The Christian is in the unenviable position of believing she possesses The Truth—“God made everything...Jesus loves me...I am Heaven bound...Hallelujah!” but this mindset is life-narrowing rather than expanding as any information that challenges these beliefs causes discomfort and is met with resistance, if not hostility.
It seems the preferable position is that of the atheist who seeks a better understanding of reality. With no cherished beliefs to protect, she is always willing to abandon currently held propositions in favor of ones better supported by evidence.
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Any information that challenges my beliefs, I take it and point out how it really isn't challenging anything. Sometimes the information requires an answer which I haven't thought of or found yet, so then I do some research until I come up with the right answer. It's not that hard really.
So no information challenges your Christian beliefs?
Do you accept the fact that you evolved and that neither you nor any life form was specially designed by a god?
Do you accept the fact that the earth is billions of years old rather than the thousands indicated in the bible? And that it was formed from the remnants of an exploding star in which elements needed for life were formed, not shaped by the hand of a god?
Ah! I misunderstood what was meant by challenged. I thought you were referring to an atheist asking questions or making statements which seem to refute Christianity, but you meant just statements that go contrary to Christianity. My bad!
John,
I envy you for possessing these truths.
Does possessing these truths you espouse narrow your mindset?
Please forgive the sarcasm in pointing out some of the self refuting ideas in this TOD.
Do you approach theistic philosophy with resistance? Or are they valid ways of understanding reality?
The atheist has many cherished beliefs about such things as death, what reality is made of, human beings, God, what is the best way to know, etc.
I have met few atheists willing to give up what they believe about death, the nature of human beings, God, what reality consists of, or how is the best way to know. Even when good evidence is provided, the atheistic position is stubbornly held and well protected. When I have challenged some atheists in these areas, some have been quite hostile and extremely protective of the answers. The answers to these questions are quite systematized as well.
Homesick,
My truths are provisional truths, always subject to change based on better information. That makes life more exciting in my opinion. I am happy to embrace any new information that has compelling evidence to support it.
I am sure there are atheists who are reluctant to examine evidence that may change their minds. I think humans have a tendency to do that. But there are many who are excited about new information, new and better evidence to explain our place in the cosmos and are happy to let go of ideas in favor of better supported ones. That, of course, is what science is all about.
I’m also sure there are Christians who decide that truth (ideas supported by compelling evidence) is more important than belief. That’s what I did in becoming an atheist. That’s what countless Christians have done in their journey to unbelief.
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