Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Healthy skepticism of ALL worldviews is good. Skeptical of non-belief like found in Atheism? Post your challenging questions. Responses are encouraged.
Post Reply
PaulSacramento
Board Moderator
Posts: 9224
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:29 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Theistic Evolution
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by PaulSacramento »

Kenny wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
The Big Bang theory starts with a singularity; not God. The theory doesn’t even include God. You inserting God is another example of you using the God of the gaps argument. That may work for you, but not for me.

Ken
You assert that as if this was a proven fact Ken.
What did I assert as if it was a proven fact? That the Big Bang theory starts with a singularity? Or that the theory does not include God? Or something else.

Ken
Any of that, all of that, BUT in particular that the big band started with a singularity.
That is the hypothesis, not a proven fact.
At best what we can say is that the current view is that what we all the big bang probably started with/from a singularity.
Not, what caused that singularity to A) come about or B) expand, we do NOT know.

And, again, if you understood the Christian view of God then you would know that the statement of "not God" and "doesn't even include God" is simply wrong.
Better to say that the big bang theory does not need YOUR understanding of what YOU think God MAY be.
Kenny
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3745
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:17 pm
Christian: No
Sex: Male
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Kenny »

PaulSacramento wrote:
Kenny wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
The Big Bang theory starts with a singularity; not God. The theory doesn’t even include God. You inserting God is another example of you using the God of the gaps argument. That may work for you, but not for me.

Ken
You assert that as if this was a proven fact Ken.
What did I assert as if it was a proven fact? That the Big Bang theory starts with a singularity? Or that the theory does not include God? Or something else.

Ken
Any of that, all of that, BUT in particular that the big band started with a singularity.
That is the hypothesis, not a proven fact.
At best what we can say is that the current view is that what we all the big bang probably started with/from a singularity.
Not, what caused that singularity to A) come about or B) expand, we do NOT know.

And, again, if you understood the Christian view of God then you would know that the statement of "not God" and "doesn't even include God" is simply wrong.
Better to say that the big bang theory does not need YOUR understanding of what YOU think God MAY be.
You appear to be confusing what the Big Bang theory says, vs whether that theory is accurate or not. I was not speaking on its accuracy; I was speaking on what the theory actually says. If you are familiar with what the theory says, you will know it says nothing about God.

Ken
RickD wrote
"What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence".
PaulSacramento
Board Moderator
Posts: 9224
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:29 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Theistic Evolution
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by PaulSacramento »

Kenny wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
Kenny wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
The Big Bang theory starts with a singularity; not God. The theory doesn’t even include God. You inserting God is another example of you using the God of the gaps argument. That may work for you, but not for me.

Ken
You assert that as if this was a proven fact Ken.
What did I assert as if it was a proven fact? That the Big Bang theory starts with a singularity? Or that the theory does not include God? Or something else.

Ken
Any of that, all of that, BUT in particular that the big band started with a singularity.
That is the hypothesis, not a proven fact.
At best what we can say is that the current view is that what we all the big bang probably started with/from a singularity.
Not, what caused that singularity to A) come about or B) expand, we do NOT know.

And, again, if you understood the Christian view of God then you would know that the statement of "not God" and "doesn't even include God" is simply wrong.
Better to say that the big bang theory does not need YOUR understanding of what YOU think God MAY be.
You appear to be confusing what the Big Bang theory says, vs whether that theory is accurate or not. I was not speaking on its accuracy; I was speaking on what the theory actually says. If you are familiar with what the theory says, you will know it says nothing about God.

Ken
Correct, the theory doesn't say anything about God.
It also doesn't make any statement other than:
http://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/topics_bigbang.html
The Big Bang is usually considered to be a theory of the birth of the universe, although technically it does not exactly describe the origin of the universe, but rather attempts to explain how the universe developed from a very tiny, dense state into what it is today. It is just a model to convey what happened and not a description of an actual explosion, and the Big Bang was neither Big (in the beginning the universe was incomparably smaller than the size of a single proton), nor a Bang (it was more of a snap or a sudden inflation).

