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If "god" fixes all ailments, why do religious people trust doctors and science more than "god"?
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
Honestly I think they know that they will likely die if they don't. I ask the same question a different way. If people believe that they're going to heaven why do fear death? Why bother going to doctors? Why not pray for death and disease.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
Honestly I think they know that they will likely die if they don't. I ask the same question a different way. If people believe that they're going to heaven why do fear death? Why bother going to doctors? Why not pray for death and disease.
I’m sick of supporting religious zealots...pay taxes!
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
I agree. I see no reason why churches don't have to open their books to tax auditors.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
I agree. I see no reason why churches don't have to open their books to tax auditors.
Why believers of god hold on to a lie:
To let go of god is to let go of hope.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
To let go of God means overcoming the greatest lie of all, what if I'm wrong and if I'm wrong I will go to Hell.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
To let go of God means overcoming the greatest lie of all, what if I'm wrong and if I'm wrong I will go to Hell.
Anyone else slightly obsessed with documentaries?
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself for not going down that route in life. I can tell you from personal experience how easy it is to slip down that path and trust me when I say it doesn't take much to go from you, to what I was. For me, drugs started out as a social thing I did in my early teens, which went from pot smoking to freebasing to shooting up. It soon got followed up with theft, lies and failing grades. I remember getting all Fs on my report card and being proud of that accomplishment. For me to stop, makes it seem trivial and simple but I got luckier than most, I had only been a severe junky for less than a year. I remember bragging to a girl I liked about my Straight F report card, and I got ridiculed by her. The words you're going to be a bum rattled around my brain, as she walked away I said, "what do you mean, it's me." I instantly realized how incredibly stupid and delusional I had become. I left the party, sobered up, and the next morning I asked my Mom if I could go to military school. There is another whole story behind that request that I won't bore you with. In the end, I managed to wean myself off the drugs and struggle to catch up the three years I had managed to piss away. I Look back on that part of my life, I think most people would rather forget, but I think that a part wasn't all that bad. It offered me a level of street smarts that I would otherwise not have. It just came with an enormous educational debt.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself for not going down that route in life. I can tell you from personal experience how easy it is to slip down that path and trust me when I say it doesn't take much to go from you, to what I was. For me, drugs started out as a social thing I did in my early teens, which went from pot smoking to freebasing to shooting up. It soon got followed up with theft, lies and failing grades. I remember getting all Fs on my report card and being proud of that accomplishment. For me to stop, makes it seem trivial and simple but I got luckier than most, I had only been a severe junky for less than a year. I remember bragging to a girl I liked about my Straight F report card, and I got ridiculed by her. The words you're going to be a bum rattled around my brain, as she walked away I said, "what do you mean, it's me." I instantly realized how incredibly stupid and delusional I had become. I left the party, sobered up, and the next morning I asked my Mom if I could go to military school. There is another whole story behind that request that I won't bore you with. In the end, I managed to wean myself off the drugs and struggle to catch up the three years I had managed to piss away. I Look back on that part of my life, I think most people would rather forget, but I think that a part wasn't all that bad. It offered me a level of street smarts that I would otherwise not have. It just came with an enormous educational debt.
I am the only atheist in my family and unfortunately Im living with them right now.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
It is nice to have you here.
paul1967 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
It is nice to have you here.
What are your thoughts on the idea that if something goes right in your life it is because God did ...
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
The god concept doesn't allow God to do evil things. When God condones things like slavery, rape and mass genocide, the slavery it turns out is gentle slavery, kind and loving. The rape is gentle and kind and consenting rape and the mass genocide is because the people were just deserving of it and it's a good thing. It blows my mind how people can allow their beliefs to override their humanity and sense of justice.
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
The god concept doesn't allow God to do evil things. When God condones things like slavery, rape and mass genocide, the slavery it turns out is gentle slavery, kind and loving. The rape is gentle and kind and consenting rape and the mass genocide is because the people were just deserving of it and it's a good thing. It blows my mind how people can allow their beliefs to override their humanity and sense of justice.
What in the world is with these levels?
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
I think it's a mechanism to get people to reply and keep the conversation going.
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
I think it's a mechanism to get people to reply and keep the conversation going.
If you were brain dead and on life support, would you want your family to pull the plug?
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
I said pull the plug not because I care one way or another. I'm dead. I just want them to get on with the grieving process. And not rack up any more debt.
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
I said pull the plug not because I care one way or another. I'm dead. I just want them to get on with the grieving process. And not rack up any more debt.
Are atheist as racist as religious people?
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
Yes. Here is the thing about atheism I think people don't get. Being an atheist is one aspect, a single, individual part of who I am. I lack belief in a God. That could very well be the only accepted commonality I share with another atheist. Atheism isn't a worldview it a single statement. I lack a belief in God. My other point is we are all racist. Racism is a matter of degrees. How racist are you? Example If I see a middle eastern Muslim person walking down the street, I am less comfortable than when I look at an Asian person or African American person walking down the street. And I am even more relaxed when it's a person of my race walking down the road. To me, I see that as my level of racism. I'm more comfortable when I recognize an individual who I identify as similar to me.
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
Yes. Here is the thing about atheism I think people don't get. Being an atheist is one aspect, a single, individual part of who I am. I lack belief in a God. That could very well be the only accepted commonality I share with another atheist. Atheism isn't a worldview it a single statement. I lack a belief in God. My other point is we are all racist. Racism is a matter of degrees. How racist are you? Example If I see a middle eastern Muslim person walking down the street, I am less comfortable than when I look at an Asian person or African American person walking down the street. And I am even more relaxed when it's a person of my race walking down the road. To me, I see that as my level of racism. I'm more comfortable when I recognize an individual who I identify as similar to me.
What are your biggest turnoffs from potential mates?
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
1) Telling me about how good her x was in bed.
2) drinking booze at 9 am
3) Asking me to go to church
4) Asking me to pay her bills or a loan
5) Owning a snake (I hate snakes)
6) going the bathroom with the door open
7) Chewing with her mouth open
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
1) Telling me about how good her x was in bed.
2) drinking booze at 9 am
3) Asking me to go to church
4) Asking me to pay her bills or a loan
5) Owning a snake (I hate snakes)
6) going the bathroom with the door open
7) Chewing with her mouth open
Should I baptize my kids to appease my mom?
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
Toss a little water on my kid's forehead to get my mom to shut up.....hmmm. I'm pretty sure I would pick the splash of water. This is different, it's not like you're altering body parts or indoctrinating them into a religion. My mom had me baptised I'm still an atheist. In the end, you have to go with your gut.
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
Toss a little water on my kid's forehead to get my mom to shut up.....hmmm. I'm pretty sure I would pick the splash of water. This is different, it's not like you're altering body parts or indoctrinating them into a religion. My mom had me baptised I'm still an atheist. In the end, you have to go with your gut.
Halloween: is it “really” just about costumes and candy?
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
It means turning off the lights and get to bed early. After handing out candy of course.
paul1967 comments on Oct 6, 2017:
It means turning off the lights and get to bed early. After handing out candy of course.
How to let your children find their own way?
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
This might come across as condescending, please don't take it that way. Learning how to think skeptically is something everyone should learn how to do. It's not something we do naturally so before you teach it you need to learn it yourself if you don't already know. If you teach skepticism to your child they will have a much better chance of understanding the world we live in. Skeptical thinking helps out in so many other ways. Generally skeptical thinkers do better in school, work, and relationships and it's never too early to start thinking skeptically
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
This might come across as condescending, please don't take it that way. Learning how to think skeptically is something everyone should learn how to do. It's not something we do naturally so before you teach it you need to learn it yourself if you don't already know. If you teach skepticism to your child they will have a much better chance of understanding the world we live in. Skeptical thinking helps out in so many other ways. Generally skeptical thinkers do better in school, work, and relationships and it's never too early to start thinking skeptically
The plane is about to crash. Who do you call?
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
The truth is I scream like a little child. I don't think to call anyone and then in the last moments I would hope I would accept the situation and realize this is going to be the last thing I experience so ride it like a roller coaster. And poof I'm gone.
