03 Nov 05
3 edits
This week's Serious Question is directed toward the Weak Atheists. I'm giving the theists the week off.
The Weak Atheist's position is summarily characterized as a lack of belief in God due to a lack of compelling evidence for his existence. One way in which the Weak Atheist distinguishes himself from the Strong Atheist is that the Weak Atheist holds that it is conceivable that one day he might encounter sufficient evidence for God's existence; the Strong Atheist asserts that there could be no such evidence.
Question: What would constitute or be an example of compelling evidence for God's existence, sufficient to make you change your mind?
03 Nov 05
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesAlthough I couldn't rule out a fit of insanity, I agree with Doug Krueger think that if I looked into the sky and saw the stars had been arranged to clearly spell a message saying, "[my name], it's God. I'm real." And then if I said, rubbing my eyes, "Wow! I can't believe it!" and the stars changed their position to read, "Well, believe it," I'd be pretty convinced that such a person existed.
This week's Serious Question is directed toward the Weak Atheists. I'm giving the theists the week off.
The Weak Atheist's position is summarily characterized as a lack of belief in God due to a lack of compelling evidence for his existence. One way in which the Weak Atheist distinguishes himself from the Strong Atheist is that the Weak Athei ...[text shortened]... an example of compelling evidence for God's existence, sufficient to make you change your mind?
That's just sufficient evidence. Not necessary evidence.
03 Nov 05
Originally posted by telerionYou obviously have no knowledge of the very poetic "Star"speak otherwise you would have understood their message a long time ago. 😛
Although I couldn't rule out a fit of insanity, I agree with Doug Krueger think that if I looked into the sky and saw the stars had been arranged to clearly spell a message saying, "[my name], it's God. I'm real." And then if I said, rubbing my eyes, "Wow! I can't believe it!" and the stars changed their position to read, "Well, believe it," I ...[text shortened]... vinced that such a person existed.
That's just sufficient evidence. Not necessary evidence.
03 Nov 05
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesQuestion: What would constitute or be an example of compelling evidence for God's existence, sufficient to make you change your mind?
This week's Serious Question is directed toward the Weak Atheists. I'm giving the theists the week off.
The Weak Atheist's position is summarily characterized as a lack of belief in God due to a lack of compelling evidence for his existence. One way in which the Weak Atheist distinguishes himself from the Strong Atheist is that the Weak Athei ...[text shortened]... an example of compelling evidence for God's existence, sufficient to make you change your mind?
If every, single Christian Bible on the face of the planet simultaneously disappeared in a puff of smoke.
03 Nov 05
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesLike what, a special appearance by Jesus on the Oprah Winfrey show? Help me out, Doc...give me a for instance of some non-miraculous evidence that YOU might consider sufficient.
Must sufficient evidence to convince the Weak Atheist exhibit miraculous features, or could the Weak Atheist possibly accept some non-miraculous evidence as sufficiently compelling?
03 Nov 05
1 edit
Originally posted by David CI don't know, hence the Serious Question. If I knew the answer, I wouldn't have to ask. I'm not a Weak Atheist, so I'm not obligated to defend the position that there could conceivably exist evidence, miraculous or otherwise, that would convince me. I want to find out if the Weak Atheist could be swayed by the non-miraculous. If the answer is No, then it's No; I'm not saying that it's Yes.
Help me out, Doc...give me a for instance of some non-miraculous evidence that YOU might consider sufficient.
03 Nov 05
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesThe point, IMO, is that if god existed in the context that most members of this forum define, then dancing stars or mass librocide should be common occurences. Nothing miraculous about a miracle maker tossing about miracles, you know? Now, if you're talking about an archaeological discovery, like say...a empty hidden garden guarded by eternal flaming swords, I might take a closer look.
I don't know, hence the Serious Question. If I knew the answer, I wouldn't have to ask. I'm not a Weak Atheist, so I'm not obligated to defend the position that there could conceivably exist evidence, miraculous or otherwise, that would convince me. I want to find out if the Weak Atheist could be swayed by the non-miraculous. If the answer is No, then it's No; I'm not saying that it's Yes.
Those swords would probably have to be considered miraculous, though, so nevermind.
03 Nov 05
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesIt would probably be a series of incidences which would lead me closer and closer to believing. One good start would be a very influential Christian who is immune to poison; who spontaneously becomes fluent in new languages; and who can heal the sick by laying on of hands; and that at least the first and last qualities were verifiable by experiment.
This week's Serious Question is directed toward the Weak Atheists. I'm giving the theists the week off.
The Weak Atheist's position is summarily characterized as a lack of belief in God due to a lack of compelling evidence for his existence. One way in which the Weak Atheist distinguishes himself from the Strong Atheist is that the Weak Athei ...[text shortened]... an example of compelling evidence for God's existence, sufficient to make you change your mind?
Evidence that the Earth really is only a few thousand years old might help. Mathematical proofs that hold water in the face of rigorous critical analysis showing cells could not self assemble.
Verifiable scientific techniques that allow contact with the afterlife which are peer reviewed and found to work consistently.
Any number of supernatural occurences that are scientifically verifiable.
These are all possibilities, but of course I can't be sure.