CuSithBell comments on Theism, Wednesday, and Not Being Adopted - Less Wrong

56 Post author: Alicorn 27 April 2009 04:49PM

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Comment author: CuSithBell 18 May 2011 12:52:25AM 1 point [-]

However, what makes you think that God is willing to play such a game? He isn't a genie or oracle that grants every random wish. I could be wrong but I doubt He would be care to be treated so lightly.

Providing solid evidence is the only way to reach people who don't believe things without evidence. Some sort of effort in that direction would be expected of someone benevolent towards these people who predicts that this belief would be valuable. That's the way it seems to me at least.

Comment author: JohnH 18 May 2011 01:09:50AM 0 points [-]

So a prophecy of something happening in the world at large does not count as evidence if it comes true but predicting a coin toss does?

Comment author: Nornagest 18 May 2011 01:40:26AM *  3 points [-]

A prophecy counts as evidence of privileged information insofar as it generates accurate predictions. Generally it doesn't, by itself, tell us much about the source of that privileged information, but the circumstances surrounding its creation might imply some intelligence worth updating on.

On the other hand, essentially all of the prophecies -- regardless of their source -- that I'm aware of are unfulfilled, unverifiable, vague or ambiguous enough to have no predictive value, or outright fraudulent. Now, I'll be happy to update if the Rapture happens on May 21 as the billboards lining my commute keep insisting, but I'm not holding my breath.

Comment author: CuSithBell 18 May 2011 01:44:00AM 0 points [-]

Yeah, this.

Comment author: JohnH 18 May 2011 02:17:25AM -1 points [-]

To begin with the Rapture as understood by the evangelicals will never happen. Therefore, it will not happen on May 21. I seriously doubt saying that will increase anyone's estimation of my religion.

I have provided specific examples of prophecy that have been fulfilled. I am also able to provide more if it is so desired.