The Evolution of Norton

[Toolband]

I've got to give Norton some credit and respect. He's willing to rationally and logically discuss the beliefs of Christianity. This is something most Christians won't do. Or that they do only until they are backed into a corner and get upset that the only argument left is "well just because that's what the bible says"

My question I'm wondering is, because Norton seems to be a fair logical reasonable guy, Is any of this getting through? Will Norton be coming to the other side any time soon? He totally reminds me of myself in my last days of christianity. Your desire to believe in something good and true, something larger than life outweighs your own reasoning ability and a part of that reason shuts down to make way for this greater hope. At some point though, a desire for truth and knowledge of reality (there is actually such a thing as reality) will usually ultimately win.

Many of the debates of these two seem to leave the Christain side with a position of, "well that's an intersting point, I'm not really sure" You will find that reality reconciles perfectly with the lack of belief in Christian mythology. Letting go of this dogma can be scary at first but ultimately liberating. Deep down I believe most Christians don't TRUELY believe. Not if you give it careful consideration. It's just a pleasant generality that's an alternative to the notion of a limited time on this planet. And who can say there isn't something else out there. I just don't think it's the lore depicted in King James.

[Emery]

From a recent review of our show:

" Plus, the Christian has that standard "youth pastor" cadence to his voice that I, as a seasoned Christian, find annoying and cookie-cutter."

So Norton, once you convert, you'll have to get rid of that "youth pastor" lilt, for we atheists have even less tolerance for that than your "seasoned Christian" buddies.

For more on what people think of Norton and our show in general, check out the reviews on the sidebar of our podcast page. It's pretty funny.

[mitchellmckain]

I voted never, only because the options were a little limited. Of course I haven't a clue as to what his future holds, but since I see evolution as more compatable with Christianity than design, I see this change in Norton as a sign that his Christianity will be uninterrupted. By embracing the truth of evolution while still a Christian means that he is willing to look for the meaning of the Bible in the context of the entire truth. This can only make his Christianity more effective, resilient and meaningful. It is only those who persist in the notion that they must choose one or the other that are likely to flip over to the atheist side. Thus I think this is more likely to happen with Tony than with Norton.

[mitchellmckain]

I voted never, only because the options were a little limited. Of course I haven't a clue as to what his future holds, but since I see evolution as more compatable with Christianity than design, I see this change in Norton as a sign that his Christianity will be uninterrupted. By embracing the truth of evolution while still a Christian means that he is willing to look for the meaning of the Bible in the context of the entire truth. This can only make his Christianity more effective, resilient and meaningful. It is only those who persist in the notion that they must choose one or the other that are likely to flip over to the atheist side. Thus I think this is more likely to happen with Tony than with Norton.

Oops! Looks like I was mistaken about Tony on this score too.

[Neil C. Reinhardt]

I got here (to this thread) as NORTON was a nick name given to me when I was attending the "Coastal School of Deep Sea Diving" (1957) in Oakland, Ca.

As you may know Oakland is across the bay from San Francisco and it seems there was a famous character in San Francisco named "Emperor Norton."

For more on Emperor Norton

http://www.zpub.com/sf/history/nort.html

ANYWHO, once I got here I found it is about a Norton who must be a Christian and who may, or may not, be able to successfully De-program himself as multi- millions of former Christians already have.

So I though I would point out famed Atheist Leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair was once a Sunday school teacher until a long illness gave her the time to read the Bible from cover to cover, This caused her, as it has MANY Atheists, to begin their journey of DE-Conversion.

And then there is the former Christian Youth Leader, Best Selling Christian Composer & Former Evangelical
Fundamentalist Minister of 17 years, Dan Barker.

And as you may know, Dan Barker is now one of the Co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Then there is former minister John Loftus as well as many many others who were very deeply into their religion,

SO Methinks there is even hopes for those like Norton.

[Neil C. Reinhardt]

THIS IS TO CORRECT AN ERROR I MADE

I went to the Coastal School of Deep Sea Diving in 1958 and not in 1957. (In 1957, I was a life guard
at the Atlantis Hotel, 27th & Collins in Miami Beach Fl.)

SORRY for my error

[Rian]

Just thought I'd made a post to remove Mr. R's name from the top level of the forum ...

[StillSearching]

Just thought I'd make a post see my name on all the forum sections!

[Rian]

Tag!

[LoftyTower]

Your desire to believe in something good and true, something larger than life

One's mother is always a good choice. Such perfect love, even if you're an ugly child. But even more so if you're beautiful and fun to be around.