The Aliens land from millions of light years away. The first thing they observe is our way of ...

David1955 comments on Nov 10, 2018:

I've come to think that if aliens are intelligent, they'll land and say hello. But if they are really intelligent, they won't.

Half of white women continue to vote Republican. What's wrong with them? | Moira Donegan | Opinion |...

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

I just don't get this. Never have and still don't. But let's face it, it's older white people generally who support Trump, men and women, hanging on to the world they knew fast changing, fearful of non white groups finding their voice and standing up, regressing into the autocratic fantasy that Trump provides that seems to ameliorate their fear. So much of human behaviour is based on fear. That said, how any woman of intelligence with any self respect can support a creep like Trump is totally beyond me. The old white guy Trump supporter I kind of get, but women, no, not so much.

I am now an Athesit. I renounce my Christianity for Atheism

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Congratulations, especially if you transitioned directly to atheism without the half way house of agnosticism along the way.

The Beatles - Helter Skelter [youtube.com]

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

I'm afraid this song, and indeed the White Album generally, has, in my mind forever been contaminated due to Manson and his Cult and the murdering morons who followed him. Sad to say. Not the Beatles fault, but as a life long fan of Sharon's I can't purge the connection between the evil quasi religious Manson cult and this music.

As a conservative atheist I feel like I am alone in this world socially and romantically

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Reading this post and comments, what we seem to have here is a guy who claims to be a conservative and an atheist, and is sort of looking for sympathy. (Or a girlfriend). Really? In this world now I have no sympathy for conservatives, or conservatives masquerading as libertarians, even if they call themselves atheist. *Every atheist I admire, respect, or look up to are progressive or at least progressive-left leaning, and not one is conservative.* The world has changed, and I have no time for conservatism any more.

As a conservative atheist I feel like I am alone in this world socially and romantically

David1955 comments on Nov 8, 2018:

So, you've worked through your thinking on religion, but maybe political-economic thinking is still a work in progress. The key questions to me are: what is it about progressive ideas that alienates me, and is conservatism really consistent with atheist values and seek a non-religious world? I know my answers.

I just recently had a conversation with a lady that says God, angels, devil and Higher spiritual ...

David1955 comments on Nov 8, 2018:

Say goodnight to the folks, Gracie.

For those of you agnostics who find the whole God thing as silly as I do: Remember, being an ...

David1955 comments on Nov 6, 2018:

Being an agnostic means you can believe whatever you want, whenever you want? I've heard some definitions of agnosticism, but that one takes the cake. Glad I am not an agnostic but firmly atheist. I'm assuming your post is tongue in cheek. No one hopes for your blue wave more than me. But temporarily believing in a deity to achieve it I don't think will help. If God didn't stop Hitler, I doubt Trump will motivate him to act. Anyway, I hope your blue wave doesn't turn into a blue funk. Hillary was right. The Trump base is deplorable. I'm done rationalizing them.

Have you ever been called a "clever clog?"

David1955 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

Strange. I thought a clog meant a dummy or a bit of a smuck. New one for me. I like smarty pants, myself. It cuts down pretentious people. Never forget that episode of Frasier when this everyday guy, when asked by Frasier why he didn't like him, replied, "Well, I think you are a smarty pants." Frasier knew he was right, and so did we the audience.

ok who can explain these very odd American elections? What are these mid terms? ARe they voting ...

David1955 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

You know, it occurs to me that essential problem with the US electoral system is its total lack of a reform mechanism. All democratic based electoral systems have modernized and changed over time, through legal means. Look at the rotten electoral systems that used to exist in the UK and elsewhere, including here in Oz. But the US folks always say, this is how we do it in America. We're America, and we do it our way! And any changes they do make, make it worse! Like allowing egregious corporate funding. And who has the final say there? The Supreme Court, a right wing puppet show most of the time. Without processes for renewal and change based on the evolution of the country, any electoral system is doomed.

ok who can explain these very odd American elections? What are these mid terms? ARe they voting ...

David1955 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

America is not a democracy, in any real sense, and never has been. It's an oligarchic republic, under the rule of a mainly white military industrial corporate state complex, which, under threat, is resorting to minority right wing rule to maintain its power against the changing racial and cultural profile of the country. Even the Democrats, with their determination to end Trump, have no intention, at least at the top, to facilitate major reform. A much bigger ground swell and rise of populism is needed for that. The genuine Left in America say so often. America preaches democracy, but its elites have not the slightest interest in practicing it. What our cousins in the US fail to see is that this sham is now plain for the world to see. I do think that the next time the US has an election that external election watchers be sent in to verify a fair election. (Like in tin pot dictatorships) Clearly the US is incapable of holding such a thing, unable to prevent corruption at the ballot box and ensure a fair electoral system. It's almost sad. If the mid term elections are disappointing, that will be the reason.

