I guess I did reply pretty closed mindedly…

From your tone it sounded like you were just proving the universe had to be created by your flavor of deity. Your comment cleared it up that you were talking in generalities.

I’m looking forward to the next few posts on this topic.

I’m not sure where you are in your studies. I just finished “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” and found it to be a good “primer.” It does a good job of addressing many of the arguments for and against a Christian faith. Some of the arguments are a bit rushed, largely because of the space available, but they are generally solid and have many other resources listed for more in depth study on given topics.

Thanks for this. I’m currently engaged in a long series of discussions with my much-smarter atheist brother and anytime I am able to make a coherent point, he reverts to: “That may be so, but prove to me that God exists.” To say the least, it’s frustrating.

I’m a big fan of apologetics, and I’m a big fan of logic and reasoning backing up my faith.. I just need to study more, I presume. This helped today. 🙂

Brandon,

I’m sorry you feel that disagreeing with a post is reason to stop reading my blog. This is the type of intolerance Christian are labeled with, and while many do fall into this trap I think it is unfair that both sides are not accorded the same right to be intolerant.

As for the burden of proof, well I will be addressing this in more detail in another post. The main purpose of this specific post is to demonstrate that the universe is created and to establish a few attributes that the Creator must have. While I do believe that the God of the Bible is the only one that will ultimately meet all of the attributes (which I will demonstrate in another post), this post does not attempt to make that proof.

As such we appear to be in agreement when you say “I’m saying the universe came from somewhere,” and for my stated purpose for this specific post that is enough.

Thanks for your comment. I do hope that you continue to read and interact. I welcome divergent opinions. Without contrasting thought there is no purpose to discourse.

If Shangdi was created, then we are left with an infinite regression of creators, which is just as impossible as an infinite number of days. Nothing created Shangdi, He just is.

If Zeus cannot be added to or subtracted from, then there must be literally no limit to his power.

I’m saying the universe came from somewhere. You’re claiming it was created by a specific god. The burden of proof is on you and every religion. Every reason you use to justify the christian creation story can be used to justify every other creation story. Prove to me why the christian god created the universe.

I enjoy reading your blog but I may have to stop if you continue writing posts like this.