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Some of the posts here are serious in tone and beg a serious response.
Benthoven comments on Apr 18, 2018:
Depends. If it’s clever, I like it, but if it’s cryptic or obnoxious, not-so-much.
How often do you update your profile picture? I update mine every month.
Benthoven comments on Apr 18, 2018:
My picture is pretty old. If you look closely, you’ll see the horse I road in on.
I'm guessing that there are quite a number of us who are sapiosexual (attracted to intelligence).
Benthoven comments on Apr 18, 2018:
As I’ve often said, “If I sound like a complete idiot around you, it’s because I think you’re hot.”
Why would you not respond to a private message?
Benthoven comments on Apr 18, 2018:
Private messaging is for people I know (and like). If I don’t know you, then I’m under no obligation (social or otherwise) to respond.
Name something women should stop doing.
Benthoven comments on Apr 17, 2018:
I would say, "stop letting others tell them what to do," but that's irony, because that still means I'm telling them what to do. SO, I might 'suggest' that they be who they are... and then celebrate that with them.
"You should always keep an open mind, but not so open that your brains fall out.
Benthoven comments on Apr 17, 2018:
Bottom's Up!
Is it wrong that I'm so obsessed with reaching level 5 that I would literally whore myself on the ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
Good luck. I've been stuck at level 7 since I WAS 7... I may hit level 8 by 2019, but I'll also have to do some whoring (or as I like to call it... flirtatiously negotiating) to make that deadline.
Starbucks Philadelphia arrest: CEO apologizes to two black men arrested in a store after an employee...
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
I saw this story. I truly hope they fired that barista. There's no excuse for that.
I see sometimes people using the term;Tough Love;.
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
I agree. Most of the time when someone uses that term, it’s because they want to justify being horrible to the people they’re talking about. In fairness, all love is “tough.” It involves us thinking of others, learning to empathize, being able to allow someone else to be right, learning to accept others as they are... letting others take responsibility for their actions so they don't do it again... it’s all tough. But it's better than the alternative.
What would you do if your spouse of many years developed cancer and ultimately is unable to ambulate...
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
I would hope that we had discussed this stuff a few times before it ever came to pass, so that I would know what she wanted, she would know what I wanted, and when it came to that decision, we would have already covered it.
What is better - to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
I don’t think anyone is “born evil.” They might be born with challenges, but I think babies come in neither good nor bad. It’s their upbringing, things that happen in their lives, issues, challenges, their personalities, how they’re taught to hand struggle, whether or not they’re loved and accepted as they grow... I think those are the issues that face all humans. There may also be a biological component. At some point, we flip a switch and become responsible, but all those things will play a part. I think anyone who can do good to others, and experience empathy and compassion has already done a significant amount of overcoming evil. But we’re simians learning to be ‘human.’ And none of us come with a manual.
&MusicFans Not sure if anyone has any interest in this, but I'm curious if any of you have ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
I've always loved this cover.
Is it hypocritical for me, as an atheist, to celebrate religious holidays?
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
That’s why I’m not an atheist. I get really sick of being told I can’t say things like “bless you” if someone sneezes, or that I’m not allowed to capitalize god if it’s a proper noun, that acknowledging there’s evidence of an historical Jesus is verboten, and this: celebrating holidays is somehow hypocritical. The holidays means what they mean because WE made them up. And they were made up at times of celebration. Christmas, a festival of light in the darkest time of the year. I absolutely celebrate Christmas, and Halloween, July 4, and Veterans and Memorial days... and if I get a day off from work, all the better.
Thoughts on people who claim not to be religious but still believe in Jesus/god/sin/heaven etc?
