The Four Horsemen Discuss the Issues


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was putting off watching this for the past few months because I thought it would be an uninteresting, scientistic circle-jerk; full of the same phrases and points I've already heard and read from them.

But, I was wrong. I'm glad I finally watched this and I'm sad that I put off watching it; very interesting.

Thanks for posting this, John.

david said...

He (bearded guy, can't remember his name) wants religion to be treated the same way as the pharmaceutical or oil industry.

I agree with his point, and perhaps imagine that world a more peaceful one; but can we really EVER expect average people to approach their beliefs about life after death, right and wrong, God, etc with such a statistical "oh you're quite right, sorry let me grab the eraser and fix that right away" mindset?

t.k.foster said...

Definitely enjoyable; I always enjoy listening to Sam Harris, but one of the better contributors to that discussion. One thing I thought was funny was Hitchen's lighting up.

I could not agree more with them, though, that it is obvious the difference between those who've read their books and those who haven't.

Scott said...

While I've mentioned it else where, I think Sam is on to something with his interpretation of exceptional experiences.

Theists value their "spiritual" experiences and see atheism as an attempt to invalidate them. Obviously, they do occur and theists probably fear loosing what they perceive as an important part of their existence.

As non-theists, who may actually share the same experiences ourselves, we should simply point out that a supernatural source is not necessary.

In fact, I'd say these experiences are even more important without God as they would occur without God simply 'pushing our buttons' to make us feel one way or another.

Also, If Muslims, Jews, Hindus and even Buddhists (many of which do not believe in a God or Gods) can share the same exact experiences, then how can they be unique to a particular God?

Additional interesting points...

- Not knowing is an important part of theism for many. (They don't want to know the answers)
- Priest was going to quit if the church attempted to scientifically validate the Shroud of Turnin.
- Some non-theists groups suggest theists need their 'fairy tales' to function in society and fear what would happen without them.

Landon said...

I would rather enjoy to see what would happen with William Lane Craig in the room with them. (In fact, take out Hitchens and put in Craig, and leave them to talk for a few hours.) I would pay good money for that.