Just wondering, how many feel like I do.

birdingnut comments on Aug 27, 2018:

Agree with what? Your questions are unclear to me. I think McCain was an evil warmonger who also sold out to Trump, but he did sometimes show some ethics and finally did start opposing the Trump policies.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

The question basically boils down to was he some what respectable as a conservative. I disagree that he sold out to Trump. I won't argue his push to war, especially Iraq. As I said I would never vote for him, and my opinion may be tainted as a navy vet. Still I am very liberal. Follow in my father's footsteps. A great admirer of FDR.

Who was your favorite 007 ? mine was Sean Connery.

Beelzebant comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Timothy Dalton should be better remembered. Perhaps he is less remembered because he was in only two Bond films. He had the looks, that’s for sure! George Lazenby was good as well, but his quitting after his single appearance, and his subsequent trashing by the producers unfairly tarnished his...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

Lazenby had a great success at doing voice overs and video games.

Who was your favorite 007 ? mine was Sean Connery.

PenLOP comments on Aug 21, 2018:

I used to think Timothy Dalton was the best, because he tried to bring the character back to the books, because, let’s face it, some of the later Roger Moore films were hard to watch. I’m looking at you, *Moonraker*. However since *Casino Royale* I worship at the House of Craig.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

I thing Craig has redefined the franchise. Connery will always be, to me, the epitome of Bond, James Bond. Some of his work hasn't aged as well.

Have you ever been in a newspaper story?

Beowulfsfriend comments on Aug 27, 2018:

Yes. My son and I were interviewed after the start of Bush II Iraqi war, when we painted a sheet with peace sign and No War. Got egged. Misquoted, on purpose, by the larger county paper. Wouldn't talk to them again. Got interviewed by a smaller town paper and the larger paper paid to reprint ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

@LiterateHiker i know. Now most of those idiots agree with what you were saying. I got more press by being a vet against the War, a stupid war.

Will the church ever cull their own?

LucyLoohoo comments on Aug 19, 2018:

Apparently, you've forgotten RULE NUMERO UNO ... all they need to do is admit their sins, perform acts of absolution and they're HOME FREE!

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

@rovingamber mother teresa was a horrid woman.

How many like this TV show?

PenLOP comments on Aug 23, 2018:

Finely written, acted, directed. The episode where Burgess Meredith can read all the books he wants for the rest of his life and the episode’s conclusion still haunts me.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

That is an awesome episode. Loved that show.

Just wondering, how many feel like I do.

dokala comments on Aug 27, 2018:

I have some respect for him. He remained a POW when he could have gotten out early because his father was an Admiral. I applaud him on not taking advantage of his position. However, nepotism was in full force when he got into the Naval Academy because he likely would not have been accepted. He did ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

Having been in the Navy, yes McCain did get special treatment or advancement. He did, however, refuse early POW release which he was offered as father was an acting Admiral. Again, as I said I would never have voted for him. I think attacking Afghanistan was inevitable by whomever was President. If you study it, the initial invasion and working with individual war lords went well and we may have been able to eradicate ,or nearly do so, the Taliban, however, Bush II tried nation building instead of a loose coalition of leaders meeting from time to time in Kabul and of course went off on his whimsical and stupid plan to attack Iraq, thus destabilizing the entire region.

Iceland Bans American Televangelists | Andrew Hall

GeorgeRocheleau comments on Aug 27, 2018:

Not even as a sacrifice to the volcano?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 27, 2018:

They won't build on traditional elf trails either.

Prime example of why atheists get testy from time to time.

Paracosm comments on Aug 26, 2018:

These people amuse me more than anything. The ones trying to force religion into our government and schools piss me off.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 26, 2018:

@DoctoralZombie I agree, and I don't find West Baptist amusing at all. They are a cancer connected to other cancers on society. The Satanists are much more amusing and far less dangerous, if at all. Maybe a few wackos who like sacrifice- but they would end up as serial killers or something similar anyway. The vast majority are humanistic in their approach. They are believers in something I can't believe because it indicates a recognition of god in some form.

Any othet atheist who love gospel music

242Foxtrot comments on Aug 26, 2018:

Good Shepherd. -. Jefferson Airplane People Get Ready. - Curtis Mayfield Sitting in Limbo. -. Jimmy Cliff Do those count?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 26, 2018:

Long Train Coming is a good song by Dylan. It was on his "Christian" album, yet, if you look, he wrote it before his temporary conversion.

