Ask the Christian

[Cyberman]

Hey Stimb. I thought yours was actually a statement rather than a question.

Not a problem, easy mistake to make. Sometimes I have trouble making myself clear, even to me. I thought the question mark was a bit of a clue, though.

Maybe you could dig me up one?

Only one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZuRn3Hr5mM

I agree with you about being accurate with words. So let's not make the mistake of confusing proof with evidence. You (generalising) aren't required to prove the existence of a god; if you want anyone else to accept your claims, just present some evidence for consideration. That's all.

It's how scientific advances have been made throughout history. The evidence ought to be strong enough to withstand scrutiny, and should also be consistent with other pieces of evidence so as to fit together like some sort of puzzle made up of separate interconnecting pieces resulting in a uniform picture (there really should be a name for such a puzzle that we could use as a shorthand for that rather long-winded description). And if such evidence does do that, it reinforces the initial claim. Eventually, the claim may be awarded the distinguished title of "theory".

By the same token, if an individual piece of evidence is later discredited, or perhaps clarified by further research, it doesn't demolish the theory; rather, it can actually work to strengthen it, by removing or reinforcing some weak point.