WilliamFleming's Profile

We're on a road to destruction if we don't make changes.

Jerkwater_Oracle comments on Apr 27, 2019:

While I can not cite the names of the researchers and institutions which have conducted them from memory, even a half-hearted search will turn up many, non-partisan, scientific studies which have consistently shown that: religious fundamentalism/extremism and extreme political conservatism both ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 28, 2019:

@Jerkwater_Oracle So you think reality is all just chemistry—just trivial common-place stuff not worth thinking about, and it’s not real so it needs to be put in quotation marks? I agree that our personal realities are illusions that we create for survival purposes. Our perceptions need to be organized in a way that helps us react to new stimuli. But behind the scenes is Ultimate Reality, of which science affords ony a few faint glimmers. Are you taking what you call the “environment” for granted as though it’s really there in the way we perceive it? According to quantum gravity theory time is an illusion, space is made of a finite number of granules, and particles of matter exist as interactions between covariant quantum fields. There are no “things”. The very concept of existence, as we think of existence, has a different meaning at the most basic level. From a cosmic perspective, the perspective of ultimate reality, existence is indeed a staggering and awesome miracle, and the fact that we humans have conscious awareness of that miracle is highly significant. Ultimate Reality is a profound mystery, but it’s a dazzling mystery, full of joy and hope.

We're on a road to destruction if we don't make changes.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 27, 2019:

I fully support the idea of a status update section where we treat each other with kindness. It happens that I just had some trauma. It would be nice to have polite exchanges so that such things can be aired. These extreme differences—liberal/conservative, religious/atheist—they are only skin...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 28, 2019:

@FrayedBear What you are saying is definitely a factor. Also I deeply empathize with the man’s father who is having to bear the worst loss of his long life. Projecting myself into that situation has not helped. Now is the time for me to practice what I’ve been preaching on this forum—to think only true thoughts about the situation. Time heals and life goes on. Thanks.

“The goal of a good society is to structure social relations and institutions so that cooperative ...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 26, 2019:

Who gets to decide what the goal is of a good society. Who decreed that societies should have goals? What is a good society in the first place? Which are the good ones and which the bad? Humans have evolved over millions of years, and what you see is what you get. Things are as they are for ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

@callmedubious That huge national debt amounts to nothing but a free gift of taxpayer money to the bond holders. But it isn’t Wall Street causing that debt. Blame politicians who refuse to change their wasteful habits. The 1% can keep their money for all I care. Life goes on. Products are created and traded—we have what we need. Money is not wealth. Some people’s having money does not cause other people to be poor.

We're on a road to destruction if we don't make changes.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 27, 2019:

I fully support the idea of a status update section where we treat each other with kindness. It happens that I just had some trauma. It would be nice to have polite exchanges so that such things can be aired. These extreme differences—liberal/conservative, religious/atheist—they are only skin...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

@FrayedBear I appreciate your response. A friend recently died. I cried at his funeral and I’ve had a week of feeling sort of bereft. The odd thing is that I had no idea he meant so much to me. It’s hard to understand. He was a generation younger also, but I held him in great esteem.

We're on a road to destruction if we don't make changes.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 27, 2019:

I fully support the idea of a status update section where we treat each other with kindness. It happens that I just had some trauma. It would be nice to have polite exchanges so that such things can be aired. These extreme differences—liberal/conservative, religious/atheist—they are only skin...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

@OpposingOpposum Demonizing and hating people because of their political opinions is not very rational or liberal. It’s tit for tat. At heart we are about the same. From a higher perspective we ARE the same IMO.

We're on a road to destruction if we don't make changes.

Jerkwater_Oracle comments on Apr 27, 2019:

While I can not cite the names of the researchers and institutions which have conducted them from memory, even a half-hearted search will turn up many, non-partisan, scientific studies which have consistently shown that: religious fundamentalism/extremism and extreme political conservatism both ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

@Wildflower However you wish. Reality is a staggering, mind-bending phenomenon of the utmost significance and value.

We're on a road to destruction if we don't make changes.

Jerkwater_Oracle comments on Apr 27, 2019:

While I can not cite the names of the researchers and institutions which have conducted them from memory, even a half-hearted search will turn up many, non-partisan, scientific studies which have consistently shown that: religious fundamentalism/extremism and extreme political conservatism both ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

Actually, IMO each person is inherently worthy of respect simply because of their existence as a consciously aware being. Our existence is a miracle beyond all miracles, by all rights to be revered and cherished. Wallowing in negative, judgmental thoughts results in great unhappiness.

“The goal of a good society is to structure social relations and institutions so that cooperative ...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 26, 2019:

Who gets to decide what the goal is of a good society. Who decreed that societies should have goals? What is a good society in the first place? Which are the good ones and which the bad? Humans have evolved over millions of years, and what you see is what you get. Things are as they are for ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

@Allamanda You seem to be saying that bankers and investors contribute nothing to society. I think that both activities are very important to society. Even stock market speculation serves an important role. There are a lot of occupations where there is no direct production but where the activities benefit society in a supporting role. I in no way support illegal activities involving coercion, blackmail, etc. That is a different issue. That is the opposite of a free market.

