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Atheism’s (Not So) Hidden Assumptions

Cornelius Hunter
June 23, 2010
Intelligent Design
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Evolutionist Jerry Coyne thinks atheism is true. But if atheism (in addition to evolution) is true, then how could Coyne know it? For if atheism and materialism are true, then Coyne’s brain is nothing more than a set of molecules in motion. Its various configurations are simply a consequence of its beginning, subsequent inputs, and some random motion here and there.  Read more

Comments
Barb @1 I agree completely with what you said. And I would just add that what you described is also known (but denied) by atheists and it's also the reason for many atheists war against absolute truth itself. The problem (for them) is, if absolute truth does not exist, then atheism itself is not absolutely true.Bantay
June 23, 2010
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I know of no one who has better stated the case that an epistemology rooted in evolution coupled with naturalism is at best inscrutable at worst, self-refuting, than Alvin Plantinga. In his well known evolutionary argument against naturalism, he clearly shows that there is no getting around the problem that in a purely naturalistic world, it simply isn't possible to know whether or not our cognitive faculties have evolved to the point where they have as one of their primary functions, the formation of true beliefs. Thus when Coyne, Dawkins, or others of that ilk proclaim loudly and victoriously that there simply is no God, they aren't speaking from any position of actual knowledge...they are only stating what they wish...hope...want to be the case. In other words, it only mere opinion, for they have neither a scientific nor philosophical way to defend the position.DonaldM
June 23, 2010
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Yet they are the ones who claim to be on the side of logic, reason and rationality while at the same time excoriating "faith-heads" as irrational, illogical and without reason. Apparently, in defense of atheism, the normal rules of logic and reason simply do not apply. Self-refuting premises be damned! And rule #1 is: when in a debate or discussion with a theist - concede nothing! Never even admit that a theist has a point.DonaldM
June 23, 2010
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Exactly. And none have. And when one attempts to bring it to their attention, they call one a liar.Ilion
June 23, 2010
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Materialism makes reason impossible. If our mental processes are nothing but chemical reactions in the brain, then there's no reason to believe anything is true (including the theory of materialism). Chemicals can't evaluate between true and false; they don't reason, they react. I wonder how many atheists have considered this startling contradiction in their belief system.Barb
June 23, 2010
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cogito ergo sumDiEb
June 23, 2010
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