The Slaughter of the Canaanites – Part 3
In Part 2 of this series, I began to discuss the Conservative response to the Old Testament stories about Jehovah commanding the Israelites to slaughter the Canaanites: The Conservative Christian response: The story of the slaughter of the Canaanites is FACTUAL, but Jehovah was morally justified in commanding the Israelites to slaughter the Canaanites (men, women, and children) in … The Slaughter of the Canaanites – Part 3
Jerry Coyne Blocking: Episode II
I’ll make this very brief and to the point. Jerry Coyne wrote something on his website. (The details don’t even matter, but if you’re curious, you can read the article here.) A scientist named Ben Allen disagrees with something Coyne wrote. Allen submits a comment critical of Coyne’s claim in the combox on Coyne’s website. Allen … Jerry Coyne Blocking: Episode II
Don’t Criticize What You Can’t Understand
Recently, I found myself defending William Lane Craig’s reformed epistemology. I was defending it NOT because I believe it to be true or correct, but because his views were being presented as ‘stupid’ and obviously false. My impression was that those who were making these strong claims did NOT understand Craig’s views on epistemology, … Don’t Criticize What You Can’t Understand
Reza Aslan Claims Harris and Dawkins Aren’t Atheists
“Renowned scholar” Reza Aslan wrote an article for Salon.com with the title, “Sam Harris and ‘New Atheists’ Aren’t New, Aren’t Even Atheists.” I don’t know if this title was chosen by him or his editors, but it’s false. To deny that Sam Harris or Richard Dawkins are atheists is as ridiculous as to deny that … Reza Aslan Claims Harris and Dawkins Aren’t Atheists
I Post a Reply to Jerry Coyne and Now I Am Blocked from Commenting on His Blog
I am used to this kind of behavior from some Christiana apologists, but not from fellow atheists. When I attempted to post the following comment on his blog post, alerting his readers to the fact that Coyne had unintentionally misrepresented my argument, I learned that I have been blocked from commenting on his blog. Dr. … I Post a Reply to Jerry Coyne and Now I Am Blocked from Commenting on His Blog
The Courtier’s Reply as Post-Theistic Attitude, Not Fallacy
Sam Sawyer, SJ, a fellow a Patheos blogger over at the new blog The Jesuit Post (in Patheos’s Catholic Channel) recently plugged the exchange between Edward Feser and Keith Parsons. (Thanks!) I’d like to return the favor by plugging a post on his blog: “Not Even Wrong: Answering the New Atheism with Better Belief, Not … The Courtier’s Reply as Post-Theistic Attitude, Not Fallacy
Can the Arguments of the “New Atheists” be made Stronger?
Jeff Lowder notes Ed Feser’s critique of the “New Atheists” and indicates that his criticisms are cogent, perhaps fatal. Now, I do not read much of Ed Feser’s stuff, not even all of the two tirades he wrote about me—which outbursts made my day both times. However, I have read Alistair McGrath’s critiques of Dawkins … Can the Arguments of the “New Atheists” be made Stronger?
Do Christian Apologists Spend Too Much Time Focusing on their Weaker Opponents?
Refuting the “New Atheists” is all the rage among Christian apologists these days. Among professional philosophers of religion, however, it’s well-known that the new atheists are not the best representatives for atheism. So why do Christian apologists continue to harp on the new atheists and ignore what atheist professional philosophers of religion have to say? … Do Christian Apologists Spend Too Much Time Focusing on their Weaker Opponents?
LINK: Atheist Philosopher Julian Baggini Labels New Atheism “Destructive”
(This is another one for the “not new, but new for me” category.) Julian Baggini, author of the excellent book, Atheism: A Very Short Introduction, explains that the four horseman of the new atheism is a “backwards step. It reinforces what I believe is a myth, that an atheist without a bishop to bash is … LINK: Atheist Philosopher Julian Baggini Labels New Atheism “Destructive”
LINK: Philip Kitcher on Militant Modern Atheism
From the abstract: Militant modern atheism, whose most eloquent champion is Richard Dawkins, provides an effective and necessary critique of fundamentalist forms of religion and their role in political life, both within states and across national boundaries. Because it is also presented as a more general attack on religion (tout court), it has provoked a … LINK: Philip Kitcher on Militant Modern Atheism