Monday, October 11, 2010

FacePalm Quote of the Day #13 - We are all Atheists.


Uploaded with ImageShack.usI just really can't stand the following ubiquitous quote that has become a drumbeat of so many atheists. It's a silly argument for so many reasons but it comes up so much so often I thought a catch all post would be helpful. What bothers me about it is that when Atheists use it they act like they have fired the winning shot. As if there is no answer or comeback for such a "devastating" blow. It's not about winning an argument it's about letting people know that there really is a "heaven to gain and a hell to shun". But more than that God has a purpose in creating you and you can only find and fulfill that purpose through God. It's about knowing God as God is not what you want God to be - that is idolatry. Here is the quote:
"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When 
you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours"
Dr. James White have given excellent responses to this "less than moving" argument.

James White's answer

One thing that I think many people ignore is the point that this argument attempts to re-define what "atheist" means. "Atheism" isn't a non-belief. "Atheism" does not mean that an atheists doesn't believe in some Gods. "Athesim" means that one does not believe in any Gods. You can't side-step this by pleading "soft" atheism because it's historically a non-definition.
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2 comments:

  1. It appears that you and Dr. White don't realize that the quote is a simply statement and not an argument.

    As for YHWH not being in the same category as Odin or Jupiter, well that's just shows Dr. White's comic book view of ancient mythology. But either way, YHWH is certain in the same category as Allah or Brahman.

    And maybe your version of god needs to be trivialized?

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  2. But Ryan that is exactly what Dr White is saying - It's not an argument! It's a stupid statement. Tell me Dan Barker does not try to use it as an argument to bludgeon theists. As far as I'm concerned Odin is a comic book character and so is Zeus and Odin. They are in Marvel comics all the time. You did not explain why Dr. White is wrong that YHWH is not the same category as other gods. The truth is you don't know the God of the Bible. That is why you think it's all the same. Just admit it: Dr. James White has shown the statement for what it is and Atheists should stop using it.

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