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How openly atheist are you?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
I just moved to Oregon. I was looking for a job until today. I'm the guy that wears the t shirts into town and has an "atheist inside" sticker on my car. My biggest concern was my face book account, I actually considered removing it all together. I don't talk about atheism or religion at work but a new employer might be concerned. If your curious why I was concerned here is a link to my face book.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012551953515
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
I just moved to Oregon. I was looking for a job until today. I'm the guy that wears the t shirts into town and has an "atheist inside" sticker on my car. My biggest concern was my face book account, I actually considered removing it all together. I don't talk about atheism or religion at work but a new employer might be concerned. If your curious why I was concerned here is a link to my face book.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012551953515
Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
It worked for me and has led to my activism. Asimov was right.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
It worked for me and has led to my activism. Asimov was right.
Does anyone feel Christians are persecuted in the U.S.?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
I'm pretty sure if anyone was denied any service at all for any reason for being a Christian in this country we would never hear the end of it.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
I'm pretty sure if anyone was denied any service at all for any reason for being a Christian in this country we would never hear the end of it.
Are we Black or Jewish?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
We are human. Actually we are great apes, the Garden of Eve is a myth. Our skin tone comes from very minor subtleties that are a result of where our more recent ancestors lived in the world.
Religion is a result of Geography. We are most likely to adapt the religion of our family and micro-culture. Judaism is a religion, not an race by any means.
Please message me about any questions and I will answer them or direct you to a website or you tube video that can do it better.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
We are human. Actually we are great apes, the Garden of Eve is a myth. Our skin tone comes from very minor subtleties that are a result of where our more recent ancestors lived in the world.
Religion is a result of Geography. We are most likely to adapt the religion of our family and micro-culture. Judaism is a religion, not an race by any means.
Please message me about any questions and I will answer them or direct you to a website or you tube video that can do it better.
I it just me?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Its all about belief vs. facts. People don't usually really explore *why* they believe what they believe. Even if you ask them the answers lack thought like "Just because I know my God exist." This is not a reason. One must ask more questions and press them for an answer(gently) so that they really ask themselves the question for the first time. Then progress has been made. I suggest looking into Street epistemology. Here are some links.
https://streetepistemology.com/
http://peterboghossian.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnF6MenyiEQ
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 24, 2018:
Its all about belief vs. facts. People don't usually really explore *why* they believe what they believe. Even if you ask them the answers lack thought like "Just because I know my God exist." This is not a reason. One must ask more questions and press them for an answer(gently) so that they really ask themselves the question for the first time. Then progress has been made. I suggest looking into Street epistemology. Here are some links.
https://streetepistemology.com/
http://peterboghossian.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnF6MenyiEQ
Top Ten Favorite False Prophecies Spoken by Jesus himself
Back when I was a Bible-believing ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
That was a great video! I was a fundamentalist, young earth creationist, indoctronated as a very young child. I bought it so much I was not afraid to study even though I was warned not to. I am now an atheist and still study these same topics. It is nice to see someone of a like mind.
I am now a new suscriber on your channel on youtube. Please link your channel in your bio so that others may benifit from your knowlege.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
That was a great video! I was a fundamentalist, young earth creationist, indoctronated as a very young child. I bought it so much I was not afraid to study even though I was warned not to. I am now an atheist and still study these same topics. It is nice to see someone of a like mind.
I am now a new suscriber on your channel on youtube. Please link your channel in your bio so that others may benifit from your knowlege.
GQ magazine puts Bible on list of 20 classic books not worth reading
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I was in a very good book store with my daughter recently and drew her to the attention of the religion section full of christian books and the mythology section acress the isle. I noted that in another country or in another time that the Christian writings would be found in the mythology section.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I was in a very good book store with my daughter recently and drew her to the attention of the religion section full of christian books and the mythology section acress the isle. I noted that in another country or in another time that the Christian writings would be found in the mythology section.
Happy Rapture Day!
[foxnews.com]
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
O.K. I'm in the wrong business, The world is going to **END** on May 21 2018 at 7:37 A.M. Central time. If you sell all of your belongings and liquidate your assets and send the money to me I will ensure that you are returned your investment 100 fold in Heaven.........Any takers? No Refunds after May 21 2018 7:38 A.M.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
O.K. I'm in the wrong business, The world is going to **END** on May 21 2018 at 7:37 A.M. Central time. If you sell all of your belongings and liquidate your assets and send the money to me I will ensure that you are returned your investment 100 fold in Heaven.........Any takers? No Refunds after May 21 2018 7:38 A.M.
Is everyone surviving the Rapture so far?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I am surviving the Rap.....Disappers from keyboard to never be seen again.....
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I am surviving the Rap.....Disappers from keyboard to never be seen again.....
Spirituality: Which belief system produces best epiphanies?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I don't know that there is an ideal belief system, but rather methods.
Many use self starvation called fasting, Meditation while fasting can cause hallucinations often called epiphanies. Also drugs are effective for the same results.
My question is why would anyone wish to alter their brain states to have an altered consciousness? We live in a real physical world and need our brains to fuction at it optimum in order to fuction in it. If we spend our time in an altered brain state we do not percieve reality properly and a subject to percieve that that is no real to be real.
Scientific studies have been conducted on people under the influence of mind altering drugs and found no improvment in perception or elevated thought processes. I would not consider it wise to seek epiphanies as a result.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I don't know that there is an ideal belief system, but rather methods.
Many use self starvation called fasting, Meditation while fasting can cause hallucinations often called epiphanies. Also drugs are effective for the same results.
My question is why would anyone wish to alter their brain states to have an altered consciousness? We live in a real physical world and need our brains to fuction at it optimum in order to fuction in it. If we spend our time in an altered brain state we do not percieve reality properly and a subject to percieve that that is no real to be real.
Scientific studies have been conducted on people under the influence of mind altering drugs and found no improvment in perception or elevated thought processes. I would not consider it wise to seek epiphanies as a result.
While many others want to know how to achieve Atheist status, those of us who are, simply revolve ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I don't know that being among the most distrusted group in the U.S. among Christians is a "status" worth striving for. I do know that I am an athiest not by choice but by knowlege and understanding. I simply can not undue what I know to be real and factual.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I don't know that being among the most distrusted group in the U.S. among Christians is a "status" worth striving for. I do know that I am an athiest not by choice but by knowlege and understanding. I simply can not undue what I know to be real and factual.
I was born fourth generation Mormon.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I didn't really know or even comprehend that atheist was a thing. I just eventually realized that the Bible was not consistent and that it contridicted its self. Then I asked myself questions.
Can a God be all powerful and all good when there is suffering in the world?
How was my god any more real or valid than any other god?
Did my god heal or perform miracles that were real while others gods did or did not?
If there were flaws in what I did believe how many more flaws were there in my beliefs that I was unaware of?
Was my relationship with god one sided and internally a self delusion and how could I validate what was real and not real?
Why were promises like "What so ever you shall ask in his name" not true?
Did I actually really, truely believe in my god or did I just want to?
Could it be possible that god was just made up by man and how could I know if it wasn't?
None of these questions made me more religious. I hope that they may help you with of difficulties sorting out what is real and not real.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I didn't really know or even comprehend that atheist was a thing. I just eventually realized that the Bible was not consistent and that it contridicted its self. Then I asked myself questions.
Can a God be all powerful and all good when there is suffering in the world?
How was my god any more real or valid than any other god?
Did my god heal or perform miracles that were real while others gods did or did not?
