Willi Kampmann
Jul 30, 2017 · 2 min read

And yet again, his motive is clear: he does see his hypothesis as true. He does argue that atheists reject the existence of a very specific god because of father issues. He also holds the position that in the debate about the existence of gods this is irrelevant (since it’s ad hominem), but that’s a different topic altogether. He thinks his hypothesis is true, and I think it’s B.S. It’s based on a wild assumption and supported by mere circumstantial evidence. I also don’t believe in the existence of Wonder Woman —now is that supposed to be based on any mother issues of mine?

A genuine search for evidence supporting, or opposing, the existence of God should be based on the evidence and arguments found in philosophy, theology, science, history, and other relevant disciplines. It should also include an understanding of religious experience.

This quote of his is precisely what’s wrong with his whole approach, and why he’s incompetent to honestly discuss the existence of gods. The search for evidence for the existence of gods should and can in no way whatsoever be based on philosophy, theology or even religious experience. That’s just absurd. There’s no evidence in philosophy; it’s the opposite, philosophy is the interpretation of evidence. To even suggest theology and religious experience were as much as linked to evidence is laughable.

I agree with you that ad hominem attacks on religious people are flawed and unproductive. Though frankly, I’ve never heard the argument that someone is religious because they want a father figure. I do think there are psychological reasons for why humans in general believe in unfounded ideas; but it’s treating on thin ice to suggest that individual psychological reasons are at the center of believing or disbelieving in fantastical stories.

    Willi Kampmann

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