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This article is from the Scientific Skepticism FAQ, by Paul Johnson Paul@treetop.demon.co.uk with numerous contributions by others.

0.6.3: Why don't skeptics debunk religions?

Skeptics aim to debunk false claims and silly theories by using the
*evidence*. The question of whether God exists is not one for which
evidence is available, and so skeptics tend to treat it as a private
matter. When someone claims to have evidence (such as a miraculous
healing) then skeptics are as ready to test this claim as they are any
other.

Most skeptics agree that it is perfectly possible to be a skeptic
about paranormal claims but still honestly believe in God. Martin
Gardner is a "dry" skeptic and one of the founders of CSICOP. He also
believes in a personal god and describes himself as a "philosophical
theist".

Most skeptics tend to take an "agnostic-atheist" attitude, assuming
that God does not exist until evidence to the contrary turns up.

If you are interested in organisations that oppose religion in general
then see the talk.atheism FAQ "Atheist Resources" for a list of atheist
and humanist organisations.

 

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• prev: 0.6.2: How do we know Randi is honest? (sci.skeptic)
• Index
• next: 0.6.4: How can I persuade the other side? (scientific skepticism)

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