I love the "Blacklist "

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 28, 2018:

I do too! I really like shows where the protagonist is a bad guy. I think It’s the complexity of the characters.

Can you stand people that are too immature? Do you have a low tolerance for them?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 28, 2018:

there are different brands of immaturity. Some qualities that people call immature are really harmful - an inability to empathize, to manage your emotions, to be responsible - at some point that becomes sociopathy. That’s very different from sometimes being silly and enjoying doing kid stuff.

For atheists - what makes you believe no deity exists?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I call myself an atheist because I think that if there were a god, we would have some evidence to demonstrate it.

How do you feel about talking openly about athiesm

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 27, 2018:

I think that’s a matter of personal preference in whether/how one decides to discuss their own beliefs. Personally, I enjoy discussing atheism with others, but am not invested in trying to convert anyone. I do think it’s weird to claim that “nobody asked them to write a book.” Obviously there is plenty of demand for these books as they sell millions. I also think there’s a societal benefit to being open about your atheism. It’s like, people who think that “there were no gay people” when they were growing up. There WERE gay people, you just didn’t know that about them. People hold stereotypes about groups of people and it’s harder to hold onto those biases when you know that your friend, neighbor, coworker, family member is one of “those people.”

Is it better to settle for a good relationship or wait for the best, even if it might never happen?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 27, 2018:

The “best” relationship is probably not a reality. Staying in a relationship or leaving it based on your perception of what might be out there seems like not a fair way to make a decision - either to you or to your partner. Better questions, I think, does this relationship enrich my life? Am I my best self in this relationship?

I'm struggling and looking for advice.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I know how you feel. I am late 30s and a few years out of a very toxic marriage. I am open to a relationship with the right person if he comes along, but I know I am much better off alone than in a bad relationship. I definitely have my list of “nots” and a pretty loosely defined list of requirements. There must be things that you want in a partner, even if they are just opposites of your “nots.” E.g. intelligence, kind, honest, sharing core values. Good luck and don’t rush anything!

What do you do about an ex who's being a bad parent?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 26, 2018:

I know it sucks to feel like your kid is missing out on stuff and there’s nothing you can do about it. All you can do is the best you can for her. My ex was a deadbeat dad even while he lived with us. He didn’t parent, engage, or keep his promises. By the time our son was 13 he had figured this out for himself. When your daughter gets older, she will be allowed to weigh in on her living situation. Also realize that your ex might be pushing back just to be able to say no to you. You probably need to ask if she’s willing to get your daughter to classes/lessons/practices before signing your daughter up for things. Depending on how old she is, your daughter might need to ask her mom to do some things, rather than you getting in the middle. Lastly, in my experience and from what I’ve heard from others, kids really just need one loving, supportive adult to be ok. Good luck

How often do you swear?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 26, 2018:

All the fucking time. But only around people who won’t be offended.

What books are you all reading right now?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I am halfway through Jane Eyre because it’s one of those books you’re “supposed to” read. I am also proofreading a book that will be released in May.

Hey everyone! I'm new to being an Atheist/Agnostic.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 24, 2018:

Don’t worry young mom, someday you will pee alone again! Unless you have cats.

What is unconditional love, and if so, what do people mean when they speak of it?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I think unconditional love is for children. that is, to be given only to your children, whom you will love no matter what they do. In the context of a romantic relationship, for me,loving someone unconditionally meant loving him unconditionally while he treated me very badly and acted with utter disregard for my needs and well-being. I am not promoting “conditional” love - that is essentially what I got - love that was awarded for sacrificing myself for him, and withheld when I displeased him. I am willing to love openly and completely someone who does the same for me, but I will never again promise to love someone who doesn’t treat me with love.

What teachable moments do you give your children?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 24, 2018:

“Make good choices.” What could you have done differently?/ what would be a better way to handle that? How do you want to handle this problem? Encouraging him to consider the point of view of the other person in any situation. Talking with him about how HE can handle a problem rather than stepping in to handle it for him.