Benthoven comments on Apr 16, 2018:
It depends on what you mean by “Jesus.” A god who came to earth and rose again? I would question why you would believe that if you’re not spiritual. But a Jesus who hand an interesting take on Judaism, flirted with messianic ideologies, and who apparently impacted someone who would eventually deify him, well, we’re pretty sure that guy existed, we just don’t know much about him. As to sin, well, that would depend upon the creation story, which is incompatible with what we know about earth’s evolution. And here I would ask, “Why do you need sin?” We all ask the bigger questions about “right and wrong,” but at our everyday level, we know to “do no harm.” God, heaven, afterlife... it all depends on how you define them. Do you do so against the backdrop of Christianity? That would put you back in the religious camp. But to consider the bigger questions, and use the term “god,” “heaven,” all that, as long as you’re not using those terms to bring harm, I see nothing wrong with it.
Is a married human being happier than unmarried one?
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
Brian Cox: Eric, are you an optimist or a pessimist? Eric Idle: I'm married.
If there were an afterlife/heaven, where you will spend all of eternity (ugh.
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
I’d always said I was going to have a castle near a large waterfall, with every cat known, from big cats to little cats.
Is it ever reasonable for a healthy but unhappy adult to commit suicide?
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
I’ve known a lot of people who’ve committed suicide. Some were close, others were acquaintances, and a couple were family. That being said, I have struggled with depression most of my life, and know very well the bottomless pit of despair that goes with it. So when my friends did commit suicide, my heart went out to them. When I was a Christian, I often considered simply stepping off the planet and getting it over with. Hey, if I was going to be with God, I may as well get to the good stuff. The day I finally made up my mind that I was going to go ahead and do it, a thought hit me so hard that it kinda hurt: “What if the Buddha was right?” In other words, what if I had to come back and do it all over again. That kept me alive for a few years until I gave up on religion. Where I think it’s most difficult is the family and loved ones we leave behind. One good friend took his life and left behind two kids and a wife. I knew his pain. We talked about it. I knew his wife, and I hated her. I knew his kids, (I think 7 and 10) and they were wonderful—messed up because of mommy and daddy’s relationship, and we talked about that at length as well. He took his life in his car in their garage. For that I was angry. His wife came home and found him, the cops, ambulance, and coroner all came to the house, further traumatizing the kids. And that’s where my thoughts go. For years I simply assumed that my little sister was going to outlive me, but she had her husband to take care of her. Well he was one of the marines killed last July, and I find myself here for her sake. I think we should try to avoid the decision when we’re feeling the worse, because that’s when we’re likely to make bad decisions in the first place. And I think we should find someone we trust, someone who won’t flip out on us—and will keep our conversation in confidence, and that also knows our family. They can appeal to our love for our family and possibly some options. And a good mental health practitioner. Not to talk you “out” of doing it, but—if nothing else—to avoid as much pain as possible.
What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
I just make fun. When they tell me I’m going straight to Hell, I simply say, “Of all the ways I’m going to Hell, STRAIGHT isn’t one of them.” One lady yelled at me, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” And I responded, “DUDE, I’m dating his dad, he’s practically my son too.” When they threaten me with hell, I remind them that even hell is a better option than spending an eternity with them.”
How do you stay grounded?
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
I think they call that gravity.
Driving. What is it to you?
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
For me, it's the destination, not the journey.
Wind. Water. Earth. Fire. If you had to pick one to represent your personality, which would it be?
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
Well, wind certainly describes what I "do," but I think water... moreover turbulent water fits me the best.
Your dream career if money wasn't an issue.
Benthoven comments on Apr 14, 2018:
I'd be a writer.
Darwin vs. Jesus. Who is more influential in modern times?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
Well, we have Darwin to thank for modern medicine, vaccines, ancestry, DNA-based evidence, social sciences, the Internet, longer lives... all of which he may not have “created,” but his book introduced us to how biology works, and changed the world. Jesus just made us kill each other.
As a child, the earliest memories of a TV show that made the most impact on me was MASH .
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
I loved that show. My grandfather and I used to watch it together. I own the entire series, which I watch back to back a couple times a year. It’s so beautifully written and acted.
