Life Without a Net
Theism
Interview With an Ex-Atheist
The “holy grail” for Christians has always been the genuine “ex-atheist.” Someone who was actively and fervently campaigning for atheism, and then changed his tune and became a “True Christian™.” I recently found myself privileged to spend an afternoon with just such an ex-atheist. With his kind permission, I’m going to relate his story along … Continue reading
Can Liberal Theism and Atheism Get Along?
Many believers have never spent time talking honestly and openly with an atheist. Especially here in the Bible Belt. One of the most common observations I’ve made since becoming an “open atheist” is that lots of believers honestly have no idea what I believe and what I do not believe. Misconceptions abound. (I’ve been asked … Continue reading
Former Atheist? Really?
Poor Matthew Botsford says he went to hell. And he wrote a book all about it so that you won’t make the same mistake. And guess what…. He’s a former atheist! Or… Not. The Friendly Atheist found this gem on The Christian Post: Christian Post: Can you tell us about your life before the accident? … Continue reading
Atheism vs. Theism: Unfair Rules
I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating the atheist/theist debates I’ve seen. There have been some very good moments for atheists, such as Christopher Hitchens’ trouncing of former Prime Minister Tony Blair in the opening salvo of their debate. But informally, there have been a lot of bad moments, too. It’s not so much that … Continue reading
What’s it Like to Be an Atheist?
What is it like to be an Atheist? “It’s a lot like being the only sober person in a car full of drunk people and they refuse to pull over and let you drive.” This little gem has been circulating through Facebook like chicken pox through the anti-vaccine community. It’s catchy and hits home with … Continue reading
Good Without God?
This is a cut-and-paste version of an ad created by a secular student organization. The frame with Pat Robertson is an unauthorized addition. (Here’s the original.) This version doesn’t reflect the intent of the creator, but it still has an important point to make. (Look here to see that the creator agrees with me.) One … Continue reading
Theology and Hocus Pocus
David has raised an interesting point in his comment on Darrel Ray’s guest blog. Like many theists, he has asserted that if we nonbelievers understood Proper Theology, then we wouldn’t make such grievous errors as we do. (In fairness, David used the term Theology Proper, which has its own meaning. I mean the term to … Continue reading
The Problem of Evil and Moral Accountability
I don’t spend much time talking to theists about the problem of evil. It doesn’t really address the existence of God, which is most often the topic of choice when atheists and theists get together. (Consider, even if God is responsible for great evil, he might still exist, and just be a pretty rotten deity, as … Continue reading
Going Home
Where to start… I’ve got a lot more to say about the National Conference on Apologetics. Most of it is critical. But I made a lot of new friends, and I hope that some of them will become regular readers and even contributors. For many months now, I’ve been contemplating the “on the ground” realities … Continue reading
Reassurance and Strength of Belief
Imagine a high level meeting in the Oval Office, with the President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military officials, and experts in foreign affairs. President Obama stands in front of the anxious crowd and begins to address them with a look of determination. “Gentlemen and Ladies, I have gathered you here today to … Continue reading
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