How far can science take us and at what point does philosophy and metaphysics take over? Here is the general process of science and philosophy. METHOD. Science’s modus operandi is to observe the data while philosophy is examining the data and reasoning through it. MATERIAL. Science’s materials are facts. There are certain data that provide empiricalfact to work with. … [Read more...]
Can Religion Be Tested for Truth?
Most of the time, I'm not too fond of using the term "religion". I normally prefer to use "worldview" because it is more clear about what all a belief-system entails. However, for this post, I will use the term common for the question posed in the title: Can religion be tested for truth? Many years ago, I would not have even thought to ask if religion can be tested for truth. … [Read more...]
An Atheist's Reading of True Reason
Mike D, the "A-Unicornist," is reading True Reason: Christian Responses to the Challenge of Atheism. I say, more power to him. We could all stand to spend time reading authors we disagree with. He's taking it a chapter at a time and giving it a respectful reading, which I also appreciate. His first evaluative comment came in response to my introductory chapter to the book. I … [Read more...]
The Supposed Warfare Between Christianity and Science
The following is an excerpt from Dr. Douglas Groothuis' Christian Apologetics, chapter five, "Distortions of the Christian Worldview—Or the God I Don't Believe In". It is posted with Dr. Groothuis' gracious permission. The pic is taken by friend Sarah Geis. The Supposed Warfare Between Christianity and Science Many object to Christianity on the basis that it is hostile to … [Read more...]
Understanding What a Scientific Theory Actually Is
The word theory is thrown around in different ways. I often hear it used in a condescending manner such as "evolution is just a theory" as if that's the trump card--end of conversation. I frequently find that we use this word without understanding what we're actually saying. It would do well for the apologist to become more comfortable with the philosophy of science and even … [Read more...]
The Gentle Art of Faith Defense
The Art of Faith Defense is called Apologetics. It may sound like someone is making an “apology,” but that’s not the meaning. It comes from the Greek word apologia and means “a speech made in defense, a verbal defense, to give an answer in defense.” In ancient Greece, the prosecution in a trial would deliver their kategoria (accusation, charge). The defendant would respond with … [Read more...]
Genuine Faith Is Never Blind
I grew up believing that reason can only take you so far--after that, faith takes over. In one sense this belief is true: Intellectual faith/belief, if it isn’t blind, comes ‘after’ good evidence. However, in the sense that faith persists independent of reason or even in spite of evidence to the contrary (the sense preferred by New Atheists) this belief is false. One cannot … [Read more...]
You Cannot Prove The Existence Of God!
I was an atheist when I first said that to a Christian more than 40 years ago. I must say it felt pretty good to say those words. It makes one feel superior to tell a person they cannot prove something they believe. Most Christians I said that to personally and on my radio talk show either crumbled or exploded at that point. Either reaction was fine with me. I am no longer … [Read more...]
CSI Effect?
Radical skepticism and unquestioning credulity are strange bedfellows in today’s society. We can’t rely on our own recollections because sometimes we make mistakes. We don’t trust the testimony of others. It’s not that we necessarily think others are liars, it’s just that everyone has their own perspective on the world – their personal narrative. But at the same time we are … [Read more...]
Teapots & Spaghetti Monsters: Why atheists aren't off the (proof) hook.
A common challenge Christian apologists face concerns the atheist's claim that God doesn't exist. A more specific variety of this challenge was recently posed by a TilledSoil.org reader concerning an atheist's use of Russell's teapot analogy for the non-existence of God. Here is an extract of Bertrand Russell giving the analogy: "If I were to suggest that between the Earth … [Read more...]