Does anybody else here think that your atheism/agnosticism is actually a pretty uninteresting part ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
In fact, if you defined me by what I don’t believe in, that would be a long list. “I don’t believe in ghosts,” “I don’t believe in Santa Clause.” “I don’t believe I can fly—I don’t believe I can touch the sky.” “I don’t believe I’m the sharpest tool in the shed (though in my defense, I am IN the shed).” “I don’t believe I’ll have another one...” OH! Wait a minute. Of COURSE I’m going to have another one.
'The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven' Sues Publisher, Accuses Father of Taking All Profits From the ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
I've always said... If you want to know anything about spirituality... follow the money.
Do you remember your first favorite song?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
I Feel Love. The moment I heard that song I would love it forever. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm-ISatLDG0
My mother died last evening of cancer. Though we were estranged to some degree I am terribly sad ?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
I am very sorry. May you find peace amid the sorrow.
Do we need religion to prevent suicide?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
There’s some truth to that. When Christianity was taking over the world, the idea of a better afterlife was added so that those in power could stay in power, and with the promise of a better afterlife, the slaves would heed their masters without uprising. However, with the promise of a better afterlife, slaves would opt out rather than suffer at the hands of the church. So they made suicide a sin so that they could continue to keep the slaves as long as they could. As to why Christians are “pro-life,” they’re not. They just want you die on THEIR terms, not yours.
What do you miss about being a kid?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
That I could eat anything I wanted and not gain a pound.
Do you suffer from triskaidekaphobia?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
It all depends on what the number represents. 13 killer wasps... terrified. 13 Brad Pitts... Oh hallelujah. 13 beers... a boozer’s dozen. 13 shots of tequila... I don’t think that’s going to end well. Oceans 13... stop with the fucking remakes already and do something original. 13 black cats... Oh god, I hope I have enough cat litter.
Finding someone who believes and feels the same as you is the most compatible thing to do:) It sure ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
I don’t think there’s anyone who thinks and believes like I do. There are always going to be differences: caused by perspective, location, upbringing, filters, gender, nationality, culture... I think ‘values’ are the secret. That we share a set of ‘compatible’ values.
It's never too late for ________ (fill in the blank).
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
Another drink.
It's Friday the 13. AAhhgggg!!! Who's superstitious?
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
Only from a very narrow dating perspective. The Julian Day is: 2458222. From a sidereal time, it's much different. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/siderealtime.php
Pet ownership.
Benthoven comments on Apr 13, 2018:
In fact, the opposite is true. Humans didn’t domesticate dogs and cats. They domesticated themselves—and us. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130302-dog-domestic-evolution-science-wolf-wolves-human/ https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/06/domesticated-cats-dna-genetics-pets-science/
Have you ever met anybody who actually believed the Earth was 6,000 years old?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
I grew up among those people.
Do you believe there are aliens walking among us?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
If there IS intelligent life out there, they’re staying as far away from us as they possibly can. We are the trailer trash of the universe. We’re the universal Jerry Springer show.
Masturbation
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
It depends on where you do it, and whether or not your power tools have a safety on them.
Whats your dream dateā€Ø?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Hmmm... I'm going to say June 16.
Day-drinking....yes or no?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Ben: I have no idea why you're so pissed. You said, 'drinks at 9:30.' Friend: (Angrily) I meant… P.M.
Anyone wanna exchange jokes?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Normally I would, but my jokes are “mint-in-box”.
What have any of you used as a spiritual outlet
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Does binge-watching Supernatural while sipping martinis count?
What are your thoughts on online dating?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Statistically, it appears that we’re just as lonely now as we’ve ever been.
Are you easily annoyed?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
AAAaaaaarrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!
What do you do - from a social perspective - when you discover that someone you know is ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
One thing I’ve seen over and over again with conspiracy theorists (which anti-vaxers are), is that nothing you can say or do is going to change their mind. They choose this belief and they are uninterested in hearing anyone else’s opinion. I have a few “friends,” but I keep contact with them to a minimum.
