What is your favorite dinosaur?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

I'm going to have to go with Dino. And then Arlo.

What topic could you spend hours talking about?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

Believe it or not, the Bible: who wrote it, why, when, the politics of the bible... I love those conversations.

If you could marry any fictional character, who would it be and why ?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

Marry is such a big word, but "date..." that's easier. I think Dean Winchester from Supernatural would be up at the top of my list to dating... For marriage, I wouldn't mind marrying Castiel. He's a little more stable than Dean.

Who here is intelligent?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

My friends have asked me to stop using "F-Bombs". But I've never been able to figure out, 'what the fuck is an F-Bomb?'

What's the big deal about suicide?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

It's about who you leave behind, and how you choose to go.

Would you accept the notion that the republicans are a party of traitors?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

At this point, I would have to say yes. Most of my life Republicans were terrified fo Russia... Now they're defending it. They've pretty much lost thier way.

Have you ever been "caught" by a family member?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

Caught doing what?

Do you believe that religion is a natural human development resulting fromtheir inability to explain...

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

I think "religion"... (the gods, myths, anthropromorphosising nature) is pretty much our default software. It's been with us since we became conscious and seems, like our emotional mind, to have enough power that it can often override our frontal cortex/reasonable mind.

Can you prove the god of Abraham doesn't exist?

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

I don't know how you "prove" the nonexistence of a nonexistent being. That's like trying to prove that Santa doesn't exist, or tyring to prove that the Easterbunny doesn't exist. I'm not sure how you would go about proving the nonexistence of a nonexistent creature.

Angry Young Preacher: The Bible Says Gay People Should Be Executed (Humanely) – Friendly Atheist

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

It's been my experience that the more anti-gay crap coming out of their mouths, the more gay stuff is going into their mouths. It's just a matter of time before he's caught red handed sniffing coke off a leather-daddy's ass

Is it wrong for an Atheist to be bummed that Lucifer was cancelled? (I loved that show)

Benthoven comments on May 31, 2018:

I say we protest and demand thety bring Lucifer back.

Why should I pay taxes on my property?

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

Personally, it's technically not your property. "Owning" land is a bizarre concept from the get-go. Earth never set up an "I call dibs" system, and that we have one now is part of the reason we have so much suffering. At any minute the planet can take those things away: floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, termites, ants... and ultimately death. The other issue is that you only "own" so long as you pay taxes. Skip those taxes, and you're out on the street. And ultimately, the idea that anything is "mine" is out of sync with nature. We all share this place: predator and prey, animal and parasite, plants and animals... Even who I am affects those around me... especially those who love me. So even "I" am not "my." Who I am, what I do, has a definite impact on others.

Bohemian Gravity! - YouTube

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

I wish I knew what he saying... I recognize the words, but when he put them all together, I have no idea what he's saying.

Seriously people Blocked by 2 people today ?

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

There's a part of me that thinks if you're on a sight such as this, the "block" feature should be for violations only, and you should not be allowed to block someone just for disagreeing with you. I like the idea of a temporary block while the admins check out your reasons, and then... if there is no good reason, you have to converse with people who disagree with you. We're alleged adults here...

Do you believe in life after death of any kind?

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

Not sure I believe in life after death, but I DO believe in life after love.

All my life, small talk has annoyed me.

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

I'd say continue to be antisocial. You're doing everyone a favor. It's my experience that those who feel they have to control the conversation tend to think they're right and everyone else is wrong... unless you agree with them. It's also been my experience that those who feel the need to be superior to others are really hard to talk to in the first place.

The worst things in life are free too. Just sayin'...

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

And much easier to attain.

Hair color??

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

Mrs. Clairol #42

Do you remember your dreams?

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

This is a fascinating look at what part of the mind is actually working when you dream and what dreams can mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7eYt4ZmkR8

'Roseanne' Canceled By ABC Following Backlash Over Star’s Racist Tweets | HuffPost

Benthoven comments on May 29, 2018:

She'll end up getting a job in the Trump Administration.

I Didn't Even Learn This in Bible Class – Tia | Street Epistemology - YouTube

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

And this is the problem we face, Tia told us she's going to "believe" no matter what the evidence says, regardless of how suspect her information is.

