Every debate I get into with religious folks always ends the same frustrating way. I say “Show me proof God exists.” and they always answer, “You just have to take that leap of faith!”
I need an argument ending, a thought provoking retort. thanks!
Posted: April 8th 2010
brian thomson www
It’s been said, on many occasions, that proof denies faith, and faith requires no proof. Going back to St. Augustine, you have
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thous mayest understand.
Some of the USA’s founding fathers were skeptics about religion. Thomas Jefferson once wrote:
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Later, Benjamin Franklin wrote the following:
The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason: the morning daylight appears plainer when you put out your candle.
(Poor Richard’s Almanack)
Posted: April 11th 2010
Eshu www
As has been suggested, a “leap of faith” is problematic because it allows you to believe anything, no matter how wrong it is.
Maybe the Earth is flat? Take a leap of faith and decide that it is.
Maybe invisible unicorns exist? Take a leap of faith and, * ta-da! *, you believe it.
There are as many possible leaps of faith as you can imagine. You could ask why you should take a leap of faith in the direction they suggest.
I would ask for good evidence rather than proof.
Posted: April 10th 2010
SmartLX www
“If I have to take a leap of faith, it means you can’t show me anything substantial, and if you took a leap of faith in the first place it means you weren’t shown anything substantial either.
“What if I could take a leap of faith in a completely different direction and convince myself to believe absolutely in Scientology? After that, I’d look at everything around me in Scientology terms and it would all seem to confirm my belief. That doesn’t mean that Scientology actually has any merit whatsoever, it just means that Scientology makes you good at keeping yourself a Scientologist.
“Unless Christianity actually has something to back it up which is perceptible by non-Christians, it’s no different.”
Posted: April 9th 2010
logicel
Ask them to ask you to show them proof that Santa Claus exists and then answer, “You just have to take that leap of faith!”
Or
Ask them to ask you to show them proof that if they leap off a cliff they will come to no harm and answer, “You just have take that leap of faith!” (Two leaps in one!)
And when they balk, just keep going in this direction until they can see that you will continue consistently to turn their merde right back onto them.
Posted: April 9th 2010