If our reason is influenced by our predisposed viewpoints and desires, than how can you confirm theism? Who's to say that theists aren't biased in their religion and not atheists? Does the potential for bias trump a logical argument that is presented to you? I would hope not... If a theist received a correct, honest, and true rebuttal to theistic claims, than shouldn't he or she give up theism (hypothetically of course)? There is an objectivity behind logic that is superior to bias. Theists have become atheists and vice versa because of reasoned debates and evidence.

Dear Anon,

Everyone is raised with a bias, belief, or predisposition because everyone has been a baby, child, and a youth. Parents in particular and our schooling in general has a tremendous affect on us long before we begin to study philosophy in college which introduces us the the ways of strict and formal reasoning. It often turns out that atheists turn out atheistic argument, agnostic agnostic arguments and theists theistic arguments. This should not be surprising. It is a myth to think that there are no presuppositions held by philosophers. They like everyone else already believe in the truth of something or other. This belief is reflected in the way they live. Different beliefs lead to the formation of different characters. A man may be a thief and and scoundrel and yet be a brilliant scientist of mathematician. But in the matter of the purpose of life, the moral character of a person has a great deal to do with the philosophy or religion he embraces. Only angels have pure intellects. The difference between the good angels and the fallen ones was their will to love themselves instead of their creator. To understand philosophers who have to factor in their character, which is to factor in the dispositions of their will.

Dr. Geraghty

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