If there were flaws in what I did believe how many more flaws were there in my beliefs that I was unaware of?
Was my relationship with god one sided and internally a self delusion and how could I validate what was real and not real?
Why were promises like "What so ever you shall ask in his name" not true?
Did I actually really, truely believe in my god or did I just want to?
Could it be possible that god was just made up by man and how could I know if it wasn't?
None of these questions made me more religious. I hope that they may help you with of difficulties sorting out what is real and not real.
Is there any historical evidence of the existence of Jesus other the Bible?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
There is much that Christians claim that refer to Jesus. The problem is they are all references to Writers that refer to what believers claimed. There is no historical references to Jesus from any outside source that claims to know any first hand information about Jesus. There is a claim that 500 people saw Jesus after he died in the bible. These are claimed by Apologist siting the Bible, The problem with this is no first hand accounts are given. It is simply the claim of a beliver that never met Jesus or any of the people that he claims saw him appear. This account was written by an author/belever that lived in another region of the world that had not even second hand accounts of any witnesses many decades later
Their is not outside historical accounts, no archeological evidence which is really trying for any historian.
So No.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
There is much that Christians claim that refer to Jesus. The problem is they are all references to Writers that refer to what believers claimed. There is no historical references to Jesus from any outside source that claims to know any first hand information about Jesus. There is a claim that 500 people saw Jesus after he died in the bible. These are claimed by Apologist siting the Bible, The problem with this is no first hand accounts are given. It is simply the claim of a beliver that never met Jesus or any of the people that he claims saw him appear. This account was written by an author/belever that lived in another region of the world that had not even second hand accounts of any witnesses many decades later
Their is not outside historical accounts, no archeological evidence which is really trying for any historian.
So No.
Where is any reference of the rapture?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
The word rapture is not in the Biblehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture
Nor is the trinity, thevirgin birth was added by Jerome when he wrote the Latin vulgate in 382 C.E. under duress,http://www.biblicalunitarian.com/verses/1-john-5-7-8 the Virgin birth was a mistranslation from Hebrew into Greek fom young woman to virginhttp://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2016/12/07/debunking-nativity-mistranslation-virgin/ There are many things that are believed by Christians that are simply not factual.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
The word rapture is not in the Biblehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapture
Nor is the trinity, thevirgin birth was added by Jerome when he wrote the Latin vulgate in 382 C.E. under duress,http://www.biblicalunitarian.com/verses/1-john-5-7-8 the Virgin birth was a mistranslation from Hebrew into Greek fom young woman to virginhttp://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2016/12/07/debunking-nativity-mistranslation-virgin/ There are many things that are believed by Christians that are simply not factual.
What will happen at level 9?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
You meet your cousin and he gives you a dunk in a river then a flaming cross in the sky proclaims that you are the son of ADMIN!!!!!!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
You meet your cousin and he gives you a dunk in a river then a flaming cross in the sky proclaims that you are the son of ADMIN!!!!!!
Any Pastafarians around on here?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I'm a pastafarian mate! arrghh!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 23, 2018:
I'm a pastafarian mate! arrghh!
Something people forget to give those of us who've overcome xyz.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Thank you *bows
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Thank you *bows
Aliens?? Beliefs
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
My mother told me she believed that we were planted by space aliens. I told that evolution is fact and that if some life giving elements were in fact introduced to our planet it was not done to specifically produce us, as we evolved over millions of years as we share DNA with all living creatures on earth and are just one branch of the evolution of life as we know it....End conversation.
She made the same mistake that theist do. That is assuming that humans were put here for a specific purpose. The truth is not flattering but I will settle for real.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
My mother told me she believed that we were planted by space aliens. I told that evolution is fact and that if some life giving elements were in fact introduced to our planet it was not done to specifically produce us, as we evolved over millions of years as we share DNA with all living creatures on earth and are just one branch of the evolution of life as we know it....End conversation.
She made the same mistake that theist do. That is assuming that humans were put here for a specific purpose. The truth is not flattering but I will settle for real.
Navy official says the large bible doesn't promote religion in the display.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Gosh why didn't they place the Koran on the table? It by this logic is not religious either. They did not explain its relivance to the memorial either. Why put it on the table in the first place?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Gosh why didn't they place the Koran on the table? It by this logic is not religious either. They did not explain its relivance to the memorial either. Why put it on the table in the first place?
How about Synchronicity?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Our minds have evolved to see patterns. If you look at almost anything you can see a human face in it if you try.
The phenomena you have described deals with Causation-the belief that things have a cause, and Correlation-the belief that two similar events are somehow tied together.
In a primative example an very ancient ancestor sees leaves rustle in a bush. The cause could be the wind or a lion. If the person runs or defends themself they lived if was a lion. If not they died. If it was only the wind they survive to reproduce and we get to have this conversation.
It does correlate that the leaves rustle when the loin brushes up agaist them or the wind blows. If we do not know the cause we are hard wired to "assign" a cause due to how we evolved.
As a result of this we do see coincidence or synchronicity where is is not real or factual as the events may be completely independent of one another.
We now normally do not see leaves rustle and think "therefore loin", neither should we look at synchronicity and think "therefore God" as many theist do, not that you have made that particular suggestion.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Our minds have evolved to see patterns. If you look at almost anything you can see a human face in it if you try.
The phenomena you have described deals with Causation-the belief that things have a cause, and Correlation-the belief that two similar events are somehow tied together.
In a primative example an very ancient ancestor sees leaves rustle in a bush. The cause could be the wind or a lion. If the person runs or defends themself they lived if was a lion. If not they died. If it was only the wind they survive to reproduce and we get to have this conversation.
It does correlate that the leaves rustle when the loin brushes up agaist them or the wind blows. If we do not know the cause we are hard wired to "assign" a cause due to how we evolved.
As a result of this we do see coincidence or synchronicity where is is not real or factual as the events may be completely independent of one another.
We now normally do not see leaves rustle and think "therefore loin", neither should we look at synchronicity and think "therefore God" as many theist do, not that you have made that particular suggestion.
I have identified as an atheist/agnostic for a long time.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Nope I do not want to coexist with those who belive they should kill me or make me abide by their beliefs. I do study religious beliefs every day in order to either discover the truth of their God or debunk their Mythology. After over a quarter of a century it has sadly ended up to be the latter. I love to study Religion oddly as I am an anti-theist, that is I am against living ones life as If mythology is real. It is dangerous and is not healthy for a rational creature to do.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Nope I do not want to coexist with those who belive they should kill me or make me abide by their beliefs. I do study religious beliefs every day in order to either discover the truth of their God or debunk their Mythology. After over a quarter of a century it has sadly ended up to be the latter. I love to study Religion oddly as I am an anti-theist, that is I am against living ones life as If mythology is real. It is dangerous and is not healthy for a rational creature to do.
Miss Amanda has to share our message....
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
My response to this statement is, Would you feel more comfortable with someone whom believes they will be held accountable for their actions in thier one and only life that commits murder, or someone who believes they will be "just" forgiven and be rewared with Heaven?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
My response to this statement is, Would you feel more comfortable with someone whom believes they will be held accountable for their actions in thier one and only life that commits murder, or someone who believes they will be "just" forgiven and be rewared with Heaven?
I realised something today.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I am in a similar situation. Divorce, I moved 1500 miles from my home town etc. I wnet to a job interview and the interviewer asked me "Isn't going from 15 years experience at a maximum security prison to a casino as security a step down?" I replied that it was a step forward.
