Right. Two things in response.

I don’t personally subscribe to a literal 7 day creation – it does injustice to the genre in which Genesis is written – the figurative language of ancient near Eastern origin poetry. I.e. I welcome millions of years into the creation. In this regard, YEC and a literal 7 day creation are as nearsighted (or blind) to me as they may be to you. I’m joined in this by a vast number of 21st century Christians.

Secondly, I disagree that there is no “best” in atheism, nor that atheism is merely a lack of belief.

Belief in the enduring nature of the cosmos, belief in the absence of a transcendant world or Prime Mover, belief in oneself as existing, conscious and “alive” – it’s all about belief. You make faith commitments as surely as I, based on the data in your story. We are believing creatures – as if we could be so objective as to not come to inner conclusions based on hard or soft data. It’s all faith-driven.

I also suggest the “best” of atheism is atheism taken to its logical conclusion – humanity is to be regarded highly – rather than degraded and dehumanized as both atheists and theists have done in history.

In this, the best of atheism is not so far from the best versions (which are only now being re-told) of the biblical, and Christian, story.

Your turn.

There is no best in atheism. There have been atheist cowards, theives, cuthroats, people, heroes, living saints, etc. However, none of their actions are related to the fact they are atheists. There is no “best of atheism”- it is merely a lack of belief.

Now, to business. Why would anything said in this post stir up thoughts related to YEC and fundamentalism – especially given that they are as far off of my map as Venusian eggplant?

I’m curious as to what you’re hearing me say – is the mention of any belief in Christianity, despite its thoughtfulness, akin to the most foolish approaches you’ve experienced? That wouldn’t be good listening, I would have to say.

I.e. Be fair – if you want me to elevate the best in atheism and give it both good thought and a good hearing, you have to step beyond your own prejudices and hear a Christian worldview that may beyond your experience.

To be fair as well, the post is written to Theists (and primarily Christians), a primary readership of the blog. If you want a post written to atheists, I’d consider working on it.

Feel free to tip your hand as to your stance as well.

Honestly, couldn’t you guys do a little better.

Words are cheap. Thought is valuable.

Why is a man (Carl Sagan) who has been dead for over 10 years considered a “New” Atheist?