[bunny]

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Using the Bible to prove that your beliefs in the God of the Bible is not a delusion is... delusional.

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Internally consistent though - NotReady has acknowledged his belief is circular in the past. He claims (rightly imo) that any basis for human knowledge is circular. If true, this would mean circularity is not in itself grounds to label his beliefs irrational.

I was speculating that his post may have more been an attack on the "personal experience" form of theism which I have defended. It seems his point was that what's "in my heart" is never going to be enough, I need God/Jesus as revealed through the bible to have true belief.

EDIT: In other words it was directed at a believer, not an unbeliever and as such the use of the bible seems more relevant.

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I can't agree with you on the circular beliefs part. If I start with a false premise and then use my false premise to assert my premise... I'm 'delusional.'

"I believe God is real.
I believe it because the Bible says so.
I believe the Bible because it is written by God."

This is complete nonsense in terms of being a logical proof.

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Agreed. My suspicion is that it was presented to a believer, rather than as a proof to persuade skeptics. As such it is more theology than philosophy and doesnt have to be logically persuasive. With regard to circular basis of a belief system, let me start another thread as I think this is an area atheists dont want to concede, but in actuality should.

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And it certainly does not distinguish itself from other religions.

"I believe the Muslim Faith is correct.
I believe in God.
I believe because the Qu'ran says its true.
The writer of the Qu'ran was writing what God told him."

There is no reason why the person quoting the Bible has any more credibility then someone quoting the Qu'ran or "the Night Before Christmas" as proof that Santa exists.

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Again, I think the (and I hate to use the word but...) context is important. The person quoting the bible has more credibility to someone who has accepted that the bible is the word of god. I think NotReady was answering my question theist-to-theist if you like.