In fact, “explosion” is really just an often-used analogy and is slightly misleading in that it conveys the image that the Big Bang was triggered in some way at some particular centre. In reality, however, the same pattern of expansion would be observed from anywhere in the universe, so there is no particular location in our present universe which could claim to be the origin.

It really describes a very rapid expansion or stretching of space itself rather than an explosion in pre-existing space. Perhaps a better analogy sometimes used to describe the even expansion of galaxies throughout the universe is that of raisins baked in a cake becoming more distant from each other as the cake rises and expands, or alternatively of a balloon inflating.

Neither does it attempt to explain what initiated the creation of the universe, or what came before the Big Bang, or even what lies outside the universe. All of this is generally considered to be outside the remit of physics, and more the concern of philosophy.
As for what a singularity is:
http://www.physicsoftheuniverse.com/top ... ities.html

If you click on the singularity macro, you will see the definition ( sorry, I don't know how to paste it here..)
Kenny
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3745
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:17 pm
Christian: No
Sex: Male
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Kenny »

PaulSacramento wrote:
Kenny wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
Kenny wrote:
PaulSacramento wrote:
You assert that as if this was a proven fact Ken.
What did I assert as if it was a proven fact? That the Big Bang theory starts with a singularity? Or that the theory does not include God? Or something else.

Ken
Any of that, all of that, BUT in particular that the big band started with a singularity.
That is the hypothesis, not a proven fact.
At best what we can say is that the current view is that what we all the big bang probably started with/from a singularity.
Not, what caused that singularity to A) come about or B) expand, we do NOT know.

And, again, if you understood the Christian view of God then you would know that the statement of "not God" and "doesn't even include God" is simply wrong.
Better to say that the big bang theory does not need YOUR understanding of what YOU think God MAY be.
You appear to be confusing what the Big Bang theory says, vs whether that theory is accurate or not. I was not speaking on its accuracy; I was speaking on what the theory actually says. If you are familiar with what the theory says, you will know it says nothing about God.

Ken
Correct, the theory doesn't say anything about God.
And that was all I was addressing. All this other stuff you are bringing up; the singularity, where did it come from, etc. etc. none of that was a part of that particular conversation; that's why it wasn't addressed.

Ken
RickD wrote
"What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence".
PaulSacramento
Board Moderator
Posts: 9224
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:29 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Theistic Evolution
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by PaulSacramento »

And it wouldn't Ken since science does NOT address anything outside its field, which is what God is.
That is also why science does NOT address what was BEFORE the Big Bang or what may have CAUSED it or the singularity since everything in physics breaks down in a singularity.
In short, what was Before the BB, what caused the BB and what caused the singularity is NOT of this natural universe but "outside it".
Audie
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:41 am
Christian: No
Sex: Female
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation
Location: USA

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Audie »

Kurieuo wrote:
Audie wrote:
Kurieuo wrote:
Audie wrote:
Jac3510 wrote:Or more likely a choice to misrepresent the CA ;)
Ah so, now the "i am rubber" play. How diabolical.

See above.

I have said nothing to misrepresent it. I dont need to. It has flaws enough all on its own;
look where it has led you, if you cant see any others.


Try to restrict your comments to things that you dont need to misrepresent, and you, like ab if he could manage the same, would not present
your "faith" in such shady light. Not that I care, you yeccers and gappers can hold it up to as much
derision as you like.
Look at how defensive you're getting Audie. Clearly when you said, "the "uncaused cause" thing is pretty bad," you were meaning it was pretty bad for you and others like yourself who don't believe in God. I identify by your defensiveness that it is more the case you are not quite sure how to respond to such arguments.

It's like a thorn you'd prefer to not have to deal with in any logical fashion. Which is possibly why you also let your prejudice and diatribe also often spill out against philosophy, that field pursuing knowledge via logic and reason. Science without logic and reason isn't really science at all.
Why you choose to make up nonsense about me rather than look at an idea, I dunno. Do you?
I'm all ears, if you wish to refute the cosmological argument. What logical reasons do you have for just swiping it aside like nothing? I'm open to hear your reasons, rather than rhetoric that claims it's just some creationist nonsensical argument.
I asked, but your response has nothing of course about why you prefer to make things up (and go for rhetorical cheap shots) rather than look at any ideas I may have. You know which ones are the cheap shots, I wont id them for you.

