gearl's Profile

I just had someone come up to me in Walmart and ask if they could give me a Christian pamphlet in ...

gearl comments on Jan 4, 2018:

You don't change people with one conversation. If you somehow made them realize just a little bit, that non-believers aren't ogres you did good.

Black Secular Teen Activists: Unchurched and “Un-bossed” | HuffPost

gearl comments on Jan 4, 2018:

My goodness, that's a great piece. It gives me hope, something I've not had enough of lately.

I was accused of being the Antichrist since I don't believe in God.

gearl comments on Jan 4, 2018:

If it were me I'd run with it. But I'm just an old fart without much to lose. I don't think it makes your accuser a liar but it makes him sound foolish. Logically by that thinking the majority of us here are the Antichrists. It must be a movement.

Like many Humanists we major in Human Rights. But what exactly is a right ?

gearl comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Rights like morals and ethics are constructs of society. They are argued out by about everybody but especially government and we here on agnostics.com. When the majority agree and pass a rule, a law, then a right becomes a thing.

Watching "Inside the Cult of Satan".

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Haven't seen the show. The Church of Satan are mostly atheists who try to stop Xtians from putting up monuments on government property

I don’t get how many Christians are Zionists.

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Many fundamentalists believe that Armageddon will start in the Israel and want to do everything in their power to hurry it up.

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

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

For a few months.

Have you ever thought about ( this is paraphrasing a Lily Tomlin routine, but it's a valid question)...

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

A lot of religious people would get a real education if they did watch Lily Tomlin or George Carlin or Colbert.

Conservatives (and particularly religious conservatives) appear to have a world view that interpret ...

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Every time I hear Pubs deny solid evidence while at the same time believing something the orange one says the first thing that pops to mind is that most of them have never been taught how to think. They do believe in the magical realm and an invisible friend. Statistically, Republicans and religion do go together.

Is Christianity fundamentally anti-secular?

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The people I know personally are pretty intimidated by secular views.

"The essence of Christianity is told us in the Garden of Eden history.

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Don't forget that the girl wanted knowledge and that was a no-no. Keep those women in the dark.

Non-Supernatural Religions, This Community and Dawkins’(and other activists’) critique on ...

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Personally I prefer, when defining words, that people try to stick to dictionary meanings. Religion primarily ascribes to a supernatural controlling power. It can have a meaning also of worship for anything. When I have watched Dawkins he tries to use the primary understanding of religion. I’ve read quite a few of his books and watched numerous debates and presentations and what I see him doing, and I hope I follow his example, is using provable, verifiable evidence as a benchmark for belief. If something is outside that realm then it is open for criticism. Ideas are always fair game whether those who hold such beliefs are offended or not.

Marijuana for recreational or medicinal? Dont be shy?

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

In Arizona it lost in the last election but hopefully next time. I'll get my six plants the first week.

Those who have lived the bulk of their lives as a theist and woke up , what resources helped you ...

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Books. I left long before the internet.

So atheist or agnostic men don't shave, huh?

gearl comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Couldn't grow it when I was religious and haven't shaved it off since.

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

gearl comments on Jan 2, 2018:

For me it was lingering doctrines of religion. The longer I'm out the less I consider it and I just don't care anymore. I care about life but when that goes out it's like flipping a switch.

Anyone else here a Naturalist?

gearl comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Naturalist, humanist or atheist all fit with me.

Does evolution occur in leaps or slowly, both?

gearl comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Both. "An animal part way between a fish and a bird," About all life is in transition but fish don't turn into birds. Dinosaurs did and there are fossils of such.

I have realized, in adulthood, that I question the same teachings and bible versus that I questioned...

gearl comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I've noticed that about myself but I got dumber as I aged clear up until almost 40.

I need light shed on the interactions of white and black people.

gearl comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I'm an old fart and my marriage is inter-racial. I have been married 21 years and as yet have not heard any worrisome comments about my wife or daughter. Having said that I have observed incredible racism from people I thought were my friends over the last year and a half. Not about my family but others as if I am going to ignore it. I used to be happy thinking this country was on a path toward more tolerance but my goodness we've went back 30 years. It appears to me that the current political climate has brought out the absolute worst in people.