I have a question for both believers and unbelievers.
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Which is quicker, to Brooklyn or by bus?
So my fundy daughter has just told me I'm not allowed to post pictures of my grandson on social ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
Wow. My heart goes out to you. I’m so very sorry.
Why do so many people on here, especially the self-described atheists, spend so much time discussing...
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
As I watch atheists on the public, I get the idea that it’s more of an ideology—a direct response to religion. This is one of a few reasons I don’t use this term.
Do you have nightmares?
Benthoven comments on Apr 12, 2018:
That pretty much just sums up my life... But serious folks: I don’t have nightmares per se, but I do have dreams that tend to be pretty stressful, and sometimes they also scare me. But it wasn’t the entire dream, just certain aspects of it.
I am a former atheist, but after using psychedelics I have come to believe there is some form of ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
Sigh, I miss shrooms.
Believers are always asking me, "If there's no god, what's the meaning of life?
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
Philosophy Teacher: Ben, what is the secret of life? Ben: Hellllllooooooo! It's a SECRET! Philosophy Teacher: Ho-Kaaaayyy! Let's try it this way. What is the MEANING of life? Ben: DUH! To keep the secret. Philosophy Teacher: Who sent you?
Believers are always asking me, "If there's no god, what's the meaning of life?
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
What a silly question. The Meaning of Life is the Last full-length movie by Monty Python and the theme song.
What item from fiction would you most like to possess?
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
Hogwarts Castle. I'd LOVE to live there.
Skeptics say, “Stop thinking god did it.
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
When someone says “I’ll pray for you,” I respond, “I’ll think for you.”
Who would you want to meet?
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
Even though I know that personality-wise he was a total ass, I would love to meet Beethoven. I’d love to have a heart-to-heart with Benjamin Franklin, and I would love to punch Paul, saint and homophobe, right in the face.
I enjoy walking through old cemeteries, do YOU?
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
It depends on what time of day it is. While I totally don’t believe in ghosts, at night—in an old graveyard—I’m a little more open-minded.
Imagine, you're dating for a month and have an amazing time.
Benthoven comments on Apr 10, 2018:
RUN! Hoarding is a real psychological issue, and if they’re not willing to work through those, that’s what you’re going to have to live with. If you can live with that... well then, go for it. But that will be your life from here on out.
If you could become a musical virtuoso, what instrument would you play?
Benthoven comments on Apr 9, 2018:
I’d go back to the piano and complete my training. But I would also like to learn the cello.
Do you believe all children are naturally born Atheist?
Benthoven comments on Apr 9, 2018:
Actually, until they’re two years old, mom and dad ARE god. When a child cries, it doesn’t know it’s wet, hungry, tired, afraid... it just senses something that troubles it and relies on the it’s parents to determine what’s wrong. Studies show that by the age of two, most children have started to develop a sense of self, but are still developing. The reason they believe us about the gods in the first place is that they’re wired to believe most of what mom and dad and the adults in their life tell them. Whether or not this god takes on a name or become more than a growth phase depends on what they’re taught.
How many of you have read the bible completely?
Benthoven comments on Apr 9, 2018:
Serveral times. Spoiler alert... "it wasn't the devil, it was God."
Who do you support, the teachers of Oklahoma or the Republicans and Betsy DeVos, who claim the ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 9, 2018:
When is the last time a Republican actually cared about a child... once it’s born, they just want it out of their way. Teachers should be lucky they live in Murica where they get the privilege to teach for little or no money—and guns.
How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?
Benthoven comments on Apr 9, 2018:
People ask me if I believe in God, and I respond, "God who?"
What is your best comedy movie ever?
Benthoven comments on Apr 9, 2018:
Radioland Murders, Clue, Johny Dangerously.
It’s a Sunday. What’s your favorite way to spend the day?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
Catching up on Supernatural.
Is abortion morally objectionable?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
Is it? This is an important question, but because we’ve drawn sides without thinking about the ONE person involved… the one who would be born.
Why does gender matter? Does it matter, what real difference does it make to anyone?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
The reason gender matters is because it’s part of the universe. It was ‘created’ by the universe.
What are your thoughts on existentialism?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
It's the words, babee...
What superpower do you want?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
If I could have any superpower, it would be to eat all the pizza I wanted, drink all the beer I wanted, and NEVER gain a pound—and still stay healthy. I’d be Pizza-Beer Man! I’d rail against vegans and vegetarians, protecting the world from pepperoni-haters and tea teetotalers. Raw diet? I’m coming for you. Pseudo-science? I’m coming for you. And I’m brining pizza.
What makes a person a dog lover or cat lover or both?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
Q: "What makes a person a dog lover or cat lover or both?" A: Dogs and cats!
What are your thoughts on age gaps in a relationship?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
It depends on the gaps. Something I’ve “observed” as an author is that we tend to see “bodies” first. They’re hot, beautiful, sexy… but that’s all based on OUR idea of those words. Again, observation, we see in other (at first) what we see in our own fantasies. “He has the face of an angel.” “What a beautiful soul.” But soon, the real “them” comes out, and it’s not going to match our image of what they should be. If we still love them AS them, stripped of our projections, then age isn’t as big of a deal. But they have to feel the same way too. If they’re ‘just bodies’ to us, then at some point, no matter how ‘gorgeous, sexy, adorable, angelic’… they are, eventually, going to be themselves, and that means they’re going to stop being the “body” and start being them.
Would it be beneficial to separate out the philosophies of religions from the supernatural aspects?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
I’m not sure it would be as straight-forward as it seems. If we took out the supernatural, we could distill the philosophies of those who wrote the holy books, which would mean… well… they think just like the rest of us. The ONLY thing the supernatural really does, is “justify” our actions/philosophy. And that’s where it gets complicated. The supernatural ‘does’ keep some from harming others, while giving some carte blanche to do whatever they want. So taking that away might backfire on us. That being said, it might not… which is why I’m not sure it’s as straight-forward as it seems.
I'm just gonna say this now so I don't blindside anyone, but I'm a bigger girl.
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
Hey, who said that emaciated and starving were sexy anyway? Being human means having a body to be human in… ;)
Do you think its unreasonable to expect or search for a partner that doesn't watch porn on a regular...
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
As a gay man, I never know how to answer this question. One of my best friends (and roommates) was in this situation. His girlfriend (a girl that I introduced him to—meaning she was also a great friend), and this very topic came up between them. In a straight relationship, inevitably, the girl is going to ask that oh-so serious question. “Do you have porn?” Of course he does. But here’s where the test of the relationship come in. Does he tell her the truth? If he does, then the conversation sounds something like… “Am I not woman enough?” By the time my roommate’s girlfriend (now fiancée) asked me this question it could have been a deal-breaker in their relationship. So I just told her, that while this question is asked in a straight relationship, in a gay relationship, the question is more like: “So dude, what kind of porn ya’ got. I hope it’s good.”
When will I stop thinking about him?
Benthoven comments on Apr 8, 2018:
When I was ten, my brother passed away. When I was in my teens, my stepmom was killed. In 2007, I broke up with a man I had been living with for over a decade (and thought I would live with much longer). Last year my brother-in-law was killed. I never forget. I don’t think I will ever stop grieving either. I think it's about learning to live with the memories, the grief, and the new life that comes after without that person. By embracing all of it, I think is how we survive it. This book has done more to help me grieve, and to know how to be around others who grieve… I recommend it strongly. https://www.amazon.com/Its-That-Youre-Not-Understand/dp/1622039076
Anybody else no longer able to stomach fantasy movies or ghost movies that involve all kinds of ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 6, 2018:
God I hope not. I’m an author, and the supernatural is my genre. Ghosts, vampires, witches, even shaman. They all make up the stories that I tell. Right now my favorite television show is Supernatural, and I’ve been binging it for weeks now. Bewitched was one of my favorite shows as a kid, and still own all the DVDs—along with Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I have always loved mythology as well. It has fascinated me how societies and cultures have viewed the world and how they used their mythologies to discuss that part of life that they couldn’t see or understand. As to Harry Potter, this is more than a book about a wizard... it’s about a boy who relies on his community, who steps up even when it costs him dearly, and who faces his fears and has to deal with the real challenges of living with ‘light’ and ‘darkness’ that do battle inside of our minds. It’s one of the best mythologies of our generation. The magic is only the icing on the cake.
I love music and I am always exploring to find new stuff to listen to.
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I really love a good mashup, and this one with Blondie vs Abba is one of my favorites https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_orId2ilo There's an Abba vs ZZTop which I can't decide. Do I like it? I'm just not sure, but I keep listening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCnf6D6mYI4 And then there's this band from Australia: Brecik... I freakin' LOVE this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUZvjqsW8k0
Do you still have CDs, or is all your music on an MP3 player/cell phone?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I still have my CDs, cassettes, and vinyl. I bailed on the 8-track, but I used to have a collection of those as well, which I eventually replaced with vinyl.
Mourning a death
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I think that it also makes grieving a little harder, because you’re asking “why did God allow this?” Snd if you vocalize that question, you’re not trusting God, but if you don’t vocalize it, it just gets louder. The question can really rattle one’s “faith” in God, creating yet more anxiety.
Did you ever get the feeling your being watched?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
OMG! I'm NOT watching you... but you're almost out of milk, and I think it's time to replace your microwave. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YvAYIJSSZY
What does it take to quiet your mind?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
Well, the short answer is “alcohol.” The longer answer is, “Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Gin,” and a splash of soda.
Have you ever pirated movies, music, software or books through downloading or illegal streaming ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I remember Napster. I used to live there... until the RIAA screwed it over and ruined it for everybody.
A few things to put out there.
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
As a writer, I play with words... a lot. One thing I’ve noticed is that words have two meanings: There’s the denotative, and connotative. I use the pneumonic: “de-notes” and “co-notes.” The denotative meaning of a word is just that, the dictionary meaning. The connotative meaning of a word, on the other hand, is the “emotional” meaning of the word. The images, pictures, feelings brought up when that word is mentioned. And I’ve observed—especially on this site—a huge attachment to the conative meaning of a word despite a weird “insistence” on the denotative meaning. So much so that some people can’t even handle particular words. They just freak out. Atheist is one of the words that evokes powerful emotion—for everybody. And because of that, I see people going off on each other all the time. I see some weird reaction to the word.
Is the era of men "wooing" or "Pursuing" over?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
As a gay man this is a difficult question to ask, since we don’t have the same kinds of “rules” when it comes to dating. But on the other hand, I like it that way. That the onus has to be on one person I think hampers the possibilities. I’ve had guy friends who were the target of a girl’s attention, but didn’t even know it, and if she hadn’t shown herself interested, they might have missed it altogether.
What do you like to observe in nature?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
Water. Watching water flow, or fall, or swirl, or crash in waves... it’s so cathartic. The look of water, the sound of water... from a little stream to the giant oceans, it’s one of the most amazing things in nature.
Is emotional intimacy related to honesty in relationships?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I think there’s a difference between “honesty” and sincerity. This idea that we have to tell each other everything I think does more damage than it does good. In fact, in itself it could be dishonest, since how I feel about whatever we’re talking about today, I could feel completely different tomorrow. It think it’s intent. If I’m “hiding” stuff, I think that tends to mess up a relationship. If I’m deceiving, that also is toxic to a relationship. That and there’s always the context. Just blurting stuff out at the wrong time can really mess things up to. But if we’re sincere—or maybe a better word is integrity—that means we will always try to do right by the relationship and each other even if that means that we don’t always say what’s on our mind.
As far as atheists go, I like to think of myself as respectful, friendly and amiable.
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
For me it’s not about “respecting their beliefs.” Beliefs are just generalizations we make about the world in the absence of fact. If we had the data, we wouldn’t need the belief. But DELIVERY is everything. Jon Stewart is my favorite approach to handling dissenting opinions. He took on the opinion, but did so with humor and could brilliantly bring out the absurdity of that type of thinking.
What is truth?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I look at it like a puzzle... “truth” is the overall picture and how that picture comes together, and facts are the pieces... sometimes what looks like “sky” is something else. Pieces that look like they fit end up not fitting, and pieces that seem completely different come together perfectly.
Best Show Ever?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
Supernatural.
How many have long term goals?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
When I go to interviews and they ask me where I see myself in five years, I usually just answer: “Alone, on the couch in my underwear, eating Bonbons and watching reruns of Friends.” I honestly don’t see a future for me. I’ve lived under the assumption that I’ll probably be dead in the next five or so years... I’ve got so many crazy things going on with my health. I tend not to plan too far ahead.
What would you do if the end was near?
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
I'd be all about finishing up the series Supernatural. I might at least know how that ends.
Suppose someone said that their deeply held religious beliefs were in opposition to all war, and ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
Sigh! Alas, irony is lost on these people.
I am curious what others think: If life were discovered on another world (planet, moon, comet, ...
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
Something tells me they would touch up the narrative so they didn’t have to question it, and then form a new version of their original story.
With out any diplomatic answers,.
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
The more good looking a guy is, the more of an idiot “I” become. Stammering, yammering. I have often said, “If I act like an idiot around you it’s because I think you’re hot.” But other than that, not necessarily. Age doesn’t matter as long I remember that there are a lot of topics we’re going to see differently just because... I think that having friends from the many perspectives of life is really good for us. It broadens our viewpoints, and give us more understanding of each other. I used to hang out a one of the most popular Starbucks in the Seattle area... right downtown, and I met people from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America... and while we had wildly different views on life, we had a lot in common as well, and I learned a lot about how other live. It’s been my experience that the most difficult people to hang around are people who “think” they’re smarter than everyone else..
The Curse was, man shall have to work, the earth will be affected, and death one day.
Benthoven comments on Apr 5, 2018:
It’s rather complicated. When Jesus didn’t turn out to be the messiah they thought he was going to be, they had to find other options. First came the resurrection. Paul thought Jesus would return in his lifetime. When that didn’t happen, they rewrote the narrative saying that Jesus WILL return some time in the future. The story has been rewritten a number of times.
What is better than sex?
Benthoven comments on Apr 4, 2018:
More sex.
Mother arrested for allegedly using stun gun to wake son for Easter church service - ABC News
Benthoven comments on Apr 3, 2018:
There’s a serious psychosis going on here. I hope that her son uses this to move away from this disaster.
Here's another upstanding humble servant of Christ.
Benthoven comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I’ve observed this over and over again. The more anti-gay a person is, the more GAY they probably are.
Do you push yourself to do things that scare you?
Benthoven comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Alas, my body isn’t as forgiving as it used to be, so pushing myself could have some pretty embarrassing consequences.
Occasionally I find that some who claim to be atheist or agnostic are actually neither: they're just...
Benthoven comments on Apr 3, 2018:
For years I felt a deep connection with “God.” It was something I valued more than anything. I read the bible, could quote the bible, and could argue the bible... but that was all of the bible. Even the troubling parts. And as a Christian I still saw those, and acknowledged them. When life around me went absolutely crazy, it was a deep loss. Losing God was like losing a dear friend.. But as I started to realize what was real as opposed to what I made up, then I started finding other ways to experience life.
Any religious public figures that you admire?
Benthoven comments on Apr 3, 2018:
C.S. Lewis. Even with his apologetics, he still had a gentle approach to life and I could always find a genuine and sincere desire to see us become better people.

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Agnostic, Humanist, Secularist, Skeptic
Open to meeting men
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