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RussRAB comments on Nov 15, 2019:
That face looks like every time we ever attempted to "dress up" our dogs even if they needed a little extra warmth from the cold. It's a face that says, "Really!? Are you kidding???"
RussRAB comments on Nov 15, 2019:
That face looks like every time we ever attempted to "dress up" our dogs even if they needed a little extra warmth from the cold. It's a face that says, "Really!? Are you kidding???"
Ohio Law Would Allow Students To Give Wrong Answers Because Of Religious Belief | Michael Stone
RussRAB comments on Nov 14, 2019:
So, Holocaust deniers are also allowed to give wrong answers on WWII history tests because of their beliefs? Racists are allowed to give wrong answers about slavery in America and race relations afterward because of theirs? This is a slippery slope that has no useful or valid result.
RussRAB comments on Nov 14, 2019:
So, Holocaust deniers are also allowed to give wrong answers on WWII history tests because of their beliefs? Racists are allowed to give wrong answers about slavery in America and race relations afterward because of theirs? This is a slippery slope that has no useful or valid result.
The national debt jumped to $800B in October.
RussRAB comments on Nov 14, 2019:
Considering that certain segments of the Middle class realized a tax increase with the last round of tax cuts, it would appear that a few Americans are required to pay toward their $4k deficit share. Too bad these are Americans who weren't necessarily in a position to afford the increase in thrir taxes.
We have an up-side-down political system at this time in our history. Our elected representatives are supposed to represent the people of their districts, but political campaigns require so much money to finance, candidates need to raise money where they can, and where they can often means they become beholden to wealthy donors instead of constituents. The Kochs bragged in past elections about dedicating cash in one election cycld at levels that most Americans would never come close to seeing in several lifetimes. This cash is directed into multiple races influencing candidates outside of the Koch's home district where they cast their vote. Why should a candidate from my voting district need or be allowed to become beholden to the Kochs who can only vote with their $$$ in my district? Elected officials need to become representatives of their constituents and not of corporations or the wealthy who can propell them into office.
RussRAB comments on Nov 14, 2019:
Considering that certain segments of the Middle class realized a tax increase with the last round of tax cuts, it would appear that a few Americans are required to pay toward their $4k deficit share. Too bad these are Americans who weren't necessarily in a position to afford the increase in thrir taxes.
We have an up-side-down political system at this time in our history. Our elected representatives are supposed to represent the people of their districts, but political campaigns require so much money to finance, candidates need to raise money where they can, and where they can often means they become beholden to wealthy donors instead of constituents. The Kochs bragged in past elections about dedicating cash in one election cycld at levels that most Americans would never come close to seeing in several lifetimes. This cash is directed into multiple races influencing candidates outside of the Koch's home district where they cast their vote. Why should a candidate from my voting district need or be allowed to become beholden to the Kochs who can only vote with their $$$ in my district? Elected officials need to become representatives of their constituents and not of corporations or the wealthy who can propell them into office.
The smallest Book in the World... "The Military Heroes Of The trump Family".
RussRAB comments on Nov 12, 2019:
Appears to be oversized.
RussRAB comments on Nov 12, 2019:
Appears to be oversized.
Can anyone with theology knowledge (or knows someone with) explain this?
RussRAB comments on Nov 12, 2019:
Love that last line of your post, btw.
If the God of the Bible possessed all the characteristics claimed, the Bible could be condensed into a pamphlet. God could just pluck up Joseph and pregnant Mary and move them to anywhere in the world. But, No! They had to travel by foot and by donkey for a stupid census that makes no sense.
RussRAB comments on Nov 12, 2019:
Love that last line of your post, btw.
If the God of the Bible possessed all the characteristics claimed, the Bible could be condensed into a pamphlet. God could just pluck up Joseph and pregnant Mary and move them to anywhere in the world. But, No! They had to travel by foot and by donkey for a stupid census that makes no sense.
Can anyone with theology knowledge (or knows someone with) explain this?
RussRAB comments on Nov 12, 2019:
Biblical scholar and New Testament expert Bart Ehrman has said he believes this detail of the story - while most likely false - is evidence that Jesus was a real individual. Why would the creators of this story go to such lengths and create a falsehood to get Jesus' parents from where they lived to Bethlehem where the Massiah had to be born to fulfill prophesy. Of course if this is true, it doesn't make the Jesus of the Bible any more factual, get perhaps legendary rather than mythological.
RussRAB comments on Nov 12, 2019:
Biblical scholar and New Testament expert Bart Ehrman has said he believes this detail of the story - while most likely false - is evidence that Jesus was a real individual. Why would the creators of this story go to such lengths and create a falsehood to get Jesus' parents from where they lived to Bethlehem where the Massiah had to be born to fulfill prophesy. Of course if this is true, it doesn't make the Jesus of the Bible any more factual, get perhaps legendary rather than mythological.
As we attempt to shift our culture from superstition based to one based on science and the reality ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Here in Texas, we see churches pop up in strip malls, and then disappear. Some stick around for quite a while. One along an old highway has occupies a whole strip mall since we moved here.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
Here in Texas, we see churches pop up in strip malls, and then disappear. Some stick around for quite a while. One along an old highway has occupies a whole strip mall since we moved here.
Medical study proves validity of speaking in tongues - The Christian Post
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or affiliation (but mine was hardly a thorough review). Actually, the integrated health approach from The Marcus Institute appeared interesting to me, but again mine wasn't a thorough review, and I am very suspicious after reading HippieChick58's linked article.
I found several bits from the article disturbing in terms of simulating scientific research. An example comes from the openning sentence: "findings from a medical study proving that the practice of speaking in tongues is sourced by the Holy Spirit." The "Holy Spirit" in this case is an assumed entity and not a proven one. Proving anything is source from an unproven entity is impossible to prove making this article false from its initial introduction. Other problems I would believe are serious involve the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes "speaking in tongues" or in "heavenly tongues". How does one differentiate between "heavenly tongues" and someone faking it? Unlike speaking a language such as French or Japanese (as Genessa mentions) we have no standards of any heavenly language and no one can say what constitutes this speak from made up syllables or babbling. Brain scans may detect certain states of brain activity but cannot validate an actual language from nonsense.
I found the interpretation resulting in this statement from the researcher particularly disturbing: "“[The test subject’s] scan showed that the frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls language, was active when he prayed in English. But for the most part, it fell quiet when he prayed in tongues.”" "Dr. Newberg confirmed this finding saying, “When they are actually engaged in this whole very intense spiritual practice for them, their frontal lobes tend to go down in activity, but I think it’s very consistent with the kind of experience that they have because they say that they are not in charge—it’s the voice of God, the Spirit of God that’s moving through them.”" Why did Dr. Newberg choose to interpret this phemenon as "the voice of God" instead of what would seem a much more like likely explanation that "praying in tongues" is not language - since the language centers of the brain shut down - but randon syllables which may be akin to Buddhist mantras used during meditation sessions. Brain scans of these Buddhists during deep mecitation would make an interesting comparison. Again, however, the concept of God is an assumed quantity with no proven existence. Any conclusion using God would ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
I was concerned that this research comes out of the U of Pennsylvania even though they are siting a 2008 study. The doctor in charge of the study was visiting from The Marcus Institute and Thomas Jefferson Univ. A quick scan of the website for these organizations didn't show a religious bent or affiliation (but mine was hardly a thorough review). Actually, the integrated health approach from The Marcus Institute appeared interesting to me, but again mine wasn't a thorough review, and I am very suspicious after reading HippieChick58's linked article.
I found several bits from the article disturbing in terms of simulating scientific research. An example comes from the openning sentence: "findings from a medical study proving that the practice of speaking in tongues is sourced by the Holy Spirit." The "Holy Spirit" in this case is an assumed entity and not a proven one. Proving anything is source from an unproven entity is impossible to prove making this article false from its initial introduction. Other problems I would believe are serious involve the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes "speaking in tongues" or in "heavenly tongues". How does one differentiate between "heavenly tongues" and someone faking it? Unlike speaking a language such as French or Japanese (as Genessa mentions) we have no standards of any heavenly language and no one can say what constitutes this speak from made up syllables or babbling. Brain scans may detect certain states of brain activity but cannot validate an actual language from nonsense.
I found the interpretation resulting in this statement from the researcher particularly disturbing: "“[The test subject’s] scan showed that the frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls language, was active when he prayed in English. But for the most part, it fell quiet when he prayed in tongues.”" "Dr. Newberg confirmed this finding saying, “When they are actually engaged in this whole very intense spiritual practice for them, their frontal lobes tend to go down in activity, but I think it’s very consistent with the kind of experience that they have because they say that they are not in charge—it’s the voice of God, the Spirit of God that’s moving through them.”" Why did Dr. Newberg choose to interpret this phemenon as "the voice of God" instead of what would seem a much more like likely explanation that "praying in tongues" is not language - since the language centers of the brain shut down - but randon syllables which may be akin to Buddhist mantras used during meditation sessions. Brain scans of these Buddhists during deep mecitation would make an interesting comparison. Again, however, the concept of God is an assumed quantity with no proven existence. Any conclusion using God would ...
Oh, yes. I've done the chair thing many times!
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
On various levels, they wanted us to accept it all without question or complaint. They also tried to guilt us into doing even more.
RussRAB comments on Nov 10, 2019:
On various levels, they wanted us to accept it all without question or complaint. They also tried to guilt us into doing even more.
After waking me up at 6:30 to let them out, they go right back to sleep.
RussRAB comments on Nov 9, 2019:
Mine insist on some attention when they come in early in the morning. Then they go back to sleep.
RussRAB comments on Nov 9, 2019:
Mine insist on some attention when they come in early in the morning. Then they go back to sleep.
How do you deal with Christmas?
RussRAB comments on Nov 8, 2019:
Do you mean that Christmas holiday with decorated evergreens, Santa Claus, snowmen, Rudolph, candy canes, and exchanging gifts? That time of year was celebrated long before it was assigned as a religious holiday. If the term 'Christmas' is bothersome, call it the Yuletide holiday or anytbing you prefer. No need to miss out on the festivities because Christians claim it as thrir own. It doesn't belong to them exclusively.
RussRAB comments on Nov 8, 2019:
Do you mean that Christmas holiday with decorated evergreens, Santa Claus, snowmen, Rudolph, candy canes, and exchanging gifts? That time of year was celebrated long before it was assigned as a religious holiday. If the term 'Christmas' is bothersome, call it the Yuletide holiday or anytbing you prefer. No need to miss out on the festivities because Christians claim it as thrir own. It doesn't belong to them exclusively.