I think you are correct. Keep Truckin!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I am in a similar situation. Divorce, I moved 1500 miles from my home town etc. I wnet to a job interview and the interviewer asked me "Isn't going from 15 years experience at a maximum security prison to a casino as security a step down?" I replied that it was a step forward.
I think you are correct. Keep Truckin!
Good Morning, it is interesting, as in "may you live in interesting times," living in the bible belt...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
As a Fundamentalist I was taught that you are either with god or following Satan wether you know it or even intend to. I can not say how many Christians hold this belief or how much it is taught. I learned it form a mainstream Church that was extremist. The First United Methodist Church. I do not know that all Methodist or Wesleyans hold this belief.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
As a Fundamentalist I was taught that you are either with god or following Satan wether you know it or even intend to. I can not say how many Christians hold this belief or how much it is taught. I learned it form a mainstream Church that was extremist. The First United Methodist Church. I do not know that all Methodist or Wesleyans hold this belief.
Agnosticism/Atheism & Spirituality: how do we synthesize them?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Spirituality can mean anything to anyone. When the term is used it is going to be understood differently by the person recieving the information. Do you mean cosmic magical stuff or emotional internalized zen stuff? It does not matter the person you are addressing *will* get it wrong.
Atheism is a belief statment. Usually defined as a lack of belief in god/gods.
Agnosticism is a knowlege statment. Usually understood as I do not know if there is a god.
Spirituality is the joker in the deck that can mean anything much like the term God its self.
I believe it is best to keep these very different concepts and answers to questions in thier own catigories and to avoid conflating them.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 22, 2018:
Spirituality can mean anything to anyone. When the term is used it is going to be understood differently by the person recieving the information. Do you mean cosmic magical stuff or emotional internalized zen stuff? It does not matter the person you are addressing *will* get it wrong.
Atheism is a belief statment. Usually defined as a lack of belief in god/gods.
Agnosticism is a knowlege statment. Usually understood as I do not know if there is a god.
Spirituality is the joker in the deck that can mean anything much like the term God its self.
I believe it is best to keep these very different concepts and answers to questions in thier own catigories and to avoid conflating them.
I have only been here for a few days and even though I had to pick some “labels” for my profile,...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Welcome! This site as I understand it started out as a dating site and has rapidly become a community. Often people come here to vent or discuss issues such as dealing with being an unbeliever in a theist society.
As for making ***of *** people who worship sky daddies. That is a bad idea and from what I have seen it is very much frowned upon. I will and often do make fun of the*** idea*** of worshiping a zombie, eating and drinking it's blood etc. because it *is* ridiculous​.
Many people whom are undecided about God or gods do visit or view this website. It is good to be bold in order to let them know that it is O.K. to questions ones beliefs. There is a time and it is often effective to ridicule *beliefs* in order to provoke thought.
I do prefer to discuss beliefs that are detrimental to the human race. There is sometimes much truth to what the Bible says... To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Welcome! This site as I understand it started out as a dating site and has rapidly become a community. Often people come here to vent or discuss issues such as dealing with being an unbeliever in a theist society.
As for making ***of *** people who worship sky daddies. That is a bad idea and from what I have seen it is very much frowned upon. I will and often do make fun of the*** idea*** of worshiping a zombie, eating and drinking it's blood etc. because it *is* ridiculous​.
Many people whom are undecided about God or gods do visit or view this website. It is good to be bold in order to let them know that it is O.K. to questions ones beliefs. There is a time and it is often effective to ridicule *beliefs* in order to provoke thought.
I do prefer to discuss beliefs that are detrimental to the human race. There is sometimes much truth to what the Bible says... To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
Has religion made useful contributions to civilization?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Yes it could be solidly argued that religion has made useful contributions to civilization if the word religion is used extremely broadly. My question once this position is made would be was religion necessary for these contributions?
I am an anti-theist stricly defined as one whom is aganist religion, not one whom is agianst those who are religious. I am agaist believing in Mythological Beings and living ones life as if they were real, particularly when those dieities wish harm on people, animals, or anything else.
This being said, religions do organize humanitarian efferts that are benifitial. Again I stress religion is not* necessary* for such humanitarian efferts. We shold howere, be honest and keep it real.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Yes it could be solidly argued that religion has made useful contributions to civilization if the word religion is used extremely broadly. My question once this position is made would be was religion necessary for these contributions?
I am an anti-theist stricly defined as one whom is aganist religion, not one whom is agianst those who are religious. I am agaist believing in Mythological Beings and living ones life as if they were real, particularly when those dieities wish harm on people, animals, or anything else.
This being said, religions do organize humanitarian efferts that are benifitial. Again I stress religion is not* necessary* for such humanitarian efferts. We shold howere, be honest and keep it real.
When religious folks casually “bless us” or “pray for us,” is it better to say “thanks, ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
If it's a drive by blessing by a stranger I am polite and appreciate thier thoughts. My friends know I'm an antheist so it is not a problem. I only take issue with it when they are making a point of being snooty. Then it is time to educate them into submission. Sometime soon thereafter they get embarrissed at their ignorance and find a way to leave or change the subject.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
If it's a drive by blessing by a stranger I am polite and appreciate thier thoughts. My friends know I'm an antheist so it is not a problem. I only take issue with it when they are making a point of being snooty. Then it is time to educate them into submission. Sometime soon thereafter they get embarrissed at their ignorance and find a way to leave or change the subject.
Does anyone else write answers on Quora regularly?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Daily I answer questions concerning atheism and Christianity and the bible. As I approach my answers from a purely historical perspective without dogma I am not very popular, but I do get likes daily. Sometimes I post my answers on facebook when thaty are fun.https://www.quora.com/How-would-atheists-explain-the-visions-of-insight-and-revelations-from-God-experienced-by-believers/answer/David-LaDeau?share=169ad5f1=3mQQj The questions are often pointed as this one was and ment to be a gotcha question....I may have rained on this poor fellows parade.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Daily I answer questions concerning atheism and Christianity and the bible. As I approach my answers from a purely historical perspective without dogma I am not very popular, but I do get likes daily. Sometimes I post my answers on facebook when thaty are fun.https://www.quora.com/How-would-atheists-explain-the-visions-of-insight-and-revelations-from-God-experienced-by-believers/answer/David-LaDeau?share=169ad5f1=3mQQj The questions are often pointed as this one was and ment to be a gotcha question....I may have rained on this poor fellows parade.
Soulmates?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
The term soulmate implies that we actually have supernatural souls and that these two souls are
"ment" to be together. It would really be a shame If mine was born in India 80 years after I was born. People simply like to entertain the idea that people are supernaturally joined.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
The term soulmate implies that we actually have supernatural souls and that these two souls are
"ment" to be together. It would really be a shame If mine was born in India 80 years after I was born. People simply like to entertain the idea that people are supernaturally joined.
Silliest belief of religious people?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
If prayers do work why hasn't disease been completely vanquished? Actually I did pray for tht as a Christian so I know its been done. So now the classical answer is "Its God's will." If this is the case than our free will means nothing...The endless circles of theology...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
If prayers do work why hasn't disease been completely vanquished? Actually I did pray for tht as a Christian so I know its been done. So now the classical answer is "Its God's will." If this is the case than our free will means nothing...The endless circles of theology...
