JesterPilgrim

That might have been an interesting argument, if Dawkins had been in the least bit interested in examining the actual evidence rather than simply interviewing whatever backwater crazies supplied support for his thesis.

Mostly through interviews I've heard on scientific podcasts, but there was also a survey of scientists done a few years ago in which the majority of respondents claimed he stretched evidence beyond the limits most scientists would consider within acceptable parameters, and all to serve his anti-strawman rhetoric. I don't have those studies to hand so can't cite them. All my university papers are archived somewhere in a cupboard.

My point about Dawkins is that the arguments he purports to make against Christianity is against a religion I don't recognise. It's a straw man. He's not even respected among evolutionary biologists. So your bafflement at my belief is mirrored by my bafflement at yours!

The topic was drifting all over the place anyway. Just wanted to pitch in to a conversation that had been going on about Christianity, as I seemed to be the only one who doesn't just go with the flow with popular and ill informed opinions about it.

Am I being divisive?

Is he? Examples, please. And in any case, we all know what "orthodox doctrine" has gifted us. Some of the worst and bloodiest conflicts ever to have disgraced the concept of "civilisation". Just another tool to divide us. I don't have a copy to hand, but basically - every page of the God Delusion and every reference he makes to what he thinks Christians believe. And I'm not going to justify disgraces of "civilisation", but I like how folk conveniently forget the success of civilisation which orthodox doctrine has actually gifted us with.

Take the adjective "Christian" out of that sentence, and it remains entirely true.

Ah, abuse wrapped in "truth" claimed as absolute and inarguable. The best kind of abuse. Pretty much the kind that leads to precisely what you're accusing me of being victim to, but don't worry about it, carry on.

So... no answer? Just abuse? That's fine, I can deal with that. Just wondered if there was anything of any actual substance in your response. Nope. Next.

Cool. So long as you know that the Christianity Dawkins so loves to castigate only actually exists among a handful of American hillbillies. That handful has 6 fingers. He is completely and utterly (and wilfully) misinformed on just about every single aspect of orthodox doctrine.

Yes. Reading Dawkins on theology is like reading A.A.Milne on zoology.

Errrr.... .. "God" needs a 2000 year old text to reveal what "he's" going to do? Bit late in the day, eh? You can't explain what "he's done", 'cos nobody did anything. It just happened. No pre-ordainment, no nothing. Else why bother trying to do anything - 'cos it won't make any difference? "He" is like what those who would control you want "him" to be... otherwise why go to the bother? "You" fit into the picture exactly where you need to fit to be able to be exploited. FFS wake up.... It's not too late. You have got a brain - use it. There is a god..... it lives between your ears. Oh wow, you're right. So persuasive. I'm being so controlled - how did you know? Since you have such a clear view of my life, perhaps you could tell me in what way I'm being controlled?

How? Much of the Bible is God revealing what he's going to do. Much of it is explanation of what he's done. However, all of it is revelation of who he is and what he's like, and where we fit into the picture - those are the primary purposes of it.

Err... have you met my wife? Ha! Well of course it's worth asking the question "What's the point of this conversation?" Other times, having a conversation is simply an indication that the relationship is alive, and needs no further justification.

By the way, this is a conversation that is far more fun over a beer.