For many people, the harder you try to challenge their beliefs, the more militant they become. However, I have met many learned and very smart people who have articulately defended their beliefs… yet still rely on “faith” when it comes to the really tough questions…
Oh… and do you ever read any CS Lewis (his nonfiction… not Chronicles of Narnia!!) He’s an atheist-turned-christian… Brilliant man… and he is almost convincing… But anywho … you should read “mere Christianity” just to hear his arguments…
Ok TnAtheist… be good man!
I do fear for a future dominated by unverifiable dogmatic beliefs. That is one of the reasons I do this. I think the best way to combat irrational thinking is with rational thought. the important thing is to not be overbearing about your skepticism. Don’t verbally ambush a believer with downloads of critical thought. Rather approach each idea or situation by itself. Question one thing at a time along with a believer and let them see the critical process as it unfolds. Relate it to other claims the believer themselves don’t hold true. Bigfoot, Elvis, alien abduction. But most importantly, show them how you CAN be a moral, ethical, good person without a belief in their god figure.
I have read some C.S. Lewis and I find many of his arguments, as well as many others, are very emotion-based. Emotions are powerful, but don’t dictate reality and in many cases, serve to distort it.
