Extract 3 Summary: Mitchell and
Flew
Overall: Mitchell agrees that religious language is
meaningless, but says that Flew is wrong in stating that
no evidence can count against religious belief- problem
of evil is evidence.
Mitchell’s Response
How does Mitchell begin?
Suggests that believers recognise the problem of evil and suffering, but don’t let it
count as evidence against God
“The theologian does recognise the fact of paint as counting against Christian
doctrine. But it is true that he will not allow it.”
What difference does Mitchell recognise?
Difference between a “believer” and a “detached observer”, the latter being the one
who would accept evidence contrary to their beliefs
This links to Job in the Bible- he continues to believe in God, despite suffering
terribly
What parable does Mitchell introduce?
Parable of the Partisan, which illustrates how religious belief can be falsifiable, but
at the same time keeps going despite contradictory evidence
Believers will always have faith
What does Mitchell recognise?
It could become “silly” if believers always continue to have faith despite evidence
contrary to their beliefs
What is the ultimate question?
Extract 3 Summary: Mitchell and Flew 1
Flew
Overall: Mitchell agrees that religious language is
meaningless, but says that Flew is wrong in stating that
no evidence can count against religious belief- problem
of evil is evidence.
Mitchell’s Response
How does Mitchell begin?
Suggests that believers recognise the problem of evil and suffering, but don’t let it
count as evidence against God
“The theologian does recognise the fact of paint as counting against Christian
doctrine. But it is true that he will not allow it.”
What difference does Mitchell recognise?
Difference between a “believer” and a “detached observer”, the latter being the one
who would accept evidence contrary to their beliefs
This links to Job in the Bible- he continues to believe in God, despite suffering
terribly
What parable does Mitchell introduce?
Parable of the Partisan, which illustrates how religious belief can be falsifiable, but
at the same time keeps going despite contradictory evidence
Believers will always have faith
What does Mitchell recognise?
It could become “silly” if believers always continue to have faith despite evidence
contrary to their beliefs
What is the ultimate question?
Extract 3 Summary: Mitchell and Flew 1
