The Twilight of Atheism

A book I checked out of the library that contends the heyday of atheism is over and that Pentecostalism is the salvation of Christianity. Basically Alister McGrath's idea is that if Christianity changes to meet the criticisms of Atheism, it will have a resurgence. But if the Faith can be molded by men to meet the needs of polemicists, doesn't that undermine the idea of the 'historical truth' of Christianity?

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• twilight
• atheism
• alister
• mcgrath
• pentecostalism
• history
• christianity
• proudfootz

[Ypsteve311]

I wouldn't discount his prediction so fast. Most schools of philosophy in academia are going back to theism and are saying the same thing as McGrath (not necessarily about pentecostalism, but theism in general). The rise of the "new atheists" is an attempt to proselytize their faith. It's an outreach movement very similar to other religious movements.

[proudfootz]

I think the 'new atheists' are just enjoying this brief moment in history (thanks to the Enlightenment) when people can say what they really think without being burned at the stake for their trouble.

Undoubtedly there will always be attempts by theists to 'win back' control of the schools, but atheism can only be driven underground by persecution.

[voted4bush]

@proudfootz...It isn't something dificult it just requires something called reading and studying. This is something many people are unwilling to do. These people make arguments before they've studied because they want to defend what they believe (especially when others are calling them dellusional) this is just a human quality. The "debate" shouldn't be to see a person's knowledge, it should spur people to investigate deeper. Both sides don't study, so the "debate" misses the point.

[proudfootz]

It sounds like this 'essence of true Christianity' is something difficult to understand.

If Christians can't be expected to know what it is, it's hardly surprising that atheists don't know either.

And if Christians typically make bad arguments for beliefs they don't understand, all the more reason for people to reject them.

[voted4bush]

@proudfootz...I think you, and most atheists, miss the essence of true Christianity. Likewise, many Christians don't understand the true essence of Christianity. This is due to a fundamental lack of theological knowledge. They don't understand it so they make bad arguments and atheists do the same thing. People have been arguing a set of points that aren't even correct, so, yes, the majority of all atheist/Christian argument is a failure.

[proudfootz]

It's true there's not much practical difference between someone who believes and an atheist - and I think that demonstrates that we're all simply human.

Belief doesn't make anyone better than anyone else, and non-belief doesn't make anyone worse.

Is there an argument I'm making that you perceive as a failure?

[voted4bush]

@proudfootz...I can't say the people that are on here claiming to be Christians have done a very good job, they haven't. In fact, you can't tell the difference. They're just as crude and mean as any atheist. Thus said, ad hominum is usually responded to with ad hominum. These "Christians" need to read their Bibles more to understand that they shouldn't be using such language. Even though these guys are horrible at making an argument, I can't say you've done much better (less crudity though)

[ADDodger]

@RespectShmaa

First of all "Burn in hell, non-believer"

....

....

Was that like, supposed to sound bad? Cause I dont think someone who believes there is no hell would take offence by someone saying that he/she will go there...

That's like telling a homosexual that he/she's gay- No offence is taken you ignorant Fool.

Now, what makes you think this guy will pray to god at his deathbed? Sure some people do cause there is a chance a god exist- atheists who arent 100% sure of their views.

[proudfootz]

rs -

That trusty old 'argument from Caps Lock' really makes your point - the christian religion must be true because it raises the blood pressure and lowers the IQ of its believers - a miracle!

[proudfootz]

Hilarious!

You're doing a great parody of 'christians' who can barely contain their belligerent stupidity and hostility toward normal human beings.