A Preacher Decides to Take the "Debunking Christianity Challenge"

So far three Christians have decided to do this in 2010 that I know of. Luke at Common Sense Atheism talks about the goals of one such person named Phil, and offers his own list of books. In the comments a preacher named Greg from the "Cambridge Church of Christ" will do so as well. A person named Micah is doing this and may end up writing a book about it, along the lines of the very popular “My Year Of…” genre of books, for which I might write the Foreword. The choice of books is important but not as important as the challenge itself. Come on, what do you have to lose?

7 comments:

Elliot11 said...

On a sincere and equal term basis, Mr. Loftus you may also examine Mr. Anthony Flew the person - you don't have to agree with him, nor follow his decision. Secondly, please also consider again the Totally No God Atheism Test (TONGAT) challenge - it is simple, just contemplate and review your arguments on the basis that there is no God, no God at all, in aligning with the atheist position. e.g. using your previous Darwin's evolutionary perspective in suffering, on the grounds that there is NO God, the Jewish suffering in the Holocaust simply means Hitler was strong than the Jews in Nazi Europe at that time, and Dr. Mengel was definitely stronger than the Jewish children he experimented on. Same explanation for Stalin and Pol Pot.
Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Elliott11, I'm a little confused about the TONGAT challenge. You seem to be equating God with morality, but I don't see any reason for one to be dependent on the other. Is this a hidden assumption on your part?

Unknown said...

using your previous Darwin's evolutionary perspective in suffering, on the grounds that there is NO God, the Jewish suffering in the Holocaust simply means Hitler was strong than the Jews in Nazi Europe at that time, and Dr. Mengel was definitely stronger than the Jewish children he experimented on

This reeks of social Darwinism, which has nothing to do with biological evolution. Social Darwinism certainly isn't a moral position that philosophically mature atheists hold.

J said...

Micah.... awesome. Hello, Micah! Best of luck to you, as well as the other two participants. I hope we can read about your progress on the site.

I was raised Church of Christ, and I understand that mentality quite well. In fact, I know they are already upset at John for not spelling it "Cambridge church of Christ".

Micah said...

Thanks for the mention, John.

For those who are interested, this morning I announced on my blog my acceptance of the challenge.

My first post about my readings will come tomorrow or Sunday. I'm beginning the challenge by reading Ehrman's *Misquoting Jesus*.

Blog:The Small Rivers

I've also created a Page for this challenge where I'll index my related posts. Atheism Challenge

(For what it's worth, I'm a minister in the churches of Christ. I work 20-30 hrs a week as a paid campus minister while I'm working on my MA in philosophy.)

TheFamDoc24 said...

John,
I commented a few weeks back. I have been "lurking" on the blog ever since. Reading everything, but yet to leave another comment. I first want to say to you that I applaud your effort to dialogue with atheists and theists alike. I wish more folks were more willing to talk and less likely to attack.
I ordered your book and it should be here within a day or two. This is the book you suggested someone start with when taking you up on the challenge. So, I am saying that to say, I'm taking you up on the challenge.
My background - degree in Religious Education, MA in Youth Ministry, currently in my 2nd year of a PhD in Family Science. The teens I work with a lot of questions and they deserve intellectual thought out answers, rather than the quick-to-mind patented Bible answers they have always received.
I will be honest...I'm not expecting my opinion to change. But, you are right, I like many others have only studied from one point of view. I pledge that I will be open, and will do my very best (I'm a work in progress mind you) to read and seek with a clear mind, rather than from a defensive mindset.
I will reopen my blog after your book arrives and try to keep a running tab on what I'm experiencing.
I hope that my daughter (now 7 weeks old) will be able to learn from my experience to take nothing at face value and to study hard, and think for herself. Thank you for the challenge.
Cheers,
Bobby

Anonymous said...

Thanks Bobby. I'll be watching as you proceed. Best wishes to you. Thanks for showing us you are truly interested in the truth. It's encouraging to me.