Do you consider yourself a humanist?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 24, 2018:

“an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.” Yes, definitely.

My mom has cancer.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I’m sorry you are going through this. For words: Hope. Resilience. Strength. Healing. Health. Wisdom. Mother. Daughter.

I always dream in color..and remember them as well..anyone else?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I have never dreamed in black and white - i’ve Heard that’s more common among people who watched B&W tv. I remember dreams pretty regularly. For years I have had end-of-the-world disaster dreams when I’m Really stressed.

Is it wise to get back with an ex?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 23, 2018:

My take is that there were reasons for your breakup. Do you have real, realistic evidence that those things have changed? Not just HOPE that things have changed because that’s what you want to believe. If not, history is likely to repeat itself, and will do so when your kids are old enough to see things fall apart and grieve the loss.

I'm a college professor and for the past 10 years, I've noticed and my colleagues have as well, that...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I read a really interesting article about how many Millenials have spent every minute of their lives planned and supervised, so they only begin to learn at 18 things that those of us who came before learned over years of childhood. my take is that this is worse among the more privileged of the generation. My son is 19, independent and responsible, so they aren’t all like that!.

There's lots to complain about okcupid and such dating sites but I'm REALLY glad they include ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 23, 2018:

Haha “should creationism be taught in schools?” Is my Favorite screening question on OKC. Anyone who says children should “hear both sides” is an automatic pass. It’s science. Schools should ABSOLUTELY not be teaching dogma as a reasonable alternative to facts in science classes. And I would not be compatible with anyone who thinks they should.

Left-handed, right-handed, or ambidextrous?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I am a righty with a broken wrist so I am learning to do lots of things left handed. Hoping this will have some benefit later in life otherwise it’s just a p.i.t.a.

How important is it to people to have political compatibility?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 22, 2018:

For me, it’s not about Politics, it’s about the values that drive the beliefs. So much of the conservative platform seems to lack empathy. The belief system is based on rules and authority and punishment and there is a lack of recognition of different perspectives and experiences and opportunities. I don’t know if I could be compatible with somehow who believes in god. But they would have to believe foremost in science and evidence and definitely not be into organized religion.

God was looking out for me this morning.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 22, 2018:

He’s fickle. Probably hormones. Seriously the ide that god protects some people while leaving others to suffer is really gross.

After Mass Shooting, FL House Votes to Put “In God We Trust” Signs in Schools – Friendly ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 22, 2018:

F$cking ridiculous!

Arming public school teachers.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 22, 2018:

My son is a student in a music education program, so, future music teacher. He is appalled at the notion of carrying a gun as a teacher. He wonders how he could connect with students when he is carrying a visible weapon. He worries about the great likelihood that it would be accidentally discharged, or get into the hands of a student, or be misused by a teacher. He also commented that we can’t even train police officers not to shoot innocent people, so how can we expect to train teachers to, surrounded by innocent people, in the most terrifying, high pressure situation imaginable. And the idea that arming teachers would deter shooters? That is ridiculous. Most of these young men are planning to commit suicide, at their own hand or that of police. The threat of being killed is NO deterrent at all.

Jake took his last walk this evening.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. And glad you got to spend some time giving him some happiness at the end.

What's your thought on disciplining children?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 21, 2018:

“Discipline” actually means teaching, not punishing, so yes I’m all for it. Every kid needs something different. I didn’t do a lot of punishing but did a lot of talking about making good choices and about consequences. But I was also lucky to have a pretty easy kid, as it goes.

How hard is it to find similar people to me?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 21, 2018:

By starting out saying that you can’t give 100% to a relationship, you are probably eliminating partners who would want the kind of monogamous relationship you seek. You have a full life and existing obligations, so a relationship can’t be your only priority and that is totally reasonable in adult relationships. But if you want to find a loving, faithful partner, you will have to be willing to give your best to your partner. That does not mean 100% of your time, energy, or attention, but 100% of what you can.

What 3-8 traits do you value most in a potential lifetime partner?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Intelligent, empathic, honest, responsible. Similar sense of humor. And shared belief in science/evidence over faith.

