The most compelling theistic arguments.

[synaesthesia]

I would find it interesting if a few people could present what they feel to be the most compelling arguemnts for the existence of a god. Because I simply want to learn WHY people believe the way they do, appeals to reason are as acceptable as appeals to emotion.

For an example, if my favorite argument is the ontological arguement, I would describe it.

As for the atheists, post whatever arguments that you have found most difficult to counter.

[Bowser]

synaesthesia,
http://www.infidels.org/news/atheism....html#atheisms

There's plenting of argument on the other end of the above URL. I believe I've seen many of them here.

[ISDAMan]

1) At the basest of all levels, God's creation shows His majesty. I'm partial to the quote of a secular professor at a prestigious secular college. I wish I could remember his name. He said, more or less, "When you look at the intricacy of our universe and of life, the idea that this all happened by random chance is like the idea of a tornado tearing through a junkyard full of airplane parts and accidentally creating a 747."

2) You make me laugh. What atheist do you expect to admit any fashion of weakness in regard to meeting any point as to whether there is a God? For an atheist to admit difficulty in such would cause the destruction of their whole platform if they, themselves, cannot be sure of even one point. The atheist position is simple. It is a retaining wall of pride, making self and the created things the pinnacle of all there is. It is a wall of bricks constructed of self-serving disillusionment held fast with the mortar of rebellion! To protect the wall, accusation and bigotry against the truth and those that hold fast to the truth is employed so as not to admit that there most assuredly is a God!

[This message has been edited by ISDAMan (edited December 10, 2000).]

[Emerald]

ISDAMan,

As far as I can tell, Christians do the same thing you are saying that atheists do. Here, let me reword your own statement just a bit to make it fit the atheist point of view:

<font color="blue">You make me laugh. What Christian do you expect to admit any weakness in the position that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and the son of God? For a Christian to admit difficulty in such would cause the destruction of their whole platform if they, themselves, cannot be sure of even one point. The Christian position is simple. It is a retaining wall of salvation for their eternal souls which no one can be certain even exist, making Jesus Christ the pinnacle of all there is. It is a wall of bricks constructed of self-serving disillusionment held fast with the mortar of blind faith! To protect the wall, accusation and bigotry against the truth and those that hold fast to the truth is employed so as not to admit that Jesus may never have even existed, and the foundation for their belief system was built on sand!</font>

The Christian employs Pascal's wager in order to feel safe - kind of like an insurance bet in Blackjack when the dealer is holding an ace. The only thing is, the insurance bet is normally a poor bet for the player, with a high house advantage. It's usually better just to take your chances and do your best with the hand your dealt.

ISDAMan, have you really given any thought to the kind of God you'd be spending eternity with, assuming you're right about Jesus and heaven and hell? It seems to me the only thing heaven has going for it is it's not hell (and even that may be just a matter of perspective). Heaven's not quite worth the bondage I'd have to endure in this lifetime, if you ask me. I've been given the gift of life, by whatever means, and I intend to enjoy it while it lasts.

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An ye harm none, do what ye will.