The Speak Life Podcast It’s WILD What This Atheist Demands As Proof || SLP628
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Jan 20, 2026 
In a riveting discussion, philosopher and atheist Sam Harris challenges journalist Ross Douthat on the nature of belief. Harris demands mathematical proof within scripture to convince skeptics, while Douthat defends the Bible's moral story as a guiding force. They debate whether God would include advanced science in revelations and explore Christianity's historical role in fostering scientific inquiry. The conversation highlights the balance between faith, freedom, and the moral teachings of Jesus that continue to inspire modern figures.
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Competing Standards For Divine Proof
- Ross Douthat argues the Christian story is unimprovably inspiring and onward-leading as an account of divine sacrifice and redemption.
- Sam Harris initially demands demonstrable scientific or mathematical proof, shifting the test from inspiration to technical proof.
Moving The Goalposts To Physics
- Sam Harris pivots to demand a precise mathematical or physics statement in scripture as decisive proof of divine authorship.
- Ross Douthat and Glen Scrivener argue such a demand applies an inappropriate standard to religious revelation.
Scripture Prioritises Moral Revelation
- Ross Douthat and Glen Scrivener note Christianity emphasises moral and salvific revelation over scientific exposition.
- They claim scripture's priority on moral formation explains the absence of advanced physics in the Bible.