Is this really the difference between those on the LEFT WING and those on the RIGHT WING?

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

There's definitely a difference when it comes to ideologies, but we all, as humans, share certain characteristics, and unless we learn how to increase our emotional IQ, we'll just keep spinning in circles around each other, never really getting anything resolved.

God Flees Universe with $250 Cash

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

He was always so quiet. Nobody suspected he could do anything like this.

What makes a man attractive? Hint: Look at his limbs | Science | AAAS

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

Well, when it comes to proportions, I've got plenty. More now than when I was younger.

Caption this image!

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

Ninja cat demonstrates why he is better qualified to take on the mailman.

Cat wanders into zoo's bear exhibit and this happened - YouTube

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

That's what I love about cats. They aren't afraid of anything... except cucumbers... for some reason cucumbers scare them.

For atheists - what makes you believe no deity exists?

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

It's the word "belief" that I think needs to be addressed. We don't "believe" that nothing exists. I don't "believe" that no Santa, Easter Bunny, unicorns... exist. I simply take the null hypothesis. We believe in things because we don't have evidence for them. I don't believe that the earth is round... I don't have to. I don't believe that water boils at roughly 212 degrees (depending on elevation), it just does. I don't "believe" I can fly or "believe" I can touch the sky. Simply because, if I spread my wings to fly away... I'd be dead. So this isn't about belief. If someone asks me if I "believe" in the possibility of God, I would say "yes." I reasonably acknowledge that there is no evidence for a God, and assume for now that there is no God. But I also see something beyond me that I don't understand, and so I create "beliefs" about that... knowing that beliefs are present in the lack of evidence. IF evidence ever shows up to verify a god, then I'll no longer need to believe.

I have a question for the guys and gals opinions welcome as well.

Benthoven comments on May 26, 2018:

It sounds to me like you may have dodged a bullet.

According to Pew Research Center, 58% of conservatives believe higher education negatively affects ...

Benthoven comments on May 24, 2018:

It's getting scary out there.

A new friend of mine who is wanting to start up a business in past life regression therapy wants me ...

Benthoven comments on May 24, 2018:

Technically, you could do both. Work with your friend and take a nap. She'll never know the difference.

This hurts my brain.

Benthoven comments on May 24, 2018:

Wow. I'll say it backwards! woW!

Do Men actually ask women on dates anymore?

Benthoven comments on May 24, 2018:

I have never asked a woman out on a date. Of course I'm gay, so there's that.

How do people read the news without flipping out?

Benthoven comments on May 24, 2018:

It's been rough. I keep hoping that somebody will find a way to stop him. But it doesn't look like anybody wants to.

Do you like for people to remember or celebrate your birthday or is it just another ordinary day?

Benthoven comments on May 24, 2018:

I think my birthday should be a a national holiday. ;) I didn't travel 584 million miles (around the sun) for nuttin'.

Ladies.

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

Though I'm not a lady, to your question, the only response I have is "Yes please."

Does Free Speech include the right to be overtly intolerant towards others?

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

First of all, define intolerance? Intolerance, as it's currently used in the popular vernacular, has come to mean "anything that offends me." SO most of the time when someone says, "zero intolerance," they mean "don't you dare offend me." And ironically, they're the first people to block, unfriend, or tag the person who does offend them. So, there's that. But the whole equating tolerance with freedom of speech is a misnomer... The whole purpose of the 1st Amendment was to make sure that those who were offended (in government) didn't have the power to harm the speaker that offended them. Also, Free speech only applies to the government, so if I'm on a radio show, and the audience hates what I said, and the radio station fires me... that's not a free speech issue. And finally, unfortunately, the words intolerant, bigot, racist, biased... have been so overgeneralized that they no longer carry the connection to the problem that they used to. It's never going to be settle what is, or what isn't, but common sense helps us understand what is proper. Subtext is also a huge issue, but that's for another day.

Haven't been here long, but some of you guys are really nice! Really enjoying the people I talk ...

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

Dude! Noice!

Why are dog lovers so hateful???

