Expert: Vincent M. Wales - 5/3/2010

Question
dear expert,

You surely heard about William Lane Craig...  This sophisticated theologian and philosopher claimed that some concepts of his religion can be proven by logic and science to atheists (who are close-minded and stubborn)

But, at the same time, surprisingly he even went as far as stating that, in any case, his religion may not be refuted; indeed according to him, if reason contradicts his religion, the former must be rejected.


Is this a coherent position? I mean: if one assume that a religion is demonstrable, must one necessarly imply it's open to refutations?



sincerely

Answer
Ed:

Yes, I'm familiar with Mr. Craig.  I'm not entirely sure which concepts of his religion he believes can be "proven."  Can we demonstrate that there is a religion called Christianity?  Sure.  Can we verify that some events mentioned in the Bible really happened?  Yeah.  But that's about it.

But of course, his statement about rejecting reason if it contradicts his faith just demonstrates how warped his sensibilities are.  No... it's not a tenable position.  Any claim is open to refutation (whether or not it can be refuted successfully is another thing entirely).