I Rest My Case; the Number One Atheist in the World is a Comedian

For starters, I bet the title got your attention, and now you may want to know who this comedian I speak of is and why is he the number one atheist in the world. Secondly, you may want to know why I am resting my case. Well, not so fast, I may have to clear up a thing or two to make my case, although what I said in the title is not really wrong.  Please be patient, I am not trying to leave anyone hanging off a cliff, and I promise this is just a short blog post. At first, it will seem as if I am getting sidetracked for a bit, but in the end all will make sense. Pretend that we are going on a journey, and we will arrive at our final destination, but we will have to make some stops along the way before our arrival. The first stop will be at ideas or at an idea.

I think I have good idea for challenging atheists in the world in their way of thinking. I have noticed one thing, many of the top atheists have never studied theology, but they argue in that subject which is outside their main field of study.  I am not saying that is true for all because there are some such as Dan Barker who has a degree in religion, and was a pastor, although I am not sure if he actually studied Theology.  My point is that the closest many of the top atheists have gone is in the study of Philosophy which is not exactly the same thing, just in case you didn’t know. Now, I would personally recommend that if atheists wanted to make a good case they should have someone with the right training like Bart Ehrman on their side; however, I believe Dr. Ehrman is an agnostic, and must be excluded. The arguing of theology by someone that is not a theologian is a lot like me trying to teach biology when I have only taken, at most, two courses in biology my entire life. Part of what I believe based on some of my thoughts recently which are that atheist, many of which are very nice and pleasant human beings whom I admire and respect like Richard Dawkins, are not really atheist.  But, if atheists are not atheist, what are they? Well this is where this post heads to another stop along our journey.

What I've noticed lately is that atheists are really Materialists because many only seem to believe in what they can see or prove logically, so the argument often is that if something does not make sense logically and is not visible than it is obviously nonexistent. Please correct me if I am wrong, at the bottom of this post there is a place for comments and debate where one can post opinions on this post. The argument I have heard most is that if something is beyond logic, or understanding, or not seen than it is not real. So, why do I say that they are Materialists?

Well, to use a little bit of scientific apologetics for my reasoning, I will share an article from back in May 2011 by Clara Moskowitz on SPACE.com titled: What's 96 Percent of the Universe Made Of? Astronomers Don't Know. Moskowitz begins the article by saying: "All the stars, planets and galaxies that can be seen today make up just 4 percent of the universe. The other 96 percent is made of stuff astronomers can't see, detect or even comprehend. These mysterious substances are called dark energy and dark matter (m.space.com)." In my opinion, not even science is sure of much on this subject, and what we see only accounts for 4% of the material world. Consequently, I would not be so critical of what theology has been saying since the beginning whether one can really understand it or not because as it is there seems to be a whole lot we do not know. If you want to read the entire article the link to it is just below.

Missing: 96 Percent of the Universe | Dark Matter & Dark Energy | The 4% Universe, Richard Panek

Materialism in my opinion is outdated, and general education should include teaching Theology. These days we even have some clergy that have not done theological studies. Based on what I said, it's no wonder many do not want to stay affiliated to any denominations or the sort as we discovered in a recent Pew Research Center study, but that is a subject for another post. Maybe we even have to stop thinking that subjects like parapsychology are pseudoscience. We may actually be on the edge of a new horizon in understanding that we may have never envisioned we would ever reach and how quickly we reached it in our civilization. I would love to see one day soon someone like William "Bill" Maher  invite some Theologians to debate some of the top Atheists on his TV show. My suggestions for panelist would probably be persons like Bart Ehrman, Kathryn Tanner , Craig Evans, or Cardinal Dolan. Perhaps Cardinal Sean O’Malley, or Fr. George Rutler could be some of those guest invited along with some of those top Atheists. I'm not against Atheism; we all have to believe according to our own honest understanding.

   

Now, why did I title this article: I Rest My Case; the Number One Atheist in the World is a Comedian.  Well, I suppose I was trying to get your attention. However, I will let you know who the top Materialists are, or I mean Atheist. According to www.thebestschools.org, and by terms of celebrity status, also determined by a Google search,  the top five most popular atheist are: Woody Allen, Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris (http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2011/12/01/50-top-atheists-in-the-world-today/). Now, based on seriousness and celebrity status, not just the fact that they deny that God exists, the top five atheists are: Peter Singer, Michael Martin, Kai Nielsen, Quentin Smith, and Daniel Dennett (http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2011/12/01/50-top-atheists-in-the-world-today/).  Woody Allen has made me laugh tremendously over most of my lifetime and he made the list, so technically I can say that the number one atheist in the world is a comedian.

In closing, I hope you have enjoyed reading my post, and that you found it, at least slightly, thought provoking. Blessings and until next time!

  

  

References:

http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2011/12/01/50-top-atheists-in-the-world-today/.

http://m.space.com/11642-dark-matter-dark-energy-4-percent-universe-panek.html

http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/.

Unifying the Faith: The Christian Agenda?