What makes you break out your soapbox?

gearl comments on Jan 1, 2018:

People saying that religion and science are both beliefs.

Evangelicals Are Losing the Battle for the Bible.

gearl comments on Dec 31, 2017:

The comments below the article show that a lot of evangelicals don't agree with Zimmermann's view of the Bible. If they're that hard nosed their views just might spawn a bunch more atheists among the young folks.

People questioning the science without suppport for their opposing views is like...

gearl comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Good point.

Is the Old Testament still applicable?

gearl comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I’ve had fairly short conversations with Christians where they will say that the Ten Commandments are the basis of our democracy and then when something else comes up they will argue that, (whatever) is in the Old Testament and Jesus fulfilled the old law so we’re not under its rules. Slippery little devils!

Do you believe the 'Fairness Doctrine' should be restored?

gearl comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I’m ambivalent about this. The Commission said that info had to be “honest, equitable, and balanced.” When Trump was running, CNN and MSNBC had to have the Republican side of the coin for “balanced coverage.” Using someone like Jeffrey Lord who constantly said the most unsubstantiated things and would defend anything the orange one said, he and others like him seemed to cause a wearing down effect on folks and Trump won. It’s like putting a climate scientist up against a chemist in a global climate debate. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree on the validity of the science but by having a debate it appears that the debate is justifiable. When Bill Nye debated Ken Ham most scientists didn’t want the debate because it would appear Ham’s argument was legitimate. What’s the answer? Maybe if people lie then call them out which seemed to happen after the election. Until the media can figure this shit out, it’s scary as hell.

What do you think?

gearl comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I believe reading the religious texts is useful if you're still making up your mind. You ask as an atheist so what good would it do? The Bible has a few good sayings just like Shakespeare does but what you have to wade through to get those tidbits just wouldn't be worth the effort.

I have been a Christian and I wonder how we reconcile the truly loving and life-changing good ...

gearl comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Would those loving Christians be good citizens without religion? Beyond that I see a lot of Christians brag about giving to charity when the money is going to their church to proselytize. I understand that there are churches that do give people help without coercion but I see a lot more that don't. I see a whole lot more charities that do good with as much gutsy compassion as any true-believer has. Steven Weinberg said "Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion."

Hi all.

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Debates are never to convince you opponent but the audience is up for grabs.

Parenting

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I'm a realist. Encouragement and reading to them and taking time to help them with problems and leading by example and treating them like they are a wee bit older than they really are. I would never tell my kid that he can do anything, anymore than I would tell him/her that she can't.

Many years ago Little Tikes toy company wrote the assembly instruction on a 12th grade reading ...

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I live in a very rural community and I believe it, if I take people in this community as an example. My wife is in charge of the library and people in general take out movies and use the internet but most don't check out books. Most of the good teachers have deserted the schools also.

Do you find that this is generally how things go for you? (Outside of this site of course.)

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I'll have to be honest here and say that in person I've never had anyone accuse me of hating God.

What do you say to your kids when a pet or family member dies?

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I don't know, I thought your explanation was fine and I sure don't think it sucked. Your too hard on yourself.

I read a post on Facebook today.

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

The Orange One encourages this rhetoric. I also feel extremely uncomfortable and as if we have went backward very quickly but I don't know what to do but vote and protest and encourage others to do the same.

"Lies the Church Told Us About Sex" by Neil Carter (aka Godless in Dixie)

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Religion trying to enforce those rules was a very large part of the reason I left.

Are atheists and agnostics intolerant?

