bob@itm.UUCP (06/08/83)
All to often, debates on the topic of existence stray from
their course, becoming instead, Christianity on trial. This
debate is no exception; and I think it is safe to assume that
many of you do not consider Christianity a serious option- I
use serious, here, in opposition to laughable. Is it not the
duty of a public discussion to embrace all options, discussing
them openly before one is cast aside as deficient? Is the case
then closed on Christianity? Mr. Maroney became irritated when
Scripture was quoted to him, but atleast a source was cited.
Christians believe their stand to be an historical one. If Mr.
Maroney does not believe this, what are his reasons? And
relegating the entire affair to a position of psychological
immaturity is not a reason, but an assumption, and a rather
bold-faced one at that.
But why do people-professionals included, no matter what
their area of concentration-when confronting philosophical or
theological questions, lean on their own understanding, their
own creative theories, rather then cite the experts? Throughout
these debates, I have seen many excellent imaginations, but few
good readers; and the wealth of sources is tremendous. Afterall,
are we the experts? Are we the linguists, the archeologists,
the philosophers, the theologians? Is our originality so intent,
that we can postulate a theory that has not been previously
dealt with? I think not.
So let's do away with so much original imput and quote some
sources, for it is not a question of the existence of evidence,
but whether or not the evidence is acceptable; that gut feeling
telling you of truth. Christians describe it as faith-a hope in
things unseen. It has existed for centuries, and despite the
goodness or badness of Christianity, has remained pure in many
individuals, even to the point of costing them their lives.
Why not read about it; why not discuss the Christian source
material, and the material on the alternatives, from random
chance to Zoroastrianism. Who knows, the spark of faith may
ignite somewhere; and Heaven help us, what would any of you do
then?
Suggested Reading:
Ayn Rand:
For the New Intellectual
The Virtue Of Selfishness
Bertrand Russell:
Why I Am Not A Christian
C. S. Lewis:
The Problem Of Pain
The Abolition Of Man
Mere Christianity
Francis Schaeffer:
Escape From Reason
The God Who Is There
He Is There And He Is Not Silent
Hans Kung:
Does God Exist? An Answer For Today