Critical Thinking and Skepticism – Part 3
John Loftus did a short post on this topic back in May. Based on that post, it is clear that we agree there is a close connection between critical thinking and skepticism. Here are two of his statements along those lines: …to think critically is to think skeptically, and vice versa. …there is no distinction … Critical Thinking and Skepticism – Part 3
Questions Concerning the Existence of God
It does not look like I can retire this year, maybe next year (it could happen!). But I think I will start my ten-year plan to develop a multi-volume critique of Christianity in January, even if I’m still working my 9 to 5 job. Part of evaluating Christianity is evaluating the fundamental metaphysical claim that … Questions Concerning the Existence of God
Swinburne’s Argument from Religious Experience – Part 1
In The Existence of God (2nd edition, hereafter: EOG) , Richard Swinburne presents a careful and systematic case for the existence of God. Eight of the arguments (that he considers to be significant) are presented as bits of empirical data each of which increases the probability of the hypothesis that God exists a bit (with the … Swinburne’s Argument from Religious Experience – Part 1
Do the Bee Police Enforce God’s Law? Or Are They Darwinian Nihilists? by Larry Arnhart
I want to a link to another terrific blog post by philosopher Larry Arnhart. One worry–perhaps the worry–about basing morality on the biology of human nature is that it makes morality species-specific. Darwin himself voiced this concern in The Descent of Man: “In the same manner as various animals have some sense of beauty, though they admire widely different … Do the Bee Police Enforce God’s Law? Or Are They Darwinian Nihilists? by Larry Arnhart
The Amalekites and Options for Apologists
I have been having a very interesting discussion with a Christian correspondent who calls himself “Veritas.” Discussions of this sort all too often generate far more heat than light, so let me first note that in our interactions the contributions by Veritas have been consistently intelligent, courteous, and candid. The focus of our conversation has … The Amalekites and Options for Apologists
Biblical Genocide and Village Atheists
This post springs from an interesting discussion I had with Scott Scheule in the comments section of an earlier post. The issues there are important enough to deserve a deeper look. Quoting the Bible against believers is one of the hoariest weapons in the freethinker’s war chest. It has been done many times, never more … Biblical Genocide and Village Atheists
Embarrassed by Some Atheists
I don’t feel like naming names, but recent behavior by some prominent atheists (plural) has me feeling somewhat embarrassed to be associated with them.
Getting back to the “Fundamentals” in Texas Education
Texas is great. Sure, the weather is hot, and you might have to dodge some tornadoes, and you had better like Tex-Mex and chicken fried steak (actually, I do). But it is never boring. The fundamentalists keep it interesting. The State Board of Indoctrination, er, Education, which is dominated by fundamentalists, wants to make sure … Getting back to the “Fundamentals” in Texas Education
The Historian’s Job and Christian Apologetics
I am currently writing a work of history. My co-author and I are investigating the nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands by the U.S. from 1946 to 1958. During that period, the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests (including some duds) on or near Bikini and Eniwetok atolls in the Marshall Islands. These tests … The Historian’s Job and Christian Apologetics
Religion and Violence
I hope that Victor Reppert will not feel that I am baiting him. In a recent post I said some mean things about C.S. Lewis, which with Victor is generally like humming “Hail to the Victors Valiant” around an Ohio State fan. Here I begin with a paragraph he recently wrote for his Dangerous Idea … Religion and Violence