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

Damn cats. They're only interested in world domination.

What type of people have the best morals

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

People who can recognize compassion and empathy.

I do not even own any guns but I support freedom! So what right does anyone have to take our ...

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

Equating guns to "freedom" is like equating death to recovery. Nobody can take away your freedom to die, but we would like to keep it from killing the rest of us. While everyone equates guns with freedom, they ignore the fact that the greatest freedom granted in our Constitution is: LIFE, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Second Amendment is just that: an amendment... an afterthought. An idea structured so that it could be changed if it was determined that is was no longer practical. Any "freedom" that steals away another's freedom, especially their freedom to live, is not a freedom.

Without a doubt, semantics are the cause of more disagreements on this site than the fundamental ...

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

Words have two different types of meanings. There's the 'denotative' meaning: it's dictionary definition, and the 'connotative' meaning: or the emotional aspect of that word. I've noticed that most discussions rarely focus around the denotative meaning, but the connotative.

Is trumpie going to be successful with his sly banter and avoid his sins by persuading his base that...

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

Trump doesn't have to persuade. Trumpians will believe whatever he says regardless of any evidence to the contrary.

How do people feel about deleting or rewriting certain words in old books?

Benthoven comments on May 21, 2018:

I believe the word for that is censorship, and I'm personally opposed to it.

Is Bill Maher the best (living) atheist comedian that does Intelligent humor?

Benthoven comments on May 20, 2018:

The short answer is yes... the long answer is yyyyyyeeeeeeesss.

When it comes to what I believe vs what you believe are Atheist any better than theists?

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

The difference between Christians and atheists isn't "what" they believe, but "that" they believe. A belief is like an app installed on the computer. Christians have that app, atheists do not.

Fish have sex in water, so now I only drink Beer !

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

Alas, beer is made with water. So is Vodka, but after two martinis I don't even care anymore.

Do you truly embrace yourself with love and joy ?

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

I did once, but then I had to post bail.

Your idea of the perfect first date is???

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

March 17!

I feel the need to call bullshit on the "No Drama" tagline I've seen on dating sites, and here, in ...

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

I've always seen the "nodrama" and "nobullshit" and "nobs" taglines as red flags. Usually, those who post those tend to be the ones creating the drama and bs... So I avoid them.

Politely declining

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

When my brother-in-law was killed, we had him buried in Arlington, requesting an agnostic service. The Chaplain who officiated did a very good job, and I was so impressed at his willingness to take our hands, shake them, and acknowledge what a painful day that was for us.

Are you a cheerleader for Satan?

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

Cheerleaders for Satan? I thought that was Fox "news"!

Something I've always gotten a kick out of - the virgin mary in a bathtub.

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

I always thought this was a funny cartoon.

Anyone ever have a 3some

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

Define weird! And let me know if that "weird" is good or bad.

I rarely think much about being Agnostic, it's a tiny little aspect of my life.

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

Did they really threaten to "prey" for you? How do you do that? Preditory prayer... it's an interessting concept. And to be honest, I think defines the way most "believers" pray.

Merely reading a profile.

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

I'm not sure what buttons were being pushed, but my mom used to tell me often, "I may have pushed your buttons, but I didn't install them." If you're not forced to interact with that person, then there's no need to block. If that person is saying something unethical or illegal, then it would be right to flag that so that the Administrators could take a look. But we all have a lot of buttons. Lots and lots of buttons. I personally am just one giant sack of sore buttons. ;)

Does justice exist, or is it wishful thinking?

Benthoven comments on May 19, 2018:

Justice exists where just people reside. Where cruel people reside, cruelty exists. Unfortunately, alongside our need for justice lies a desire for revenge, which often masks itself as justice. The two seem to be in constant conflict.

I love being on this site. It's cheaper than therapy, more effective and, I can do it naked.

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

Speaking of naked computers... this song came out many years ago, but the lyrics are so much fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld9ikLYQSWc

What topics do you gravitate towards within this community?

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

Although, a thread like that could make for some comedy gold.

Jesus Miracle 1:Water into Wine - This magic trick is made quite easy taking into account two ...

