If there was a kind loving god we wouldn't have evil brussels sprouts

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I like Brussels sprouts! Aldi sells baby ones in microwavable bags, just yummy!

Do you think abused people should expose their abusers on social media?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

How about if you just move out? If you do all that you describe, you will come across as manipulative in a court. Alcoholism is considered a disease & all he would have to do to get sympathy is say, "I need help".

I love when I hear christians sing or talk about the song "Hallelujah" as a religious song.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I always think it is about how lust can lead you into terrible trouble....David & Bathsheba? Samson & Delilah? Troubled at best!

Dating Scams

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I go on POF all the time to recruit new members for the Singles Social Club i curreently head. Have had a few robots, several "wham/bam/bye" types, etc. But most actual scammers will tell you that an honest person is the hardest if not impossible one to scam...example: the "we find money in the street" dodge. An honest person insists on turning it properly in & cannot be gulled. The rules of dating strangers, wherever you meet them, have never changed: stay in public at first, watch out if they are only available at odd times,(never on a weekend evening, for example), run like hell if they mention money in any capacity, ever!

According to the bible; Will Suffering Ever End? Would you say yes or no and why?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Why would i be concerned with what the bible says? Seems like a strange question for this site......

How do you cope with the fact that any day you will die and that will be the end?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

"Cope"? How do you cope with the fact that he sky is blue today? I do not understand this question, sorry.

Is it possible to be an atheist and not even try to be?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 9, 2018:

To me, atheism is Freedom! Believers must follow a lot of arbitrary rules to "Be right with gawd"....and, apparently, send their money off to somebody on TV. I spend very little, if any time, thinking about what I Must do (other than pay my bills on time, feed the dogs, etc). In fact, before I found this excellent group, I wasted None of my time thinking "what if"? Now i am taking an enjoyable side trip i guess. Dump those chains, loose those shackles! Change the subject immediately when she, or anyone, starts in...."Hey, how about those Patriots!"

Add your favorite Atheist quote: John Kelly Ireland: "" Who are the bigger fool's, those who are...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

You can be very smart & still be very foolish (lack common sense). I do not think "foolish" and "stupid" necessarily go together all the time, as I understand the words. A common example would be doctors, who are notoriously easy to gull with phony real restate deals.

James "Mad Dog" Mattis for president in 2020!!! Thoughts?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Just what we need, another Yahoo who acts before he thinks...this is a joke post, right?

It's a well known and almost universal social taboo, and likewise almost universally reviled, to ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I question 'You will hear a far different story", IMO it is simply, again,willful blindness to the facts as presented...who Did Abel marry, exactly?........but so much of biblical belief requires blindness/deafness /oblivion, what else is new. I doubt you will find many believers who will actually argue in favor of incest!

In a discussion with a believer, I was asked, "where was my moral authority?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Hmmmm, it is religion that claims mankind has a "sinful nature" so that they can "save" you. Please ditch that entire premise immediately!

So it turns out that Mexico isn't going to pay for the wall.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

AS IF

Is it safe to have a one night stand?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Sexual Harassment is Unwanted attention of any kind, anywhere. Especially egregious in the workplace because of being a "captive audience" and possible pressure because the harassed may be a supervisor. Notice I use no gender pronouns here, it can cut both ways. In this case it was adult consensual sex. However, many companies have rules preventing workers from having relationships so you need to check on that if you want to continue the relationship. Otherwise, no biggie.

I love when I hear christians sing or talk about the song "Hallelujah" as a religious song.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I always think it is about how lust can lead you into terrible trouble....David & Bathsheba? Samson & Delilah? Troubled at best!

Silence is a political stance. It is a full throated endorsement of the status quo.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Absolutely True!

Say that your status changed and you are no longer mortal and you possessed the abilities of a ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

No worship, please! Freaking embarrassing! Just io what I say, in a speedy fashion!

Does it matter anymore who makes the first move?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Depends Greatly on the guy!