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
The truth is I scream like a little child. I don't think to call anyone and then in the last moments I would hope I would accept the situation and realize this is going to be the last thing I experience so ride it like a roller coaster. And poof I'm gone.
When did you start to identify as an atheist/agnostic?
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
There was for me. It's quite funny how some memories stick with you so well. My mother who is now what I call a spiritual atheist (one who doesn't believe in a soul but feel as long as her body returns to the Earth without being cremated she will unconsciously live on as nutrition in plants and animals.) I kind of like her philosophy. When I was born, she was a Catholic, and my father was an Atheist. She insisted on sending me to Sunday school and church. My father would tuck me in at night, and we talked about all kinds of things. He'd tell me stories about what the Earth was like a very long time ago, and he would ask me questions about God and then ask why I believed it was true. I gave the typical 5-year-old responses. He told me that he didn't believe in God. At five my father was the smartest man in the world to me and if he didn't believe I didn't believe. It's odd, and this is the part I remember so well, but he told me he was disappointed after he had just told me I shouldn't just take peoples word for it. He wanted me to think before I believe. I've written this story before on other sites, and the responses were negative toward my father. Most said my father shouldn't have done that to me at five years old. I disagree, I never felt unloved by him, and his disappointment kept me from indoctrination. I'm sure it was the last thing he wanted to do, but when I asked him years later, he claimed to have no memory of that night. I don't think I believed him.
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
There was for me. It's quite funny how some memories stick with you so well. My mother who is now what I call a spiritual atheist (one who doesn't believe in a soul but feel as long as her body returns to the Earth without being cremated she will unconsciously live on as nutrition in plants and animals.) I kind of like her philosophy. When I was born, she was a Catholic, and my father was an Atheist. She insisted on sending me to Sunday school and church. My father would tuck me in at night, and we talked about all kinds of things. He'd tell me stories about what the Earth was like a very long time ago, and he would ask me questions about God and then ask why I believed it was true. I gave the typical 5-year-old responses. He told me that he didn't believe in God. At five my father was the smartest man in the world to me and if he didn't believe I didn't believe. It's odd, and this is the part I remember so well, but he told me he was disappointed after he had just told me I shouldn't just take peoples word for it. He wanted me to think before I believe. I've written this story before on other sites, and the responses were negative toward my father. Most said my father shouldn't have done that to me at five years old. I disagree, I never felt unloved by him, and his disappointment kept me from indoctrination. I'm sure it was the last thing he wanted to do, but when I asked him years later, he claimed to have no memory of that night. I don't think I believed him.
My 7 year old son has said on occasion that he doesn't care if he dies because he will go to heaven,...
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
Well, first talk to your babysitter because she/he isn't his pastor or his spiritual guidance counsellor and she/he definitely isn't his mother. Her/his job is to make sure your son is well cared for while you're away and that's it.
paul1967 comments on Oct 5, 2017:
Well, first talk to your babysitter because she/he isn't his pastor or his spiritual guidance counsellor and she/he definitely isn't his mother. Her/his job is to make sure your son is well cared for while you're away and that's it.
When I was growing up, my parents told me that God made me in his image.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Thank you for posting that. That is so funny and true.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Thank you for posting that. That is so funny and true.
Dating Thoughts
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I want there to be a place on this site where people can find other like-minded people, but I don't want it to become just another dating site.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I want there to be a place on this site where people can find other like-minded people, but I don't want it to become just another dating site.
Have modern-day liberals become authoritarian/fascists?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
It's partly true but not completely true. I think it's an issue we need to be wary of. but I still feel liberals have been viewed so harshly that some of what your seeing is a negative response to that. I also think that your support of Trump (which you have your right to no matter how distasteful I think that is) may also be an immature response from the kids on campus. Keep this in mind (and this is just an opinion I have, I'm not claiming it's a fact), too many of us, including myself, we view Trump as the poster child for corruption and intolerance. He's incompetent and unworthy to hold office. Now here is my point. Look at all the hate I just spewed there and trust me it's just the tip of the iceberg for me. My hate is a reflection of your fellow liberals on campus and if you're supporting Trump then that hate and intolerance is perceived by you for exactly what it is. Hate and intolerance, it's just you're on the receiving end of it. Hate and intolerance isn't a bad thing as long as it's directed at change and not violence. I hate and have zero tolerance for baby rape and I doubt anyone would say that's evil of me. I feel the same way towards Trump and my reasons are as valid in my opinion as my views on baby rape.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
It's partly true but not completely true. I think it's an issue we need to be wary of. but I still feel liberals have been viewed so harshly that some of what your seeing is a negative response to that. I also think that your support of Trump (which you have your right to no matter how distasteful I think that is) may also be an immature response from the kids on campus. Keep this in mind (and this is just an opinion I have, I'm not claiming it's a fact), too many of us, including myself, we view Trump as the poster child for corruption and intolerance. He's incompetent and unworthy to hold office. Now here is my point. Look at all the hate I just spewed there and trust me it's just the tip of the iceberg for me. My hate is a reflection of your fellow liberals on campus and if you're supporting Trump then that hate and intolerance is perceived by you for exactly what it is. Hate and intolerance, it's just you're on the receiving end of it. Hate and intolerance isn't a bad thing as long as it's directed at change and not violence. I hate and have zero tolerance for baby rape and I doubt anyone would say that's evil of me. I feel the same way towards Trump and my reasons are as valid in my opinion as my views on baby rape.
If one more person tells me to pray for Vegas or Puerto Rico my eyes are going to roll so far back ...
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Just say, praying is doing nothing and feeling good about it, why not try doing something and those prayers of yours will finally come true.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Just say, praying is doing nothing and feeling good about it, why not try doing something and those prayers of yours will finally come true.
Yo, who else loves mexican food?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I was briefly engaged to a Mexican lady, so when you say Mexican food are we talking American Mexican or Mexican, Mexican food? I love the American Mexican food, not so much the Mexican Mexican food.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I was briefly engaged to a Mexican lady, so when you say Mexican food are we talking American Mexican or Mexican, Mexican food? I love the American Mexican food, not so much the Mexican Mexican food.
If, for some reason this Paddock guy (Vegas Shooter) turns out to be a liberal who was killing ...
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
We should come out against it as vehemently as we would any circumstance of this nature. Our community isn't represented by a single nut job, just as a single murderous Christian isn't representative of the Christian community. I would feel shame for that individual no matter what worldview he supported.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
We should come out against it as vehemently as we would any circumstance of this nature. Our community isn't represented by a single nut job, just as a single murderous Christian isn't representative of the Christian community. I would feel shame for that individual no matter what worldview he supported.
A better place, really?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I had to laugh and honestly not at your pain but because I've felt those same feelings of, how stupid are you my father is dead and the place he is, is 6 feet underground. A better place would be alive not in the freaking ground. Go away a peddle your BS to someone dumb enough to buy it, you piece of $#it!
I'm sorry she had to go, especially because she wasn't ready to stop being present in your life. There is nothing that can be said that makes that pain go away and all I can say is, I'm sorry you had to go through that.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I had to laugh and honestly not at your pain but because I've felt those same feelings of, how stupid are you my father is dead and the place he is, is 6 feet underground. A better place would be alive not in the freaking ground. Go away a peddle your BS to someone dumb enough to buy it, you piece of $#it!
I'm sorry she had to go, especially because she wasn't ready to stop being present in your life. There is nothing that can be said that makes that pain go away and all I can say is, I'm sorry you had to go through that.
What is Transgender?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Most people confuse transgender with one's sexuality but it doesn't have much to do with sexuality, it has more to do with how one perceives his or her gender.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Most people confuse transgender with one's sexuality but it doesn't have much to do with sexuality, it has more to do with how one perceives his or her gender.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would you go and why?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
My favourite vacation is to get in my car or on a Greyhound bus, or occasionally I'll buy a plane ticket for a destination and when I get there I'll just take off on some remote Hwy heading nowhere in particular. No reservations, with no idea where I'm going. I just head out and sometimes I have a great time and other times I end up sleeping in my car. Either way, I see and do things I would never normally see or do.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
My favourite vacation is to get in my car or on a Greyhound bus, or occasionally I'll buy a plane ticket for a destination and when I get there I'll just take off on some remote Hwy heading nowhere in particular. No reservations, with no idea where I'm going. I just head out and sometimes I have a great time and other times I end up sleeping in my car. Either way, I see and do things I would never normally see or do.