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

I'm sorry, did you say "alcohol free"? I thought alcohol WAS the miracle.

I love being on this site. It's cheaper than therapy, more effective and, I can do it naked.

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

Just make sure you practice safe texting.

There are two types of people in the world, those who can’t fill in the blank and

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

Four out of five doctors agree: "that fifth doctor's a real dick."

If religion becomes a thing of the past - what should it be replaced with?

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

I really don't think it will become of a thing of the past, but the best thing we can do is create better stories.

What's your take on manscaping?

Benthoven comments on May 18, 2018:

I think it's safe to assume that pretty much all of us like a clean work and play space.

Anyone doing anything Fun this weekend

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

All I know is there's Vodka in there somewhere, so I'm probably going to have fun. I'll have to ask my friends when it's over.

What should you never try in life?

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

Dying.

Hebrews and American Indians - Land Claims

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

See, the problem with this picture is that it uses logic. If the racists understood logic, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Let's say "God" does exist.

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

My God is a he. But he sounds a lot like Cher.

What is the best way to get people to see the gradients in the world around them instead of just a ...

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

Psychedelic drugs! And I'm not kidding. Mind-expanding drugs have a profound affect on those who take them. Imagine if we could sprinkle a little into the drinking water down South. Southerns would embrace science, they'd accept differences, and they might look outside the family reunion for their next date.

Describe your sex life with a band name...

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

Backstreet Boys

Share terrible stock photos of your job! If you type your job title into a Google image search ...

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

Yup, this pretty much sums it up.

Another Christian Pastor Claims ‘Gays Deserve Death’

Benthoven comments on May 17, 2018:

I wonder how long before he's caught sniffing coke off a twink's ass.

Do you have a specific movie, TV show, or commercial you quote from on a regular basis?

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

I still quote from The Holy Grail and the Life of Brian. It seems as if there's always a good place to insert a quote. I also quote Homer Simpson a lot. Nobody does social commentary better than Homer.

Movie night! What is your favorite drama?

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

To be honest, if I need drama, I just go home.

Is Buddhism better than other religions?

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

Buddhism is also a philosophy, and as a philosophy, it's got some interesting ideas.

Insults.

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

Sorry, one more: "I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty-headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!" ~ The French Taunter To be honest, anything the French Taunter says is brilliant.

Insults.

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

I'm still partial to this one after all these years: ""You pompous, stuck-up, snot-nosed, English, giant, twerp, scumbag, fuck-face, dickhead, asshole." Otto from A Fish Called Wanda

Insults.

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly." ~ Winston Churchhill

How do agnostics determine their position?

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

Position to the sun? Position to Alpha Centauri A or B? Position in the Milky Way? Position in Times Square? Downward dog position in yoga?

My new favorite shirt.....what's yours?

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

My sister has been a flight attendant for over two decades now... she would wear this shirt with pride.

&LGBT hello everyone. I'm new to the group..... Anyone in the Portland Oregon area?

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

I have friends in Portland, and lots of friends in Seattle.

If really attractive people are considered "eye candy" then, that probably makes me more like "eye ...

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

With a little bit of Ranch dip you might have much more luck.

I'm the bad man in the group I see being Agnostic as neither believing nor disbelieving there is/are...

Benthoven comments on May 16, 2018:

Why would we reject null?

I'm certainly in no way religious, but I ghost hunt, occasionally with some pretty impressive ...

Benthoven comments on May 14, 2018:

I believe in ghosts. I believe in Santa. I believe in wizards and witches. I believe in God, Satan, demons and angels. That being said, beliefs are giant generalizations we create in the absence of evidence... or when the evidence shows the contrary. So I believe in something that's not real, and I know it. But I love the stories. I love ghost stories, Christmas stories involving Santa, Supernatural, and when I watch them, I accept the premise (so long as it's well written). Now, since I believe in them, that means I am aware they're not true. If they were true I wouldn't have to believe in them. I don't believe that the earth is round, or that the sun is ninety-three-million miles away... I don't have to... They are. The goal is to go 'beyond' belief. "Consciously" use our beliefs for our own fun, but know they're not real.'

Just found this funny.