Self Love

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Be kind to yourself....firmly censor that nasty voice in your head that constantly tells you how worthless, etc etc you are. Buy yourself little treats......a nice coffeshop coffee, a piece of jewelry (flea market or tiffany) you like but formerly would not allow yourself to own, for example. Only wear clothing that makes you feel good......Throw out the rest! And so on. You are now forming good habits and reactions versus behavior that pulled you down. It will slowly become your new outlook Good luck!

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

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Bah Humbug!

Has anyone seen the commercial for the Wonder Bible. An audio version of the bible for believers?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

You, too, can never be more than 3' from sanctimonious claptrap! Yippee!

Not sure which category this goes under since there is no general "rant" category.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Just a way to avoid taking any kind of action.....because show me one instance where the T&P helped....just one! I'll wait.......

A song about Donald Trump.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Well done, and sadly true in every detail!

I wish the people on this site would stop being so political.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I feel that freedom from religion is under heavy attack right now, and others on here seem to feel it too. Where else would you go to find thoughtful discussion of something that is vital to our core beliefs?? Evil things will occur to those who leave their heads in the sand!

Why are some atheists angry?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I would like to ask, Why are many religious persons angry? You'd think, with all that goodness & mercy raining down on them, and happiness in the forever all set up they'd be singing & smiling small 24/7. But noooooooo, they are ranting & raving and calling names, shaming, damning, and generally making themselves annoying, if not actually dangerous... Wth? So, sic 'em, Mr. Dawkins!

Good morning! Gotta love him!

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Love you George, and you too, CeciRosane60, for posting this!

Would you run for office as a non believer?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I HATE the fact that people running for office are even asked this question! I care about whether the believe in helping those who need it, good educations for all, universal healthcare, legalizing marijuana, etc etc etc. Unless they are a flaming evangelical, in which case they will not shut up about it, none of anybody's business!

Don't watch Christmas light displays! [liberaldarkness.com]

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

It's okay, i am a straight woman....but my thoughts & prayers are certainly following you

Trump defends his sanity amid questions about his mental state - CNNPolitics

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Scary to have this Fathead "running things" I am 69 and I barely remember the Cuban Missile crisis, how upset all the adults were. Now it seems like we all feel like that everyday. Just awful!

I just ran across a holy tradition of which I was previously unaware.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Hopefully it is hyperbole?

Trump's "fake news" is total bullshit.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Totally with you!

Anyone love the sci-fi of Orson Scott Card in spite of his douche bag self?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

If a book, song, poem or whatever speaks to you, does it really make any difference who wrote it? I would avoid giving them any more of my money if they were a complete jackass, but even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes!

LIES?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

The helpless babies are using their One tool, crying, to attempt to get what they need and trying to see how effective it is (or they die)! Is this an attempt to legitimize the LIES that come out of the White House every single hour nowadays? Becase even if it is "natural", it is Not Acceptable! In fact, one enforced law prohibiting lying by public officials, with stiff penalties swiftly enforced, would go a Long way towards making life better for our citizens!

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

To hese guys posting "get it done as a choice when adult": it is a Big Deal involving full anesthesia, several stitches and weeks of recovery, during which you will carry a can of " freezing spray" to immediately quell any incipient erection, do not wait, because the stitches are put in while it is flaccid. Sound like a good idea to you.

What do you have or does it got you?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Things are un8mportant. I have lots of nice things, paperweight and music box collections, nice home, etc etc etc. But I could walk away with my dogs and meds and not look back. One of the things I learned at 19 is that "things" are a trap, and never forgot it.

Does anyone have thoughts on the relationship between free choice/thought and predetermined "plans" ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 6, 2018:

What "religion" may or may not be plannng for me is a ludicrous waste of time because frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

How are relationships formed?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I am currently building a relationship, I think. We have known each other for about 5 years and hardly paid any attention to each other for most of it. But as we have Slowly gotten better acquainted, we find ourselves having the Best time together regardless of what we are doing. We both have had some tough times in our lives (I am 69, he is 73) and are equally not sure if we want to be opening up this particular can...but, wow, do we have fun together! I have also experienced several relationships where only one of us "felt the spark". Very painful! I have also gotten into a relationship or 2 where that "-spark" led me Far astray from what was good for me! So I am Extremely wary of that "spark" thingy! Use the brain!

