Why no straight answers?

[Zzyzx]

.
After eight years debating here I have YET to encounter a defender of fundamentalism / literalism / traditionalism (or the Bible in general) who will openly, accurately, honestly answer fundamental questions about Christian beliefs " including the following (with truthful answers in bold font)

What verifiable evidence exists (beyond Bible tales and claims, opinions, testimonials and speculation) to substantiate that:

Jesus was anything more than human? None

Humans possess a soul? None

An afterlife exists? None

Miracles described in Bible tales actually occurred? None

Any of the claimed events such as floods, earthquakes, darkening sky, star stopping, Earth ceasing rotation, etc occurred as described? None

God intercedes in human affairs or life events? None

Bible writers were actually inspired by God? None



Why no answers? Could it be refusal to admit that in the absence of verifiable information, accepting the basic beliefs of Christianity must be based on "Take my (or his) word for it" and that doing so is not a rational basis for making decisions on matters of importance?

[earendil]

Besides it is already published. It is called "The Science Behind the Christ".

Yes, it is available in paperback (only) for $10.32 " self-published through CreateSpace -- and is not available in Kindle edition

I really don't like kindle that much. I prefer the old fashioned way. (None of my books are on kindle, nor are any particularly expensive.)

Perhaps the author could offer to send an electronic copy to anyone interested or post a link to where it can be read without the author making a profit. If not, I would be willing to pay up to 99 cents for the book.

I already offered you a free copy.

OOPs...there I go, I just self-agrandized again.

Did something strike a raw nerve " since it is mentioned frequently?

I only mentioned it once. Why do you try and make it seem like I mentioned it frequently? And why would it indicate a raw nerve if I had?

Not very logical.

[catnip]

.
After eight years debating here I have YET to encounter a defender of fundamentalism / literalism / traditionalism (or the Bible in general) who will openly, accurately, honestly answer fundamental questions about Christian beliefs " including the following (with truthful answers in bold font)

Pardon me, I thought perhaps I would have a little fun with this. I have no agenda as far as what you believe and no way to prove most of these, myself, of course. But when push comes to shove, most of us don't have first hand knowledge of most things we prefer to believe. Take global warming, for example. Why do I choose to believe the scientists that say it is a problem? Perhaps because their position seemed most convincing. But I personally have zero first hand knowledge of these things and my opinion is not worth much, I can quote someone else, perhaps. That goes for so many things we believe because none of us are authorities in everything we hold opinions on. We have accepted these things as true because of the convincing appeal offered by someone who has the credentials to make the claim. I have studied economics and finance and have a fancy piece of paper to prove it, but even there I have to accept the veracity of the research promoted by others in my field and sometimes there are differing opinions. Actually, quite a bit.

I have only a couple of comments below:

What verifiable evidence exists (beyond Bible tales and claims, opinions, testimonials and speculation) to substantiate that:

Jesus was anything more than human? None

Humans possess a soul? None

Actually, we do not possess a soul, we are a soul. I copied this from Strong's Concordance on Biblehub: 5590 psyx (from psyx, "to breathe, blow" which is the root of the English words "psyche," "psychology") " soul (psyche); a person's distinct identity (unique personhood), i.e. individual personality.

5590 (psyx") corresponds exactly to the OT 5315 /phg ("soul"). The soul is the direct aftermath of God breathing (blowing) His gift of life into a person, making them an ensouled being.

Pshyche was the goddess of the soul. And, btw, it corresponds roughly with ego.

So, you can say you are not a living soul. That's fine by me.


An afterlife exists? None

Miracles described in Bible tales actually occurred? None

Any of the claimed events such as floods, earthquakes, darkening sky, star stopping, Earth ceasing rotation, etc occurred as described? None

I do have my own strange belief in stopping the world, so to speak. It isn't just Christian. But one way I have heard it put is that it is a stage of meditation. Someday perhaps science will pinpoint what that phenomenon is, but in the meantime it satisfies me that science attributes a good number of positive effects on the human body from meditation.

God intercedes in human affairs or life events? None

Bible writers were actually inspired by God? None



Why no answers? Could it be refusal to admit that in the absence of verifiable information, accepting the basic beliefs of Christianity must be based on "Take my (or his) word for it" and that doing so is not a rational basis for making decisions on matters of importance?[/quote]

Sure. Like so many other subjects. Some of us might even say that we've had some experience of some of these things such as the miraculous or answered prayers. But without belief, we might not have thought it more than good luck. *shrugs* It is subjective, a personal choice in who or what to believe.

