Why do Christian R&S regulars make -no- attempt to appeal to the intelligent amongst us?

Question

I can't recall -ever- seeing an argument in favour of Christianity that would appeal to an intelligent 21st century human.

Not one argument that would convince an intelligent person that there has to be a supernatural being who controls the fate of humanity.

The argument always seems to fit the following paradigm:

"I believe in it and you should too."

That's it. That's the sum of their rationale.

Given how notorious humans are for talking themselves into believing things (one need only look at all the religions of the world to see how true this is), what intelligent 21st century individual is going to say "ok"?

Answer 1

Wait could this be someone willing to acxtually have a rational discussion? ( sorry I was just reading one of those where they are just out to bait someone and be derogatory no matter what is said. How about this You pose a specific question and I will try to answer. ( I am trying to be serious here) I don't know if I will change your mind about God but I might be able to change your mind about Christians. Want to give it a try? Just let me know I love a good debate.

Answer 2

Well i try to. And when i present a rational argument people insist that im just a silly christian and pay no attention to their opinion and dont respect them, even though its not true and they dont know me so that they can judge.

Its not all our fault [we do have our share in it, and its big], still whenever a Christian presents a rational argument [and there are oh so many] most non christians just dissmiss it, sometimes with a not so logic argument.
At least its what i feel.
Im also sorry that you feel this way. I hope you will review your concepts, not so you convert to my religion and start attending my church [i dont think you will, since it is in Brasil], but because it is an important part of my life and it makes me fullfilled and happy, also it compells me to be a better man, i know many people who feel the same way. Further more the honest search for a transcendent is very culturally and spiritually fuilfilling [again im not saying anything about going to hell, converting or dieing, only saying that searching for God is important]

I hope you dont ignore my awnser as "another silly Christian awnser" as it so oftens happens here in RandS

Paz de Cristo

Answer 3

Apparently a lot do since it is constantly growing. I guess to "appeal to the intelligent amongst us" you are asking "why we don't give solid proof", since...as intelligent as you all seem,lol, you ALWAYS ask why,why,why..and it's always the same answer, so one would think that they would stop asking since they already know what the answer is. But, of course they keep asking, and calling us the ignorant ones, when we just keep saying that it is Faith. It's a religion based on Faith.Get the picture? Will they stop asking? No, because the people that ask want to make us seem as ignorant as possible, but how can they understand what we are saying if they have never experienced it first hand. And I'm not saying just "believing" but truly experiencing. There is no solid proof...it's a Faith. And don't tell me you are so arrogant to not know that many religious people are quite intelligent.


And to browneyed above me....are you serious? Christian children aren't raised to think for themselves? Can you be anymore stereotypical? Who can you be to make that assumption? Have you met every Christian child?And i have yet to see myself as a "chosen one", stop generalizing just because you've had bad experiences.


I've come to the conclusion that most people base their so called intelligence on stereotypes.

Answer 4

First of all, I would sincerely hope that I have appealed to the intelligent among the readers.

Second, one cannot argue faith. Faith is belief in that which cannot be proven. Yes, some people talk themselves into believing things. Some even talk themselves into thinking they know everything about God. When that happens, their God is too small.

Spirituality is a path, and each person must find their own way. Looking at the writings and lives of those who came before us can be valuable, but it not the sum total of the journey.

I would never try to argue anyone into my belief system. People argue because they are convincing themselves that they are right.

Answer 5

The most intelligent human being cannot begin to understand the most foolish aspect of God if he does not know God. It would make me a bigger fool to even attempt to convince you of something you do not have the capacity to understand...therefore, I won't. The sum of my rationale...I can depend on the Word of God as being good for every aspect of life. Within it's covers it teaches me that I need not bother arguing to convince someone who has already said in his or her heart there is no God. Only when a prideful and self centered individual can surrender his will to the Will of his maker, then he can begin to understand. You will probably find out on the last day of Earth...according to prophecy, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then, with mercy and grace, God will not force anyone to endure His presence unless he chooses to. Those who do not choose to, will be welcomed with open arms into the same fate that Satan and his fallen angels will embrace. Destruction, once and for all time. No more sorrow, suffering, nor pain will ever inflict itself on the rest of humanity...in the entire universe. It will be over then. May the Holy Spirit move you to open your mind to that still small voice.

Answer 6

Haven't had such a good laugh lately. Thank you. The intelligent among us. Right Draco. "The sum of their rationale". You can't rationale God; you just said, that even a 21st century intelligent one among us has gotten nowhere with it. Luckily, we have the testimony of Moses, et. al., and the fact that Jesus preached for only 3 1/2 years, compared to 140 years for Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle combined, and turned the world on it ear, and left no footprint. Pretty amazing. He said, "Do not be afraid. It is I."
Keep searching. God bless.

Answer 7

I thoroughly question the ones intelligence that call their selves the intelligent amongst those on this forum.

Those who say they are more intelligent have not shown their selves to be so only more arrogant.

If you are so intelligent why do you fail to understand that there is a God? Why do you not see the proof? Why do you think what religion a person is has anything to do with a level of intelligence when it doesn't?

Your short little sum up is false.

Answer 8

The most intelligent arguments for God are the simpliest things. Like any natural thing, how did it get here? Then look at your kitchen counter. How did your coffeemaker get there?

The "I believe and you should too.", I agree is a throw away. On the other hand, the "intelligent" I find, are more concerned with posturing than thinking. How they sound to themselves than to any questions raised.

What we look for is someone of "humble intelligence". One who applies his intellect to answering the question properly.

Answer 9

Point is, we as christians do not wish to force anything upon you. And I myself, have never seen anything close to your quoted text.

If you are truely intelligent as you say, the first step would be to consider both sides of the argument and make an educated decision based upon your findings. Then its up to you which road you are going to take.

Good luck and God bless

Answer 10

If you want something to appeal to the intelligence read the book WHO MOVED THE STONE by Frank Morrison. I think he was a lawyer. That should stimulate the little grey cells.