I also have come to think that most doubt arises from sources other than philosophical reflection (which is distinct from saying that it is non-rational).  I think this is true whatever side of an issue you take.  More people begin to seriously doubt theism because they go through a crisis in their lives than because they read a book by JL Mackie; but also more atheists start to wonder whether there may be a God after all because they have a religious experience rather than reading one of Fesser's books.  (The converse, however, does happen too, of course.)

I bring this up because I think philosophically minded people frequently have a difficult time being honest with themselves about this element of their psychology.  They find themselves struggling with doubt so they double-down on reading arguments.  Really, the issue is that their daughter was just diagnosed with cancer or they are frustrated for failing to overcome a protracted habit of sin or, for the atheist, a longing to be loved begins to be met by a Christian community or a good priest.  I think being honest about these diverse motivations for why we think what we think can only make us better philosophers.

If I remember correctly William Lane Craig's Kalam version is decent specifically because he includes the point that the first cause must be personal.

I think the PhilPapers survey does tell us some things as long as we keep its limitations in mind.  I think it does show, for instance, that amongst contemporary anglophone philosophers there is not a consensus about which metaethical theory is correct.  I'm just not sure this tells us much of anything about which metaethical theory is correct (or even whether or not truth can be had in this area).

nojoum wrote:

Proclus wrote:

As we see in the New Testament, the community is the body of Christ, so that we cannot draw a sharp contrast between knowing God through Jesus and knowing God through his community. 
 

Sorry for the late reply.
This seems very mystical and incomprehensible. Could you please clarify what it means that the community is the body of Christ and how we can know God through his community?

We could get into a deep discussion here, but I think the simple idea that is necessary for our conversation is just that one does not need to see participation in a community and the work of Christ as two mutually exclusive things.  One of the ways that Christ operates in someone's life is through the community that he himself founded and gave instructions to.

At a more mystical level, we believe that Christ actively lives in each of his disciples and in their collective life together.  This means that we cannot completely separate the activity of Christ from the activity of his disciples, individually or collectively.  For example, when my fellow Christian prays for me at church, Christ himself is involved in this.  In some sense, Christ himself prays for me as that Christian prays.

Furthermore, when God extends grace to us, we do not have the luxury of dictating to him the forms of grace we think we would like.  If we reject one form of grace that he extends to us, he may kindly extend grace in another way later---that is his prerogative.  But he may also insist on us coming and receiving grace in the mode that it is offered, and if we reject this we may be out of luck.  When Christ, therefore, comes to us in the activity and life of his community, rejecting that offer may be a rejection of something we need and cannot get in another form.

nojoum wrote:

Proclus wrote:

While I do believe in miracles and the power of ritual, my point was simply that building a relationship with God is best done in community along with others who are attempting the journey with you.  I only hope to encourage you not to give up the quest before giving it a try with the best community you can find (there are after all many bad ones).

Correct me if I am wrong, but is it not so that Christians only need Jesus Christ to have a relationship with God? If so, then what is the need to join a community? If it is needed to join a community what is the role of God in changing  man's heart? It seems as if God has no role.

Though one might be say that it is through Jesus Christ that one's sin is washed away and the possibility to approach God is given. However, when it comes to change of heart in practice, it is up to man to change and God has no influence. I'm wondering how is that the heart of pharisees and Jews was not changed by Jesus; Not even Judas. It is not clear for me how God helps. Does he give us the knowledge of Good, or also the willpower to do good? If yes why should I need a community then?

Proclus wrote:

Also, this brings up an important point relevant to your original question:  Why am I at all keen to press this point and encourage you not to give up?  Out of love for you.  Why?  Because I am convinced that the very best thing that could happen to you is to encounter God in a personal way.  If this is true, there is simply no loving someone without this dimension.  Everything else pales in comparison, so there is no way to understand how to love other people disconnected from the truth or falsehood of the claim that incredible blessedness or misery depends on one's relationship with God.

Thank you for your effort and kindness. I appreciate it. It is a pity that good intentions alone do not amount to much.

 

As we see in the New Testament, the community is the body of Chris