Celebrated Australian atheist, political leader converts to Christianity at 85

[JimL]

But what if I have the power to take what you have and prevent you from retaliating? You know like leftist do, or dictators.

You always have that power seer, but so does everyone else. If someone murders you, then you obviously can't retaliate, right? And vice versa, it works both ways. What you don't seem to want to grasp is that morals are founded upon human interelationships, i.e. behaviors that serve the best interests of all involved, in the best interests of the group, because if everyone had the attitude that you suggest in the above, everyone would always be at risk the one from the other. Even dictators and tyrants are always at risk and are often overthrown and imprisoned or worse. The adage "do unto others........." should make it clear to you that morals are not arbitrary divine rules, but are human based behaviors that, based on human reason, have come to be understood to be in the best interests of everyone involved, to be in the best interests of the group. Again, if you lived alone, isolated on an island, morality, moral laws concerning behavior, wouldn't even make sense.

[seer]

You always have that power seer, but so does everyone else. If someone murders you, then you obviously can't retaliate, right? And vice versa, it works both ways. What you don't seem to want to grasp is that morals are founded upon human interelationships, i.e. behaviors that serve the best interests of all involved, in the best interests of the group, because if everyone had the attitude that you suggest in the above, everyone would always be at risk the one from the other. Even dictators and tyrants are always at risk and are often overthrown and imprisoned or worse. The adage "do unto others........." should make it clear to you that morals are not arbitrary divine rules, but are human based behaviors that, based on human reason, have come to be understood to be in the best interests of everyone involved, to be in the best interests of the group. Again, if you lived alone, isolated on an island, morality, moral laws concerning behavior, wouldn't even make sense.

Sparko did not want us to continue this in his thread, so I answered you here: http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...226#post578226

[Sparko]

One old atheist becomes a Christian, and that's supposed to convince other atheists that God is good?

I never said anything about convincing other atheists. But if it does, that is just that much more joy in heaven.

Sometimes an example is worth a thousand sermons.

[Cow Poke]

I never said anything about convincing other atheists. But if it does, that is just that much more joy in heaven.

Sometimes an example is worth a thousand sermons.

It shows there's hope. Hope is a good thing.

[Sparko]

It shows there's hope. Hope is a good thing.

When my dad became a Christian, all of his drinking buddies eventually became Christians, several cousins of his became Christian. I and my brother and his family all became Christian.

When everyone saw my dad, an old alcoholic who used to say if he stepped foot in a church it would probably cave in on him, changed and people saw that change, not to mention saving him from a stroke, it made a lot of people examine themselves and decide to turn to God. I think about 12 to 15 directly, no telling how many secondary converts.

[Cow Poke]

I dedicate this song to your Dad. This is my friend, George Younce, now living in Glory.

[Leonhard]

God is Good.

Excellent news.

[Doug Shaver]

I never said anything about convincing other atheists. But if it does, that is just that much more joy in heaven.

Sure, because heaven couldn't care less about why people believe. Any reason is a good reason, no matter how irrational.

[Tassman]

It shows there's hope. Hope is a good thing.

Hope in fictitious outcomes is not "a good thing", it's delusional.

[JonathanL]

Sure, because heaven couldn't care less about why people believe. Any reason is a good reason, no matter how irrational.

Just because you think a reason is irrational doesn't mean it is.

[Cow Poke]

Hope in fictitious outcomes is not "a good thing", it's delusional.

What's the worst thing that happens if what I believe is not true, Tass? On the other hand, what's the worst thing that could happen to you if what I believe IS true?

[One Bad Pig]

What's the worst thing that happens if what I believe is not true, Tass? On the other hand, what's the worst thing that could happen to you if what I believe IS true?

Atheists 'round here don't care much for Pascal's famous wager.

[Cow Poke]

Atheists 'round here don't care much for Pascal's famous wager.

Understood, but I'm having a great time living the lie!

[Sparko]

I dedicate this song to your Dad. This is my friend, George Younce, now living in Glory.

Good song!

Here is my Dad being baptized. The guy on the left is his brother Carl, who is a preacher and had been praying for my dad for many years. The guy in the back with the big grin is Dad's pastor, Bill who previously baptized my mom a few years earlier and me a few months later than my dad.

dadbaptism.jpg

[Sparko]

Sure, because heaven couldn't care less about why people believe. Any reason is a good reason, no matter how irrational.

Although you are mocking, it is a fairly true statement. God doesn't care what causes you to believe the gospel, just that you do. For some it is logic. For some, preaching. For others tragedy. The means are many, but the result is the same: rejoicing in heaven.