What Keeps You Where You Are?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I LOVE my home town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is a great college town with an extremely well-educated (and liberal) population. There are tons of things to do - restaurants, museums, book stores etc. all of the benefits of a big city without the city! I grew up here. My parents are here, my son is here (for now). The university means lots of job opportunities. I would not leave here just to live somewhere else - there would have to be a good compelling reason, like an educational/career or relationship reason.

Do you save seeds from your veggie garden to plant next year?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I learned this summer that some companies with special-bred plants have patented the plants - it would violate the patent to plant their seeds! they probably don’t care unless you try to reproduce and sell the plants or fruit. This is true even though you wouldn’t get the same hybrid from the seeds as the plant you took them from!

Reading Format Preferences.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Books, books, books! Paperback or hardcover doesn’t matter to me, as long as I can turn the pages. And library all the away!

So the loneliness has finely sunk in.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I hear you! Touch is the one thing I miss. My marriage gave me literally nothing else - not emotional support, not instrumental support, not financial assistance. There was no partnership, no sharing of the burdens of life - only transferring them from him to me. Every aspect of my life was harder in my marriage. Except for that one thing - physical touch. I am not interested in/comfortable with casual sex. And given how much better life is single than it was coupled, I’m not in a hurry to find a relationship. So I live without touch or physical intimacy. But it turns out to be easier than living without money, stability, understanding, self-worth and everything else I needed.

Dating site question (subtitle: Am I Just Too Olde?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I agree with your initial reaction. Any time I get a message from a stranger that refers to me with any endearment (“dear” “beautiful” etc) I don’t respond. It feels like a way of trying to force Intimacy or familiarity that is not appropriate.

Atheist groups

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I am not familiar with American Atheist. FFRF is an organization that often pursues legal resolution of issues affecting non-believers. If I’m not mistaken, they also facilitate publishing atheist authors and facilitate lectures. A quick search suggests that Americans atheist has similar goals and principles.

Seeking Information.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I made the same assumption about the percentage. However, there aren’t a lot of questions on which to base the percentage so I consider the figures dubious. Even on dating sites that use a much more detailed matching system, high percentages don’t always indicate a good match. Good luck!

So what is the solution to the online dating fiasco?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I am pretty inexperienced with dating but have established a few rules that have helped so far. Ignore/block people who start off being disrespectful. Chat a bit online (not too long) before meeting in person - lots of guys will rule themselves out in the first 6 messages exchanged. Meet in a public place and let someone know where you are, and ask them to check in with you if they haven’t heard from you by a specific time.

Newbie. Will see how this group goes. Looks positive.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Welcome! Most are friendly, a few are looking to argue (it is the internet after all). Have fun!

How do you handle talking to a parent when they are politically opposite of you?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Oh man I really get this. I am very liberal and my father has gotten increasingly conservative as the years have gone by. He was also a lawyer so he can talk/bully any position. I have reached a point of managing both the amount of time and situations I spend with him. I usually try to avoid political topics with him. He is not religious nor particularly a supporter of Trump, and some issues he’s relatively liberal(gay rights), but he uses the word “liberal” like a dirty word and often misconstrues liberal positions. When things do come up, I will often try to gently suggest a different perspective than the one he gets from Fox News. But I’m not willing to get into major conflict with him about things on which he will definitely not change his opinions.

How do you feel about (boy) scouting?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 18, 2018:

I was a Girl Scout and it was really good for me. But I did not put my son into Boy Scouts because of their discriminatory practices towards gay people and non-believers. In spite of the potential benefits, I did not want him indoctrinated to beliefs I disagree with.

So I posted something earlier that I took down because my intentions were being misunderstood.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 17, 2018:

So far the site hasn’t reached sufficient mass to work very well as a dating site. But the conversation is interesting and benefits from varied points of view. Your profile can be set to show that you are interested in meeting people or not. If you want to talk openly about your non-theist beliefs, or about anything without the judgy religious views, then yes, you belong here. Please bring enough pie for everyone!