I love the term Flattards for people who believe in a flat earth.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I love that term, "flattards"....just tells the entire story,

[youtu.be] Please don't tell me Jesus found out this substance 2000 years ago.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

They had this on "Mythbusters"....heavy concentration of cornstarch in water. Move quickly or it is quicksand.

Does anyone use a therapist?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Therapy involves a specific set of skills to address specific issues. Hopefully your hubby has a good one ( they run the gamut). Ignore those fatheads! Would he be seeing a therapist if he did not have causative issues?

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Having had sex with several men of both types, plus knowing a guy who was circumcised in his 40's for medical reasons, I feel qualified to comment on this. Personally i Greatly prefer circumsized!! Just better all around, and no difference in pleasure for me, nor i suspect the guys. Anyone who thinks adults should get circumcised should rethink! It is majorly painful for weeks afterwards and he got issued a can of liquid "freezing spray" to quell any erections that might happen, which had to be used Immediately upon one starting......even in public....because you have stitches! Which are put in when it is flaccid.

I want to change my name.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

In many states, to legally change your name, you only need about $200 and to fill out an affidavit swearing you are not doing it to evade creditors or the law at your town clerk's office. Iin a few weeks the probate judge will send you notarized documents in the mail that you can take to the DMV, Social Security, banks, etc, and Voila! I did after my divorce, took the last name of my favorite fictional detective!

My pet project: Do you know that women over-55 are the fastest-growing HIV-positive demographic in ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Lots of lively women, very few men, plus many unable to perform from heart meds, prostate, etc. Plus "no reason" to wear protection, ladies our age don't get pregnant, plus the guys grew up hating tcondoms (you couldn't die from StD's back in the day) and we all have aches, pains, weird illnesses and put it down to aging. Doctors it seems prefer to ignore that elder people might be having sex and there is a prevailing notion that it is a gay/black/slut problem too. Just a cornucopia oframpant igmpnorance leading to infection-spreading.

What should one do when asked to tell the truth so help you god?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Very few places do this anymore...a good thing. Most just ask you if you will tell the truth.

Do you agree/

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I have always liked newspapers, not because they are more "pure" but because you can stop and reread, think, reflect at any time. It is not possible to do this well if you have to listen to non-stop talking.

How often do you find atheists attacking their inherited/old religion when arguing with people ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Why would you spend precious life, and valuable breath, arguing about religion? I cannot wrap my head around this question!

Would you be willing to die for your beliefs?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Tell them to go F themselves with my dying breath! But then, I have anger issues.......

Should prostitution be illegal?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 5, 2018:

One of my big problems with organized religions is their unmitigated gall in telling others how to live! Legalize it so the pimps are OUT & women can choose this career path if they wish!

The god of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous & ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Read much Greek Mythology?

I asked a question about why little Muslim girls are walking around covered up and you would have ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Bringing Islam into any topic has a very polarizing effect, inevitably. How about if the questiion was, "i asked a mother why was she dressing her child "thusly". Wouldn't the proper response to that question have been, " Mind your own business?". Just food for thought......

How do you feel when the families of murder victims stand at the microphone in the sentencing phase ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I think they truly believe that forgiveness helps them heal......i believe this myself. It doesn't mean they don't hate the offendes' actions, but letting hatred fester does no one any good. Why do you believe they are lying about such a momentous thing? It is, IMO, not a "religious" thing at all, but an excellent coping mechanism that you can tap into instinctively, or on the advice of any psychiatrist.

What if the thoughts never stops?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Babe, take a breath! You sound so troubled but the truth is, you are a speck of dust in a huge universe that does not give a rat's ass about any of us, and certainly not our thoughts. So relax and learn to enjoy the little things...IT IS NOT up to you!

