Postcard to Angela

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   *mistakenly erased, but reposted*
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George,
(Me)  �Speaking of those usual implications, I can certainly see how and why some hard-core Rationalists latch onto this one. Following Tertullian�s lead, I suppose I should believe in, say, walking, talking and seducing snakes also because, being impossible, they are therefore a fact.  Or, what�s more, develop a credo which states:  �a doctrine is believable only to the extent that it is absurd; ergo, that doctrine which is most absurd is most worthy of belief.�  
(You) �Nonsense.�
Exactly.  Nonsense.  Witness the historical reaction of the Rationalists, coming, as it seems they did, in the wake of the rebellious Protestants, against the �absurd� and �nonsensical� doctrines and dogmas of the house, or Church, that Tertullian and those of his ilk built.  
�Should I as an atheist believe in angels?  Angels who appear in bushes that are on fire; angels appearing to the prophet of Islam in a cave?�
According to, say, Bertrand Russell and Ibn Warraq (the later), I should think not.
�Many religious beliefs are absurd to unbelievers.�
Right.  For proof of this, just ask Angela and Tertullian (not my nephew�s turtle).
�We must be able to discuss subjects in a cordial manner, would't you agree?�
Readily.  Let's have a go.
Pax tecum [peace to you] as well,
Servetus