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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