Changes

[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|250px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as "the man [[atheism|atheists]] fear most" due to [[Michael Martin]]'s [[Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|cancellation]] of their scheduled debate.<ref>[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref>

[[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|250px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as "the man [[atheism|atheists]] fear most" due to [[Michael Martin]]'s [[Press release concerning Michael Martin pulling out of Martin-Bahnsen debate|cancellation]] of their scheduled debate.<ref>[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref>

 

During his debate with Dr. Gordon Stein, Bahnsen pointed out that the [[atheist worldview]] cannot account for the [[laws of logic]], but the Christian worldview can.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hSx2evTGM Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein: The Great Debate (FULL)] </ref><ref>[http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2006/12/05/greg-bahnsen-vs-gordon-stein-the-great-debate/ "The Great Debate: Does God Exist?"]</ref> ]]

During his debate with Dr. Gordon Stein, Bahnsen pointed out that the [[atheist worldview]] cannot account for the [[laws of logic]], but the Christian worldview can.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hSx2evTGM Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein: The Great Debate (FULL)] </ref><ref>[http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2006/12/05/greg-bahnsen-vs-gordon-stein-the-great-debate/ "The Great Debate: Does God Exist?"]</ref> ]]

A common and legitimate criticism of the [[atheist worldview]] is that [[atheism]] is illogical and irrational (See also: [[Atheism and logic]] and [[Atheism and irrationality]])<ref>[http://carm.org/cut-atheism Atheism] by Matt Slick

A common and legitimate criticism of the [[atheist worldview]] is that [[atheism]] is illogical and irrational (See also: [[Atheism and logic]] and [[Atheism and irrationality]])<ref>[http://carm.org/cut-atheism Atheism] by Matt Slick

''See also:'' [[Christian apologetics websites|Evidence for Christianity]] and [[Christian apologetics]] and [[Arguments for the existence of God]]

''See also:'' [[Christian apologetics websites|Evidence for Christianity]] and [[Christian apologetics]] and [[Arguments for the existence of God]]

[[Fallacy of exclusion]] - The fallacy of exclusion is a logical fallacy where "Important evidence which would undermine an inductive argument is excluded from consideration. The requirement that all relevant information be included is called the 'principle of total evidence'."<ref>http://onegoodmove.org/fallacy/exclus.htm</ref>. See also: [[Atheism and critical thinking]]

[[Fallacy of exclusion]]&nbsp;— The fallacy of exclusion is a logical fallacy where "Important evidence which would undermine an inductive argument is excluded from consideration. The requirement that all relevant information be included is called the 'principle of total evidence'."<ref>http://onegoodmove.org/fallacy/exclus.htm</ref>. See also: [[Atheism and critical thinking]]

==== Fallacy of  exclusion and the denial that Jesus existed ====

==== Fallacy of  exclusion and the denial that Jesus existed ====

Despite their being an abundance of historical evidence for [[Jesus Christ]] living in the first century, many atheists embarrassingly claim the Jesus never existed (see: [[Historicity of Jesus]]).

Despite their being an abundance of historical evidence for [[Jesus Christ]] living in the first century, many atheists embarrassingly claim the Jesus never existed (see: [[Historicity of Jesus]]).

In an article entitled ''Scholarly opinions on the Jesus Myth'', Christopher Price wrote concerning individuals who insist that Jesus Christ was merely a mythical figure:

In an article titled ''Scholarly opinions on the Jesus Myth'', Christopher Price wrote concerning individuals who insist that Jesus Christ was merely a mythical figure:

{{cquote|I have often been asked why more academics do not take the time to respond to the Jesus Myth theory. After looking into this question, I discovered that most historians and New Testament scholars relevant to the topic have concluded that Jesus Mythers are beyond reason and therefore decide that they have better things to do with their time.<ref>[http://www.bede.org.uk/price1.htm ''Scholarly opinions on the Jesus Myth'' by Christopher Price</ref>}}

{{cquote|I have often been asked why more academics do not take the time to respond to the Jesus Myth theory. After looking into this question, I discovered that most historians and New Testament scholars relevant to the topic have concluded that Jesus Mythers are beyond reason and therefore decide that they have better things to do with their time.<ref>[http://www.bede.org.uk/price1.htm ''Scholarly opinions on the Jesus Myth'' by Christopher Price</ref>}}

*Smart, J. J. C. (August 8, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism "Atheism and agnosticism"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved July 17, 2014.

