--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In other words, the difference in…" description: "\"“In other words, the difference in expertise between theologians and “average” believers is small — not nearly as great as the difference in expertise ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43b/jerry-a-coyne-13913_life_in-other-words-the-difference-in-experti_1951311.jpg" --- # In other words, the difference in expertise between… ![“In other words, the difference in expertise between theologians and “average” believers is small — not nearly as great as the difference in expertise between professional evolutionists and science-friendly laypeople. The difference between theologians and believers is not their differential…” quote by Jerry A. Coyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43b/jerry-a-coyne-13913_life_in-other-words-the-difference-in-experti_1951311.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43b/jerry-a-coyne-13913_life_in-other-words-the-difference-in-experti_1951311.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43b/jerry-a-coyne-13913_life_in-other-words-the-difference-in-experti_1951311.jpg) > ““In other words, the difference in expertise between theologians and “average” believers is small — not nearly as great as the difference in expertise between professional evolutionists and science-friendly laypeople. The difference between theologians and believers is not their differential acquaintance with the truth about God, but the greater acquaintance of theologians with the history of theology.People like Hart, despite their intelligence, have no more handle on the nature of God than do Joe and Sally in the street. Theologians are, as we all know, simply confecting things about God, and then selling them using fancy words and their academic credentials. Let Hart give us one bit of evidence that he has greater insight into God than, say, Rick Warren, and then I’ll pay attention to what he has to say. Otherwise, I see Hart as retreating to the Last Redoubt of the Theologian: the definition of God as something that is immune to all disproof—and thus subject to Hitchens’ Razor: “what can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence." The 'Best Arguments for God's Existence' Are Actually Terrible (New Republic, Jan. 16, 2014)”” [Jerry A. Coyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-a-coyne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that theological expertise does not equate to deeper insight into God, and that theologians often rely on academic prestige rather than evidence. **In simple terms:** Theology expertise doesn’t guarantee better understanding of God. Key Takeaway Demand evidence over credentials. Themes theology expertise evidence skepticism Mood skeptical critical inquisitive Type analytical philosophical skeptical When to use this quote - academic debate - public discourse - religious education - media commentary Key Concepts epistemology authority faith critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - How do we differentiate between credible scholarship and empty rhetoric? - What role should evidence play in theological discussions? 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The difference between theologians and believers is not their differential acquaintance with the truth about God, but the greater acquaintance of theologians with the history of theology.People like Hart, despite their intelligence, have no more handle on the nature of God than do Joe and Sally in the street. Theologians are, as we all know, simply confecting things about God, and then selling them using fancy words and their academic credentials. Let Hart give us one bit of evidence that he has greater insight into God than, say, Rick Warren, and then I’ll pay attention to what he has to say. Otherwise, I see Hart as retreating to the Last Redoubt of the Theologian: the definition of God as something that is immune to all disproof—and thus subject to Hitchens’ Razor: “what can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.\" The 'Best Arguments for God's Existence' Are Actually Terrible (New Republic, Jan. 16, 2014)”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jerry A. 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