Quote of the Week: Rick Warren on Talking to Politicians

Dear Mr Dawkins,

I think Ben Stein let you off easily. I would have asked you the following;

1. You said you felt there was a 1% chance that there was a "designer" or God. I note that most scientists agree that a self creating universe, with life spontaneously arising, and then auto organizing time, space and matter has a probability of one in trillions... Looks like the odds are in God's favor...wouldn't you say?

2. You mentioned that you became an atheist after accepting evolution. What does evolution have to do with denying a creator? As a natural process evolution would necessarily be part of a creator's plan in a dynamic universe. The two are not mutually exclusive in any way.

3. If one believes that, in the beginning there was an eternally existing or self created rock, that blew itself up, self animated and created all the laws of nature, matter and energy and the dimension time and space - All through happenstance - then that person is considered a sophisticated, enlightened, intellectual. Even though there is not one shred of evidence to support that position. However, if one believes in a creator as a “first cause” he is a religious, simple minded dolt. It seems to me that one can logically conclude there is a creator - But it requires a huge leap of faith to believe in a self creating/eternal, auto detonating, coincidentally organizing, spontaneously animating rock, turning into the universe - and ultimately you...

4. You often beat up on the bible. Again, what has that to do with God?

5. You mention a quote something about, "Why does God hide from man?" Judging from the number of religious people I would conclude that He isn't exactly "hiding" - Rather you are denying Him - In order to deny you must have first considered Him. If by "hiding" you mean, why doesn't he appear to all and make his will known? The answer to that is fairly obvious... The preeminence of His will, would eliminate our "free" will and hence it would be an imperfect universe...Which would be impossible for God. In fact, our world, indeed the entire universe is perfect. And not through trick of chance.

An open mind, reason and logic will lead you far. perhaps even to God - Not the opposite, as you believe. The road you travel can only lead to nihilism as its final destination.

R.L. Schaefer of CA 1:15PM November 16, 2009