You are nothing faintly resembling "all ears". You completely ignore everything I say, make up nonsense, as noted, and then make up more. See in bold.

I said the cosmo argument is a bad one, which you chose to interpret as the opposite of what I intended. I said that one can readily find counter arguments; you ignored that. If that is "swiping aside' from me, then it is, to you.

If you assume the premises of cosmo, which I dont, the logical is no doubt unassailable.

I thought, clearly incorrectly, that you actually were curious about what others may think of the most / least convincing.
User avatar
Jac3510
Ultimate Member
Posts: 5472
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2004 6:53 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Young-Earth Creationist
Location: Fort Smith, AR
Contact:

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Jac3510 »

Audie wrote:If you assume the premises of cosmo, which I dont, the logical is no doubt unassailable.
What are the premises of the cosmological argument, Audie, that need assuming? I thought the idea that some things are in motion was relatively uncontroversial. Could you elaborate, please?
Proinsias wrote:I don't think you are hearing me. Preference for ice cream is a moral issue
And that, brothers and sisters, is the kind of foolishness you get people who insist on denying biblical theism. A good illustration of any as the length people will go to avoid acknowledging basic truths.
Kenny
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3745
Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:17 pm
Christian: No
Sex: Male
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Kenny »

PaulSacramento wrote: In short, what was Before the BB, what caused the BB and what caused the singularity is NOT of this natural universe but "outside it".
How do you know this? Is this a matter of "faith" on your part, or do you have evidence that supports this claim about the singularity?

Ken
RickD wrote
"What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence".
Audie
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:41 am
Christian: No
Sex: Female
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation
Location: USA

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Audie »

Jac3510 wrote:
Audie wrote:If you assume the premises of cosmo, which I dont, the logical is no doubt unassailable.
What are the premises of the cosmological argument, Audie, that need assuming? I thought the idea that some things are in motion was relatively uncontroversial. Could you elaborate, please?

I am sure you know the premises.
Last edited by Audie on Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Jac3510
Ultimate Member
Posts: 5472
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2004 6:53 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Young-Earth Creationist
Location: Fort Smith, AR
Contact:

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Jac3510 »

I truly don't. I want to know what you are thinking of. I honestly can't imagine. I know every premise of the argument(s) and don't know any that are objectionable on any level. So I really want to know what you have in mind.
Proinsias wrote:I don't think you are hearing me. Preference for ice cream is a moral issue
And that, brothers and sisters, is the kind of foolishness you get people who insist on denying biblical theism. A good illustration of any as the length people will go to avoid acknowledging basic truths.
Audie
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:41 am
Christian: No
Sex: Female
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation
Location: USA

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Audie »

Jac3510 wrote:I truly don't. I want to know what you are thinking of. I honestly can't imagine. I know every premise of the argument(s) and don't know any that are objectionable on any level. So I really want to know what you have in mind.
I appreciate hearing that you cannot imagine (how or what I think). Having what I supposedly think concocted for me and presented as fact is annoying.

But regarding said premises as cosmo is based on. I dont have original thoughts on the
subject.
Last edited by Audie on Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Audie
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:41 am
Christian: No
Sex: Female
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation
Location: USA

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Audie »

PaulSacramento wrote:And it wouldn't Ken since science does NOT address anything outside its field, which is what God is.
That is also why science does NOT address what was BEFORE the Big Bang or what may have CAUSED it or the singularity since everything in physics breaks down in a singularity.
In short, what was Before the BB, what caused the BB and what caused the singularity is NOT of this natural universe but "outside it".
You sure that science addresseth not any of that? That science of needs must end where
everything known as physics in the universe as we now perceive it "breaks down"?
User avatar
Kurieuo
Honored Member
Posts: 10038
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2004 6:25 am
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Progressive Creationist
Location: Qld, Australia

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Kurieuo »

Audie wrote:
Kurieuo wrote:
Audie wrote:
Kurieuo wrote:
Audie wrote:
Ah so, now the "i am rubber" play. How diabolical.

