Re: Catch 23 for atheists

[I]t's probably the case that once you've described yourself as a nonbeliever, believers aren't going to take your view of their faith too seriously: you've written yourself out of the story.

Well, maybe. I guess I should have let the two Mormon proselytizers who knocked on my door tonight in so I could work on them. They came to sell their bizarre crap to me and would pretty much have to put up with me :). But frankly, conversations with these zombies never go anywhere.

Re: Demand for philosophy graduates.

Slightly hurt that of the 1,649 word E-mail I sent Jessica in response to the message she sent us she used not a word, but nice to see she included Joe in her piece. Swings and roundabouts.

re: Catch 23

Tim has a very clever solution there.

Also: speaking as an agnostic surrounded by the good-ole-boys, I think you misunderstand your enemy greatly. A lot of the guys will tell you they aren't 100% sold on the whole "Jesus thing", what they are defending is the values represented. See also: identity Christian.

I think atheists are better served by defining a clear goal. What is it you are trying to convince these people of? You can't prove the God issue either way, and I think most atheists agree with the core values of charity, empathy and brotherhood.

I find Jesus to be a great ally when debating issues like torture/waterboarding. I simply ask them: do you believe the Lord Jesus would approve? When they say yes, I cite pieces of Matthew. In other words, worship toast for all I care, just stop supporting the War on Terror so blindly.

What is it you wish to convince them?