Anthony Flew - Taking Advantage of an Old Man?

Question

Some theists, either in ignorance or sheer dishonesty, bring up the case of Anthony Flew, a former atheist who has since converted.

Even in his conversion, he still mocks Christianity, and holds strictly to Deism. But beyond that, it appears the man is not well, mentally, as a new NY Times article shows. Some Christians wrote a book and slapped his name on it, even though Flew couldn't remember extremely basic scientific terms in the book, even though Flew couldn't remember philosphers who were cited HEAVILY in the book.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/magazine/04Flew-t.html?pagewanted=5&_r=1

So my question is, because Flew is merely a Deist, and because it is quite clear he is not all there anymore, why do some Christians bring him up as if it is some great victory?

The link goes to page 5 of the article, describing the author's interview with Flew about the book starting at the second paragraph on that page.

simon T - I agree with you there. I just find it despicable that some Christians wrote a book, claim Flew is one of the authors, and the man can't even remember huge chunks of the book! Basic stuff that even a non-author like the publishing manager would know about!

And even worse, the the NY Times claims a second ghostwriter went through and edited the hell out of the book - so the ghostwriter had a ghostwriter.

Christians should be embarrassed anytime someone brings up Flew as support for Christianity!

Answer 1

Because they are desperate to grab any thing that they can get their hands on.

That they have to distort the truth and make things out to be rather different from how they really are does not seem to bother them so much.

Christianity is undergoing a severe trial right now. People like Dawkins, HItchins and Harris are pointing out some of the major flaws in religion that, until now, have been unmentionable. They are pointing out that the Emperor has no clothes and people are starting to listen.

The Christians are desperate to fight back.

They will lose.

Islam is next.

Answer 2

Xians love to do that. Bill Murray, son of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, founder of American Atheists, is the only non-Atheist in the family. He has converted to Christianity. Xians love to use him like a poster child. But what does his being a "believer" reveal? Nothing. (Except maybe that children will rebel)