Jeff’s Picks — 7-Jul-12
I have a huge list of links to share this time. Morality Uncredible Hallq reblogs a really good comparison between God and an abusive boyfriend. Dr. Peter Boghossian talks about the ethics of atheism on Freedomain Radio. (HT: The Morning Heresy) Self-described atheist Jesse Bering has written an essay in Salon entitled, “Don’t Trust the Godless.” Richard … Jeff’s Picks — 7-Jul-12
Hardening Their Hearts: Intentional Hiddenness Argument
The argument from Divine Hiddenness[1] put forth by J.L. Schellenberg argues that if a perfectly loving God exists, then all creatures (who haven’t freely shut themselves off from God) capable of having a meaningful relationship with God ought to be able to by just attempting to. In order to have a meaningful relationship with God, … Hardening Their Hearts: Intentional Hiddenness Argument
Review of The Privileged Planet by William Jefferys
LINK
D Rizdek’s Objection to Fine-Tuning Arguments for God’s Existence
D Rizdek at Debunking Christianity tries to turn the tables on defenders of fine-tuning arguments for God’s existence; he says that apparent fine-tuning only makes sense if there is no God. LINK (HT: The A-Unicornist) It’s a short post, so go read it. Then I’d love to read your answers to this question: is that … D Rizdek’s Objection to Fine-Tuning Arguments for God’s Existence
Girl Guides in Australia drop their promise to serve God and the Queen
Something tells me we won’t see similar changes at the Boy Scouts of America anytime soon. LINK
From Victor Stenger: Higgs and Significance
(Reblogged on behalf of Victor Stenger. This article was originally published on The Huffington Post here.) As the world knows, on July 4 it was announced that the Higgs boson, or a reasonable facsimile, has been seen by two independent experiments at CERN. The statistical significance reported was expressed as “5-sigma.” Let’s look at what … From Victor Stenger: Higgs and Significance
Please Welcome Matt DeStefano to the Secular Outpost!
I’m pleased to announce that Matt DeStefano has joined The Secular Outpost as a contributor. Here is a quick autobiography by Matt. I grew up as an Evangelical Christian, but I began to seriously doubt the basic tenets of my faith after reading major philosophical works pertaining to religion. I eventually saw my faith as … Please Welcome Matt DeStefano to the Secular Outpost!
“God Particle” Discovery Means Woes for Atheists?
Check this out: https://i.imgur.com/Y69cF.png According to some Tweeters, the recent (probable) discovery of the Higgs Boson (unfortunately tagged “The God Particle” by physicist Leon Lederman) has some people once again writing obituaries for atheism. Of course, it seems unlikely that these particular individuals have advanced degrees in physics, philosophy, or theology, so their pronouncements should … “God Particle” Discovery Means Woes for Atheists?
Whites-only Christian Gathering in Alabama?!?
According to MSNBC, “A three-day whites-only religious conference — which will conclude with a flaming cross — in Lamar County, Alabama, has some residents upset at the racist implications while the minister complains that his freedom of speech is being violated.” “”Yes, we believe that the Europeans and their descendants are the chosen people of … Whites-only Christian Gathering in Alabama?!?
Ryan Stringer’s “Evil and Skeptical Theism”
The following was just published in the Secular Web’s Modern Library: “Evil and Skeptical Theism” by Ryan Stringer Abstract: In this paper I critique a response to atheistic arguments from evil that has been called “skeptical theism.” I start by formulating a simple atheistic argument from evil and briefly justifying its two premises. Then I … Ryan Stringer’s “Evil and Skeptical Theism”