In this post I am simply sharing a brief reflection that I just posted on my ecumenism blog, or the sibling blog to this one which I also write. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy reading it. Blessings! The link to the article is below.



Unifying the Faith: The Christian Agenda?

ABOLISH Daylight Savings TIME

This is one of those things that I feel strongly about. Please like my page on Facebook!


ABOLISH Daylight Savings TIME

Partners in the Crime

Normally, I do not share an article that I have written myself on this very same blog; however, today for some odd reason I find it important do so. The article I speak of is titled: The Sudarium of Oviedo and The Shroud of Turin. I wrote it back on Sunday, September 19, 2010, and it was basically on archeological apologetics dealing with both of the relevant artifacts. I was recently watching a portion of the CNN series Finding Jesus about The Shroud of Turin, and towards the end of the program they brought up The Sudarium of Oviedo and how the blood stains match on both cloths when overlapped. For some reason, despite the contrary arguments, many people still believe there is authenticity just as I do also believe. Ironically, I have Asturian, Galician, and Sephardic lineage, and although I have never bothered to research it, who knows if my very own ancestors may have been actively involved in the preservation of these artifacts at one point in history. Who knows what all is transmitted by them in our DNA’s. Of course, that is not important right now. What is important is that we all get more informed on the significance of these two cloths with relevance to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ if indeed they are both authentic. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy reading the article, and you can use the search engine I provide at the top left hand corner to find it, but the link is provided below to make it easier. Blessings!

Arango's Apologetics Page: The Sudarium of Oviedo and The Shroud of Turin

The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 15:1-12

The first 11 verses in the chapter in reference in the title for this post are accepted as a pre-Pauline creed of the early church by many theologians and scholars, if not most. Although, some individuals may have issues with using the Scriptures as a basis for apologetics, unfortunately for them, some do not simply based on the witnesses that are mentioned in this creed to say the least. Anyhow, I really just wanted to post the reading and let you decide for yourself on what you think about it. Therefore, the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 15:1-12 reads as follows:

[1] Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand,

[2] by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain.

[3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures,

[4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures,

[5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

[6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

[7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

[8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

[9] For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me.

[11] Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

[12] Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Reference:

Bible, Revised Standard Version

Peace to You!

Many people love making the peace sign as a greeting. In reality, simply using the phrase "peace to you" conveys a huge message. The peace as part of the liturgy in church goes back to the early church. In fact, St. Paul began almost all of his letters in the canon with the phrase “Grace to you and peace...." Using peace as a greeting is a huge deal, if you ask me. The Western Church just celebrated Easter this past Sunday, and the Eastern Church celebrates it this coming Sunday. One of the first things Jesus said to the disciples after his resurrection was actually the phrase “Peace to you." My point in saying all this is that we need to keep on saying it until the whole world says it together and means it. When this act becomes a reality in words, it will quite possibly also become a reality in the lives of all human beings.

Since it is Easter, I wanted to share a reading from the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection. The reading is found in Luke 24:36-53, and is in quotes below:

"[36] As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them.

[37] But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit.

[38] And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts?

[39] See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have."

[41] And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"

[42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish,

[43] and he took it and ate before them.

[44] Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled."

[45] Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,

[46] and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,

[47] and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

[48] You are witnesses of these things.

[49] And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

[50] Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

[51] While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.

[52] And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

[53] and were continually in the temple blessing God (RSV Bible)."

I hope everyone enjoyed reading this portion of the Scriptures. Happy Easter and blessings! Peace to you!

Reference:

Bible, Revised Standard Version

A Holy Week Post

Since this week is Holy Week I wanted to share something on here. I felt that the Gospel reading from this past Sunday would be appropriate. I hope everyone is having a pleasant and reflective week. The reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Blessings!

Mark 15:1-39

[1] And as soon as it was morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate.

[2] And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." 

[3] And the chief priests accused him of many things. 

[4] And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you." 

[5] But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate wondered. 

[6] Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked.

[7] And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barab'bas. 

[8] And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he was wont to do for them. 

[9] And he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 

[10] For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 

[11] But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barab'bas instead. 

[12] And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?" 

[13] And they cried out again, "Crucify him." 

[14] And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." 

[15] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barab'bas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

[16] And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion.

[17] And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. 

[18] And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 

[19] And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. 

[20] And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. 

[21] And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyre'ne, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

[22] And they brought him to the place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull). 

[23] And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh; but he did not take it. 

[24] And they crucified him, and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 

[25] And it was the third hour, when they crucified him. 

[26] And the inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." 

[27] And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 

[29] And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 

[30] save yourself, and come down from the cross!" 

[31] So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. 

[32] Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. 

[33] And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

[34] And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "E'lo-i, E'lo-i, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" which means, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" 

[35] And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "Behold, he is calling Eli'jah." 

[36] And one ran and, filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Eli'jah will come to take him down." 

[37] And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed his last. 

[38] And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 

[39] And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that he thus breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

Reference:

Bible: Revised Standard Version