A theologian answers the usual atheist arguments

[Latypov63]

I have joined this site today to contribute to the believers/non believers discussions in this section. I would like to present a counter balance to some of the atheists arguments against religious beliefs. There is a book written by a theologian to answer many of the same things said on here - religion breeds violence, religious people are less intelligent than non believers, religious faith is irrational etc
It makes interesting reading. Here is a brief summary of the book:
http://www.catholic.net/index.php?id=553&option=dedestaca
I am interested to find out what the resident atheists think of Father Williams' answers to their arguments.

[modeller]

Latypov Your summing up of your position says it all :
#Without that belief I would find life on earth to be largely meaningless #

You believe because you personally 'Need' the 'crutch of religion '.
I can accept that but I wonder why you can not accept and enjoy the wonders of the universe as it is , without the' need ' to invent a god.

There is no proof that God exists outside your mind . If there was it could be tested and re-tested in the same way as any theory.

The fact is, millions of prayers are asked every day and are not answered.
Statistically one in a million may appear to be answered but set against the millions that are not its hardly a success story and totally worthless as any form of proof.

[beso]

If life was about pleasing a god by obeying what is written in a book I would find it quite meaningless.

[jomifl]

I find life quite meaningful enough without it being complicated by the demands of a bleedin' deity.

[modeller]

Ah ! but you have forgotten that theists want to be told what to do .
It gives them a sense of comfort and security. It's simple really, they blame Satan for everything that's bad and praise God for everything that's good and if its not what they want then it's God's will and its for the best.

I was talking to a theist recently who had prayed fervently for his wife's recovery . She died and he said his prayer had been answered because she was now in paradise which is the greatest goal of all Christians .

That's theistic logic for you.

[jomifl]

That's because god knows what you need far better than you do...innit?

[mibn2cweus]

A question for theologians . . . "Why does God need you to answer His questions?"

[beso]

Why did God need the Hebrews to massacre the dozens of tribes the lived in "The Promised Land"?

[jomifl]

They are still working on that one.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Beso, Gen 15:18 <<n the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates>> The Jebuzites etc. apparently didn't get the eviction notice so Joshua had to send the boys round.

[modeller]

God showed his injustice right from the Garden of Eden .
Abel kept flocks, and when God turned up , he gave him some nice fatty portions which pleased God who liked a nice juicy steak.

However when poor old Cain turned up with all the vegetables God wasn't at all pleased, and instead of praising him for all his hard work he just told him off.
That's God for you . Stirring up trouble right from the start.

[beso]

Actually God isn't that keen on juicy steak. He prefers His meat well done.

According to the Bible the smell of burning flesh pleases Him.