Do you agree that the Argument from First Cause, Design Beauty, etc would only be convincing to someone who's already had a divine encounter or experience with God?
2007-10-29 07:55:39 · 20 answers · asked by Eleventy 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Or that logic and rational thought won't lead to God, only faith?
2007-10-29 07:58:11 · update #1
and that's the whole point which you totally don't get... it's not an argument or if it is, you're the only one arguing.
if you don't believe the good news or think it's crap, then what more is there to say? God doesn't ask Christians to convince people like you, just that we glorify His name with our lives. any one who stands around arguing with someone like you is not about God's purpose...
lead a horse to water, etc...
2007-10-29 08:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by chieko 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The argument of "Design Beauty" might be unconvincing, because of the current fallen state of nature due to man's sin, it is often difficult to support the Beauty that was original there. (Kind of like driving by a broken clunker of a car on cinder blocks in somebody backyard makes it hard to see the beauty of the original design.)
But the argument of First Cause is a valid argument. As one of the definitions of God is that he has to be the "First Cause", that an argument that shows the need or existence of a First Cause is a valid argument for God.
2007-10-29 15:01:46 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I agree that our arguments are based upon faith, and it is your decision to agree or disagree, and my right to believe in what I wish to. I agree that some people try to shove their beliefs down your throat, while others are passive and will only share with you if the opportunity presents itself. I agree that this particular discussion is a dead horse that has been beaten into a greasy spot on the highway, but people still want to discuss the same things over and over.
2007-10-29 15:01:40 · answer #3 · answered by Bridey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would agree that in general the arguments are unconvincing for someone who has already made up their mind to disbelieve. However, someone who is truly searching hasn't already had an experience and still has the possibility of listening and believing.
2007-10-29 14:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Larry V 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Another person's personal testimony is not enough to convince an unbeliever,even if that testimony is similar among millions of people. Some people simply cannot see the obvious when it's right before their eyes,because they are looking for deeper answers.The obvious is often overlooked when it seems too simple to be the truth.
2007-10-29 15:30:16 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having grown up in a Christain family/church/school, Then having left said environment.
You cannot rationally argue christianity you have to believe it by faith. When argueing with christians it is futile to get them to argue logically, because whenever you back them into a corner they pull their trump card and say "you have to believe with faith". Take creation, they argue that the big bang can't happen because where did the particles come from that eventually blew up and created everything. Yet they push a creation belief that God has always been and has no beginning or end. They believe he created everything out of nothing but his words. When you point out the obvious fallacy they will respond with"you have to believe it by faith"
They tend to be so mired in their beliefs that they are not open to other interpretations or ideas. They blindly believe what they do because a book written by MEN told them to.
2007-10-29 15:04:57 · answer #6 · answered by apartyka 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
yes it would seem to be so. I believe that everyone has a path to God, some must dig a bit harder for it. I think many christians sadley convince more people to turn away from the paths than to go forward with it.
2007-10-29 15:05:28 · answer #7 · answered by Adam of the wired 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I didn't understand the second part of that question, but YES, my arguments are totally unconvincing to an unbeliever. They don't believe, and nothing I say will change their mind....
2007-10-29 14:58:28 · answer #8 · answered by nita5267 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No. Science and philosophy are an outward experience in unproven consciousness. Religion is a personal and inner consciousness which is rooted and grounded in experience.
2007-10-29 15:02:19 · answer #9 · answered by Soul Shaper 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would imagine they would be. I do not hold my beliefs as a result of those arguments. I don't think anyone gets argued into their beliefs whatever they are.
2007-10-29 15:08:53 · answer #10 · answered by Todd 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