Any suggestions on how to get my dogs flea pill down her?

Cast1es comments on Aug 26, 2018:

Peanut butter .

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 26, 2018:

I agree, peanut butter.

Proof of no god?

jpouch1 comments on Aug 20, 2018:

First, let’s not pretend that those making a baseless claim are on equal standing with those that demand proof. Atheism is the null hypothesis. All it would take it one, single, solitary piece of evidence to disprove it. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 25, 2018:

Excellent point.

Woman’s blasphemy conviction in Indonesia sparks backlash, intensifies concerns - The Washington ...

Spinliesel comments on Aug 24, 2018:

The Washington post wants me to pay $1 to read that story. Sorry, I don't pay for news.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 25, 2018:

@BookDeath i would do initial research on Google scholar and get authers and titles and then go elsewhere to find the texts and writings.

How do you respond to religious conversation?

SageDave comments on Aug 14, 2018:

I have a problem if the situation occurs at work. I really do not know what to say to the offending person. I do not want to start and argument but I don't want to take their BS. I usually just shut-up and walk away. Otherwise, I am intrigued and will discuss religion with the best of them.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 22, 2018:

Ahh, work is the worst. I taught, so most coworkers kept their religion to themselves. I did work with a Mormon. Quite annoying at times, always smiling and prying. But wait, it got worse. He left the Mormon church and went back to his family roots as orthodox Jews. I have a lot of great Jewish friends; he us not, nor never will be one.

Weirdest food

seaspot_run comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Jellyfish.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 22, 2018:

My daughter ate that in Thailand. I asked how can you pick it up?

Weirdest food

SallyInStitches comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Sqirrel brains Snapping turtle Homemade Souse Homemade Scrapple Snake Poke sallet

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 22, 2018:

Scrapple - good old Pennsylvania Dutch food.

Weirdest food

MissKathleen comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Shrimp heads and chicken feet

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 22, 2018:

My dad ate pork feet, ugh. I have eaten chicken hearts and rice.

Weirdest food

snytiger6 comments on Aug 22, 2018:

I was in the Filipines, and I know i ate strange food, but was afraid to ask what it was...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 22, 2018:

Did you try Balut? Hard boiled duck egg which has been allowed to gestate for a while. Saw them. Didn't try, although I had a friend who would crunch through one or two a night.

Weirdest food

ZantiMisfit comments on Aug 22, 2018:

I had Dog in Korea. It tasted like a Dog too. The gross aftertaste was in my mouth for 3 days.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 22, 2018:

I never ate dog, graciously refused. I had a friend who got liver flukes, a parasite, and the doctors said it was probably from eating poorly cooked dog. Eating any meat poorly cooked isn't a wise idea.

What color is your vehicle?

Beowulfsfriend comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Red. Bought it cheap. Knock on wood has lasted for 4 years and knock on wood maybe longer.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 21, 2018:

@helionoftroy I have read that.

What do you wish was true?

benhmiller comments on Aug 20, 2018:

Well so far non of the things have been proven. Aliens are possible because there is a vast amount of room out there. How can their not be. Sasqaush, big foot, yetti or what other name of the large human type creature is rumored to be out there I would thing we would have some proof by now it is ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 20, 2018:

The Mountain gorrilla wasn't discovered until 1912.

Bikers for Trump.

AntaresRose comments on Aug 18, 2018:

American Harley people whip your ass.. There is a rather lsrge group around here called the Pagans. I would never want to piss them off.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

I know the Pagans. Some used to hang at the Amvets when I went there. Staying a closed mouthed vet, I was acceptable. I got invited to a friend of my nephew's wife's birthday party. I had no plans on something like that happening and had worn a black flowered shirt. At least it was black and I was a vet so nobody said anything.

The question begs to be asked... why DO atheists wear fedoras? LMAO

LucyLoohoo comments on Aug 19, 2018:

Well...I'm a little bit afraid that I'd look like Marlene Dietrich in one of those 1930s films....

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

And why would that be a problem?

Favorite genre of book and what is your all time favorite and least favorite book/author

ezwryder comments on Aug 19, 2018:

John Steinbeck is my favorite author and my favorite book is “Grapes of Wrath”.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

The Grapes of Wrath is a great book. I have found while teaching it, it is easy to point out moralistic commentary, but that, even the kids who claim to be Christian miss many of Steinbeck's obvious and less obvious religious allusions. So, there I have stood in class, non believer, lecturing about biblical allusions.