Personal rant here: If you want to debate with me, that's fine.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

×Carefully modulating voice×......... life experiences? Yes ? No ?

Do you serve a purpose or purposely serve?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I "serve" no one....flunked Butler School, bigly..

Anyone ever get the feeling you're going to be forever alone?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

My dear sister in spirit...i am 69 1/2 years old and never, through 2 marriages lasting almost 40 years have I been anywhere near as happy as I am right now, single & free, And a truly lovely romance blooming, I think/hope, right now. Being part of a couple is no answer to anything! They can verbally & physically abuse you to the point of scars, even near death. (hubby #1, 5 years)They can seem lovely to everyone around you and you are left wondering why you feel so sad & alone, you must be crazy, ungrateful, or just stupid......and what a demanding nag you are for expressing your sadness! (hubby #2, 34 years). Make Yourself happy....no holiday goes by that I do not gift myself something lovely, sometimes more than one thing! A day does not go by without enjoying a moment of pure relief that I am free to create my own heaven. If this potential romance blossoms, icing on the cake, but in no what responsible for my basic happiness, just an enhancer. Be careful what you wish for, and especially beware thinking that your happiness depends on someone else...that thinking will sour Any relationship, despite all the drivel in popular songs....which make me cringe! P.S. listen to what I tell you instead of going through all the crap I did to find it out for yourself, Please!

I always wonder about that being “in a better place”— how is being dead a better place?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

You won't ever truly know the answer to that, but the good news is, you will not care!

I am going to share something.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Love/sex begins in the brain...otherwise why not just hire hookers?

Apart from religion, why human beings invented "marriage" What is the purpose of making a legal ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

When you are one half of a relationship where property is inevolved, such as an LLC or other business venture, why bother to have legal documents delineating the parameters? And given that traditionally, the woman half of a marriage was ,left with any dependents &in an economically disadvantaged position to boot, oh, gee, I dunno.......

Erectile Dysfunction: A Question for Women and Gay Men

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I love the Person! Sex can be a pleasant adjunct, and there are many ways to enjoy it even among those without ED, for example foot fetishes, S & M, DIY while being observed (just got thru watching "Being There"! yowza!) If you want to be truly happy in bed, as a woman liking men, i would say a stiffy is the least effective part of it!

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

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Is it just me, or does this question assume that gawd is an actual thing?

There are two types of people in this world: those who separate everybody into two types and those ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Actually THE TRUTH!

DON'T YOU JUST SORT OF FEEL SORRY FOR TRUMPS FAMILY?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I feel Very sorry for the child. Melania married for money so what does she expect....and you cannot tell me he was ever her only suitor, so too bad so sad.

I believe in the power of faith.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I see a huge difference between believing in yourself and your chosen path (reached by self-assessment, no doubt) in Life vs.depending on imaginary friend(s)!

Should the U. S. hold a Constitutional Convention?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

When you open up these questions, with the power that Evangelicals have right now, I greatly fear the result you desire may not happen, in fact the opposite! The Constitution has a lot of protections in it.....why not donate to the ACLU & similar organizations, march, write/call your reps, and VOTE!

THE TELLTALE SIGNS OF FUNDAMENTALISM?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The few Fundies i have known personally (it's a hard slog to be around them) have been INCREDIBLY naive, believing pretty much anything anytime. Maybe that's why they were incredibly poor as well....send all your money to some loud- mouth on the tv to insure you get to heaven. And when you mention that the money goes for earthly mansions, etc, such anger! Believing on the level they did had obviously stunted their thinking processes

Two Aholes playing my wee-wee is bigger than yours!

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Out on a fun karaoke date last night, i come home to this fantastic POS..........so freaking sick of this scary fathead!!!?

Has anyone else had the pleasure of trying to be ethics police to a religious person while openly ...

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Since I was born with a very clear sense of right & wrong, and low tolerance for any shifty-ness, no problem at all........religion has absolutely nothing to do with ethics, it is usually the biggest weasels who try to cloak themselves in it. Like the orange ape claming to bemy president.Too bad, so sad, straighten up or hit the door!

