david@ssc-vax.UUCP (David Norris) (04/09/84)
[wokkawokkawokka] Andrew Koenig: > Those who are interested in reading a well-reasoned argument against > religion in general and Christianity in particular may wish to read > > Why I am not a Christian > by Bertrand Russell I have read Russell's book at the suggestion of Tim Maroney. He basically attempts to debunk Christianity by attacking (not too successfully, in my opinion) Aquinas' rational arguments for God's existence (first cause, argument from design, etc.) and attempts to explain why Hell is an immoral concept. For the other side of the story, read the chapter on Hell in C. S. Lewis' "The Problem of Pain" (Aquinas' work needs no defending). In all honesty, I enjoyed reading this book. It left me with the impression, "Is that the best argument you can find?" > Norris, you are pigheaded! There! I've saved you the trouble of sending me flames. -- David Norris :-) -- uw-beaver!ssc-vax!david
notes@iuvax.UUCP (04/12/84)
#R:ssc-vax:-4300:iuvax:1700017:000:593
iuvax!dsaker Apr 11 21:35:00 1984
I have to agree with you, David Norris, Russell's "Why I am not a
Christian" is certainly a disappointing book. The counters to the
arguments for god's existence are good, and some telling criticisms
are made of some of the things done in the name of Christ (remember,
many of the christians concerned were sincere), but such things are
really not the issue. We already know that those arguments are
problematic (to put it gently) and that all sorts of religiously
inspired actions have been rotten. Yes, I was disappointed by
Bertie.
Daryel Akerlind
...ihnp4!inuxc!iuvax!dsaker