Baggini vs. Hobson

[Turoldus]

You can read it there:

www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/nov/03/religion

What strikes me most about this exchange is how close Baggini and Hobson are philosophically, despite their divergences. Both ridicule traditional beliefs and seem to think good religion is one that gives up on belief and focuses on practice and good works. This is certainly not what most people seek in religion.

Priceless quote from Hobson:

On one level I agree – I don't want to be lumped together with a creationist – nor with a Catholic who venerates saintly bones and sees papal laws as binding.

[humphreyclarke]

I think these debates often seem to just fizzle out with the Theist having to concede a lot of ground. The atheist often comes away with the impression that his opponent is reasonable because he doesn't really believe all that silly stuff after all, his religion is simply a harmless self help movement, 'mere whole hearted Bolshevism under a tinsel of metaphysics' as a certain dictator put it. The challenge is to win the respect of your opponent while not demeaning your position.

[humphreyclarke]

I like this spam-bot, he is very amenable. ;D

[merkavah12]

A spam bot that gives out compliments? WHAT HAS SCIENCE DONE?!

[James Hannam]

Even nice spam bots are mercilessly treated around here...

J