*Smart, J. J. C. (August 8, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism "Atheism and agnosticism"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Retrieved July 17, 2014.

*Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [http://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. Retrieved July 17, 2014.  See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]].

*Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [http://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. Retrieved July 17, 2014.  See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]].

*Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"].  Retrieved July 15, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Definition of atheism]] and [[Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic|Definitions of atheist and agnostic]] and [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]]

*Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism — etymology"].  Retrieved July 15, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Definition of atheism]] and [[Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic|Definitions of atheist and agnostic]] and [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism]]

Atheists demand proof and evidence for other worldviews, yet there is [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism|no proof and evidence]] that atheism is true.  Also, despite the abundant [[Christian apologetics|evidence for Christianity]] and the lack of proof and evidence for atheism, atheist reject the truth of [[Christianity]]. Atheists refuse to go where the evidence clearly leads.

Atheists demand proof and evidence for other worldviews, yet there is [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism|no proof and evidence]] that atheism is true.  Also, despite the abundant [[Christian apologetics|evidence for Christianity]] and the lack of proof and evidence for atheism, atheist reject the truth of [[Christianity]]. Atheists refuse to go where the evidence clearly leads.

== Atheists and the genetic fallacy ==

== Atheists and the genetic fallacy ==

[[Genetic fallacy]] - The genetic fallacy is a [[logical fallacy]] wherein an argument is based on the circumstances of something's origin or history when that origin or history has nothing to do with the present value of that something.<ref>[http://www.fallacyfiles.org/genefall.html Fallacy Files: Genetic Fallacy]</ref>  The fallacy is thus a fallacy of relevance.

[[Genetic fallacy]]&nbsp;— The genetic fallacy is a [[logical fallacy]] wherein an argument is based on the circumstances of something's origin or history when that origin or history has nothing to do with the present value of that something.<ref>[http://www.fallacyfiles.org/genefall.html Fallacy Files: Genetic Fallacy]</ref>  The fallacy is thus a fallacy of relevance.

Rather than address the evidence offered against atheist arguments from various sources, atheists often lodge illegitimate and illogical genetic fallacy complaints such as the source is a Christian website, etc.

Rather than address the evidence offered against atheist arguments from various sources, atheists often lodge illegitimate and illogical genetic fallacy complaints such as the source is a Christian website, etc.

The [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] [[C.S. Lewis]] wrote about the illegitimate and illogical use of the genetic fallacy in his essay entitled ''Bulverism''.<ref>[http://www.barking-moonbat.com/God_in_the_Dock.html God in the Dock - Bulverism]</ref>

The [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] [[C.S. Lewis]] wrote about the illegitimate and illogical use of the genetic fallacy in his essay titled ''Bulverism''.<ref>[http://www.barking-moonbat.com/God_in_the_Dock.html God in the Dock — Bulverism]</ref>

=== Atheists, family/societal origin of religious belief and the genetic fallacy ===

=== Atheists, family/societal origin of religious belief and the genetic fallacy ===

Atheists have given themselves pretentious monikers such as [[Freethought|freethinker]], rationalist and "[[Brights Movement|bright]]" (see also: [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and intelligence]] and [[Causes of atheism]]).

Atheists have given themselves pretentious monikers such as [[Freethought|freethinker]], rationalist and "[[Brights Movement|bright]]" (see also: [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and intelligence]] and [[Causes of atheism]]).