For those of you who love the music of the 50's, 60's and 70's, join the Classic Rock Rules group!...

David1955 comments on Nov 1, 2018:

Now you're talking about my music.

Do you celebrate Christmas after realizing you don't believe in the reason for it? I do because ...

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

I drag myself to a family event, but honestly any good Xmases are in the past and I'd happily skip it.

Do you find it a bit daggy when well known people, or anyone really, get to a senior age and then ...

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

I think on reflection of this issue what peeves me generally, not Mr Hopkins specifically, about stories of non believers who late in life turn religious and publicize it, is that it plays into religious believers' belief or view that agnostics/atheists are really "deep down inside" believers in God and religion, and that passing years and approaching end of life reveals it. That's why they often jump on such stories. Remember the false story about how Christopher Hitchens supposedly embraced religion before his death, though there was not a scrap of proof of that? If a celebrity finds religion late in life, well, that's their choice, but spares us giving religion a free kick when they do by publicizing it. That's what I find daggy. It's not just that I don't agree with their religion, but also I immediately regard them less.

Religions vs Cult

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

A cult is a small unpopular religion, and a religion is a large popular cult.

If you support shutting down a site because it's members are allowed to promote anti-semitic views ...

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

You raised this false equivalence in another thread and I called you out over it. I'm pleased that other members are calling you out over it in this thread. It's interesting that in a topic about antisemitism you try to pivot it against atheism and specifically anti-theism, as you are *wont* to do, due to your antipathy towards those holding these views. You previously wrote: "*Consider that that hardcore anti-semite is no different than the hardcore anti-theist: they both have strong opinions that they don't want "the other" on this earth, they both hate "the other" and, usually, those views are expressed peacefully*". I call that sophistry. I repeat what I wrote in the other thread: Antisemitism is a hatred of race and ethnicity, pure and simple. It is racism. Anti-theism involves no hatred of a people, race or ethnicity. It is a rejection of theism and desire to see it disappear from the world, as bad ideas do.

How did you you come out as a skeptic if you had a religious family?

David1955 comments on Oct 30, 2018:

I put it down to genetics and watching the Twilight Zone when I was a kid. And Star Trek.

Gab. What are we doing to make sure the really fine people who just lost there safe place at Gab ...

David1955 comments on Oct 30, 2018:

So, now I know what Gab is. Didn't know before. Pardon my ignorance. I'm just not good with right wing loonies. It's a weakness. Hope we aren't the Droids they're looking for. :-)

hay guys... yall can't have'r... she's MINE!!! lol.. these idiots should learn what 'agnostic' ...

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

Keep your credit card handy. She might need it as sign of "good faith". :-)

What is the true purpose of religion?

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

When you cut through all the high brow justifications, about fear of death, making us feel part of something, control of people, populations, disease, and all the rest, I've come to think that religion at heart is a business. The customers are the gullible believers. The product is an intangible load of nonsense that can never be proved or disproved. Look at any sizeable religion and what do you find? Money and wealth. It's a fraudulent business that takes the money but never has to worry about unhappy customers because no one ever comes back from the dead to say they were sold a crock of crap. If prostitution is the world's oldest business, then religion runs a close second. In my older years I've stopped thinking of religion existing for all kinds of fancy psychological and philosophical reasons, and come to realize that's nothing more than legal fraud, with profit as its purpose.

Is This Taboo?

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

Ask Prince Charles how it worked out with Diana all those years ago. Not well. On the other hand, he and Camilla were "at it" so to speak some time before, and are very likely still at it all these years later. Lesson there.

Hello Agnostics! I’m glad to have stumbled on this site. It’s a nice addition to life in the...

David1955 comments on Oct 28, 2018:

Actually, it's welcome to a community, mostly, of non religious people, including agnostics. The site name does give the false impression of an agnostic community, although the site description does correct that. Wherever you stand, welcome anyway.

I just looked at the Republican Athiest group and now I need brain bleach. I wondered if they were ...

David1955 comments on Oct 26, 2018:

I'm just glad they stay in their little bunker of right wing la la land. Every family has some crazy relatives you hope don't visit. They used to post their 'Trump is great and lefties want my money and my guns' posts on the community. Now they don't so much. Thankfully.

If you could have any sci-fi gadget or technology, what would you choose? I choose: a Culture ...

