4 Weird Questions That Should Not Make You an Atheist
Jan 7, 2020
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Drew, an advocate for skeptical thinking, joins Christian apologist Braxton Hunter and engaging content creator Jon McCray to tackle four provocative questions from atheism. They explore how misinterpretations of scripture, like the problem of evil, can challenge faith but ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of God. The discussion also critically examines Pascal's Wager, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement with belief systems. They advocate for collaborative apologetics to foster constructive dialogue and a united Christian response to skepticism.
The podcast argues that written scripture fosters community engagement and deeper understanding, enhancing relational faith rather than mere informational exchange.
Critiques of Pascal's wager highlight its complexity and the necessity of evaluating Christian evidence beyond mere self-interest or risk assessment.
The discussion emphasizes that suffering can have a purpose within God's framework, cultivating virtues and enhancing appreciation for genuine relationships and free will.
Deep dives
Response to Claims of Literary Communication
The discussion revolves around the assertion that if God communicated through literature, it leads to varied interpretations and potential misinterpretations. This perspective suggests that a tri-omni God would either lack the power to convey an unambiguous message or would ignore the resulting confusion among readers. However, it is argued that written literature allows for community engagement and deeper analysis of God's messages over time, fostering a relational aspect of faith rather than simply presenting information. This method of communication cultivates not only a pursuit of knowledge but also the building of relationships within Christian communities.
Critique of Pascal's Wager
Pascal's wager, which posits that belief in God is a rational choice given the potential for eternal reward, faces scrutiny for its perceived oversimplification of complex theological concepts. The critique challenges the notion of excluding other forms of theism and highlights that the wager is not merely about self-interest or risk assessment; it also requires a thoughtful consideration of evidence supporting Christianity. Critics like Drew suggest a cruel God could be invented as a counter-argument to Pascal's wager, yet this raises the question of arbitrary belief rather than genuine faith. Ultimately, the wager should be evaluated with consideration for the richness of Christian evidence, not merely as a gambit for personal gain.
Animal Suffering and Theological Implications
The dilemma of animal suffering is addressed in the context of a tri-omni God who supposedly creates beings capable of pain yet allows for their suffering. Critics argue that if God could prevent such suffering, He would have to be deemed lacking in omnipotence or omnibenevolence. However, supporters suggest that the existence of pain may serve a greater purpose within God's plan, such as survival mechanisms or the development of virtues through adversity. This perspective emphasizes the importance of examining the theological framework within which animal suffering exists, especially in relation to humanity's fallen state and the promise of eventual restoration.
Suffering as a Pathway to Virtue
Navigating the concept of suffering, proponents highlight an array of goods that can only be realized through a world that encompasses both suffering and existence on Earth. The opportunity to love, the act of redemption through sacrifice, and personal growth amid adversity are seen as intrinsic to a meaningful life. This framework includes notions that without the experience of hardship, qualities like compassion and courage wouldn't emerge, suggesting that a pure existence devoid of struggle may lack depth. Hence, the relationship between suffering and the attainment of virtue is portrayed as crucial to understanding the purpose behind God's creation and the human experience.
The Nature of Free Will and Its Importance
The concept of free will is debated in relation to God's purpose for humanity. The argument suggests that if God values genuine love and relationships, then imposing a predetermined existence in heaven would negate the value of choice. Hence, free will becomes essential, allowing individuals to choose faith and forge their relationships with the divine. This perspective posits that the struggle of making choices leads to a richer spiritual experience, reinforcing that while suffering exists, it serves to enhance the appreciation of virtue and relationship with God.
Drew (Genetically Modified Skeptic) offered his "4 Weird Questions That Might Make You an Atheist" we've heard him out and thought it through and want to explain how these 4 questions shouldn't make you an atheist. In fact, if you work through them carefully you'll see that they actually give us more reason to believe in God.
Here is Braxton Hunter's channel "Trinity Radio" https://www.youtube.com/user/braxhunt
Here is Jon McCray's channel "Whaddo You Meme??" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1okSIA8UEY8OqvtjGHFvzA
Here is Cameron Bertuzzi's channel "Capturing Christianity" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux-_Fze30tFuI_5CArwSmg
Here's Drew's original video which we are responding to https://youtu.be/JE-P6mw60-A
Info on Pascal's Wager: This is a playlist from Crash Course Apologetics on Pascal's Wager. VERY well done and extremely thorough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9ejUnGl4MY&list=PLlVH-ThCazKlqtTVa-3hvKfBXy5LajVsw
Here's an interview with Dr. Liz Jackson on her case for Pascal's Wager. It's very accessible and she answers a ton of objections to it as well. https://youtu.be/e6qHRLkFhCM
My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate
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