Like many atheists/agnostics, the [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] often arrogantly claims that a person is an adherent of a particular religion purely due to their upbringing and environment.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmskXXetcg Richard Dawkins - "What if you're wrong?"]</ref> These same atheists often complain that religion is purely the result of religious indoctrination while ignoring the existence of [[atheist indoctrination]].

Like many atheists/agnostics, the [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] often arrogantly claims that a person is an adherent of a particular religion purely due to their upbringing and environment.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmskXXetcg Richard Dawkins — "What if you're wrong?"]</ref> These same atheists often complain that religion is purely the result of religious indoctrination while ignoring the existence of [[atheist indoctrination]].

This type fallacious thinking is an example of the [[genetic fallacy]] and ignores the existence of people changing their religion/worldview based on thoughtful consideration or due to divine intervention. For example, one of Christianity's greatest evangelist was the [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]] who was a zealous Jew who persecuted Christians until his experience with [[Jesus]] on the road to Damascus. In recent years, there are many reports of [[Islam|Muslims]] receiving dreams/visions and becoming Christians.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqHDUpIZO68 LAST DAYS! Muslims Coming To Jesus Through Visions!]</ref>

This type fallacious thinking is an example of the [[genetic fallacy]] and ignores the existence of people changing their religion/worldview based on thoughtful consideration or due to divine intervention. For example, one of Christianity's greatest evangelist was the [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]] who was a zealous Jew who persecuted Christians until his experience with [[Jesus]] on the road to Damascus. In recent years, there are many reports of [[Islam|Muslims]] receiving dreams/visions and becoming Christians.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqHDUpIZO68 LAST DAYS! Muslims Coming To Jesus Through Visions!]</ref>

=== Atheists, the genetic fallacy and false accusations of mental illness  ===

=== Atheists, the genetic fallacy and false accusations of mental illness  ===

Atheists often falsely accuse theists (particularly those who criticize atheism) of mental illness<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/10/mailvox-continuing-education.html Mailvos - Continuing education]</ref>, despite the fact that atheists have higher incidences of depression and suicide (see: [[Atheism and suicide]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and health]]).

Atheists often falsely accuse theists (particularly those who criticize atheism) of mental illness<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/10/mailvox-continuing-education.html Mailvos — Continuing education]</ref>, despite the fact that atheists have higher incidences of depression and suicide (see: [[Atheism and suicide]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Atheism and health]]).

Mental hospitals in the [[Soviet Union]] were used to persecute the religious.<ref>[http://www.roca.org/OA/5/5e.htm  The Cry of the New Martyrs - Psychiatric “Treatment” of Christians]</ref>

Mental hospitals in the [[Soviet Union]] were used to persecute the religious.<ref>[http://www.roca.org/OA/5/5e.htm  The Cry of the New Martyrs — Psychiatric “Treatment” of Christians]</ref>

===== Sigmund Freud's view of religion =====

===== Sigmund Freud's view of religion =====

== Atheists and the strawman fallacy ==

== Atheists and the strawman fallacy ==

[[Strawman fallacy]] - Many atheists/[[evolution]]ist commonly use the strawman fallacy.<ref>[http://www.bethinking.org/atheism/understanding-the-new-atheism A New Breed of Atheism]</ref><ref>[http://creation.com/excellent-summary-of-so-many-strawman-arguments-used-by-anti-creationists ‘Excellent summary of so many strawman arguments used by anti-creationists’]</ref>

[[Strawman fallacy]]&nbsp;— Many atheists/[[evolution]]ist commonly use the strawman fallacy.<ref>[http://www.bethinking.org/atheism/understanding-the-new-atheism A New Breed of Atheism]</ref><ref>[http://creation.com/excellent-summary-of-so-many-strawman-arguments-used-by-anti-creationists ‘Excellent summary of so many strawman arguments used by anti-creationists’]</ref>

A straw man fallacy (or straw man argument) is a [[logical fallacy|fallacy]] which occurs by first incorrectly attributing an argument to someone, disproving this argument, then claiming that the person was wrong. It is a caricature of an opponent's [[argument]], a [[distortion]] which can easily be "knocked down" (i.e., refuted) like a flimsy pile of straw.

