Dive into a riveting discussion on the Problem of Evil. Listen as the contrasting views of a Christian philosopher clash with a secular scientist. They tackle the tough questions about suffering, including heartbreaking examples like childhood leukemia. The conversation challenges the moral legitimacy of biblical narratives, scrutinizing issues like violence and gender treatment. Finally, explore the tension between faith and moral reasoning in light of a benevolent deity amidst human suffering.
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Debate on the Problem of Evil
Michael Shermer debates the problem of evil with Dr. Brian Huffling at Southern Evangelical Seminary.
A tense exchange occurred with an audience member about the similarities between Christian and Muslim beliefs.
insights INSIGHT
Shermer's Approach to Evil
Shermer contrasts his approach to the problem of evil with that of philosophers/theologians.
He focuses on real-world examples of suffering rather than abstract philosophical arguments.
insights INSIGHT
God's Role in Evil
Dr. Huffling argues God exists outside space and time, separate from the natural world where evil occurs.
Shermer questions how we can know God exists if he doesn't interact with the world.
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In 'The Demon-Haunted World,' Carl Sagan warns about the dangers of a scientifically illiterate society. He argues that the rise of pseudoscience and superstition threatens our ability to make informed decisions and undermines the foundations of democracy. The book advocates for the use of critical and skeptical thinking, presenting a 'baloney detection kit' to help readers distinguish between scientific evidence and pseudoscientific claims. Sagan discusses various forms of pseudoscience, including UFO sightings, astrology, and faith healing, and emphasizes the importance of science education and literacy in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
When bad things happen to good people
Harold S. Kushner
In 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People,' Rabbi Harold S. Kushner confronts fundamental questions of life and faith, particularly the conundrum of why there is suffering in a world governed by a benevolent God. Written after the loss of his son Aaron to progeria, Kushner argues that conventional religious explanations for suffering are inadequate. He suggests that God is good but not all-powerful, and that true faith comes from confronting the randomness of life. Kushner emphasizes that God does not cause suffering but provides solace to those afflicted, and he highlights the importance of community and human support in times of tragedy. The book offers a fresh interpretation of the Book of Job and has been widely read and translated into at least 12 languages[1][3][5].
The moral arc
Michael Shermer
In this Ask Me Anything, Dr. Shermer performs a postmortem on his debate/dialogue on with Dr. Brian Huffling at the Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday February 23, 2019. The specific topic was: “Is the Reality of Evil Good Evidence Against the Christian God?” Watch the video of the debate.
This is an exercise in the difference in thinking between a Christian philosopher/theologian/apologist and a secular scientist/humanist/atheist. Dr. Huffling focused on purely philosophical arguments about the nature of God, evil, omniscience, omnipotence, and moral perfection, whereas Dr. Shermer concentrated on specific examples of evil in the world and challenged Dr. Huffling to explain why God fails to do anything about them. In the end (literally at the end of the debate), when Dr. Shermer pushed him to explain why God allows childhood leukemia and the attendant suffering by children and their loving parents, Dr. Huffling’s answer was “I don’t know.”
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