The Idea of a God Is Not So Crazy

[Whateverist]

Dear Whateverist,
You may be right in saying that you know of no atheistic manual or argument that tries to account for the existence or the nature of the cosmos or for existence itself. Yes, it does seem that many atheist are satisfied in letting the theists do all the heavy lifting and smugly deriding their efforts to explain and understand the universe by pointing out all the holes in their arguments and theologies. It is a lazy occupation methinks. Why don't you sweat with me a bit and try to argue a position that claims no Prime Mover is necessary for explaining the existence of the universe? In other words, tell me why I should abandon Aristotle's seminal argument which attempts to deal with the fundamental question of the existence of the universe. You do know that Aristotle regarded Thales extremely highly and that Thales was one of the first people to attempt to explain the world and the cosmos without relying on mythology, do you not? We are in august company thinking alongside these great minds of the past. Let us not dismiss them out of hubris due to our lucky position in time that gives us a higher vantage point from which to gaze back on their mighty efforts. Better to put yourself in their shoes and work from there to argue against their non-religious theistic position.

My Dear Metalogos,

I'd be delighted to have a serious conversation with you about origins. But I've already stated my objections to simply putting a god-patch at the beginning of time, and you haven't responded to what I said. If you can't say anything that will assure me that you even comprehend what I've already said, let alone address it, that does not bode well for a productive discussion. So I believe the ball is still in your court.

As for mentioning Aristotle, you should know that I have no use for appeals to authority. I've read a bit of Aristotle -albeit not with a focus on origins. If you think he said anything relevant by all means say what that has led you to think. But I don't want to discuss Aristotle if we are interested in origins. What you think and why you think it will have to stand or fall on its own merits if you and I are to discuss this. (Same goes for me naturally.)

Godlessly yours,

Whateverist