How long did it take you to get over your divorce?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 17, 2018:

I am almost 3 Years out from a very toxic marriage. I am still recovering, less from the divorce than from the 20 years of emotional abuse in the marriage. My ex moved on immediately (actually had been carrying on a relationship in secret while telling me we were trying to reconcile) and is already re-married. I have hardly even dated because being married was HELL and it is so much better being alone than with someone who diminishes you. I am so never going to be able to use this site for dating because I am way too open about my past!

Based on the nature of a few discussions I've been in/seen here over the last couple of days, I'd ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 17, 2018:

I have referenced several times a great book I recently read - The Righteous Mind : : Why Good People Are Divided By Politics And Religion by Haidt, Jonathan.

Ok so I've seen from other posts that several members share my struggles with PTSD.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 17, 2018:

You might get some information about what kind of degree they have, e.g. psychiatry vs psychology vs MSW. You could call and ask what approaches the counselor specializes in. But I think it’s like dating - you can’t know how the chemistry will be until you sit down and talk with them.

Republican Lisa Murkowski says it’s time for her party to take climate change seriously. | Grist

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Well she is correct.

How do you feel about supplements?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I prefer to get my nutrition from well-balanced diet. However, my doctor recommended that I start supplementing calcium, since I don’t drink milk, so I do that. Most other types of supplements (non-nutrient) I think range from useless to potentially dangerous and primarily serve the purpose of lining the pockets of the manufacturers.

Left Turn Indicator Elderly Jokes On a recent flight, an elderly passenger kept peering out ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Hahahahaha! How considerate!

So, I recently realized that tomorrow will be my 20th anniversary of quitting smoking! I can't ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 15, 2018:

That’s awesome - congrats! I hit 14 years this month.

Have you ever dated someone that reminded you of one of your parents?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 15, 2018:

I set out as a teenager to find a man who was nothing like my father. So I married a man who was uneducated, irresponsible and immature. And it took many years to realize that he also shared exactly the characteristics that I was trying to escape when I picked him. Could not have gone any more wrong.

To what extent do you believe "with age comes wisdom?"

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 15, 2018:

If you don’t learn anything as you go through life then you aren’t doing it right!

My daughter is 8 years and insists that she is a Christian.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Yes, I would be curious about what she thinks it means to be a Christian. It might be that she identifies as Christian some values that are really universally human values. It might be that she likes the stories. It might just be that she wants to fit In. You could ask some questions about why she believes what she does and encourage her to use her critical thinking skills.

So Valentine's question.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Well, when we were separated (he had moved out but said he wanted to fix things) my ex picked a fight so he could spend the evening with his mistress. So, I would suggest basically anything other than that. Sorry to hear about your divorce.

Another f@!king mass shooting here in America! At least 17 dead, 23 injured.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 14, 2018:

It will never happen. If 25 dead little white kids didn’t move the needle on gun regulation, nothing ever will. People will continue to send empty “thoughts and prayers” and it will just get worse and worse.

The Largest Number Of Scientists In Modern U.S. History Are Running For Office In 2018 | HuffPost

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 13, 2018:

AWESOME!

We all have our favorite memes on religion, this is mine what are some of yours.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 13, 2018:

This one is on my fridge!

In my latest updated post, I mentioned my bestie, Patty, and that her kids (an 18-year-old son and a...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Personally, I would find the environment of a religious institution very uncomfortable and would not want to spend those formative years pretending to be something I’m not.

Study: "Bad Girls" More Likely to Say "No" to Sex - Skepchick

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 13, 2018:

Women are taught that being “good” and “nice” mean not telling people “no.” In hundreds of little ways, we learn to subjugate our own needs and feelings for others. In all kinds of situations, not just sexual ones. Women are told that we are responsible for setting sexual boundaries, but in all other areas of our lives we are taught that it’s not nice/feminine/allowed to have boundaries. Women who feel less restricted by those norms are better able to set and adhere to personal boundaries.

