Episode 61: Conversation with Danny Edge

[Emery]

This week the good reverend Scott is on a well deserved vacation. So, I'm airing a conversation I had with Church of God Prophecy pastor Danny Edge that I taped a couple months ago. We start talking about the nature of God, and meander to other issues. What interests me the most in this conversation is Danny himself. He reminds me of the tent revivals and good 'ol boys I grew up with in Western South Dakota. Thanks to Danny for coming on the show, I hope you guys find it interesting. Scott and the gang promise to be back next week, where Tony and Wendell can vie for the title of most persecuted member of the forum

[Redpower]

Was this just to show that people like him exist? He sounded like someone who has never come across nor read any of the arguments to the contrary of what he was saying. You sounded afraid to challenge him, probably righteously so. I bet he would have gotten angry very quickly if you pushed him. Not educational at all, rather dull. I guess it's a show though, too bad he was of such low intellect. Thanks though, I just wish you would have went after him harder I guess (not that it would have persuaded him or anything.).

[ColumnBreaker]

He seems like a nice guy and he sounds like he has good intentions, but yes, I don't think he's really even allowed himself to think about anything outside of his own beliefs. I wouldn't say he's lacking intellect, some people are just stubborn and fearful when they're indoctrinated into theology at a young age.

[dunc289]

I'm finding it hard to believe that a species which seems to be on the verge of true interplanetary travel is still in the thrall of this kind of superstitious claptrap.

I hope we don't get to the stars before we're finally rid of this rubbish.

[scomsjw]

I found this an uncomfortable listen. It makes me uneasy to hear someone who is so certain about the literal truth of Adam and Eve and so on. These myths belong to another time. I do enjoy thoughtful christians arguing that myths communicate important truths but to hear someone who literally believes that it did not hurt when Adam stubbed his toe or that there was "no hot or cold only warm" in the garden of eden troubles me. I've been trying to decide whether it actually matters that some people think like this, whether it can actually do any harm. I'm still not sure about that but it troubles me that people can be made to believe, sincerely believe, that this is the way the world is. If they can be made to believe that what else can they be made to believe?

[Redpower]

Actually, after thinking about it further and listening again, you must have just done this as a joke. I've listened to almost 40 hrs. of commentary from you (Emery) and I've gathered that you're well read, you're also thoughtful without the help of other philosophers. You've articulated your "Christians must want babies to be killed" theory very well through writing. You've maintained the upper hand against fairly eloquent Christians (Norton/Scott) for years. I can't possibly think you take this person seriously.

There are a few possible explanations for you having this person on a podcast and they are as follows:

1. You we're trying to draw more Christians in by being extremely passive and seemingly open-minded (we all know you aren't open minded.).

2. You felt sorry for him and felt as though he was a good spirited retard who you needed to patronize.

3. It really is a joke for us fellow atheists.

I'm inclined to believe the first. Why would you humor such ignorant babble? What happened to philisofickle (sp)? Go back to him or stick with Scott please. The last two guests you've had on have been flabbergastingly improbable characters. And by the way, are you going to let Scott get away with not believing in any of the Christian tenants but still having the nerve to call himself a Christian? I mean, at least ask him to define Christian. Since he ignores my posts, can you ask him for me?

[OzAnt]

Actually, after thinking about it further and listening again, you must have just done this as a joke. I've listened to almost 40 hrs. of commentary from you (Emery) and I've gathered that you're well read...

Hi Red,

You must have missed this fairly recent post of Emery's...

The point of this show, however, is not to win a debate, but to have a discussion. The goal is not to shut the other side down, but to say "Okay, for the sake of argument, let's say I agree with your premises: now what?"

Now I understand that this isn't everyone's cup of tea.

It certainly looks like it's not your cup of tea, Red. For me, it's almost enjoyable to experience the cringe factor. It's a trip down memory lane because I used to believe stuff like it - which, I have to say is somewhat fortunate, because I think if I had been a more liberal Christian like WondersForOyarsa, or more recently Pseudonym and Scott Barger (note: examples of past and present Christian forum members), I think I might have had a harder time of... well... I'll call it outgrowing Christianity.

Ant

[darkumbra]

Sad. I could not finish listening.

Emery? Good job. Your ability to remain 'detached' is necessary for you to achieve that type of interview. If I wore a hat, I'd take it off.

[Emery]

Thanks for the feedback guys, and Red, for the candid and insightful comments. I decided to do the show with Danny because many of his beliefs and justifications so closely mirror what I was taught in my church, and what my folks continue to believe. And I can tell you that all the slick arguments I have tossed around with Norton and Scott are not in the least bit persuasive to my mom. I'm not sure how to reach those in a fundamentalist mindset, but with my mom at least, it's not so much what I say to her but how I say it, that seems to make the most impact.

