The Connection Between Genius Minds and Belief in God (Atheist Book Response, Part 19)

Some Christians claim that since some intelligent people believe in God, it must be true! Who are we to say that they are wrong? Well, as Armin writes, "Experts are not always right. Even very smart people can be wrong." So, is there a connection between genius minds and belief in God? Atheist Armin Navabi addresses this argument in chapter 19 of his book, "Why There Is No God." He contends that this line of argumentation commits the logical fallacy of an appeal to authority. "A fact isn't true because someone said it was...Therefore, accepting a claim only because an expert made it and ignoring evidence to support or refute the claim flies in the face of the scientific method." At the same time, "belief in a deity does not automatically make someone stupid." Join the show as we walk through Armin's chapter and look at how to think about intelligent people who believe in God. As always, I will be taking your questions! So come join the show, post your questions in the live chat, and call in to discuss what's on your mind! Help us expand our reach and continue fostering conversations that matter! Generous donors have come together and pledged $14,000 to help meet our budget and fund this important work in 2025! Any gift of $35 or more will receive a free copy of "Stewarding AI: Faithfully Using Creation Resources" once it is published in January. Click here for more info! https://think-well.org/donate/ Content Discussed 0:00 Intro 2:00 Here's What to Expect in 2025 6:15 Our $14,000 Year-End Challenge Grant! 8:15 Do smart Christians mean Christianity is true? Response to chapter 19 34:17 Can we ever say, "I know I am right" if it's possible we might be wrong? 37:17 Do you reject all claims of certainty? 38:19 1st Caller: The explanatory power of the God hypothesis vs naturalism 41:50 1st Caller: The origin of life is better explained by God than naturalism 44:11 1st Caller: Is this just "God of the Gaps" reasoning? 48:10 1st Caller: How our Bias Affects Our Evaluation of the Evidence 57:38 2nd Caller: Is science limited to only natural explanations? 1:08:05 2nd Caller: How do you move from deism to Christianity? 1:12:45 2nd Caller: Are we constantly changing our identity, or do we have an enduring self? Can we judge people for previous crimes? 1:31:00 Closing comments about future shows and our year-end challenge