And all you've said is that we will never convince you otherwise. And that is okay.

[Zzyzx]

.

I really don't like kindle that much. I prefer the old fashioned way. (None of my books are on kindle, nor are any particularly expensive.)

The newfangled Kindle (E-book in general) is an excellent means of increasing circulation by making one's work available conveniently and inexpensively (without cost of printing and transportation).

The writers' group to which I belong is currently publishing an anthology of some of our essays using CreateSpace, Amazon, Kindle (as well as paperback). We are not profit-motivated and would rather see the ideas circulated than to gain fame or fortune.

Perhaps the author could offer to send an electronic copy to anyone interested or post a link to where it can be read without the author making a profit. If not, I would be willing to pay up to 99 cents for the book.

I already offered you a free copy.

Thank you. I must have overlooked that kind offer. Is that in electronic form or print? PM if you choose. Is the offer open to other members who debate here?

OOPs...there I go, I just self-agrandized again.

Did something strike a raw nerve " since it is mentioned frequently?

I only mentioned it once. Why do you try and make it seem like I mentioned it frequently? And why would it indicate a raw nerve if I had?

Not very logical.

It seems to me as though complaints about being accused of self-aggrandizement were mentioned more than once. But if you say that you've only protested once I'll take your word for that and retract the "raw nerve" mention.

[Zzyzx]

.

.
After eight years debating here I have YET to encounter a defender of fundamentalism / literalism / traditionalism (or the Bible in general) who will openly, accurately, honestly answer fundamental questions about Christian beliefs " including the following (with truthful answers in bold font)

Pardon me, I thought perhaps I would have a little fun with this. I have no agenda as far as what you believe

Likewise, I have no agenda regarding what anyone believes.

and no way to prove most of these, myself, of course.

Agreed

But when push comes to shove, most of us don't have first hand knowledge of most things we prefer to believe. Take global warming, for example. Why do I choose to believe the scientists that say it is a problem? Perhaps because their position seemed most convincing. But I personally have zero first hand knowledge of these things and my opinion is not worth much, I can quote someone else, perhaps. That goes for so many things we believe because none of us are authorities in everything we hold opinions on. We have accepted these things as true because of the convincing appeal offered by someone who has the credentials to make the claim.

It is fortunate that you chose global warming " since I have studied extensively the subjects meteorology and climatology and have taught courses to graduate school level (though that was long ago). Thus, I am in a good position to evaluate what various sources present on the topic " with emphasis on "various sources". There is no unanimous position. There are conflicting data sets and conclusions.

My response? We do not know with any high degree of certainty what is happening and will happen regarding the Earth's climate (other than very short term). Record keeping is relatively recent. However, we DO know that the Earth's atmosphere and resulting climate factors fluctuate over time. We DO know that data indicate the sun's energy output varies.

This is not "taking his word for it" " but is information available to anyone interested and motivated. It is not from a single source but is from a multitude of sources worldwide.

I have studied economics and finance and have a fancy piece of paper to prove it, but even there I have to accept the veracity of the research promoted by others in my field and sometimes there are differing opinions. Actually, quite a bit.

If you have actually worked / done research in economics and finance you have applied the information and observed its performance. If theories or opinions do not work out as claimed it is "back to the drawing board". Right?

What verifiable evidence exists (beyond Bible tales and claims, opinions, testimonials and speculation) to substantiate that:

Jesus was anything more than human? None

Humans possess a soul? None

Actually, we do not possess a soul, we are a soul.

1) Define soul as you use the term here.

2) Cite verifiable evidence that "we are a soul"

3) Demonstrate that Jesus was more than human (using sources OTHER than the tales that make the claim)

An afterlife exists? None

Miracles described in Bible tales actually occurred? None

Any of the claimed events such as floods, earthquakes, darkening sky, star stopping, Earth ceasing rotation, etc occurred as described? None

I do have my own strange belief in stopping the world, so to speak. It isn't just Christian. But one way I have heard it put is that it is a stage of meditation. Someday perhaps science will pinpoint what that phenomenon is, but in the meantime it satisfies me that science attributes a good number of positive effects on the human body from meditation.

I do not argue that various mental exercises, including meditation and positive (or wishful) thinking, produce NO effects on the body. Quite the contrary, I readily acknowledge that the mind affects the body and vice-versa.

However, that provides no indication that afterlife or miracles are anything more than imaginary.