Have you ever used affirmations?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 13, 2018:

We do affirmations of others at the close of meetings on one of my projects. Tell the person next to you something good about them. It’s a little cheesy but a positive way to end a meeting. As for personal affirmations, after divorcing a toxic narcissist, my therapist suggested that I check negative thoughts with more positive/realistic ones. She didn’t call them affirmations but it was along those lines. The idea was to reprogram my mind from the gaslighting I had been exposed to for many years. “When you feel X, remind yourself that Y.”

“Do not pray for an easy life, acquire the strength to endure a difficult one”- Bruce Lee

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 13, 2018:

This quote struck me because of a conversation had while on the job at a nearby Indian Hralth center. Someone commented that they used to pray to the creator for strength and patience. But then another Native told him that you should never pray to the creator for patience and strength because he will give you more experiences to develop strength and patience. Apparently this is a common belief in Native cultures.

Have you ever made a change to your environment that made a noticeable improvement to your sense of ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 12, 2018:

Yes. I removed the toxic person from it. Quality of life = restored.

A probability word problem, it's not a riddle, no trick answer.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 12, 2018:

50/50

One of Seth Andrews' best! [youtube.com]

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 12, 2018:

Can you give the gist? The video is an hour long!

Belief in god

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 12, 2018:

Not by itself. People have different reasons for their beliefs, including, usually, childhood indoctrination. A mental illness is defined as “associated with present distress.” But many people do hold onto harmful delusions, behave in dysfunctional ways or experience distress because their religion demands that they conform to beliefs that don’t align with their identity.

Do you feel somewhat annoyed or angry when you find out someone is testing you?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 12, 2018:

I was in an emotionally abuse marriage so I am sensitive to manipulation. Creating a situation to see what someone will do is manipulative and reason to remove a person from your life.

Vegan vs non-vegan diet for babies

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Every child must consume food and it’s up to parents to decide how to feed them, within reason. At some point, dietary choices can be abusive. If you feed a small child a diet of 100% fast food, is that abuse? What if you feed a child nothing but bread and water? Failing to provide your child with needed nutrition is neglectful, at least. It is extremely difficult to provide a well-rounded diet to an infant within vegan restrictions. I mean, let’s be honest, it is difficult for an adult to get adequate nutrition from a vegan diet. Question, does a vegan diet exclude mothers’ breast milk?

Importance of friendships.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 11, 2018:

That is really great that your group can hold different beliefs and treat each other with respect about it. It reminds me of my son, when he was about 10, canoeing at summer camp with kids with different beliefs. He talked about how 3 of them - a Catholic, a Jewish kid and himself (atheist/agnostic) had a deep discussion about religion, listening to eachother and treating eachother with respect. He wondered why adults can’t seem to do that..

Is it consider mental abuse if someone preaches to you about their religion without your consent?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 11, 2018:

Well, he had you as a captive audience. I don’t know if it could qualify as abuse, but it is certainly rude and extremely disrespectful to continue preach at you after asking him not to. You are right - you are too nice! Perhaps you should’ve asked him whether he wanted to prosthelytize or to sell you a house. If he wanted to sell you a house, then focus on that. If he wanted to prosthelytize, your business was done.

Legalize it?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Yes, legalize, tax, regulate. Marijuana is far less risky than alcohol, and should not be classified with dangerous drugs. Also I am from Ann Arbor Michigan - famous for the annual Hash Bash and home of the once $5 pot possession ticket ($25 now). Basically, have always had decriminalized pot here. And we still always rank as one of the smartest cities in the country. We do not have any problems here linked to the very casual attitude about pot.

I am feeling very sad and greatly disappointed in someone that I have long loved and respected.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

If you were talking about an older person, I would suggest that these can be early signs of dementia. But since you seem to be describing a young adult it’s probably developmental. This sounds like a somewhat late arrival to the “no one understands me, I hate the whole world” phase that many of us went through as teenagers. Most people grow out of it - some people don’t. It is often related to having a very black-and-white view of the world. When opportunities present, you might talk about the difference between people who don’t understand, and people who actively want to oppress you. Otherwise, you might have to just hope that they haven’t alienated too many people by the time they learn to see more gray in the world.