Whats your respond to christians calling the bible the good book?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
It depends If it's a street preacher screaming the nonsense to everybody in earshot I'll usually stop and have a conversation with him. Not to change his mind because we all know what a colossal waste of time that is but for other people that might be listening. I keep it calm, and I bring it down to his faith that his beliefs are correct and then I demonstrate how faith is a terrible way to know if you're right about anything.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
It depends If it's a street preacher screaming the nonsense to everybody in earshot I'll usually stop and have a conversation with him. Not to change his mind because we all know what a colossal waste of time that is but for other people that might be listening. I keep it calm, and I bring it down to his faith that his beliefs are correct and then I demonstrate how faith is a terrible way to know if you're right about anything.
In the wake of what happened in Las Vegas, I'm hearing all kinds of people on the TV, radio, etc ...
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Christians desperately want to promote a renewed faith. Their numbers are dropping and they'll use anything to remind people Gods on our side if we are on his. It's a load of ....
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Christians desperately want to promote a renewed faith. Their numbers are dropping and they'll use anything to remind people Gods on our side if we are on his. It's a load of ....
I joined to meet other lesbian atheists.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I came here thinking it was a dating site and I believe that is the intention eventually. I've stayed with it because there are a lot of knowledgeable people and I get to have great conversations with a bunch of fun personalities. I hope you stay and add to our community because I'm sure your perspective on things would add plenty of new things to consider.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I came here thinking it was a dating site and I believe that is the intention eventually. I've stayed with it because there are a lot of knowledgeable people and I get to have great conversations with a bunch of fun personalities. I hope you stay and add to our community because I'm sure your perspective on things would add plenty of new things to consider.
What is the scope of your worldview?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I think about myself and my family most often, I consider animals apart of my worldview, I tend to think about the environment most often, I tend to think globally
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I think about myself and my family most often, I consider animals apart of my worldview, I tend to think about the environment most often, I tend to think globally
How do you react to someone telling you to have a blessed day?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I don't put on my sparring gloves unless I'm being attacked. If they intend to be helpful or supportive, then I just thank them and move on.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I don't put on my sparring gloves unless I'm being attacked. If they intend to be helpful or supportive, then I just thank them and move on.
I've been puzzling for years over how to create more, and better communities for atheists.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I mentioned this on a similar post earlier, I don't know where I heard this, but I feel it's an accurate description of agnostics/atheists. Trying to organise a group of Agnostics/Atheists is like trying to herd a bunch of feral cats. I think one of the things that separate us from religious people is our ability not to be tied to an organisation and still feel connected as a group. We tend to go off on our own and come together from time to time, but not on any particular day. It's both a strength and weakness. Don't get me wrong I support what you're trying to do and please don't take away from this that I'm trying to discourage you. Plenty of us, do not fit my description of feral cats.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I mentioned this on a similar post earlier, I don't know where I heard this, but I feel it's an accurate description of agnostics/atheists. Trying to organise a group of Agnostics/Atheists is like trying to herd a bunch of feral cats. I think one of the things that separate us from religious people is our ability not to be tied to an organisation and still feel connected as a group. We tend to go off on our own and come together from time to time, but not on any particular day. It's both a strength and weakness. Don't get me wrong I support what you're trying to do and please don't take away from this that I'm trying to discourage you. Plenty of us, do not fit my description of feral cats.
Just because this is an Agnostic dating site it doesn't mean we have to talk about it.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Is this really supposed to be a dating site. I know that's the way I found it but so far, not one agnostic female within 200 miles from my location. Even if I had a handful of local agnostic women to talk to there really isn't an effective way to get to know them here. Maybe I just need to be patient.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
Is this really supposed to be a dating site. I know that's the way I found it but so far, not one agnostic female within 200 miles from my location. Even if I had a handful of local agnostic women to talk to there really isn't an effective way to get to know them here. Maybe I just need to be patient.
Moved from Las Vegas to Alabama about 6 months ago (yes family and friends back home are ok).
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I feel your pain. I moved from LA to KC, and I'm surrounded by very friendly people with zombie brains. They only accept things that fit in their tiny little box of false reality. And don't dare challenge them because they try their best to suck the brains out of your head. They don't like people who think for themselves.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I feel your pain. I moved from LA to KC, and I'm surrounded by very friendly people with zombie brains. They only accept things that fit in their tiny little box of false reality. And don't dare challenge them because they try their best to suck the brains out of your head. They don't like people who think for themselves.
Old movies?
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I like old westerns like Shane. I like really bad 50's monster movies, the worse the special effects, the better. I like Spencer Tracy films like Adams Rib, Inherit the Wind, Father of the Bride. I also am a Twilight Zone addict.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
I like old westerns like Shane. I like really bad 50's monster movies, the worse the special effects, the better. I like Spencer Tracy films like Adams Rib, Inherit the Wind, Father of the Bride. I also am a Twilight Zone addict.
My question is if God is all-knowing and everywhere then he should have known that dude in Vegas was...
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
You and all the worlds atheists see it that way, but unfortunately, Christians just chalk that up to God giving us free will. Free will under the Christian belief system is a crock of $%it. If a God knows everything then what he knows is going to happen must happen and we can't avoid doing that thing he already knows we'll do. Hence free will is an illusion.
paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:
You and all the worlds atheists see it that way, but unfortunately, Christians just chalk that up to God giving us free will. Free will under the Christian belief system is a crock of $%it. If a God knows everything then what he knows is going to happen must happen and we can't avoid doing that thing he already knows we'll do. Hence free will is an illusion.
What is the best way to get rid of someone preaching to you?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Just walk away and if you can't do that just ignore them. I personally love that type of conflict. I just keep my cool and ask the same questions I've asked every jerky Christian, Why do you believe and how do you know you're right. It always leads to faith and once you get there it's a simple matter of showing why faith is a terrible way to know anything. You won't convince him but you might have someone else listening that might be convinced. The big thing is no matter how angry and nasty they get you need to stay cool and non-threatening.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Just walk away and if you can't do that just ignore them. I personally love that type of conflict. I just keep my cool and ask the same questions I've asked every jerky Christian, Why do you believe and how do you know you're right. It always leads to faith and once you get there it's a simple matter of showing why faith is a terrible way to know anything. You won't convince him but you might have someone else listening that might be convinced. The big thing is no matter how angry and nasty they get you need to stay cool and non-threatening.
What is more oppressive for women: the hijab or American beauty standards?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I said American Beauty Standards and honestly, I don't know why. I have a real battle on my hands with feeling a lack of sympathy for women who wear the Hijab. It's admirably and unfair prejudice of mine. I just haven't figured out why when I see it I get so angry. I see it as an acknowledgement by Muslim women that they're inferior to their Muslim brothers and deserving of nothing. That just makes me want to have no sympathy and I really hate that about myself. I ask myself, is that really who I am?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I said American Beauty Standards and honestly, I don't know why. I have a real battle on my hands with feeling a lack of sympathy for women who wear the Hijab. It's admirably and unfair prejudice of mine. I just haven't figured out why when I see it I get so angry. I see it as an acknowledgement by Muslim women that they're inferior to their Muslim brothers and deserving of nothing. That just makes me want to have no sympathy and I really hate that about myself. I ask myself, is that really who I am?
