John A. Broussard

You labor under the illusion that rational arguments convince anyone.

A Christian theist can believe in a loving god who loves to make people suffer.

It's entertaining to argue with them. It's hopeless to try and change their minds.

Equinox

John wrote:
Well yes. After all, rational arguments convinced us.

They sure can, and sometimes outright say that no evidence or logic of any kind could convince them their faith is wrong. I've seen it too.

However, people fall on a continuum from hopeless theist to freethinking skeptic. There are many who are somewhere in between, where rational arguements make a difference. I was there. I used to be Christian. Rational arguments convinced me and countless others on this board. How about you? Did rational arguments convince you?

I think it is partly because we hesitate to set up more tangible structures for passing on our perspect that we are continually surrounded by more and more hopeless theists. You probably know the memetics as well as I. The ideas that do not propagate lose, regardless of if they are logical or not.

Even from just a practical standpoint, think how much easier it would be to just look up a story when it comes up, instead of making a new one each time. Wouldn't you, John, find that convenient?:thumbs:

Have a great thanksgiving-

-Equinox

John A. Broussard

We differ.

Were rational arguments really the reason for our convictions?

Emotions, to my way of thinking, did it.

But, whatever.

You, too, happy turkey day.

Equinox

John wrote:
Yep. Looks like we differ.

I can't be absolutely sure, of course - but yes, it does appear that rational arguments are what did it for me. The whole story is here:

http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/...SE/tjchap1.htm

We can differ, and that's fine. It's not like either of us are going to go to hell for it, after all.

Have a fun day-

-Equinox