(May 3, 2010 at 5:10 am)True Christian Wrote: The fact is that outside of the Church, not a single religious organization, out of the thousands of religions, has lasted 2000 years. Why would Chrisianity be that different ? To me it is because it is the "true" religion.
Why do you think that follows? It doesn't. Because popularity and long lasting, and flourishing is not evidence of divinity. Otherwise that could apply to the FSM or McDonalds 2000 years in the future just as easily, as I said above. That's the Ad Populum fallacy.
What makes you think there IS a true religion? Why do you presuppose that? And even if there were one, why would a religion's success evidence it's divinity? That doesn't follow, that's a fallacy as I said.
A long lasting flourishing religion is just that: a long lasting flourishing religion. How the hell is that evidence for the existence of God in any way?
Best to go with the burden of proof and be logical and parsimonious I say, stick with the blank slate to begin with - change your mind if evidence comes in. Better to start with the blank slate and believe in a 'true' religion, or any religion for that matter - if evidence actually comes along.
EvF