Well there you go, apparently God prefers kind atheists to some Christians! (Probably depends on ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 8, 2019:
I'd love to see the reaction to this message from certain Christians. We would likely see some Christian on Christian "disagreement".
RussRAB comments on Nov 8, 2019:
I'd love to see the reaction to this message from certain Christians. We would likely see some Christian on Christian "disagreement".
This is Beo ( let's see if anyone gets his name.
RussRAB comments on Nov 5, 2019:
Beowolf was my first thought, but now that I've read through replies .....
RussRAB comments on Nov 5, 2019:
Beowolf was my first thought, but now that I've read through replies .....
Criticizing the doctrine of Islam does not mean the person doing so is a xenophobe,Islamophobe, or ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 4, 2019:
Why would I want to change your mind?
RussRAB comments on Nov 4, 2019:
Why would I want to change your mind?
This is Bessie Bright Bark Bark at ten weeks.
RussRAB comments on Nov 4, 2019:
She looks a lot like a Toy Fox Terrier but with stout legs. A Beautiful pup.
RussRAB comments on Nov 4, 2019:
She looks a lot like a Toy Fox Terrier but with stout legs. A Beautiful pup.
Are there songs that have distinct religious messages or even religious overtones that you like ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
"You Say" by Lauren Daigle. I had to hear it sung several times to catch on it was a religious song even though the last verse addresses God.
https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
"You Say" by Lauren Daigle. I had to hear it sung several times to catch on it was a religious song even though the last verse addresses God.
https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI
In my opinion, evolution is the greatest stumbling block for a theistic worldview, especially when ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
Of the fundamentalist I interacted with on a Yahoo group concerning evolution and creationism, the creationist seemed to believe that evolution was the greatest threat to their beliefs (even though most of them didn't actually understand evolution well if at all). I became aware that some very staunch defenders of evoluton were also religious. Kenneth R. Miller of Brown University comes to mind. Miller defended evolutionary theory back in the 1990's and 2000's when the Discovery Institute was causing a stir with their Intelligent Design movement and their irreducible complexity theories. Attorney and UC Berkeley Law Professor Phillip E. Johnson was one of Millers primary opponents at the time. Miller is a practicing Catholic who also completely accepted evolution. I don't recall, however, if Miller ever described how he reconciled the two concepts.
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
Of the fundamentalist I interacted with on a Yahoo group concerning evolution and creationism, the creationist seemed to believe that evolution was the greatest threat to their beliefs (even though most of them didn't actually understand evolution well if at all). I became aware that some very staunch defenders of evoluton were also religious. Kenneth R. Miller of Brown University comes to mind. Miller defended evolutionary theory back in the 1990's and 2000's when the Discovery Institute was causing a stir with their Intelligent Design movement and their irreducible complexity theories. Attorney and UC Berkeley Law Professor Phillip E. Johnson was one of Millers primary opponents at the time. Miller is a practicing Catholic who also completely accepted evolution. I don't recall, however, if Miller ever described how he reconciled the two concepts.
I just read that there have been approximately 108 billion people in history.
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
Reminds me of the following which was supposed to be a real incident. Note that one of the premises is that multiple religions condemn all other religious believers destin for hell, so he postulates that everyone goes to hell.
https://www.albany.edu/faculty/miesing/teaching/assess/hell.html
"Is Hell Exothermic or Endothermic?
"The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term:
""Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)? Support your answer with a proof."
"Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle’s Law (gas cools off when it expands and heats up when it is compressed) or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
"First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So, we need to know the rate that souls are moving into Hell and the rate they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let’s look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle’s Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand as souls are added. This gives two possibilities.
"1) If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
"2) Of course, if Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
"So which is it ? If we accept the postulate given to me by Ms. Therese Banyan during my Freshman year that "It will be a cold night in Hell before I sleep with you," and take into account the fact that I still have not succeeded in having sexual relations with her, then (2) cannot be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic.
"The student got the only A"
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
Reminds me of the following which was supposed to be a real incident. Note that one of the premises is that multiple religions condemn all other religious believers destin for hell, so he postulates that everyone goes to hell.
https://www.albany.edu/faculty/miesing/teaching/assess/hell.html
"Is Hell Exothermic or Endothermic?
"The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term:
""Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)? Support your answer with a proof."
"Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle’s Law (gas cools off when it expands and heats up when it is compressed) or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
"First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So, we need to know the rate that souls are moving into Hell and the rate they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let’s look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle’s Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand as souls are added. This gives two possibilities.
"1) If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
"2) Of course, if Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
"So which is it ? If we accept the postulate given to me by Ms. Therese Banyan during my Freshman year that "It will be a cold night in Hell before I sleep with you," and take into account the fact that I still have not succeeded in having sexual relations with her, then (2) cannot be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic.
"The student got the only A"
Here's something interesting.
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
I read part of a book some time ago, but I don't recall the title nor the author except his first name Robert. The book was about how religions evolve over time. This book said that with pa theons of Gods, it was not unusual for new Gods to be adopted from other religions. In one case where one country had conquored another, the Gods of the conquored people began showing up in the pantheon of the victor's. The theory was that God of neighboring cultures weren't necessarily considered heretical or non-existent, but rather lesser Gods less deserving of worship - until enough familarity with the new Gods earned them a place with the older established ones.
The reduction of Gods in a pantheon was also discussed in this book. Eliminating Gods from a pantheon often corresponded with consolidating political power. The Gods accepted and worshipped by royalty often took the most promenant roles and positions in the pantheon. When a religion transitioned to monotheism, the last remaining deity was typically either the king of the Gods (a Zeus like God) or a God of war (like Aries). This last God would be the one worshipped by the king who may have required his chosen God be worshipped and paid hommage to.
RussRAB comments on Nov 3, 2019:
I read part of a book some time ago, but I don't recall the title nor the author except his first name Robert. The book was about how religions evolve over time. This book said that with pa theons of Gods, it was not unusual for new Gods to be adopted from other religions. In one case where one country had conquored another, the Gods of the conquored people began showing up in the pantheon of the victor's. The theory was that God of neighboring cultures weren't necessarily considered heretical or non-existent, but rather lesser Gods less deserving of worship - until enough familarity with the new Gods earned them a place with the older established ones.
The reduction of Gods in a pantheon was also discussed in this book. Eliminating Gods from a pantheon often corresponded with consolidating political power. The Gods accepted and worshipped by royalty often took the most promenant roles and positions in the pantheon. When a religion transitioned to monotheism, the last remaining deity was typically either the king of the Gods (a Zeus like God) or a God of war (like Aries). This last God would be the one worshipped by the king who may have required his chosen God be worshipped and paid hommage to.
A Florida School District Invited a Christian Ministry to Proselytize to Kids | Hemant Mehta | ...
RussRAB comments on Nov 2, 2019:
Programs like this Christian ministery targeting children open the door for other religions to have access to convert kids as well as non-religious organizations. The Church of Satan has been quick to respond the these kinds of programs.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/aug/04/satanic-temple-after-public-school-satan-programs
RussRAB comments on Nov 2, 2019:
Programs like this Christian ministery targeting children open the door for other religions to have access to convert kids as well as non-religious organizations. The Church of Satan has been quick to respond the these kinds of programs.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/aug/04/satanic-temple-after-public-school-satan-programs
I always love how ultra religious people will quote Leviticus and claim that the bible is gods word.
RussRAB comments on Nov 2, 2019:
Mormons are fond of Matthew 5:18 when Old Testament directives/commandments are attempted to be ignored.
Matthew 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Of course, Mormons will also ignore the prohibition on shellfish as well as other Old Testament directions saying that moderm prophets (their leadership) can set the moral code for any particular time. This is their excuse for Jesus drinking wine and turning water into wine, but today's members are ostracized if they were drink wine or other alcoholic drinks.
RussRAB comments on Nov 2, 2019:
Mormons are fond of Matthew 5:18 when Old Testament directives/commandments are attempted to be ignored.
Matthew 5:18 "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Of course, Mormons will also ignore the prohibition on shellfish as well as other Old Testament directions saying that moderm prophets (their leadership) can set the moral code for any particular time. This is their excuse for Jesus drinking wine and turning water into wine, but today's members are ostracized if they were drink wine or other alcoholic drinks.
Trump changed his residency to fl so he can win the tax release lawsuit ny has on him.
RussRAB comments on Nov 2, 2019:
NY Gov. Cuomo has said that Trump's move to Florida will not protect him from prosecution for any law Trump broke while a New York resident - that's not how the law works regardless of what Trump might think. If he wants to avoid prosecution for crimes committed in New York, Trump might need to consider moving out of the country. Perhaps his good friend Vlad Putin can put Trump up in a tiny apartment next to Ed Snowden.
RussRAB comments on Nov 2, 2019:
NY Gov. Cuomo has said that Trump's move to Florida will not protect him from prosecution for any law Trump broke while a New York resident - that's not how the law works regardless of what Trump might think. If he wants to avoid prosecution for crimes committed in New York, Trump might need to consider moving out of the country. Perhaps his good friend Vlad Putin can put Trump up in a tiny apartment next to Ed Snowden.
Most people on here are atheists and that's cool and all but who on here is truly agnostic.
RussRAB comments on Nov 1, 2019:
I prefer to label myself agnostic because I believe God is not definable by the limited human experience. This does not eliminate the possibility of a God, but does cause me to be highly skeptical of any human concept of God. As I see it, the con epts of God within human religions are pretty much projections of human architypes with magical qualities.
I realized at some point that I may also meet the definition of being an atheist. I have no particular belief in a God, and I reject all the Gods I am aware of.
RussRAB comments on Nov 1, 2019:
I prefer to label myself agnostic because I believe God is not definable by the limited human experience. This does not eliminate the possibility of a God, but does cause me to be highly skeptical of any human concept of God. As I see it, the con epts of God within human religions are pretty much projections of human architypes with magical qualities.
I realized at some point that I may also meet the definition of being an atheist. I have no particular belief in a God, and I reject all the Gods I am aware of.
Just took this in the garden, and could not resist quoting Thomas Moore.
RussRAB comments on Nov 1, 2019:
Beautiful Rose and verse.
RussRAB comments on Nov 1, 2019:
Beautiful Rose and verse.
