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Repeat broadcast
Original airdate: 10-6-13
Less of a formal debate and more of a discussion with differences of opinion, Bob Siegel welcomes back Wesley of the San Diego New Atheists and Agnostics. The tone is friendly and jovial. Both Wesley and Bob embrace the idea that 2 people can disagree in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
The dialogue lasts for the entire program free of commercial interruption.
Topics:
-The importance of defining terms when having productive discussions. Terms such as “atheist” “faith” “evidence” and “proof” are discussed.
-Why would a disbelief in God inspire time and organization?
-Can something come out of nothing?
-Can the personal (sentience) come from an impersonal universe?
If God does not exist, where does the conscience come from? Can there be such a thing as right and wrong if there is no God, or would our sense of “morality” be nothing but mere opinion? Do atheists express moral conviction as if it is only mere opinion or do they talk as if certain practices such as murder or slavery are definitively wrong?
NOTE: The time went by very quickly and Wesley agreed to continue the dialogue on future shows. Toward the end of the program Wesley challenged Bob’s argument for God (based upon the conscience) by asking Bob to explain how different societies have different morals. For the sake of time and because Bob was in the middle of another point at that particular moment, Bob referred the audience to a former program with Wesley two weeks prior (9-22-13). At that time, a lengthy explanation was offered by Bob about the difference between our one universal moral standard (found in the human conscience) which tells us to treat people respectfully, and the fact that individual societies often have varying customs and views about what it means to show respect. This prequel program is available for playback or downloading in these same radio archives.
To further explore themes in this debate, check out Bob’s book on Amazon. If money is an issue, contact Bob by email to possibly make some special arrangement for a complimentary copy.
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