Examples of atheists being gullible: 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 31)
Oct 4, 2024
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The discussion takes a provocative dive into why atheists might be seen as gullible, critiquing some biases in reasoning. The speaker poses intriguing questions about the rapture and free will, alongside a fascinating look at theological interpretations of the Trinity compared to polytheistic views. The relationship between evolution and Christian faith is explored, emphasizing critical engagement with both perspectives. Plus, there's a thought-provoking analysis of persecution's role in authentic faith, wrapped in insights on King Nebuchadnezzar's spiritual journey.
01:23:45
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Quick takeaways
The podcast argues that atheism can foster gullibility, particularly through uncritical acceptance of fringe theories like the mythicist movement regarding Jesus's existence.
It highlights that many atheists mistakenly believe the Bible is heavily altered, while scholars like Bart Ehrman affirm its closeness to original texts contrary to popular misconceptions.
Historical examples of atheistic regimes, like those of Stalin and Mao, challenge the belief that a religion-free society guarantees moral progress or societal benefit.
Deep dives
The Bias of Atheism
Atheism is posited to foster a particular bias that affects reasoning and belief systems. A significant example discussed is the mythicist movement, which claims that Jesus never existed, a view largely unsupported by credible historians. The movement lacks scholarly backing, with prominent historians rejecting the notion that Jesus was a myth. This self-sustaining fallacy among atheists highlights a tendency toward gullibility, as many accept these fringe theories without rigorous examination.
Misunderstandings About Biblical Texts
Common misconceptions about the Bible's integrity are prevalent among many atheists, particularly the belief that it has been severely altered or tampered with throughout history. Bart Ehrman, an atheist scholar, demonstrates this fallacy by acknowledging that the current New Testament closely resembles the original texts, contrary to popular atheist claims that it consists of mere, unreliable copies. This speaks to a broader tendency for atheists to adopt uncritical beliefs based on a misunderstanding of biblical scholarship. Such biases can lead to dismissing reputable sources simply because they are associated with religious individuals.
Philosophers and Atheistic Claims
The podcast highlights how even esteemed thinkers, such as Stephen Hawking, display philosophical ignorance when they conflate philosophical conclusions with scientific inquiry. Hawking's assertion that 'philosophy is dead' was critiqued by philosophers, illustrating that even brilliant minds are not exempt from faulty reasoning. This suggests that atheism may blind individuals to philosophical truths, leading to erroneous dismissals of complex discussions. The reliance on reductionist views in such cases can reveal a tendency toward gullibility among those who presume themselves to be free from bias.
Skepticism Towards Religious Scholarship
A prevalent view among many atheists is that skepticism equates to safe reasoning, yet this often breeds a dismissive attitude towards scholars of faith. The tendency to disregard insights from Christian historians purely based on their beliefs diminishes the potential for constructive dialogue. This selective skepticism may result in missing valuable contributions to the understanding of historical events and religious texts. Consequently, this narrows the spectrum of shared knowledge and innovative thought, as one source of reasoning is systematically discredited.
Cultural Critique of Atheism
Many atheists envision a utopian society devoid of religion, yet historical evidence contradicts this idealized perception. The podcast argues that figures like Stalin and Mao, who operated in atheistic frameworks, led to significant societal harm, refuting claims that religion causes most of humanity's violence. This oversimplification of religious influence fails to account for the complexities of human behavior and societal structures. Examining history reveals that both religion and atheism can produce detrimental outcomes, challenging the notion that the absence of religion guarantees moral progress.
The Consequences of Atheistic Beliefs
Atheism is portrayed as a belief system that prompts individuals to deny foundational elements of human experience, including free will and objective morality. Many atheists, while rejecting the notion of a divine creator, may inadvertently embrace a worldview that undercuts their own existence and decision-making. This denial can lead to a slippery slope where fundamental truths about consciousness and ethics are dismissed. The podcast argues that such outcomes reflect a form of gullibility rooted in atheism that requires a critical reassessment of prevailing assumptions.
1. 0:07 {Are Atheists Gullible?} Why do I say that atheists tend to be gullible? 2. 28:08 {Rapture: Do We Have a Choice?} Assuming a rapture, are we irresistibly taken, or is it a choice to leave with Him? I ask irrespective of Calvinistic irresistible grace. Luke 17:31-36 seems to indicate both. 3. 34:09 {The Multiple Beings of Polytheistic Religions} If God is one being and three persons (one “WHAT” and three “WHOs,” what would two beings of gods look like in false religions? How would those beings be differentiated in a way that the Trinity is not? 4. 40:00 {About Natural Selection} Regarding natural selection, I recently had a class on that topic in college and was a bit confused on how we, as Christians, should approach that topic with others. 5. 44:37 {No Persecution = No Godliness?} 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” I’m not being persecuted. Does this mean I’m not living a godly life? 6. 49:56 {King Nebuchadnezzar – Saved?} I was wondering your thoughts on King Nebuchadnezzar. Do you think he was saved, based on Daniel 4? 7. 1:00:17 {Does Satan Always Need God’s Permission?} Does Satan have to come to God any time he messes with us? I have a friend using Job as proof that Satan needs permission to mess with us, too. 8. 1:06:17 {Jesus Calling Out for Elijah?} On the cross, why did the Jewish people think Jesus was calling out for Elijah (Matthew 27:47)? 9. 1:07:49 {Staying Encouraged in Today’s Culture} How do you stay encouraged in today’s culture? The culture is so discouraging. I sometimes feel like a failure because other Christians seem to “have it all together.” Also, how can we pray for you? 10. 1:15:06 {How You Can Be Blameless} How do you become blameless before God (Philippians 2:15-18)?
~ Bonus Prayer Request: 1:20:37 Please pray for my cousin’s 3 grandchildren. A car wreck on Friday has left one paralyzed and 2 in still in the ICU. One has had 7 surgeries so far. They are all under age 12.
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Links:
Destroying the myth that religion is the cause of most wars: Click Here
Dismantling Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion": Click Here
Debate between William Lane Craig and Christopher Hitchens. Note the lack of arguments from Hitchens: Click Here
The Mark series playlist. I’ve got teaching on eschatology in this series, as well as that video on the ending of Mark that I mentioned today: Click Here