Do your family and friends think you're going to hell?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Even though they claim to be Christian they don't seem very concerned about it. It strikes me odd as If they REALLY did believe the most important thing would be the condition of my soul.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Even though they claim to be Christian they don't seem very concerned about it. It strikes me odd as If they REALLY did believe the most important thing would be the condition of my soul.
WWJS?WWJD?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I am an Atheist and I'm proud! As for the rest of your post I don't exactly understand with the exception of an anti-trump vibe.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I am an Atheist and I'm proud! As for the rest of your post I don't exactly understand with the exception of an anti-trump vibe.
Give me your best "Yo Mama" joke.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
actually it was made up at the time and it was to my children....didn't go over so well with their mom....but she did smirk.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
actually it was made up at the time and it was to my children....didn't go over so well with their mom....but she did smirk.
I just created my first Vlog about my life inside a Pentecostal cult and how I escaped, hopefully ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Preach it brother...oops.... Make more videos and don't give up, you tube is tough but you do have wothrwhile things to say to many that were involved in mainstream cults like I was in the Methodist church. You will help others escape wether you hear about it personally or not.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Preach it brother...oops.... Make more videos and don't give up, you tube is tough but you do have wothrwhile things to say to many that were involved in mainstream cults like I was in the Methodist church. You will help others escape wether you hear about it personally or not.
Re-Incarnation: Life will be better next time around
Got chatting to this guy originally from ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
What is particularly sad about hinduism is the belief of Karma. That is one is destined by the gods to have the cast that they are born in due to their previous life. If the rich man actually helps a poor man he is acting against the gods will and will likely be punished for helping the poor man in the next life. So oppression of the poor is built into the religion. It in our terms would be a "sin" to actually help the poor. In the same manor if a poor person becomes sucessful they will be punished in the next life by being reincarnated into a lower cast or even worse a lower animal species.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
What is particularly sad about hinduism is the belief of Karma. That is one is destined by the gods to have the cast that they are born in due to their previous life. If the rich man actually helps a poor man he is acting against the gods will and will likely be punished for helping the poor man in the next life. So oppression of the poor is built into the religion. It in our terms would be a "sin" to actually help the poor. In the same manor if a poor person becomes sucessful they will be punished in the next life by being reincarnated into a lower cast or even worse a lower animal species.
I I am leaving room for the possibility of a god that produced The Big Bang.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I am content to be honest and say I don't know what the orgins of our universe or time/space continuum. I will not pretend to know what I do not know. As an athiest I simply do not believe there is a god. I have no responability to make up answers or to have answers, I will not be caught up in that theist game.
I was a fundamentalist wacko so I will fill you in on the thinking. All the animals were made from a "perfect" blueprint, Man was the perfect manifestation of this design, women "just" an imperfect copy of the male. Humans are completely different from animals as we are issued souls at birth as we are all something like demi-gods as we are Gods children. Everything else is "just" creatures for us to dominate and they are practically worthless as they don't get issued souls from the warehouse. Some believe in evolution and others don't, but it does not matter as we get to go to heaven or hell. Interestingly animals don't get to go to Heaven or Hell they just cease to exist. Why is God humane to them and not us?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I am content to be honest and say I don't know what the orgins of our universe or time/space continuum. I will not pretend to know what I do not know. As an athiest I simply do not believe there is a god. I have no responability to make up answers or to have answers, I will not be caught up in that theist game.
I was a fundamentalist wacko so I will fill you in on the thinking. All the animals were made from a "perfect" blueprint, Man was the perfect manifestation of this design, women "just" an imperfect copy of the male. Humans are completely different from animals as we are issued souls at birth as we are all something like demi-gods as we are Gods children. Everything else is "just" creatures for us to dominate and they are practically worthless as they don't get issued souls from the warehouse. Some believe in evolution and others don't, but it does not matter as we get to go to heaven or hell. Interestingly animals don't get to go to Heaven or Hell they just cease to exist. Why is God humane to them and not us?
What, in your opinion, is the greatest invention in human history?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Toilet paper was an excellent replacement for cactus.
P.S. I really did want to give an intellectual response but I'm tired and it's late, so the smart ass just came right out, Please forgive this episode.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Toilet paper was an excellent replacement for cactus.
P.S. I really did want to give an intellectual response but I'm tired and it's late, so the smart ass just came right out, Please forgive this episode.
Some religious fanatics commit an utterly incomprehensible evil by harming or even killing their ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
When anyone is harmed for any reason due to "religious" beliefs it is our duty as a community to protect the victim.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
When anyone is harmed for any reason due to "religious" beliefs it is our duty as a community to protect the victim.
I am a Unitarian Universalist.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I did not know they would have an atheist club...interesting. I am working on meeting local UU people to start an athiest club with not affilation with any church outside of huminist causes.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I did not know they would have an atheist club...interesting. I am working on meeting local UU people to start an athiest club with not affilation with any church outside of huminist causes.
Birth Control for men is on the way. How will this change society?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Its gonna work because....SATAN!!!! We will have to overcome the stigma that religion will give it.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Its gonna work because....SATAN!!!! We will have to overcome the stigma that religion will give it.
Hi friends.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
My condolences. I wish you the best.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
My condolences. I wish you the best.
Thinking about LEVELS...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Level 47 pthttthh!!!!!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Level 47 pthttthh!!!!!
Should Religion Be Taught in Schools?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Religious studies are important in history and have indeed shaped the cultures of the world. It is impossible to discuss history without mentioning religion. A great example is the crusades.
The problem we will run into as much as I do advocate the idea is that the curriculum will inevitably be abused to promote the local predominant religion. That is, if the local religion is Chirstianity it will have more time spent on it and it will be presented with much more ligimacy than others. Atheism may be excluded all together as it is not by defintion a religion. This may lead students to conclude that to be normal they*** have*** to choose a religion.
When ever a great idea comes and religion can take control of it there will be problems.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
Religious studies are important in history and have indeed shaped the cultures of the world. It is impossible to discuss history without mentioning religion. A great example is the crusades.
The problem we will run into as much as I do advocate the idea is that the curriculum will inevitably be abused to promote the local predominant religion. That is, if the local religion is Chirstianity it will have more time spent on it and it will be presented with much more ligimacy than others. Atheism may be excluded all together as it is not by defintion a religion. This may lead students to conclude that to be normal they*** have*** to choose a religion.
When ever a great idea comes and religion can take control of it there will be problems.
I scream, you scream!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I did not know it was possible to be human and not like ice cream, thank you for the education....Im sure your not a space alien...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 21, 2018:
I did not know it was possible to be human and not like ice cream, thank you for the education....Im sure your not a space alien...
“And in other news... President Trump’s military parade did not go quite as planned...”
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Which one is Trump?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Which one is Trump?
Is it possible to be atheist and spiritual.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
The word "spiritual" can mean almost anything to anyone. I take care not to use the word as if I use it it will be understood differently by everyone who hears it. Spirituallity is usually believed to be some sort of magical power or spirit. It can also be used or understoood in a purely emotional since. I do not believe in any super natural, magical spirit. When I was a child I was indroctionated into a fundamentalist, extremist Methodist church and convienced by my elders that emotional experiences I was coached to have were GOD.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
The word "spiritual" can mean almost anything to anyone. I take care not to use the word as if I use it it will be understood differently by everyone who hears it. Spirituallity is usually believed to be some sort of magical power or spirit. It can also be used or understoood in a purely emotional since. I do not believe in any super natural, magical spirit. When I was a child I was indroctionated into a fundamentalist, extremist Methodist church and convienced by my elders that emotional experiences I was coached to have were GOD.