What is non-religious but spiritual?
RussRAB comments on Nov 1, 2019:
I believe spirituality mean what an individual wants it to mean, and for the religious person, it is most often associated with their religious belief - sometimes excluding the religious beliefs of others. Plenty of misunderstandings occur from using this term because its definition can vary significantly. For this reason, I tend to avoid using the term in place of others that have meaning nearly everyone agrees on.
As for belief in spirits but not God, I believe Scientology believes in a spirit which is immortal but leaves belief in God up to individual members (so long as they don't contradict their guru Hubbard). We may not want to consider a real religion. Imo, valid arguments can be made against its classificaton as such.
RussRAB comments on Nov 1, 2019:
I believe spirituality mean what an individual wants it to mean, and for the religious person, it is most often associated with their religious belief - sometimes excluding the religious beliefs of others. Plenty of misunderstandings occur from using this term because its definition can vary significantly. For this reason, I tend to avoid using the term in place of others that have meaning nearly everyone agrees on.
As for belief in spirits but not God, I believe Scientology believes in a spirit which is immortal but leaves belief in God up to individual members (so long as they don't contradict their guru Hubbard). We may not want to consider a real religion. Imo, valid arguments can be made against its classificaton as such.
I have asked on social media, did God know Adam and Eve were going to sin when he created them.
RussRAB comments on Oct 27, 2019:
If God knew Adam and Eve were going to sin, why was he angry with them? It couldn't have been a surprise.
RussRAB comments on Oct 27, 2019:
If God knew Adam and Eve were going to sin, why was he angry with them? It couldn't have been a surprise.
A simple syllogism- if evil exists there cannot be a god both benevolent and all powerful
Some ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 27, 2019:
A monotheism God who is creater of the universe must be responsible for all elements in the universe. Even if we attribute evil to a Satan like entity, God is responsible for creating Satan and reating whatever elements Satan made evil from. God would also necessarily have allowed Satan's existence as well as the effects of the evil Satan created.
RussRAB comments on Oct 27, 2019:
A monotheism God who is creater of the universe must be responsible for all elements in the universe. Even if we attribute evil to a Satan like entity, God is responsible for creating Satan and reating whatever elements Satan made evil from. God would also necessarily have allowed Satan's existence as well as the effects of the evil Satan created.
Science vs religion
Atheist historical nogodexists aincentphilosophy Agonostic
RussRAB comments on Oct 24, 2019:
I love this quote.
RussRAB comments on Oct 24, 2019:
I love this quote.
I just started going to meetings (12 step recovery) and the higher power thing is kinda jamming me ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 24, 2019:
12 Step Programs have a book or pamphlet for the atheist. I have no idea what it says, but it might br a resource for you.
RussRAB comments on Oct 24, 2019:
12 Step Programs have a book or pamphlet for the atheist. I have no idea what it says, but it might br a resource for you.
HOLY TRIGGERED, BATMAN!
I cannot believe how outraged some atheists get when they see someone ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 23, 2019:
Spirituality is a term that means different thing to individuals based on their own experience and views on the subject. Before a conversation on the subject can be meaningful, a common definition of the term needs to be established. I tend go avoid using the term for this reason.
Your definition sounds like one I could agree with. It sounds very similar to the religious reference Einstein used to make that caused confusion of his religious beliefs.
RussRAB comments on Oct 23, 2019:
Spirituality is a term that means different thing to individuals based on their own experience and views on the subject. Before a conversation on the subject can be meaningful, a common definition of the term needs to be established. I tend go avoid using the term for this reason.
Your definition sounds like one I could agree with. It sounds very similar to the religious reference Einstein used to make that caused confusion of his religious beliefs.
SHOULD AGNOSTICS & ATHEISTS CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN?
RussRAB comments on Oct 22, 2019:
All of our holidays have multiple contributions in their origins. If someone wants to celebrate Halloween by dressing up and having a party, who cares if it once had something to do with spirits and superstition? Heck! Christmas has "Christ" in tne name, but I wouldn't suggest that anyone should deprive themselves of festivities for that reason. We as non-believers don't need to act like the up tight religionists who would deprive themselves and their children tne enjoyment of holidays. If you need to invent an alternate reason for the holidays, we are certainly creative enough to find one or to create one. This is what Christians did after all. The Yule log, mistletoe, and holly have no Christian origin for Christmas; they just adapted and combined their new tradition with a well established one so new Christains didn't feel deprived by having to abstain from winter solstice celebrations and festivities.
RussRAB comments on Oct 22, 2019:
All of our holidays have multiple contributions in their origins. If someone wants to celebrate Halloween by dressing up and having a party, who cares if it once had something to do with spirits and superstition? Heck! Christmas has "Christ" in tne name, but I wouldn't suggest that anyone should deprive themselves of festivities for that reason. We as non-believers don't need to act like the up tight religionists who would deprive themselves and their children tne enjoyment of holidays. If you need to invent an alternate reason for the holidays, we are certainly creative enough to find one or to create one. This is what Christians did after all. The Yule log, mistletoe, and holly have no Christian origin for Christmas; they just adapted and combined their new tradition with a well established one so new Christains didn't feel deprived by having to abstain from winter solstice celebrations and festivities.
Took a little day trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio.
RussRAB comments on Oct 22, 2019:
Flash from my past. I was born in Ohio and my family moved to California when I was 12. The Hocking Hills was a favorite place for the family to go. Old Mans Cave was one place we went many times during different times of the year. I remember a falls there that was completely frozen one winter. That was in the 1960's. Gosh! I haven't thought about that place in a long time. I have many fond memories of Ohio. I'm glad to know it's still there (the Hocking Hills that is) and people are still enjoying it. Thanks for tiggering the memory.
RussRAB comments on Oct 22, 2019:
Flash from my past. I was born in Ohio and my family moved to California when I was 12. The Hocking Hills was a favorite place for the family to go. Old Mans Cave was one place we went many times during different times of the year. I remember a falls there that was completely frozen one winter. That was in the 1960's. Gosh! I haven't thought about that place in a long time. I have many fond memories of Ohio. I'm glad to know it's still there (the Hocking Hills that is) and people are still enjoying it. Thanks for tiggering the memory.
I grew up believing that unborn babies and kids not old enough to understand the gospel would ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 21, 2019:
Didn't Andrea Yates have something akin to this line of thinking when she drowned her 5 kids? In her severe mental instability, she came to believe her children were influenced by Satan and she couldn't save them except to kill them.
I'm more inclined to agree with Mofo1953 on tnis issue.
RussRAB comments on Oct 21, 2019:
Didn't Andrea Yates have something akin to this line of thinking when she drowned her 5 kids? In her severe mental instability, she came to believe her children were influenced by Satan and she couldn't save them except to kill them.
I'm more inclined to agree with Mofo1953 on tnis issue.
Interesting video about the creator of the Carolina Reaper pepper.
RussRAB comments on Oct 21, 2019:
Well, I've never been fond of hot peppers - even the milder ones (I'm a baby, I know it). I do believe that the food I take a bite out of really shouldn't bite back. 😁
RussRAB comments on Oct 21, 2019:
Well, I've never been fond of hot peppers - even the milder ones (I'm a baby, I know it). I do believe that the food I take a bite out of really shouldn't bite back. 😁
Ok.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
I basically agree given that the term you used is "bashing". I see nothing wrong with challenging or questioning beliefs of others.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
I basically agree given that the term you used is "bashing". I see nothing wrong with challenging or questioning beliefs of others.
Six little pea plants growing in a pot.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
They look very healthy. Some plants can endure lower temperatures better than others. Ii have a similar issue with cactus and succulents where I live. They don't do as well inside but need to come inside for the winter. In past years, I've had to move them in and out several times before thry come in to stay.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
They look very healthy. Some plants can endure lower temperatures better than others. Ii have a similar issue with cactus and succulents where I live. They don't do as well inside but need to come inside for the winter. In past years, I've had to move them in and out several times before thry come in to stay.
THE CONCEPT OF NOTHING.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
I think your comments exemplify an issue that may have controbuted to the concepts of an afterlife or a place like heaven/hell, hades, sheol, etc. The idea that someone who dies no longer exists - becomes nothingness except for memories - is too difficult to understand. The concept that they move onto some other unseen world where they can do whatever they loved in life is much more satisfying and solve the problem of their inability to conceive of nothingness.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
I think your comments exemplify an issue that may have controbuted to the concepts of an afterlife or a place like heaven/hell, hades, sheol, etc. The idea that someone who dies no longer exists - becomes nothingness except for memories - is too difficult to understand. The concept that they move onto some other unseen world where they can do whatever they loved in life is much more satisfying and solve the problem of their inability to conceive of nothingness.
If God Exists Everything Is Permitted - YouTube
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
The Divine Command Theory says that whatever God commands is moral. So, if God commands that someone should be killed, believers must kill them to be moral. The theory would imply that abstaining from the action God commands would actually be immoral. Any action no matter how heinous or vile - rape, murder, pedophilia, genocide, etc. - would be moral if commanded by God.
Christians often push back against the fact of this theory by claiming that God would never command anything that is unjust, but we only need to look into the Old Testament to find examples of horrible behavior commanded or approved of by God. The Israelites were given the 10 Commandments while wondering in the wilderness including the one against killing, but when the finally arrived the their promised land of Canaan, God commanded them to commit genocide to cleanse the land of the Canaanites.
RussRAB comments on Oct 20, 2019:
The Divine Command Theory says that whatever God commands is moral. So, if God commands that someone should be killed, believers must kill them to be moral. The theory would imply that abstaining from the action God commands would actually be immoral. Any action no matter how heinous or vile - rape, murder, pedophilia, genocide, etc. - would be moral if commanded by God.
Christians often push back against the fact of this theory by claiming that God would never command anything that is unjust, but we only need to look into the Old Testament to find examples of horrible behavior commanded or approved of by God. The Israelites were given the 10 Commandments while wondering in the wilderness including the one against killing, but when the finally arrived the their promised land of Canaan, God commanded them to commit genocide to cleanse the land of the Canaanites.
Sssssooooo, if god was/is/use to be without form and void, to the point that there was nothing ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 19, 2019:
It's because God was always a projecton of self, and males have dominate cultural structures.
https://www.pnas.org/content/106/51/21533
RussRAB comments on Oct 19, 2019:
It's because God was always a projecton of self, and males have dominate cultural structures.
https://www.pnas.org/content/106/51/21533
I have no idea who took the last sausage.