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

It's one thing to criticize ideas and another to criticize people. Some people call it criticizing the messenger instead of the message. It's also called an ad hominem attack. Many people don't seem or don't want to understand the difference. When someone attacks an idea such as female genital mutilation then Muslims say we're attacking them. No we are pointing out a sick practice. When someone says he doesn't believe Jesus was a real person some religious people say we are defaming them by not believing as they do. No we're just saying what we personally believe. These things are not personal attacks. I doubt most of us go out in public or knocking on doors trying to convince people of our assessments on issues but when we are asked or challenged with them, certainly it is our right to express opinions. Too many times not agreeing with somebody is construed as chastisement. Should we live and let live? Sure, but turnabout is fair play.

Do we have a purpose in life?

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I feel that as atheists we probably have greater purpose in life than most believers because we tend to live each day for itself while many religious folk live for an afterlife and miss out on each glorious day we have. They also tend to have hangups about sex and everyday life that doesn't bother us. My purpose is to do everything I can to leave my home, the earth, as a place fit for my child and future generations. I don't give a crap about floating around on a cloud with some bastard wanting my adoration.

Out of curiosity, how many people here are old fashioned?

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

What works and what floats your boat.

Why are some atheists angry?

gearl comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Dawkins may be assertive in condemning religion but every time I have watched him he has been very courteous to the religious. One of his best videos is where he reads letters from the religious written to him in the vilest language possible and makes lite of it. It appears that you are saying to make arguments against ridiculous superstition but don't get angry at the person making the argument. From my observation of Richard Dawkins, that is exactly what he does.

Those of you who are NOT single, what do you like most about your significant other?

gearl comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Like most of the other old farts on here, she puts up with me. I won't tell the whole story but I married my wife a week after I met her. We both committed to each other and have made it through thick and thin. We told each other what we wanted and expected and both compromised a bit. Actually there's little I dislike about her, so I'm a happy camper.

Do you think some people are luckier?

gearl comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Some folks make good decisions, some make poor ones. In the end the ones making the good decisions will win.

The kids just got back from grandma's house for Christmas.

gearl comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I got some blowback about my daughter not respecting her elders and after thinking about the situation I stood with my daughter. It's only my opinion but it sounds like your kids have as much respect for their grandma as she has for them. If they disrespect her in other ways that would be a different matter. It's your mom, I presume, and your kids so none of us can tell you what to do but good luck.

Something to ponder.

gearl comments on Dec 26, 2017:

That would be an excellent question to ask a religious person. Not many here.

Are New Religious Movements evidence of a traditional religions resurgence in the modern era, or a ...

gearl comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Compare the last hundred years with the one previous. The 1800s saw Mormonism then Millerism which branched into Seventh Day Adventism and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Christian Science and the Salvation Army made inroads. The only churches of any significance born in the last hundred years that I can think of is Scientology and Wicca. Granted there have been a host of sects springing up but most fade within a few years. Pentecostalism sprang up after 1900 and has surely grown over the last century but I wonder if it hasn’t reached its climax and we will start to see declining numbers. If Europe is any example we may see large segments of our society distancing themselves from religion. I hope that the current wave of hypocrisy that is so evident, will hurry this along.

Do you have a favorite philosopher or school of thought?

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

You man not consider this a serious answer but I'll throw it out there. The first serious series of books I read, as a child, were the various works of John Muir. Years later I read everything Edward Abbey wrote. Their philosophy was saving the planet for future generations. It seems that school of thought has gone by the wayside.

Please share one awesome thing about where you live. :)

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Out the driveway and I'm in the mountains in five minutes. Living is reasonable. Other than that?

If, like me, you were raised as a christian (my mother feared me pursuing a career in science ...

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

When said church started telling members how to dress, who to associate with and how to have sex.

Closed-mindedness... not just religions

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Science is built on probabilities whereas religion is built on faith. If something has a probability of 98% because it has been tested repeatedly and the tests have been verified I feel justified in believing that something. The religious believe as Hebrews says "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." If you believe in something hoped for and that you never saw evidence for, that's closed-mindedness. If you believe in something that has repeatedly been tested and verified by many people that is accepting evidence. I go with the evidence.

