There’s a network of churches in Southern Ontario (where I live) that is nearing the end of a weekly series on “Atheist Fundamentalism”. If that term hasn’t made you run off gagging, they’re actually kind of fun to listen to. Despite the inappropriate use of the “F” word, the minister seems like a smart, friendly guy who waits until the last possible second to jettison his reason for Jesus. If you had to have a conversation with an ardent Christian you’d want it to be with this guy.

http://www.themeetinghouse.ca (MP3s of the first 5 parts are downloadable via the link in the sidebar)

BTW, don’t be expecting a real debate. The minister covers both positions himself, but not as badly as you might expect considering who and where he is.

I don’t wish to dismiss your input rzza, but such perspectives do not lack representation in my life.  To be frank, I hear them day in and day out just about everywhere I go.  So please don’t feel bad if I don’t listen to five more mp3s that rant about “atheist fundamentalism.” I’ve heard it all before and there is really no such thing.

Hi erasmusinfinity. Thanks for replying, but I think you might have misinterpreted my reason for posting (assuming you don’t reply to every post you’re simply not interested in). I wasn’t trying to give representation to a set of theistic arguments. I just find it fascinating how smart people twist and turn to justify their supernatural beliefs. This is exactly what made DJ Grothe’s interview with Francis Collins so compelling (for me anyway).

I guess I did misinterpret your intentions a bit rzza.  I don’t reply to every post on this forum, whether I’m interested in it or not, but I do make every effort that I can to be cordial here by considering what members of this forum post for the rest of us to look at.  And I try to give as honest of a response as possible.  Even if that means being honest about not pursuing things further.  At any rate, I do agree with your point about how smart people twist and turn to justify their supernatural beliefs.  And I also found DJs POI episode on the subject compelling.

Rzza, when I started working I had an experience related to this.  Some of the guys in the labs knew I was an atheist so they managed to introduce me to a young guy my age who worked as a clerk in the front office.  He was a fundamentalist christian so they figured they could sit back and watch us fight.  We approached each other gingerly but respectfully.  After a while they all got bored and left.  However, I ended up having many religious discussions with him because neither of us tried to convince the other nor denigrated the other.  I think we both learned quite a bit about the other’s reasoning and also thought through our own positions more carefully. 

It would probably be better if the minister on that program had a real atheist to discuss their views.

Occam