RussRAB comments on Oct 18, 2019:
That paw print looks a lot more like the cat's. Hmmmm.
RussRAB comments on Oct 18, 2019:
That paw print looks a lot more like the cat's. Hmmmm.
I have no idea who took the last sausage.
RussRAB comments on Oct 18, 2019:
This meme reminds me of when I was growing up and my mom would buy a package of cookies or something sweet like that. The package would last until it was opened and then would last when only 2 or 3 were left. My mom would always ask two questions that caused thus phenomenon: "Who opened the package?" and "Who ate the last ones?" I guess the same isn't expected with dogs.
RussRAB comments on Oct 18, 2019:
This meme reminds me of when I was growing up and my mom would buy a package of cookies or something sweet like that. The package would last until it was opened and then would last when only 2 or 3 were left. My mom would always ask two questions that caused thus phenomenon: "Who opened the package?" and "Who ate the last ones?" I guess the same isn't expected with dogs.
Seems obvious
Joe Walsh
@WalshFreedom
Republicans, repeat after me:
1.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
I wasn't certain this was the place to post this Youtube, but it is sort of related since some of the discussion was diverted to Hunter Biden as Former VP Joe Biden's son being the target of dirtying the senior Biden because of accusations made of his son.
"Rand Paul accidentally throws Trump kids under the bus over Hunter Biden"
https://youtu.be/QcZ8tduqqbI
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
I wasn't certain this was the place to post this Youtube, but it is sort of related since some of the discussion was diverted to Hunter Biden as Former VP Joe Biden's son being the target of dirtying the senior Biden because of accusations made of his son.
"Rand Paul accidentally throws Trump kids under the bus over Hunter Biden"
https://youtu.be/QcZ8tduqqbI
visitors and a landing pad.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
We have seen more lizards around our yard in recent years. We have little geckos and a larger variety that may be 6 or 7 inches including their long tails. Your passion flowers are beautiful. I tried growing tbem, but I think my soil is too hard in the summer.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
We have seen more lizards around our yard in recent years. We have little geckos and a larger variety that may be 6 or 7 inches including their long tails. Your passion flowers are beautiful. I tried growing tbem, but I think my soil is too hard in the summer.
Ideally, should religious people be:
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
If we want our own rights respected, we must be prepared to respect tbe rights of those we disagree with.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
If we want our own rights respected, we must be prepared to respect tbe rights of those we disagree with.
Take the U.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
I completed it.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
I completed it.
Seems obvious
Joe Walsh
@WalshFreedom
Republicans, repeat after me:
1.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
The number of things wrong with this administration and Trump on particular is horrendous. Trump equates himself with our nation and his policies reflect what is advantageous for him and not necessarily for the rest of us - just as you said.
RussRAB comments on Oct 15, 2019:
The number of things wrong with this administration and Trump on particular is horrendous. Trump equates himself with our nation and his policies reflect what is advantageous for him and not necessarily for the rest of us - just as you said.
Today, the elderly retired pastor that mentors the church some of my family attend, invited me to ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 14, 2019:
What would you hope to gain from attending? Unless you find a benefit for you attending, it seems to me you are just setting yourself up for, at best, wasting your time and perhaps reenforcing your nightmares.
RussRAB comments on Oct 14, 2019:
What would you hope to gain from attending? Unless you find a benefit for you attending, it seems to me you are just setting yourself up for, at best, wasting your time and perhaps reenforcing your nightmares.
Ralph Reed: Christians Have a “Moral Obligation” to Support Donald Trump in 2020 | Sarahbeth ...
RussRAB comments on Oct 13, 2019:
Right! Christians have a moral obligation to support the immoral, unethical, and often criminal behavior and character that is Donald Trump. It makes no sense at all.
When I was teenager, I recall those of my age group caught up in the evangelical movement talking about how one day Christians would not be allowed to buy or sell things and would be ostracized by society generally. I thought it was crazy talk - sort of anticipation for martyrdom. Given the events of today, however, and the absolutely stupid things evangelicals are expected/told to believe by promenant pastors and preachers, I can begin to understand how such considerations could be rationalized.
RussRAB comments on Oct 13, 2019:
Right! Christians have a moral obligation to support the immoral, unethical, and often criminal behavior and character that is Donald Trump. It makes no sense at all.
When I was teenager, I recall those of my age group caught up in the evangelical movement talking about how one day Christians would not be allowed to buy or sell things and would be ostracized by society generally. I thought it was crazy talk - sort of anticipation for martyrdom. Given the events of today, however, and the absolutely stupid things evangelicals are expected/told to believe by promenant pastors and preachers, I can begin to understand how such considerations could be rationalized.
What emotional satisfaction do you get from being an agnostic or atheist?
RussRAB comments on Oct 13, 2019:
I believe I am taking responsibility for myself and not out sourcing my happiness to anyone or anything else. A supportive community? I felt as if I needed to be careful about everything I thought and said not to offend someone else's belief. I isn't being supportive to either myself or others since it undermined my integrity. A loving God to take care of me? I found it to be a platitude when things went badly, and situations were as easily interpeted as punishment for something I did wrong. Salvation and an afterlife? Salvation has a cost attached to it which required the torture and death of another. I also believe it promoted a kind of irresponsibility for my own behavior because someone else had already taken that responsibility - or rather I gave it away. Either way, I no longer had complete responsibility for myself. Taking back that responsibility I believe has forced greater maturity. As for an afterlife, no one knows what happens after we die. Anyone who claims they do isn't truthful.
In short, I found that all the benefits you mention of belief had another side to the coin. I decided I prefered an alternative which I believe is more genuine - for me at least. I decided to trust my own sensibilities rather than simply believing what someone else tells me is the right thing. The risk of being wrong feels greater at least initially, and I believe admitting I don't know something (perhaps anything with absolute certainty) is honest and preferable to claiming I know something when I really don't and don't believe I can with the methods of knowing prescribed.
RussRAB comments on Oct 13, 2019:
I believe I am taking responsibility for myself and not out sourcing my happiness to anyone or anything else. A supportive community? I felt as if I needed to be careful about everything I thought and said not to offend someone else's belief. I isn't being supportive to either myself or others since it undermined my integrity. A loving God to take care of me? I found it to be a platitude when things went badly, and situations were as easily interpeted as punishment for something I did wrong. Salvation and an afterlife? Salvation has a cost attached to it which required the torture and death of another. I also believe it promoted a kind of irresponsibility for my own behavior because someone else had already taken that responsibility - or rather I gave it away. Either way, I no longer had complete responsibility for myself. Taking back that responsibility I believe has forced greater maturity. As for an afterlife, no one knows what happens after we die. Anyone who claims they do isn't truthful.
In short, I found that all the benefits you mention of belief had another side to the coin. I decided I prefered an alternative which I believe is more genuine - for me at least. I decided to trust my own sensibilities rather than simply believing what someone else tells me is the right thing. The risk of being wrong feels greater at least initially, and I believe admitting I don't know something (perhaps anything with absolute certainty) is honest and preferable to claiming I know something when I really don't and don't believe I can with the methods of knowing prescribed.
The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American - TheHumanist.com
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
I once did a word search on the US Constitution and found no reference to God anywhere wirhin it. Since then, I read a counter arguement which stated that one of the later Amendments (after the Bill of Rights) reffered to the date as " year of our Lord", and this reference of the date proved the Constitution was a "Christian document". What a stretch of imagination!
zblaze's openning comment already states the irreconcilable differences between the Constitution and the Bible. These differences are exemplified by the difference of the First Amendment and the first several of the Ten Commandments. The First Amendment prohibits government from interferring with religious practices while the first of the Ten Commandments prohibits the practice of any other religious practices or beliefs. The two couldn't be more in opposition.
If the founders had intended to create a Christian nation as many of today's Christians seem to believe, they could have certainly been much clearer about it than the very flimsy evidence today's Christians point to supporting their claim. I believe the evidence is very clear, and it doesn't support the claims of today's Christian extremists. The founders through the Constitution intended to protect the diversity of religions in this country, or they would have written the Constitution differently. So, either the Constitution doesn't support the idea that the US was intended to be a Christian nation, or our Founding Fathers were imbiciles who collectively wrote a document that unintentionally appears to say the exact opposite. My vote is for the former.
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
I once did a word search on the US Constitution and found no reference to God anywhere wirhin it. Since then, I read a counter arguement which stated that one of the later Amendments (after the Bill of Rights) reffered to the date as " year of our Lord", and this reference of the date proved the Constitution was a "Christian document". What a stretch of imagination!
zblaze's openning comment already states the irreconcilable differences between the Constitution and the Bible. These differences are exemplified by the difference of the First Amendment and the first several of the Ten Commandments. The First Amendment prohibits government from interferring with religious practices while the first of the Ten Commandments prohibits the practice of any other religious practices or beliefs. The two couldn't be more in opposition.
If the founders had intended to create a Christian nation as many of today's Christians seem to believe, they could have certainly been much clearer about it than the very flimsy evidence today's Christians point to supporting their claim. I believe the evidence is very clear, and it doesn't support the claims of today's Christian extremists. The founders through the Constitution intended to protect the diversity of religions in this country, or they would have written the Constitution differently. So, either the Constitution doesn't support the idea that the US was intended to be a Christian nation, or our Founding Fathers were imbiciles who collectively wrote a document that unintentionally appears to say the exact opposite. My vote is for the former.
In the city where you live, how an atheist person is looked upon or considered in general?
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
My vote as "Disagreeable People" is a guess based on what I understand the way religious people - especially in the Bible Belt - consider atheists, and judging from the number of churches (particularly Baptist churches) exist in my neighborhood. I don't have any personal experiences to draw on.
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
My vote as "Disagreeable People" is a guess based on what I understand the way religious people - especially in the Bible Belt - consider atheists, and judging from the number of churches (particularly Baptist churches) exist in my neighborhood. I don't have any personal experiences to draw on.
What activity has most consistently given you a feeling of inner peace?
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
Being in nature. I very much enjoy natural beauty - flowers, trees, animals, as well as terrane. I also love the quiet and the fresh air.
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
Being in nature. I very much enjoy natural beauty - flowers, trees, animals, as well as terrane. I also love the quiet and the fresh air.
