That's not bad!

The standard atheist way of defining morality is what advances human flourishing.  This is their starting point, and they have no grounding for it; this is their standard but they have no place from which to hang it.  It is simply the way it is - if something contributes to human flourishing, it's good; if it doesn't then it's bad.

Who does He think He is?

I was having a conversation with a woman who told me she was an atheist.  As we discussed God's existence it emerged that she didn't have any good reasons to believe He didn't exist, and had nothing to say to the evidence I gave for His existence.  The reason she said she was an atheist was because she didn't like God.

More on baptism

I indicated quite a while ago in a previous post that I would do a follow up post on the subject of baptism, and this has been brought to mind by some correspondence with someone who believes that baptism is essential for salvation.

Peter Atkins - the ultimate science-stopper!

Peter Atkins is a curious fellow - obviously extremely smart, but very angry, and given to saying some daft things when it comes to the matter of God's existence.

It's in the genes???

I just read a transcript of a radio debate between Greg Koukl (a Christian who heads up Stand to Reason) and Michael Shermer (an atheist and Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine).

Debt crisis

It has been the constant theme of news reports, and the constant worry of many people - debt.  Many people have found themselves in over their head with no hope of ever getting back into the black.  This crushing burden has led some people to alcohol, drugs and even suicide.  The immense, intense pressure must be crippling to those involved.  The thought of some wealthy philanthropist coming along to bail them out would surely be a dream come true.

Special appearance

I hope you all have had a good Christmas, and that you take some time for serious reflection on the person who was born at Bethlehem and the purpose of that birth. 

Licence to kill?

I heard a very strange criticism of Christianity today.  A Muslim was responding to claims about Islam being a religion of violence, and he said in response that Christianity teaches violence because in one of the Lord's parables there is a nobleman who commands that his enemies be brought out and slain before him.  This, said the Muslim, shows that Christ taught His people to slaughter unbelievers!  If that is the case then for the past 2000 years Christians have been very remiss in fulfilling their obligations to their Lord.  However, the Muslim got it wrong!

Religious atheists

"Religion causes all the wars, all the fanatics etc. etc. If there was no religion wouldn't the world be wonderful!"  This is not only obviously and demonstrably wrong, but it leaves atheism with egg on its face.

Faith - strong but wrong, or slight but right?

I used to work with a lady who told me about how strong her faith was, and so it was!  I could never manage to believe what she believed!  Hers was the faith that is justly condemned by atheists (and by the Bible) - faith without evidence (a faith that atheists exercise often!)