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Nice to have somebody take the other side of the tennis court.  Although I have an issue with the fact that you missed the central idea of the post.
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I'll give you a quick and resounding concession to start.
Yes, if I wanted to believe in a Flying Spaghetti Monster religion, or fairies under the cupboard, or Atlantis, the burden would be primarily on me to persuade others toward such a stupid idea.  100% granted. 
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But the Flying Spaghetti Monster religion is not comparable to belief in God as a world view.  Many top scientists believe that the universe shows evidence of a latent Intelligence behind it.  Albert Einstein said several things regarding the profound coherency of the creation.  Einstein's remarks are debated, but we could make a long list of brilliant scientists who are/were Theists.  As well, 95% of the world's population believes in God, and I respect regular people too.
When atheists (implicitly) mock theism by classing it alongside "the Flying Spaghetti Monster religion," or Atlantis, etc. then --- > they offer a powerful illustration of my original point.  The case for Theism is "strong," not "nonexistent."  That's where this article started, with a Bill James reader trying to pretend that there is no meaningful case for Theism.
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Many times, I find atheist or liberal debate partners with whom I can exchange ideas very profitably and enjoyably.  Not wishing to be abrasive, I'm 51 years old now, and once a discussion partner has gone Flying Spaghetti Monster mode, I withdraw.  The reason being that the discussion never (N-E-V-E-R) is productive.  
You get the last word.  You're warmly invited to express your ideas at SSI.  
I hope you'll feel free to continue to hold down that side of the discussion for others who wish to exchange ideas with you.   And especially, I hope that your irritation with me over political issues won't slow you down in joining us on the baseball discussions.
:: daps :: 

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