If arguments don't work, I think atheists go a long way if they can dispel the image that some churches give their parishioners, that atheists are irresponsible, intolerant, and conceited. Dawkins and his ilk have done a lot to further the last two, in my opinion.

Sometimes all you can do is talk, and try to find common empathy, if not understanding. I have a soft spot for that 'old time religion,' because it was such a big part of my childhood. But I understand that not everyone feels this way, so beg your indulgence.

Our show is all about communication between both sides, warts and all. If you guys know of any fundamentalist atheists who want to be on the show, let me know and we'll put them on too.

[StillSearching]

Thanks for the feedback guys, and Red, for the candid and insightful comments.

Candid and insightful? Emery, you are too kind. Personally, I would go with caustic and incite-ful.

[Redpower]

^^ 3/10, you're not clever, nor are you mildly amusing. Stop trying.

[ScottBarger]

Listening to the Podcast now.

I LOVE it. It gives me the same feeling I get when I watch old episodes of "The Paper Chase"

Not trying to be condescending or anything, it just reminds of Bible camp and tent revivals.

[StillSearching]

^^ 3/10, you're not clever, nor are you mildly amusing. Stop trying.

I guess this was for me? If not, click the quote button next time so I don't waste my virtual breath.

I wasn't trying to be clever or amusing. I was trying to tell you to lighten up. I haven't seen many posts from you that weren't acerbic or downright insulting, and your posts in this thread certainly are the latter. You not only insulted Emery's guest, you insulted Emery too.

There are a few possible reasons why you would take this tone, and they are as follows:

1. You're bored and trying to start an online smackdown for shits and giggles.

2. You hate life so much that you look right past the good in everything, and see only the bad.

3. You're socially retarded and have no people skills.

4. You're simply a prick.

I'm inclined to believe that all four have their say in the matter.

It's ironic too, that you picked this podcast to throw out such a spiteful and divisive contribution. You must have fast-forwarded through Emery's intro (an insult unto itself, it's good) and not listened to the end of their conversation either. Here are some nuggets (they are somewhat paraphrased):

We ended up taping a show and actually having a great conversation. And I say actually because our beliefs - religiously, theologically and in some cases ethically - are pretty diametrically opposed, he being a fundamentalist Christian and me being an atheist. But despite that, I think you'll notice as you listen that even though what we believe doesn't line up, there's this underlying thread of, I don't know what it is, maybe understanding. Just because we're having this conversation and we're understanding each other, not so much through what we say but maybe how we say it. It's an elusive thing that we've been pursuing on this podcast over the years. Just the idea of conversation.

The church has gone to all kinda, you know, "name it, claim it, gimme money, gimme what I want when I want it" and that's not a God at all. But I'll tell ya one thing, I'd love to have you as a next-door neighbor.

I hope you'll give the cast another listen. You've not only overlooked one of the main points of the show, you've proven why it is one that has validity. I have a hunch (and I could be way off) that part of what motivated Emery to share this with us, other than the fact that Scott was on vacation, was that it exemplifies a conversation that is open-minded, doesn't avoid questions or issues yet expresses them and explores the answers with manners and focused listening. That is what most folks here want to engage in. You, however, seem to only want to engage in yo' mamma contests.

I wasn't trying to amuse, I was trying to ask you to be nice. Please.

[Redpower]

^^ 3/10 again, I'm not sure why you even addressed me to start with. Here's what I see, tell me where I'm wrong (Even though these are facts). I stressed a popular concern (I say popular based off what other people have posted in this thread), Emery complemented me, then you attacked me with what appears to be some sort of pedantic crusade to get me to leave the forum or thread or something. If you're going to start accusing people of have social problems perhaps you ought to look in the mirror first.

[ScottBarger]

And by the way, are you going to let Scott get away with not believing in any of the Christian tenants but still having the nerve to call himself a Christian? I mean, at least ask him to define Christian. Since he ignores my posts, can you ask him for me?

Um...OK. I don't read every thread so it's possible I missed your questions. So I searched your posts, and I still didn't find any questions about my beliefs. Here's a list of some of the stuff I believe without reservation:

- Jesus existed
- He was killed, buried, and resurrected.
- We ought to practice self sacrifice in all areas of our life, especially when it comes to the well being of other people.
- Substitutionary Atonement
- The greatest moral command is to love God and Love people.
- Those who follow Jesus ought to embrace his teaching.

I could go on, but surely this incomplete list qualifies me to claim the title "Christian"