WLC debates can be likened to two armies, meeting on the field of battle. But typically, it plays out like a charge of heavy horse, against a peasant militia, armed with farm implements.
one atheist's perspective:
http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=1230
Best quote: "Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."
one theist's perspective:
http://douggeivett.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/william-lane-craig-vs-christopher-hitchens-first-report/
Best quote: "While Hitchens did make arguments, they were largely unfocused, sometimes disconnected, and often irrelevant."
And best quote from the debate (of course from Bill): "...you’ve got to come to a debate prepared with arguments."
The jovial and honest atheist above has quite a bit of space devoted to WLC, it's all a very good read, especially the debate reviews:
http://commonsenseatheism.com/?cat=25
The war of words is like to others,
It spills much blood and like it's brother,
A goodly price by fools replete,
Not drop nor ocean will sate complete.
Too true. You should show up to a debate with arguments.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure atheists have them, and I'd love to hear them mustered. But Craig may be right in the sea-change in Philosophy away from Atheism.
I don't think the action for the next few decades will be with Atheism or atheists (I hope I'm wrong... it's much easier to argue against them). It seems that people are flocking to "Spirituality," a private, self-constructed religion close to Deism. Pluralism is also very popular these days. Thanks WLC for demolishing the last remaining ramparts of the Atheist fortress.