Counter Apologetics

CA138 The Demand of Theism – Is it immoral to believe in God?

10 snips
May 11, 2025
Exploring the collision between morality and theism, the discussion highlights the challenging ethical landscape when confronting suffering. The host reflects on their shift from skepticism to agnosticism, grappling with the moral implications of believing in a benevolent God amidst injustice. The podcast critiques how theistic beliefs can distort our moral understanding, particularly regarding the pain endured by countless creatures throughout history. It raises provocative questions about the acceptability of suffering in the context of a divine plan, leaving listeners to ponder profound moral dilemmas.
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INSIGHT

Theism Demands Moral Endorsement

  • Belief in God entails moral judgments about the permissibility of suffering allowed by a benevolent deity.
  • Affirming theism means endorsing that permitted suffering is ultimately justifiable and morally acceptable.
INSIGHT

Moral Judgments Shape Theism Evaluation

  • Confirming God's existence involves valuating the moral quality of the world, not only descriptive evidence.
  • How one defines 'good' shapes how one assesses theistic claims amid suffering's existence.
INSIGHT

Theism's Moral Limits on Compassion

  • Traditional theism limits how much one can truly care about the earth's suffering.
  • Overlooking or excusing vast, senseless suffering dulls moral faculties and betrays the victims of pain.
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