As I discussed in my previous blog post, “Dismantling a Claim: Evolution is Like Gravity,” evangelist Ray Comfort posted an Answers in Genesis article on his Facebook page regarding the continued expansions at Ark Encounter. As expected, most of Ray's followers are Christians, but there is no shortage of secular and non-secular humanists that comment on various posts and engage in debates. I had engaged in two separate, but simultaneous debates. I shared one debate in my previous blog post, and the other debate I am beginning to share in this post. I will share the whole debate over the course of four posts, since this is a lengthier discussion. I am calling this the “Flood Morality Debate.”
As usual, names are abbreviated for privacy and brevity. KD began the thread by commenting on Ray's post and challenging the morality of God’s judgment during the global flood described in the book of Genesis. Now, KD says that he is not an atheist. From what I can tell, KD believes in some sort of “God,” but appears to establish his own rules of right and wrong. In my mind, I label this worldview as “non-secular humanism.” I personally grew up as a non-secular humanist before Jesus saved me, so I understand what it’s like to live with that kind of worldview.
As for the other debate participants, there were several apparent Christians that tried to refute KD’s initial comment. Part 1 of the debate transcript includes these comments, but after I joined the thread, KD and I became the only debate participants, as you will see in Parts 2 through 4. See below for Part 1 of the Flood Morality Debate.
KD:
I'm not an atheist but I do question why the killing of all but 8 is a meaningful story to moral people. This story depicts insanity, not righteousness
AB:
It was because everyone was so corrupt and Noah remained faithful
CM:
You claim that you are not an atheist, but you call God insane and immoral??
NC:
Said the unrighteous soul.
KD:
AB, And it's not corrupt and evil to commit infanticide and genocide? Why would you attempt to justify such insanity?
KD:
CM, Man attributed this act to God, not God. So, I'm questioning the moral basis of such craze.
KD:
NC, It is extremely unrighteous to commit these violent acts against anyone, especially if they are your created children. So, quit trying to justify evil.
KD:
And I'm not an atheist in any sense of the word.
JB:
KD, Noah did preach to people on order to get saved but people mocked him. Noah was the only righteous person on heart and God was grieved over humans. Who are you to judge God. God is perfect in all his ways and will not be judge by a sinner. Our ways are not his ways and God has perfect plan you either believe that or not. And if you dont believe on the word of God better be an atheist because your destination will be the same. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you.
KD:
JB, So, you are advocating that it's just for a parent to do these evil acts to any child who mocks them? And are you suggesting that the children/babies in this context deserved such an outcome? Why would you ever call genocide and infanticide moral, just or sane?
Kevin:
KD, by what ultimate moral standard do you judge the God of the Bible to be “immoral” and “insane”?
KD:
KH, I'm judging what man said God said, not God. So, why are you advocating genocide and infanticide?
Kevin:
I’m against genocide and infanticide because I have an absolute moral standard, God’s Word, that says murder is wrong (Exodus 20:13, Mark 10:19). Only God has full authority to judge people on earth (Genesis 18:25), and he is righteous in His judgments (Psalm 7:11). Again, back to my original question: by what ultimate moral standard are you “judging”?
Also, I don’t agree with your presupposition that the Bible is merely “what man said God said.” Can you back up that claim?
As I mentioned before, the debate continues as just a one-on-one discussion between me and KD. Given KD’s blasphemous charges against God’s judgments, I expected KD to have a combative attitude similar to a typical “militant” atheist. Fortunately, that was not the case. As you will see in Parts 2 through 4 of this debate, KD was kind and respectful toward me, and we had a cordial discussion. I will share Part 2 in my next post.