“The goal of a good society is to structure social relations and institutions so that cooperative ...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 26, 2019:

Who gets to decide what the goal is of a good society. Who decreed that societies should have goals? What is a good society in the first place? Which are the good ones and which the bad? Humans have evolved over millions of years, and what you see is what you get. Things are as they are for ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 27, 2019:

@Allamanda @THHA The only difference I see in production and trade in modern times is that of scale. Rising populations along with technological advances have enhanced productivity and trading, enabling a world market. The greater efficiency afforded by economy of scale has brought immense wealth and well-being around the globe. Compare life today with life just 100 years ago. My father was farming with mules. They had no electricity, refrigeration, running water, indoor toilets, etc. Epidemics of deadly diseases were rampant. Our improved lifestyles of today were not granted us by government—we have grown wealthy through individual efforts in a free market. Despite this dazzling success there are those who, hearing of wealthy traders, react with envy. By labeling commerce as “capitalism”, they create a symbol for their hatred, but that hatred is based on false thinking. 1. The portfolios of wealthy people do not cause poverty to other people. It’s just the opposite. 2. Money is not wealth. Money is an accounting system. Wealth has to be produced. 3. Corporations, companies, partnerships, cooperatives, associations, they all amount to the same thing: People joining forces to accomplish tasks too large for individuals. 4. Commerce is too important to be handed over to government bureaucrats. There is a role for government in justice, regulation, and defense, but whenever the free market has been stifled through government action the result has been chaos and poverty. There are plenty of examples.

Will religion vanish in future?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 24, 2019:

Religion serves an important purpose to humanity. Traditional religions have become stale and dogmatic and are in decline, but more advanced religions are already on the scene.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 26, 2019:

@mordant Atkinson was a prolific writer of many types of occult subjects. I don’t know if it’s correct to identify New Thought with one of his books. New Thought was well under way without his influence. IMO New Thought presents a more advanced religious perspective than traditional Christian churches. That’s not to say they are the ultimate religions, or that they are 100% correct in all their teachings. At least they are smart enough not to try forcing people to believe things. We all have to deal with difficult problems from time to time. What makes people unhappy is not what happens to them but what they think about what has happened to them. This is not religious twaddle. Read “Help Yourself to Happiness” by Dr. Maxie Maultsby, founder of Rational Behavior Therapy. Yes, I hereby decree life to be grand and wonderful! :-)

Will religion vanish in future?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 24, 2019:

Religion serves an important purpose to humanity. Traditional religions have become stale and dogmatic and are in decline, but more advanced religions are already on the scene.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 26, 2019:

@mordant I don’t understand why this discussion has turned to Hermetism. I certainly have not espoused that philosophy. I have little knowledge or understanding of what you are talking about. What is this about Jedi mind tricks? You are making things up. You wanted me to name some advanced religions and I did that. Hermetism was not one of those. It’s is entirely possible to make your life wonderful, but no tricks are involved. All you have to do is stop thinking negative, judgmental and untrue thoughts. That comes from both science and religion. I am not very interested in any of the “isms”. In “The Perennial Philosophy” Aldous Huxley examined a number of universal ideas and concepts common to nearly all religions. I believe that it is fruitful to contemplate those core human insights without pledging allegiance to any one group.

Will religion vanish in future?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 24, 2019:

Religion serves an important purpose to humanity. Traditional religions have become stale and dogmatic and are in decline, but more advanced religions are already on the scene.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 26, 2019:

@mordant I am not very interested in what this or that religious group says about our reality. I am interested in the actual nature of reality and what it means. IMO religion does not spring from some organization—religion springs from the individual’s heart and mind. It is the concerted effort of individuals that bring religious groups into existence, and without individual religious sentiment those groups fade away. I do think that we make our own realities, but that doesn’t necessarily correlate with negative judgments or lack of charity. For me it is important to maintain a higher perspective on the world. Everything is natural and fits together. Things are as they are for reasons. To me it seems irrational and a bit arrogant and disrespectful to be constantly feeling pity for other people. There is no misfortune that can detract in the least from the absolutely overwhelming miracle of existence.

Will religion vanish in future?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 24, 2019:

Religion serves an important purpose to humanity. Traditional religions have become stale and dogmatic and are in decline, but more advanced religions are already on the scene.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 26, 2019:

@mordant New Thought churches fit that definition IMO. Also I consider Buddhism to be an advanced religion. Hinduism is a conglomeration of many things, but in my opinion ancient Hindu sages created the world’s most important and penetrating religious philosophy, a philosophy that actually addresses the overwhelming significance of existence. New thought churches are partly based on elements of Hindu philosophy, and of course Buddhism sprang from Hinduism also. Christianity is all about worming your way into heaven by coaxing yourself into believing dubious assertions. Hindu philosophy is about experiencing or appreciating Ultimate Reality through meditation.

