Theism

A WWW Resource on Theism for the promotion of Dialogue with Atheists

Introduction What's Going On Here Biographies Links The Discussion Hall

What's New:

Wednesday, June 25: Here are some facinating documents on the proofs for the existence of God

A New Look at the Cosmological Argument: Proving God's Existence to Today's Skeptic (Adobe Acrobat format)
by Prof. Robert Koon of the University of Texas

God and Gödel: Gödelian Incompleteness in Mathematics and the Confirmation of Theism by James Baird

Creation Science FAQ by Daren Gorden of the Pennsylvannia State University Origins Club

Thursday, May 8: Now you can download Theist's Demonstration in one easy HTML file. Also, added a new related link file.

Monday, March 23: Added links on Theistic Science: 35 Scholarly Papers worth reading.

Friday, March 21: After receiving some positive reaction regarding the Demonstration for the Existence of God (which has yet to been refuted by the pro-Atheist group) the author of these pages has decided to let them remain here indefinitely, and will maintain them. New comers are warmly invited to join the discussion.

Sunday, March 9: No refutation of Theist's argument is forthcomming. The pro-Theist group is the de facto winner of the debate. The author of these pages announces that without any reply of the pro-Atheist group these pages will be pulled after March 23 rd..

Monday, Feb 24: Theist concludes "That God exists" in his second presentation. The floor is now open for the pro-Atheists to prove the argument unsound. But will any proof be forthcomming?

Wednesday, Feb. 19: Last night Theist posted a call-for-definition entitled "What is God?" preparing the way for the demonstration of God's existence. So far none of the participants pro-Atheism have made substantial disagreements.

Monday, Feb. 17: The Discussion opened yesterday with Theist's first presentation, with M. Hardie joining with a call-for-clarification. Presently there are 8 particpants: 3 arguing pro-Atheism, 3 pro-Theism, 1 in the onlookers Gallery, and another as of yet undelcared. The Hall is open to new comers also, who would like to join the discussion. Just contact the moderator at theist@usa.net.

Sunday, Feb. 16: The Discussion Hall has just opened. And the participants are taking their seats. The Moderator has just briefed all declared participants, via email, and is awaiting for submissions.

Format Guidelines are also posted in the Doors of the Chamber.

Introduction

The interaction of theists and atheists if often marked more by sentiment and emotion than reason and right judgement. For the purpose of promoting dialogue and an to expound clearly both for atheists and theists the philosophical arguments for theism, this WWW resource is offered to the Internet Community.

What you won't find here:

For the sake of those who do not accpet any authority except reason, you will not find any appeal here to truths that can only be known via revelation.

What you will find here:

Demonstrations of the existence of God suited to those who accept argumentation drawn from human reason.

What you must accept before proceeding:

That the human mind can with certainty know truth; and express this univocally to others in human language. All self-evident principles, the rules of logic, etc.. That is, everything that makes human, rational discussion possible. (otherwise you are wasting your time and everybody else's)

Please Note: your comments, suggestions, and letters are most welcome. Please email the author of this page at theist@usa.net.

What's Going On Here:

The Public Discussion (Debate) among theists and atheists is begun.

There are three groups of participants: pro Theism, pro Atheism, and the onlookers Gallery.

Here is a brief discription of each group, for those who want more information.

pro Theists: to explain and defend the basis and demonstration(s) for the existence of God as a logical conclusion based on a rational reflection on the order of being(s).

pro Atheist: to show and explain why there is no rational basis nor demonstration for the existence of God as a logical conclusion based on a rational reflection on the order of being(s).

onlookers: to point out to both sides where their arguments do not seem fully or clearly explained, and to cheer, comment, criticise as is due.

Proposed Format of Discussion

A Parallel Discussion among the pro-Theists and pro-Atheists with interventions from not only both sides, but by onlookers as well, posted in HTML at a URL linked from here.

Participants can submit their discussions/interventions via email as TXT or HTML markup.

This will give everybody an opportunity to explain themselves to their own satisfaction and that of everybody else.

Futher Suggestion for the Format

The Author of this page cordially invites from all interested parties. This depends just how formal of a discussion the participants want. The Author is open to suggestions.

Biographies of Participants

Already participants are choosing sides and to help you get to know Who is Who, the Author put up some info on each. Note, this is OPTIONAL. If you would like to put up something (reasonable & decent) just post it to the author at theist@usa.net. If you would like to put something up, but would like to use a handle instead of your email address or name, just say so. All correspondence with the Author regarding matters outside the discussion hosted here, is confidential unless you expressely state otherwise.

Click Here for Biographies (as of 2/16/97)

Resources on the Web

There have been some excellent expositions of the demonstrations for the existence of God throughout human history. These authors do not, however, deal exclusively with the topic at hand, and therefore include other material outside the scope of Thesism's expressed standards. Here are some links on the web to the formost thinkers. These are suitable resources for an introduction to the philosophical terminology necessary to discuss intelligently demonstrations for the existence of God.