Dear grace2u:
I would agree with you that atheism is irrational. Often professed atheist claim they want evidence yet they often are unwilling to really listen to evidence and become angry when it is presented.
I once heard that when truth and error compete on a fair playing field that truth will always prevail. I have noticed, however, that often truth is attempted to be suppressed. One just has to look at history and see that in the early days of Christianity, the reformation, and even recent history the Bible has been burned and banned. Sadly, when those who do not want to be faced with truth will take suppressive measures to extinguish the truth rather than ultimately face it. I believe, however, that ultimately you can run away from the truth but ultimately it has to be faced. Of course, many would like to take the easy way out and take measures that are ultimately self defeating. In the long run, however, the easy way is the hard way and the hard way is the easy way.
I have learned, however, not to listen to men's excuses in regards to their responses to the truth but to watch their actions. JP Morgan wisely said, "A man always has two reasons for doing anything--a good reason and the real reason."
So this brings us to the question on how atheism has been promulgated in history or communities where it has power. I think you will invariably find suppression. I have certainly find this to be the case in my own personal obversations. I have also found it to be the case in my study of history. The commmunist, for example, where they have adopted atheism which often seems to be the case, make no delay in shutting down churches and using other tactics that are less obvious. It seems as if the professed atheist know they cannot win on logical grounds and thus use other means. Of course, religionist often do the same. Yet, I have found in history no materialist martyrs. I have also found that genuine Christians are open to discussion that is conducted in a reasonable manner. I realize that debate can sometimes get heated and satire is used. But it just seems that the professed atheist cannot handle this. Often the proudest cannot stand to deal with satire although they are not adverse to using it.
I guess I am from Missouri. Please, if you are a professed atheist, do not tell me you are not adverse to real debate but show me with your actions. I cannot say I have seen this as to date. I have just seen the opposite. I believe that a true willingness to debate and reflect on what is being debated reflects true moral courage. I also feel a lack of willingness is a sign of cowardice. I also realize that many among us, even the most bravest among us, may have acted in a cowardly way at some point in their life. This is the human condition. I would hope though that a change of heart would be seen as an act of true courage if any of those among us have acted in a less than courageous way in regards to showing a true willingness to debate. I would ask that this courage be demonstrated through their actions and they would consider change the results of any actions they may have taken so that true debate can occur.
I realize that some may wish to debate me on this but I would like to see some action and a gesture of good faith in this regard. I cannot say that anything less will do. Words will just not suffice and a change in action is necessary. If those among us who have used suppressive measures wish to look back on their actions and make changes in regards to those actions it would be a step in the right direction. So if you feel this message applies to you and you are willing and able to reverse an action that you made so true debate can continue I do think it would be the right thing to do. I would also ask those who agree with me, whether they be professed atheist or Christians to encourage those who they see acting in a obstructionist manner in regards to debate to ask those particular individuals to act in a more noble way and reverse any action they may have taken to impede true debate so true debate may occur or continue. I also realize that those individuals who are obstructionist may not listen to those who ask them to change at first. Yet history shows us that persistence can and often does change those who act in a obstructionist manner by asking them not merely to give mental assent to the idea of true debate but to show it through their actions. I will certainly encourage you in this regard because it simply should not be tolerated in any place that it is occuring.
[This message has been edited by kendemyer, 02-26-2004]
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