A robust debate is analogous to a boxing match. In essence it is two opponents, face to face, apparently evenly matched, using their pugilistic skills to slug it out and determine who is the winner. But in reasonable arguments, are atheists and believers truly an even match? I think not, here’s why:
Let’s use the boxers bodies as an extension of this analogy: They are the same age, same body type, same weight, same reach, etc... Let’s say the right hand is wit, left hand is eloquence. Pretty even match thus far.
Suppose the right leg is what can be termed provable arguments. By provable arguments I refer to those concepts, theories and ideas that can be independently confirmed by observation and empirical evidence through historical facts and/or peer reviewed science. Both fighters have this. Still evenly matched.
The left leg is where the difference comes in. Atheists –as a rule- have an understanding of critical thinking of which logic is ,to belabour the comparison a little, the femur and so the main support of the muscle of reason. Some fighters have more exquisitely toned muscles than others of course.
Now, believers’ left leg -on the other hand- his made not of sinewy logic, it is composed of faith, religious faith to be specific. Religious faith is the antithesis of logic. It is the belief in ideas and concepts that are unprovable, non provable or even not even real. Nonsense in normal language.
Astute readers can no doubt see the conclusion one has to draw here: Believers are one legged boxers. They simply don’t have the expected additional limb needed to match the performance of an opponent that would otherwise be their equal. Despite the believers insistent and strident claims that their leg is firmly attached and in perfect working order, the fact is that it is not. That leg is simply not in the ring, where it is no one knows! What we have is a travesty of a deluded but well intentioned pugilist doing his best imitation of a lanky flamingo who forgot where he put his other pin.
One might even go further and point out that believers seem to favour their non-existent left limb. They resent their right leg because it emulates their opponents movements a little too closely what withal that mucking about with empirical proof and whatnot. And they don’t like that. Thus we often have an opponent feverishly trashing about on the floor of the ring, trying to bite our ankles.
So really, what we as atheists are doing in these debates is the equivalent of beating a disabled person to a bloody pulp. Luckily, most disabled people would not like to be treated differently from their able bodies counterparts. So, swing away!
(For the sake of redundant completeness and unfettered expression let’s say the referee in this boxing match is News24’s editors –in other words not entirely unbiased- and the roaring crowd are the oddly silent folks who read but never post. The bell is good old fashioned godless rock ‘n roll. The bleachers are the internet.... anyway... I can go on, but you get my point.)
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