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Tag: Augustine

The Living and the Dead and Rational Thought

One of the things I’ve come to realize is the truth of this statement:

As the dead do not know the living, or even that they themselves are dead, so too irrationality does not know rationality.

Augustine argued that evil was not a ‘thing-in-itself’ but always some good thing that has been corrupted.  Evil is a direction away from good.  I think he is right about that and I know now that there are many examples of the same principle.  Rationality and Irrationality are one example.  The Living and the Dead, another.  Morality and Immorality yet one more.  I’m sure … continue reading...

Antony Flew Goes to Heaven: A Parable

Readers of this blog know that I have an interest in Antony Flew, having even had the honor of corresponded with him.   Click here for a list of posts I’ve written regarding Dr. Flew.  The short story below may be understood better by some if you read this particular post of mine where I discuss the Flew-Wisdom parable.

In order to better get a sense of my overall picture of things, you might (after reading the story below) want to read my short story titled, to your surprise no doubt, “Mother Teresa Goes to Heaven.”

Antony … continue reading...

The Silence of the Wolves: Atheists Turn Docile in Face of the Facts

It is not so common in philosophical debates to arrive at points of contentions where there really, truly, is indisputable refutation or demonstration.  Usually, it is a question of interpretation and the argument can continue on.  On my blog I have documented over the years a few points where the argument against the atheist was incontrovertible.  The result:  silence.

I would like to give free-thinking objective and even handed and mentally superior atheistic friends an opportunity to exhibit integrity by highlighting the three examples (plus a bonus one) that come to mind and calling upon the atheists and their defenders … continue reading...

Adam and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge and PZ Myers

Here is a short story I wrote inspired by the comments in this thread on PZ Myer’s blog.  Enjoy!

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Adam and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge of Knowledge

“I got here as fast as I could!” gasped the old man.  He put one hand on the hood of the squad car and bent over as he tried to catch his breath.

The annoyed chief stared at the man waiting for him to explain who he was because the chief didn’t recognize him at all.  At last, the balding and sweating gentlemen stood erect and stared back at the … continue reading...

What did Jesus mean by ‘Faith like a little child’? Dawkins on curiosity

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a little child and had him stand among them.  And he said:  “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:1-4

Christianity (and religion in general) is often maligned as being anti-curiosity.  Passages like the one I just quoted are often cited.  This understanding is fueled by two flawed notions.  … continue reading...

Apologetics Bulletin Inserts for Churches Concept

 Sample of Week 1

The idea to produce bulletin inserts with apologetic content goes back several years with me.  I had to set the idea aside because of pressing financial concerns.   My beloved wife has always insisted that it is one of my better ideas, so she prompted me to re-consider.  Some friends ratified her view.  Also, increasing the awareness within the Christian church of the facts beneath the faith has become an important part of my vision of late.  The more I interact with atheists and seekers and Christians on the ropes, the more I realize that most objections could have … continue reading...