Some dashed off thoughts…
Lack of evidence is not technically evidence of lack, but it is one hell of a liability if you are trying to build a scientifically valid case for the existence of something.
I never suggested one could “theoretically measure” sometihng. I meant that some things are IMPOSSIBLE to measure in any way shape or form, even given enormous technical resources, and are therefore beyond the scope of science.
>> Are ‘amply confirmed observations’ such as the kind used in legal testimony from multiple witnesses also reliable things to base a belief on some event?
Depends on the event, the competence of the witnesses, judges, and the lawyers. Witches were convicted based on trials, after all. Trials that were conspicuously not run by atheists.
>> We have not observed ample transitional forms in the fossil record, for instance. (or evolution among high level taxonomies)
Yes, we have, and, conveniently enough, every transitional form creates TWO MORE gaps! The gap between the form and its (known) predecessor and one between it and its successor. The gaps just keep multiplying. How embarassing for the cult of Darwin!
One more thing. It seems apparent the Berlinsky’s motivation is not to assist science over its Theophobic bugaboo so much as to preserve a belief that he feels is necessary to prevent massive atrocities, as per the quote above (…very few of those carrying out the horrors of the twentieth century worried overmuch that God was watching what they were doing either. That is, after all, the *meaning* of a secular society.)
It is ENTIRELY possible that pulling the God rug out from under an evolving, intelligent, and inherently violent species will be seriously disruptive, and give cover to tyrants, but that doesn’t prove the existence of God.
In fact, the total lack of interest on the part of God in stopping the atrocities inflicted on innocent people (whether supported by Godly or Godless ideology) is one of many reasons for doubting His existence, or at least his interest in the well being of his creation.