God intercedes in human affairs or life events? None

Bible writers were actually inspired by God? None

Why no answers? Could it be refusal to admit that in the absence of verifiable information, accepting the basic beliefs of Christianity must be based on "Take my (or his) word for it" and that doing so is not a rational basis for making decisions on matters of importance?

Sure. Like so many other subjects. Some of us might even say that we've had some experience of some of these things such as the miraculous or answered prayers. But without belief, we might not have thought it more than good luck. *shrugs* It is subjective, a personal choice in who or what to believe.

Exactly. There is no known way to determine with assurance that testimonials are truthful and accurate (or anything more than opinion). "I do not accept that as truthful and accurate" requires no justification.

Thus, we cannot honorably claim to know that God intercedes or inspires Bible writers. That is nothing more than opinion.

And all you've said is that we will never convince you otherwise. And that is okay.

I decidedly have NOT said that. I am open to consider verifiable evidence that ANY of the thousands of proposed "gods" exist and influence human lives or "afterlives" " awaiting verifiable evidence upon which to base a reasoned decision.

However, I will NOT be convinced by unverifiable testimonials, opinions, conjectures, tales (ancient or modern). If that is the "evidence" presented I will not be convinced " but will conclude that there is insufficient reason to make a favoring decision (or "it is nothing but blowing smoke" " no matter how convincing it may be to those predisposed to accept "Take my word for it (or his or this book)."

If anyone has ANY verifiable evidence for ANY of the OP issues, kindly present it for all to consider. Excuses don't count.

[catnip]

and no way to prove most of these, myself, of course.

Agreed

But when push comes to shove, most of us don't have first hand knowledge of most things we prefer to believe. Take global warming, for example. Why do I choose to believe the scientists that say it is a problem? Perhaps because their position seemed most convincing. But I personally have zero first hand knowledge of these things and my opinion is not worth much, I can quote someone else, perhaps. That goes for so many things we believe because none of us are authorities in everything we hold opinions on. We have accepted these things as true because of the convincing appeal offered by someone who has the credentials to make the claim.

It is fortunate that you chose global warming " since I have studied extensively the subjects meteorology and climatology and have taught courses to graduate school level (though that was long ago). Thus, I am in a good position to evaluate what various sources present on the topic " with emphasis on "various sources". There is no unanimous position. There are conflicting data sets and conclusions.

My response? We do not know with any high degree of certainty what is happening and will happen regarding the Earth's climate (other than very short term). Record keeping is relatively recent. However, we DO know that the Earth's atmosphere and resulting climate factors fluctuate over time. We DO know that data indicate the sun's energy output varies.

This is not "taking his word for it" " but is information available to anyone interested and motivated. It is not from a single source but is from a multitude of sources worldwide.

I am not good at making attributions and need to check on that process. Forgive me if this is a mess.

I think you missed the point in getting wrapped up in the fact that I chose an issue that almost all hold an opinion on but few are well informed about. However, the fact remains that if you, yourself, are not involved in the research and aware of the integrity of the findings, you are still drawing a conclusion on second-hand information and therefore are trusting in one person's opinion and research vs another's.

I have an opinion. I have relied on some fairly good sources that I count on such as Nova, the Smithsonian, etc. But I am not an authority.

I have studied economics and finance and have a fancy piece of paper to prove it, but even there I have to accept the veracity of the research promoted by others in my field and sometimes there are differing opinions. Actually, quite a bit.

If you have actually worked / done research in economics and finance you have applied the information and observed its performance. If theories or opinions do not work out as claimed it is "back to the drawing board". Right?

Always. And most of our sciences are like that.

What verifiable evidence exists (beyond Bible tales and claims, opinions, testimonials and speculation) to substantiate that:

Jesus was anything more than human? None

Humans possess a soul? None

Actually, we do not possess a soul, we are a soul.

1) Define soul as you use the term here.

2) Cite verifiable evidence that "we are a soul"

3) Demonstrate that Jesus was more than human (using sources OTHER than the tales that make the claim)[/quote]

I tried Greek and you ignored and deleted it. I have this thing about the English language and how ironic it is that so many people, you apparently included, who seem to think that if it is found in the Bible it has no other definition or source. The word soul in the Online Etymology Dictionary: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?ter ... in_frame=0

It is purely unrelated to Hebrew and the God of the Hebrews. It is proto-Germanic in origin (Old Saxon, Old Norse, Old Dutch, etc.). As near as I can tell, is a universally recognized fact that we are all
"A substantial entity believed to be that in each person which lives, feels, thinks and wills""

You can claim you have no soul or are no soul, but even the psychiatric profession will define it on some level. I compared it earlier to "ego", but to be more technically accurate, "id, ego and superego."