New York removes J. Marion Sims statue of surgeon who experimented on enslaved women - Vox

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 23, 2019:

Never again? I just read the Wikipedia article on Sims. There’s a lot more to this story than is being aired. There are two sides, or many sides. Sims contributed a lot to the health of women, and has been honored repeatedly for his work. Why did Sims operate on slave women? It was because ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 24, 2019:

@silverotter11 According to the Wikipedia article the man was not just using the slave women as guinea pigs for experimentation. He had established a hospital just for Black women, and he was operating because the women were desperately in need of attention. Read the horrible symptoms that those women had to suffer—it’s pitiful and disturbing. Yes, he did indeed operate on White women. In fact he established a women’s hospital in New York. He was president of the AMA for two years also. What a farce it is that all these radical leftists are running around slandering, stirring up racial animosity at every turn, trying to divide the country, trying to start a new civil war. Utterly disgusting!

Do scientific and religious explanations necessarily contradict each other?

DonaldHRoberts comments on Apr 24, 2019:

The real problem with science and religion is they both, all to often, contradict themselves and each other which lends to the statement, The truth is always the truth. If something is true there are no variations. All other adaptations are suspect and most likely fabricated. There are no ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 24, 2019:

IMO the concepts of truth and falseness have meaning only in the setting of human thought and psychology. They are nothing but language related human value judgments with no significance on the cosmic level. There are many assertions that are true in one system of thought and false in another. Some perfectly meaningful assertions can be neither proven nor disproven, while others are simply undefined or meaningless. We give way too much attention to the concepts of belief, truth, faith, proof, and knowledge. Our most rational state of mind should be absolute and total bewilderment. Sometimes theologians use the word “truth” in a different context but I am not addressing that.

Is there any way that religion can be proved to be man made?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 19, 2019:

The religious impulse is deeply embedded in the human psyche and is the source of all human creativity, science, art, etc. Individual religions were concocted by people for various reasons, some more benevolent than others, but those religions could not have been created without innate human ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 23, 2019:

@grammy A religious belief is nothing but an opinion and has little or nothing to do with anything. I’m not talking about religious belief. I’m talking about our primal spark of awareness which brought to humanity a sense of reverence and awe for existence. It is religion in its purest form.

Is there any way that religion can be proved to be man made?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 19, 2019:

The religious impulse is deeply embedded in the human psyche and is the source of all human creativity, science, art, etc. Individual religions were concocted by people for various reasons, some more benevolent than others, but those religions could not have been created without innate human ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 20, 2019:

@icolan The reason I call it the religious impulse is because of that inexplicable spark of conscious awareness that fosters a sense of deep awe and wonder in the face of the overwhelming mysteries of reality. From that spark comes thrilling vision, and there arises the utmost motivation to live well, to invent, to create. If, because of negative associations you dislike the religion word it is perfectly ok with me to call it something else. However, for me, calling it the creative impulse doesn’t tell the whole story.

How absurd.

Womanatheist comments on Apr 17, 2019:

I see why people distrust atheists. I was wrong when I signed as an atheist. I am a Secular Humanist. Only people help people. Also, I notice the many here are into orgies, polyamorous life, etc and all related to sex. I just hope that you don't have to visit the physician too often to clear ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 19, 2019:

Not everyone one the site is the same—some of us aren’t atheists There are large numbers who agree with your sentiments, and a lot of us are not looking for sex. You have to develop a thick skin. Don’t take our criticism of your post personally. I hope you continue to participate.

Two More of Bob Dutko's Proofs for God's Existence Refuted.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 18, 2019:

While I am in agreement with much of your post, the last paragraph presents a problem. <<As to the burden of proof, the proof of any pudding lies with the person or agency or institution that claims something is so, as in God exists. There is no burden of proof on anyone claiming that something ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 19, 2019:

@johnprytz Yes, “burden of proof” is an important concept in the court system and that’s where it belongs.

How absurd.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 17, 2019:

Money is just an accounting system. Allocation of resources of labor and materials needed to repair the cathedral will not have much effect on agricultural production. There might be a slight effect on housing and building construction, but the cathedral will be enjoyed by billions of people over...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 17, 2019:

@Womanatheist The poverty rate in Lima is only 13.3%. In B.C. it’s 13.2%. In California it’s 19%.

How absurd.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 17, 2019:

Money is just an accounting system. Allocation of resources of labor and materials needed to repair the cathedral will not have much effect on agricultural production. There might be a slight effect on housing and building construction, but the cathedral will be enjoyed by billions of people over...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 17, 2019:

@Womanatheist I do not call myself an atheist or an agnostic. The principles of economics have nothing to do with the silly argument over the existence of God. Those children on the street can not eat gold. The presence of gold has very little or nothing to do with hunger. In every generation is born a set of ego-ridden social reformers who judge society to be deficient—who believe that they are morally and intellectually superior and who think they have the correct opinions. Observing people who live differently than themselves, they are shocked and dismayed. They think that if only they could seize dictatorial power and enforce their agendas utopia would result. Invariably their plans involve seizing money from wealthy people and using that money to buy things for people they have adjudged to be needy. What they do not understand is that wealth has to be created, and that wealth is not money. Rich people are not causing poverty. Their money does not deprive anyone. You could take all the billions of Bill Gates, distribute it equally to the world’s masses and each person would receive enough to maybe buy a cup of coffee. Nothing would change at all. Give everyone a million dollars and you wouldn’t accomplish a thing except massive inflation. Money is not wealth. Wealth has to be created.