Favorite genre of book and what is your all time favorite and least favorite book/author

hankster comments on Aug 19, 2018:

"crime and punishment" is pretty good, but I'm going to say "the idiot"

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

Both excellent picks.

What kind of reptile species scare you?

CharlieBrown comments on Aug 19, 2018:

I am glad my ancestors were afraid of reptiles, otherwise I might not be here.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

I took a couple classes in linguistics. The term universal comes up. It is something that exists in absolutely all languages. It is still being argued 30 years on if any true ones exist. The closest, the sush sound meaning be quiet. I had a prof mention this, with the obsequious I can't say I agree or disagree, that some argue that sound is inherent from us being mammals fearing reptiles because they often hiss which is similar. Something we will most likely never know.

I am very curious to why a Christian man just joined this site?

thinktwice comments on Aug 17, 2018:

Maybe he thinks he will meet hot and nasty women who must be whores in bed because we are godless and have no morals or self respect...yeah, right...I mean, wrong! lol

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

He'll be surprised. More true morality can be found here than by the many religious hypocrites that infest the world.

Sooooo, one of my Facebook friends is complaining that she prayed before she started driving, and ...

Daco2007 comments on Aug 19, 2018:

Reminds me of the IGNORANT woman who, after missing her connection on Flight 800 (the one that BLEW UP over the Atlantic several years ago), posted how THANKFUL she was that GOD had saved HER sorry ass from getting on that plane! She had NO comment about the HUNDREDS of men, women, children and ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

Exactly. She was saved for a greater purpose. Haven't seen that she has done much for humanity yet.

What kind of reptile species scare you?

BlooFeenixShaggy comments on Aug 19, 2018:

The Visitors from V lmao

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

@BufftonBeotch yes, he played one of the good guy reptilian aliens.

Let’s talk pizza... pan crust or thin crust?

PenLOP comments on Aug 18, 2018:

Chicago style deep dish spinach pizza is a favorite of mine as is Chicago style thin crust. Gotta have Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, cut in squares, not triangles. Yummy.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 19, 2018:

That sounds good.

IS THERE AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ?

powder comments on Aug 17, 2018:

You never seen 2 female dogs or cats fight before? Territorial animals?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@VAL3941 sex us sex, but I would count rape as fighting

IS THERE AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ?

powder comments on Aug 17, 2018:

You never seen 2 female dogs or cats fight before? Territorial animals?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 17, 2018:

@VAL3941 sometimes. And male, Tom, cats will rape females and younger males as a show of dominance.

IS THERE AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ?

cava comments on Aug 17, 2018:

Animals have a rigid social order, which I think is in way similar to the social order of tribal cultures. They don't fight because every member has a defined social role, there is no uncertainty. Fixed social roles are lost in most modern cultures leading to individual uncertainty, which ends in...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 17, 2018:

That is an excellent explanation. There are some variants, especially in the insect world such as praying mantis whose females will begin eating their mates during procreation. And, the well known black widow. Even then there seems to be a purpose behind such a thing. Different tribes of some primates will fight other tribes and males and females will participate against one another. They are our cousins however and fighting in their tribes themselves is rare. Although murders have occurred with chimpanzees (And not just their occasional inficide).

The Evil God Hypothesis

freeofgod comments on Aug 15, 2018:

If there is a god he's a cruel sick bastard. If you don't believe it just read the bible.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 17, 2018:

In one believes in any form of am Abrahanic god, you are putting your faith in a bastard with no real concern for anything but his own narcissism. I'm not a believer. And if he would exist, I don't want anything to do with a supreme being capable of curing illness, especially in kids, and stopping wars and all other horrific events. I don't know if death is an end or a beginning of something like many Eastern philosophies espouse with some energy linking and such. More scientific and we are just elements of stardust.

What do you miss from your childhood?

PerbeMayhaps comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Having dreams and feeling like I could do anything. Eventually you learn your lot in life.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

I heard Dennis Leary describe my childhood while describing his. He said hi dad said this is a great country, anyone can grow up to be anything, even President. To which he asked really dad, I can be President? To which his father replied F_<《 no, not you.

Are pro-life women inherently stupid?