An afterlife exists? None


However, that provides no indication that afterlife or miracles are anything more than imaginary.

I believe that the powers of the mind are mostly untapped and barely researched. There are mysteries and I have experienced some. Time must be an illusion, for example.

God intercedes in human affairs or life events? None

Bible writers were actually inspired by God? None

Why no answers? Could it be refusal to admit that in the absence of verifiable information, accepting the basic beliefs of Christianity must be based on "Take my (or his) word for it" and that doing so is not a rational basis for making decisions on matters of importance?

I am Liberal Christian and basically believe that an unquestioned faith is no faith at all. I don't believe that the Bible is literal or inerrant. I am of the opinion that the Gospels are a carefully orchestrated dialogue for leading a person into the mystery of faith. But I don't split my gut when someone denies the virgin birth--it isn't necessary. In short, I don't believe that faith is knowing about God, but knowing God. lol

Exactly. There is no known way to determine with assurance that testimonials are truthful and accurate (or anything more than opinion). "I do not accept that as truthful and accurate" requires no justification.

Thus, we cannot honorably claim to know that God intercedes or inspires Bible writers. That is nothing more than opinion.

It seems logical to me that if God inspired the authors of the various books of the Bible then, God inspires people today. So, the quest for the reality must commence before anything can be found. Inner seeking is what is taught in scripture and so inner seeking is the Way.

And all you've said is that we will never convince you otherwise. And that is okay.

I decidedly have NOT said that. I am open to consider verifiable evidence that ANY of the thousands of proposed "gods" exist and influence human lives or "afterlives" " awaiting verifiable evidence upon which to base a reasoned decision.

Okay. I think anybody who deletes a definition of a Greek word and asks the same question again is in denial. My apologies. But that doesn't mean, to me, that you do not have a great deal of good to do in this world or that your questioning is not warranted.

However, I will NOT be convinced by unverifiable testimonials, opinions, conjectures, tales (ancient or modern). If that is the "evidence" presented I will not be convinced " but will conclude that there is insufficient reason to make a favoring decision (or "it is nothing but blowing smoke" " no matter how convincing it may be to those predisposed to accept "Take my word for it (or his or this book)."

If anyone has ANY verifiable evidence for ANY of the OP issues, kindly present it for all to consider. Excuses don't count.

I don't have any excuses and I haven't attempted to make any. I see God as an interconnecting energy of all life and a universal consciousness, in that "even the very rocks would cry aloud." One thing I often find interesting is the idea whose time has come and seems to be reflected everywhere all at once by many people. Or the indefatigable energy of a person bent on doing good, such as Mother Teresa in her early years. Or the deeply resonating truths that come through an artist's music or art. It is the inspiration itself. [/url]

[JLB32168]

After eight years debating here I have YET to encounter a defender of fundamentalism / literalism / traditionalism (or the Bible in general) who will openly, accurately, honestly answer fundamental questions about Christian beliefs " including the following (with truthful answers in bold font)

Ill give you straight answers.

Jesus was anything more than human?

This is a faith based question and answer that cannot be proved outside of time travel where one could verify if Christ possessed all of the attributes ascribed to him.

Humans possess a soul?

Again, this is a faith based question that cannot be verified outside of time travel.

The same goes to the rest of your questions.

Why no answers?

I find it quite hard to believe that in eight years someone didnt give you the answers that I just gave. It just seems outside the realm of possibility that no one has said that Christianity is a faith, which means that it might be fact, but it might be fiction too and that one cannot know until after one has died.

[Zzyzx]

.

After eight years debating here I have YET to encounter a defender of fundamentalism / literalism / traditionalism (or the Bible in general) who will openly, accurately, honestly answer fundamental questions about Christian beliefs " including the following (with truthful answers in bold font)

Ill give you straight answers.

Jesus was anything more than human?

This is a faith based question and answer that cannot be proved outside of time travel where one could verify if Christ possessed all of the attributes ascribed to him.

Exactly. Answering the question requires "faith" and cannot be proved / shown to be true and accurate. That is an admission that verifiable evidence does NOT exist -- exactly my point.

Discussion of "faith based" beliefs may be acceptable in church or in Holy Huddle sub-forum, but not in these debates. Faith is not assumed, Christianity is not assumed to be true, the Bible is not considered authoritative.

