An FYI For The Anglican Archbishop: Argumentum Ad Hominem Does Not A Refutation Make

Archbishop Rowan Williams of the Anglican church recently criticized modern atheists for being attracted to the cause of atheism because of some kind of "coolness" or "trendiness" factor. Hence, the archbishop conveniently sidestepped dealing with a real discussion that might address the many arguments atheists, such as Dawkins, have directed towards the Christian church. Rather than taking the opportunity to present an alternative argument to that presented by atheism in books such as The God Delusion, the Archbishop chose, instead, to belittle those who have challenged the Church's doctrine. By saying that modern atheists have somehow been persuaded by the philosophy's "coolness," the Archbishop is condescendingly saying that atheists are superficial and gullible individuals that are easily persuaded by fashionable ideologies. Furthermore, this is insulting to the highest degree, even more so when one considers the fact that atheists are, by and large, more educated than the average member of the Christian church.

The Archbishop's aversion to a genuine discussion concerning the truth regarding the doctrine of his church, however, is not surprising at all. When one is defending an extraordinary position for which there is not a shred of evidence, there is little else one can do but try to distract the jury's attention with diversionary tactics such as ad hominem attacks.