When you log into agnostic.com and no one has liked your posts or viewed your profile.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Well you seem to have found a way around that, since this post remains at the top even as new ones are posted!

So I just finished this mandated course parents are supposed to take upon separating.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

That sucks. Your circumstances and that you have to jump through hoops. Hopefully you or the court will track them down and attending the class will be one more point to why you should have primary custody of your child.

Anyone else play Free Rice? Feed someone and increase your vocabulary. [freerice.com]

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Just tried it out! Cool concept. I used to have links to sites that would make a small donation to a cause just for clicking on the site each day - there were a bunch of them, for animals, the environment, breast cancer, veterans. I wonder if they’re still out there.

Do you find it hard to be friends with someone who is a over 25, but has the mentality of a ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Looking at the comments now. The fact that she is autistic is extremely relevant here. She probably is truly limited In her capacity to manage some of the issues. It also adds a layer of complexity to parenting. Parents feel their child is not ready and so they don’t push kids to take on responsibilities that they actually could manage. You might choose to act as a friend/mentor but this would not be an equal or fulfilling romantic relationship.

Do you find it hard to be friends with someone who is a over 25, but has the mentality of a ...

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Oh dear. Unless she is intellectually/ developmentally disabled, it sounds like she is a physical adult whose parents prevented her from developing into a functional adult. This is all too common these days. Parents trying to prevent their child from ever encountering any risk or danger, consequently prevent kids from solving problems, negotiating conflicts, and otherwise learning all of the skills we need to function in the adult world. My parenting philosophy was that my job was to prepare my son to be a happy, successful adult. He is now (surprise!) a responsible, independent young man.

Where Do You Go When You Die? The Increasing Signs That Human Consciousness Remains After Death

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Ok interesting but likely to be misinterpreted based on the title. Your consciousness does not shift to some other realm of existence, it just Continues to function until the cells die- like a chicken with its head cut off.

One Small Step for Satanists, One Giant Leap for Abortion Rights? - TheHumanist.com

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 10, 2018:

The real issue is that Christians are imposing their religious beliefs on the rest of us. My feelings about this issue are based on science and social issues. My disagreement is not directly linked to my religious (non)beliefs but my beliefs are at least equally valid and it is a violation of my freedom of/from religion to have someone else’s religious beliefs imposed on me.

I find myself questioning the critical thinking skills of anyone I meet who I find to be religious.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 8, 2018:

My mother is one of the smartest people I know. She had a long, successful career, respects science, and is highly logical and reasonable. She also believes in god and attends church regularly. People have faith/religion for many reasons. It does not mean, necessarily, that they lack reasoning skills. Many take the things that work for them and leave the rest. However, those people who hold onto religious fairy tales as literal truth, ignoring science and reality, that’s a different story. Those people scare the living crap out of me.

Religion is like a penis.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I love this one!

Why do I hate it when a man sexualize my insights/intelligence/etc?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 3, 2018:

First of all, your discomfort with this makes a lot of sense to me. I totally get the “brains are sexy” thing but this seems like disrespectfully sexualizing you. It’s concerning any time a man sees women exclusively as sexual. Second of all, POF is truly awful.

What is your favorite meetup group or organization?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 3, 2018:

There is an atheist meet-up group in my city. I met my best friends there!

What Are Your Thoughts On "Smart Buddhist Prayer Beads ?"

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 3, 2018:

So you can keep track of your mindfulness without thinking about it

Recently I had to send my beautiful cat, Appollo, to the Rainbow Bridge.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 3, 2018:

So sorry for your loss. And glad you are ready to open your home to more kittens. They do go best in pairs!

Excuses, excuses! This just irks me.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Oh dear. Too many parents aren’t teaching their kids about personal responsibility.

