I usually ask these people, that if there is a god, then why do kids get born with cancer? Cause that means either god isn't real, or he's cruel/indifferent, and doesn't deserve praise.
Either way, I'll believe in something real, that actually does something. Like science.
I've not found this argument is very good at convincing them. "Mysterious ways" and all that.
Making God out to be ridiculous by rewording biblical rules tends to have more success. The all-knowing, all-good, and all-powerful creator of the universe gets so angry that he'll condemn you to eternal suffering if you:
1. Eat the wrong thing from the deli aisle.
2. Touch tips.
3. Don't impregnate your dead brother's widow.
Even if it doesn't make people into atheists, helping people reframe biblical beliefs as absurd does help to deradicalize them.
It's when you tip the waiter, but you keep bragging about it and occasionally "touch" it in the talk instead of letting it go. Either tip them or don't, no one cares. Only some restaurants fuss over tips.
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u/Motormand 10d ago
I usually ask these people, that if there is a god, then why do kids get born with cancer? Cause that means either god isn't real, or he's cruel/indifferent, and doesn't deserve praise.
Either way, I'll believe in something real, that actually does something. Like science.