Capitalism or Separation of Church and State
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Which is more dangerous in our language nouns or verbs? Some things just cant be oversimplified.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Which is more dangerous in our language nouns or verbs? Some things just cant be oversimplified.
Religion was created by man to divide us. There is no God. Prove me wrong
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
You have made the claim that Religion was created by man to divide us. By debate standards it is your burden of proof to support your claim.
I do agree with you that there is no god and cannot prove that something that does not exist, does not exist. Something has to exist to be observed and tested.
I do disagree with you conclusion that religion was created by man to divide us. The division of human beings is a *result* of religion not the purpose of religion. In my studies I have not found one reference to any religion being created to divide humans, but rather they are usually created to answer questions, unify, or provide some sort of solace to people.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
You have made the claim that Religion was created by man to divide us. By debate standards it is your burden of proof to support your claim.
I do agree with you that there is no god and cannot prove that something that does not exist, does not exist. Something has to exist to be observed and tested.
I do disagree with you conclusion that religion was created by man to divide us. The division of human beings is a *result* of religion not the purpose of religion. In my studies I have not found one reference to any religion being created to divide humans, but rather they are usually created to answer questions, unify, or provide some sort of solace to people.
How do you decide whether it's worth arguing with a religious person?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Its never productve to argue with anyone about anything. If they are willing to learn,
I will teach.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Its never productve to argue with anyone about anything. If they are willing to learn,
I will teach.
What are your thoughts on homeschooling
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Home schooling can be great with the right parents or a horrible education. Sometimes it far exceeds public schools or in my nieces case she had an actual public teacher (her father) and she is now 24 and can not read well enough to take a driver's test.
This being said my main concern is that in the United States home schooling is used as a front for religious indoctrination. Parents are allowed to alter the curriculum so that their children remain ignorant of science, sociology, and other religions. This creates a dangerous environment of possible bigotry being programmed into a child's thinking.
I went to a public school and was indoctrinated into young earth creationism now called intelligent design. I was taught to completely ignore actual science and was taught to avoid any other religion. I can't imagine any way I could have escaped if I was isolated at home with that extremists thinking.
It was exposure to the world OUTSIDE my religious micro culture that allowed me to understand that it was normal to question my beliefs.
If it was only for actual education and not abused for INDOCTRINATION I would be fine with it, as it is the idea scares me. I have spent my adult life trying to deprogram myself from the indoctrination as it is.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Home schooling can be great with the right parents or a horrible education. Sometimes it far exceeds public schools or in my nieces case she had an actual public teacher (her father) and she is now 24 and can not read well enough to take a driver's test.
This being said my main concern is that in the United States home schooling is used as a front for religious indoctrination. Parents are allowed to alter the curriculum so that their children remain ignorant of science, sociology, and other religions. This creates a dangerous environment of possible bigotry being programmed into a child's thinking.
I went to a public school and was indoctrinated into young earth creationism now called intelligent design. I was taught to completely ignore actual science and was taught to avoid any other religion. I can't imagine any way I could have escaped if I was isolated at home with that extremists thinking.
It was exposure to the world OUTSIDE my religious micro culture that allowed me to understand that it was normal to question my beliefs.
If it was only for actual education and not abused for INDOCTRINATION I would be fine with it, as it is the idea scares me. I have spent my adult life trying to deprogram myself from the indoctrination as it is.
If you had to legally change your name what would you switch it to?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Ima Postafarian
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Ima Postafarian
Atheism and mortality.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
As an atheist I'm much more at peace with death than when I was a fundamentalist whacko. I don't worry about them going to live in an eternal torturous Hell. I know they will be like they were before they were born. I think non existence is better than "peace". With peace there is the suggestion that there is something else that is not peaceful. Would it be possible to be at peace knowing that your relatives and friends were suffering in Hell? How could peace exist in such a case? I am happy with what we know and con observe. That when our brain stops functioning we for all practical purposes simply don't exist and thus there is no possibility of suffering.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
As an atheist I'm much more at peace with death than when I was a fundamentalist whacko. I don't worry about them going to live in an eternal torturous Hell. I know they will be like they were before they were born. I think non existence is better than "peace". With peace there is the suggestion that there is something else that is not peaceful. Would it be possible to be at peace knowing that your relatives and friends were suffering in Hell? How could peace exist in such a case? I am happy with what we know and con observe. That when our brain stops functioning we for all practical purposes simply don't exist and thus there is no possibility of suffering.
Geez does it get any tougher than living in a town filled with churchgs
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
To answer your question yes. When your a child fundamentalist whacko indoctrinated into their beliefs. Luckily I out grew Santa and Jesus.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 20, 2018:
To answer your question yes. When your a child fundamentalist whacko indoctrinated into their beliefs. Luckily I out grew Santa and Jesus.
'Queer Disbelief' pairs atheists and LGBTQ communities as allies - Religion News ServiceReligion ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
We are both fighting against marginalization and bigotry. The LGBT community is a great example of how we can normalize atheist in a dominatly Christian nation.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
We are both fighting against marginalization and bigotry. The LGBT community is a great example of how we can normalize atheist in a dominatly Christian nation.
And this is why I call my progression from Catholic/christian/theist to atheist, "My born again ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
I agree with Jerry here. I don't ever use the term "lost my faith". I simply grew when I found out it was not true. That is a very positive thing.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
I agree with Jerry here. I don't ever use the term "lost my faith". I simply grew when I found out it was not true. That is a very positive thing.
I am not an atheist because I am mad at your god.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Thank you for sharing this. It is very much lkie what I have to repeat daily.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Thank you for sharing this. It is very much lkie what I have to repeat daily.
How come we think doggies and kitties are pets and piggies, chickens and cows are food?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
It is a combination of culture and ancient necessity. Dogs could help hunt and give the alarm or even fight for us. Cats helped to keep down rodents that would steal grain and cause disease. Other animals such as horses have use and have become pets. Meat animals were simple to tame, and easy to keep yet we're not as useful for other 'work' and thus became meat animals. This is changing rapidly as people now in domesticated countries keep animals such as pigs and goats as pets.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
It is a combination of culture and ancient necessity. Dogs could help hunt and give the alarm or even fight for us. Cats helped to keep down rodents that would steal grain and cause disease. Other animals such as horses have use and have become pets. Meat animals were simple to tame, and easy to keep yet we're not as useful for other 'work' and thus became meat animals. This is changing rapidly as people now in domesticated countries keep animals such as pigs and goats as pets.
As a former Jehovah's Witness, I'm curious how this community views the group.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
As a historian it is simply like any other religion. I am concerned about it as I was I involved with an extremist fundamentalist Christian church when I was young. I was controlled just as much as any JW, we were taught that we were normal and the JWs were a cult. It was the old pot calling the kettle black.
In some respects such as the lack of belief in the trinity the JWs are much closer to some of the earliest Christian beliefs, on other accounts such as insisting on calling the Abrahamic God Jehovah, they like any other religion have simply made stuff up.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
As a historian it is simply like any other religion. I am concerned about it as I was I involved with an extremist fundamentalist Christian church when I was young. I was controlled just as much as any JW, we were taught that we were normal and the JWs were a cult. It was the old pot calling the kettle black.
In some respects such as the lack of belief in the trinity the JWs are much closer to some of the earliest Christian beliefs, on other accounts such as insisting on calling the Abrahamic God Jehovah, they like any other religion have simply made stuff up.