How would (or did) you react to a friend's spouse flirting with you?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Since my last ex was a closet philanderer, and i was (according to "our" doctor) exremely lucky to have escaped healthy, I would become pretty upset with the dickhead. Of course, if it was just a drunken one-time verbal teasing, I would do my best to forget it. Otherwise I would go right to the wife! I WISH someone had wised me up! Amazing how everyone had no trouble laying all the crap they knew about him on me After I found out....gee, thanks?........

What do you do when you are tired of dating?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 2, 2018:

After my second lousy marriage ended, and I recovered my self-esteem, I joined an age-appropriate singles social club. Which I am now in my 4th term as President of the 100+ member thing, and probably will be until I get senile, and I love it! 80% women who dine, dance, stay active...some are 25 years older than I am! My plan is to be just like them when I grow up. We are old enough to have good manners & keep religion & politics out of the picture... My point is, I have surrounded myself with friends who both like to do things together, and then go home. Happiest time of my entire life!. If somebody shows up, I am not sure I would want him.

Did you experience Religious Trauma Syndrome in leaving religion?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I question this whole premise! Equating getting clear in your head to a terrible trauma with lingering side effects....Really?

New Year Laugther

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Thankyuvurrymuch!

I'm here on my 4 day family vacation in South Carolina.

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

TA! So sorry!

For New Years:Patronizing things that religious people say to us. My Top 10. What are yours?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Love it! Where can i buy the T-shirt?

As an Atheist or Agnostic, are you less depressed or anxious?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I feel that thinking your gawd must have foresaken you, because just look at this mess, must be pretty disheartening. Plus you are going to be punished for not being more perfect both right now & forever.......ugh!

As an Atheist or Agnostic, are you less depressed or anxious?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

I feel that thinking your gawd must have foresaken you, because just look at this mess, must be pretty disheartening. Plus you are going to be punished for not being more perfect both right now & forever.......ugh!

Aren't we all agnostic?

AnneWimsey comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Bah, Hunbug! (Loved writing that!) To the extent that I am ready to get loud & nasty with a supposed "diety" for his/her/its' nastiness & stupidity should one show up, I guess you may be right...........

Are all views and beliefs of cultures equally valid? And is relativism toward these beneficial?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Cutting to the chase: If your shrink has told you you do not have a right to your opinion, WTF are you still giving them money & time??!?!! Personal note: I have found that the more I give myself permission to be "me", the happier I am!

What the hell?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 31, 2017:

My tablet does the same thing...and others even worse! Spellcheck, et al: Just like a man/ woman/other.....you can't live with it, can't live without it

“The banana is the atheists nightmare "

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Bananas, especially ripe ones, elicit my gag reflex....why are you making me think of them??

I FOUND JESUS!

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I just found my phone buried in the couch...i hope you were as happy about your find as I was about mine!

I've been here a few days, actually level 4..., whatever that means...?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I am a flaming liberal but believe in a swiftly-administered death penalty.........would that make me partially conservative?

I become very annoyed and furious when I here politicians,Government officials or anybody ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Even their own bible urges deeds (done quietly!) above blatting empty phrases. TA, disgusting waste of valuable air.

What is your favorite religious hypocrisy story?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Buwahahahahaaaaa! Perfect example of these self-righteous fools. Hope she at least made you feel good physically!

So I was raised in a Catholic house, I often have to deal with the baptism speech, how if I don't ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I thought Catholics always have babies baptized immediately? Otherwise they cannot go to heaven...so if you were raised Catholic it is likely you were baptized at 10 days old or earlier.

JESUS CHRIST: OUR LORD AND SAVIOR ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE VS SANTA CLAUS: THE COUNTERFEIT ACCORDING ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Loving this!

This young man (13 ) who happen's to be a genius explains Quantum Physics and god.