A straw man fallacy (or straw man argument) is a [[logical fallacy|fallacy]] which occurs by first incorrectly attributing an argument to someone, disproving this argument, then claiming that the person was wrong. It is a caricature of an opponent's [[argument]], a [[distortion]] which can easily be "knocked down", ''i.e.'', refuted, like a flimsy pile of straw.

A strawman argument is a weakened version of a debating opponent's argument, which lacks the potency of the opponent's actual argument. In debates attended by the unwary, a clever but unscrupulous debater can fool the audience into thinking that the opponent's position has been disproved. Knocking down the powerless straw man takes the place of an authentic contest with the real man.

A strawman argument is a weakened version of a debating opponent's argument, which lacks the potency of the opponent's actual argument. In debates attended by the unwary, a clever but unscrupulous debater can fool the audience into thinking that the opponent's position has been disproved. Knocking down the powerless straw man takes the place of an authentic contest with the real man.

*Latreille, A. FRENCH REVOLUTION, New Catholic Encyclopedia v. 5, pp. 972–973 (Second Ed. 2002 Thompson/Gale) ISBN 0-7876-4004-2</ref> (anti-clerical [[deism]] and anti-religious atheism and played a significant role in the French Revolution<ref>[https://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/chap7c.html War, Terror and Resistence]</ref><ref>''Forging Freedom: The Life of Cerf Berr of M Delsheim'' by Margaret R. O'Leary,  iUniverse (June 1, 2012), pages 1-2</ref>), with the official ideology being the [[Cult of Reason]]; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the [[guillotine]].<ref>Multiple references:

*Latreille, A. FRENCH REVOLUTION, New Catholic Encyclopedia v. 5, pp. 972–973 (Second Ed. 2002 Thompson/Gale) ISBN 0-7876-4004-2</ref> (anti-clerical [[deism]] and anti-religious atheism and played a significant role in the French Revolution<ref>[https://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/chap7c.html War, Terror and Resistence]</ref><ref>''Forging Freedom: The Life of Cerf Berr of M Delsheim'' by Margaret R. O'Leary,  iUniverse (June 1, 2012), pages 1-2</ref>), with the official ideology being the [[Cult of Reason]]; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the [[guillotine]].<ref>Multiple references:

<!-- Guillotine -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =''Christianity: The eBook''|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|pages=p. 461|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}

<!-- Guillotine -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =''Christianity: The eBook''|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|pages=p. 461|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}

<!-- France -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Memoirs of the Reign of George III. to the Session of Parliament ending A.D. 1793'', Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently and energetically observed, 'that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:—in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex, indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations.'<br>"It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while 'the death dance of democratic revolution' was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, 'the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace.'|pages=pp. 105-6|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}

<!-- France -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Memoirs of the Reign of George III. to the Session of Parliament ending A.D. 1793'', Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently and energetically observed, 'that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:—in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex, indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations.'<br />"It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while 'the death dance of democratic revolution' was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, 'the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace.'|pages=pp. 105-6|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}

<!-- Reign of Terror -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West''|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = Ignatius Press|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring—National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions.<br>"It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, 'The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man.' Actually this transition happened not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. 'Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name', said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of 'liberty', 'equality', and 'reason'.<br>"As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|pages=p. 57|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}</ref>

<!-- Reign of Terror -->*{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West''|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = Ignatius Press|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring—National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions.<br />"It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, 'The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man.' Actually this transition happened not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. 'Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name', said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of 'liberty', 'equality', and 'reason'.<br />"As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|pages=p. 57|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}</ref>

Kenneth Weinstein wrote in ''The American Interest'':

Kenneth Weinstein wrote in ''The American Interest'':