Challenging the view of science as a religion I have angered a few theists in the past.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 16, 2019:

Many religious people do not “believe” in creationism. They are aware of the fact that the concept of creation is a shallow human mental construct and that the nature of ultimate reality is far, far over our heads. Deeply religious people don’t believe anything—they are just in awe. ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 16, 2019:

@Xoviat it is unfortunate that you have to deal with people like that in your workplace. I’ve never experienced that sort of thing on the job. There was one fundamentalist guy but he was tactful and likable and we were friends. Sounds like you are dealing with the challenge in a forthright and courageous way.

Challenging the view of science as a religion I have angered a few theists in the past.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 16, 2019:

Many religious people do not “believe” in creationism. They are aware of the fact that the concept of creation is a shallow human mental construct and that the nature of ultimate reality is far, far over our heads. Deeply religious people don’t believe anything—they are just in awe. ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 16, 2019:

@Xoviat Yes, I understand. There are many people like that.

Don't you think it is wondering and disappointing that more than 50 % of the world population ...

Paul4747 comments on Apr 15, 2019:

It's frightening to a lot of people to live in a universe where humans (and for that matter, life in general) are nothing special, and just came about as the result of chemical and genetic processes. Religion tells them that they have a place in the universe, that our world and they in particular ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 15, 2019:

I agree that it takes courage to become an atheist—to turn away from dogmatic church teachings. It takes even more courage to turn away from a simplistic faith in the materialistic, reductionist reliance on scientism for your emotional support. It takes courage to face our abject ignorance in the face of the overwhelming miracle of ultimate reality, mysterious and cloaked in darkness as it is. That darkness is, however, brilliant and dazzling in its implications. Our bodies might be the result of genetic and chemical processes but those processes are not simple, valueless and well-understood. They are amazing and complex, springing from a source of which humans are abjectly ignorant. Conscious awareness is not cheap, valueless, or simple. Conscious awareness is a profoundly mysterious and overwhelming phenomena for which there is not the least hint of an explanation.

I just read another piece in which the author warns his readers about the "dangers" of Supreme Court...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

Of course if we are reading a Shakespeare sonnet we are going to read between the lines and we are going to allow an emotional interpretation. That is different than interpreting a statute precisely crafted by lawyers. In interpreting legal language a certain degree of freedom might be necessary but...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 13, 2019:

@EduardoVallejo I understand and agree with your well-written response sir. Yes, words are just symbols and they are meaningful only when they resonate within us. I was just castigated by a Brit for making my own definition for the word “spirituality”, but rather than calling me to task he could have tried to understand what I was saying. I lean toward libertarianism but am not deeply interested in politics, trying to maintain objectivity. For example, I voted for Obama and supported him throughput because of his intelligence and courage, although I was not in favor of all of his actions. I look forward to more of your ideas.

Arguments about God?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

“Excuse me, but if you propose the existence of something, anything, then the burden is on you to provide at the minimum some evidence even if you can't provide proof.” And what is to happen to the person who refuses to bear this burden that you propose? There’s not much you can do to them,...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@LenHazell53 Spirituality is not so hard to define. Spirituality does not involve faith or belief, and spirituality has nothing to do with magic or the supernatural. It is almost universally acknowledged among scientists and amongst all intelligent, thinking people that the everyday world of our senses is an illusion, a symbolic map created by ourselves to represent ultimate reality that lies beyond. This has been in the mainstream of physics since the days of Faraday and Maxwell, and is simply taken for granted by physicists of today. Read any book on modern physics and you’ll see. Spiritually aware people are deeply conscious of the miracle and mystery of existence. Reality is staggering in its overwhelming implications, and the phenomenon of conscious awareness is the prime key that makes such awareness and appreciation possible. Ultimate Reality beyond our senses is truly mysterious. A person who possesses the true spirit of science is in deep wonder and awe of reality—he or she pounces on new information with greed, On the other hand, those caught up in the faith of scientism go around debunking anything that does not fit their pseudoscientific world views.To them nature is nothing but this or nothing but that—nothing to wonder about—nothing in which to take joy. Sir Arthur Eddington: “The universe is of the nature of a thought or sensation in a universal Mind... To put the conclusion crudely — the stuff of the world is mind-stuff. “We are no longer tempted to condemn the spiritual aspects of our nature as illusory because of their lack of concreteness. “The scientific answer is relevant so far as concerns the sense-impressions... For the rest the human spirit must turn to the unseen world to which it itself belongs.”

