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Post by Josh on Jul 9, 2010 8:11:31 GMT -8
This is a question I thought deserved to be addressed here.
I'm reading an interesting book on the subject- Life After Death: the Evidence by Dinesh D'Souza. I'll report back when I get a chance (it'll probably end up on the "afterlife" folder on the "other topics" sub-forum). But, if any of you have any thoughts or further questions on the subject, jump right in.
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Post by robin on Jul 9, 2010 8:36:41 GMT -8
How about the resurrection of Jesus Christ? the evidence seems rather strong.
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Post by Josh on Jul 9, 2010 9:47:43 GMT -8
Yes.
However, though D'Souza is a Christian apologist, his book only uses non-Scripture based arguments in order to engage with atheists.
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Post by Josh on Jul 9, 2010 16:00:10 GMT -8
He first begins with an analysis of Near Death Experiences (NDEs). It's fascinating how many scientific studies have been done on this phenomenon in recent years- leaving skeptics scrambling to explain them away. He gives a good case for their validity, and uses this as a way to open up the possibility of life after death.
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Post by Josh on Jul 15, 2010 7:35:59 GMT -8
Next he probes revelations from the theories of relativity and quantum physics to demonstrate the plausibility (and rational vindication) of religious claims about the afterlife, resurrection, heaven/ hell, etc...
I'm on to the next section now, but I have to say I really like D'Souza (this is my first foray into a book by him). It's been a while since I found an apologetics book to be a page-turner.
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Post by Josh on Jul 21, 2010 9:26:46 GMT -8
Then he explores the "teleology" (or plan) in the evolutionary transition from matter to mind to begin a discussion of the existence of separate worlds of matter and mind.
He then gets into evidence from neuroscience that the mind cannot be reduced to the brain (focusing on how both consciousness and free will cannot be explained by reductive materialism).
He then revives philosophical arguments from Kant and Schopenhauer that attempt to demonstrate the existence of a "noumenal" or "other world".
Next he argues how morality cannot be fully explained or accounted for by materialsim.
Lastly he argues pragmatically how belief in an afterlife (and spiritual realm) is good for individuals and society.
The book ends with a specific consideration of the Christian view of the afterlife and arguments for the resurrection of Christ.
Good book. Highly recommended. It's in the church library for anyone from Aletheia to check out.
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