{{cquote|I suspect that most of our regular readers here would agree that ridicule, of a humorous nature, is likely to be more effective than the sort of snuggling-up and head-patting that Jerry is attacking. I lately started to think that we need to go further: go beyond humorous ridicule, sharpen our barbs to a point where they really hurt.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/dawkins-mock-them-ridicule-them-in-public/ Dawkins: Mock them. Ridicule them! In public]</ref>}}

{{cquote|I suspect that most of our regular readers here would agree that ridicule, of a humorous nature, is likely to be more effective than the sort of snuggling-up and head-patting that Jerry is attacking. I lately started to think that we need to go further: go beyond humorous ridicule, sharpen our barbs to a point where they really hurt.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/dawkins-mock-them-ridicule-them-in-public/ Dawkins: Mock them. Ridicule them! In public]</ref>}}

In his article, ''Mockery - the M.O. for atheists'', [[Matt Barber]] discusses an incident in which the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] encouraged atheists to engage in tactics which Barber considers to be acts of hateful mockery.<ref>[http://onenewsnow.com/perspectives/matt-barber/2014/05/08/mockery-the-mo-for-atheists ''Mockery - the M.O. for atheists''] by [[Matt Barber]]</ref>

In his article, ''Mockery&nbsp;— the M.O. for atheists'', [[Matt Barber]] discusses an incident in which the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] encouraged atheists to engage in tactics which Barber considers to be acts of hateful mockery.<ref>[http://onenewsnow.com/perspectives/matt-barber/2014/05/08/mockery-the-mo-for-atheists ''Mockery&nbsp;— the M.O. for atheists''] by [[Matt Barber]]</ref>

Hateful mockery can backfire - especially when a group in the minority. Atheists are the least trusted group in America (see: [[Views on Atheists|Views on atheists]]).

Hateful mockery can backfire, especially when a group in the minority. Atheists are the least-trusted group in America (see: [[Views on Atheists|Views on atheists]]).

=== Atheists and the ad hominem abusive logical fallacy ===

=== Atheists and the ad hominem abusive logical fallacy ===

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|251px|left|The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of [[PZ Myers]] (pictured above), "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|251px|left|The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of [[PZ Myers]] (pictured above), "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

 

<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small>  ]]

<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small>  ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]] and [[Atheist factions]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]] and [[Atheist factions]]

See also:

See also:

*[[Evolution and Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation]]

*[[Evolution and Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation]]

*[[Evolutionary indoctrination]].

*[[Evolutionary indoctrination]].

''See also:'' [[List of atheist and agnostic pseudosciences]]

''See also:'' [[List of atheist and agnostic pseudosciences]]

According to [[Discovery Institute]] [[scientism]] is an effort to use the methods of science to explain and control every part of human life, in other words, the misguided effort to apply science to areas outside its proper bounds.<ref name="Magician">{{cite web |title=The Magician's Twin: C. S. Lewis on Science, Scientism, and Society - Product Description|author=N/A |publisher=Discovery Institute Press |url=http://astore.amazon.com/discoveryinsti12-20/detail/1936599058 |accessdate= November 30, 2014 |quote=Beloved for his Narnian tales for children and his books of Christian apologetics for adults, best-selling author C.S. Lewis also was a prophetic critic of the growing power of scientism in modern society, the misguided effort to apply science to areas outside its proper bounds. In this wide-ranging book of essays, contemporary writers probe Lewis's warnings about the dehumanizing impact of scientism on ethics, politics, faith, reason, and science itself. Issues explored include Lewis's views on bioethics, eugenics, evolution, intelligent design, and what he called "scientocracy."}}</ref>

According to [[Discovery Institute]] [[scientism]] is an effort to use the methods of science to explain and control every part of human life, in other words, the misguided effort to apply science to areas outside its proper bounds.<ref name="Magician">{{cite web |title=The Magician's Twin: C. S. Lewis on Science, Scientism, and Society — Product Description|author=N/A |publisher=Discovery Institute Press |url=http://astore.amazon.com/discoveryinsti12-20/detail/1936599058 |accessdate= November 30, 2014 |quote=Beloved for his Narnian tales for children and his books of Christian apologetics for adults, best-selling author C.S. Lewis also was a prophetic critic of the growing power of scientism in modern society, the misguided effort to apply science to areas outside its proper bounds. In this wide-ranging book of essays, contemporary writers probe Lewis's warnings about the dehumanizing impact of scientism on ethics, politics, faith, reason, and science itself. Issues explored include Lewis's views on bioethics, eugenics, evolution, intelligent design, and what he called "scientocracy."}}</ref>

