Falsifiability

FALSIFIABILITY

One of the Atheists brought up falsifiability.

The Wikapedia entry starts out this way:

"Falsifiability (or refutability or testability) is the logical possibility that an assertion can be shown false by an observation or a physical experiment. "Falsifiable" does not mean false; rather, it means that something is capable of disproof.

"When an assertion has been shown to be false, then some contrary examples or exceptions to the assertion have been demonstrated, observed or shown. Falsifiability is an important concept in science and the philosophy of science."

An Atheist said something similar to this, and at first, I brushed it aside as not a particularly appropriate concept for theology or philosophy in general. However, on further reflection I realized it is a valid challenge. I have contended that I have adequately defended my beliefs for over three months against many attacks which were becoming more and more redundant. However, if I can not show my beliefs are falsifiable there is no logical difference between my beliefs and a delusion. If my beliefs are a delusion, all I have done is waste their time. Unless I can demonstrate falsifiability it would be wrong of me to expect them to continue to try.

Here then is how my beliefs are falsifiable:

My belief in God rests on five pillars. To change my belief would require 100% refutation of any one of these pillars or casting all five under some reasonable doubt. There are also probably other combinations that will work - like 2 of them in a lot of doubt, and two more in a medium amount of doubt, depending on which ones of course.

1) The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

2) Answered prayer

3) The Five Witnesses of the Bible's Truth

4) Eight Philosophical/Theological Arguments for the Existence in God

5) The fact that there is no sensible alternative explanation for reality that is superior.

So far in my discussions with the panel y'all have focused on #3 without much success. Perhaps my positive statement with regard to it will make it more falsifiable for you. I have been trying to turn your attention to #5 without much success.

Recommended reading:
Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by James Porter
Christian Apologetics by N.L. Geisler
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig
Atheism and Theism (Great Debates in Philosophy) by J.J.C. Smart
www.rzim.org/resources/biblio_all.php