A topic commonly discussed by Christian apologists is that of morality. There are three common arguments: They declare that the atheist has no basis for making moral decisions, whereas Christianity has an absolute basis for morality, given to us by God in the Bible. This argument is often supplemented by accusations that the atheist isContinue reading “The Myth of Absolute Morality”
Author Archives: Rich Prendergast
“Abortion is OK” – God
It would be a mistake to declare the Bible to be either pro-choice or pro-life. While there are several verses relevant to the discussion, none condemn abortion, and none suggest that women should have a choice in the matter. In fact, since the Bible is overtly patriarchal throughout, any decisions with respect to the unbornContinue reading ““Abortion is OK” – God”
Disclaimers
While I have read and studied the Bible extensively, I am not a Bible scholar. I have not studied ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. I maintain, however, that this is a minor issue. The fact is, numerous true scholars have collaborated on the various Bible versions we have today, and in most cases, their translationContinue reading “Disclaimers”
(Un)Apologetics
The world seems to be full today of Christians, some well meaning, and some obvious charlatans, who make their livings in the field of Christian Apologetics. For reference, let’s look at the definition of “apologetics”. From Merriam-Webster online dictionary: 1: systematic argumentative discourse … in defense (as of a doctrine) 2: a branch of theologyContinue reading “(Un)Apologetics”
Pascal’s Wager
Blaise Pascal was a brilliant 17th century mathematician, physicist, and inventor. He made enormous scientific and mathematical contributions from his teens, through his early 30s. At age 31, following a religious conversion, he shifted much of his focus to religion and philosophy, becoming (unfortunately) somewhat less productive in mathematics and science in the process. Pascal’sContinue reading “Pascal’s Wager”
Born Again and Unborn Again
(My Conversion & Deconversion) In this article, I’ll recount the story of my own religious journey, up through my “deconversion”. I’m sharing this story for three reasons: It provides, I think, useful context to help readers understand my own perspectives. I personally find others’ deconversion stories to be interesting. Many are similar, but many othersContinue reading “Born Again and Unborn Again”
Overview
This blog is a compilation of essays that are directly aimed at answering the most common arguments of Christian apologists. My focus on the Christian religion(s) is for two reasons: Having been raised Christian, and been a Christian for most of my life, it is the one religion that I have substantial direct knowledge of.Continue reading “Overview”
About Me
Hi! My name is Rich Prendergast. Like many other atheists, I’m a deconverted Christian. I was born an atheist (as is everyone), raised Catholic, and in my mid-teens, left the Catholic Church for a Protestant denomination (Congregational United Church of Christ) and shortly thereafter, became a “Born Again Christian”. I became “Unborn Again” in myContinue reading “About Me”
Irrationality of Christian Theology
In my debates with Christians, I sometimes discuss my opinion that, when read objectively, the Bible and Christian theology make no rational sense. Some examples: God sacrificed his son (who is also himself) to himself, as the means of absolving the sins of many billions of humans, past, present, and future. Jesus died, went to hell,Continue reading “Irrationality of Christian Theology”