William Barr: Our Less Christian Society Is To Blame For Mental Illness And Drug Abuse
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
Religion hasn't improved Bill Barr's behavior or thought processes in terms of judging and reacting to our President's and his direct boss's lawless behavior. Barr's ability to ignore and worse to defend Trump's lawlessness requires such severe rationalizing as to be considered a mental illness (imo, at least) - to the point of violating his own oath of office.
As for Trump and his connection to religion, and the religious right who still support a lawless Trump, I can't help but believe that religion hasn't blinded these faithful followers to the con Trump is perpetrating on them.
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
Religion hasn't improved Bill Barr's behavior or thought processes in terms of judging and reacting to our President's and his direct boss's lawless behavior. Barr's ability to ignore and worse to defend Trump's lawlessness requires such severe rationalizing as to be considered a mental illness (imo, at least) - to the point of violating his own oath of office.
As for Trump and his connection to religion, and the religious right who still support a lawless Trump, I can't help but believe that religion hasn't blinded these faithful followers to the con Trump is perpetrating on them.
Found this useful site for monitoring soil temps.
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
I understood that they had updated the standard zones at least once. They may need to do it again before too long.
RussRAB comments on Oct 12, 2019:
I understood that they had updated the standard zones at least once. They may need to do it again before too long.
In the past I have often hypothesized that religion, with its emphasis on unquestioned belief and ...
RussRAB comments on Sep 29, 2019:
I have personal experience to draw on. When I was believing Mormon, I was more likely to trust other Mormons without question. We got burned a couple of times. It was an odd experience because while we blamed the other guy, they did not appear to feel any responsibility. We hadd some other experience the opposite way as well, but the negative ones involved a more money.
I had heard after leaving religion that Utah was particularly susceptable to scams which was attributed to the dominant religion. I recall sitting through Sunday School lessons which encouraged members to deal with and trust other church members because of religion. No doubt, messages like this conveyed in church would make some more vulnerable to unscrupulous individuals if they were convinced they were church members.
I thought I had once read an article a long time ago which discussed higher rates of scam victims in Utah than other dtates. I tried searching for something to that effect but found nothing. I did find several articles, however, that discussed higher intelligence among atheists compared to religious people.
https://www.livescience.com/59361-why-are-atheists-generally-more-intelligent.html
RussRAB comments on Sep 29, 2019:
I have personal experience to draw on. When I was believing Mormon, I was more likely to trust other Mormons without question. We got burned a couple of times. It was an odd experience because while we blamed the other guy, they did not appear to feel any responsibility. We hadd some other experience the opposite way as well, but the negative ones involved a more money.
I had heard after leaving religion that Utah was particularly susceptable to scams which was attributed to the dominant religion. I recall sitting through Sunday School lessons which encouraged members to deal with and trust other church members because of religion. No doubt, messages like this conveyed in church would make some more vulnerable to unscrupulous individuals if they were convinced they were church members.
I thought I had once read an article a long time ago which discussed higher rates of scam victims in Utah than other dtates. I tried searching for something to that effect but found nothing. I did find several articles, however, that discussed higher intelligence among atheists compared to religious people.
https://www.livescience.com/59361-why-are-atheists-generally-more-intelligent.html
Democrats Predict Speedy Impeachment Inquiry Lasting Weeks, Not 'Months'
RussRAB comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Removal is unlikely with the current makeup of the Senate. Moscow Mitch has already proven he will ignore Trump's wrong doing, and he will require fellow Republicans to do the same or else. We can also count on conservative media to defend Trump and ignore facts as well. They will all concentrate on attacking Democrats and the legitimate media.
RussRAB comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Removal is unlikely with the current makeup of the Senate. Moscow Mitch has already proven he will ignore Trump's wrong doing, and he will require fellow Republicans to do the same or else. We can also count on conservative media to defend Trump and ignore facts as well. They will all concentrate on attacking Democrats and the legitimate media.
Why why why do religious people think they can make a believer out of an atheist?
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
I had been told more than once by fundamentalist that everyone alive knows the Gospel is true and are either denying it or have been misled by another religious tradition. Either way they consider it to be Satan. (Can some say, "Well, isn't that special" in their best Church Lady impression). They are (in their warped belief system) only attempting to reveal what you already know to be the truth. Doesn't matter that most atheist score higher on a fundamental test about the Bible than most Christians. Jews also score higher than most Christians. We have to wonder just what Christians are being taught (next to nothing) and just where their zealous beliefs come from.
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
I had been told more than once by fundamentalist that everyone alive knows the Gospel is true and are either denying it or have been misled by another religious tradition. Either way they consider it to be Satan. (Can some say, "Well, isn't that special" in their best Church Lady impression). They are (in their warped belief system) only attempting to reveal what you already know to be the truth. Doesn't matter that most atheist score higher on a fundamental test about the Bible than most Christians. Jews also score higher than most Christians. We have to wonder just what Christians are being taught (next to nothing) and just where their zealous beliefs come from.
If all religion ended tomorrow, what do you think would happen to all the churches,etc.?
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
Here in Texas, churches have turned up by converting strip malls - sometimes just a store front and sometimes the all thing. So, I have no doubt that even the traditional structured churches can be repurposed as something else.
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
Here in Texas, churches have turned up by converting strip malls - sometimes just a store front and sometimes the all thing. So, I have no doubt that even the traditional structured churches can be repurposed as something else.
My job involves sitting outside on a beautiful fall day with a papillon on my lap.
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
What a cute little pup.
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
What a cute little pup.
this "new" christianity is rather offensive
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
The "Prosperity Gospel" preacher are what nearly (perhaps all) televangelists are these days. Joyce Meyers, Benny Hinn, and obviously Joel Osteen are just a few of many. Jim Bakker before he was caught up in sex and financial wrong doing was promising his viewers what they needed if they contributed to his ministry or bought whatever bit of nonsense he was hocking back in the 1980's.
The article at the link below is to a Christian pastor who says he took 2 years "theological rehab" after having been indoctrinated by prosperity gospel preachers. He's not the kind of writer we would normally link here, but he has some direct experience with the subject at hand and its alternative. He writes about the characteristics of prosperity gospel churches and what he characterizes as "healthy" churches.
https://www.9marks.org/article/journalnine-marks-prosperity-gospel-church/
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
The "Prosperity Gospel" preacher are what nearly (perhaps all) televangelists are these days. Joyce Meyers, Benny Hinn, and obviously Joel Osteen are just a few of many. Jim Bakker before he was caught up in sex and financial wrong doing was promising his viewers what they needed if they contributed to his ministry or bought whatever bit of nonsense he was hocking back in the 1980's.
The article at the link below is to a Christian pastor who says he took 2 years "theological rehab" after having been indoctrinated by prosperity gospel preachers. He's not the kind of writer we would normally link here, but he has some direct experience with the subject at hand and its alternative. He writes about the characteristics of prosperity gospel churches and what he characterizes as "healthy" churches.
https://www.9marks.org/article/journalnine-marks-prosperity-gospel-church/
Meanwhile in the Swamp...
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
The Trump administration's revolving door of staff. No administration in recent history - not in myy lifetime anyway - has had staff turnover like Trump. Working for a malignant narcissist who has put himself under the microscope of public scrutiny must be absolute hell.
RussRAB comments on Sep 22, 2019:
The Trump administration's revolving door of staff. No administration in recent history - not in myy lifetime anyway - has had staff turnover like Trump. Working for a malignant narcissist who has put himself under the microscope of public scrutiny must be absolute hell.
Federal Judge Says Christian Hate Group Can Legally Be Called a “Hate Group”
...
RussRAB comments on Sep 21, 2019:
Perhaps, if more people actually took personal responsibility for their thoughts, behavior, and attitudes instead of blaming others including an invisible friend in the sky, we might see something very different within our society.
RussRAB comments on Sep 21, 2019:
Perhaps, if more people actually took personal responsibility for their thoughts, behavior, and attitudes instead of blaming others including an invisible friend in the sky, we might see something very different within our society.
Need a little help.
RussRAB comments on Sep 21, 2019:
Giant Silver Mullein. You can buy seeds, but this plant would grow wild in Ohio when I was a kid.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/660355248/giant-silver-mullein-seeds-self-seeds?ga_order=most_relevant=all=gallery=giant+silver+mullein=sr_gallery-1-1=1
RussRAB comments on Sep 21, 2019:
Giant Silver Mullein. You can buy seeds, but this plant would grow wild in Ohio when I was a kid.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/660355248/giant-silver-mullein-seeds-self-seeds?ga_order=most_relevant=all=gallery=giant+silver+mullein=sr_gallery-1-1=1
There is something about an individual body of Shame that can't be Denied or Confused with body of ...
RussRAB comments on Sep 21, 2019:
Trump has a criminal mentality and is only concerned with himself. The sooner he is out of office (and hopefully in prison) the better for all Americans - including those who don't think so.
RussRAB comments on Sep 21, 2019:
Trump has a criminal mentality and is only concerned with himself. The sooner he is out of office (and hopefully in prison) the better for all Americans - including those who don't think so.
Christian Radio Host: ‘Educated Women Don’t Make For Good Wives And Mothers’ | Michael Stone
RussRAB comments on Sep 15, 2019:
Isn't dopes like this radio host why the whole concept of Stepford wives came about?
The truth is that as a TV commentator, Rachel Campos-Duffy most likely make a whole lot more $$$ than does her husband as a congressman. With 8 kids to support and #9 on the way with special needs, keeping the higher source of income makes sense. Women are capable individuals (even if they work for FOX) and every couple has the right to decide the terms of their marriage ..... without some interferring jerk who very likely doesn't know them criticizing their sensible decisions. We do live in the 21st century and not the 18th or 19th when women weren't considered bright enought even to vote. Even Jesus was supported by Mary Magdalene, so Mr. Christian Radio Host is even wrong about Christian history.
RussRAB comments on Sep 15, 2019:
Isn't dopes like this radio host why the whole concept of Stepford wives came about?
The truth is that as a TV commentator, Rachel Campos-Duffy most likely make a whole lot more $$$ than does her husband as a congressman. With 8 kids to support and #9 on the way with special needs, keeping the higher source of income makes sense. Women are capable individuals (even if they work for FOX) and every couple has the right to decide the terms of their marriage ..... without some interferring jerk who very likely doesn't know them criticizing their sensible decisions. We do live in the 21st century and not the 18th or 19th when women weren't considered bright enought even to vote. Even Jesus was supported by Mary Magdalene, so Mr. Christian Radio Host is even wrong about Christian history.