Arguments about God?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

“Excuse me, but if you propose the existence of something, anything, then the burden is on you to provide at the minimum some evidence even if you can't provide proof.” And what is to happen to the person who refuses to bear this burden that you propose? There’s not much you can do to them,...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@LenHazell53 I agree that faith in religious dogma is a farce. Faith and belief are about the same and neither is needed. It’s easy to see and criticize faith in religion, but swept under the carpet and not examined is a blind and stupid belief in the tenets of materialistic scientism. Those so infected seem totally unaware no matter what evidence is presented, and there is no way to reach them. I disagree with your second paragraph. Pew polls show that about half of all scientists say that they believe in some sort of God concept. Besides that, nearly all of the founders of modern physics, while generally not being religious in the traditional church way, were nevertheless expressive of a higher realm of universal consciousness. As I said, some extremely intelligent people have been religious. The verdict is not in.

Please support FFRF.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 11, 2019:

Trump seems to be somewhat secular, stating that he fixes his own mistakes without involving God. What Trump is is a wily politician who knows how to garner votes. I have pointed out several times that Hillary Clinton is an avowed Evangelical Christian, yet no one on this forum has ever ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@Tiramisu, @Freedompath A very good response. Thank you.

Please support FFRF.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 11, 2019:

Trump seems to be somewhat secular, stating that he fixes his own mistakes without involving God. What Trump is is a wily politician who knows how to garner votes. I have pointed out several times that Hillary Clinton is an avowed Evangelical Christian, yet no one on this forum has ever ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@Tiramisu I wasn’t really putting the woman down. I don’t object to her church, but I am confused by all the left-wing hollering about “evangelicals” in connection with DT when Trump was not the evangelical on the ticket. I didn’t have the feeling that Hillary would be a good leader so I voted for Gary Johnson. I was appalled though by all the mud-slinging directed at her. I am also appalled by all the rhetoric directed against our current president.

Arguments about God?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

“Excuse me, but if you propose the existence of something, anything, then the burden is on you to provide at the minimum some evidence even if you can't provide proof.” And what is to happen to the person who refuses to bear this burden that you propose? There’s not much you can do to them,...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@LenHazell53 “Which is a lot of words to say some people are stupid enough to have Faith” Sounds like you are saying that anyone in disagreement with you is stupid. How can you be so sure? Almost everyone has faith of some sort. For many people of today it is a blind and unquestioning faith in the dogmas of scientism and materialism. Some of the most brilliant intellectuals down through history have expressed religious sentiments. So far as politics, we live in a democracy. Every individual can not have his say—each person gets one vote.

Arguments about God?

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

“Excuse me, but if you propose the existence of something, anything, then the burden is on you to provide at the minimum some evidence even if you can't provide proof.” And what is to happen to the person who refuses to bear this burden that you propose? There’s not much you can do to them,...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@mordant I do not think that such is a basic premise of logic. It’s more to do with psychology than with logic. AND it is incorrect anyway. An assertion can be couched in either positive or negative terms—the two can be interchanged at will. There is no more burden of proof on a person making an affirmative assertion than there is on a person making a negative assertion. That idea is nothing more than a modern day myth, but it seems ingrained in the minds of almost everyone. Yes, If I wanted to persuade you of something I would have to present an argument in order to achieve that goal. But I am perfectly free to make any assertion I choose and there is no burden at all, just as the other person is free to ignore what I say.

I just read another piece in which the author warns his readers about the "dangers" of Supreme Court...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

Of course if we are reading a Shakespeare sonnet we are going to read between the lines and we are going to allow an emotional interpretation. That is different than interpreting a statute precisely crafted by lawyers. In interpreting legal language a certain degree of freedom might be necessary but...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@t1nick So if a law has become outdated whose duty is it to repeal that law and enact a new and improved version? It is the duty of none other than the legislative branch of government and courts have no role unless there are conflicting laws. Even then, the problem should be fixed through legislation where possible.

I just read another piece in which the author warns his readers about the "dangers" of Supreme Court...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 12, 2019:

Of course if we are reading a Shakespeare sonnet we are going to read between the lines and we are going to allow an emotional interpretation. That is different than interpreting a statute precisely crafted by lawyers. In interpreting legal language a certain degree of freedom might be necessary but...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 12, 2019:

@t1nick I agree, but before the letter of the law is observed, there needs to be a law in the first place, a law duly enacted by our legislative representatives. More often the alleged spirit of the law is massaged for advantage while what was actually written and intended goes out the window.

The American founding father recognized the dangers and the need for freedom from religion

Jolanta comments on Apr 11, 2019:

Yes, where did it go oh so wrong?

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 11, 2019:

@Tiramisu Who is telling you that you have to be religious? In what way are your freedoms being encroached upon?

Procrastination !!.

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 9, 2019:

There are natural reasons for laziness and procrastination. I don’t think we should be hard on ourselves if we feel like lounging around. It is entirely understandable that a person all alone would falter in anything requiring commitment. For example, I thought I should learn Spanish, but without ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 9, 2019:

@Moravian Ha ha, funny, I haven’t heard that one. The book sounds interesting. I’ll check it out.

