From the combox of the post: A Conversation About Deconversion, And Why People Share Their Stories (Luciano Gonzalez, 7-23-17). ***** Bravo Sierra: The question that matters to me with regard to Dave Armstrong is: Why would a person go to such trouble to pick apart a deconversion story if they know that a deconversion story is a personal narrative which is not meant to apply to all followers of Christianity ™ and will convince no one who is not already... Read more
This occurred on my blog. One “Robotczar” (safely anonymous, with no further access information known) commented on my 2006 paper, Were Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain Atheists? His words will be in blue. ***** Your comment is remarkable in its utter non-interaction with anything in the post. But that is a fashionable thing to do in these days of lack of rationality and rational dialogue. A couple of points: First, the religious try hard to make atheism have a very... Read more
I think these exchanges are models of what is indeed possible, if both sides will listen a bit and stop the incessant suspicion and insults; just talk to each other. This occurred on my blog. ***** “Illithid” I don’t usually read your blog, though some of the articles seem interesting and I may start. You seem thoughtful and polite. Casual recollection of many atheist deconversion stories makes me suspect that I disagree with your point here, at least partially. I have... Read more
This was a spontaneous exchange on my Facebook page. Words of the participants (besides myself) are color-coded. Thanks to Deacon David Oatney in particular for his very helpful contributions. ***** Joshua Herbert [U.S. church membership has ] been in decline since Vatican II, go figure. There was also this thing called “the 60s” and the sexual revolution . . . But people prefer to blame an orthodox ecumenical council. Go figure. Are you claiming that VCII is heterodox or not? [Joshua... Read more
The knowledge that any given atheist has of Christianity (and many claim to be former Christians) always has to be demonstrated. I don’t simply accept one’s word for it. I know far better than that. I’ve rarely met an atheist who truly understands Christianity to the extent that is often made out. Knowledge about theology and being a Christian are two entirely different things. Instead I see lots of basic category and factual mistakes in atheist polemics against Christians. Occasionally... Read more
Atheist and anti-theist Bob Seidensticker, who was “raised Presbyterian”, runs the influential Cross Examined blog. He asked me there, on 8-11-18: “I’ve got 1000+ posts here attacking your worldview. You just going to let that stand? Or could you present a helpful new perspective that I’ve ignored on one or two of those posts?” He also made a general statement on 6-22-17: “Christians’ arguments are easy to refute . . . I’ve heard the good stuff, and it’s not very good.” He added in the combox: “If I’ve misunderstood the Christian position or Christian... Read more
Atheist and anti-theist Bob Seidensticker, who was “raised Presbyterian”, runs the influential Cross Examined blog. He asked me there, on 8-11-18: “I’ve got 1000+ posts here attacking your worldview. You just going to let that stand? Or could you present a helpful new perspective that I’ve ignored on one or two of those posts?” He also made a general statement on 6-22-17: “Christians’ arguments are easy to refute . . . I’ve heard the good stuff, and it’s not very good.” He added in the combox: “If I’ve misunderstood the Christian position or Christian... Read more
[from my 2014 book, Footsteps that Echo Forever: My Holy Land Pilgrimage] ***** Day Nine: 26 October [2014] [Church of the Holy Sepulchre] After the first night in our hotel in Jerusalem (with some delightful fun walking the nearby streets after the Sabbath ended, for a pizza), we set out in the morning to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: using a map that we had in a free pamphlet. It was a very interesting walk: passing through the New... Read more
[all passages RSV unless otherwise noted] 1. The Unity of God and Monotheism Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD; (cf. Mk 12:29; 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 4:5-6; 1 Tim 2:5; Jas 2:19) Deuteronomy 32:39 …there is no god beside me.… Isaiah 37:20 …thou alone art the LORD. (cf. 37:16) Isaiah 43:10 …Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. Isaiah 44:8 …Is there a God besides me? There is... Read more
300 Biblical Proofs + Many Additional Related Cross-References [all passages RSV unless indicated otherwise] [green verses indicate words of Jesus Himself] 1. Direct Statements of Jesus’ Equality with God the Father Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 4:7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” [the devil was tempting Jesus: 4:3, 5-6] Matthew... Read more
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