An analogy: The Big Bang Theory is widely accepted, but that doesn't mean that there is no evidence for the Steady State universe or a cyclical universe. It just means that the Big Bang Theory explains more of the data/evidence better than those other two. The same data/evidence is used by all three.
Similarly, Christians, atheists, and other critics all see the same data/evidence, however Christians offer an explanation but atheists, and other critics usually do not.
The data/evidence
1) Reason is the basis for all knowledge - thus one cannot default to scientific explanations.
2) Philosophical Naturalism is logically incoherent, thus 1) one cannot default to physical explanations; 2) we now have at least one reason to see non-physical explanations as reasonable.
3) Our thoughts are not just brain activity, rather they are the result of an immaterial mind thus, we now have a second reason to see non-physical explanations as reasonable
4) A metaphysically necessary, efficient cause solves the problem of an infinite regress of causes
5) the origin of DNA is more likely on design than chance.
6) The fine-tuning of the universe is more likely on design than chance or necessity - thus, given all the above, a transcendent metaphysically necessary God is the best explanation for life as we know it.
7) Jesus was a historical person, see also Bart Erhman, NT Scholar agnostic/atheist where he says ["no question Jesus existed"] since there are many, early, independent sources.
8) Jesus' resurrection was historical rather than a myth
8) Jesus' resurrection was historical rather than a myth
Conclusion: Sans the presumption of philosophical naturalism, 1–8 above, and the explanation offered for each, offer a critical thinker good reasons to conclude that the Christian God is the best explanation for the world as we know it.
If atheists and other critics with "I don't know" or "I'm not convinced" then they are admitting that they do not have any explanations and tacitly conceding that the Christian has the better explanation.
If one has no better explanation(s), why reject the Christian's?
Reply: I’m not citing a gap in our knowledge and saying "God did it". This is a series of arguments; first showing that reason is the basis for knowledge not science; second, that must be a non-physical aspect to reality; third that design is a better explanation for our existence and life; fourth that God is the best explanation for whom that designer is.
Objection B - The theory of the existence of a mind makes no predictions, thus there can be no evidence for it.
Reply: It doesn't need to. You seem assuming that it must meet the criteria for a scientific theory, but this is a logical argument. See point 1 Reason is the basis for all knowledge - thus one cannot default to scientific explanations.
Reply: You are just sticking your head in the sand, refusing to engage in a discussion of the evidence/data/arguments.
Objection D - You might want to post this on a Reddit sub where you debate atheists, not Christians. I'm sure the Christians here could offer some constructive feedback, though.
Reply: In my experience: 1) there are enough atheists in Christian subs to get feedback/debate, 2) what I mostly get on when I used to post atheist Subreddits is derision and downvotes, no intelligent discussion. Look at the current comments on Reddit. Additionally, Christians can be edified, educated, and enriched with this.
Objection E - Your points/arguments are incredibly inaccurate
Reply: Which ones specifically and where exactly are the errors for each?
Objection F - Is the universe really so perfect? It’s extreme and harsh. Completely inhospitable for life, with vast excesses of empty space. Is that the mark of design?
Objection G - You misunderstand what constitutes evidence.
DNA is evidence. The findings of neuroscience for an an immaterial mind is evidence. Fine-Tuned Constants is evidence. Philosophical Naturalism is logically incoherent is evidence
Reply: What better explains the Fine-Tuned Constants of the universe? Design, or chaos? Why?
What better explains the multitude of DNA-based micromachines like the ATP Synthase? Design, or chaos? Why?
An a priori non-design stance seems to be an a priori ideological conclusion, rather one that is driven by the facts
Reply: First, you cite "reality"; so what is reality, and how do you know?
It can't be Philosophical Naturalism since it's logically incoherent and since Reason is the basis for all knowledge this seems to be how we should evaluate arguments
And the "magic guy" is better understood as A metaphysically necessary, efficient cause
Additional info
Additional info
Excellent analysis.
ReplyDeleteThe resurrection was a miracle. Most will deny that it's historical.
What is historical is the disciples preached a risen Christ. Many were killed rather than recant.
Liars don't die for a known lie.