See above.

I have said nothing to misrepresent it. I dont need to. It has flaws enough all on its own;
look where it has led you, if you cant see any others.


Try to restrict your comments to things that you dont need to misrepresent, and you, like ab if he could manage the same, would not present
your "faith" in such shady light. Not that I care, you yeccers and gappers can hold it up to as much
derision as you like.
Look at how defensive you're getting Audie. Clearly when you said, "the "uncaused cause" thing is pretty bad," you were meaning it was pretty bad for you and others like yourself who don't believe in God. I identify by your defensiveness that it is more the case you are not quite sure how to respond to such arguments.

It's like a thorn you'd prefer to not have to deal with in any logical fashion. Which is possibly why you also let your prejudice and diatribe also often spill out against philosophy, that field pursuing knowledge via logic and reason. Science without logic and reason isn't really science at all.
Why you choose to make up nonsense about me rather than look at an idea, I dunno. Do you?
I'm all ears, if you wish to refute the cosmological argument. What logical reasons do you have for just swiping it aside like nothing? I'm open to hear your reasons, rather than rhetoric that claims it's just some creationist nonsensical argument.
I asked, but your response has nothing of course about why you prefer to make things up (and go for rhetorical cheap shots) rather than look at any ideas I may have. You know which ones are the cheap shots, I wont id them for you.

You are nothing faintly resembling "all ears". You completely ignore everything I say, make up nonsense, as noted, and then make up more. See in bold.

I said the cosmo argument is a bad one, which you chose to interpret as the opposite of what I intended. I said that one can readily find counter arguments; you ignored that. If that is "swiping aside' from me, then it is, to you.

If you assume the premises of cosmo, which I dont, the logical is no doubt unassailable.

I thought, clearly incorrectly, that you actually were curious about what others may think of the most / least convincing.
Don't give up on your Earth science Audie.
"Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)
User avatar
Jac3510
Ultimate Member
Posts: 5472
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2004 6:53 pm
Christian: Yes
Sex: Male
Creation Position: Young-Earth Creationist
Location: Fort Smith, AR
Contact:

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Jac3510 »

Audie wrote:
Jac3510 wrote:I truly don't. I want to know what you are thinking of. I honestly can't imagine. I know every premise of the argument(s) and don't know any that are objectionable on any level. So I really want to know what you have in mind.
I appreciate hearing that you cannot imagine (how or what I think). Having what I supposedly think concocted for me and presented as fact is annoying.

But regarding said premises as cosmo is based on. I dont have original thoughts on the
subject.
Well that's a shame. You fuss at us (me) for telling you what you think, what you say. You dismiss an argument out of hand. And then when someone actually asks you for the basis of your critique, you decide not to tell us after all.

Whatever. I don't know why I keep trying with you at all. :shakehead:
Proinsias wrote:I don't think you are hearing me. Preference for ice cream is a moral issue
And that, brothers and sisters, is the kind of foolishness you get people who insist on denying biblical theism. A good illustration of any as the length people will go to avoid acknowledging basic truths.
Audie
Ultimate Member
Posts: 3502
Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:41 am
Christian: No
Sex: Female
Creation Position: I don't believe in creation
Location: USA

Re: Most/Least Powerful Arguments for God

Post by Audie »

Jac3510 wrote:
Audie wrote:
Jac3510 wrote:I truly don't. I want to know what you are thinking of. I honestly can't imagine. I know every premise of the argument(s) and don't know any that are objectionable on any level. So I really want to know what you have in mind.
I appreciate hearing that you cannot imagine (how or what I think). Having what I supposedly think concocted for me and presented as fact is annoying.

But regarding said premises as cosmo is based on. I dont have original thoughts on the
subject.
Well that's a shame. You fuss at us (me) for telling you what you think, what you say. You dismiss an argument out of hand. And then when someone actually asks you for the basis of your critique, you decide not to tell us after all.

Whatever. I don't know why I keep trying with you at all. :shakehead:
I dunno why communication is so hard. You asked what are the premises on which cosmo is based.
I assumed you would know. If you do, why ask me?
Post Reply