THE GOD DEBATE  

I.         Introduction.                                        

One of the biggest controversies in human history is the existence of God.  Some people have a powerful belief in God (Theists.)  Some have a powerful disbelief in God (Atheists).  Some neither believe nor disbelieve (Agnostics).

Where our own personal conclusions rest in the above spectrum of Faith can have huge ramifications for how we choose to live our lives.  

Recognizing the existence of an incomprehensibly huge Intelligent Power behind the fabric of  earthly reality can completely change our view of life and death.  Conversely, if we are but intelligent chemical robots that briefly spark-up into self-awareness before dissolving back into nothingness---this too can dramatically affect our thinking and our actions.

Having such huge ramifications, one would think that each person would struggle mightily with arriving at a solid conclusion regarding the existence of God.  Indeed, some people do base that decision on a considered, careful weighing of relevant Evidences.  In other cases, however, its a matter of indoctrination---often from childhood, a function of buying-into the thinking of one's parents, teachers, or other Authority Figures.  And in yet other instances, believing or disbelieving in God is based on not much more than wishful thinking.

In any case, these radically-different conclusions engender deep suspicion and incredulity between people.  After all, how can those other folks who seem so sincere and intelligent be so obviously wrong---in believing, not believing, or not knowing what to believe?  Surely they must see the illogic and even outright stupidity of their position (i.e. in being different from mine)!

The Theist, the Atheist, and the Agnostic may each be so totally convinced of the reality of their particular conclusion that they can no longer even recognize, let alone acknowledge, the arguments of the other person!  Surely that other person with their totally-ridiculous position must be ignorant, stupid, blind, or just plain evil!

This short book takes a serious and realistic look at both sides of the argument.  For those wishing to try to understand why someone would take a totally opposite position on the critical question of existence or nonexistence of God, this book may indeed be an eye-opener. 

If you are one of those struggling to honestly make sense of this over-riding, life-altering Question, my book may provide a fresh perspective different from anything you've ever heard or seen before.  Rather than struggling through life with a vague unease that you're missing out, slighting, or misdirecting your life energies, this analysis may help to bring the topic of God into sharp focus.

As both a life-long Christian (who started regularly attending Church at the tender age of one week old) and a certified scientist (Ph.D. biologist conducting medical research), I have myself struggled with fundamental God-related questions.  

Does evolution discredit the notion of a God?  Is the Big Bang the total answer to cosmology?  Is God simply a quaint notion of ignorant cave-men for explaining the origin of lightning and other great unknowns?  Are creation-stories in Holy Texts mere myths?  Do the ideas of Theistic Evolution or Intelligent Design somehow reconcile the Atheistic view to that of the Theist?  Is fanatic belief in God just an easy path to seemingly meaningful existence?  Is a casual belief in God just a way to comfort ourselves in the face of unavoidable death?  

I will address all those issues and more in the following pages.  I'm not writing from a pre-determined point of view, discarding what doesn't agree and embracing anything (no matter how tenuous) that seems supportive.  I'm trying as best I can to see the whole picture, realistically---viewing both the weaknesses and strengths of each point---and share that analysis with you.

However, if you're already comfortable in your present belief in God or lack thereof---plus the rationale underlying your conclusions---and aren't interested in better understanding the opposite point(s) of view, you might want to stop reading now.  We will cover topics that some may find disturbing, each point being examined with brutal honesty.  

I have no desire to offend or disturb your thinking.  But if you have an open mind and are willing to probe the fabric of reality deeper, in hopes of discovering a clearer perspective of your place in the Universe…I invite you to continue!

Its a fascinating journey, involving all aspects of our existence.

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