quote:

Originally posted by free_thinker:

quote:

Originally posted by Sheik Yahbouti:
Again - what is the point of this topic? You say you are atheist. Why are you then asking why a God in whose existence you don't believe would permit, or not permit, something to happen? This is not a worthy subject for debate.

I think it is reasonable to ask someone who does believe in god to explain something from their POV.
I suspect it is unlikely that a sensible/logically consistent answer will be forthcoming. Which would make the question pointless.

quote:

Originally posted by greenbelt:
Maybe there is a practical limit to the expression of God's omnipotence. For the creation of a universe with worlds capable of supporting intelligent life then destructive forces have to be unleashed. Stars have to explode, species have to die. The Universe is as good at supporting intelligent life as it can be, but it can't be perfect.

quote:

Originally posted by free_thinker:

quote:

Originally posted by Sheik Yahbouti:
Again - what is the point of this topic? You say you are atheist. Why are you then asking why a God in whose existence you don't believe would permit, or not permit, something to happen? This is not a worthy subject for debate.

The reverse is true. There may be some point in debating with a believer the reasons for their belief and asking them to justify it - but for two sides of a debate to each hold the same opinion renders the debate pointless.

I think it is reasonable to ask someone who does believe in god to explain something from their POV.
I suspect it is unlikely that a sensible/logically consistent answer will be forthcoming. Which would make the question pointless.

quote:

Originally posted by Sheik Yahbouti:

quote:

Originally posted by free_thinker:

quote:

Originally posted by Sheik Yahbouti:
Again - what is the point of this topic? You say you are atheist. Why are you then asking why a God in whose existence you don't believe would permit, or not permit, something to happen? This is not a worthy subject for debate.

The reverse is true. There may be some point in debating with a believer the reasons for their belief and asking them to justify it - but for two sides of a debate to each hold the same opinion renders the debate pointless.

I think it is reasonable to ask someone who does believe in god to explain something from their POV.
I suspect it is unlikely that a sensible/logically consistent answer will be forthcoming. Which would make the question pointless.

quote:

Originally posted by Sheik Yahbouti:
'The reverse is true. There may be some point in debating with a believer the reasons for their belief and asking them to justify it - but for two sides of a debate to each hold the same opinion renders the debate pointless.'