There's so much CO2 in the atmosphere that planting trees can no longer save us ...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 6, 2019:

The article is based on misconceptions. Plants take CO2 out of the atmosphere, and along with hydrogen and water and light they manufacture food for their own use, some of which is consumed by other organisms. When that food is consumed, every last molecule of the carbon that was made returns to the...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 6, 2019:

@Rghurst That was during the Carboniferous Age. Such a thing is not observed today. That tree in your yard is not slated to become coal or oil.

For a lot of folks today, their "identity" is the most important anchor in this confusing, messy ...

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 5, 2019:

I feel left out. I can’t think of an identity for myself. Well, I’m sort of an ethnic Cracker but not a very good one. I know! I’ll be a member of the class of confused, bewildered people who have no identity other than as conscious beings! I’ve already been trying hard to promote myself...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 5, 2019:

@Fernapple Sure, why not? :-)

Michael Tomasello (in his excellent book "Becoming human".

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 4, 2019:

What comes to mind are team sports, something uniquely human so far as I know. But don’t forget that we are bettered in social cooperation by ants and bees. It would vary, depending on the environment, but maybe there is an optimal degree of cooperation, and too much of it has a negative ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 4, 2019:

@Fernapple Very true. Mindless group-think and following a leader.

I don't know the answer to this riddle. Can someone tell me? Ugh! Help me!!!!!???

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 4, 2019:

My daughter’s mother is my wife. Teresa’s daughter is my wife. Teresa is my mother-in-law.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 4, 2019:

@Marcel3405 Sorry but I can’t let this go. Do you have a daughter? Who is her mother?

I don't know the answer to this riddle. Can someone tell me? Ugh! Help me!!!!!???

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 4, 2019:

My daughter’s mother is my wife. Teresa’s daughter is my wife. Teresa is my mother-in-law.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 4, 2019:

@Marcel3405 Now wait! It says clearly “my daughter’s mother”. Who could my daughter’s mother possibly be except myself or my wife? Damn, this is important!

I don't know the answer to this riddle. Can someone tell me? Ugh! Help me!!!!!???

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 4, 2019:

A couple was taking a bus up a mountain to a ski resort. They decided to get off a mile below the resort and walk the rest of the way. After they got off, as the bus was pulling away a large boulder came down and smashed into the bus, killing everyone on board. The man and wife looked at each ...

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 4, 2019:

@LizBeth Bingo! Oops, I thought I was making a new post. Sorry y’all.

I don't know the answer to this riddle. Can someone tell me? Ugh! Help me!!!!!???

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 4, 2019:

My daughter’s mother is my wife. Teresa’s daughter is my wife. Teresa is my mother-in-law.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 4, 2019:

@Marcel3405 if I were a woman, my daughter’s mother would be me, and Teresa’s daughter would be me. Teresa would be my mother in that case. But I’m not a woman.

I don't know the answer to this riddle. Can someone tell me? Ugh! Help me!!!!!???

WilliamFleming comments on Apr 4, 2019:

My daughter’s mother is my wife. Teresa’s daughter is my wife. Teresa is my mother-in-law.

WilliamFleming replies on Apr 4, 2019:

@Marcel3405 How so? I have three daughters and their mothers were my wife in every case.

Christian or Nothing: Buddhist Prisoner to be Executed Without Buddhist Chaplain - Rewire.

Moravian comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Shouldn't the question be-- Why are those barbaric rednecks still continuing with this practice which has been discontinued in all civilised countries in the world ?

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 30, 2019:

@Moravian It’s good to know that the UK finally became civilized in 1965. Maybe we’ll achieve that distinction someday.

Christian or Nothing: Buddhist Prisoner to be Executed Without Buddhist Chaplain - Rewire.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Why does it matter? The chaplain is nothing but an official witness, required by law. Others may be present as well. And prisoners have access to the counselor of their choice right up to the final walk. It’s a non-issue, designed to stall for time.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 29, 2019:

@Elganned How do you know that Christian prisoners get to have their chaplains in the room? How do you know it’s not just some chaplain who is assigned the duty? There are various chaplains on the payroll. It hardly matters IMO but if it makes you happy to stew over it go ahead. I’m surprised that anyone on this site would be so concerned about prisoners having religious counseling. Are you religious? The dead police officer didn’t get to have a chaplain on hand.

Christian or Nothing: Buddhist Prisoner to be Executed Without Buddhist Chaplain - Rewire.

Moravian comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Shouldn't the question be-- Why are those barbaric rednecks still continuing with this practice which has been discontinued in all civilised countries in the world ?

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 29, 2019:

Japan not civilized? China, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand? The Middle East?

Christian or Nothing: Buddhist Prisoner to be Executed Without Buddhist Chaplain - Rewire.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Why does it matter? The chaplain is nothing but an official witness, required by law. Others may be present as well. And prisoners have access to the counselor of their choice right up to the final walk. It’s a non-issue, designed to stall for time.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 29, 2019:

@Elganned His chaplain is Rev. Hui-Yong Shih who has been in full consultation with the prisoner, so it is not true that the prisoner was denied the religious counselor of his choice. I agree that someone other than a chaplain could have been designated as witness, and the whole ado could have been avoided. The lawyers would have no doubt thought of some other delaying tactic however. There are chaplains from various religions on the payroll, but I am guessing there are not enough Buddhist prisoners to justify a full-time chaplain. https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/rpd/chaplaincy.html

Christian or Nothing: Buddhist Prisoner to be Executed Without Buddhist Chaplain - Rewire.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Why does it matter? The chaplain is nothing but an official witness, required by law. Others may be present as well. And prisoners have access to the counselor of their choice right up to the final walk. It’s a non-issue, designed to stall for time.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 29, 2019:

@Elganned, @MizJ Not really. The Chaplain was to be there only as an official witness because he is an employee of the prison, not in the capacity of councilor. The whole thing is nothing but a delaying tactic.

Christian or Nothing: Buddhist Prisoner to be Executed Without Buddhist Chaplain - Rewire.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Why does it matter? The chaplain is nothing but an official witness, required by law. Others may be present as well. And prisoners have access to the counselor of their choice right up to the final walk. It’s a non-issue, designed to stall for time.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 29, 2019:

@Elganned Yes, I read the one-sided article, and I read further, kiramea’s link: “ In a flurry of last-minute petitions, lawyers for Murphy said the state violated his religious liberty because it blocked the Rev. Hui-Yong Shih from being present in the execution chamber.” They DO have access to the counselor of their choice. What difference does it make if the counselor is standing inside or outside the chamber? It’s too late for much counseling at that point wouldn’t you say? There are good reasons why only prison employees are permitted inside the chamber.

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

indirect76 comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I don’t see it as a cop out. I don’t even know what that means if you don’t say what they are coping out from.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 28, 2019:

@zblaze My opinion is that belief and disbelief are both cop outs. Anyone can express belief or disbelief but bewilderment requires the courage to look directly at the stark implications of reality. Childhood fairytales are not the same as ultimate reality or the deep implications of existence. There’s not the slightest bit of similarity. Your analogy falls way short. It’s a good analogy if you are talking just about biblical myths. I’m with you on that part but have long since lost interest in arguing against what is obviously mythical stuff. Move on.

I believe I'm not the only one to love that old time country music with the likes od Earnest Tubb, ...

Novelty comments on Mar 27, 2019:

I think you're right, you're the only one. I have no use for country music of today or yesterday. The music that needs to join country music in obscurity is rockabilly like Lynyrd Skynyrd. I admit I'm biased, but I grew up in Alabama and immigrated to the United States in 1990. I associate all ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

@CharlesMorris Thanks for the tip. I’m listening to The Three Amigos on Amazon Music right now, and they sound great. I’m confused about the group. According to Wikipedia they broke up in the early 2000’s, yet they seem to be booking performances for 2020. Adding to my confusion is that they don’t sound even a little bit Irish. I went to the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery once but didn’t have much time. Also I went to the museum in Georgiana, his childhood home and bought a set of all his recordings on CD for $100+, which might have been a mistake—at least I supported the museum and the town. I remember when Hank was making his hits, but I was just a kid. Both my parents hated his music and would turn off the radio if Hank came on. Eddie Arnold got a pass though. The magic of Hank’s music is amazing. I’ve seen young people react with great enthusiasm to his songs when they have no idea of what they are hearing. Yes, Classic Country is GREAT!

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

indirect76 comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I don’t see it as a cop out. I don’t even know what that means if you don’t say what they are coping out from.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

@Athena, @zblaze It’s not a question of belief. I am totally bewildered.

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

indirect76 comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I don’t see it as a cop out. I don’t even know what that means if you don’t say what they are coping out from.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

@Athena There seems to be a lot of frantic concern over whether someone believes or disbelieves certain things, but belief is nothing but a value judgment, an emotion, and is of little significance. When it comes to the deep questions about ultimate reality belief or disbelief are totally inappropriate. As I see it, the only honest and logical response to reality is a sense of awe and bewilderment. You are certain there is no evidence for a god, but you have not defined that god. There is most certainly an ultimate reality outside our sensory realm. I would not choose to call that God, but some people do, You can put whatever silly label you want on ultimate reality but its comprehension is out of our range. God as described in the Bible is just mythical, but that in no way proves that all god concepts are invalid. And it does not invalidate spirituality as an attitude toward what is.

I have a serious quesion.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 27, 2019:

My response is that things aren’t the way they seem. Your sense of self as a separate person in a body is nothing but illusion. “You” are actually much more. “You” are “We”. Consciousness is what it’s about, and consciousness is a pervasive presence. Our bodies are dumb robots. Your ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

@Tomm Interesting. You might be right. Our bodies are so complex though, and they are conceived and they grow and die. Can you elaborate?

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 26, 2019:

Disagree! The cop out is to cling to dogmatic church dogma or to the dogmatic tenets of scientism. To be spiritual is to be deeply aware of the magnificence, mystery and beauty of reality and the inexplicable enigma of consciousness. From the article: “The trouble is that “spiritual but ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

@zblaze Eddington was a very astute physicist, and most of his colleagues expressed similar opinions. They were not talking about magic or supernatural stuff, but we’re going where logic led them. Through contemplation anyone can develop awareness of the staggering implications of existence. It’s a simple choice of opening your eyes or continuing to wear a blindfold.

