Posted by Tammy on June 23, 1998 at 12:45:33:
In Reply to: warning signs... posted by David Stephens on June 23, 1998 at 12:06:39:
: He thinks the universe was created by galactic spiders, and has the scriptures to "prove" why and how.
: She thinks it was created by the Great Pumpkin.
: They think it was created by a God in 6 days.
: Some others think it was created from the dung of ants.
: etc. etc. etc.
: O's Razor helps cut through the infinite list of "might haves" and makes us focus on the evidence. Without the razor, if you're taught that elves cause rain, everytime you see rain, you find proof of elves.
Maybe a theological use for Occam's razor would point to more simple explanation of God, rather than the the absurd examples you've supplied.
: The fact that you feel you have to argue against such a basic tool for clear thinking should be a serious warning to you blue.
My problem with the use of Occam's razor by the atheist quoted in blue's post is that it is self-serving. O's razor is used to eliminate God. (as if that were possible) The atheist doesn't want the added complication of a personal God, who demands ethical behavior & stands above the human being (who would prefer to think of his reasoning capabilities as the pinnacle of existence.)
So here's the question. Is there an infinite regress of causes, meaning that we cannot point to a beginning of time? If you don't want to accept the possibility that there is a creator, an architect of our existence, can you point to some final cause? Or are you more mentally comfortable not answering this question? "Oh, I'm in no position to speculate on ultimate causes. I prefer to focus on the known, the tangible."
(p.s.- would it bother you to know that William Occam was a Christian?)