Verifiable evidence for past events (that actually occurred) need not require "time travel". For instance, abundant verifiable evidence from multiple disconnected sources exists that atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seventy years ago without time travel. Verifiable evidence from multiple disconnected sources indicates that Abraham Lincoln was president of the US 150 years ago " no time travel required. The same is true for many events and people from earlier times -- but not for Bible tales of supposed supernatural events.

Humans possess a soul?

Again, this is a faith based question that cannot be verified outside of time travel.

How, exactly, is time travel necessary to verify that humans (present humans) possess a "soul?"

The same goes to the rest of your questions.

Why no answers?

I find it quite hard to believe that in eight years someone didnt give you the answers that I just gave.

The "answers" provided were similar to yours " non-answers, evasions, excuses.

When a person claims that an event DID occur they are responsible (in honorable and reasoned debate) to show that the claim is true using verifiable evidence -- and excuses don't count.

When their response is "Take my word for it (or his or this book)" OR "It is faith" those do NOT constitute verifiable evidence.

It just seems outside the realm of possibility that no one has said that Christianity is a faith, which means that it might be fact, but it might be fiction too and that one cannot know until after one has died.

This assumes that a person CAN (or will) know something after they die " an unwarranted, unevidenced assumption.

[JLB32168]

Answering the question requires "faith" and cannot be proved / shown to be true and accurate. That is an admission that verifiable evidence does NOT exist -- exactly my point.

Then I have answered your question " conclusive evidence does not exist. I guess thats supposed to be important to some people " just not me.

Discussion of "faith based" beliefs may be acceptable in church or in Holy Huddle sub-forum, but not in these debates.

Of course theyre acceptable. If every discussion is going to end with Oh yeah, then prove God exists then this entire website shouldnt exist. We have to make allowances that a deity might possibly exist if were going to debate the theology of that deity.

Verifiable evidence for past events (that actually occurred) need not require "time travel". For instance, abundant verifiable evidence from multiple disconnected sources exists that atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seventy years ago without time travel.

If one wishes to verify that Jesus was God then time travel is essential. A two thousand year old claim that a man is also a deity isnt comparable to the situations you cited.

How, exactly, is time travel necessary to verify that humans (present humans) possess a "soul?"

One would need to ask the hypothetical deity.

The "answers" provided were similar to yours " non-answers, evasions, excuses.

In other words, people gave you answers not to your liking. Lets speak w/integrity please.

When a person claims that an event DID occur they are responsible (in honorable and reasoned debate) to show that the claim is true using verifiable evidence -- and excuses don't count.

When a person " when you cite my post then please represent what I say and address arguments that I present " not anonymous persons.

JLB: It just seems outside the realm of possibility that no one has said that Christianity is a faith, which means that it might be fact, but it might be fiction too and that one cannot know until after one has died.
Z: This assumes that a person CAN (or will) know something after they die " an unwarranted, unevidenced assumption.

No " it assumes that a person might now these things. Can you demonstrate conclusively that they will cease to exist if youre asserting that they definitely wont exist?

[Zzyzx]

.

Answering the question requires "faith" and cannot be proved / shown to be true and accurate. That is an admission that verifiable evidence does NOT exist -- exactly my point.

Then I have answered your question " conclusive evidence does not exist.

Thank you " though "conclusive evidence" is not synonymous with "verifiable evidence"

I guess thats supposed to be important to some people " just not me.

To many of us in debate verifiable evidence IS important " and do not consider "faith based" assertions to be of any merit in debate.

Discussion of "faith based" beliefs may be acceptable in church or in Holy Huddle sub-forum, but not in these debates.

Of course theyre acceptable. If every discussion is going to end with Oh yeah, then prove God exists then this entire website shouldnt exist.

Existence of BELIEFS is not questioned. Evidence of proposed entities IS questioned.

We have to make allowances that a deity might possibly exist if were going to debate the theology of that deity.

"Might exist" is VERY different from "Does exist". I repeatedly state that any of the thousands of "gods" proposed, worshiped, feared, loved, and fought over by humans MAY exist " awaiting verifiable evidence which, if any, are more than products of human imagination.

Verifiable evidence for past events (that actually occurred) need not require "time travel". For instance, abundant verifiable evidence from multiple disconnected sources exists that atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seventy years ago without time travel.

If one wishes to verify that Jesus was God then time travel is essential. A two thousand year old claim that a man is also a deity isnt comparable to the situations you cited.