It's that time again: The Rapture Is April 23
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
This fellow is going to have the opportunity to write a book that says there were a few things that were 'revealed' to him about why he miscalculated. His new date will be featured in the book and make him a boat load of cash. Shouldn't there be a term for end of the world scams? Something like doom scammers...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
This fellow is going to have the opportunity to write a book that says there were a few things that were 'revealed' to him about why he miscalculated. His new date will be featured in the book and make him a boat load of cash. Shouldn't there be a term for end of the world scams? Something like doom scammers...
Announcing the greatest invention of all time.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Just to think I've always put the goats in the back...unfortunately I'm not kidding.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Just to think I've always put the goats in the back...unfortunately I'm not kidding.
I am so ANGRY right now! I teach at a public university, and tonight was going to attend a major ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Keep the emails, I hope it does not get nasty for you.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Keep the emails, I hope it does not get nasty for you.
Do you believe in Karma?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Karma is the belief that what you do in this life will affect the next life. I am an atheist and do not believe in magical afterlifes. It is misunderstood in the U.S. to mean that if you do evil in this life you will have harm done to you in this life as some kind of magical punishment. This also has no evidence. Is it not possible that breaking your thumb was simply coincidental? What proof is there that some magical force had anything to do with it? These are the types of questions I ask myself in order to determine what is real and not real.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Karma is the belief that what you do in this life will affect the next life. I am an atheist and do not believe in magical afterlifes. It is misunderstood in the U.S. to mean that if you do evil in this life you will have harm done to you in this life as some kind of magical punishment. This also has no evidence. Is it not possible that breaking your thumb was simply coincidental? What proof is there that some magical force had anything to do with it? These are the types of questions I ask myself in order to determine what is real and not real.
A modern interpretation of West African Polyrhythms dating back over 1,000 years
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
An amazing display of cultural tradition. It is one thing to study history, quite another to experience it. Thank you for sharing all of our heritage.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
An amazing display of cultural tradition. It is one thing to study history, quite another to experience it. Thank you for sharing all of our heritage.
Is it ok to like religious music but disagree with the words.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
I like alot of religious music. I'm not going to go to concerts or buy their music, but good music is well, good. I have gone to see Shelly Segal and I did make a point of buying a cd from her personally just to show my support.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
I like alot of religious music. I'm not going to go to concerts or buy their music, but good music is well, good. I have gone to see Shelly Segal and I did make a point of buying a cd from her personally just to show my support.
So I don't know the protocol here, let me know if I'm violating a rule or anything, but I would like...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Sounds great to me. Tell kate hi. I'm a big fan of hers. Bionic dance is all that!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 19, 2018:
Sounds great to me. Tell kate hi. I'm a big fan of hers. Bionic dance is all that!
Okay, yesterday I ate a pint of Chunky Monkey and today I ate a pint of Cherry Garcia.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 16, 2018:
Chubby Hubby of course...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 16, 2018:
Chubby Hubby of course...
Why one must defIne oneself by degrees of dIsbelIef. For me, relIgIon Is Irrelevant.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 15, 2018:
It seems that agnostics and atheists are defind by the majority, being thiest, and not by ourselves. As a result we often fall in line to* their* theology. This is why I am so adamant that we use the term atheist in order to normalize it so that we can define it.
As atheist we simply do not believe, it is like a light switch, you either belive or you don't.
Agnostics may be questioning what or who god is. This is good as they are using reason to question thier beliefs. They may belief in many things. My mother believes we were planted by space aliens(It will take more time to explain evolution to her, and that its real). With agnostics there is going to be many degrees of belief. This is to be expected. It is our job as athiest to simply help them use reason so that they can sort it out on their own.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 15, 2018:
It seems that agnostics and atheists are defind by the majority, being thiest, and not by ourselves. As a result we often fall in line to* their* theology. This is why I am so adamant that we use the term atheist in order to normalize it so that we can define it.
As atheist we simply do not believe, it is like a light switch, you either belive or you don't.
Agnostics may be questioning what or who god is. This is good as they are using reason to question thier beliefs. They may belief in many things. My mother believes we were planted by space aliens(It will take more time to explain evolution to her, and that its real). With agnostics there is going to be many degrees of belief. This is to be expected. It is our job as athiest to simply help them use reason so that they can sort it out on their own.
Friday Evening, I was coming out of the lab at the biggest hospital in town.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 11, 2018:
This is really sad that you were concerned about it at all. As it appears you were doing your work to actually help someone, meanwhile, people wished you to stop doing something that could help someone to be involved in a magic ceremony. Then they seemed to be upset with you. Sometimes it's just crazy when you break it down in real terms.
It does sound like you were professional and handled yourself well. Good luck in the future.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 11, 2018:
This is really sad that you were concerned about it at all. As it appears you were doing your work to actually help someone, meanwhile, people wished you to stop doing something that could help someone to be involved in a magic ceremony. Then they seemed to be upset with you. Sometimes it's just crazy when you break it down in real terms.
It does sound like you were professional and handled yourself well. Good luck in the future.
Friday Evening, I was coming out of the lab at the biggest hospital in town.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 11, 2018:
This is really sad that you were concerned about it at all. As it appears you were doing your work to actually help someone, meanwhile, people wished you to stop doing something that could help someone to be involved in a magic ceremony. Then they seemed to be upset with you. Sometimes it's just crazy when you break it down in real terms.
It does sound like you were professional and handled yourself well. Good luck in the future.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 11, 2018:
This is really sad that you were concerned about it at all. As it appears you were doing your work to actually help someone, meanwhile, people wished you to stop doing something that could help someone to be involved in a magic ceremony. Then they seemed to be upset with you. Sometimes it's just crazy when you break it down in real terms.
It does sound like you were professional and handled yourself well. Good luck in the future.
Hi People - I'm new here.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 11, 2018:
Welcome, this is a great place!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 11, 2018:
Welcome, this is a great place!
An Atheist clergy.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 8, 2018:
This group is trying to make a difference.http://firstchurchofatheism.org/ There is a need for athiest pastors. Now whle that does sound crazy, clergy are given special privaleges that others do not have, such as access to military baes and prisons, and the ability to preside over funerals and weddings. There are athiest in foxholes in the military and it is important to have athiest clergy in the military for those who do not want religion but do want support.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 8, 2018:
This group is trying to make a difference.http://firstchurchofatheism.org/ There is a need for athiest pastors. Now whle that does sound crazy, clergy are given special privaleges that others do not have, such as access to military baes and prisons, and the ability to preside over funerals and weddings. There are athiest in foxholes in the military and it is important to have athiest clergy in the military for those who do not want religion but do want support.
How religion works
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I like it. It is very true. The problem is that many religions teach that its believers must convert or destroy anyone who does not adhere to their beliefs. In such cases such simple logic is incomprehensible to them.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I like it. It is very true. The problem is that many religions teach that its believers must convert or destroy anyone who does not adhere to their beliefs. In such cases such simple logic is incomprehensible to them.
Anyone here read the DUNE series of books by Frank Herbert?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Dune was my favorite sci fi series. I wonder how much background in religious studies Frank had. It is a very good point now that you mention it, actually he wrote it in such a minor that it was not only believable but completely logical and almost to be expected, bit not in the since of a easily foreseeable plot. It just was how religions go and how people react. It could be a case study for religious anthropologist.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Dune was my favorite sci fi series. I wonder how much background in religious studies Frank had. It is a very good point now that you mention it, actually he wrote it in such a minor that it was not only believable but completely logical and almost to be expected, bit not in the since of a easily foreseeable plot. It just was how religions go and how people react. It could be a case study for religious anthropologist.