I believe I'm not the only one to love that old time country music with the likes od Earnest Tubb, ...

Novelty comments on Mar 27, 2019:

I think you're right, you're the only one. I have no use for country music of today or yesterday. The music that needs to join country music in obscurity is rockabilly like Lynyrd Skynyrd. I admit I'm biased, but I grew up in Alabama and immigrated to the United States in 1990. I associate all ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

He said he’s NOT the only one. That would include this proud Alabamian.

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

indirect76 comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I don’t see it as a cop out. I don’t even know what that means if you don’t say what they are coping out from.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 27, 2019:

@Athena The author might not be asking anyone to take a stand, but he is condemning those who don’t. From the article: “The trouble is that “spiritual but not religious” offers no positive exposition or understanding or explanation of a body of belief or set of principles of any kind.” In other words, the author sees trouble where people don’t conform to authority. He must be an eldest sibling. I fail to see anything weak or vacillatory about rejecting church dogma in favor of deep personal awareness and appreciation for the gifts of life and conscious awareness. I intend to continue being spiritual, whether spirituality is religious or not. I simply don’t care—in fact I am religious. But I agree that atheists and agnostics can be spiritual as well.

Hardest part of not believing in God is living in the south.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I live in the South, and I agree that there are a lot of church folks, however, most of my immediate circle of friends are not religious. I don’t pay any attention to religious people—they’re everywhere, not just in the South. Maybe since I’m sort of an old fart they don’t want to ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 26, 2019:

@Bradzilla23, @MizJ I salute your courage. Don’t give up.

Hardest part of not believing in God is living in the south.

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I live in the South, and I agree that there are a lot of church folks, however, most of my immediate circle of friends are not religious. I don’t pay any attention to religious people—they’re everywhere, not just in the South. Maybe since I’m sort of an old fart they don’t want to ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 26, 2019:

@Bradzilla23 Stay the course. If they are real friends they’ll respect your decision. Otherwise better friends will show up.

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

WilliamFleming comments on Mar 26, 2019:

Disagree! The cop out is to cling to dogmatic church dogma or to the dogmatic tenets of scientism. To be spiritual is to be deeply aware of the magnificence, mystery and beauty of reality and the inexplicable enigma of consciousness. From the article: “The trouble is that “spiritual but ...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 26, 2019:

@zblaze I don’t agree with your limited meaning for “spirit”. Spirit has many meanings besides ghosts or religious connotations. But even if you are correct, words are just labels or symbols. Call it whatever you like. And even if spirituality is a sort of religion, what of it? Where’s the cop-out? You are basically trying to psychoanalyze spiritual people. It’s not a good argument IMO. Sir Arthur Eddington: The universe is of the nature of a thought or sensation in a universal Mind... To put the conclusion crudely — the stuff of the world is mind-stuff. We are no longer tempted to condemn the spiritual aspects of our nature as illusory because of their lack of concreteness. The scientific answer is relevant so far as concerns the sense-impressions... For the rest the human spirit must turn to the unseen world to which it itself belongs.

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

indirect76 comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I don’t see it as a cop out. I don’t even know what that means if you don’t say what they are coping out from.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 26, 2019:

@Athena, @indirect76 I’m with you 100% indirect. You have made a profound statement.

Cop out: "Spiritual But Not Religious" [google.com] Agree or disagree?

indirect76 comments on Mar 26, 2019:

I don’t see it as a cop out. I don’t even know what that means if you don’t say what they are coping out from.

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 26, 2019:

@Athena IMO, taking a “stand” on whether or not there is s higher power is the ultimate in blind arrogance. Why should you take a stand on something you can’t define or understand? The appropriate response to the overwhelming miracle of existence is abject awe and bewilderment. Nature herself is a higher power—higher than our dream-like and illusory bubble of perception.

The Logic of Indecision: If you say you are agnostic, you are saying that you do not know, but ...

Elganned comments on Mar 25, 2019:

If you say, "No one can know; there may be a god," but live your life in such a way that it makes no reference to a god, then you are an atheist: You have no belief in a god. You do not *know*, but you do not *believe*, or else you would take the possible existence of a god into consideration in...

WilliamFleming replies on Mar 25, 2019:

Good point. I’m trying to digest that perspective. How a person behaves might be a better indicator of their beliefs than how they label themselves. Is it valid to classify another person as an atheist even if that person doesn’t say he’s an atheist? They might protest. I was trying to introduce “undecided” as a category less imposing than atheism or agnosticism. Maybe the labels we give ourselves say more about personality traits than about our thought processes.

Something got me upset a few days ago which i suppose contributed to my uncalled for rant against ...

Amisja comments on Mar 24, 2019:

'Believers'. There is no question about this you know? Climate change is NOT in doubt, it is real and is happening. Isn't there wide scale flooding in parts of USA, Idai has killed 700 people, ice caps are melting. This isn't a philosophical discussion. Its real!