Cast1es comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Don't think so . Unfortunately the thinking ends at , "How can you murder those innocent unborn babies ." No one thinks about caring for them for the next twenty years . According to the 2015 census report , it now costs over a quarter of a million dollars to raise a child .

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

They are so many hypocrites who don't even know history. Most of Americas founding fathers were agnostic and many who went to church were, oh my god, Unitarian. The Puritans even allowed abortion. Up to the time of quickening which van come as late as the third trimester. But these people deny truth of history and of course truth of science. And ask how many pro lifers support the death penalty.

Are pro-life women inherently stupid?

A2Jennifer comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Most of the “reasoning” is religious, yes. Some can’t fathom making such a choice so they don’t think anyone else should be allowed to. Some, I think, assume that once a baby is born it will be loved and provided for and don’t comprehend the idea that a child might live a life of neglect ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

That is the hypocrisy of the political right evangelicals. Force children to be born, but eliminate programs to help nourish, educate and give those kids a chance at life. Of there turns out to be a hell, which I don't believe, I do believe many would be surprised to find themselves there.

Are pro-life women inherently stupid?

Qualia comments on Aug 16, 2018:

One would think, but there are all sorts on this site. It's all about body autonomy w/the right to choose. Somehow women find themselves in the crosshairs of whether or not they've a right to what happens to their bodies yet nobody questions the right to refuse giving blood, platelets, body parts,...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

It is a question about the right to control one's personal self, and the desire of others not to allow such control. My body goes to science. It is a vessel. When is life isn't a real question worth answering. When is consciousness ? How about self awareness, now proven in ants. For a hundred thousand years of human existence, the only right we have had is internal thought. And, probably since the beginning, and most certainly later, that has come under attack with simple brain washing techniques used by all society and all family units. And of course in modern times the government.

Is there a current religion that women are treated as equals to men in every way?

RunsOnCoffee comments on Aug 16, 2018:

The pagan religions hold women in very high regard.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

And some still do. Most comparative religion classes pass over the nearly one billion peoples whose religious ideas would or could still be classified as what we modern world people call pagan.

Is there a current religion that women are treated as equals to men in every way?

Gwendolyn2018 comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Quakers?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

@Gwendolyn2018 in high school I briefly dated a Quaker. Good and moral people for the most part., but woman are mostly trained to be subservient no matter what doctrine may say.

Would you rather date someone with opposing political views or opposing religious views?

GreatNani comments on Aug 5, 2018:

I could sooner date a liberal Christian than a conservative.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

One need look no farther than Jimmy Carter. One can argue how effective a President he was, but I believe any one who doesn't see what good moral deeds he has done is way off base- heading toward right wing political party before country. At near 90, yes he may teach Sunday school fairy tales; I used to teach Beowulf; he spends his weeks raising money and working to eradicate the African Guinea worm and has nearly done so. He still helps build houses for habitat for humanity.

What are people listening to these days?

birdingnut comments on Mar 29, 2018:

??Is this a time warp? I'm 65 years old but I listen to everything, including the latest US pop, K-pop, Thai pop, Latin pop, rap, Caribbean, Cuban, jazz, and classical. A current US fave is this DNCE hit song DNCE - Kissing Strangers ft. Nicki Minaj https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzZWXrlDj-A

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

At 62, my tastes run to literally something good from any genera. I do have an affinity for the blues. Although, I, too can listen to multiple styles. Set spotify to shuffle. Japanese techno wouldn't be my first choice, but my son enjoys, so when in Rome. When in HS my parents made my friends an I our instruments outside. Had a very bad punk band in 72, in South Central PA. And yes, that's where the Amish call home.

What are people listening to these days?

Mooolah comments on Mar 31, 2018:

2Cellos

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 16, 2018:

They are great.

A pastor told me today that he is sorry that I have not felt the love of god.

Jc007 comments on Jul 28, 2018:

Religion is just simply mind control and manipulation for the profit of the heads of the church. Funny enough... God always needs your money! As an all knowing and all powerful God... One would think that they would be better with money!

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 15, 2018:

@Science-guy like god awful Star Trek V, "Why would god need a space ship?"

Animals and religion

PenLOP comments on Aug 14, 2018:

I think animals have a great deal more going on than we give them credit for. The fact that she communicated her thoughts about death speaks for itself. Oh, and personally, if I were Catholic, I’d be pissed that my former pets wouldn’t be waiting for me in heaven.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 15, 2018:

@Carin I am sure they know you. You may even be a god to them. I read a study on rattlesnakes and their hidden behavior below ground when they congregate to winter over. They are born live and appear to recognize their siblings and little incest occurs. And, when together in their large groups, some have "friends" which are snakes they prefer to lie beside, usually their on sex, so not a breeding thing.

