To really engage that atheist, demonstrate ap(p)titude
Under the predictably headlined "You Say God Is Dead? There’s an App for That," we find the following notion and are kicking ourselves for not getting into the app-making game.
Publishers of Christian material have begun producing iPhone applications that can cough up quick comebacks and rhetorical strategies for believers who want to fight back against what they view as a new strain of strident atheism. And a competing crop of apps is arming nonbelievers for battle.....
Sean McDowell, the editor of “Fast Facts” and some textbooks for Bible students, said he has become increasingly aware of a skill gap between believers and nonbelievers, who he feels tend to be instinctively more savvy at arguing. “Christians who believe, but cannot explain why they believe, become ‘Bible-thumpers’ who seem dogmatic and insecure about their convictions,” he said. “We have to deal with that.”
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“When someone says, ‘There is no truth,’ ” the Fast Facts app advises, “ask them: ‘Is that true? Is it true there is no truth?’ Because if it’s true that there is no truth, then it’s false that ‘there is no truth.’ ”
Ack! Whatever happened to sitting down and listening?
Listening - what a novel concept? Like maybe hearing what people are really saying with their suppositions?
Posted by Ann Fontaine![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 12, 2010 8:57 AM
Has 815 produced any apps for the Episcopal Church?
Posted by Paul Woodrum![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 12, 2010 9:55 AM
I agree with the sentiment about listening. I've actually felt for a while that apologetics for the purpose of "proving" faith or some other argumentative purpose is one of "religion's" most foolish endeavors.
Still though, there's something I don't get about what this guy says: “Christians who believe, but cannot explain why they believe, become ‘Bible-thumpers’ who seem dogmatic and insecure about their convictions.” Ummm...but isn't that what they are? Of course, one could explain why one can't explain, but I doubt the person who could do that in a meaningful way would be branded a Bible-thumper. This lack of ability to explain (which I think is indicative of a lack of reflection and inquiry) is quite a problem. But I suspect that as long as these apps continue to be made, the problem will persists, because ultimately they serve only as a shield from inquiry and reflection. I suspect that many who find these apps useful would find that their beliefs to which they intellectually assent would actually crumble under true reflection and inquiry.
Same goes for the other side.
Posted by Grant Chaput![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 12, 2010 11:40 AM