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

He may very well do wonderful things for science someday....right now he is 13 years old and his opinions cannot be fully formed, which i am sure he would be the first to tell you if people would stop treating him like a phenomenon. Do you know the truly sad endings of most of the geniuses that got lionized as children? Mozart, anyone? What are his parents thinking? Money couldn't possibly be involved, could it? I feel so bad for him!

Response to the queries of the believers

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

If the people i call mom & dad raised me with love, what difference would DNA make (unless i guess serious genetic based illness was present). What a slap in the face to both adopters & adoptees that question is! If some gawd walked in, it better be prepared to face my wrath, you stupid, do-nothing while people & animals suffer i should bow to you why, exactly?!!?

Do you find it difficult to date as a non believer ? Would you date a believer?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Thinking over my previous answer: Maybe it is actually are they a "live & let live" type or a control freak. If they try to convert you, Run!

American Dark Age?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Read this thread yesterday.....came back today to check poll results, So Happy to see optimism "won"!

I'm leaning towards "free will" being an illusion. Convince me otherwise.

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Free Will exists in the moment, for sure. "Do you want fries with that?" for example. But as your life moves on, your choices tend to get more restricted, either by previous choices you have made (example: having a baby) or physical limitations (not skiing anymore because of bad knees). Someone not able to use free will usually feels terrible (why we use incarceration as punishment). To deny free will exists would lead to terrible hopelessness.....unless you believed everything was part of Gawds Plan, i guess........ And may I say I grinned a lot while reading this thread?!

What has the atheist "community" done for anyone lately?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

My first reply is, none of anyone's business. The good, if any, I choose to do is not to earn praise from anyone, create followers, get donations, or any of that religious claptrap. It is done because it makes me feel good. My second response is, I do work in community with others on various things, like politics, that I care about. If you are a friend of Bernie's, for example, I do not care if you are green with 6 arms! I think a hallmark of atheists, and the best thing about them, is their inclination to stand and think for themselves. Getting organized to "do good" as atheists seems like an odd concept to me........

What do you think?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Since religion seems to be based solely on feelings ("feeling the presence" etc.) I would say no, as i find atheists prefer science & reason. Therefore, it is not necessary to read a bunch of claptrap.....time much better spent on science, the arts, enjoying life.....

I got into a discussion a few days ago with a religious person who had said, "everything happens for...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Something bad happens, you make the best of it, then something good happens & you make a correlation. Religious, "magical" thinking at its' best!

I wish religious people who live in first world nations understood that the reason they don't see ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Love this question and the logical conclusion(s)! I believe apathy is one of the biggest problems anyone can have....how many people did not vote here & look at the mess we are in!

As a "black" woman who left a terrible and abusive relationship with a man who went deep into the ...

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I was where you were before any shelters or help existed. I would not relive those days, nor wish them on anyone. But the things I learned during that time have been priceless in much of my life the last 50 years. Knowing you are Strong is a good thing!

In my life I have demonstrated with my physical presence against activities I strongly oppose.

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I think a fantastic first step would be taxation of these obviously propagandizing organizations!

American Dark Age?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

If we vote we can stop this! I believe the majority of Germans were apathetic political moderates until corrupted by propaganda. We are lucky enough to be forewarned by what happened there! But no action = acquiescence!

Are you on a path or a journey?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I am on a Mission! 1) have fun be happy enjoy life 2) fight the festering evil in our government every day in every way These things are not always mutually exclusive.

Was Jesus made Christian when John the Baptist baptised him?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 29, 2017:

If jesus ever existed, even as a schizo with followers, the word, "xianity" didn't exist until quite some time later, so no. The bible does not claim any such thing, so why are you?

What is your personality type?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Okay, I took the test, then again about 15 minutes later after the questions & my first answers marinated in my brain. I found myself changing almost every previous answer, which indicates Ieither I am too weird to even take it, or it can be answered by anyone many different ways depending on what has transpired lately. For one example, do not we all get frazzled going to holiday parties and then treasure our alone time in between them right about now?

Are there people who just shouldn’t be in romantic relationships ever?

AnneWimsey comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Me!