Kindle Notes & Highlights
since angels have no spatial extension, the right answer is an infinite number!)
Justin: At least as I’ve understood it, classical theism assumes a nonphysical agent (God) who is omniscient, omnipotent, and perfectly good.
If we can believe all sorts of other things based on the testimony of others, it would seem we could also believe in God in this manner.
Randal: That's an interesting claim. Of course, this cuts both ways, so one should likewise withhold belief in God's nonexistence until considering all the evidence. From that, it follows that atheism could not be a rational default position.
Randal: Perhaps I should get down to brass tacks: if I can reasonably believe it is raining in London simply based on the testimony of a trusted source, as I clearly can, then why can't I reasonably believe God exists based on the testimony of a trusted source?
Either way, I admit that we theists do face a challenge here. Justin: Oh, I see what you're saying, and I think I agree. Randal: Awesome! Since we agree, how about we end the chapter right now on that high note of common accord? Justin: And rob patient readers of the spectacle that is a theist dealing with variations on the age-old problem of suffering? I wouldn't dare! Randal: Oh blarg!
Wherever your sympathies may lie, I hope our conversation has illustrated the fact that there is indeed room for reasonable and irenic disagreement on the great and daunting question of God's existence. This is not a topic amenable to simple proofs.
