If it can be, how can the "Absence of Evidence" be "Evidence of Absence?".

Hi ICANT, Is this really sufficient evidence? If straggler wrote a book about his twelve and a half magic pixies, and threw in a few predictions that came to pass in my lifetime, do I then have sufficient cause to convert to Straggler's religion?Just a thought.Respectfully,-Meldinoor

I guess not. But it would be apparent to me that using Straggler's holy book as evidence for its own veracity, would be futile in a discussion with others who do not accept its truth a priori.Respectfully,-Meldinoor

If I'm going to be convinced that the 12 fairies exist, then I also have to be convinced that their holy book has veracity, IF I intend to use it as supporting evidence.Respectfully,-Meldinoor

That's great! However, the sole question I was trying to raise was whether the existence of a book is "evidence" for anything except the existence of the writers of the book. I'm not questioning the basis of our faith, only the use the Bible as evidence in a discussion about the existence of God.Respectfully,-Meldinoor

The Origin of Species is not evidence of evolution. It is evidence that Darwin existed, it is evidence that he forumulated the theory of evolution and it is evidence that he studied evolution. I presume (I haven't read it) that it contains arguments and references to evidence for evolution.The evidence itself is external and is ubiquitous in nature.Respectfully,-Meldinoor