What atheist/agnostic/skeptic thinkers do you follow? (debate, Christians, recall)
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Whatever you like. The bottom line is still 'agnosticism' other than what has been scientifically validated.
I don't think scientifically validated is your major concern. In fact, I think when you need to avoid science that "slows you down" you lessen the need for "strength of evidence.
Otherwise you would say ... base on strength of evidence that is ... Us being in a more complex system is not only validated, but its the motivator for science.
I have read some of the books by atheists. Mostly to find out what they are saying as they are referred to by theists as our spokesmen. I did buy The God Delusion in an airport and found it interesting. Actually read it a couple of times. I already had Gould book The Rock of Ages that argues that science and religion are totally separate realms.
I have read more Dawkins books like the Ancestors Tale and The Greatest Show on Earth but they are not about atheism. I also read a book by Harris but didn't care for it. What I watched or heard from Tyson was about science.
I have probably read more books about creationism and flood geology than about atheism.
The only real reason to read about atheism is to try to understand some of the responds made against theists. I enjoy learning both sides. I also watch some of the clips of the atheists shows, seldom of the ones of atheists calling in as when theists call in some of them make decent points and some show the lack of critical thinking. Atheists call in just to brag about how much atheism is which is a waste of time.
I was an atheist long before I knew about any of the mentioned ones or realized they were too. The only person outside this forum that I have seriously discussed atheism is my wife. She was brought up a weddings and funerals Christian and is well read in Wicca and old myths. She thinks the possibility for a God existing is considerable less than mine.
The God Delusion, God Is Not Great, and The End Of Faith are three of the best books I've ever read in any genre or on any subject. Some of these book-eschewing atheists who commented before you don't know what they're missing
The God Delusion, God Is Not Great, and The End Of Faith are three of the best books I've ever read in any genre or on any subject. Some of these book-eschewing atheists who commented before you don't know what they're missing
sound like you found your holy books to me. The god delusion is the best book ever? Sounds like a Christian describing the bible. The god delusion is ok at best. But I can see people of faith deeply affected by it.
sound like you found your holy books to me. The god delusion is the best book ever? Sounds like a Christian describing the bible. The god delusion is ok at best. But I can see people of faith deeply affected by it.
Philosophy major here. These books fall under that general umbrella. I like the art of logical argument, and in the cases of these three books, the artistry of the writing is admirable. Logic + rhetorical skill + factual enlightenment + entertaining anecdotes (mostly in Hitch's case) + humor = great reads. And these books did in fact help enable/solidify my deconversion from Christianity. But thanks for making assumptions, something I'd always assume you to be capable of doing.
Philosophy major here. These books fall under that general umbrella. I like the art of logical argument, and in the cases of these three books, the artistry of the writing is admirable. Logic + rhetorical skill + factual enlightenment + entertaining anecdotes (mostly in Hitch's case) + humor = great reads. And these books did in fact help enable/solidify my deconversion from Christianity. But thanks for making assumptions, something I'd always assume you to be capable of doing.
Do you disagree with Michael Ruse’s assessment of the book, ‘The God Delusion”?
Do you disagree with Michael Ruse’s assessment of the book, ‘The God Delusion”?
I do not know why Ruse has a problem, all I have is your constant argumentum ad auctoritate about a man who uses other people arguments. At least the logic in Dawkin's book supports atheism. Your logic said your god can not possibly exist.
Philosophy major here. These books fall under that general umbrella. I like the art of logical argument, and in the cases of these three books, the artistry of the writing is admirable. Logic + rhetorical skill + factual enlightenment + entertaining anecdotes (mostly in Hitch's case) + humor = great reads. And these books did in fact help enable/solidify my deconversion from Christianity. But thanks for making assumptions, something I'd always assume you to be capable of doing.
You posted:
Originally Posted by Matt Marcinkiewicz View Post
"The God Delusion, God Is Not Great, and The End Of Faith are three of the best books I've ever read in any genre or on any subject. Some of these book-eschewing atheists who commented before you don't know what they're missing"
Far from an assumption on my part.
Yeah, you needed help in your deconversion and those books spoke to you. Their witness resonated with you. You find strength and hope in their witness.
I must say, you are another data point for my claim atheist and theist have people in them that think alike.
Philosophy major here. These books fall under that general umbrella. I like the art of logical argument, and in the cases of these three books, the artistry of the writing is admirable. Logic + rhetorical skill + factual enlightenment + entertaining anecdotes (mostly in Hitch's case) + humor = great reads. And these books did in fact help enable/solidify my deconversion from Christianity. But thanks for making assumptions, something I'd always assume you to be capable of doing.
The End of Faith should be required reading for all religious people, hehe.
I do not know why Ruse has a problem, all I have is your constant argumentum ad auctoritate about a man who uses other people arguments. At least the logic in Dawkin's book supports atheism. Your logic said your god can not possibly exist.
Alvin Plantinga agrees with Ruse that Dawkins is out of his depth when he tries to engage in philosophy, which is mainly what The God Delusion is. He says, “many of [Dawkins’] arguments would receive a failing grade in a sophomore philosophy class.”
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