Some tips for theists

After having participated in hundreds of discussions with Christian believers, there are several things that I thought you all should know. In this post I am not trying to come off as sarcastic or mocking in any way, I just want you to be aware of some facts regarding debating atheists such as myself. 

The first thing you need to know is that although you might consider the bible as the word of your god, and its authors as inspired by said God; we don’t. That’s right; we don’t consider the bible any more valid as truth than the many Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Syrian, Roman, and Greek works that preceded it. To an atheist these works, including your bible all fall under the same classification of myth.

After the above shocking revelation, it follows to reason that arguing from the bible is pointless. Using the scriptures as evidence for example of the divinity of Christ is a waste of time, since most of the texts that you cite as prophecies of Christ are actually Old Testament texts taken out of context to conform with your beliefs.

The beauty of myth is that it can always be transformed and reshaped to whatever one chooses it to be. It can be interpreted in such a way as to confirm every presupposition you may harbor in your brain beforehand. Best of all is that when confronted with contradictory evidence the myth can be reinterpreted to enable you to embrace that new knowledge and fit it into your mythical beliefs. The best modern example of this is the big bang and the theory of evolution. After proving that the world is in fact at least 4.5 billion years old as opposed to 7,000 years old as interpreted by many literalist of the bible, Christians have found a way to reinterpret their beliefs in light of the evidence by creating their version of evolution; intelligent design.  They incorporated God into the science in order to cling to their beliefs despite its contradictory nature when faced with scientific facts and evidences.

Another important piece of advice for theists seeking to justify their insane beliefs; don’t cite scientific facts unless you are well acquainted with what you are trying to use as a defense or in some cases trying to dispel as evidence. I have seen many a Christian try to refute the theory of evolution for example by making statements about evolution that are obviously incorrect and clearly demonstrate the believers unfamiliarity with the theory itself. If you don’t know what evolution actually is don’t try to dispel it by using incorrect knowledge about it. It is a waste of time and makes you look like an ignoramus. 

Here is a tip for everyone that I think both atheists and theists alike need to know: You can’t reconcile scientific facts with faith! I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this but it just can’t be done.  The two systems utilize two very different methodologies to arrive at their conclusions. Science uses the scientific method which consists of observation, experimentation, and peer review before it is even considered as a viable answer to an unknown question. Christianity uses faith in ancient texts written by anonymous authors in a prescientific age. The same goes for the delusion otherwise known as divine revelation. There is no such thing!

Circular reasoning will get you nowhere my Christian friend! An atheist will see right through that and expose you for the incoherent babbling mess that you are. The best example of this is the age old argument that goes something like this: “How do you know that the bible is the word of God?” Answer: “Because its authors were holy men inspired by God.” Question: “And how do you know that they were inspired by God?” Reply: “Because it says so right here in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 and 2 Peter 1:21.” Remember what I said about using the scriptures as evidence? This is what is called circular reasoning. Whenever you feel the urge to do this sing this ditty to yourself. “Jesus loves me this I know, because the bible tells me so.” After you realize what you have done do us all a favor and stop it!

Last but not least don’t come to me with wild unfounded new theologies based on a combination of both bad science and even worst theology. A commenter recommended that I familiarize myself with the works of a Dr. Mike Jarvis who in a description of a book entitled ‘God By Evolution’ states in the first line: ‘Reconciling the Big Bang Universe and evolution with belief in the Creator.’ I am of the opinion that this simply cannot be done. You can’t reconcile science with myth no matter how you twist the facts to fit your theology.