Posted by Boje on January 31, 1999 at 20:40:12:
In Reply to: This book? posted by Carlos on January 31, 1999 at 11:21:20:
Carlos,
So, there is someone else who has read this book! Though I thank you for the link to the review by Dr. Stenger, what I was really looking for, was, perchance, a discussion on the theory, maybe with someone who had actually read the book. I am assuming that you haven’t. I am also assuming that you are not Dr. Stenger (he, for instance, knows that the author is not a Christian; so evidently, you have not even adequately read the review). If I am correct in those suppositions, then maybe you can explain to me, why you are willing to take the word of Dr. Stenger, that the theory is "pathetic", without having checked it out for yourself.
While some of the criticisms which were voiced in the review were way "over my head", technically, I think that I am astute enough to respond to some of them, however, I insist on discussing those points with the author of the review, so that he has an opportunity to rebut my points personally. Otherwise, you and I are just attempting so much mind reading.
That leads me to a criticism of the habits of many of the contributors to this board, which I have stated previously: that is: I think that it is hypocritical for atheists or agnostics to charge that Christians unquestioningly accept dogmatic assertions of authoritative scholars in the field of theology, while they do the same thing in the field of scientific inquiry by citing the opinions of authorities, instead of arguing the issues yourselves.
If I want to hear the opinions of the authorities, I read their books. They express them well enough without your various contributions. I’m not trying to take on the mantle of a scholar. I’m just a regular guy who is trying to discuss an interesting subject. I assumed that others were as well, since the issue has been raised repeatedly in recent posts, without anyone having cited this particular point of view.
That is my purpose in bringing it up for discussion now. It seems to me to be a way of resolving many of the various quandaries which have lately been unanswered on this board. The fact that you haven’t alluded to it, leads me to conclude that you a).haven’t read the book, or b). aren’t willing to undercut your previous assertions by giving "ammunition to the enemy". While the latter practice my win some debates for you in the short term, in the long run, it only exposes intellectual dishonesty.
If that offends you, I apologize for my manner. I’m not trying to make a personal criticism out of this. I just want to talk about the subject matter, and leave the manipulation to those among us who are motivated by power-lust and all of the other bullshit mind games.
By the way, Carlos, I’ve read your posts, and I think that you’re really smart; I just don’t agree with you.
Boje