Posted by Obsidian on August 17, 1999 at 18:12:31:
In Reply to: Christians conversions from atheism? posted by Chelonian on August 17, 1999 at 17:00:34:
:(Chelonian)... I would really like to talk to a once-atheistic philosopher, well versed in the arguments of atheism/agnosticism/skepticism who has been converted to evangelical fundamentalism. ... But even if a person well versed in philosophy and skepticism turned to religion after their studies or because of their studies, the brand of Christianity is probably not what would be called fundamentalism but liberal theology.
(Obsidian) I might seem to fit that category occasionally, but to me self-labeling is like the changing colors of a chameleon, not a total mirroring of a complex self, but a device to accomplish some purpose.
I know a baptist minister who calls himself a fundamentalist, and quotes the main scriptures, but who is remarkably tolerant and unflappable. He further defines himself as a part of the evangelical movement. He teaches a class on postmodernism which I am attending. He's bright and well educated, but brainwashing works on intelligent people, too.
(Chelonian)...some brands of fierce athiesm resemble aspects of fierce fundamentalism, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the ultra-serious temperament switch from one side to another. I am generally of the serious temperament who switched from fundamentalism to atheism. Yet, once again, I am not so interested in the "fierce" types as I am in those who were academically versed in such logical and sophisticated arguments that support atheism and who are now in full swing for the side of fundamentalist "apologetics."
: Any suggestions or knowledge of such persons?
: Phil S. Chelonian
(Obsidian) Surely you remember the son---was it the youngest?---of Madeline Murray O'Hare, who converted to Christianity? Don't know what happened to him.
I think Christians try to get media attention by converting famous atheists, gays and 'bad-guys'. They converted the lesbian mother who brought the legal suit "Roe vs. Wade", Deborah Roe. Christians would be more likely to know about such people. Isn't one of the Denizens of the Forum a Theology professor? Wouldn't Billy Graham or Harvard Divinity School be likely to parade such a person around to prove their points?