Hello, ducklings!
Recently, I stumbled across a fairly popular site called "Answers in Genesis" while looking for good arguments for the Christian god. While reading their article, I noticed some pretty outrageous claims about atheists and forwarding many misconceptions. I felt that it would be a shame to not voice my opinion on the matter, as my first Steemit post.
Here is the link to their article: https://answersingenesis.org/is-god-real/what-is-the-best-argument-for-the-existence-of-god/
Let's begin!
"God Doesn’t Believe in Atheists
The Bible teaches that atheists are not really atheists. That is, those who profess to be atheists do ultimately believe in God in their heart-of-hearts. The Bible teaches that everyone knows God, because God has revealed Himself to all (Romans 1:19). In fact, the Bible tells us that God’s existence is so obvious that anyone who suppresses this truth is “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). The atheist denies with his lips what he knows in his heart. But if they know God, then why do atheists claim that they do not believe in God?"
Simply put, citing the bible to prove your point as a Christian, to an Athiest is circular reasoning. I understand the point that they are attempting to make here, but the fallacy cannot go unrecognized. If you don't understand why this is faulty reasoning, allow me to demonstrate: Let's look at three premises.
A) I never lie
B) I shall propose that I am God
C) Therefore I am God
When put in simple terms, it is incredibly easy to see why this reasoning is fallacious.
Secondly, I would like to address The quote "The Bible teaches that everyone knows God, because God has revealed Himself to all". What Is the meaning of reveal in this sentence? Miracles? I would be more than happy to find one that can't be explained naturally, though it seems that one doesn't exist. Maybe are referring to feeling like he is there? But what about the countless individuals that are raised secular, without any feeling that there is a god or those who believe in a different god to your own? Maybe toast that kind of looks like something significant? Obviously, I'm kidding but it's easy to see how glancing over these minor details, could lead us to believe what they are saying, but of course, it is preposterous.
The second part of their point:
"The answer may be found in Romans 1:18. God is angry at unbelievers for their wickedness. And an all-powerful, all-knowing God who is angry at you is a terrifying prospect. So even though many atheists might claim that they are neutral, objective observers, and that their disbelief in God is purely rational, in reality, they are strongly motivated to reject the biblical God who is rightly angry with them. So they suppress that truth in unrighteousness. They convince themselves that they do not believe in God.2 The atheist is intellectually schizophrenic—believing in God, but believing that he does not believe in God.3"
Let us suppose that as an atheist I did trick myself into not believing. Why would I do so? One could say that I might in order to sin more, but the majority of us are incredibly moral. In fact, according to some statistics we are among the lowest population in prisons. And as far as us being "intellectually schizophrenic" goes, I don't see the need for petty ad hominem, but all insults aside I believe it is clear why this is obviously false.
Since there is so much to unpack in this article, I will break it into multiple parts as a series. If you'd like a full-blown series covering this, and many more articles by Answers in Genesis, please let me know by upvoting and commenting on this post. I look forward to seeing your feedback.
-Squishey