I planted 3 or 4 new daylilies this past Spring, all selected for having an "eye" and for being a ...
RussRAB comments on Sep 15, 2019:
Gorgeous flowers. You made a good choice.
RussRAB comments on Sep 15, 2019:
Gorgeous flowers. You made a good choice.
How would you respond to "You can't have true love without God"?
RussRAB comments on Sep 15, 2019:
How would they set about proving such a claim? It is as empty as any testamony that God lives and loves us or that the Bible is inerrant. It's also completely self serving, egotistical, and elitest.
RussRAB comments on Sep 15, 2019:
How would they set about proving such a claim? It is as empty as any testamony that God lives and loves us or that the Bible is inerrant. It's also completely self serving, egotistical, and elitest.
ISN’T THE BIGGEST THREAT TO THE CREDIBILITY OF CHRIST, HIS EMBRACING OLD TESTAMENT TEACHINGS?
RussRAB comments on Sep 12, 2019:
I think Jesus would have had zero credibility with Jews who he was supposed to have come to if he had not embraced the Old Testament. These books were the only scriptures at the time since all of the New Testament was written after he died.
I'm not convinced that much of anything written about Jesus is trustworthy, and I think Paul had much more influence over Christian doctrine thsn Jesus. The Gospels wrre all written decades after Jesus' death and Luke as well as the Book of Acts are believed to have been written by a companion of Paul. About a third of Paul's letters are understood by biblicsl scholars as being forgeries (not written or dictated by Paul). Given these facts, we can't say that Jesus was a chrismatic Jewish preacher whose cause was taken up by Paul and adapted to his sense of what it should be and Jesus (who Paul never met while he was alive) and his life was created and embellished to meet Paul's need.
RussRAB comments on Sep 12, 2019:
I think Jesus would have had zero credibility with Jews who he was supposed to have come to if he had not embraced the Old Testament. These books were the only scriptures at the time since all of the New Testament was written after he died.
I'm not convinced that much of anything written about Jesus is trustworthy, and I think Paul had much more influence over Christian doctrine thsn Jesus. The Gospels wrre all written decades after Jesus' death and Luke as well as the Book of Acts are believed to have been written by a companion of Paul. About a third of Paul's letters are understood by biblicsl scholars as being forgeries (not written or dictated by Paul). Given these facts, we can't say that Jesus was a chrismatic Jewish preacher whose cause was taken up by Paul and adapted to his sense of what it should be and Jesus (who Paul never met while he was alive) and his life was created and embellished to meet Paul's need.
NoWords
RussRAB comments on Sep 12, 2019:
Like so many things (perhaps everything?) Trump says/tweets, there are several things wrong with his statement. While a Post/ABC poll did show Trump losing to Clinton in 2016 by 15 points, many other polls also showed him losing by a landslide early on. By election day, this poll showed Trump losing by 4 points and he lost the popular vote by 2 (but that was due to 3 million illegals voting - Yeah, Right!).
Regardless, as 2016 showed us, the election isn't over until Americans vote and we have a long way to go before Nov. 2020. Plenty can happen between now and then.
Of course, your point of Trump thinking only of himself on this anniversary is detestable, it is what we might expect from a malignant narcissist like this President. Two thing come to mind that make it worse: one is Trump's statement on 9/11/2001 when the rowers fell that his building was now the tallest in New York City, and two is Trump's planned meeting with the Afghan Taliban (who harbored Al Qaeda, the 9/11 purpetraters) at Camp David on this particular date. This meeting was cancelled only 2 days ago.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/09/11/trumps-one-good-poll-turns-bad/
RussRAB comments on Sep 12, 2019:
Like so many things (perhaps everything?) Trump says/tweets, there are several things wrong with his statement. While a Post/ABC poll did show Trump losing to Clinton in 2016 by 15 points, many other polls also showed him losing by a landslide early on. By election day, this poll showed Trump losing by 4 points and he lost the popular vote by 2 (but that was due to 3 million illegals voting - Yeah, Right!).
Regardless, as 2016 showed us, the election isn't over until Americans vote and we have a long way to go before Nov. 2020. Plenty can happen between now and then.
Of course, your point of Trump thinking only of himself on this anniversary is detestable, it is what we might expect from a malignant narcissist like this President. Two thing come to mind that make it worse: one is Trump's statement on 9/11/2001 when the rowers fell that his building was now the tallest in New York City, and two is Trump's planned meeting with the Afghan Taliban (who harbored Al Qaeda, the 9/11 purpetraters) at Camp David on this particular date. This meeting was cancelled only 2 days ago.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/09/11/trumps-one-good-poll-turns-bad/
Cute video of beagle covering up i in blanket
RussRAB comments on Sep 8, 2019:
I love how the little guy pokes his nose out from under the blanket at the end. Complete success but that sniffer needs to be out in tne air. 😊
RussRAB comments on Sep 8, 2019:
I love how the little guy pokes his nose out from under the blanket at the end. Complete success but that sniffer needs to be out in tne air. 😊
Would Elizabeth Warren's wealth tax proposal tax the wealth of America's super rich pastors like ...
RussRAB comments on Sep 5, 2019:
I am not versed in Warren's tax plan, but I did income tax with H&R Block for several years abot 15 years ago. I might see about getting back into it - I did enjoy it. What I can tell you is that these preacher's personal income (and I would assume their personal wealth as well) is taxable. What is exempt is the income to their churches. They are supposed to maintain a strict separaton between the two and their churches could lose their tax exempt status if they don't. Joyce Myers came under scrutiny many years ago when it appeared that her church organization took her entire family to Hawaii. As I recall, any church related business (such as her appearance at an event was minimal). I don't recall the out come of the investigation or if it even conducted. It was accompanied by an uproar amoung like minded preachers (Benny Hinn among them). They were claiming the government was harrassing them unfairly and making quite a stink over any oversight of their operations. It was a sensitive issue considering separation of church and state. My conclusion was that their reations were probably more telling of their corruption than any real intrusion by government, but it also meant that investigators had tread lightly investigating Myers' situation as well.
RussRAB comments on Sep 5, 2019:
I am not versed in Warren's tax plan, but I did income tax with H&R Block for several years abot 15 years ago. I might see about getting back into it - I did enjoy it. What I can tell you is that these preacher's personal income (and I would assume their personal wealth as well) is taxable. What is exempt is the income to their churches. They are supposed to maintain a strict separaton between the two and their churches could lose their tax exempt status if they don't. Joyce Myers came under scrutiny many years ago when it appeared that her church organization took her entire family to Hawaii. As I recall, any church related business (such as her appearance at an event was minimal). I don't recall the out come of the investigation or if it even conducted. It was accompanied by an uproar amoung like minded preachers (Benny Hinn among them). They were claiming the government was harrassing them unfairly and making quite a stink over any oversight of their operations. It was a sensitive issue considering separation of church and state. My conclusion was that their reations were probably more telling of their corruption than any real intrusion by government, but it also meant that investigators had tread lightly investigating Myers' situation as well.
My mother is having a family cookout on Friday.
RussRAB comments on Sep 3, 2019:
No, you sound very reasonable not wanting to be around this guy. You can choose not go attend and be honest about why. Tell anyone who wants to know why you refuse to attend and let those you will miss seeing that you look forward to doing something with them without their uncle the pusher. You can't control who others choose to be around, but you have every right not to attend functions this guy is invited to.
RussRAB comments on Sep 3, 2019:
No, you sound very reasonable not wanting to be around this guy. You can choose not go attend and be honest about why. Tell anyone who wants to know why you refuse to attend and let those you will miss seeing that you look forward to doing something with them without their uncle the pusher. You can't control who others choose to be around, but you have every right not to attend functions this guy is invited to.
So, Ive had two family members share their testimony about recieving prophecy.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
James Randi exposed televangelist Peter Popoff who was using an earpiece to receive information about audience members from his wife. The information was gathered while people waited in line including their seat number, their ailments, and other facts about them. The information was turned over to Mrs. Popoff who would transmit the information to Popoff's earpiece who would make it appear that he was getting information from God about who to heal and all sorts of i fo about the individual. Randi had equipment to scan radio frequencies until he picked up the one the Popoff's were using to scam their audience.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
James Randi exposed televangelist Peter Popoff who was using an earpiece to receive information about audience members from his wife. The information was gathered while people waited in line including their seat number, their ailments, and other facts about them. The information was turned over to Mrs. Popoff who would transmit the information to Popoff's earpiece who would make it appear that he was getting information from God about who to heal and all sorts of i fo about the individual. Randi had equipment to scan radio frequencies until he picked up the one the Popoff's were using to scam their audience.
I am curious what is the general consensus in this community on the notion of death and then the ...
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
Imo, funerals are for the benefit of those left behind. It may help with closure or a way of saying good-bye to the dead loved one. I have no objection to funerals so long as they are about the loved one and aren't ostentatious.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
Imo, funerals are for the benefit of those left behind. It may help with closure or a way of saying good-bye to the dead loved one. I have no objection to funerals so long as they are about the loved one and aren't ostentatious.
The family didn’t remember planting sunflowers in our little organic garden.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
I planted sunflowers several years ago that were supposed to be a variety of colors. They keep coming back and have always been the yellow variety.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
I planted sunflowers several years ago that were supposed to be a variety of colors. They keep coming back and have always been the yellow variety.
I do not think many here really care what happens to their remains after they die.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
I've thought about this subject and what I concluded was that whatever brings them the greatest peace is fine with me. As some here have pointed out, I won't be around or in need of my body (especially if it's been cremated) when I am dead. If they want something to remember me by, they can grow a plant. I don't care what kind - a flower, vegatables, a tree, whatever. Plants are something that have brought me a lot of pleasure and enjoyment, so it seems appropriate they could be something to remember me by.
RussRAB comments on Sep 2, 2019:
I've thought about this subject and what I concluded was that whatever brings them the greatest peace is fine with me. As some here have pointed out, I won't be around or in need of my body (especially if it's been cremated) when I am dead. If they want something to remember me by, they can grow a plant. I don't care what kind - a flower, vegatables, a tree, whatever. Plants are something that have brought me a lot of pleasure and enjoyment, so it seems appropriate they could be something to remember me by.
Is it ethical to have children?
RussRAB comments on Sep 1, 2019:
I wonder how many people actually plan to have kids or if the kids are created and the parents make plans afterward. Even with as much knowledge as we have about birth control, i believe most kids are unplanned when they are concieved. Just recently, I had a niece whose baby was concieved when birth control failed, and i couple who was a bit older than us who claimed they were using different forms of birth control when each of their 3 kids were conceived.
To answer your question more directly, no, I dont bslieve having a child is inethical. Having a half dozen, or more like the reality TV the Dugger family, is but this is another story.
RussRAB comments on Sep 1, 2019:
I wonder how many people actually plan to have kids or if the kids are created and the parents make plans afterward. Even with as much knowledge as we have about birth control, i believe most kids are unplanned when they are concieved. Just recently, I had a niece whose baby was concieved when birth control failed, and i couple who was a bit older than us who claimed they were using different forms of birth control when each of their 3 kids were conceived.
To answer your question more directly, no, I dont bslieve having a child is inethical. Having a half dozen, or more like the reality TV the Dugger family, is but this is another story.
Went to a reunion in Louisiana.
RussRAB comments on Sep 1, 2019:
The interpretations of the Old Testament by Chtistians has been to find Jesus in every part of if. Afterall, the history of Judaism was all preparation for Jesus comimg the first time, and Jesus as part of the Trinity (which is God along with the Father and Holy Ghost) would be present whenever God is - which is plenty.
Marcion of Sinope was an early Christian who found such a difference in the God of the Old Testament and of the New Testament writings (he was before an official canon was established - he actually set one of the first canons for his sect) that he concluded they were actually different Gods. The New Testament God was higher and replaced the Old Testament God of Judaism. Marcion was eventually excommunicated from the Roman church and I thought I had read that his belief in 2 Gods, one in succession of the other, was officially denounced as heretical at one of the ecumenical councils.
RussRAB comments on Sep 1, 2019:
The interpretations of the Old Testament by Chtistians has been to find Jesus in every part of if. Afterall, the history of Judaism was all preparation for Jesus comimg the first time, and Jesus as part of the Trinity (which is God along with the Father and Holy Ghost) would be present whenever God is - which is plenty.
Marcion of Sinope was an early Christian who found such a difference in the God of the Old Testament and of the New Testament writings (he was before an official canon was established - he actually set one of the first canons for his sect) that he concluded they were actually different Gods. The New Testament God was higher and replaced the Old Testament God of Judaism. Marcion was eventually excommunicated from the Roman church and I thought I had read that his belief in 2 Gods, one in succession of the other, was officially denounced as heretical at one of the ecumenical councils.
What did Satan do anyway?
RussRAB comments on Aug 29, 2019:
As a former Mormon, I was taught that Satan was selfish and wanted to take all the glory of God on himself and he would guarantee every soul would return to heaven. Jesus had other ideas and God chose Jesus plan over Satan's.So Satan rebelled against God and was tossed out of heaven (or pre-heaven). Satan then vowed to do everything he could to frustrate and disrupt Jesus' plan which God accepted. Sounds so silly explaining it now.
RussRAB comments on Aug 29, 2019:
As a former Mormon, I was taught that Satan was selfish and wanted to take all the glory of God on himself and he would guarantee every soul would return to heaven. Jesus had other ideas and God chose Jesus plan over Satan's.So Satan rebelled against God and was tossed out of heaven (or pre-heaven). Satan then vowed to do everything he could to frustrate and disrupt Jesus' plan which God accepted. Sounds so silly explaining it now.
Gardening level: Epic
Bet this evolved and took the whole village ages!
RussRAB comments on Aug 29, 2019:
What is that saying about necessity?
RussRAB comments on Aug 29, 2019:
What is that saying about necessity?
Religion vs science
RussRAB comments on Aug 25, 2019:
We see enough cult-like behaviors based on pseudoscience, junk science, and science fiction that I would say we would still have organizations based on irrational beliefs.
RussRAB comments on Aug 25, 2019:
We see enough cult-like behaviors based on pseudoscience, junk science, and science fiction that I would say we would still have organizations based on irrational beliefs.
I picked a lot of yummy tomatoes last night, and have identified the mystery volunteer vine as mini ...
RussRAB comments on Aug 25, 2019:
They look like specialty winter squash varieties. The oblong one in front looks like a delacota which is now one of my favorites. They are smaller than many squash varieties and have a milder flavor. The one behind it looks like a carnival squash, the dark green one an acorn squash, and the yellow/orange one in front is one I believe we tried last year or the year before, but I can't seem to recall the name.
A couple years ago, I read an article about winter squash varieties and it inspired us to try some more than just the butternut and acorn squash almost always available. The delacota was a favorite for both of us and we have looked for them since then. It has been fun sampling different varieties, and for my wife, to try new recipes.
RussRAB comments on Aug 25, 2019:
They look like specialty winter squash varieties. The oblong one in front looks like a delacota which is now one of my favorites. They are smaller than many squash varieties and have a milder flavor. The one behind it looks like a carnival squash, the dark green one an acorn squash, and the yellow/orange one in front is one I believe we tried last year or the year before, but I can't seem to recall the name.
A couple years ago, I read an article about winter squash varieties and it inspired us to try some more than just the butternut and acorn squash almost always available. The delacota was a favorite for both of us and we have looked for them since then. It has been fun sampling different varieties, and for my wife, to try new recipes.
This afternoon, I was playing games on my computer while overhearing programs about serial killers ...
RussRAB comments on Aug 25, 2019:
While Googling to confirm details in my comments, I ran across a list of notorious murders who converted to Christianity while in jail. It more than underscores the sentiment initially expressed.
https://atheistpapers.com/2014/01/29/these-murderers-are-now-in-heaven-many-of-their-victims-are-in-hell-2/comment-page-1/
Reading some of the comments to this article makes clear that not all Christians are comfortable with the notion of complete redemption from these heinous crimes of serial killers, but as pointed out by subsequent comments, the biblical principle is clear and the conclusion is sound.
RussRAB comments on Aug 25, 2019:
While Googling to confirm details in my comments, I ran across a list of notorious murders who converted to Christianity while in jail. It more than underscores the sentiment initially expressed.
https://atheistpapers.com/2014/01/29/these-murderers-are-now-in-heaven-many-of-their-victims-are-in-hell-2/comment-page-1/
Reading some of the comments to this article makes clear that not all Christians are comfortable with the notion of complete redemption from these heinous crimes of serial killers, but as pointed out by subsequent comments, the biblical principle is clear and the conclusion is sound.
Do you say the pledge of allegiance, when called to do so in a public setting?
RussRAB comments on Aug 24, 2019:
I haven't had much cause to recite the pledge of allegience in a long time. I hadn't really thought about it, but I like your approach.
Years ago when "under God" in the pledge had become a current issue, I wrote to my Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (now retired - Thanks? Her replacement was Ted Cruz 😥) suggesting we replace "under God" with a phrase from a recent Pres. George W Bush state of the union address - "diverse and united." I received a letter back from Hutchinson's office thanking me for my letter and supporting the importance of preserving our current pledge of allegience. It wasn't the last time I felt my opinion was ignored by my Texas representives; it may have been the first. Not certain exactly what I expected.
RussRAB comments on Aug 24, 2019:
I haven't had much cause to recite the pledge of allegience in a long time. I hadn't really thought about it, but I like your approach.
Years ago when "under God" in the pledge had become a current issue, I wrote to my Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (now retired - Thanks? Her replacement was Ted Cruz 😥) suggesting we replace "under God" with a phrase from a recent Pres. George W Bush state of the union address - "diverse and united." I received a letter back from Hutchinson's office thanking me for my letter and supporting the importance of preserving our current pledge of allegience. It wasn't the last time I felt my opinion was ignored by my Texas representives; it may have been the first. Not certain exactly what I expected.
I was in shock this morning.
RussRAB comments on Aug 24, 2019:
Amazing just how destructive these little worms can be. Nasturtium was the first flower I had success growing on my own from seed. A small green catapillar was attracted to these plants, and just like your passion fruit vine, they could eat all the leafy parts of the plant in no time.
RussRAB comments on Aug 24, 2019:
Amazing just how destructive these little worms can be. Nasturtium was the first flower I had success growing on my own from seed. A small green catapillar was attracted to these plants, and just like your passion fruit vine, they could eat all the leafy parts of the plant in no time.
[theweek.
RussRAB comments on Aug 23, 2019:
Voting indeed is a right even if it is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. The 9th Amendment is one of our Bill of Rights and says "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Parental rights are not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution or any of the Amendments (that I am aware of) but no one questions the fundamental rights of parents to raise their children, and the courts have repeatedly upheld parental rights even at times to the detriment to the children. Rights can be removed but it takes due process to enact the removal. No additional Constitutional Amendments are needed since voting is an essential element of our government by and for the people. Remove voting rights and we can no longer ldgitimately claim this characteristic of our government. Those who would deny voting rights to large segments of our population have no dedication to personal individual freedom which is a fundamental and essential element of our national identity and our political traditions. If we would do away with individual freedoms, we may as well simply scrap our Constitution and endure the autocratic form of government which would be the alternative.
RussRAB comments on Aug 23, 2019:
Voting indeed is a right even if it is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. The 9th Amendment is one of our Bill of Rights and says "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Parental rights are not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution or any of the Amendments (that I am aware of) but no one questions the fundamental rights of parents to raise their children, and the courts have repeatedly upheld parental rights even at times to the detriment to the children. Rights can be removed but it takes due process to enact the removal. No additional Constitutional Amendments are needed since voting is an essential element of our government by and for the people. Remove voting rights and we can no longer ldgitimately claim this characteristic of our government. Those who would deny voting rights to large segments of our population have no dedication to personal individual freedom which is a fundamental and essential element of our national identity and our political traditions. If we would do away with individual freedoms, we may as well simply scrap our Constitution and endure the autocratic form of government which would be the alternative.
A pup date.
RussRAB comments on Aug 22, 2019:
Great News! A happy ending - or middle of the story - from a sad beginning.
RussRAB comments on Aug 22, 2019:
Great News! A happy ending - or middle of the story - from a sad beginning.
UPDATE on Religion's professor saying atheism is a religion.
RussRAB comments on Aug 22, 2019:
I am reminded of Bill Mahar's response to a similar claim. He said that atheism is as much a religion as abstinence is a sex position.
RussRAB comments on Aug 22, 2019:
I am reminded of Bill Mahar's response to a similar claim. He said that atheism is as much a religion as abstinence is a sex position.
When the great arian nation "Pee Pee Herman" gets Confronted... accidents happen...