Still trying to build up the energy and drive to stick to a new workout regiment.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Well, I wish I only had a pound and a half. Due to laziness and bad eating habits, I swelled to 275 lbs. Got on a scale thing I weighed at most 225 the shock sent me into a bit of depression. I realised that feeling depressed was just my psyche excusing my past behaviour and self-pity wouldn't fix the problem. So a year and 33 days later I'm down to 197 lbs, and I'll reach my goal of 175 in 90 to 120 days from now. I'll never let that happen ever again. I eat well now, and I workout and I'm enjoying my success.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Well, I wish I only had a pound and a half. Due to laziness and bad eating habits, I swelled to 275 lbs. Got on a scale thing I weighed at most 225 the shock sent me into a bit of depression. I realised that feeling depressed was just my psyche excusing my past behaviour and self-pity wouldn't fix the problem. So a year and 33 days later I'm down to 197 lbs, and I'll reach my goal of 175 in 90 to 120 days from now. I'll never let that happen ever again. I eat well now, and I workout and I'm enjoying my success.
To which political stance do you most affiliate yourself with?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I'm a bleeding heart, tree hugging, animal rights, gay rights, women's right, tax the crap out of the rich, education first Liberal and proud of it
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I'm a bleeding heart, tree hugging, animal rights, gay rights, women's right, tax the crap out of the rich, education first Liberal and proud of it
Usefulness of "Thoughts and prayers"?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Well, it's possibly useful for a believer to feel good about doing something without actually doing anything but as an effective means of getting things done it's worthless
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Well, it's possibly useful for a believer to feel good about doing something without actually doing anything but as an effective means of getting things done it's worthless
Dream Debate team
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Matt Dillahunty as Captain
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Matt Dillahunty as Captain
Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, or Dan Dennet? Go!
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Richard Dawkins: Big fan of his science, not of his rallying cries for mockery.
Sam Harris: Super smart guy, a bit weird, great debater.
Christopher Hitchens: Remarkable mind, best of the very best at debates. He will be missed.
Dan Dennet: Great at making complicated things understandable. Not very good at being lead or solo debater, but an excellent resource as a backup debater in group debates
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Richard Dawkins: Big fan of his science, not of his rallying cries for mockery.
Sam Harris: Super smart guy, a bit weird, great debater.
Christopher Hitchens: Remarkable mind, best of the very best at debates. He will be missed.
Dan Dennet: Great at making complicated things understandable. Not very good at being lead or solo debater, but an excellent resource as a backup debater in group debates
What would you like your community to have for socialization?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I'm not saying we shouldn't try but someone once said, and I can't remember who, trying to get Atheist to organise is a lot like trying to herd cats. We as a group tend to be less community-oriented, I personally don't feel that way, but I live in Kansas City MO. and out of the handful of secular atheist that live here only a spattering of those would even be interested. I've tried going to secular events put on by atheist groups, but the largest grouping of Atheist I've witnessed were nine of us if you count the basset hound one of them brought.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I'm not saying we shouldn't try but someone once said, and I can't remember who, trying to get Atheist to organise is a lot like trying to herd cats. We as a group tend to be less community-oriented, I personally don't feel that way, but I live in Kansas City MO. and out of the handful of secular atheist that live here only a spattering of those would even be interested. I've tried going to secular events put on by atheist groups, but the largest grouping of Atheist I've witnessed were nine of us if you count the basset hound one of them brought.
Racism in America
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Education and a lot of it.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
Education and a lot of it.
Dating and religion
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I have dated and married an incredibly religious woman. (Young Earth, evolution denying, Noah and the flood believing, you're going to Hell, you dirty atheist) Now to be fair when I met her she wasn't like that. She was open to rational thinking. As time went by, she grew more religious, and we drifted apart. Our married lasted Fourteen years, but the last seven have been Hell (no pun intended) I still love her, but I finally insisted on a divorce. My reasoning for the divorce wasn't all about her religiosity, in fact, it was only a piece of the overall reason.
I have been rejected by women even some who pursued me in the beginning. I look at it as a good thing, if they can't deal with my rationality on a good day what are the bad days going to be like?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I have dated and married an incredibly religious woman. (Young Earth, evolution denying, Noah and the flood believing, you're going to Hell, you dirty atheist) Now to be fair when I met her she wasn't like that. She was open to rational thinking. As time went by, she grew more religious, and we drifted apart. Our married lasted Fourteen years, but the last seven have been Hell (no pun intended) I still love her, but I finally insisted on a divorce. My reasoning for the divorce wasn't all about her religiosity, in fact, it was only a piece of the overall reason.
I have been rejected by women even some who pursued me in the beginning. I look at it as a good thing, if they can't deal with my rationality on a good day what are the bad days going to be like?
Does religious/ non religious affiliation matter?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
How someone comes to a belief is important, especially in a democracy. If a person accepts only the information that affirms pre-held beliefs, then those beliefs will undoubtedly impact other peoples freedoms even if it is unintentional. For example, if I believe that homosexuality is a sin but I never misbehave toward someone who I discover is gay, I'm still more likely to vote for laws that prohibit things like gay marriage or the right of transgenders to use gender identified bathrooms.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
How someone comes to a belief is important, especially in a democracy. If a person accepts only the information that affirms pre-held beliefs, then those beliefs will undoubtedly impact other peoples freedoms even if it is unintentional. For example, if I believe that homosexuality is a sin but I never misbehave toward someone who I discover is gay, I'm still more likely to vote for laws that prohibit things like gay marriage or the right of transgenders to use gender identified bathrooms.
Who built the pyramids and for what purpose?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
First, we have pyramids in both Egypt and in South America with the Mayan pyramids. So I'll assume you're referring to the Egyptian pyramids and not the Mayan pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as Cheops) is the oldest and stands as the largest and most intact of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid of Giza, standing 455 feet tall. It was built for the pharaoh Khufu, and it is believed to have been constructed by the people of Egypt as a launching point for the soul of Khufu. This topic is something I've done a lot of research on so I can give more detail on this if you're interested, but I think this answers your question.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
First, we have pyramids in both Egypt and in South America with the Mayan pyramids. So I'll assume you're referring to the Egyptian pyramids and not the Mayan pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as Cheops) is the oldest and stands as the largest and most intact of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid of Giza, standing 455 feet tall. It was built for the pharaoh Khufu, and it is believed to have been constructed by the people of Egypt as a launching point for the soul of Khufu. This topic is something I've done a lot of research on so I can give more detail on this if you're interested, but I think this answers your question.
What are your biggest pet peeves, and why?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
People who chew gum and eat meals with their mouth open. And individuals who talk too close to me when there's plenty of space in the room.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
People who chew gum and eat meals with their mouth open. And individuals who talk too close to me when there's plenty of space in the room.
Who were your role models growing up, and why?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
My first memory of a role model was speed racer. Then later it was Spock from Star Trek. Around 12 or 13 it was Mary Ann from Gilligans Island. To be fair, she might not have been as much a role model but an immature crush.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
My first memory of a role model was speed racer. Then later it was Spock from Star Trek. Around 12 or 13 it was Mary Ann from Gilligans Island. To be fair, she might not have been as much a role model but an immature crush.
What do you think about a totalitarian regime where only secularism is allowed e.g. Tajikistan?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
That is an awful concept, and it flies in the face of my secular beliefs. Secularism, in my opinion, isn't a mandate to believe a particular philosophy. I respect peoples freedom to think crazy and bizarre things that are unsupported by the evidence, and I wouldn't live in a country that forced a worldview, even a worldview I accept as good. It may sound hypocritical because, on the one hand, I spend so much time trying to convince people that their ideology is messed up and yet, on the contrary, I claim I wouldn't live in a country that mandated my secular beliefs. It's a want vs an instance. I want people to be more rational, I want people to think more critically, I want people to embrace science, but I'm not going to live in a society that would mandate how people choose to think or feel.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
That is an awful concept, and it flies in the face of my secular beliefs. Secularism, in my opinion, isn't a mandate to believe a particular philosophy. I respect peoples freedom to think crazy and bizarre things that are unsupported by the evidence, and I wouldn't live in a country that forced a worldview, even a worldview I accept as good. It may sound hypocritical because, on the one hand, I spend so much time trying to convince people that their ideology is messed up and yet, on the contrary, I claim I wouldn't live in a country that mandated my secular beliefs. It's a want vs an instance. I want people to be more rational, I want people to think more critically, I want people to embrace science, but I'm not going to live in a society that would mandate how people choose to think or feel.
