do not agree that the falsification of this evidence would result in changing their beliefs. I don't think you can fairly have it both ways; if evidence supports your claim, you must also accept that some evidence, even if we don't actually have it, could theoretically count against your claim.
(Someone will probably say that it is impossible to prove a negative. Of course, this is true - but I'm not talking about proof in the total, mathematical sense. I'm talking about reasonable doubt.)
If evidence does not play a role in the Christian's belief that God exists, then what does? Faith, you say? But then, why have faith in this and not that? Why have faith that God exists, and not that jam sandwiches are plotting to take over the world? If evidence does not play a part in your beliefs, you have no reason to accept one faith-based claim over another.
So, StrongAtheist's question, as I see it:
As a Christian, do you, the reader, believe that there is any evidence which could be presented to you which would persuade you that God does not exist? If you do not, how do you justify your belief?
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