RussRAB comments on Aug 18, 2019:
I suppose that would be a deterent to anyone wanting to lay a hand on him.
RussRAB comments on Aug 18, 2019:
I suppose that would be a deterent to anyone wanting to lay a hand on him.
Public Service Announcement from the Mormons:
[yahoo.com]
RussRAB comments on Aug 17, 2019:
Of all the perils young people face in this day and age, the Mormon church is warning its young people about the perils of fancy coffees.
RussRAB comments on Aug 17, 2019:
Of all the perils young people face in this day and age, the Mormon church is warning its young people about the perils of fancy coffees.
Mountain Meadows Massacre
9) Mormonism's repressive ideas about human sexuality, including strict ...
RussRAB comments on Aug 17, 2019:
The problem that some may not get of someone getting ready to convert to Mormonism is that they do not get the whole story from Mormon missionaries, and the Mormon conversion machine is geared to fellowshipping potential converts. At one time, a General Conference theme encouraged all Mormon families to select someone or another family for conversion. They were supposed to put the family on project mode to get them baptised.
We knew a couple who were good friends and the guy had been a missionary in the LA area in California. He tells the story of teaching Debbie Boon daughter of Pat Boon. At one point, Pat Boon supplied his daughter with "anti-Mormom literature" which she found apalling. She shared shared it with the missionaries on her last visit with them. Our friend was so disturbed by what he was presented with, that went about trying to prove it false, but instead only confirmed most of it enough so that he left and took his family with him.
My current view of Mormonism is that it began as a cult of personality with narcissist Joseph Smith. From my reading, the Smith family were all steeped in magical thinking to an extreme. They apparently engaged in treasure hunting using "seer stones" (which later were used to "translate" the Book of Mormon texts). Joseph Smith was engaged in a number of activities typical of narcissists like infidelity - which was later covered up with the institution of polygamy.
More in a bit, I need to take a break. A good book as a reference is Fawn Brodie's No Man Knows My History. The section on polygamy which is toward the end of the book was very eye opening. The other book I read was The Writings of John D Lee. This one disspelled a lot of the misinformation about the Mountain Meadows Massacre which I had been told from faithful members. Lee's two trials also demonstrated the cult control Brigham Young had on the membership which caused them to lose their own personal integrity in order to demonstrate their faithfulness.
RussRAB comments on Aug 17, 2019:
The problem that some may not get of someone getting ready to convert to Mormonism is that they do not get the whole story from Mormon missionaries, and the Mormon conversion machine is geared to fellowshipping potential converts. At one time, a General Conference theme encouraged all Mormon families to select someone or another family for conversion. They were supposed to put the family on project mode to get them baptised.
We knew a couple who were good friends and the guy had been a missionary in the LA area in California. He tells the story of teaching Debbie Boon daughter of Pat Boon. At one point, Pat Boon supplied his daughter with "anti-Mormom literature" which she found apalling. She shared shared it with the missionaries on her last visit with them. Our friend was so disturbed by what he was presented with, that went about trying to prove it false, but instead only confirmed most of it enough so that he left and took his family with him.
My current view of Mormonism is that it began as a cult of personality with narcissist Joseph Smith. From my reading, the Smith family were all steeped in magical thinking to an extreme. They apparently engaged in treasure hunting using "seer stones" (which later were used to "translate" the Book of Mormon texts). Joseph Smith was engaged in a number of activities typical of narcissists like infidelity - which was later covered up with the institution of polygamy.
More in a bit, I need to take a break. A good book as a reference is Fawn Brodie's No Man Knows My History. The section on polygamy which is toward the end of the book was very eye opening. The other book I read was The Writings of John D Lee. This one disspelled a lot of the misinformation about the Mountain Meadows Massacre which I had been told from faithful members. Lee's two trials also demonstrated the cult control Brigham Young had on the membership which caused them to lose their own personal integrity in order to demonstrate their faithfulness.
Please let me know if you would say something in this situation.
RussRAB comments on Aug 16, 2019:
In a situation like this, you might want to ask yourself what you hope go accomplish by either saying something or staying silent. If the guy from Brazil is a close friend of yours, then this may be enough reason to try to advise him of the truth of the matter.
RussRAB comments on Aug 16, 2019:
In a situation like this, you might want to ask yourself what you hope go accomplish by either saying something or staying silent. If the guy from Brazil is a close friend of yours, then this may be enough reason to try to advise him of the truth of the matter.
In the Photography group we mentioned Naked Lady bulbs blooming and I promised to go take pics in my...
RussRAB comments on Aug 14, 2019:
How funny! I have known these lilies as Resurrection Lilies. Comical that their other name is Naked Lady. Did someone get their communications crossed when naming these flowers. Are they wanton women or piously Christian?
RussRAB comments on Aug 14, 2019:
How funny! I have known these lilies as Resurrection Lilies. Comical that their other name is Naked Lady. Did someone get their communications crossed when naming these flowers. Are they wanton women or piously Christian?
Imagine for a moment that the concept of god never existed, that no one had ever heard of such an ...
RussRAB comments on Aug 12, 2019:
Religion is often the first thing we think of when we think of controlling cults, but religion isn't the only concept that fits the bill. Cults can and have been based on politics, business, science fiction and pseudo-science to mention a few. We humans seem to be able to latch onto almost any concept and take it too far. The point here is that even if we remove the concept of Gods and diety, we seem to have the potential to create the same zealousness for other ideas - factual or fictitious - as we do for religion.
RussRAB comments on Aug 12, 2019:
Religion is often the first thing we think of when we think of controlling cults, but religion isn't the only concept that fits the bill. Cults can and have been based on politics, business, science fiction and pseudo-science to mention a few. We humans seem to be able to latch onto almost any concept and take it too far. The point here is that even if we remove the concept of Gods and diety, we seem to have the potential to create the same zealousness for other ideas - factual or fictitious - as we do for religion.
My fish pond before the raccoons destroyed it. The rootball was over 300 pounds in one season.
RussRAB comments on Aug 12, 2019:
Gorgeous flowers. The lilies my grandfather had in his pond were all white.
RussRAB comments on Aug 12, 2019:
Gorgeous flowers. The lilies my grandfather had in his pond were all white.
The biblical "god" is merely a manifestation of the violent, male-dominant, hunter-killer left ...
RussRAB comments on Aug 12, 2019:
While your point is valid, it's not entirely accurate.
https://the-line-up.com/9-female-serial-killers
All of us need to acknowledge that we each have the potential to contribute to the problem or to a solution (at least I hope that is true).
Somewhere I read that the base dieties of many religions was some sort of Father, Mother, and child combination. These three set the archetypes for human relationships. In Christianity, the trinity was Father, Son, and Holy Ghost which were/weren't one and the same. But the Mother and her influences were left out. Roman Catholics brought in Jesus' mother Mary, but she did not hold an equal status with the other 3.
RussRAB comments on Aug 12, 2019:
While your point is valid, it's not entirely accurate.
https://the-line-up.com/9-female-serial-killers
All of us need to acknowledge that we each have the potential to contribute to the problem or to a solution (at least I hope that is true).
Somewhere I read that the base dieties of many religions was some sort of Father, Mother, and child combination. These three set the archetypes for human relationships. In Christianity, the trinity was Father, Son, and Holy Ghost which were/weren't one and the same. But the Mother and her influences were left out. Roman Catholics brought in Jesus' mother Mary, but she did not hold an equal status with the other 3.
The Christian ethic is to nurture the sick and the elderly, amongst other teachings.
RussRAB comments on Aug 11, 2019:
It's a good question worthy of examination. My conclusion is that in America, being a "Christian" is more of a label some people hang around their neck to indicate they are a "good person". They don't really require themselves to do any of behaviors (or only a bare minimum) Christianity would require of them, but they have their sign indicating their supposed goodness. When they spend their time cheating, backbiting, and judging their neighbors, they can simply refer to their label of being a Christian to prove they are a good person. Then they can sleep at night.
RussRAB comments on Aug 11, 2019:
It's a good question worthy of examination. My conclusion is that in America, being a "Christian" is more of a label some people hang around their neck to indicate they are a "good person". They don't really require themselves to do any of behaviors (or only a bare minimum) Christianity would require of them, but they have their sign indicating their supposed goodness. When they spend their time cheating, backbiting, and judging their neighbors, they can simply refer to their label of being a Christian to prove they are a good person. Then they can sleep at night.
The Acanthus are coming to the end of their flowering now.
RussRAB comments on Aug 10, 2019:
We lived in a rented house when my kids were little which had these Acanthus growing along the front under the windows. I had no idea what they were then, but the flower looks the same and the thistle like spines on all parts of the plant.
RussRAB comments on Aug 10, 2019:
We lived in a rented house when my kids were little which had these Acanthus growing along the front under the windows. I had no idea what they were then, but the flower looks the same and the thistle like spines on all parts of the plant.
I am reaching out to some of the more experienced gardeners out there.
RussRAB comments on Aug 9, 2019:
You are in Wisconsin? You can try to start seeds anytime, but they may not get a chance to mature before getting hit with a frost. In Ohio when I was a kid, 4 O'clocks were perenial and would come back each year. You may want fo plant some of your seeds now just to see what happpens, and save some for next spring. Here in Texas, I believe these seeds are readily available from the garden stores. To store seeds, I typicalls use a paper envelope. Seeds are often sold in paper packets, so I figured paper was a decent choice. Instructions often say to store them in a cool dry place. Good Luck on your endeavor, and let up know how it works out.
RussRAB comments on Aug 9, 2019:
You are in Wisconsin? You can try to start seeds anytime, but they may not get a chance to mature before getting hit with a frost. In Ohio when I was a kid, 4 O'clocks were perenial and would come back each year. You may want fo plant some of your seeds now just to see what happpens, and save some for next spring. Here in Texas, I believe these seeds are readily available from the garden stores. To store seeds, I typicalls use a paper envelope. Seeds are often sold in paper packets, so I figured paper was a decent choice. Instructions often say to store them in a cool dry place. Good Luck on your endeavor, and let up know how it works out.
A cute pup from one of the local rescue organizations.
RussRAB comments on Aug 9, 2019:
Those ears are something else on that little dog. I hope he doesn't come to live with a beagle as a housemate.
RussRAB comments on Aug 9, 2019:
Those ears are something else on that little dog. I hope he doesn't come to live with a beagle as a housemate.
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