[MD] Are theists irrational?

[Mary]

Hello Mark,

[quote]
I still do not understand the moral distinction between using plate
tectonics to explain something, or a benevolent god.  
-----
This is getting old, but I will make one more attempt.  

1) Not everyone, everywhere believes in your God, so using her to explain
things to them may not be helpful.

2) There is no need to resort to God to explain things that have sound
scientific explanations existing, and even if no sound explanation exists
maybe that's because there is no explanation.  Do you require an explanation
for everything?

3) It is insulting personally to the people of Haiti who are in the midst of
a terrible tragedy (which, by the way could easily befall any of us in any
location tomorrow) to maintain that the earthquake is a punishment for Aids.
If Aids were a punishment for promiscuity then Lila and Pirsig would have
it, in which case, since you object to immoral behavior to this extent,
makes me wonder why you ever read the book.

4) Please explain how accusing people who have suffered a great tragedy of
bringing it upon themselves is helpful to you or them?  Does it make you
feel morally superior, Rigel?

5) You are exhibiting a moralistic, Victorian era, holier-than-thou point of
view that has been rejected by even those steeped in the Social Level 100
years ago.

[Quote]
But if we [myself and colleagues] are talking philosophically, we start with
faith, because we make so many assumptions to begin with.  We do not have to
prove that which we accept.
-----
Excuse me, but 

1) perhaps a little less talking and a little more experimenting should be
the order of the day in your scientific laboratory.

2) This is beginning to sound like the most unscientific group of
"scientists" I have ever heard of.  I do not know what you are working on,
but I hope I never have to rely on it.

Mary

- The most important thing you will ever make is a realization.