I’ve been shot in combat.

Sunsetworshiper comments on Aug 1, 2018:

We are loosing teachers now because of low pay. Low pay and a hostile paranoid environment is a recipe for disaster

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 15, 2018:

That is too true. I was looking for a part time job and have been asked by places, because I used to teach, to contemplate coming back. I loved my time teaching, but no. As for guns, absolutely no, and I am a veteran, non combat, but trained and NO. I absolutely love some of my friends, but a gun in their hands would terrify me. It may just be me, but I could live, or die, with being shot protecting my students better than I could live with shooting one of them. We need look at Iceland. No gun related homicides in the last four decades. One third of their population owns guns. I believe no semi automatics and I do not know their restrictions on handguns. That said, just like we make potential drivers take classes and practice, they do that with anyone wanting to own a gun.

I’ve been shot in combat.

confidentrealm comments on Jul 9, 2018:

It galls me when someone says to own a gun is a GOD given right. Nobody has a right to own anything. I don't care what the founding fathers thought. They were wrong about so many things and times have changed. They also thought they had a GOD given right to own other people. Does that make it right?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 15, 2018:

Watch an old George Carlin in which he says we have no rights, only privlagies, just ask 600000 Japanese Americans.

I’ve been shot in combat.

confidentrealm comments on Jul 9, 2018:

It galls me when someone says to own a gun is a GOD given right. Nobody has a right to own anything. I don't care what the founding fathers thought. They were wrong about so many things and times have changed. They also thought they had a GOD given right to own other people. Does that make it right?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 15, 2018:

@DenoPenno evangelical Christians would deny and go nuts if they could see the truth of the founding fathers, many of the religious ones were Unitarian, which even though considered Christian then, it was widely more accepting and way different from today's portrayals.

President Trump is bringing the country toward dictatorship - even worse with VP Pence toward ...

msalyards comments on Jul 17, 2018:

Since 9/11 Bush, Obama and now Trump all have or had dictatorial power. Their are no checks and balances any longer, especially as Congress the gutless swine gave the President more power, to the point where the President's don't even need Congress to declare war. (Even though we have not ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@Aristopus the Naval battle in the Philippines came close to starting a world war. There were fouur fleets there: American; Spanish; German; and English. The Germans had orders, that if an advantage arose, help the Spanish. After the battle started, the Germans had orders to help the Spanish if they saw an advantage. As the Gerrmans maneuvered to aid the Spanish, the British commander under no orders moved his ships to intercept the Gemans and a larger conflict was avoided.

Animals and religion

PenLOP comments on Aug 14, 2018:

I think animals have a great deal more going on than we give them credit for. The fact that she communicated her thoughts about death speaks for itself. Oh, and personally, if I were Catholic, I’d be pissed that my former pets wouldn’t be waiting for me in heaven.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 14, 2018:

Yeah it is so weird in the Catholic church. They even have a day each year where animals are brought in to be blessed at a number of churches. Glad the PA grand jury finally busted on the church. The state government is proposing an odd law, eliminating statue of limitations on child abuse, for only one year.

Animals and religion

Carin comments on Aug 14, 2018:

Some animal species or groups have rituals that seem to have no practical meaning. Could they be religious, or at least spiritual? How can we know? To my cynical mind at least, modern humans have religion for 2 main reasons--to assuage the fear of death, & to control behavior. In some ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 14, 2018:

I have read that

One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books - the Bible and Darwin's ...

nicknotes comments on Mar 4, 2018:

"Am I my brother's keeper?" Interesting that the Lord does not answer Cain's question. Notice that there are no reports of Satan killing anyone in the Bible ....but God kills millions of people in the Bible. And he promises to kill many more in the future. But Christians believe God loves them. ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 14, 2018:

@BettyColeman Enoch wrote three books, one still in the Ethiopian Christian bible. Supposedly he spoke with God. The Jews and Christians only mention him once: he walked with god. That being interpreted as he did not die and went to heaven. Noah's dad I believe. And, to this day, there remains a cult of Enoch.

God hates porn?

