The Sacred Between God and Atheism with Alex O'Connor, Rowan Williams, Philip Goff and Jack Symes
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Dec 11, 2024 
Join Alex O'Connor, a.k.a. Cosmic Skeptic, a philosopher known for his critical views on religion, along with former Archbishop Rowan Williams and philosophy professor Philip Goff. They dive into the intricacies of God, atheism, and life's purpose. The discussion tackles love as the essence of creation, the debate on divine existence through the lens of fine-tuning, and the problem of suffering. Their dynamic conversation also weaves in personal journeys of faith, the evolution of Christianity, and existential quests, making for a profound exploration of belief and understanding.
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Love as Fundamental Energy
- Rowan Williams believes that love is the most fundamental form of energy and the reason for existence.
- He views God not as a separate entity but as the shaping energy of the universe, similar to how music is within a composition.
God of Limited Power
- Philip Goff argues for a God of limited power, suggesting God created the best universe possible within constraints.
- He believes this explains both fine-tuning and suffering, aligning with a heretical version of Christianity.
Gnostic Interpretation of Fine-Tuning
- Alex O'Connor questions fine-tuning, suggesting it may favor Gnostic Christianity where an evil demiurge created the universe.
- He argues natural selection's reliance on suffering contradicts a benevolent God.