Benthoven comments on May 14, 2018:

Well in all fairness, I had to take the subway...

It is a great day for Israel!

Benthoven comments on May 14, 2018:

Has anyone else noticed that the only time Republicans are happy--or having "a great day"--is when a huge swath of humanity has been sold out and their suffering is bound to spike. The profound lack of empathy or compassion surprises me...

Translation: If you see a glass of beer in this picture, you need a vacation.

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

I didn't until you suggested it... Now I need a beer.

I am the only person in my large latino family who does not believe in god.

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

I do that too. I rarely close my eyes. But I am grateful. I give thanks to the animal that gave it's life so that I could eat. I give thanks for the ability to understand that my "sustenance" was provided by a creature that maybe wasn't willing to give it's life. And I remind myself that I am alive thanks to the gift of other creatures. While they're thanking God, those are the things I'm thinking of.

Does anyone know which wine pairs best with Nutella and a spoon?

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

My favorite wine is, "It's too cold." My other favorite wine is, "I hate the rain." Whether or not they pair with Nutella, I'm not exactly sure.

Who's your favorite sexy male/female old Hollywood siren?

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

Cliché? Perhaps. But James Dean.

Is it possible to have too much empathy?

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

Empathy, like everything else in life, requires balance. It's when we get out of balance that it becomes more difficult to manage. And balance isn't an easy thing to attain. It requires a lot of give-and-take. It's like walking a tight-rope. So "no," it's not the empathy that's the problem, it's the balance... the boundaries...

It seems to me that many of the problems in the world occur due to corrupt leadership.

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

Actually, most of the problems on earth are brought about by humanity, and it's disturbing that we are doing almost nothing to fix it.

If you were a fly on any wall, which room would you like to be in ? Past or present.

Benthoven comments on May 13, 2018:

It depends on who's house. Brad Pitt's house? I don't care which room, so long as Brad was in it... And imagine looking at him with all those extra eyes.

Where do y'all fall in this?

Benthoven comments on May 12, 2018:

I "define" God as that part of the Universe that recognizes itself and looks to figure itself out.

Do You Think We Tend To Over Endulge When It Comes To Our Pets?

Benthoven comments on May 12, 2018:

So... Yes... or no... or I don't know... Animals are amazing and they have so much to offer. But are we too "indulgent"? Some people are for sure. But we seem to think that animals are second-class citizens of earth whereas we're first-class. We got lucky in the evolutionary gene pool, but that doesn't make us better, and the idea that we can treat animals any way we want just because we're more "evolved" is disturbing. Animals aren't there for our pleasure (or just for our food), they're part of our planetary ecosystem. I feel like this is one of those issues that goes much deeper than just "animals" vs "humans."

Drive-in movies

Benthoven comments on May 12, 2018:

We used to sneak in through the trunk, with tonz-o-booze. To this day I don't remember actually "watching" a movie. We were mostly out drinking, having fun, and for my part, making friends with a Saint Bernard who was the only guy who would listen to me.

When you question life and all the shit thats involved with life do you reflect on past reflections...

Benthoven comments on May 12, 2018:

I feel like I'm always "curious" about what would happen if I did "this" or "that" or "whatever"... and then follow that through. But ultimately, I didn't do "this" or "that" or "whatever"... and so my life is what it is now. Then I play the future game: What would my life look like in the future if I did "this" or "that" or "whatever"... and that matters more. Because I can affect the future, and acknowledging that helps me focus more on what I'm doing in the present.

Has anything ever happened in your life that challenged your atheism and made you consider going ...

Benthoven comments on May 10, 2018:

I got really high once.

I just love Snoopy

Benthoven comments on May 10, 2018:

Never Lucy...

Glass half full or half empty?

Benthoven comments on May 10, 2018:

The pessimist says the glass is half empty The optimist says the glass is half full The engineer says the glass is twice as big as it needs to be The physicist says, the glass isn’t there The Nihilist says, you can easily get a smaller glass I say—"It’s a double… bottom’s up!”

This timeline shows the entire history of the Universe, and where it's headed

Benthoven comments on May 9, 2018:

Well I guess that explains why it never returns any of my phone calls.