Yet many intellectuals believe in Christ.
Thanks to mental compartmentalization.
Take a critical look at their positions, invariably there will be a pass given to certain beliefs that is not given to other ideas.
It's special pleading, holding Christian ideas to a lower (or no) standard than the standard applied to other ideas.
Christians are not opposed to science, critical thinking, or historical evidence.
I agree, at least generally.
The difference is the lack of consistency is application of cognitive and critical standards.
We all believe in things that are not testable like thoughts.
Who is "we all"? I do not believe in thoughts and I'm not sure they aren't testable.
You could push yourself and search the internet to see if thoughts are testable and make a better argument for the existence of intangible, abstract things.
Of course but I'm not really concerned about that, I'm concerned about whether or not Gods exist outside the imagination.
I am more than willing to accept God as an idea which exists in the minds (hearts?) of those who believe. In fact, that is what I think Gods are.
metaphorically
The wisdom of the world that denies God's existence is considered folly.
Yes, which is anti intellectual.
Why should I take your word for it? Prove it.
You don't have to take my word for it. Given your strict worldview, it is unlikely that I would be able convince you since the belief is self sustaining and impervious to contradiction.
Aside from that, I don't care whether or not you are convinced because it isn't a cornerstone of the issue here. What I mean is, if there was some sort of advance made by a Christian, it wouldn't convince me that Christianity is true. Sure, there are intellectuals and scientists who happen to be Christian but Christianity is not scientific nor does it progress or advance. Neither do advancements come out of it. For example, we're probably not going to finally realize an inexpensive and quick method of making wine out of water. We aren't likely to uncover the secret to parting or walking on water, we aren't likely going to discover the secret to coming back from the grave -from the bible.
You want me to prove something that doesn't exist?
I understand that. Damaged people turn to God and find him.
Right.
ok, that's possible.
Do it.
This conversation isn't enough?
I suppose you could think I was an AI chat bot.
But the interaction with you here should be sufficient. If it isn't, if it isn't proof enough than I suggest we are likely near the end of the conversation.
We all agree that we think and have thoughts but you only believe in testable facts.
This is a mischaracterization of my position. First of all, I don't believe in testable fact. Second, I don't believe ONLY in testable facts.
Thoughts are abstract things. You can't prove that they exist.
Allow me to return the serve: prove it.
Just kidding.
That's fine.
But realize that you're making my case: God is an abstract thing and you can't prove that they exist. -And don't misinterpret me, I'm not suggesting that you have claimed that you could. It is my claim that Gods exist in the minds (are abstract) and their existence outside of the mind cannot be demonstrated.
Since you can't prove them with testing, according to your criteria, they are in your same category as God--imaginary.
Essentially yes. But again, we can determine in several ways whether or not a person is thinking. We can measure brain activity, we can interact with them -both of which are sufficient for establishing the existence (in the mind) of thought.
We can also put ideas to work and produce an effect in the natural world through action.
This something God cannot do.
What does the bold mean to you?
Ideas exist abstracts in the mind. They are what they are and nothing more.
