Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Andy Em · 10-14-2003, 06:30 AM

Gotta agree with the GWBush comment. The amount of "it is so because I say so, and well....so there" that runs through that thing is astounding.

Hugo Holbling · 10-14-2003, 09:20 AM

This thread began life in BC&H and consists in an OP that poisons the well before any discussion has taken place. No attempt is made to provide analysis of the linked page. I therefore judged it likely to provoke more of the same in GRD and so sent it here.

Posting links in an academic forum with an unargued dismissal is wholly inappropriate.

Hopeful Monsters · 10-14-2003, 09:24 AM

Thanks - we all stand corrected then.

Mediancat · 10-14-2003, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hugo Holbling
This thread began life in BC&H and consists in an OP that poisons the well before any discussion has taken place. No attempt is made to provide analysis of the linked page. I therefore judged it likely to provoke more of the same in GRD and so sent it here.

Posting links in an academic forum with an unargued dismissal is wholly inappropriate.

Again, though, if I start seeing serious replies/critiques, I might send it to GRD anyway -- or, TruthIsTold, if you're interested, you might try starting one up there yourself.

Rob aka Mediancat

Aravnah Ornan · 10-14-2003, 10:59 AM

I read that page and was overwhelmed by the number of appeals to consequences of belief, instances of begging the question, spurious quotes, and "the Bible said so, so it must be true" arguments. Here are some pearls:

Quote:

There are no ultimate absolutes other than what the spirits of a clan prefer.

When Christians say that moral absolutes come from their G-d, that shows that Christianity is right. When Animists say that moral absolutes come from their spirits, that shows that Animism is wrong. Heads, I win; tails, you lose.

Quote:

Alcoholism and suicide are major problems in most animistic cultures.

Wow, a three-for-one: an unsupported assertion, a post hoc argument, and an appeal to the consequences of a belief! The author wants us to believe that (i) that statement is accurate, (ii) Animism is the cause, and (iii) that causation has to do with whether Animism is true.

Anyway, insofar as this statement can even be said about Native American reservations, is it necessarily caused by Animism itself rather than by the fact that Native Americans have been kicked out of most of their own country and sent to the reservations?

Quote:

The Bible is true scientifically. Nothing in Scripture has been invalidated by science.

I trust I don't need to provide specific comments on this one.

ktriton · 10-17-2003, 08:26 AM

Hmm..Well, I stopped reading after this:

Quote:

The majesty and order of the universe, and the wonder and complexities of life on earth, cries out for an explanation. The atheist, however, is unable to provide a consistent one. If he argues that matter is eternal, he is going against modern science which states that the universe had a beginning and is gradually running down. If the atheist affirms that the universe had a beginning, then he must account for what caused it. Either way, the atheist cannot adequately explain the universe and this world so full of complex forms of life.

Actually..I did read a bit more, but then quickly realized that I needn't have, as the article doesn't get any better. I want my two minutes back, damn it!

babelfish · 10-19-2003, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Some teach a personal God, while others teach an impersonal one. Now it follows that if there is only one God -- if monotheism is true -- then all religions that teach polytheism and pantheism must then of necessity be false. And if it is true that God is a personal God, then all religions that teach an impersonal God must be false.

Wow, I can't argue with that!

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10-14-2003, 06:30 AM	#11
Andy Em Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New York City Posts: 14	Gotta agree with the GWBush comment. The amount of "it is so because I say so, and well....so there" that runs through that thing is astounding.

10-14-2003, 09:20 AM	#12
Hugo Holbling Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Self-banned in 2005 Posts: 1,344	This thread began life in BC&H and consists in an OP that poisons the well before any discussion has taken place. No attempt is made to provide analysis of the linked page. I therefore judged it likely to provoke more of the same in GRD and so sent it here. Posting links in an academic forum with an unargued dismissal is wholly inappropriate.

10-14-2003, 09:24 AM	#13
Hopeful Monsters Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: God is a Mind Loop Posts: 1,344	Thanks - we all stand corrected then.

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