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

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Perhaps I am wrong, but are you saying that people on Agnostic.com shouldn't discuss the beliefs of the religious? I really don't see a problem as we are a group of agnostics and atheists in a fairly safe environment discussing our personal problems with religion and yes we may be disrespectful but we're not getting in religious folks face and calling them stupid. We're not trying to convince religious people they need to agree with us. I personally think religion is nonsense but I don't go door to door proclaiming that. Perhaps I'm completely off track in understanding what you are saying. I will just close with the idea that it is one thing to respect people's rights to believe anything they want, which I do, but it's another to respect that belief and I grant them the right to disrespect what I believe in which I know they do.

My gift to you all on this Merry Newton's Birthday FREE eBooks and apps ready for you to ...

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Some great videos also.

Any older experienced atheists around here have any life advice for a young man entering into the ...

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Have fun but stay smart.

Hello guys, well, my friend Shana told me that I should not be so open minded, in telling people ...

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

I would say that Shana really needs to understand how you feel. Tell her that people telling you their views makes you uncomfortable as you are being singled out. They are the majority. Is that fair? Or something to that effect.

My 17 year old came home from public school the other day.

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

It's humorous that the religious can use words from the Bible for condemnation but woe is anyone using them for emphasis, jest or anyway the religious believe that is outside their comfort zone. I live in a Mormon community and the Mormon kids have a thing about saying hell. Although it is found 23 times in the KJV they can't use the word in normal conversation. My point here is that it's not right to let any religion make the criteria for conversation. They are in a public school so they need to live with it. What the vice principal objected to was tone of voice and perhaps context but not the words. Let them grow up. You did the right thing.

Did you find calm when you left religion behind?

gearl comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Initially it was distressing as I lost family and friends. Later it was a huge relief and I was much calmer and more satisfied with life.

Should recreatinal drug use be legalized?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

It would appear that in today's political climate #2 would be much more achievable than #3. Maybe work on it first and then down the road a few years, convince people of #3.

[youtube.com] Do you Believe your Heart Has Anything to Do With Feelings or Emotion?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I agree with you completely.

The Comics Section: Sundays, Tax "Reform," and and Christian Love - TheHumanist.com

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

That hit the nail on the head.

Do you support Trump?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

To get respect, an individual has to in some way or other earn it.

The nature of beauty and awe.

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

The view from a mountaintop in Glacier or Yosemite. A view from the Hubble Space Telescope. The shared look between a mother and child. From my conversations with the religious I've seen little awe expressed by religious people. A deeply religious guy once told me that the only use he could see for the Grand Canyon was that it be used as a land fill. When I was religious I was constantly criticized for taking a weekend a month to hike and camp. So many Christians seem to be in awe of an invisible friend and overlook the real beauty that they can touch and feel.

Well, now that I’m here, I might as well jump into the fray.

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I don't understand your use of the word ideology in this instance as you use global warming and overpopulation as examples. Are you saying that those two subjects are a part of a system of ideas and ideals without evidence? Are you saying that they like religion are based on fable and not on science? I have read numerous books and thought long and hard about both subjects and I can't see where either is based on fable. Perhaps I misunderstand you.

Is Judaism dying...?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

I doubt that it dies out any time soon but it seems that it is becoming more irrelevant as a religion and just have cultural significance.

Are atheists a growing population?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

All the polls I look at show that it is growing rather quickly. I am wondering how the current political climate with evangelicals supporting Trump and Republicans will play out. I personally know folks that have begun to doubt religion, especially fundamentalism, because of the hypocrisy evident in the Republican party.

Age & Romance: How Low (or High) will you go?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

It sounds like I have the record here as my wife of 21 years is also 21 years younger than me. That fact at the time bothered me more than her. I must say that I was in my early 50s at the time. I have no regrets and she hasn't mentioned any.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

It depends on the person. For most folks its Happy Holidays but if it's somebody I know and am friendly with I will answer their Merry Christmas likewise. If they're somebody that thinks there's a war on Christmas, it most certainly will be a Happy Holidays or just a grunt.

