If it's not satire, it's just wit that probably goes right over the heads of people who are likely to chop his head off.
Sorry - forgot to compliment you on your elitism there. Nice job!
Here's a suggestion: review the thread and you should get tons of chuckles. How many dozens of clever jokes have gone right over my little non-atheist peon head, of course I cannot say. But you'll see them, surely.
Here's a suggestion, actually make an argument instead of insults.
Oh? That wasn't elitism? Forgive me if I did not recognize it as satire.
I've been completely honest with you about Voltaire and my reasons for not taking his argument seriously. I've explained my reasons why his "argument" falls flat for me, and why I don't think that he was being completely serious in presenting an argument.
More satire?
See how this game works? Makes communication pretty much a waste of time.
Anyone who took the link will recognize that it's not a work of satire. Yes, it has humourous elements; no, that does not mean it is disingenuous.
And again, so what? The argument is the topic, not the false prophet himself. If Voltaire wanted to craft a defective argument, he certainly knew how. He produced example after example, some of which are still being repeated. If this particular argument is an example, it should not be difficult to tackle it.
I'm also completely serious that I don't think that Voltaire was seriously criticizing atheists, but was doing this only half-heartedly, with his usual French wit, in order to deflect charges that he might have been an atheist himself, and to draw heat away from his Deism. And, yes, I think he does manage to trick some people into thinking that he's making a strong argument. If that is "elitist", so be it.
Fantasy and history are not the same thing. What concern is it of mine the extent to which you're willing to imagine things in order to puff up your arrogance?
If you have a problem with my interpretation of Voltaire, perhaps you should explain in your own words what you think Voltaire's argument is and why you think it is so strong. Prove me wrong.
eudaimonia,
Mark
Prove you wrong? You need to start your own thread, and the burden of proving your fantasy shall be your own. "Instead, he really meant x" is not the default starting interpretation of any text - not even that of a known liar.
I've already said a thing or two, as the readership is aware. I think one of the best ways to prove an argument strong is to present it for criticism, particularly in the case where some present are hostile to the conclusion.
Judging by that standard, Voltaire's lookin' strong as ever.