How do you handle the guilt put on you by religious people?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I don't ever feel guilty for living my life, I'm no less moral than anyone who believes in God and if they think that my punishment for not accepting Jesus as being a God warrents my eternal suffering in Hell then I'm more moral than they are. Just saying....
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I don't ever feel guilty for living my life, I'm no less moral than anyone who believes in God and if they think that my punishment for not accepting Jesus as being a God warrents my eternal suffering in Hell then I'm more moral than they are. Just saying....
How much do you know about established religion?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I know the Bible because I've had to study it for so many years. I've never been a theist but I do debate religion often and I knew I would need a solid understanding of the Bible to effectively debate issues. As far as the concept of established religion, I know enough to know I don't trust it. I also know enough to know it's not all bad.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I know the Bible because I've had to study it for so many years. I've never been a theist but I do debate religion often and I knew I would need a solid understanding of the Bible to effectively debate issues. As far as the concept of established religion, I know enough to know I don't trust it. I also know enough to know it's not all bad.
Is it egocentric to believe science is the only right way of viewing the world?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
If by right way you mean accurate way then no it's not egocentric. The scientific method has proven itself over and over. It's self-correcting and open for inspection. The evidence is all that counts and assertions without evidence get rejected.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
If by right way you mean accurate way then no it's not egocentric. The scientific method has proven itself over and over. It's self-correcting and open for inspection. The evidence is all that counts and assertions without evidence get rejected.
Temple of Solomon was built in his honor. Did he really existed?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I think historians accept that King Soloman existed, but the criteria for historians to affirm that someone existed is based on the way people wrote about that person. If people wrote about a person as an actual person and there is no other evidence to suggest that the person didn't exist, historians will by default accept them as being real people. Since the Bible says Jesus lived, historians, on the whole, except that he did and the same would be true of Solomon. This doesn't mean we should accept their methodology on this, but I understand why they have to.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I think historians accept that King Soloman existed, but the criteria for historians to affirm that someone existed is based on the way people wrote about that person. If people wrote about a person as an actual person and there is no other evidence to suggest that the person didn't exist, historians will by default accept them as being real people. Since the Bible says Jesus lived, historians, on the whole, except that he did and the same would be true of Solomon. This doesn't mean we should accept their methodology on this, but I understand why they have to.
Who are your favorite actors, and why?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
This is going to sound like I'm bragging, but I'm really not. I'm just explaining my position on actors. I grew up in Pacific Palisades, CA. and actors and movie executives were literally my next door neighbours. I don't know how many of you will know who Ted Knight was but he played Ted Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He lived two houses away, and other famous people like Goldie Hawn, Dom DeLuise, Ronald Regan (Pre Presidency) Sylvester Stallone and a bunch more were people I would see all the time while playing outside. These people were no more impressive to me than the bus driver that took me to school. In fact other than Ted Knight and Dom Deluise who were always very nice, most of the other actors behaved far worse than the kids in the neighbourhood. So, to me, movies are fun to watch, but I've never cared for actors.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
This is going to sound like I'm bragging, but I'm really not. I'm just explaining my position on actors. I grew up in Pacific Palisades, CA. and actors and movie executives were literally my next door neighbours. I don't know how many of you will know who Ted Knight was but he played Ted Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He lived two houses away, and other famous people like Goldie Hawn, Dom DeLuise, Ronald Regan (Pre Presidency) Sylvester Stallone and a bunch more were people I would see all the time while playing outside. These people were no more impressive to me than the bus driver that took me to school. In fact other than Ted Knight and Dom Deluise who were always very nice, most of the other actors behaved far worse than the kids in the neighbourhood. So, to me, movies are fun to watch, but I've never cared for actors.
Any booklovers on this group? What authors/genres/topics do you like reading?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I read almost exclusively science journals. It's an unhealthy obsession, but I won't ever stop. There are times when I'm way out of my league of understanding and I'm hopelessly lost, but I keep reading. I've gotten very good at copy and paste. A paragraph can take me 15 minutes to read because I'll copy a word I don't understand and then Google the definition. I sometimes wish I believed in reincarnation because if I could come back as anything, I would come back as a biologist or a geologist.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I read almost exclusively science journals. It's an unhealthy obsession, but I won't ever stop. There are times when I'm way out of my league of understanding and I'm hopelessly lost, but I keep reading. I've gotten very good at copy and paste. A paragraph can take me 15 minutes to read because I'll copy a word I don't understand and then Google the definition. I sometimes wish I believed in reincarnation because if I could come back as anything, I would come back as a biologist or a geologist.
How Christianity Gets On My Nerves: 2.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I'm not sure what you're saying. Is it God demands love and our acceptance of him with no evidence, and you offer evidence of affection toward someone and yet you are still rejected.?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
I'm not sure what you're saying. Is it God demands love and our acceptance of him with no evidence, and you offer evidence of affection toward someone and yet you are still rejected.?
What kind of atheist are you?
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
It all depends on where I am and if I'm being chastised by a theist for my lack of belief. I never raise my voice, but I will get more aggressive if my lack of belief is being ridiculed. If for example, they say I'm going to Hell, I don't yell at them, in fact, the opposite. I tell those people that I feel bad for them and I'm sorry that their morality has been eroded so much by their faith, that they can no longer recognise how evil what they just said is, and it scares me that they can't understand that. ( I say this with the most sympathetic and honest calm tone). They never fail to get more and more depraved. They seem to always double down by saying something like I'll be in Heaven eating popcorn while I watch you burn in torment. I'll say, What you're doing makes my point, you can no longer see how vile you've become, your religion has robbed you of your humanity. I end it usually asking them, does thought of people like me suffering make you feel good inside, do those thoughts give you joy? This is commonly referred to as psychopathic behaviour, and you have your belief in God to thank for that. Walk away no matter what they say, don't turn around just keep going.
paul1967 comments on Oct 3, 2017:
It all depends on where I am and if I'm being chastised by a theist for my lack of belief. I never raise my voice, but I will get more aggressive if my lack of belief is being ridiculed. If for example, they say I'm going to Hell, I don't yell at them, in fact, the opposite. I tell those people that I feel bad for them and I'm sorry that their morality has been eroded so much by their faith, that they can no longer recognise how evil what they just said is, and it scares me that they can't understand that. ( I say this with the most sympathetic and honest calm tone). They never fail to get more and more depraved. They seem to always double down by saying something like I'll be in Heaven eating popcorn while I watch you burn in torment. I'll say, What you're doing makes my point, you can no longer see how vile you've become, your religion has robbed you of your humanity. I end it usually asking them, does thought of people like me suffering make you feel good inside, do those thoughts give you joy? This is commonly referred to as psychopathic behaviour, and you have your belief in God to thank for that. Walk away no matter what they say, don't turn around just keep going.
Suggestions for depressed people?
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
They say ignorance is bliss. I guess I'm ignorant. I've been sad but it's always about something, and I know that sometimes the thing I'm sad about will never get better, but I also know that there is always something else out there that will fill my mind. I'm sad right now because I'm about to sign divorce papers and the last 14 years I was with this lady is about to end. I'm sad about that, and I'm glad that I'm sad about that because that sadness allows me to know my humanity is still intact. There is always the possibility of a bright day, and I know as long as I'm breathing that today might bring with it a path towards that more promising life. It's going to take work, and it's going to be frustrating at times. I say bring it on and if I fail and I will, I'll get up again, and I'll keep getting up until that unknown day when I stop breathing.
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
They say ignorance is bliss. I guess I'm ignorant. I've been sad but it's always about something, and I know that sometimes the thing I'm sad about will never get better, but I also know that there is always something else out there that will fill my mind. I'm sad right now because I'm about to sign divorce papers and the last 14 years I was with this lady is about to end. I'm sad about that, and I'm glad that I'm sad about that because that sadness allows me to know my humanity is still intact. There is always the possibility of a bright day, and I know as long as I'm breathing that today might bring with it a path towards that more promising life. It's going to take work, and it's going to be frustrating at times. I say bring it on and if I fail and I will, I'll get up again, and I'll keep getting up until that unknown day when I stop breathing.