Homeless Among the Privledged

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I would guess Los Angeles? Not that this doesn’t happen in lots of places but LA is kind of a perfect storm. Lots of people who fo there to “make it big” and didn’t. And it’s easier to be homeless in places where you won’t freeze to death.

Forgive and forget. Is it a possibility?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 2, 2018:

It’s been said that carrying a grudge is like holding onto a hot coal, with the intention of throwing it at someone - it is only YOU that is hurt by this. And intellectually I understand that. I know that me continuing to feel hurt and betrayed and angry about how someone treated me is painful for me and doesn’t effect the perpetrator at all. That doesn’t make it easy to let go of the pain.

Aggressive, angry and violent Christian?

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 2, 2018:

Crazy, crazy crazy!

So I'm dating a catholic now.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I gotta say that calling it “disrespectful” to have/read a book he doesn’t agree with is a BAD sign.

Have always wondered....

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 1, 2018:

That’s pretty weird, but not a completely unique concept. That this world might exist as a dream, as a tiny piece of some much larger world.

Do you like it when people give you false hope? I don't.

A2Jennifer comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I lived a 20 year relationship/marriage on nothing but hope. Believing that things would get better when.... when we lived together, got married, etc. then many, many years of excuses and promises broken and commitments unkept. Hoping that he would come through for me. hoping if I loved him hard enough that I would feel loved in return. Hoping, always, that he would give me anything I needed and forever being told that it was my fault when he didn’t. It is a terrible way to live.

Now here's a lovely inspirational story to warm your heart with that heavenly spirit.

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Interestingly, he might now be subject to some of the hate and discrimination he has been dishing out.

Dating dealbreakers

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Going to answer my own question - most have to do with incompatible values: Trump supporter, uneducated, catholic/evangelical/religious fanatic, science deniers, still married/involved with someone else. Axis II Personality disorders.

Liberals

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I recently read “The Righteous Mind,” which talks about 6 different basic moral instincts. Conservatives place much more importance on loyalty (to our “team”/side/country) and respect for authority. Liberals are people who value care/empathy over all else. Liberals think of challenging an unjust system as holding our country to its ideals. Conservatives are more likely to perceive questioning the status quo as disloyal to the country.

I have a friend.

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 27, 2018:

This sounds a bit familiar!

Cool Things You Didn't Know About Circadian Rhythm

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 27, 2018:

In college I read a study where they puta bunch of guys in a house with no cues about the time - no daylight, no tv, no clocks. They ended up on a 25 hour cycle. No wonder the day feels like it doesn’t have enough hours!

What's other people's thoughts

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Interesting. Now I suspect this is the origin of the name of the Seneca Crane character in the Hunger Games.

Are you Bilingual/Trilingual/Etc.?

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I only speak English. Not sure if I just didn’t get the language gene, or if I never had a chance because I got the first semester of French in a 1-week review. I have been thinking about learning ASL (sign language) but I broke my wrist so I am in a hand cast for 3 months!

Where should the line be drawn, between religious freedom and mental illness?

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Where it harms anyone outside of the believer.

One of my favorite authors has died.

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 23, 2018:

It’s kind of like losing a Friend when your favorite author dies.

What commercials have permanently burned themselves into your mind?

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 23, 2018:

The Burger King scares the living crap out of me! Literally haunts my dreams! Oha s remember the Pepto Bismol song? “Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea.”

Does anyone know which Football team, the Patriots or the Eagles, that god wants to win the super ...

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 22, 2018:

God only cared about badminton, not football.

Question from a newbie to this forum, but not a newbie Atheist.

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I think that people who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious” don’t NECESSARILY believe in god, but that many do. When I see that I sometimes wonder if people don’t really “believe” in a god but are hesitant to publicly declare that.

Whats the worst argument you have ever heard for the existence of god

A2Jennifer comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Well that one is terrible and also, really? there are starving people and kids dying of disease and you think god is making sure you get a parking spot??!! Also, “because there MUST be” (because I need a simple explanation). I also would suggest the argument that “the human eye is a perfect creation” - asserted by someone wearing glasses!