I remember being in religious debates online, and I remember being told to have an open mind-- ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I have noticed that when free thinkers,say have an open mind they mean think. When theist say have an open mind they mean throw out all reason.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I have noticed that when free thinkers,say have an open mind they mean think. When theist say have an open mind they mean throw out all reason.
I have met someone who desires me.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Life is what you make of it, make a life of it. People can be bad or good. You don't know until you make the dive how thrilling it will be or how the water will feel. We don't have a magic sky daddy to make it all right so we have to take the risk or crawl in a hole.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Life is what you make of it, make a life of it. People can be bad or good. You don't know until you make the dive how thrilling it will be or how the water will feel. We don't have a magic sky daddy to make it all right so we have to take the risk or crawl in a hole.
Trying to find answers to the universe. They may not exist. The answers, I mean. Questions?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I like the idea of an all powerful sky daddy just waiting to answer all my prayers like a genie. Unfortunately I don't actually believe in Santa either. I like the fact that I actually have power and control over myself. Now that is real power!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I like the idea of an all powerful sky daddy just waiting to answer all my prayers like a genie. Unfortunately I don't actually believe in Santa either. I like the fact that I actually have power and control over myself. Now that is real power!
Christian nation
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Humans,have certain principals they live by and agree to as a whole. We could just as well and more accurately say we are an ape nation. We are apes after all.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Humans,have certain principals they live by and agree to as a whole. We could just as well and more accurately say we are an ape nation. We are apes after all.
How do our American friends cope with the toxic interference of religion in politics?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
We simply don't know any better. I often have wondered how people live in Israel with bombs going off all the time. The answer is it is normal. I grew up thinking the "commies"( no insult intended) would drop a nuke on my face. My children are used to the idea of terrorism and school shooting yet still go to school and concerts.
We are used to religion invading our lives so much we don't even notice it. You would be shocked by what we don't even notice.
On the other hand I wonder why folks like yourself even care about atheist issues. It as I understand it is not that much of an issue. I am glad you are interested and are glad you are a part of the community. Why do you folks bother to be active and speak out when religion is not pushed on you at every turn? Perhaps it is more prevalent than I am aware of and I am being presumptuous.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
We simply don't know any better. I often have wondered how people live in Israel with bombs going off all the time. The answer is it is normal. I grew up thinking the "commies"( no insult intended) would drop a nuke on my face. My children are used to the idea of terrorism and school shooting yet still go to school and concerts.
We are used to religion invading our lives so much we don't even notice it. You would be shocked by what we don't even notice.
On the other hand I wonder why folks like yourself even care about atheist issues. It as I understand it is not that much of an issue. I am glad you are interested and are glad you are a part of the community. Why do you folks bother to be active and speak out when religion is not pushed on you at every turn? Perhaps it is more prevalent than I am aware of and I am being presumptuous.
While talking with people.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Jesus wept. Just kidding. I am an adamant atheist. That being said as a historian and a human I refuse to deny honestly that there are many good teachings and principles in the bible. It is when people take it literally that there is a problem. I will give my favorite. " The truth shall set you free." It actually, really did....from religion.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Jesus wept. Just kidding. I am an adamant atheist. That being said as a historian and a human I refuse to deny honestly that there are many good teachings and principles in the bible. It is when people take it literally that there is a problem. I will give my favorite. " The truth shall set you free." It actually, really did....from religion.
Am a recent member.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
This is actually the best site I've found in many years of searching. I prefer the deeper religious discussions myself, but I have found it is a great place to get a feel for where peoples minds are. We are serious, light hearted, sometimes express dark humour and do vent. It is healthy. We do not tolerate bigotry, hate or other anti humanist crap.
Stick around, there are many groups that may fit your fancy!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
This is actually the best site I've found in many years of searching. I prefer the deeper religious discussions myself, but I have found it is a great place to get a feel for where peoples minds are. We are serious, light hearted, sometimes express dark humour and do vent. It is healthy. We do not tolerate bigotry, hate or other anti humanist crap.
Stick around, there are many groups that may fit your fancy!
A good question.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
An atheist can't understand.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
An atheist can't understand.
I'm new to this site and only just beginning to explore. Curious to know what prompted you to join?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I am goal oriented. I want people to know it is ok to question ones beliefs and to explore things for themselves. Agnostics are in the position to explore possibilities and are ready and open to question. Agnostics think and do not just buy what is told to them by some guy. It is a great place to explore and learn. Better yet it is a great group of open minded people the are not judgmental.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 4, 2018:
I am goal oriented. I want people to know it is ok to question ones beliefs and to explore things for themselves. Agnostics are in the position to explore possibilities and are ready and open to question. Agnostics think and do not just buy what is told to them by some guy. It is a great place to explore and learn. Better yet it is a great group of open minded people the are not judgmental.
I’m guiding my office on a hike this Friday as parod a “morale” day, and the trail that won ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I was one of those wackos. Speak in the third person. Paleontologist and geologist say these were made 10 million years ago. You are referring to the experts and not challenging him directly.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I was one of those wackos. Speak in the third person. Paleontologist and geologist say these were made 10 million years ago. You are referring to the experts and not challenging him directly.
One of my favorite people who walked this Earth was Christopher Hitchens.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The god virus by Darrel Ray is the most under rated book in the secular community. I can not express how important of a work it is. Other than that how to create an atheist by Peter Boghossian, is an absolute must read. I don't need to mention the others...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The god virus by Darrel Ray is the most under rated book in the secular community. I can not express how important of a work it is. Other than that how to create an atheist by Peter Boghossian, is an absolute must read. I don't need to mention the others...
Does anybody have any comments to make about their encounters with Catholic Priests?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I have not had a lot of contact with them. I have noticed that clergy are generally in the protestant religion to be seen as leaders, while priest are seen as being direct conduits to god and given as much deference as god himself. Catholics revere priest as god itself in many cases.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I have not had a lot of contact with them. I have noticed that clergy are generally in the protestant religion to be seen as leaders, while priest are seen as being direct conduits to god and given as much deference as god himself. Catholics revere priest as god itself in many cases.
We are an eclectic group on this site: gay, straight, American, Brit, Aussie, Kiwi, agnostic, ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I think you hit the nail on the head. We do have differences and respect them. We do not squabble about "the right teachings", rather we explore others ideas.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I think you hit the nail on the head. We do have differences and respect them. We do not squabble about "the right teachings", rather we explore others ideas.
Whenever we pass a popular Christian holiday like Easter, I find myself reading up on the pagan ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Actually, I take a break from the study of religious history to visit this site.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Actually, I take a break from the study of religious history to visit this site.
The World's Newest Major Religion: No Religion
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
No. Educated countries with internet access are the winners. In third world countries religion is growing ad well as the populations demographics. They are poor uneducated people that easily become victims of any possibility of hope. They do not have access or are told birth control is harmful often by missionaries, and thus out pace first world countries as far as birth rates.
Hopefully the term third world countries will not exist in the future, until then we all will suffer.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
No. Educated countries with internet access are the winners. In third world countries religion is growing ad well as the populations demographics. They are poor uneducated people that easily become victims of any possibility of hope. They do not have access or are told birth control is harmful often by missionaries, and thus out pace first world countries as far as birth rates.
Hopefully the term third world countries will not exist in the future, until then we all will suffer.
