Should you be fully able to defend your atheism/ agnosticism ?

David1955 comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I'll tell you what I think. From my experience religionists, in the face of confident, thoughtful atheists, retreat and withdraw as fast as their theological legs can carry them. There are exceptions. But espousing religionists are a bit like a virus: they look for weakness and exploit it. They will try to spread it if they find a weakened or vulnerable host. Confronted by direct very forward non believers they usually know better and demure. A couple of up-front arguments and they have somewhere else they need to be. See that with door knocking evangelists if you tell them straight. Mention a bit of history, theology, or an opinion about religious practise, and the discussion doesn't last long. I repeat, they look for vulnerable people. The analogy of religion as a virus is quite apt, in my view.

Is Agnostic.com a left wing echo chamber?

David1955 comments on Jan 8, 2018:

There is a certain type of poster here who likes to throw cats amongst the pigeons. Hence this question. I won't comment further on nihilism and Marxism; others have covered that false link, nothing to add. The political spectrum is covered here, I don't think any criticism can be made about a left wing chamber.

If we all met together in the real world, what would happen?

David1955 comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Interesting responses. I think it would very interesting, but I was wondering if you could all be trusted to behave at night. You would behave at night, wouldn't you? :-). @PeppermintDreads - you could only bring your dogs if they're atheist dogs. My favourite comment goes to @Varn - that we'd bicker but at a higher level. That's kind of how it is here.

The single most important thing you need to know about Trump.

David1955 comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Yes, I'm no psychologist, but I have always thought he was too. No one can lie like he does, without guilt or awareness, and not be one.

What would Dr. Carl Sagan say?

David1955 comments on Jan 8, 2018:

He would encourage them to look at the science as he always did to those who took nonscientific views. I also think, but do not know for sure, that he would take a stronger line against religion. A lot has change since he passed in 1996. I think his more softly softly approach to religions, often quoted by agnostics now, would change. But who knows for sure. I miss him more than any passed scientist.

Do you trust easily or do you trust no one?

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I regret that I must agree with you. Despite human altruism, we are self-interested and self-protecting beings. It may be part of our evolutionary development; I don't know, I'm not an expert on this. At my age I have few illusions about people, how they will turn on you if tested, and it's best to assume the worst and be pleasantly surprised, rather than assume the best and be horribly disappointed about people. But let's also make a wider context point: political ideology over past decades has promoted selfish individualism, a winner and loser culture, a succeed at all costs mentality, it's you against the other guy (person) attitude, and the prevailing ideology and human behaviour are inextricably linked. We build dog-eat-dog societies and then we are surprised that people act like dogs.

Someone just asked about the educational level of this group.

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

@Admin The terms College and Graduate School are from the US perspective. I thought about this before and meant to ask, but here we would say university and post graduate, the latter being higher. Is it the same?

The latest Star Wars movie doesn't dwell a lot on The Force, but it did remind me of something.

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

@mymysticcrow I rather fancy that you consider yourself as an ultimate SW authority, and other's references to the subject don't meet with your approval. You might want to watch that. I made a reference to the subject recently and your reply was dismissive, though I felt my post was misunderstood. It's only Star Wars; it's no big deal.

I dislike Dr.

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

@HippieChick58 I quite agree with you. When I hear him says things to people like, "What you've gotta do... Is this ... And that..." I flinch. I'm not a mental health professional but I doubt what he does is serious mental health care practice.

A song about Donald Trump.

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

May you become ruler of the Queen's Navy. :-)

I wish the people on this site would stop being so political.

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I wish posters would stop posting about drugs... I hate drugs.... I wish posters would stop posting about favourite rock stars.. Boring.... I wish posters would stop posting about their favourite wacky religion.... I wish posters would stop posting about sex..... Well, you see where this goes.... Personally, when I see posts about things like drugs, I ignore them, because I truly dislike drug use. But I'm not about to criticise the poster or complain about what is on their mind. I do the editing in my mind and exercise that freedom. Religion and politics, by the way, in my view are inextricably linked, at local, national and international level. Is anything more important to discuss. @Admin. Thy Will Be Done. But people here are overwhelmingly well behaved and the site should reflect what is on all our minds.

Do any of you have to consciously avoid religious topics or 'hide' when you are with members of your...

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I've only got older siblings. They're sort of kitchen Catholics. They know my views on religion. They know better than to mess with it. I don't do "hide". :-)

Humans are incredible at making fictional beings.

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Actually, I think fictional beings are or can be helpful, as long as they are known to be that. Robin Hood - altruistic vigilante. King Arthur - wise King. Sherlock Holmes - logic, reason, deductive detective. They become kind of role models or symbols of characters we admire, maybe inspire us. Jesus is like this too for some - goodness, forgiveness, etc. The problem with Jesus is that Christians delude themselves he was real, and then construct a bizarre theology based on it, reflecting their own biases.

Trump defends his sanity amid questions about his mental state - CNNPolitics

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

"I am not a crook" Richard Nixon, 1973. "I am not crazy" Donald Trump, 2017.

Could the Force Really Be With Us? »

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I'll tell you this: if I had to choose (as in compelled) to choose between the God concept, the big dude out there, peering down, judging and condemning us, commanding and begging worship, and The Force, which as Obi Wan told us, is an energy source that connects all living things, that surrounds us, partially controls us and partially obeys our commands (something like that) then I'd take the Force. It's a more interesting idea, and who knows what Quantum Theory might find. Just for the record, I don't choose either for lack of evidence.

Would Christianity be as popular if Jesus were portrayed more accurately?

David1955 comments on Jan 7, 2018:

The problem is, there's no consensus about who the "real" Jesus was, any more than there's consensus amongst Christians who the supernatural Jesus was. Any portrayal is going to be one group's take on him. The debates between scholars who don't accept a supernatural Jesus but believe they know who the real Jesus was is endless. I would be pleased if Christians would just acknowledge the mythology of the Supernatural Jesus and admit they no proof for their extraordinary claims. But they won't do that. Supernatural Jesus is their big selling and marketing point. It's been that way since the 4th Century AD when they decided they couldn't just have a prophet, no he had to be a Son of God. Various scholars, like Bart Erhmann and others, account for the suppression and elimination of Christian groups then who wouldn't go along with it. The Caucasian Jesus is just part of a process of concealing the Jewish cult roots of this religion.

Well I've only just begun on this wonderful site and the folk on here seem like the right stuff to ...

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

It's amazing how many say that after they connect here. I think I said it myself. Welcome. I think we all hope it will get bigger and better.

I seriously love Sam Harris' book, 'Letter to a Christian nation.' [youtu.be]

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Sam Harris gets attacked mercilessly by some, not just religionists, but also by some on the Left (the Regressive Left, so called) who think you can't criticise anybody's anything because if you do you are a bigot or racist or whatever. Nonsense. My own politics are very left, but not regressive left. Harris's critique of religion is strident, but reasoned and fair. In debate he is deadly. He will cut through to the central point, and expose religionists' ambiguities and inconsistencies brilliantly. There is no one I enjoy more in debate than Harris.

Was there a reason why you chose "Agnostic" for this site?

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Well the discussion about this is interesting. Truth is whatever word had been chosen some would prefer it and others wouldn't. I would have liked atheist.com but that's because I'm an atheist. And I get the distinction that people make when they say they prefer agnostic. Interesting that some think that the term atheist suggest a certainty that they are not comfortable with. Yet I agree with Dawkins on this point when he says I am not an agnostic about fairies, I just don't believe in them. Same for God. I think this will always be a point of difference amongst the non religious. Thanks.

What do you think spiritualism really is?

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I think it is a word people use when they want to sound a bit superior. It sounds good, but never really means anything. It never impresses me. I'm sorry if that sounds cynical, but it's how I see it.

I love the term Flattards for people who believe in a flat earth.

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I thought they were called Flat Earthers. Shows you how much I know. Perhaps they're right. One day I'll be jogging and fall of the edge. :-)

Who here was never religious?

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I actually have a term I use and it is Natural Born Atheist. I use it to describe myself. Doesn't matter what religion you were exposed to when young you just don't believe it. I read others here say that too, Typically, it seems, as a kid it might go on around you but you don't connect to it. You reach teenage years and you know you don't believe it. That was me. Also I was big on history at an early age, and any serious reading of Christianity in particular and it disintegrates in a puff of nonsense. That, in brief, is my story.

I seriously love Sam Harris' book, 'Letter to a Christian nation.' [youtu.be]

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I totally agree. It's one of my favourite atheist texts. Written as a passionate, I would say, appeal to believers. I like Sam Harris a lot, and I re read this every year.

Apparently, Jesus not only died for our sins, he also...

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

You're not suggesting that Jesus didn't have blue eyes and white skin and look like actor Jeffrey Hunter are you? ????

Mormon Cult Leaders Indicted for Forcing Almost Daily Sex Rituals With Underage Girls, Said God ...

David1955 comments on Jan 6, 2018:

What's the difference between a religion and a cult? A cult is a small unpopular religion, and a religion is a large popular cult. Yep.

You might find this hard going.

David1955 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Actually, I guess the real point here is one the Atheist activists make, which is that theists choose to believe in one God, blithely ignoring the other 99.99...% of Gods they reject, so that's a 1 in 3,000 bet, or whatever figure you choose, which is ridiculous, and the real difference between a theist and a non theist is we reject 100%, statistically it's not that big a difference. Something like that.

Are you "out" to all in your life in terms of your atheism, agnosticism?

David1955 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I'm so "out" with anyone and everyone about my atheism if l were any more out I'd fall over. I do walk around with an "A" Atheist badge from Dawkins Organization on my coat, and it's not a small one, so it couldn't be more obvious.

I see multiple folks posting about how they've been abused, sometimes more than once in a day, for ...

David1955 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

G'day Toowoomba, Adelaide here. Don't wish to criticise our brothers and sisters in the US, but tho we have religious loonies here, there isn't the same integration between religion and society, as exists in some places in the US. We weren't founded with the same religious zeal either. And as much as I hate the term UnAustralian, I do think this term might be used about being snarky about people's beliefs or lack of them.

It is far better to be an honest atheist than a hypocritical Christian.

David1955 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Truth is, I try to be an honest atheist, but I know, being human and flawed, I can be a hypocritical person. But not a hypocritical atheist. It gets me that religionists will tell you that their religion is the one true religion, and their religions exclude other beliefs, but there they are running after some new Guru, reading some cosmic consciousness book from their new age bookshop, and I say, "What about your one true religion?" Now that's hypocrisy. I'm an atheist. I don't say that and then tell you about some mystical nonsense I believe this week. I doubt any of you do that either.

Christianity?

David1955 comments on Jan 5, 2018:

"That someone would want another human being to suffer, or would even tolerate the idea, for committing no crime at all but being reasonable, is truly frightening. A religion that breeds such people is a genuine plague upon the earth." Dr. Richard Carrier Well said, sir, well said.

Christianity?

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Yeah, there are quite a few of these Christianity in a nut (case) shell. They're all good.

Hello and salutations! I'd like to make friends with fellow atheists.

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Hello from another small town catholic growing up person, here in Australia. Never really was a Catholic. Not guilty ridden enough to be one. Welcome.

Unintended condescension: what's your best example?

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Mine is: Well, when you need God, he'll be waiting. (Such a comfort)

I am going to share something.

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

So, you are an atheist heretic? Two points for honesty, one for heresy. (Just pulling your chain). Maybe the discussions will affect you. I'm here for community. Hey, at my age what are you going to do? Hope you enjoy it here anyway.

What is your local secular community like, if you've found one?

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I've never heard that here. Non believers just don't have opportunity to group, unless it's a secular organisation that has conferences or alike. They do that here in Australia when someone like Dawkins visits. But attending is difficult, for travel and other reasons. At local level, nothing. If you have one, that's great for you. Also, "hillbilly hodunk"? That's a new one. I like hillbilly music tho, early US folk before country music got turned into an industry. Hank Williams, the great Hank, hillbilly Shakespeare. Cheers.

I always wonder about that being “in a better place”— how is being dead a better place?

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I agree with @SharonK comment, and I'm not even the US. I suppose we say these things, well not me but others, to make the grieving easier for people. But you are right.

Since you all have been non believers, has it ever crossed your mind "what if im wrong"?

David1955 comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Yes, once. And after the 2.5 nanoseconds it lasted I was right as rain.

Well, I was glad Clinton lost, and cautiously optimistic that Trump wouldn't be too much of a ...

David1955 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

You say you were "cautiously optimistic that Trump wouldn't be too much of a disaster". Now I think I would have to call you a man of faith, belief in the absence of evidence, although I would have thought the evidence would have pointed to Trump as a total disaster. I'm sorry, it's your country, but it's our world he's wrecking balling. Noam Chomsky, the American intellectual I'm sure Conservatives American love to hate, has called the Republican Party the most dangerous political party in the world. Indeed. It's not that there aren't more crazy parties in the world, rather it's that none have the ability to give the US Presidency to jokes like GW Bush and D.Trump. And who are at the centre of the Republican Party? Religious reactionaries.. And so we come back to religion, as so often do. All roads lead to.....

Since you all have been non believers, has it ever crossed your mind "what if im wrong"?

David1955 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Sir, pls watch this https://youtu.be/6mmskXXetcg

"Total paranoia is just total awareness". Charles Manson

David1955 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

@Bam85 Well I guess that's just fine, after all he didn't murder anyone in your family. If he had, maybe you'd find his mind less interesting. I just hope they don't give his body to anyone who can make a shrine of it. I can already imagine gullible people attracted to a dead Manson anti hero.

Are you entertained by illusionist and magicison shows?

David1955 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Magic shows, or Illusionist shows for entertainment are fine, as long everybody knows it is to entertain people. Where I draw the line is psychic communicators and alike often use the same tricks to fool people into believing they are talking to "the other side". Its fraudulent and they often prey on people's emotions, sometimes people who are grieving for lost ones. No time for this nonsense at all.

Does it seem like the categories are meaningless?

David1955 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I though perhaps once you reach the upper level you become an Elder of the Community, referred to as Brother Bill or Sister Mary, keeper of the sacred writings....... Hey wait a minute, I'm having a reality check, where am I again.......??

Ask a theist "What do you believe and why?" What happens next?

David1955 comments on Jan 3, 2018:

It is a fact, in my view, that for a great many theists, their religion is not about beliefs at all, but about identity and ritual. They identify with the religion and the rituals involved with it. Oh, if pressed they will trot out a brief list of what they "believe". Often it will be a few generalisations they know. But press them on these and they become uncomfortable. Not all are like that, but many are, from my experience. I have even heard religious apologists say that this is a good thing and we atheists should respect that and we don't get it. Like it's a good thing. Well I don't think it is. US religionist academic and author Reza Aslan often makes this point about identity and religion. Truth be told, it's what religions thrive on.

I was raised on hippie music.

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I don't wish to offend you, but I have to say something. I grew up on that era music. Still listen to it daily. (Love Flower Power radio online). When a teenager I thought The Cat was the coolest guy on the planet. Everything I could never be. Time passed. Then he became Yosef Islam. Didn't hold that against him. Then came the 80s and I watched him on a TV hypothetical show, dressed like a Arabic Sheik. Asked a question about S. Rushdie he said if he saw him he would call Iran. If Rushdie was attacked then it would be the Will of Allah. Charming. Kill people for writing books. Then I heard he didn't play guitar for many years because it was the Devil's instrument. I see. Then he changed his mind. Someone pointed out a reference in the Koran, so it was ok again. He said they shouldn't attack Afghanistan because they were his brothers in Islam. Same thing about Saddam. They may have been disastrous war decisions, but not for that. Now he's Yosef Islam version 3 or something like that. Well I think he's a religious fundamentalist at heart. He keeps reinventing himself, name and style, in ways that maybe Dr Phil might like to analyse. I don't listen to his Peace Train music anymore; it's too ironic. I don't take any notice of him anymore. The young man who was Cat Stevens, and the spirit that drove him, has long since left the stage. Sorry.

I am pretty new to this site, but is christian slamming a normal part of things here?

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Slamming Christians? No. Slamming Christianity, it's absurd theology, appalling history and insidious influence in many ways, yes and rightly so. Perhaps you are not aware of the slamming that non believers get, prominent activists and everyday non believers.

How does your mind deal with the concept of “nothing.

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Curiously enough I have thought about this from a political perspective as well. I mean the research that goes on to live indefinitely, no doubt to be used by the world's elite exclusively, to extend their power and control. Does anyone doubt that they would if the could? Death would go beyond being a physiological and philosophical issue and become a class issue. Sounds like pure science fiction, right? Yet the stuff that goes on in some research labs might appal us. One day, if the rich have their way, death might no longer be the universal leveller.

How does your mind deal with the concept of “nothing.

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I agree with Shakespeare. Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

Where would you fall on the line of agnosticism?

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I'm not agnostic about God in the same way that I'm not agnostic about fairies. There is no evidence for fairies. I'm an A-fairies-ist. There is no evidence for any God. I'm an Atheist. My position is quite clear.

What makes you break out your soapbox?

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

The big one for me is when religionists, including New Agers, like to pretend they are at a 'higher' level because the guff they believe in. Just can't stand that pretentious nonsense, and I"ll let them know;

First thing you did this morning? January 1st

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Rolled over, asked my Google Home Mini about my day, got a fairly miserable reply, and it was pretty much downhill from there.

Give your thoughts on Agnostic.com feature priorities for 2018!

David1955 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I'm happy to vote for these, although not all apply to me. No 2 is very much centered to US posters; I assume, US politicians; The dating match is for those seeking that, and that's fine. The mentoring idea is the only one I'm not sure about. Would depend on how its done. I like the Chat Room idea a lot. I hope the same respect and courtesy that is generally shown on this site would apply here too. I would think so. Yes, have an online store. I would wear an Agnostic.com Pin along with my "A" Atheist Pin, if you had one. Wish we could get guest High Profile Guests in a Chat Room, like Dawkins, Krauss etc.. but that's probably too much to hope for, and time differences would apply too. It's great to see the site progress; just hope it never gets too big or unwieldy. Thanks

Why don't churches have to pay taxes?

David1955 comments on Jan 1, 2018:

@Graeme I could not agree more with you, but, boy, wouldn't they resist it. (Hello from Aldinga Beach, BTW)

You might find this hard going.

David1955 comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Also, are any of these Goddesses? We don't want to be sexist here. ??

You might find this hard going.

David1955 comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Well, I've always said a dead God is a good God, especially when it never existed in the first place.

Quick poll.

David1955 comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I was never a believer so I never had to go through that stage. I have to say that now I am at the 'angry at what religions do to people and the world, and want to do what I can to help change it' stage, and I think it's permanent.

So what did you guys do for new years?

David1955 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

I said a couple of days ago that would stream Star Trek Discovery, back to back, to watch again as an extended movie. Did that. Liked it even better on second viewing. That's enough NYEve excitement for me.

I want everyone to think logically and realize that God, religion, and other deities are made up ...

David1955 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

When I was 10 years old I went to order my lunch for school. It being a Friday, and the canteen lady, a catholic knowing my catholic family, when I ordered a meat pasty, said, "Have you forgotten what day it is? No meat!" I was only ten but I wanted to say, "That's a load of crap, and I don't believe a word of it. Just give me the damn pasty!" Ten years old. Natural born atheist. What can I say?

I really like this community, the people, and the way it was designed.

David1955 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

If only we knew who they are. It's all very mysterious ... It's great. Perhaps it's the religious rulers who are planning to bring back the Dark Ages... Once they do, now we've outed ourselves, we will be ...dealt with... Well, I'm up for the struggle. From my cold dead atheist hands.......(Hey, only joking, Admin)

Do you taunt the religious?

David1955 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Good question. Taunt, no. But I won't take any crap from them either. I don't look for arguments with religionists, but they'd best not give me attitude, 'cause if they do they're going down. You know, "bring your guns Jim, you've got a fight comin', comin' today" kind of thing. To say I'm direct with religionists with attitude would be an understatement. On the other hand if they are reasonable, show that they have thought about their religion and what they believe, then I'm happy to engage in a like manner. Door knocking evangees get no latitude. I regard them as fraudsters.

Do you ever feel that you are in a star trek episode when talking to bible thumpers.

David1955 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

I'd like to "Q" them, actually, into another reality where only believers are and away from here.

Atheism rubbing off on boyfriend?

David1955 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Well that's great, but be advised that we guys will say and do pretty much anything to keep the company of a beautiful woman. We're kind of programmed that way. Good luck with it.

I've been here a few days, actually level 4..., whatever that means...?

David1955 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

A good question. I've been absorbing discussions and trying to get a grip on the political spectrum here. My own politics and views are very progressive, left wing, as in social democratic, and I've been open about that. Haven't wanted to get into slanging matches about politics, and still don't. My assessment is that the spectrum here is generally, and only generally, towards the left; others may have a different view. That's to be expected; non believers are a very diverse group. But I also think that, thankfully, there is NOT a lot of regressive anti-modernist Right here, like the Trump rump in the US and similar reactionary Right in my country. I actually think that more conservative folk here are more classic conservatives: they like liberty, freedom, are wary of government, and people telling them what to do, and conservative in some social issues maybe. I don't have a problem with that. It kind of goes back to classic 19th Century Liberalism, and has been lost in the reactionary conservatism and right wing tribalism that thrives too much today. I'm interested to know what others think too.

I’ve Never Believed Finding myself in a different space than most atheists and agnostics in ...

David1955 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I refer to never believers, and I'm one of them, as natural born atheists. People are born with a natural immunity against religion. Exactly why is something I am still reflecting on. I meet NBAs, I see them in documentaries, and I see them here on the site. I am grateful to be one. Those I feel for are ones who have to struggle against religious beliefs and have to work it through.

Christmas again and I just don't get it.

David1955 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Yes indeed. I often think about the reality of what a god-baby must have been like for Mary and Joseph. "Oh, your new baby looks so heavenly...!" "Er, funny you should mention that....." And I wonder if Mary and Joseph had a carriage or cart, and if so whether they had a sign at the back that read "Caution, Cosmic Baby Onboard!" .... Other cart drivers would say, "Don't run into that cart, for Christ's sake! (Literally). Oh I've got a whole repertoire...I think about these things. Misspent youth, hanging around philosophy tutorials and reading books when I should have been out smoking, drinking and chasing girls. Well, have a good day.

Anyone here a fan of atheist, philosopher, Alain De Botton?

David1955 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I actually think he's well meaning but, if you'll pardon my French, he's a bit of a wanker. He's a silver tail, born to luxury, who writes little bookies for everyday ordinary folks, you know the type he doesn't actually socialise with, so as to bring philosophy and meaning into their hum drum lives. Oh how nice for him. A journalist once nailed him about how much he really knew about everyday people working their tails off to survive, and he babbled on about how he can sympathise and empathise and generalise with them and their struggles (no doubt in his multimillion dollar apartment in London). He's a kind of atheist, but tie him down and you have to be good. He thinks atheists should emulate the social aspects of religion, although he doesn't recognise that church social interaction is in decline, and anyway there are better models. A couple of years ago he made an utterance about creating Atheism 2, gentler and kinder, or something like that, gave a talk on TED, and the atheist world seemed to me to yawn with indifference. I watched it and still couldn't work out what he was saying. He turns up here in Australia occasionally and the new age set and the sort of religious progressives gush over him, but in my view he makes little or no REAL contribution to the global atheist debate other than vague motherhood statements, doesn't inspire me in any way like the atheist activists (Dawkins et.al) do, and I see him as a pop philosopher who has etched out a nice little market selling pop philosophy books. Frankly, I wish he would stay out of the atheist movement and debate. He brings little or nothing to it. If others like him, well that's fine. But I groan every time I see him.

If you lived in the distant past, would you have been an agnostic/atheist?

David1955 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

An unanswerable English Third Conditional hypothetical. It would depend on where and when. But the point is this: it was only possible to be a Christian, for example, after the religion was invented in its time. But atheists and non believers have always existed, though not always openly, obviously.

Are you 100% certain that there is no god?

David1955 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Look I thought about that question too. It is problematic. Actually, it's a redundant question. Atheists don't have to indicate how certain we are that there is no God. It's up to theists to prove that there is one. What I am 100% certain of is that there is no evidence to prove a God. In the same way I don't have to say that I am 100% certain that there are no fairies; I can say that I am 100% certain that no evidence exists to prove their existence. Got some proof of fairies? Show me. Same thing for God.

Kyle Kuklinski of Secular Report on YouTube explains here why Ben Shapiro is dead wrong when he ...

David1955 comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I am a regular watcher of secular report on YouTube. I like Mr K; I like his passion, humour and his take on US politics from a progressive perspective. I worry that with YouTube becoming more restrictive, channels like his might cease. I'm not sure if it's secularism or politics that is the issue. But he himself had complained about YouTube's practices. Long may he continue.

Ok, another couple weeks and another list of improvements (hopefully) to the site.

David1955 comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Great. Look forward to the apps. May the Force be with you.

are you afraid of death?

David1955 comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Not death, but incapacitation is my fear. I believe people should be able to end their existence at a time of their choosing.

Precognition

David1955 comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Well I think I might have some precognition. For example every month I have this vision that it will be hard to pay all my bills, and strangely enough it always seems to be true. Perhaps I should try the Vulcan mind meld next....

Hello, Atheists and Agnostics.

David1955 comments on Dec 29, 2017:

The essential issue here, in my view, isn't capitalism as such, as in a market based private enterprise system. The issue is the evolution over the past 40 years of what I call a 'weaponized' global form on capitalism, under the guise of free market economics and economic rationalism, which has destroyed the balance of public and private interest, produced inequality of wealth that is beyond a scandal, decimated a middle class, the healthiest sign of any economy, corrupted political parties on the left who have fallen the religion of 'market based solutions' and right wing social policies, and which, if left unchallenged and unchecked, will lead to its own destruction, through economic decline and political unrest if not insurrection. To think otherwise is to be uninformed of economic history. I'm a democratic socialist. Bernie Sanders has used the same term. It means a balance of private and public activity; it means measures to prevent gross inequality; it means economic fairness not just political 'freedom'. These issues are not that much discussed here. Maybe no one wants to offend more conservative members. But I do see a link between atheism and religious non belief and reason and a progressive, fair and equitable society. I consider myself a progressive atheist; that's not just about religion, but also economics and politics. Its all part of the same vision of the future, as I see it.

Was Jesus made Christian when John the Baptist baptised him?

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Curiously, some atheist writers have pointed out that, taking this story at face value, if true then John was a higher figure than Jesus because he, John, baptised Jesus. How could a man be "higher" than the Son Of God? Of course I consider the whole story of Jesus to be crock of..anyway.

What is your technique to connect to the Universe?

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

In a positive way it is when I am jogging, with music, and I get sort of a mindful (to use that awful over-used term). In a negative way it is when I raise a finger or two, point above, make a gesture, and use language your grandmother wouldn't approve of. You know, some days. But as an atheist I am never delusional enough to think that the "universe" gives a rat's posterior about me one way or another.

How Did you Discover Agnostic.Com?

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Saw a reference to it on a google groups atheist group. I didn't care much for the Google group, but very grateful to whomever referenced this site. I found an atheist home at last.

For me the journey has been, for short, like this.

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Thanks for sharing. One of the great things about here is that people do that, to a greater or lesser extent. The only other place I have found that is on the personal videos section of Openly Secular.Org. Great site.

If you were given the chance, would you want to be famous?

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Actually, I would like to be famous, but not movie star famous, but Richard Dawkins, Bertrand Russell, or Carl Sagan famous; I'd like to be famous for reason, science, true history, or atheism. The fame then would be for having a profile in these areas, the kind of fame that inspires others and promotes a better world. I say that as someone who is generally very private - I would hate to be movie star - but I would forgo that for the greater good.

Whats everyone doing for new years?

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

I am going to stream as many episodes as I can fit in of the Star Trek Discovery TV series from the beginning. I have seen the series, but now I want to watch it as a long movie. I like to do that, to pick up what I missed. Decide what I really think of it. Yes, not very exciting, but I am too old for any NY Eve nonsense. If anyone feels like donating (emotionally) to charity, then send me a message. I'll have my iPad on and agnostic.com up. (This is the most depressing post I have ever written. Maybe the Logans Run people were right; we should be vaporized at aged 40! ... or was it 30...? :-) )

Even if we assume god is real, it doesn't change anything but in fact shows how obnoxious his ...

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Often thought this. IF God is real, and it is only a conditional, I still wouldn't worship such a heartless miserable incompetent deity. Again even if does exist, he doesn't intervene (except in G.W Bush's life) because he believes in the religionists' old favorite - Free Will. Not much point praying to a God to do something if he gave us free will - an interventionist God isn't consistent with the principle of free will, but don't tell religionists that. One atheist humorist (I forget who) once said that maybe our God is learner God, not very good at his job, and a bit of a dunce. Works for me.

Jesus was a Liberal

David1955 comments on Dec 28, 2017:

I agree with those who say that an actual historical Jesus never existed, although the subject is subject to research. Truth is, "Jesus" is a template into which cast their own mold (think I've that metaphor somewhere right!). I agree with the poster that the Jesus myth can be thought of a 'liberal' (US meaning) or radical. Like Robin Hood (or the myth of him) who stood against the rich and for the poor. People like Reza Aslan (not a fan) see him very much like that (Zealot 2013). But then there's moralistic Jesus, warrior Jesus, peaceful Jesus, class activist Jesus,.. the list goes on. Notice how people's Jesus usually reflects their political, social and even economic ideas. (Jesus believed in the free market, don't you know, and the Republican Party..) The less we know about someone historically, we more we impose our biases on them and fantasize. As an Atheist, I have no preference for any type of Jesus; I just want to know the facts. 'Just the facts, ma'am.." as Sergeant Friday used to say. And the facts -- that is to say the historical evidence about this guy -- are few, and the supposition is great. And Christians, generally, won't acknowledge this; indeed they don't even want to know about it.

Imagine how ahead in our time we would be if religion(s) would not have burned books and people at ...

David1955 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Let's not forget Hypatia of Alexandria 4th century AD (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia) and what was lost by her terrible death at the hands of the Christians. They were into destroying and suppressing knowledge and people from the get go. They even hunted down and killed their own, other Christian groups from Constantine's Council of Nicaea (AD325) who wouldn't follow their Jesus story. Bart D. Ehrman's books on Jesus deal with this quite well. And then they have the balls to talk about Christian goodness and Christian love. Only if you haven't read any real history books about the subject of Christianity.

Well I blocked my first "Jesus freak" on here, I tolerate that stuff on social media because there ...

David1955 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I think this site should only be for non believers. There are other forums for interaction between believers and non believers. I think the Admin should specific this. One corner of the internet where well intentioned and behaved non believers can interact and discuss common issues is hardly asking too much.

There is a connection between Bernie Sanders and Jesus. From my Facebook today.

David1955 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Bernie Sanders is great. Bernie Sanders give us hope in the US system, a small hope but hope. And I'm not an American. I wish we had a BS in my country, Australia, instead of bunch of right of centre nobodies.

Why are some atheists angry?

David1955 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Don't confuse anger with an assertive, confident and questioning attitude to religious practices and beliefs. I don't accept your characterisation of Richard Dawkins. All movements need change agents, those who lead the charge, take on orthodoxy and take the blows because of that. The media stereotype him that way because mainstream media are part of the establishment structure that supports religion. Religion is good, religion gives people something to believe in. Controversial figures are neutralised.

I’ve been on this site almost a week now, and haven’t received a single unsolicited dick pic so ...

David1955 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Good heavens, what kind of places have you been frequenting online! I must be naive but people doing that sort of thing here seems so unlikely. I've only been here a few weeks but it is a special community. May no one impair it.

Is there a symbol I can wear for spiritualist which equates to the christian cross?

David1955 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I don't get where this thread has lead. A global symbol to represent atheism and non belief in religions is one thing; but there is talk here about Buddhism, celts, and mystical what not. The original poster expressed himself a little loosely referring to "spiritualist" but I took his intent to mean a symbol of rejection of religion. The only symbol I would wear is Atheist. All other mystical nonsense can be filed away under "Wrong side of History". But that's me.

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

David1955 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I contributed to this thread before but I cannot see my post, which is odd. So I will keep it brief and add my support to the general view here that there are other places for believers and non believers to engage. This should be for non believers only to share and debate. Getting into debates with religionists is easy, online and in the real world. What's hard is connecting to other non religionists. This is a great place for that.

Is there a symbol I can wear for spiritualist which equates to the christian cross?

David1955 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I think the poster simply wanted to know about a symbol which reflects the non-religion person and the atheist 'A" symbol is as good as any. A reasonable question. I bought some "A" pins from the Richard Dawkins website (being on their list and admiring the man greatly) and I wear them on my coat whenever possible. They are not that easy to buy. Check online. Women can wear pendants, as one poster said, but for fellas the options are fewer. People do see it. I was at a social event recently, wearing an Atheist "A" pin, and a Reverend chappie saw it and and engaged with me. It was an interesting conversation. You know, religionists are aware of and in some cases alarmed that non believers are forthright these days, including wearing symbols. They like the good old days when people were sooooo respectful of religions. Welcome to the 21st Century. New approach needed. Look at us here.

If you had to describe yourself in 3 fictional characters, what would they be??

David1955 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

"Q" from Star Trek Next Gen and other Star Trek: (Believe you me, things would be different round here) Absolute first choice; * Robin Hood * Sherlock Holmes

Because I am an atheist does it mean that I should disrespect or not knowledgeable other peoples ...

David1955 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

The point I would simply make here is not to confuse (as some religionists do) respect of the right of belief with respect of the belief itself. In classic liberalism people have the right to believe what they want, subject to certain constraints, for example expression of hatred, bigotry, violent intent, and so on face legal issues, but not the right to demand that their beliefs be respected. "Oh you are disrespecting my religion!.." You will hear if you challenge religionists. We may or may not like some aspects of beliefs, but we are not obliged to respect them. On Buddhism I used to live in Thailand and I've seen this religion in theory and practice. Some things I like, many things I don't like about this religion. It gets no blanket respect for me. I will say this: at least there are aspects of Buddhism I like. By comparison I loathe monotheism and there is nothing about it I approve of.

I have just joined this group.

David1955 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

"I find it interesting that people who display such a high level of "spiritual enlightenment", reject what they are so good at.....Many of your posts sound much like Modern Mysticism at its highest level." Where do you get them? Do you make these up yourself? I'm sorry, and I've tried to be tactful, but you are a theist who does not think it is essential for God to exist; you follow the teaching of Jesus, though you say he wasn't necessarily a historical person, and you consider atheists, agnostics, free thinkers, humanists, skeptics, and alike here to be modern mystics. This is the sort of New Age "heaven knows, anything goes" "Post this" and "Post that " guff that really gets me, and there is so much of it these days that passes for discourse. Count me out.

Closed-mindedness... not just religions

David1955 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

I sense this is one of those thinly disguised arguments against outspoken non believers. If you are definite about what is not proven then you are being close-minded. As non believers have muscled up over recent years in confronting religion, this has been used against us. It comes down to intellectual rigour; anything might be true, but in the absence of evidence then it's just speculation. Speculate all you want, but don't weep on my cookies about how much you want to believe and how sincere you are. Come back when you've got some evidence. Believe in God? Where's your evidence? Jesus was son of God? Where is the historical, artefact and archeological evidence? Believe aliens visit the earth? Interesting idea. Where is the conclusive proof of that? No? Well keep looking. It's not close-mindedness to reject these things. It's consistent rigorous human thinking. And the world needs more of it, not less.

What's your most unpopular belief?

David1955 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Opinion, not belief, but that we are not going to make it as a species, and we only have ourselves to blame because we can't outgrow our species childhood and let go of old discredited ideas, religious, racial, social, economic and class.

I’m coming to the realization that Agnosticism, or Atheism, is just another philosophy.

David1955 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

First, your country is better than the current circumstances. The rest of us in the world know that. Atheism and agnosticism are a philosophy in challenge to religion. It's humanism that we should embrace.

Anyone else ever felt guilty because your family was disappointed once they found out your beliefs?

David1955 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

No, I like being the black sheep. Anyway, I come from a family of kitchen Catholics.

Arguments against believers

David1955 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I point out that overwhelmingly the reason why people believe in their God is because of where and when they were born, time, country, culture, family and so on, and had they been born at another time, place, culture, etc they would have believed in a different God. Yes, I know it's the "What if your wrong?" brilliant reply from Richard Dawkins a few years back, but it's such a fundamental argument and I have never heard a serious reply from a religionist.

I am an agnostic, but I'm also psychic at times. Does anyone else feel the same way?

David1955 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Psychic is like the word spiritual. Often used, rarely defined, never proven.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

David1955 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

You know, sir, I posted earlier on this but since have had another thought. I suspect you have serious doubts about your "faith" and are looking for a discrete place to connect with those who boldly state their non believer credentials, a place you don't have in the world you live in. If this is true, and I am only speculating, that is very interesting. Jump in sir, the non believer water is fine.

Hello, First I need to let folks know that I am a seminary student at a post-modern ...

David1955 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

"agnostics and atheists have a higher potential to reach the consciousness level that Jesus taught.." Really Sir, do you expect us to buy that? I'm sorry, and it isn't my call, but there are lot of places in cyberspace where believers and non believers go at it, but I would rather see this forum for non believers to share, agree, disagree and know like minded - dare I say it - souls. If you are a Christian then you must believe that we are outside a state of grace (or similar nonsense) with God and beyond redemption until we "accept" God. How we can be in such a state but reach the consciousness level that Jesus taught (based on all the First Century AD primary sources that DON'T exist) I have no earthly idea.

If you could have any supernatural power in the world, what would you choose?

David1955 comments on Dec 24, 2017:

Time travel. Is that a superpower, by definition? A few things in the past I'd like to set straight.