Jacque Fresco on religion and spirituality - YouTube
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
That was a great video. It's so evident that God's are human-made and Mr Fresco makes it even more apparent. I scratch my head and ask myself (yes I talk to myself) How do people not see this?
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
That was a great video. It's so evident that God's are human-made and Mr Fresco makes it even more apparent. I scratch my head and ask myself (yes I talk to myself) How do people not see this?
Is enough enough? Time to ban assault rifles?
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I hate with a passion weapons of all types. I hate that we live in a world where it's a necessary means of defence. I couldn't believe I was voting no. The 2nd amendment is sacred. I don't trust our government won't ever become so corrupt that we lose all our civil liberties. I don't believe we're there now, but after Trump got elected, I no longer trust that there are enough citizens in this country smart enough to counter the dumb vote. I don't believe that people are willing to investigate the information they're being fed. They read it, they heard it somewhere, and that guy over there said it, so it must be true. We are sheep, and we are being treated as sheep deservedly. It's just my opinion, not a fact. I'm open to people with other views to convince me otherwise.
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I hate with a passion weapons of all types. I hate that we live in a world where it's a necessary means of defence. I couldn't believe I was voting no. The 2nd amendment is sacred. I don't trust our government won't ever become so corrupt that we lose all our civil liberties. I don't believe we're there now, but after Trump got elected, I no longer trust that there are enough citizens in this country smart enough to counter the dumb vote. I don't believe that people are willing to investigate the information they're being fed. They read it, they heard it somewhere, and that guy over there said it, so it must be true. We are sheep, and we are being treated as sheep deservedly. It's just my opinion, not a fact. I'm open to people with other views to convince me otherwise.
What nerdy activities do you enjoy? (gaming, cosplay, sci-fi)
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I debate, I organise and schedule discussions in a debate format. I get in touch with church leaders and ask them if they would like to discuss anything from evolution to morality to the existence of God. You would be surprised how confidently some of them accept. My point isn't to win the debate but to introduce the actual positions of atheists and scientists. Most of the time we have a Q&A with the audience, and the satisfaction I get from this is when someone who had been improperly informed on a subject like evolution, learns for the first time the actual position science takes. I often get someone saying "I'm not a monkey" I then take a minute to explain to them that science doesn't think their a monkey either. I tell them you're not a monkey you're a primate, and the name primate is given to us not to call us apes but as a classification designated by science to show commonalities with apes. So no you're not a silverback ape or a chimpanzee. Your classification is a human primate, and we share more in common with apes than we do any other species on the planet. Then I list off a dozen or so common traits ending with chromosomes. All their lives they've been fed misinformation, In many cases I'm introducing the most accurate representation of sciences position.
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I debate, I organise and schedule discussions in a debate format. I get in touch with church leaders and ask them if they would like to discuss anything from evolution to morality to the existence of God. You would be surprised how confidently some of them accept. My point isn't to win the debate but to introduce the actual positions of atheists and scientists. Most of the time we have a Q&A with the audience, and the satisfaction I get from this is when someone who had been improperly informed on a subject like evolution, learns for the first time the actual position science takes. I often get someone saying "I'm not a monkey" I then take a minute to explain to them that science doesn't think their a monkey either. I tell them you're not a monkey you're a primate, and the name primate is given to us not to call us apes but as a classification designated by science to show commonalities with apes. So no you're not a silverback ape or a chimpanzee. Your classification is a human primate, and we share more in common with apes than we do any other species on the planet. Then I list off a dozen or so common traits ending with chromosomes. All their lives they've been fed misinformation, In many cases I'm introducing the most accurate representation of sciences position.
Does pineapple go on pizza?
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I don't like pineapple period. It's texture and flavour causes a reaction akin to nails on a chalkboard for me. It's grainy spines of sweetness feel like little spiders crawling in my mouth. Hell would be a place where only pineapple trees grow. I would rather eat the bark of a pineapple tree than the pineapple.
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I don't like pineapple period. It's texture and flavour causes a reaction akin to nails on a chalkboard for me. It's grainy spines of sweetness feel like little spiders crawling in my mouth. Hell would be a place where only pineapple trees grow. I would rather eat the bark of a pineapple tree than the pineapple.
This God Has to Die (Doug Hoelbinger Original) - YouTube
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I listened, I enjoyed it. I love the line "to call God good, you'ld have to be insane." I want to be clear I'm not criticising the song because I really enjoyed it, I'm just taking this line from the song to talk about the reality of what I see. The theists who call God good are not insane, they've been duped. Their minds bent to justify the evil acts that they themselves normally would intuit as immoral, yet it gets spun around by the dupery in the Bible (I looked it up, dupery is a word.) It's numbing their morality to the horrifying acts committed in Gods name to justify their continued acceptance of an all-loving God.
paul1967 comments on Oct 2, 2017:
I listened, I enjoyed it. I love the line "to call God good, you'ld have to be insane." I want to be clear I'm not criticising the song because I really enjoyed it, I'm just taking this line from the song to talk about the reality of what I see. The theists who call God good are not insane, they've been duped. Their minds bent to justify the evil acts that they themselves normally would intuit as immoral, yet it gets spun around by the dupery in the Bible (I looked it up, dupery is a word.) It's numbing their morality to the horrifying acts committed in Gods name to justify their continued acceptance of an all-loving God.
Do you enjoy it when a Christian knocks at your door?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
On my day off if I'm not too busy it can be a form of entertainment. That might sound cruel but they came to me to tell me what I should believe so I make them justify their beliefs. Then when they can't and they obviously never have, I ask why they believe since they can't provide reason for belief. We always end it with why faith is a bad way to know if you're correct.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
On my day off if I'm not too busy it can be a form of entertainment. That might sound cruel but they came to me to tell me what I should believe so I make them justify their beliefs. Then when they can't and they obviously never have, I ask why they believe since they can't provide reason for belief. We always end it with why faith is a bad way to know if you're correct.
What are you looking for in this agnostic website?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I'm nearing the end of my divorce so my answer might change later but for today I voted for discussing ideas and points of view
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I'm nearing the end of my divorce so my answer might change later but for today I voted for discussing ideas and points of view
Church and FEMA funding?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
not a red cent
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
not a red cent
On a scale of 1 to 10. How fast do you disregard someone that comes off very religious to you?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
If I'm debating a 10, I love it, because the more religious they are, the easier it is to invalidate their position. If I'm not, I walk away because it's a waste of breath discussing.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
If I'm debating a 10, I love it, because the more religious they are, the easier it is to invalidate their position. If I'm not, I walk away because it's a waste of breath discussing.
What are your thoughts on Secular Pro-Life?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I am open to the debate. I'm still very much on the side of a woman to control her body. I value cognitive life outside the body of the mother.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I am open to the debate. I'm still very much on the side of a woman to control her body. I value cognitive life outside the body of the mother.
Do you have a "purpose-driven life" or a mission in life?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I have many missions and a common purpose. My purpose is to experience life, learning from all of you, things that I had never considered and then pass that on to others. Teaching is a passion and I learn in order to fulfill that purpose.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I have many missions and a common purpose. My purpose is to experience life, learning from all of you, things that I had never considered and then pass that on to others. Teaching is a passion and I learn in order to fulfill that purpose.
Do you appreciate a theist friend's initiative to "save" you?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I have considered the question and concluded you got very stoned and forgot what you were about to say.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I have considered the question and concluded you got very stoned and forgot what you were about to say.
As atheists, how do you respond to this statement: "You believe something came from nothing."
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
The only honest answer is we don't know. We don't know, is a valid answer. I then point out to theists they don't know either. They claim they know, but they can't and don't support their claim with anything tangible. Inserting, therefore, God did it every time science says we don't know, is something theists have done since the onset of science. Every time they do that, science demonstrates they're incorrect, and then they just find a new thing to say therefore God did it, about. Unfortunately, until we become Gods ourselves, and know every knowable thing, we'll be dealing with the God of the gaps argument.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
The only honest answer is we don't know. We don't know, is a valid answer. I then point out to theists they don't know either. They claim they know, but they can't and don't support their claim with anything tangible. Inserting, therefore, God did it every time science says we don't know, is something theists have done since the onset of science. Every time they do that, science demonstrates they're incorrect, and then they just find a new thing to say therefore God did it, about. Unfortunately, until we become Gods ourselves, and know every knowable thing, we'll be dealing with the God of the gaps argument.
What are your best shut downs, when debating religious people?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
They are making the claims; it's their burden of proof, never let them turn that back on you. Get them to say I believe this based on faith and then point out why believing something based on faith is a terrible way of knowing the truth of something. If I can have faith the next flip of a coin will be heads, and you can have faith it will be tails then in this analogy one is going to be correct, and the other is going to be incorrect. Hence faith fails. If faith worked as a means of knowing the truth the coin flip would need to land on both heads and tails at the same time. Now with belief in a God, that isn't going to be a 50/50 chance. There are thousands of sides to that coin, and the theist just believes in one, their God.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
They are making the claims; it's their burden of proof, never let them turn that back on you. Get them to say I believe this based on faith and then point out why believing something based on faith is a terrible way of knowing the truth of something. If I can have faith the next flip of a coin will be heads, and you can have faith it will be tails then in this analogy one is going to be correct, and the other is going to be incorrect. Hence faith fails. If faith worked as a means of knowing the truth the coin flip would need to land on both heads and tails at the same time. Now with belief in a God, that isn't going to be a 50/50 chance. There are thousands of sides to that coin, and the theist just believes in one, their God.
Who is more pessimistic (generally speaking)?
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I said believers, but I would need a better definition of what it is that we're pessimistic about because theists by their nature are unrealistically optimistic about many things. They're optimistic about death not being the end, the invisible caretaker in the sky, the influence of prayer and atheist are skeptical (I wouldn't say we are pessimistic, just realistic.) I still pick them because they are also unrealistically skeptical to the point that I could call it pessimistic about global warming, evolution, the age of the Earth, gay rights, Geological science that denies a global flood event. The list keeps going and going. If that's not what you were talking about, please explain.
paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I said believers, but I would need a better definition of what it is that we're pessimistic about because theists by their nature are unrealistically optimistic about many things. They're optimistic about death not being the end, the invisible caretaker in the sky, the influence of prayer and atheist are skeptical (I wouldn't say we are pessimistic, just realistic.) I still pick them because they are also unrealistically skeptical to the point that I could call it pessimistic about global warming, evolution, the age of the Earth, gay rights, Geological science that denies a global flood event. The list keeps going and going. If that's not what you were talking about, please explain.
When people pray.
paul1967 comments on Sep 30, 2017:
I'm not disagreeing with you about theist being fooled into thinking that their prayer is being listened to by a God who evaluates whether or not to grant it. However people who talk to themselves out loud are more likely to be highly intelligent. I'm writing this on my phone so I can't easily get you a link but if you're interested Google talking to yourself and intelligence. It's an interesting article.
paul1967 comments on Sep 30, 2017:
I'm not disagreeing with you about theist being fooled into thinking that their prayer is being listened to by a God who evaluates whether or not to grant it. However people who talk to themselves out loud are more likely to be highly intelligent. I'm writing this on my phone so I can't easily get you a link but if you're interested Google talking to yourself and intelligence. It's an interesting article.
What are the biggest misconceptions believers have about non-believers?
paul1967 comments on Sep 30, 2017:
1) We hate God, which isn't a complete misconception because I do hate the character in the book because God is portrayed as a bit of an immoral douchebag but many Christians seem to think I dislike an actual God that does exist, and that is why I say it isn't complete. I can't hate, in that way, what I do accept as being real.
2) Atheist's worship the devil. Again I do have a bit more respect for this character in the Bible because he's honest about his feelings and he rebelled against the all mighty dictator in the sky. However, I can't worship something I don't accept.
3) We deny God so that we can do what we want. Well, I think I've rapped about as many women as I want, which is zero (Penn Jillette)
4) Atheists know there is a God we just deny him. Umm. No, I deny there is a God because I see no reason to believe he exists
paul1967 comments on Sep 30, 2017:
1) We hate God, which isn't a complete misconception because I do hate the character in the book because God is portrayed as a bit of an immoral douchebag but many Christians seem to think I dislike an actual God that does exist, and that is why I say it isn't complete. I can't hate, in that way, what I do accept as being real.
2) Atheist's worship the devil. Again I do have a bit more respect for this character in the Bible because he's honest about his feelings and he rebelled against the all mighty dictator in the sky. However, I can't worship something I don't accept.
3) We deny God so that we can do what we want. Well, I think I've rapped about as many women as I want, which is zero (Penn Jillette)
4) Atheists know there is a God we just deny him. Umm. No, I deny there is a God because I see no reason to believe he exists
What type of death do you most fear?
paul1967 comments on Sep 30, 2017:
I'm answering my own question because I had another way I would not want to die. Being trapped underground alone with no hope of rescue in a dark cave, sandwiched and stuck between two rocks unable to move. Left alone to slowly die of dehydration and loneliness.
paul1967 comments on Sep 30, 2017:
I'm answering my own question because I had another way I would not want to die. Being trapped underground alone with no hope of rescue in a dark cave, sandwiched and stuck between two rocks unable to move. Left alone to slowly die of dehydration and loneliness.
How to meet an atheist in a highly religious area?
paul1967 comments on Sep 29, 2017:
If theism is a deal breaker for you, then you have your work cut out for yourself. I wouldn't even try. You fall in love with the person, you fall in love with. It sounds crazy but it's love and love is crazy. You shouldn't necessarily limit yourself in that way.
paul1967 comments on Sep 29, 2017:
If theism is a deal breaker for you, then you have your work cut out for yourself. I wouldn't even try. You fall in love with the person, you fall in love with. It sounds crazy but it's love and love is crazy. You shouldn't necessarily limit yourself in that way.
Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I think it would be a good idea if people would behave themselves. Admittedly that's a big whopping improbable if. I enjoy debate, I do it all the time, and as long as it stays civil, it can lead to beneficial conversations. I know how to control my discussions, and I never let them get to the point where it turns from a debate into a fight.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I think it would be a good idea if people would behave themselves. Admittedly that's a big whopping improbable if. I enjoy debate, I do it all the time, and as long as it stays civil, it can lead to beneficial conversations. I know how to control my discussions, and I never let them get to the point where it turns from a debate into a fight.
Would you teach your kids about agnosticism/atheism?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I would teach my kids skeptical thinking skills and then let them decide on their own.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I would teach my kids skeptical thinking skills and then let them decide on their own.
Who is your favorite comedian and why? (Could be believer or non)
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
It's a tie between Richard Pryor (Later Years) and George W. Bush (Presidency Years) Richard because he could take a serious subject and spin it in such a way where I would laugh so hard it hurt. And George because he was such a bungling nitwit, that I was forced to either laugh or cry and I chose laughter.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
It's a tie between Richard Pryor (Later Years) and George W. Bush (Presidency Years) Richard because he could take a serious subject and spin it in such a way where I would laugh so hard it hurt. And George because he was such a bungling nitwit, that I was forced to either laugh or cry and I chose laughter.
How did you deal with negativity from family/friends for not believing?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Something a wise man once said fits here as good as any other thing. I Yam What I Yam & Dats What I Yam! - Popeye the sailor man. If friends can't deal with it then be sad for them, if your family can't understand, just stick with it until they do.I think that's all that needs to be said on the subject.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Something a wise man once said fits here as good as any other thing. I Yam What I Yam & Dats What I Yam! - Popeye the sailor man. If friends can't deal with it then be sad for them, if your family can't understand, just stick with it until they do.I think that's all that needs to be said on the subject.
How do you meet other athiest?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I would start by Googling Atheist groups, around the city you live. That is in fact how I found this site.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I would start by Googling Atheist groups, around the city you live. That is in fact how I found this site.
How do you handle the Holiday issues?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I enjoy them. Nothing better than good paid day off.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I enjoy them. Nothing better than good paid day off.
What's your thoughts on death with dignity?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Legalize it. When I'm ready to die I'll die. I only worry about having a stroke and not being able to do it myself.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Legalize it. When I'm ready to die I'll die. I only worry about having a stroke and not being able to do it myself.
Who's talking when you talk to yourself?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Well if you actually hear it and you don't associate it with yourself you're having auditory verbal hallucinations. I suffer from this from time to time. If I have an episode of sleep paralysis, which is rare for me now. I can't move, and I hear things that aren't there. It used to scare me, but now when it happens, it's quite fun. It only lasts 30 seconds at most, but weird stuff is going on as if I were dreaming while I am awake.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Well if you actually hear it and you don't associate it with yourself you're having auditory verbal hallucinations. I suffer from this from time to time. If I have an episode of sleep paralysis, which is rare for me now. I can't move, and I hear things that aren't there. It used to scare me, but now when it happens, it's quite fun. It only lasts 30 seconds at most, but weird stuff is going on as if I were dreaming while I am awake.
What moral code do you follow now that you are non-religious?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Humanism
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Humanism
How do you handle the loss of a loved one without believing in an afterlife?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I remember them and think about them often. And as tonia said, face the day. There is nothing wrong with being sad. Be sad and then get up and go on with the day.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I remember them and think about them often. And as tonia said, face the day. There is nothing wrong with being sad. Be sad and then get up and go on with the day.
How do you find inner peace?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Getting up super early in the morning, while it's still dark outside, driving to the lake, climb into my boat, drop a fishing line and lay down and look up at the stars just before the sun rises. You want inner peace, that's where I find inner peace.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Getting up super early in the morning, while it's still dark outside, driving to the lake, climb into my boat, drop a fishing line and lay down and look up at the stars just before the sun rises. You want inner peace, that's where I find inner peace.
Do you celebrate religious holidays?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
The thing I love most about Christmas is Christmas trees which is strictly forbidden in the Bible and every Christian that puts up a Christmas tree is going against Gods law.
Jeremiah 10:1-5
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
The thing I love most about Christmas is Christmas trees which is strictly forbidden in the Bible and every Christian that puts up a Christmas tree is going against Gods law.
Jeremiah 10:1-5
What does religion teach today that is backwards?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I agree with all the post to this point, but my biggest issue with religion is how corrupt it makes people. For all those theists that think any "soul" (whatever that is) deserves eternal damnation, suffering, and pain because Adam ate a damn piece of fruit placed there by God to test him for something he knew was going to happen, is utterly obscene. Our only out is to believe a book shown to conflict with everything we know scientifically about the formation of the Universe. I need to overlook that and then accept that an unverified Jewish rabbi was born of a virgin, had magical powers, died on a cross, went to Hades to pick up "figurative" keys so that Christ can lockup the bad souls and free the good souls. He then returned three days later. This I must believe without any evidence? If not I'm sending myself to hell? Well as Mr. Christopher Hitchen's would say. "I'm going to be talked to in this manner"
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I agree with all the post to this point, but my biggest issue with religion is how corrupt it makes people. For all those theists that think any "soul" (whatever that is) deserves eternal damnation, suffering, and pain because Adam ate a damn piece of fruit placed there by God to test him for something he knew was going to happen, is utterly obscene. Our only out is to believe a book shown to conflict with everything we know scientifically about the formation of the Universe. I need to overlook that and then accept that an unverified Jewish rabbi was born of a virgin, had magical powers, died on a cross, went to Hades to pick up "figurative" keys so that Christ can lockup the bad souls and free the good souls. He then returned three days later. This I must believe without any evidence? If not I'm sending myself to hell? Well as Mr. Christopher Hitchen's would say. "I'm going to be talked to in this manner"
If you could invite anyone (alive or not) to dinner, who would be?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
My all-time dream girlfriend agent 99 from the "Get Smart" TV show. I defiantly wouldn't invite any dead people to dinner, that's just gross.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
My all-time dream girlfriend agent 99 from the "Get Smart" TV show. I defiantly wouldn't invite any dead people to dinner, that's just gross.
Where did you learn ethics and morality?
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Morality evolves slowly over time, and it adapts differently in different cultures. We are to some degree a product of that culture, and through youth and adolescence, we build our morality. We definitely don't start off moral, but over time we begin to understand and accept the morality within our culture. We can also predict how ethical and individual is likely to be based on his/her behavior early on. Source provided below.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Morality evolves slowly over time, and it adapts differently in different cultures. We are to some degree a product of that culture, and through youth and adolescence, we build our morality. We definitely don't start off moral, but over time we begin to understand and accept the morality within our culture. We can also predict how ethical and individual is likely to be based on his/her behavior early on. Source provided below.
I don't believe in God or heaven and hell but I do believe in the supernatural like ghosts and also ...
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I agree with vertrauen, If ghosts are real then they are not supernatural, they exist within the natural world, and if they exist in the natural world they're not beyond discovery. Like vertrauen said, "Either the light is there or it isn't, the sound is there or it isn't. If the light and sound are there and observable, then what produces it is natural." - That simple statement can be applied to God, Ghosts and all things supernatural. The only thing I would add at the very end of that statement is "and testable"
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I agree with vertrauen, If ghosts are real then they are not supernatural, they exist within the natural world, and if they exist in the natural world they're not beyond discovery. Like vertrauen said, "Either the light is there or it isn't, the sound is there or it isn't. If the light and sound are there and observable, then what produces it is natural." - That simple statement can be applied to God, Ghosts and all things supernatural. The only thing I would add at the very end of that statement is "and testable"
Coming Out as an Atheist
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I probably should be the one to answer this because I've been an atheist since I was a child. In elementary school whenever the subject of what religion are you came up I always said I'm an atheist. One of my best friends growing up was Catholic, and he never seemed to mind until we got in high school and then over time, I became, "That Atheist kid." At the time I really hated him for turning on me but now looking back on it, I don't blame him, his indoctrination finally sets in, and I must have seemed evil to him. I haven't seen him in over 25 years, but I heard he became a very successful chemist for some large corporation. I hope his science education broke him of his indoctrination.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
I probably should be the one to answer this because I've been an atheist since I was a child. In elementary school whenever the subject of what religion are you came up I always said I'm an atheist. One of my best friends growing up was Catholic, and he never seemed to mind until we got in high school and then over time, I became, "That Atheist kid." At the time I really hated him for turning on me but now looking back on it, I don't blame him, his indoctrination finally sets in, and I must have seemed evil to him. I haven't seen him in over 25 years, but I heard he became a very successful chemist for some large corporation. I hope his science education broke him of his indoctrination.
Hi..new here...just saying hello
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Hello and welcome to agnostic. If you have any questions, feel free to message me.
paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:
Hello and welcome to agnostic. If you have any questions, feel free to message me.
If all knowledge religious and scientific was lost.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Unfortunately, if all science was lost we would probably go extinct. I don't think we would cope with life. No toilet paper, no soda pop, no iPhones dear lord, not iPhones, the insanity of it all.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Unfortunately, if all science was lost we would probably go extinct. I don't think we would cope with life. No toilet paper, no soda pop, no iPhones dear lord, not iPhones, the insanity of it all.
What did the coast say to the other coast? Nothing. It just waved back.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Q: What do you call a cold dog sitting on a bunny?
A: A chili dog on a bun.
Glad to have you on agnostic. If you have any questions just message me.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Q: What do you call a cold dog sitting on a bunny?
A: A chili dog on a bun.
Glad to have you on agnostic. If you have any questions just message me.
Hello! Just joined Agnostic.com and can't wait to meet you all very soon.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Welcome aboard the sanity train. Glad to have you.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Welcome aboard the sanity train. Glad to have you.
How likely do you think it would be for an openly-atheist politician to be elected President?
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Not likely for now at least, but I am hopeful. We need the older more religious generations to die off and then we might have a chance.
paul1967 comments on Sep 27, 2017:
Not likely for now at least, but I am hopeful. We need the older more religious generations to die off and then we might have a chance.
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