A Layman’s Thoughts about Christian Theism and Gender Identity Disorder
(Note: I’ve titled this post “A Layman’s Thoughts” to reinforce the fact that I am neither an expert on human sexuality in general, gender identity disorder in particular, nor Christian doctrine on gender identity. If someone who reads this wants to “school” me on the errors in this post, I won’t be offended in the … A Layman’s Thoughts about Christian Theism and Gender Identity Disorder
Euthyphro Dilemmas
As I explained on page 25 of my Primer in Religion and Morality I think there are multiple dilemmas floating around under the name “Euthyphro Dilemma” (hereafter, ED). ED: The literal, original formulation of the ED is this: “Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it … Euthyphro Dilemmas
Atheist ‘Safe Zones’: A Solution In Search of a Problem
I just became aware of this website: “Secular Safe Zone.” Why are secular safe zones needed? “The number of nontheists in America is rising rapidly and there is a growing body of research that is beginning to explore this once-invisible and amorphous group. While tolerance for minority religions is growing around the country, discrimination and harassment … Atheist ‘Safe Zones’: A Solution In Search of a Problem
Are Atheism and Moral Realism Logically Incompatible?
I am a regular reader of Victor Reppert’s blog, Dangerous Idea. In the combox for one of his recent posts, Steve Hays claimed that atheism and moral realism are logically incompatible. I wrote a lengthy reply to Hays in the combox and have decided to republish it here. Before I republish my comments, I will make one … Are Atheism and Moral Realism Logically Incompatible?
LINK: Atheist Driver Spots Jesus Fish Eating Darwin Fish, Repents
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LINK: A New Problem of Evil: Authority and the Duty of Interference
Abstract: The traditional problem of evil sets theists the task of reconciling two things: God and evil. I argue that theists face the more difficult task of reconciling God and evils that God is specially obligated to prevent. Because of His authority, God’s obligation to curtail evil goes far beyond our Samaritan duty to prevent … LINK: A New Problem of Evil: Authority and the Duty of Interference
LINK: The Problem of Animal Pain and Suffering
Abstract: Here I discuss some theistic responses to the problem of animal pain and suffering with special attention to Michael Murray’s presentation in Nature Red in Tooth and Claw. The neo-Cartesian defenses he describes are reviewed, along with the appeal to nomic regularity and Murray’s emphasis on the progression of the universe from chaos to … LINK: The Problem of Animal Pain and Suffering
LINK: The Problem of Natural Inequality: A New Problem of Evil
Abstract: In this paper, I argue that there is a kind of evil, namely, the unequal distribution of natural endowments, or natural inequality, which presents theists with a new evidential problem of evil. The problem of natural inequality is a new evidential problem of evil not only because, to the best of my knowledge, it … LINK: The Problem of Natural Inequality: A New Problem of Evil
LINK: Environmental Ethics and the Expanding Problem of Evil
Abstract: The problem of evil is that morally gratuitous suffering and destruction is evidence against a benevolent and potent god. Often cases of this evil are restricted to human suffering, but if the moral universe is expanded in the fashion associated with environmental ethics, the scope of morally significant suffering and destruction grows. Consequently, the … LINK: Environmental Ethics and the Expanding Problem of Evil
Quote of the Day (on Child Rape vs. Free Will)
Victor Reppert: Well, I personally would rather live in a world in which children are raped than in a world without free will. But I suspect you will find my preference repugnant. LINK (you may have to skip down to the comments box to find this) Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional)