David1955's Profile

Hi Happy to find this group from WA

David1955 comments on Jun 30, 2018:

Greetings from the city of churches, Adelaide. I know, it's a joke since hardly anyone actually goes to them anymore, as far as I can see.

Do you regularly meet up with other atheists/agnostics?

David1955 comments on Jun 30, 2018:

I wish I could. Those of you who do are fortunate. I hope I might find myself one day connected to a like minded group but I am not hopeful. The odd individual I may meet, but that's all.

Why is it easier to believe 150,000,000 Americans are to lazy to raise themselves from poverty than ...

David1955 comments on Jun 29, 2018:

It's called class consciousness. In the 19th century they would force them into poor houses and blame them for being lazy and offending God. Now they have structures like the Republican party and Fox News to convince them that the rich are always 'deserving' and the poorer 'undeserving'. Modern aristocracies and application of power, same thinking of privilege.

Is it okay for an atheist to sing sacred music?

David1955 comments on Jun 29, 2018:

You know, it's funny, I loathe religious music of all kinds, but there's an exception to everything. I am big fan of Hank Williams Sr, though I don't like country music generally, another exception. For me he's a blues singer. But I love his gospel songs and have them all, because he has a voice that cuts right through to your centre, and unlike most gospel singers he believed every word. Even for a hard bitten atheist like me, his Pale Horse and his Rider resonates, I suppose because of the reality of mortality.

Is it possible to 'kill yourself' just by thinking about it?

David1955 comments on Jun 29, 2018:

I'm just glad it's not possible to kill someone else by thoughts alone, like the voodoo types imagine, well in the movies anyway. Otherwise by my thinking alone old Spanky in Washington wouldn't be so healthy.

Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.

David1955 comments on Jun 28, 2018:

Were Carl Sagan still with us and reading your post, he would, in my view, greatly object to your attempt to conflate religious notions of spiritualism with his meaning of a sense of wonder and awe at the cosmos in which we live. I've heard this attempted proposition before, in fact I suspect I have heard every such argument at some time or other trying to justify "Spiritual" or the compatibility of this word with science. He certainly would not have.

Hypothetical question: if antidepressents had existed long before it was ever thought of would we ...

David1955 comments on Jun 28, 2018:

The false modern assumption that happiness is the constant goal of life, that when we're not "happy" there's something wrong with us, and something must be done about it, like a pill. We are meant to be miserable, or neutral to miserable, most of the time, except for occasional moments of happiness, and these we should look out for and enjoy. Personally when I come across someone who is always happy and smiling I start to wonder what's wrong with them. And if they say things like, "we must always be positive" I positively avoid them. Honestly, is it the world or is it me? It's the world, right? :-)

When you think of it, churches are simply political parties, each with their own agenda, each ...

David1955 comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Indeed. I have long referred to the pope as a religious politician, and considered religious figures generally to be players in the power structure. It's a pity more people do not regard religious figures and religions with the same skepticism they regard politicians and political parties.

Question to atheists: Do you attend religious family events or decline on principle?

David1955 comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Very interesting and varied responses to my post. Thank you. It seems it depends on where we place the emphasis - personal conviction or family duty.

Is it possible not to be brainwashed toward the religion you grew up with?

David1955 comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Yes, I'm a perfect example. I never believed it. There's not one Catholic molecule in my body. Not a drop of residue. I thought it was crap when I was just a kid. My opinion has only intensified since then.

What is The root cause of Conspiracy Thinking?

David1955 comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Try a loss of confidence in power, in all its forms, to tell the truth, admit fault or incompetence, or accept responsibility, because, as Col. Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson) told us, "The truth, you can't handle the truth.." Never forget Watergate, a crazy conspiracy theory. Bay of Tonkin, another one. Pentagon Papers.....

Can you be an Atheist/Agnostic and have a Conservative stance?

David1955 comments on Jun 26, 2018:

Well, you can be an atheist and a Conservative. But to my mind atheism has inherent values. These include an affirmation of logic, reason, and evidence based thinking. These values inevitably lead to view that human beings should be able to live in just, socially and economically equitable societies. Conservatism, or at least in the rancid, regressive, reactionary form into which it has evolved along with regressive economic theory, is the politics of everything that is the opposite of that, despite its disingenuous pretentions. Human beings can compartmentalize anything in their minds. But it would be impossible for me to affirm a belief in atheism and the values of reason while compartmentalizing in my mind politics that seeks to entrench privilege, class, racial superiority, and regressive social attitudes.

What is your favorite song that speaks to unbelief/atheism? Mine is Judith by A Perfect Circle.

David1955 comments on Jun 25, 2018:

John Lennon, "Imagine". "Imagine there's no heaven.." John Lennon, "God". "God is a concept by which we measure our pain".

Can an atheist be a Buddhist?

David1955 comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Only technically. Buddhism is not mono theistic. But it is still a religion despite claims that it is only a philosophy, and there is supernaturalism attached to it. If it is only a philosophy why are there Buddhist temples with people praying in them? How many philosophies do you know with temples and celebrants (monks)? Technically you can be an atheist and a buddhist. But you also have to admit to being a religionist, in my view.

Do you think that one day humans will travel to another galaxy ?

David1955 comments on Jun 24, 2018:

I assume you did mean galaxy and not solar system and planet in our Milky Way. Reaching another planet might happen if we managed to do the light speed or maybe worm hole things. But to another galaxy, crossing the vastness of intergalactic space? Wow, we would have to evolve into some amazing kind of species to do that. The only thing I could imagine is if we found the universe worked in some different way, with intergalactic highways or some such, but that's the realm of pure science fiction.

What do you think about sharks?

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Plenty of Noahs Arks in the water about a kilo from where I live, so I don't swim there much, though lots of people do. Statistically the chances of being taken aren't high, but I don't care for them, and it's their home, so I keep out of it. BTW the sharks off the coast my my state aren't nice cuddly types and do kill people from time to time.

So We Do Have A First Lady!

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2018:

If this chick is the conscience of the White House then you got nothin' in that place except carpetbaggers and tarts. Sad.

Did you grow up atheist or agnostic?

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Born into a catholic family but never believed it. So always non religious. In the past, before monotheism became even more rancid and weaponized and political in the later 20th Century, which helped spawn the resurgent non religious movement over recent decades of which this site is a part, I was more relaxed about being an agnostic or atheist. But with agnosticism in some parts attempting to portray itself as a more nuanced position, which I reject, I went through a period of careful consideration a while back and my position is unambiguously atheist now. As for belonging to organizations, I suppose it depends on where one lives, but I have never had the opportunity to do that. Especially in Australia where I live, any organizations are mostly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Non religious here are scattered.

I know there have been several messages about blocking.

David1955 comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Well, I don't block, I just ignore. But admin might want to know what change you have in mind. A warning to a member, perhaps? Don't know. The issue doesn't bother me. There are a few here that are concerned about the issue of blocking.

I k we have accumulated a lot of inactive account.

David1955 comments on Jun 20, 2018:

I concur. We don't pay to be a member of this club, thankfully, but our membership "dues" should be paid for in time commitment and some contribution. We know what happens if we don't pay our dues for club membership in the real world, don't we.

Are many alien fantasies just atheistic/agnostic substitutes for religious deities?

David1955 comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Well, Carl Sagan said that UFOism is where science and religion truly meet. You have the universe, science, with aliens with wonders from "above" coming down like heavenly creatures. Of course he didn't mean to be a good thing. I agree, but I sure would like to know the explanation of all those mysterious things that people are filming in HD in droves now with their mobile phones, something that didn't exist in a quality form even a decade ago. Any reasonable terrestrial explanation is welcome. Instead the authorities have given up blaming the planet venus, meteors, and the usual suspects and just ignore the events hoping no one will notice. Never A Straight Answer NASA just edit their feeds and whistle Dixie, again hoping no one looks. When the events are witnessed by whole cities and the big media is deluged, they make a big joke of it, or bring in laughing boy Neil DeGrasse Tyson to do his "it ain't nothin folks" routine. Well, fine, and I don't jump to unfounded conclusions, but I still would like a goddam explanation for the stuff that people see, photograph and film.

What do you say to someone that insists that "God"

David1955 comments on Jun 20, 2018:

"Say goodnight to the folks Gracie"

You know who your real friends are when you decide who gets the honor of driving you too and from ...

David1955 comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Had one of those about 3 months ago. All was good, but they won't be dragging me through that anytime soon. You'd think they would find an easier way, really. It is a great topic for dinner conversation, right? Yeah, right.

I'm a better Christian than most Christians and I'm an atheist.

David1955 comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Lest we forget, Hitler was a Christian. He went to enormous effort to get the spear that Christos believe pierced the side of Christ, believing it had power properties from his blood. Science has now shown that it is from the middle ages. My point: calling oneself a christian means nothing by itself.

Hey @Admin - thought I'd let you know the site went down at 11:10 pm EST.

David1955 comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Yes, me too, got a bad gateway message, no entry. I thought, that's a first. God's had enough and is fighting back. :-)

The Trump Foundation.....

David1955 comments on Jun 18, 2018:

Honestly, I hear the phrase "NAME + FOUNDATION" and I would to send in lawyers and forensic accountants, honest ones, to gut them through. Gates Foundation, Clinton Foundation, Trump Foundation.....you name it. Rich assholes accountancy tricks and schemes, the lot of them, I suspect.

I stepped outside my comfort zone and said "Hi" to an attractive lady at Starbucks today and a bug ...

David1955 comments on Jun 18, 2018:

Probably the basis of a good relationship. You just need to get the bugs out..... Oops, well, you know what I mean. :-)

Ok, here's how the "likes" alerts work.

David1955 comments on Jun 18, 2018:

That's interesting. The dreaded deleted message used to slightly annoy me, but now I take it in my stride with a "whatever" attitude. Guess I'm the same about the whole blocking thing. How does the song go? Oh yes, "you can't please everyone so you have to please yourself."

How many of you find it difficult to contain "displeasure" around people who are overwhelmingly ...

David1955 comments on Jun 18, 2018:

Most difficult. But I won't initiate a dispute unless they try it on with me. I don't feel the need to be aggressive in that way, knowlng from experience that with the very religious it is a pointless exercise, usually. That said, I have a 21st Century atheist attitude and will challenge any assertions that I have to respect people's religion. Like the Star Ship Enterprise I am well armed and defended, but I won't fire first, and if fired upon I won't back down.

Is Atheism a belief system?

David1955 comments on Jun 17, 2018:

Atheism takes some faith? Your wordy post is based on false assumptions, which to me as an atheist, means to damn atheism with faint praise. Atheism is an absence of belief in God or Gods *because of total lack of evidence for such a claim.* No leap of faith required. Come back with evidence and we'll reconsider it. This is an old argument here, restated in different ways: atheism as a kind of faith. You must be joking. This is a site for non believers of religion, not just agnostics. Choose to be here or not, but don't let the name affect your choice. I certainly don't. I find the agnostic position myself to be grossly inconsistent. Agnostic about the God I grew up with, functionally atheist about all other Gods? No thanks. I agree with Bertrand Russell: the position is problematic at best. If you are an atheist as you say, be it proudly here on this site. But spare us an argument that it is based on faith. Thanks

Internet rules and laws: the top 10, from Godwin to Poe Top of the list is Godwin Law which makes...

David1955 comments on Jun 17, 2018:

Do you feel that you do not yourself transgress Danth's Law on this site, Middle?

Does anyone feel better now that Trump claims to have "solved the problem" of North Korea?

David1955 comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Read an article today somewhere that captured it perfectly. The title was something like, Time to say it as it is. Trump is a Traitor. It is time to say that. Russia, North Korea, and even China, despite his trade threats -- he's betrayed the US to all of them. Don't know what the real story about Trump is - compromised asset, spy, sympathizer, crook, grifter -- but I hope we find out one day. Might we hope that Mueller will put it together and lay it all out.

Not sure if this question has been asked previously but what is the site's position on people who ...

David1955 comments on Jun 15, 2018:

In agreement with you. This issue is a recurring one here, has been since last year: Should believers be allowed to join. Site policy is that no one is excluded if good behaviour is practised, including believers. I didn't join to do battle with religionists either, but I respect the site policy. Seems to me there are lots of places they could be where non believers would neither wish to be nor be accepted. Personally, I like the idea of this site as a refuge from the religious world. Others have a different view. Moreover, it is fact that what is meant by "believers" here is open to definition. An obvious definition of someone who believes in religion doesn't cut it. Factor in new age spiritual types who claim not to be religious but sort of are, and so-called secular religionists and alike, as well those who claim to be generally or "currently agnostic" but unfortunately display noticeable residue religious leanings in their posts and comments, and you soon realize that the lines of what it means to be a believer here can be blurry. I can only say I don't waste my time here on overtly religious believers. I could waste my time in the real world doing that if I wished. I don't wish.

Does observation alter an event?

David1955 comments on Jun 14, 2018:

Those quantum mechanics people I think are on to something. I've noticed that the more I look at my humble finances, the more they disappear. Einstein was right: spooky.

"Humanism is the transformation of this Christian doctrine of salvation into a project of universal ...

David1955 comments on Jun 14, 2018:

No, I think humanism led to the transformation of Christian doctrine from fundamentalism to Christian humanism, supposedly and theoretically (though questionably) practised by modern Christians.

Let's pretend we're wrong and a supernatural diety shows up on earth! What three questions would ...

David1955 comments on Jun 14, 2018:

How quickly can you apologise for all your sins of omission and inaction? How quickly can you leave and not come back? Don't forget to forget to write after you've gone. Ok, the last one is not a question but my first two covers it.

Eighty years ago, on September 30th, 1938, an aeroplane landed at Heston Airport in UK.

David1955 comments on Jun 13, 2018:

Thank you oh thank you for making the same connection, as I did. President Chamberlain Trump, being played like Adolf played the then British PM. Fools and dictators, the same old story.

I'm wondering about this Jesus thing, He was born and it was celebrated and they still celebrate it.

David1955 comments on Jun 13, 2018:

Here's the truth about Christian religions: They focus as little as possible on the 'real' life of this person they call Jesus. What do they focus on? Christmas, his birth, and Easter, his death. Look at Hollywood movies, which Monty Python exploded perfectly. The life between they discuss as little as possible, for two reasons. First, they don't want to acknowledge, even to themselves, how little can be known for sure. Secondly, the more they are confronted with their Jesus as a person, like a human being, the more the son of god thing seems ridiculous. For example, some have speculated that the illiterate 18 year old Joshua (later 'Jesus' ) may have worked as an unskilled laborer (not a carpenter) on building sites in cities needing labor. (1) So, the creator of the universe in human form worked as a cement mixer in the first century AD. Imagine if his workmates had known that. Ridiculous. That's why only serious non religious historians only talk honestly about the real life of this person. And that's why Christianity avoids the subject as much as possible. And that is if you believe in a real historical figure at the centre, which I don't. (1) Riza Aslan writes about this in his book about Jesus, Zealot (2013 ?)

I just read that in the USA, Water became the most consumed bottled product in 2017.

David1955 comments on Jun 13, 2018:

Don't know about your water Rugglesby, but ours has the nice of flavour of chemicals in it which I can do without, so for drinking I use the spring stuff. Buying by the bottle is just crazy expensive. Never touch coke, both the illegal white powder type, or the sugary poison sold in bottles. I'm an iced tea guy. Make it myself, real healthy like. Delighted to share these tid bits of information with you (probably to put you to sleep.) :-)

I just want to thank all of you.

David1955 comments on Jun 12, 2018:

To level 8 in a little over 67 days. Good grief! What do some people do here? And you have 31 posts. I don't spend time worrying about the points system, but sometimes I wonder about how it works.

In a recent post, a member suggested that we Doxx another member of this community because of what ...

David1955 comments on Jun 12, 2018:

Really, Middle, you have got to desist from regarding yourself as the social conscience of this community. How many posts have you had recently about blocking, members treating other members and so on. You're like the James Comey of this community, a touch holier than thou. This is a community of adults. We can take care of ourselves. Please rethink it.

I have just received a reply to my "Greeter" message from a new member @loveintheair.

David1955 comments on Jun 12, 2018:

Reading that my "Danger Will Robinson" sign started up.

Faith... is it good?

David1955 comments on Jun 12, 2018:

The problem with 'faith' is that it is used in two different ways. As pointed out in responses, one meaning is belief in something without evidence, or indeed despite the evidence, as in the case of faith in Jesus even though there is a lot of historical study showing the real Jesus, even if he existed, was little like the story, and the story itself was largely made up. Faith as in belief without evidence based on unproven authority. This is bad. However, people also use faith in a different way, as a synonym for "hope". Someone might say they have faith in something happening or someone doing something. In this case it means hope based on some knowledge of the situation. Doesn't mean it's always right, but it is based on something, knowledge or experience, not blind faith based on false authority, a strong hope based on that. It's like you might have faith in your doctor. It's not blind faith in him or her, but a faith based on experience, knowledge, and confidence in their abilities. Religionists sometimes claim non-believers have faith in things too, like science or a secular world. Perhaps we do, but it's faith as in hope, and its based on reality and ultimately on knowledge and reason. Religious faith never is.

Did anyone else ever fantasize about creating a community of non-believers?

David1955 comments on Jun 11, 2018:

Why would you include Vincent Bugliosi? I'm not aware of any secular views of his. I am aware very much of his legal clean up work for the US Establishment, specifically the Robert Kennedy assassination, and his Manson Trial tale of deflection and misdirection that he maintained right up to his death.

Did anyone else ever fantasize about creating a community of non-believers?

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Throw in a nearby beach, reasonably priced massage, and free streaming services and I'm in.

T-1000 pts and counting to L8 rapture. That is all. :D

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

I am surprised at you Middle, that you would be motivated by such things as points and levels (and shirts.) I honestly thought you beat to a higher drum. So, you're mortal after all. Well I'll be. :-)

Why is water wet?

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

You Sir are just full of interesting information. Thanks. We should call you "The Professor" like in Gilligan's Island. As I recall he knew everything.

'Special place in hell': Trump's top advisers accuse Trudeau of betrayal

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Perhaps there's a special place in hell for presidents who sell out their country to dictators.

It was all so much simpler back then

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

I think it's done like this in North Korea. Perhaps Kim the crazy will unfriend Donald the orange looney.

Name one thing you want to try in the bedroom.

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Breakfast. (Everything else I've tried, one time or another) :-)

The Atheist movement has changed since the days of Christopher Hitchens (hallowed be his name).

David1955 comments on Jun 9, 2018:

We will get nowhere appeasing religion. People have the right to practise their religion, providing it is not a murderous or racist or whatever cult, but we have the right to challenge, challenge, challege.

To all my friends here, I hope you all know that is a pleasure to have met you and my life has ...

David1955 comments on Jun 8, 2018:

I think this site is a work in progress. That's part of the interest for me, watching it evolve almost from the beginning. Members leaving doesn't concern me. Some I think make a personal connection if they have been looking for that, and activity on the site is less important for awhile. Or maybe it's life pressures. I don't know. I think this site is a little refuge from the believers world too, though some think we spend too much time talking about religion. I don't agree. We don't know how the site might evolve. I remain hopeful.

Favourie Bond & Favourite Bond Movie Theme

David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

Forgot to mention before that I find Daniel Craig a sullen humourless Bond and I wish he would move on. The last Bond movie he phoned in, in my opinion. Poor movie. Christophe W waisted talent, Monica B a Bond quickie, and a poorly edited effort. Another Craig Bond would be a mistake. They do that, let me make one too many. Roger M said that about his last. Connery too. I fear they will, but a mistake IMHO.

Favourie Bond & Favourite Bond Movie Theme

David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

Sean. You Only Live Twice.... (or so it seems. One for yourself and one for your dreams..) Remember when Bond themes used to stay with you forever... "And he strikes, like Thunderball.." "You only live Twice" "Goldfinger... He's man with the midus touch... "The Spy who Loved me.." "To LIve and Let Die.." I remember the themes and lyrics in my head. Anyone remember the theme from the last Bond, or the one before that...? Yeah, I thought so. Me either. To any female members who think Bond is a misogynist dinosaur, I agree with you.

Mike Pence is such a suckass

David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

He could end up being President Suckass. President Fundamentalist Suckass. There's a nauseating thought.

What constitutes evidence? proof? Part 2

David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

I think this is interesting and helpful in reviewing how we reference external sources. There is clearly a difference between referencing external links - articles, news stories and alike - which in effect is a reference to supporting *opinion* and external reference to studies and quantitative data which may be judged as supporting *evidence*. Obviously the former can be personally agreed or disagreed with, while the latter can be questioned or challenged as accurate or objective evidence. Clearly this is a discussion forum, not an academic forum, so there is always going to be a fair amount of mish-mash of fact, opinion, allegation, and a bit of bluster as well. But compared to a lot of web forums it is interesting how many posts here include references to external sources, a least an attempt to support a view or opinion. But, I agree that we should be mindful about the way we reference 'evidence' in support of opinions. I can think of occasions here when I have included some news links in support of something, and someone else has looked for articles with an arguably opposite view and back they come at me. I realised it was a clash over selected opinion pieces. An interesting post.

What are your top 3 current favorite TV shows?

David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

- Billions - an utterly morally and ethically bankrupt show, a perfect reflection of the economic rationalist weaponized capitalism fashioned since the 1980s, but well acted and written. - Westworld. Flawed but interesting. - The Americans. Sadly just finished. Brilliant. - add Star Trek Discovery. Flawed but interesting.

So.....what is the BIG deal with the chat rooms?

David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

As far as I can see, the chat rooms work for members in US time and not really those of us outside the region. Not a complaint but just a fact about the time zones.

Dave Allen: God's comedian: [youtube.com]

David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

Genius

So, my religious neighbour asked me out to lunch last week and I went, with the stipulation that we ...

David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

Could it be that her religious faith isn't as secure as she pretends, and what she really is looking for is a way to deal with it, and who is she going to talk to, her religious buddies? There's been a few believers like that on this site too. They say they are religious but like talking to atheists and agnostics. Wonder why? Ask her directly Maybe she'll come clean. Just a thought.

An old friend of 50 years has become a person of extreme religiosity in his old age.

David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

Ooooh, that's a tough one. The lines have to be drawn and respected or the situation can't continue. What you have said is more than reasonable. From my experience, when this happens to someone you have known, it's like they are not the same person you knew; they are, but the mental processes are different. Sometimes there is self correction when the religious rush wears off. Either way you have to stand your ground, long friendship or not.

<rant> I don't know if this will matter a hill of beans at the end of the day (don't you love ...

David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

I am also in agreement with you. The issue can be raised, and people be encouraged to think about it, but in the end it's a personal decision with that right, whether applied judiciously or not. I've never blocked. I don't know if I've been blocked, and I'm not going to lose sleep over it. What else is there to say.

Teleporters I was having an odd but fun conversation the other day and thought I'd being it over ...

David1955 comments on Jun 5, 2018:

I remember the Riker episode. So then there were two Rikers to have sex with every alien women in the galaxy. Oh nice! One curious thing about this transporter business: potentially immortality. I forget the episode and series (not TOS) but it was when they found Scotty in a transporter pattern buffer in an old ship and he had been there 70 years and so and out he came to help save the day. Well, you could be stored forever and reformed from time to time, it seems to me, so long as nobody turned the buffer off. So, not just transportation but permanent storage as well. There you go.

I think once a year, all blocks should be reset.

David1955 comments on Jun 5, 2018:

I can't believe I'm actually writing this, Middle, but I actually agree with you. Just goes to show there's a first time for everything, right? :-) Seriously, I haven't blocked either, but I think an automatic unblock might be taking the power away from those who feel they have, or had, good reason to block. Perhaps your suggestion can be taken that members who have blocked, annually, or from time to time, review the decisions they have made. I remember early in my membership feeling very annoyed at one member's comments, I won't name him, and though I didn't block I decided to ignore him, but over time I can see he's a good fellow. Had I been the blocking kind I might have done so, and that would have been a mistake. Just my two cents worth.

TV or not?

David1955 comments on Jun 5, 2018:

Too restrictive a choice: - live TV, no, only some news services, largely foreign; - reality TV - never! - local TV, no very rarely now; - stream quality shows I choose very carefully, yes; I make TV work for me, meaning I take from it very selectively, only what I want, so neither fine with nor couldn't live without;

What is probably one of the most stupidest superstitions you’ve ever heard?

David1955 comments on Jun 4, 2018:

A horse shoe for luck. I have one in my garden, btw. My total failure ever to win anything in a lottery would rather suggest there is little merit in this belief.

Why don't atheists like showing respect and kindness toward God believers?

David1955 comments on Jun 3, 2018:

I don't think I care very much for these assumptions as questions posts. Atheists don't like showing respect and kindness (really?) for believers. Well, as an atheist, it depends on each believer I might meet. There's not a blanket policy. Also, I wouldn't just make a judgement based their belief. A lot of factors might apply. As for the reverse statement, well I think the same diversity applies. It is I think truer to say that a lot of atheists don't care to show respect towards religion, and for good reasons. We are not obliged to, and decline to do so. Similarly, many believers display negative attitudes about atheism, I think because the growth of more strident atheism scares them, and the growing secularism in the west. But these are attitudes towards the positions and movements, not blanket attitudes to all individuals.

What do you find most ridiculous about worship?

David1955 comments on Jun 3, 2018:

People walking around with a human figure nailed on a cross around their necks. "He died for your sins." What? Crap. What if we atheists walked around with a figure of a woman who'd been stripped, dragged through the streets, and then cut into into pieces and then burnt, around our necks. "She died because of Christian stupidity and fear of science." What? Fact.

Firebrand atheists

David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2018:

I prefer the term atheist activist, or anti-theist, but if someone wants to call me a firebrand atheist, then fine with me. I certainly distinguish myself from agnostics, passive atheists, so-called apatheists, and 'I don't believe in religion but...(I still hold a candle for religion because I can't let it go)" types. So, be outspoken and forthright. There are more and more of us.

I used to enjoy dystopic books, TV, movies.

David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2018:

Totally agree. The constant stream of dystopian content now feels more like a strategy by power to makes us feel fatalistic about a future where the world is ruined, the elite have all the power and money, and all we can do is pathetically and ineffectively struggle against it. They've turned this on its head. Dystopian material used to be a kind of warning about the future. Don't let this happen. Now, it's about acceptance. The future's lost. Corporate fascism. Techno fascism. Dog eat dog in a climate destroyed world. I don't buy it.

Its Saturday night, whats everybody up to?

David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2018:

streaming my favourite TV shows and a movie or two. I work weeknights, so i only have weekends.

27% of American agnostics believe with certainty there is a God compared with 23% of European ...

David1955 comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Another reason I'm pleased to be able to say: Me, atheist. Belief in God/s - none. Why? No evidence. Have evidence? Make an appointment. Bronze Age heresay not acceptable.

Conservative and Libertarian Athiests

David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:

For me, atheism and progressive political, social and economic agenda are inextricably linked. I ask, if one's atheism is rooted in a belief in science, reason and evidence based values and humanism, then how can one accept a society of gross economic inequality, tolerance of prejudice and discrimination and injustice of any kind? Were I to be a political conservative, especially a reactionary conservative, I would have a case of cognitive dissonance so bad my head would explode.

I never understood, even when I was an Evangelical, how christians loved warmongers and ...

David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:

I feel compelled to add here that should be careful to avoid the Jesus the preacher of love and goodness and all that stuff myth, which has more or less evolved post Enlightenment in parts of modern humanism influenced christianity, a take which is hardly consistent with the bloody, repressive and authoritarian bulk of christian history. Exactly what the real Jesus said, if there was one, is highly speculative, and may have more militaristic and political than is realised. I for one refuse to buy into any of these Jesus the prophet of love and peace myths, as this character is more like an concoction of supposed sayings created and added to over thousands of years. The love and peace blurb of the modern christian message, as far as I can see and from what I have read, stems more from the influence of humanist philosophy on this religion, not that christians would ever admit it. For most of its history christianity has been synonymous with war, oppression, class power, and authoritarianism. When I hear christians rambling on about christian love and brotherhood I'm inclined to say, "With your history? Give me a break. "

I never understood, even when I was an Evangelical, how christians loved warmongers and ...

David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:

Big subject but essentially the fact is there is little connection between anything that the real Jesus said, even if he existed, which is debatable, and a great deal of modern Christianity, especially evangelical christianity, which is more a modern right wing moralistic regressive anti-modernist movement which tags itself to this vague historical figure they call Jesus. Truth is, most christians, including evangelicals know little or nothing about their so-called Jesus, other than simple statements and hollywood type biblical history, which is worthless.

More important to me that people understand the way that I k as opposed to being defined by labels ...

David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:

And all Gods too, everyone of the thousands believed in by people, not just God singular and the Christian God in particular. This is an important point for any agnostic to acknowledge. I like your position on the evidence issue and agree totally. But for consistency it does have to apply equally and fully to all gods, ancient and modern, as well as the tooth fairy etc, and not, as Bertrand Russell wrote, just be an implied atheism on all Gods that one may not care about, but agnostic on the one God we do know and grew up with.

"What Do You Know About The Separation of State and Church?

David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:

Eric Idle of Monty Python fame put it well once when he said "I'm a strong believer in the doctrine of the separation of Church and...Planet!"

Theists aren't alone in assuming an unquestioning belief in a comforting illusion.

David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:

The difference though with religion as a comforting illusion is that it develops into religious organisations, which preach morality, sin, guilt, teach children rubbish, pursue political aims, usually reactionary politics, have office holders and celebrants who have power and influence over others, and generally, with rare exceptions, do little to advance the world in positive ways. So, some comforting illusions are harmless and maybe foolish but theism as an illusion is anything but harmless.

Morality is Very subjective, As an individual you decide what is Moral.

David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:

I think you meant subjective. I don't know about laws to decide perfect morals. I could go out and have sex with a different woman every day and be as promiscuous as can be and many would judge me immoral but there's nothing illegal about that, providing the sex was adult and consensual in all cases. Morality would be matter of opinion here but not related to the law. Many people work in professions, areas of business, that I think are immoral, like finance where they treat people badly and exploit them and get away with legal cheating, but it's still legal. I think it's immoral. So, yes there is subjectivity, but laws to define perfect morals? I don't think so.

Anyone seen Star Trek Voyager Episode 8 "Emanations"?

David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:

Where science fiction meets pseudo religion, and afterlife emanations. Voyager was never a big hit with me. Some great episodes with Q, notably "Death Wish", which had huge implications for the universe (it's finite) the Q Continuum (they can die, aren't omnipotent and are flawed) and humanity (Qs have interfered with us). But emanations was the kind of pseudo religion they put in ST after Roddenbury died and I never liked it myself. Just my view.

Atheism or agnosticism is not another kind of religion that it requires constant preaching And we ...

David1955 comments on May 29, 2018:

Not sure what "constructive works" means. A progressive social and economic agenda to fight prejudice? Not sure. A lot of us are past being angry about religion as you put it, and now seek to actively oppose or at least challenge it. Being tolerant of religions and religious practice was the approach of atheism in the 20th century. It failed, spectacularly, as the rise of monotheistic extremism showed us all. I'm an atheist who believes in marrying atheism to a progressive political-social-economic agenda. Not all atheists would agree. But a lot would.

I just saw the new Star Wars movie, Solo.

David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:

I think it's called franchise fatigue. SW movies work best when we identify with characters pursuing purpose. Like Rogue One, which was excellent. Solo is a self serving character, interesting but only when other characters around him have ideals and purpose. Making him the movie was a mistake in the mythology that people identify with.

Atheist humor

David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:

Indeed. I wonder what "God" might think about modern Evangeli-hypocrites?

I really don't believe in any God in anything not even myself or this life if there was a God "God" ...

David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:

Theists say about comments like these that you do really believe in God but are just angry at him for the state of the world. I'm not saying that about you but I'm sure many theists would. So, since there is no cosmic god to solve the world's problems, the frustration we feel about the world is really about our failure to create a fair, just, rational and non religious world. Religion is just a distraction to the improvement of the state of the world. They are not part of the solution - charity bandage efforts aside - as they don't help to change the systems that create so many problems. They are obsessed with sexual morals, and the afterlife, and controlling people. So, my point is we need always to be clear about whom we are angry at and why, and the guilty parties are not in the Cosmos. They are right here in front of us.

Who created God?

David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:

There's only one logical answer: a bigger more powerful God..and an even bigger more powerful God created that God and..........

I just turned up - hello!