Open discussion of the Christian Why We're Here thread

[RoadRunner79]

I would beg to differ.  There are plenty of people who come to believe in and have faith in God; later in life.  And many of them are quite intelligent, and do cite rational reasons for their belief that Christianity is true.  I would also point out that learning something when you are young, does not preclude a greater understanding and foundation for that belief later.  So I would say that you are just flat out wrong.  And I don't think that you have much to support the statements you make.

I think the clear context is that she's [Joods is] saying that if theists had any sort of rational thought about their theism then they wouldn't be theists in the first place. I don't think she's saying that all theists are irrational all 'round and if they were rational in any way about anything at all they wouldn't be theists (she's not calling all theists lunatics).

Of course it's not a generalization to say that all theists are irrational in their theism any more than it is to say all Trumptards are irrational in their Trumptardism or all [insert believer in something here] are irrational to believe in [insert belief here].

To be clear: If I thought there was even ONE theist who was rational in their theism then I'd BE a theist. Because it would mean that at least one theist had figured out logically sound arguments for, or found accurate empirical evidence that, a supernatural being really did create the universe so why on earth would I still be an atheist?

My issue is, that when looked at more closely, I have found that these type of claims have no depth.  They appear to be nothing more than a vague (un-falsifiable) generalization meant to do nothing more than to disparage the theists or possibly to try to make the atheists feel better about themselves by putting others down. So I don't get too excited, until this type of statement is supported with something specific.   It's like saying that theists just need to be educated (I ask in what). 

By your reasoning, I can say that atheism is irrational, otherwise I would be an atheist.... correct?  I think that you are setting up a false dichotomy Hammy.  And so; your reasoning doesn't follow.  Similarly it doesn't necessarily follow, that your reasoning is always rational, otherwise you would believe otherwise.  This is the type of thing that is shown over time, and by good reasoning.  Do we say that anyone who disagree's with us irrational?  While it is good to try to be rational, to examine ourselves, and our arguments as well as our interlocatur's, it is equally naive to assume that we are always right. 

I think that it is specific things, that are irrational.  Take for example the last poll I made on testimony.  How many people told me, that testimony is not evidence, and that a case would not be even tried, which was mostly based on just testimony.   How many of those same people applauded the Bill Cosby verdict recently, that was mostly based on testimony (which I was told is not evidence).  Too me, this is inconsistent, and thus irrational.

You might also note, that it is difficult to take one seriously, who when accusing someone else of being irrational; yet themselves append "tard" onto their opposition!