(February 20, 2016 at 11:19 am)abaris Wrote:(February 20, 2016 at 11:16 am)Mr.wizard Wrote: That's not true, the problem of evil was one the first things that made me start questioning the existence of god.
Individuals might, but it's the first thing apologists adress when debating atheists. It's also one of the least interesting points that can be made in favor of atheism. Because it's like finger pointing and the bible, which they always like to quote, presents a whole lot of evil as a test to certain individuals.
For me, by the way, the first question was, reality not adding up with the narrative.
How can you define reality when the only reality which you know is what you've been exposed to? I don't think everyone's situation, or thinking patterns have been exactly like yours. I find the problem of evil to be a very interesting issue with the theists, and like myself I expect others who respond to the problem of evil will be no less good at detecting the dishonesty of every apologist's response to this.
For me, the problem of evil and the weakness of "mysterious ways" and stupid "plan" apologetics is where I first began to ask questions. Well, to be honest it was so long ago I don't recall which questions came first, but it doesn't matter. There's the problem of evil, and there's the problem of logic, and it's useful to address them both.
Mr. Hanky loves you!