Okay. Evidence that "Jesus was God" may not be proved (or falsified) without time travel.

Thus, why should anyone accept claims that the statement is true?

An alternative suggestion (which seems more plausible to me) is that Jesus was a wandering preacher who agitated against Roman and Jewish authorities, didn't last long before being executed as a criminal, was "deified" by followers and used as the icon for a splinter-group religion from Judaism.

How, exactly, is time travel necessary to verify that humans (present humans) possess a "soul?"

One would need to ask the hypothetical deity.

Since we evidently do not have answers from the hypothetical deity, that is another non-answer.

Specifically, do humans possess a soul? What is the evidence?

The "answers" provided were similar to yours " non-answers, evasions, excuses.

In other words, people gave you answers not to your liking. Lets speak w/integrity please.

I do not consider "I cannot answer without time travel" to be an answer to my request for verifiable evidence. That is simply an excuse for NOT providing evidence.

When a person claims that an event DID occur they are responsible (in honorable and reasoned debate) to show that the claim is true using verifiable evidence -- and excuses don't count.

When a person " when you cite my post then please represent what I say and address arguments that I present " not anonymous persons.

Notice that I often employ general statements in lieu of personal comments. "If the shoe fits . . . ." (and if it does not, no problem).

JLB: It just seems outside the realm of possibility that no one has said that Christianity is a faith, which means that it might be fact, but it might be fiction too and that one cannot know until after one has died.
Z: This assumes that a person CAN (or will) know something after they die " an unwarranted, unevidenced assumption.

No " it assumes that a person might now these things. Can you demonstrate conclusively that they will cease to exist if youre asserting that they definitely wont exist?

Christian lore and dogma maintains that a person's "soul" will (not might) transcend death into an "afterlife". I challenge that claim and ask for evidence beyond "Take my word for it (or his or this book)", or testimonials, conjectures, opinions.

[JLB32168]

Thank you " though "conclusive evidence" is not synonymous with "verifiable evidence"

There isnt any appreciable difference between the two. My point was that God is by definition supernatural; therefore, any natural attempts to verify Gods existence are pointless.

To many of us in debate verifiable evidence IS important " and do not consider "faith based" assertions to be of any merit in debate.

Okay " then why do you ask the same question over and over (e.g. What evidence is there that any theology is correct?)

Existence of BELIEFS is not questioned. Evidence of proposed entities IS questioned.

If since no conclusive proof of the existence of that entity exists then why ask for it for eight years? Why participate in any discussion on this board if that is how you start every discussion? Im just sayin

"Might exist" is VERY different from "Does exist".

And that is how I phrase all of my statements " or I presuppose that everyone knows that my statements assume that a deity exists. If someone says, Prove your deity exists then theres really no point in any further discussion, IMO.

Okay. Evidence that "Jesus was God" may not be proved (or falsified) without time travel.

Im glad you finally agree.

Thus, why should anyone accept claims that the statement is true?

People can accept whatever they want and reject whatever they want. I rule no ones mind.

An alternative suggestion (which seems more plausible to me) is that Jesus was a wandering preacher who agitated against Roman and Jewish authorities, didn't last long before being executed as a criminal, was "deified" by followers and used as the icon for a splinter-group religion from Judaism.

Okay.

Since we evidently do not have answers from the hypothetical deity, that is another non-answer.

You asked how one could know a soul exists. I said one would have to ask the deity " provided s/he/it existed. Thats an answer. You may not like it, but it is still an answer.

I do not consider "I cannot answer without time travel" to be an answer . . .

Youre asking for evidence you know doesnt exist " verifiable, conclusive evidence that deities and the theology around them exists/is true. Then you mock people for not providing what you know doesnt exist. I suppose that this is supposed to demonstrate the virtues of being an atheist. Im not seeing how your mo accomplishes the desired end.

Z: This assumes that a person CAN (or will) know something after they die " an unwarranted, unevidenced assumption.
JLB: No " it assumes that a person might now these things. Can you demonstrate conclusively that they will cease to exist if youre asserting that they definitely wont exist?
Z: Christian lore and dogma maintains that a person's "soul" will (not might) transcend death into an "afterlife". I challenge that claim and ask for evidence beyond "Take my word for it (or his or this book)", or testimonials, conjectures, opinions.

Challenge whatever you will. You asserted that a soul didnt exist. What evidence do you have that a soul doesnt exist? If one makes an assertion s/he must support it with evidence. I, however, have not asserted that a soul exists. Ive only asserted that one might exist.