Do the holidays lift your spirits?

gearl comments on Dec 24, 2017:

When I was between marriages it was depressing. Now with my daughter coming home and having family around I enjoy it.

What are your feelings on Christmas?

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

For me it's a time of reunion. A time for family and friends to get together.

Which do you prefer? Season Tickets for your favorite team, or tickets to an Olympic event?

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

I don't really like team sports especially the commercialized ones. I love a lot of Olympic events but probably that is because they occur every two years. More and I would grow tired of them also. I will watch sports when I personally know a kid or friend playing and I tend to like sports that I participated in when younger.

Should I attend a wedding at church as an atheist?

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Your saying that “she’s ok with it” may imply that your daughter is a non-believer also. If so she probably needs some moral support. If not your going would show unconditional love for her and as you are her mother, that should mean a lot to her. Don’t let her future husband’s family make you the villain at this event. My opinion.

Extraterrestrial religion....

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

In my opinion, and that is all anyone can have is opinion, is there are probably innumerable races of intelligent life in the universe. Have any of them ever visited us, I doubt it, because of extreme distances. Will we ever encounter such beings, I doubt it, again because of distance. It would be much more expedient to try to solve our own problems of overpopulation and climate change that threaten our existence.

How do I stop feeling bad for being an atheist?

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

I see being an atheist as an accomplishment. It took nearly 25 years of honest searching and study to finally reach the pinnacle of non-belief. It was at times a struggle but in the end, it was worth it. Perhaps because it took me so long I've never looked back.

Are you on a path or a journey?

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

I don't like using the word spirituality but I am on a journey. It's rather like a river run, just taking me wherever the river leads. I just try to enjoy the scenery and the ride.

Check this out: [synesthesia.

gearl comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Thank's for the well written article. Although I hadn't heard of it before, I'll bet I hear about it again.

It amazes me how Christians will say "if God exists" then this or this or this.

gearl comments on Dec 20, 2017:

It sounds like they are beginning to question god's existence themselves. I might have said something like that during my transition.

How white evangelicals are okay with voting for sexual predators like Moore and Trump

gearl comments on Dec 14, 2017:

They only care what is right for them and their beliefs. Others aren't moral because they don't follow the good book and allow "ABORTIONS." Once they're born now that's something else.

Christian Doctor Removed 3-Year-Old Girl’s Clitoris To Prevent Masturbation

gearl comments on Dec 14, 2017:

This is truly disgusting but it is happening today in America. There are still a lot of Muslim girls having the procedure done on them. For some reason many folks don't seem to find this as abhorrent as when it's done to a Christian girl. When Ayaan Hirsi Ali is booked at universities folks on the extreme left have her banned. I find that disgusting also.

How religious groups are responding to the Masterpiece Bakeshop Supreme Court case - Vox

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

It might come down to allowing discrimination but having to post any such discriminatory practices at the entrance to your establishment. That way anyone that didn't agree could simply boycott said premises.

Should the U.S. have "Vote by Mail" in every state?

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

I like it but think that election day should be a holiday for anyone with an I voted sticker.

Statism, the most dangerous religion.

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

I don't want to live under anarchy.

Imagine your parents ask you to worship them, bow before them, never object their orders or violate ...

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Religious folk never seem to be able to explain why god would ever want to be worshiped. Maybe they have that inclination, but ethical people would never desire the worship of anyone.

So, once I came to "there is no God", I had to ask myself, so, what's the point of... anything?

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

There is no meaning to life but there is meaning in life. We create and appreciate what is meaningful.

Let's settle on some definitions and agree to use them as a standard.

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

I have to say I prefer Dawkins' without 8 & 9. I see no need for them.

Proof of evolution....

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

This article from BBC is about the same cave. It certainly offers many problems for a creationist. http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150904-the-bizarre-beasts-living-in-romanias-poison-cave

Study finds that children raised without religion show more empathy and kindness

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Good article thanks.

Atheist Iceland Issues A Travel Ban Against White Southern Baptists

gearl comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Gotta love those Icelanders.

What would you consider to be the 3 most important technological advances in science?