Scientism is self-refuting. [[William Lane Craig]] wrote: "Scientism tells us that we should not believe any proposition that cannot be scientifically proven. But what about that very proposition itself? It cannot itself be scientifically proven."<ref>[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/is-scientism-self-refuting Is scientism self-refuting?]</ref> The Christian apologist Jason Peterson similarly wrote: "Science has to presuppose the validity of mathematics, the laws of logic, and that our senses are valid. Science is unable to prove any of those things." <ref>[Christianity and Circular Reasoning] by Jason Petersen at Answers for Hope Ministry</ref> See also: [[Atheism and naturalistic intelligence]]

Scientism is self-refuting. [[William Lane Craig]] wrote: "Scientism tells us that we should not believe any proposition that cannot be scientifically proven. But what about that very proposition itself? It cannot itself be scientifically proven."<ref>[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/is-scientism-self-refuting Is scientism self-refuting?]</ref> The Christian apologist Jason Peterson similarly wrote: "Science has to presuppose the validity of mathematics, the laws of logic, and that our senses are valid. Science is unable to prove any of those things." <ref>[Christianity and Circular Reasoning] by Jason Petersen at Answers for Hope Ministry</ref> See also: [[Atheism and naturalistic intelligence]]

== Atheists and the appeal to emotion logical fallacy ==

== Atheists and the appeal to emotion logical fallacy ==

Many atheists use appeals to emotion/arguments from outrage when criticizing the Bible - especially when they are engaging in cultural imperialism.<ref>[http://www.tektonics.org/lp/outrage.php Bible critics and arguments from outrage] by [[JP Holding]]</ref><ref>[http://www.tribosblog.org/?p=1640 Atheists and arguments From outrage]</ref><ref>[http://www.epsociety.org/library/articles.asp?pid=45 Is Yahweh a Moral Monster? The New Atheists and Old Testament Ethics] by Paul Copan</ref>

Many atheists use appeals to emotion/arguments from outrage when criticizing the Bible, especially when they are engaging in cultural imperialism.<ref>[http://www.tektonics.org/lp/outrage.php Bible critics and arguments from outrage] by [[JP Holding]]</ref><ref>[http://www.tribosblog.org/?p=1640 Atheists and arguments From outrage]</ref><ref>[http://www.epsociety.org/library/articles.asp?pid=45 Is Yahweh a Moral Monster? The New Atheists and Old Testament Ethics] by Paul Copan</ref>

== Atheism and the fallacy of equivocation ==

== Atheism and the fallacy of equivocation ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and the no true Scotsman fallacy]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and the no true Scotsman fallacy]]

The [[no true Scotsman]] fallacy is a [[logical fallacy]] and more specifically a special case of [[circular logic]].  It involves dismissing any counterexamples.<ref>[http://www.iep.utm.edu/fallacy/#NoTrueScotsman No True Scotsman Fallacy], ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy''</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zzSqL--d_I The "No True Scotsman" Fallacy], Idea Channel - PBS Digital Studios</ref>

The [[no true Scotsman]] fallacy is a [[logical fallacy]] and more specifically a special case of [[circular logic]].  It involves dismissing any counterexamples.<ref>[http://www.iep.utm.edu/fallacy/#NoTrueScotsman No True Scotsman Fallacy], ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy''</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zzSqL--d_I The "No True Scotsman" Fallacy], Idea Channel — PBS Digital Studios</ref>

The ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' describes the no true Scotsman fallacy thusly:

The ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' describes the no true Scotsman fallacy thusly:

