My Twitter Debate With an Atheist Over The Existence of Evil

By Shane Kastler

 

I recently had a Twitter debate with an atheist over the issue of "evil." My premise was that atheism cannot explain an evil act like the Las Vegas shooting; since atheism has no moral foundation with which to call anything "good" or "evil."  The atheist, "Daniel" disagreed.  We had a short, but productive dialog.  The contents are below.   To read my original article click here.  To see it on Twitter, click here

 

One final note. Winning intellectual arguments is not the same thing as winning a soul to Christ.  God uses reasoning faculties to change hearts.  But only God can truly change hearts. Therefore, pray for Daniel. Whoever he is, and wherever he is.

 

Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler

 

#LasVegasShooting shouldn't make u question God. Instead question #Atheism & #Evolution which cannot define evil.  http://shanekastler.typepad.com/pastor_shanes_blog/2017/10/atheism-evolution-cannot-explain-evil-like-the-las-vegas-massacre.html

  

 

 Daniel

What? Of course we can explain it (though not calling it by the religious term "evil"). Mental illness makes stuff like that happen.

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

 

So there is no "evil"....only "illness"? Who gets to decide what is classified as "illness"?

 

 

 

 

Daniel Oct 13

 You are misquoting me. I did not say "illness" was the only cause of bad acts. I was talking about *that* one. (Las Vegas.) Nice try, though

 

 

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

Sorry. Wasn't trying to misquote. Just clarifying. Would you still call his acts "evil"; even if he is mentally ill?

  

 

  Daniel

No. I don't use the word "evil.". People do bad acts for many reasons: coercion, desperation, confusion, ignorance, illness, and more.

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

I notice you did use the word "bad" - Are you using it the same way I use "evil"? Do you believe "bad" exists then?

 

 

 Daniel

 I see them with different connotations. To me, "bad" means "contrary to behavior standards set by society." "Evil" means "contrary to God."

  

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

I see. Thanks for clarifying. How does society determine these standards of good and bad? Or would u not use the word "good"?

 

 

  Daniel

 

 I hate the 140-character limit.

  

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

Ditto on the 140.

Your racism example is a good one.  You would say that such racist talk was considered "good" in the 1850s, but "bad" today, based on societal norms.  I would argue that it was "bad" even in 1850.  If society determines what is "good" and "bad" then aren't we always subject to the prevailing notions of the day? Theoretically, if a society determined rape to be "good" then no one could argue with the notion.  After all, society has spoken. Isn't this a problem for you?

 

  Daniel

 

 

  Shane E. Kastler‏ @sekastler Oct 13

 

Enjoyed chatting with you...

Actually, I just posted an article on my Twitter feed.  You responded, and I'm glad you did.  You find your explanation acceptable to you.  That is fine.  But it doesn't necessarily make your explanation correct, or rational.  The argument for morality based on societal norms doesn't work, and I think you and I both know that.  Your racism example proves my point.  How can something be good in 1850 and bad today?  Either, society was WRONG THEN (in which case your whole argument on morality based on societal norms falls apart); or there must be a moral standard apart from the consensus of selfish creatures.....It was nice visiting with you. Have a good weekend.