06-02-2021, 07:52 PM
Hey Paul,
The debates I've seen with Dawkins and Lennox were very interesting indeed. I have found the books by Bart Ehrman to be quite compelling, as well.
That said, I now see in S.3 what that "...ist" word would have given away: "atheist" "scientist" or "biologist" all would have worked, and I have a feeling that you considered at least one of those. But you didn't, and went with the more combative "terrorist" and "fist".
You said, "...Dawkins, whose brand of terrorism gets a pass, outrageous as it might be." Terrorism? Gets a pass? Meanwhile, I lean toward the probability of God, but remain mostly unaffiliated as far as religion goes. Still, I very much like studying (and arguing about) the various faith traditions. I've spent many, many hours enjoying the community of church (esp the music), and participating in Bible study, while remaining at arms length from most of the doctrine/dogma. I just like people too much to let faith differences overwhelm my appreciation of various view points (and people). I am utterly fascinated by it all... My only (big) problem comes when folks justify harmful behavior predicated on their beliefs.
My favorite Dawkins quote, "By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out.”
Thanks for the clarifying reply,
Mark
The debates I've seen with Dawkins and Lennox were very interesting indeed. I have found the books by Bart Ehrman to be quite compelling, as well.
That said, I now see in S.3 what that "...ist" word would have given away: "atheist" "scientist" or "biologist" all would have worked, and I have a feeling that you considered at least one of those. But you didn't, and went with the more combative "terrorist" and "fist".
You said, "...Dawkins, whose brand of terrorism gets a pass, outrageous as it might be." Terrorism? Gets a pass? Meanwhile, I lean toward the probability of God, but remain mostly unaffiliated as far as religion goes. Still, I very much like studying (and arguing about) the various faith traditions. I've spent many, many hours enjoying the community of church (esp the music), and participating in Bible study, while remaining at arms length from most of the doctrine/dogma. I just like people too much to let faith differences overwhelm my appreciation of various view points (and people). I am utterly fascinated by it all... My only (big) problem comes when folks justify harmful behavior predicated on their beliefs.
My favorite Dawkins quote, "By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out.”
Thanks for the clarifying reply,
Mark