Diogenes comments on Aug 4, 2018:

I have stopped watching porn- the acting is so bad; all the actors must have breathing problems, the way they overdo the panting. But I can't figure it out. A program may come on TV and before the program starts there is a DIRE warning, "Sexual content and may offend some viewers." When the news ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 14, 2018:

A friend grew up in the late 60's in Sweden as his father was an embassy worker. Sweden was and still is very progressive. At that time films like Sleeping Beauty were R rated for violence and spanking was totally outlawed throughout the country, not just public places and schools, but also in people's homes.

Descartes' Presuppositions

Quazi comments on Aug 12, 2018:

The "I"?

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 13, 2018:

@Wallace who or what can have a thought? At what level do you think it reaches beyond Mavlof? Dog thinks, " am hungry." Is it self awareness? Scientific research just showed ants are self aware. Beyond that, what can an ant think?

Descartes' Presuppositions

Matias comments on Aug 13, 2018:

I do not know what is wrong with that sentence. ("To think" does not mean "to reflect in a rational way", just something like " I am aware of my mental operations" Where I can no longer follow Descartes is later, when he tried to deduce the existence of a benevolent God.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 13, 2018:

All philosophy instructors will agree that he failed with his God proof. It is his earlier proofs that anointed him the first modern philosopher

Is empathy the root of human morality ?

Beowulfsfriend comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Empathy can be very important, but science shows that people who are or have psychopathic tendencies can have a strong moral code. Yes, serial killers are usually psychopaths, but psychopaths are not all serial killers. So, something other than empathy can guide a human to being moral. Would that...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 12, 2018:

@Matias first, you make some very valid points. As far as my guess of reasoning, I would say I was thinking about people like Hitchens and his ilk. No doubt sime of the "most moral" people have been and still are butchers. I used to teach Les Miserable and always pinpoint when the Nun, a religious figure, lies to the police, Javert, to save a good man, Jean. And then the teens when can it be a moral right to lie, etc. I ever had one student who said the Nun was wrong to sin. I am not sure what he would say today at 36 and a Lutheran minister, who bought me lunch a couple months ago and admitted he has given out 12 keys to his church to not legal immigrants. As I said somewhere else here, I can find a reason that would make breaking the 10 commandments, etc for a more moral cause.

Why are men and women put under so much pressure to have kids in this society?

AncientNight comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Each generation wants to know that the family tree will continue to thrive, so the parents of young Newly Weds encourage them to have babies. I say of pregnancies, "If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen, that's cool too." When I was a kid, the 1960 Census counted about 2,000,000,000 ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 12, 2018:

@AncientNight I have read estimates from 10 to 14, but the end can only occur if earth's climate is stable and farming techniques improve world wide. I'm pretty pessimistic and I believe that by 9 billion with our destruction of so much of the earth and its resources we will hit your predictions.

Why are men and women put under so much pressure to have kids in this society?

AncientNight comments on Aug 11, 2018:

Each generation wants to know that the family tree will continue to thrive, so the parents of young Newly Weds encourage them to have babies. I say of pregnancies, "If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen, that's cool too." When I was a kid, the 1960 Census counted about 2,000,000,000 ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 11, 2018:

A lot of that growth has been in places unprepared and unable to fully sustain such growth. The U.S. has abandoned its leadership role, no longer funding any forms of both control. War and famine are controlling some areas growth. Religion continues to be a factor to growth in some parts of the world like Central and South America. China realised they had a problem, unfortunately their solution has now left them with other difficulties. This is one of those complex problems which has no simple solution which so many people always crave when there are problems and then stick their heads in the sand because they can't get an easy answer. Or, like the U.S. on climate change, just ignore and deny it. One day the rent comes due. Our grandchildren will most likely see 11 billion people and rising sea levels and temperatures making it hard to sustain such growth.

INTRODUCTIONS if you please.

SunLee comments on Jul 13, 2018:

@skado. Good job for making a chance to hear where all we are from. I was born in Skorea, my family was never happy, parents fight every night, siblings fight every day. At 10 age, I went to the church myself after seeing the word on the bus stop "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your ...

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 11, 2018:

I had a S Korean student, who came to the U.S. for 4 years. Great young man, now a nurse back in his homeland. Excellent musician from classical (his mother is a concert pianist) to Jimi Hendrix on guitar. Anyway, he never held back an opinion; I loved him for it. He did not have a liking for Christianity at all. He suffered for a while in a Christian school in S Korea before his parents sent him to our private school in the U.S. and to live with his Aunt and cousin, whose Mom was Korean and father born here in the States. I would like to revisit Korea as I have not been there in more than 30 years. I expect it has changed greatly. No more three dollar Addidas sneakers.