Smith: Well, if that's right, it just shows that McDougal wasn't a TRUE Scotsman.<ref>[http://www.iep.utm.edu/fallacy/#NoTrueScotsman No True Scotsman Fallacy], ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy''</ref>}}

Smith: Well, if that's right, it just shows that McDougal wasn't a TRUE Scotsman.<ref>[http://www.iep.utm.edu/fallacy/#NoTrueScotsman No True Scotsman Fallacy], ''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy''</ref>}}

The no true Scotsman Fallacy was coined by the English philosopher [[Anthony Flew]] in his book ''Thinking about Thinking - or do I sincerely want to be right?''.  At the time Flew wrote the book he was an atheist, but he later became a [[theism|theist]].

The no true Scotsman Fallacy was coined by the English philosopher [[Anthony Flew]] in his book ''Thinking about Thinking&nbsp;— or do I sincerely want to be right?''.  At the time Flew wrote the book he was an atheist, but he later became a [[theism|theist]].

=== Atheists claiming ex-atheists were never atheists ===

=== Atheists claiming ex-atheists were never atheists ===

The popular Christian YouTube video creator [[Shockofgod]] is an ex-atheist who left atheism because it [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|lacks proof]] and evidence that it is true, while Christianity offers an [[Christian apologetics websites|abundant amount]] of evidential support.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhr88HZtkmE Ex-atheist shares why he left the lie of Atheism]</ref> His YouTube videos have cumulatively received over 25 million  views since his YouTube channel's inception.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/user/shockofgod</ref> Shockofgod won over 70 Christianity vs. [[atheism]] debates.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiGgOQ_aEvY Atheism loses a shocking 71 debates in a row]</ref>  There are atheists who claim that Shockofgod was never an atheist.<ref>

The popular Christian YouTube video creator [[Shockofgod]] is an ex-atheist who left atheism because it [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|lacks proof]] and evidence that it is true, while Christianity offers an [[Christian apologetics websites|abundant amount]] of evidential support.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhr88HZtkmE Ex-atheist shares why he left the lie of Atheism]</ref> His YouTube videos have cumulatively received over 25 million  views since his YouTube channel's inception.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/user/shockofgod</ref> Shockofgod won over 70 Christianity vs. [[atheism]] debates.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiGgOQ_aEvY Atheism loses a shocking 71 debates in a row]</ref>  There are atheists who claim that Shockofgod was never an atheist.<ref>

*[http://www.pakistan.tv/videos-shockofgod-calls-into-atheist-radio-show-%5B7bBE1bos6JU%5D.cfm Shockofgod calls into Atheist Radio show - Hilarious! Part 1 Video]

*[http://www.pakistan.tv/videos-shockofgod-calls-into-atheist-radio-show-%5B7bBE1bos6JU%5D.cfm Shockofgod calls into Atheist Radio show — Hilarious! Part 1 Video]

*[https://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=ypO8qx9-5YA&lc=4KFJZ2armpynzsgytJFpDDS2iNJyXa1GFCN-U43FRa4 Shockofgod - "The Question That defeated The Atheist Show" - Debunked! by TheEducatedPrimate]

*[https://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=ypO8qx9-5YA&lc=4KFJZ2armpynzsgytJFpDDS2iNJyXa1GFCN-U43FRa4 Shockofgod — "The Question That defeated The Atheist Show" — Debunked! by TheEducatedPrimate]

*[http://talkrational.org/showthread.php?t=28091 Forum thread at an atheism forum] post by user Ajje

*[http://talkrational.org/showthread.php?t=28091 Forum thread at an atheism forum] post by user Ajje

</ref>

</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and critical thinking]]

*[[Atheism and critical thinking]]

*[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]

*[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]

*[[Christian apologetics websites|Evidence for Christianity]]

*[[Christian apologetics websites|Evidence for Christianity]]

*[[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]

*[[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]

*[[Christian apologetics]]

*[[Christian apologetics]]

*[[Atheism and reason]]

*[[Atheism and reason]]