How do Believers become Non-Believers
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
As we get older we out grow the notion of Santa. We come the the realization that he is mythical. Grown ups, sometimes mature in such a major that they outgrow religion. Christopher Hitchens once said "Athiesm is not chosen, it is discovered."
Many people are so indoctrinated and wish to be accepted by their family and community so much they would never think of questioning reality.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
As we get older we out grow the notion of Santa. We come the the realization that he is mythical. Grown ups, sometimes mature in such a major that they outgrow religion. Christopher Hitchens once said "Athiesm is not chosen, it is discovered."
Many people are so indoctrinated and wish to be accepted by their family and community so much they would never think of questioning reality.
Pope Francis: 'There Is No Hell'
This is interesting and apparently has Catholic theologians ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Wow I've got to look further into this one. Its a bombshell! I have studied Catholicism in a historical context for years. I really don't know what to make of it. The pope is the mouth piece of god. This means what the pope says is what god says by proxy. This undermines the whole structure if the church. I think this story will be quietly buried and swept under the carpet. Pope Francis will likely be advised to never speak is such terms again.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Wow I've got to look further into this one. Its a bombshell! I have studied Catholicism in a historical context for years. I really don't know what to make of it. The pope is the mouth piece of god. This means what the pope says is what god says by proxy. This undermines the whole structure if the church. I think this story will be quietly buried and swept under the carpet. Pope Francis will likely be advised to never speak is such terms again.
Do we have a soul?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The soul was the explaination for the mind by ancient man. The conscious mind was not tangible like an arm or leg. It could not be seen or touched. So it was thought to be separate from the body as they did not understand the chemical, biological and electrical synapses that makes up our consciousness. Eventually the idea that the mind still existed out side of the body beyond death was inevitable. The soul is the modern religious interpretation of this thinking. The soul is the mind now made into a mythical spiritual element.
I do not have a magical spirit. I do possess a mind. So do I have a soul? It depends on ones definition.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The soul was the explaination for the mind by ancient man. The conscious mind was not tangible like an arm or leg. It could not be seen or touched. So it was thought to be separate from the body as they did not understand the chemical, biological and electrical synapses that makes up our consciousness. Eventually the idea that the mind still existed out side of the body beyond death was inevitable. The soul is the modern religious interpretation of this thinking. The soul is the mind now made into a mythical spiritual element.
I do not have a magical spirit. I do possess a mind. So do I have a soul? It depends on ones definition.
Google snubbed Easter with no doodle for 18th year in a row, Christians say | Fox News
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Christians are upset that a private company did not promote their religion...makes perfect since.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Christians are upset that a private company did not promote their religion...makes perfect since.
To be True to Agnostics you must first and foremost be a lover of History, and having had some ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The dark ages were a result of Christians suppressing all knowledge that was not written in or cohesive to the bible. All that knowledge was destroyed in order to make people more dependant on the church. It worked and people starved.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The dark ages were a result of Christians suppressing all knowledge that was not written in or cohesive to the bible. All that knowledge was destroyed in order to make people more dependant on the church. It worked and people starved.
If one doesn't believe in god does that also mean they don't believe in Satan as well.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The Hebrews were originally polythiest. They believed in many gods. As the religion evolved into a monotheistic view, the other gods became angels. The Satan character is one of those angels that morphed into an evil character in Christianity. Satan literally became the fall guy to explain evil, famines, and misfortune in the world. This was in order to explain why an all good god did not do good in our world. It was thought to be a cosmic spiritual battle that we had no control over. Thus we get the end time doomsday stories where it is promised that evil will be conquered.
If one does not believe that god exist one can not honestly believe that its minions or antagonist do exist. Does anyone believe that Zeus does not exist but the lesser gods he rules do in fact exist?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
The Hebrews were originally polythiest. They believed in many gods. As the religion evolved into a monotheistic view, the other gods became angels. The Satan character is one of those angels that morphed into an evil character in Christianity. Satan literally became the fall guy to explain evil, famines, and misfortune in the world. This was in order to explain why an all good god did not do good in our world. It was thought to be a cosmic spiritual battle that we had no control over. Thus we get the end time doomsday stories where it is promised that evil will be conquered.
If one does not believe that god exist one can not honestly believe that its minions or antagonist do exist. Does anyone believe that Zeus does not exist but the lesser gods he rules do in fact exist?
Circumcision
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Lets face it. It is a very ancient practice as far as I can tell it may have originated from the Egyptian culture. It was practiced perhaps a 1000 years before the Hebrew religion was made up.
Where I grew up you could line up the men and with a quick inspection of their penises tell them if their parents were Protestant or Catholic.
The root of circumcision is religion. It has also become a cultural rite as a result.
Many children such as my son were simply circumcised to "look like Dad."
There are many arguments that is is medically valid and necessary. This is still driven by religious and cultural norms. There can be medical reasons for it in certain circumstances, but in general, normally it is not necessary. The medical argument is simply an excuse to proprogate the "norm."
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Lets face it. It is a very ancient practice as far as I can tell it may have originated from the Egyptian culture. It was practiced perhaps a 1000 years before the Hebrew religion was made up.
Where I grew up you could line up the men and with a quick inspection of their penises tell them if their parents were Protestant or Catholic.
The root of circumcision is religion. It has also become a cultural rite as a result.
Many children such as my son were simply circumcised to "look like Dad."
There are many arguments that is is medically valid and necessary. This is still driven by religious and cultural norms. There can be medical reasons for it in certain circumstances, but in general, normally it is not necessary. The medical argument is simply an excuse to proprogate the "norm."
Here's another upstanding humble servant of Christ.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
It is easy to call this guy a perv, and if he is guilty he is. We must also keep in mind not to stereotype all pastors as such. Clergy do have a position of authority that children are taught not to question and so it does attract predators and we must be cognizant of this. We must also be our own monitors and do our best not to put all clergy into to perv box in our brain.
Most clergy are in fact good people that are poisoned with the delusion of religion. We must have empathy for this majority and see to it that the pervs are dealt with according to the justice system.
We as atheist and agnostics are not immune to "group think" any more than theist and we must always be cognizant of this.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
It is easy to call this guy a perv, and if he is guilty he is. We must also keep in mind not to stereotype all pastors as such. Clergy do have a position of authority that children are taught not to question and so it does attract predators and we must be cognizant of this. We must also be our own monitors and do our best not to put all clergy into to perv box in our brain.
Most clergy are in fact good people that are poisoned with the delusion of religion. We must have empathy for this majority and see to it that the pervs are dealt with according to the justice system.
We as atheist and agnostics are not immune to "group think" any more than theist and we must always be cognizant of this.
Yay!! Got my t-shirt today! Woot woot! ????
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Awesome! I can't wait to get my own! P.S. like my comment to speed up the delivery!
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Awesome! I can't wait to get my own! P.S. like my comment to speed up the delivery!
What caused you to question god
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I was a young earth creationist, fundamentalist, extremist, wacko. I read the bible more times as a teen than most Christians have read it in their lifetime. Really... Need I say more? The best way to make an atheist is to have a person read their founding document.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
I was a young earth creationist, fundamentalist, extremist, wacko. I read the bible more times as a teen than most Christians have read it in their lifetime. Really... Need I say more? The best way to make an atheist is to have a person read their founding document.
Who's your favorite atheist comedian?
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Ricky gervais. Hit you tube and put in the key words reads the bible.
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 3, 2018:
Ricky gervais. Hit you tube and put in the key words reads the bible.
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