Got stopped in Walmart today again by a local church... Salesman?

Gwendolyn2018 comments on Aug 10, 2018:

When they hit me up for donations, I say, "I am an atheist and do not contribute to religious causes." They usually look surprised. I do not suffer fools gladly, as well, and will not listen to drivel unless I am paid to do so.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@Gwendolyn2018 I don't like to do business with places that allow such activities on their property. The local Sheetz gas and convenience store had a group if impeach Obama people, more than once in the grass in front of their sidewalks. I complained and was told they couldn't do anything it wasn't their property. To which I responded if it isn't yours you stop paying to have that grass mowed. See how the Boro accepts that excuse.

Boris Johnson's burka jibe: Why do some Muslim women wear the veil? - BBC News

GreatNani comments on Aug 10, 2018:

The Burka is a cultural phenomenon from the middle East. Women in Indonesia and other parts of the world who practice Islam do not wear it.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 11, 2018:

It has spread beyond the Middle east and into parts of Africa, including the mostly Christian Kenya and other central areas. Especially with Al Shabob.

Boris Johnson's burka jibe: Why do some Muslim women wear the veil? - BBC News

brentan comments on Aug 10, 2018:

It was a witty comment. I'm also thinking "when in Rome" but maybe it's a bit much when someone's faith is involved. I think a ban should only be considered in time of martial law.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 11, 2018:

@Hitchens you are right about Sharia law being horrible. I will never defend it, but remember it is a version of Abrahanic law and here, we need to defend against evangelicals trying to impose that. Granted there are differences, apostates and gays and other sinners aren't going to have their heads chopped off, not yet anyway, but they would surely support many things similar in places and parts of Sharia.

Got stopped in Walmart today again by a local church... Salesman?

Gwendolyn2018 comments on Aug 10, 2018:

When they hit me up for donations, I say, "I am an atheist and do not contribute to religious causes." They usually look surprised. I do not suffer fools gladly, as well, and will not listen to drivel unless I am paid to do so.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 10, 2018:

I give to a non kill cat shelter. And as a humanitarian, I give blood about every 60 days. God can raise his money elsewhere. I especially despise the prosperity gospel, stealing from vulnerable poor to enrich themselves.

Boris Johnson's burka jibe: Why do some Muslim women wear the veil? - BBC News

Kriptikos comments on Aug 10, 2018:

I don’t think any woman wearing a burka wants to, maybe the hijab, but the burka, I highly doubt it. They do look like letter boxes walking about, those poor woman:( I don’t like Boris mind you, I just agree with that part lol

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 10, 2018:

I would guess many, in certain countries would rather not wear them. But if you were raised that way, I'm sure many just accept with no complaints. Now the women in Morocco and Iran prefer head scarves akin to the types worn by Jackie O. Just look to religious sects in the U.S. like the Amish and other strict clothing wearers. Granted they have no burka, but definitely cover a lot of skin and do wear head bonnets.

Christian activist: ‘God will curse the children and grandchildren of those who opposed Trump’ ...

Paul4747 comments on Jul 29, 2018:

How does she know she's not cursed for opposing Hilary? What kind of just God curses children for the shit their parents do, anyway? These are the kind of questions that made me realize, even if there is a god somewhere, it's not *that* one.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 9, 2018:

The Unicorn god, Kim Jong Un.

"Morons, unite! Almost Half Of Republicans Want To Give Trump The Power To Shut Down The Media ...

AwarenessNow comments on Aug 9, 2018:

They've got one big problem with that and that would be unconstitutional.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 9, 2018:

They "don't need no stinking Constitution, " except if it favors them. Fascist always go for the media and the people's right to speak. Trump has repeatedly called for changes to the 1st amendment. Then the 22nd. And then the 2nd, which would be so ironic.

Which do you prefer? Dogs or Cats? I've been seeing a lot of cat posts but nothing for dogs.

shockwaverider comments on Aug 8, 2018:

I vastly prefer dogs and my dog in particular. She is on the right in the attached picture. Some cats are ok too, but I can't stand the smell of cat litter.

Beowulfsfriend replies on Aug 8, 2018:

Pretty animal.