David1955 comments on Oct 26, 2018:

A tachyon beam emitter, like they have on Star Trek. Not sure what it is, but it seems to fix anything. It gets you out of all scrapes, makes bad dudes go away, makes things work, and it's like a Swiss Army Knife in the universe, according to the ST episodes. One for the house, boat, car, and even the bedroom, to make sure everything works. Uhumm...Better than a sonic screwdriver, and indispensable to modern living, in the future. "Captain, I could a fire a tachyon beam at it sir!" "Make it so, Mr Data." Problem solved.

On the suggestion of @Triphid [secular.org.au]

David1955 comments on Oct 25, 2018:

Interesting. Not sure what having a vote registered at each election means here, though. Like the cap. I'd like to jog around with that on.

Listened to Sam and Bill yesterday. Both good guys. But, their comments about how old movies are ...

David1955 comments on Oct 25, 2018:

If you are referring to a recent pod cast, yes I heard it and it was great. I must say, I agree with them on the regressive left, political correctness, identity politics gone mad issue that detracts the Left now. I say that with full left wing credentials but an awareness of this stifling political correctness going back to the 1980s. They are right to call it out.

That dog won't hunt. It doesn't pass the smell test.

David1955 comments on Oct 23, 2018:

That won't cut it. That won't fly. That's dead on arrival. That won't make it. That's a trip to nowheresville. It sank or will sink without a trace. There are some of mine Professor.

I don't watch much TV, but the media's fawning over this royal visit is making me ill. Yesterday a ...

David1955 comments on Oct 23, 2018:

Couldn't agree more. The very definition of boring.

Atheist = Depressed?

David1955 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Depression to varying degrees, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, loneliness, disconnection from meaningful life, and even feelings of despair, are a characteristic of modern life. The reasons are complex, and explanations differ. But these feelings cut across all groups, religious and non religious alike. It's important to avoid the stereotypical thinking that somehow the religious are 'fulfilled' and happy because their deity or savour or cosmic duck 'loves' them. Newly minted weepy-eyed 'Jesus loves me' Jesus freaks aside, for their Jesus-self medicated 'joy' is temporary at best, they aren't. We are all in the same boat.

Is the world becoming more atheist?

David1955 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

This is an issue this needs to be unpacked a lot. There are a lot of trends going on, I believe. - there are a lot of people who are coming out clearly as non religious or even anti religious, as we see on this site. - this coming out seems to be broadly global, but is more evident in some countries and continents than others, like Europe and the US. But when look at Muslim countries, it's a different story, due to overt socialisation, and the pressure to adhere to their religion. - there are a lot of people who are somewhat secretly non or anti religious, but for various reasons don't come out publicly. Fear, being spurned, discriminated against, and other reasons. - there is also a large and I think growing group of people who are simply non religious, sometimes called apatheists, who just don't care about religion, bless them. Younger age groups are identified here, and what what I've read this growing apathetic attitude towards religion worries formalised religions a very great deal, more than identified atheism, I read. - finally, and I think this is often not appreciated in my view, there are a great many who called themselves religious, even go to church maybe, but in their hearts don't really believe it. It's habit, identity and ritual mainly. They hang on, and rationalise it in many ways, but they're not really believers. So, there are a lot of trends and counter trends going on. The poster asks if the world is becoming more atheist, but I think he means non religious. The answer depends on how one reads these trends.

Mueller investigation: My Prediction. A lot of people, particularly progressives, are holding out...

David1955 comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Looks like I was really ahead of the curve on this one. Old Bob M is coming through for his old party. https://www.inquisitr.com/5123673/mueller-trump-russia-collusion-politico-evidence/ @Bobby9

Neocons, neofascists, and tRump supporters, seem to be incapable of making cogent arguments or for ...

David1955 comments on Oct 19, 2018:

In other words, the groups you refer to are not followers of reason, but ideology, theology, and faith based thinking, from which the worst human actions and behaviour results. We don't all have to be trained scientists NOT to think this, however. It is true that the decline in reason in modern discourse is one of the worrying things in the modern world. How can this be in a world where so much money is spent on education? Perhaps there is too much training for employment, but not education in thinking. There is currently a battle going on between reason and the enemies of reason and we are witnessing it. Your post describes that in practice very well.

Who's your Celebrity Crush or crushes? Here's one of mine....sabrina from raising hope, Eva Mendes, ...

David1955 comments on Oct 18, 2018:

Of the living I seem to have crushes on 'B grade' actresses (no insult intended) like Olivia Munn (sultry), January Jones (just plain gorgeous and idiosyncratic) and Adriane Palacki (The Orville. Those big eyes.) 'A grade' actresses, so called, do nothing for me. I go for not just beauty but interesting personalities. Of all time it's only Sharon Tate for me. Has been for nearly 50 years, but now we're getting into Goddess territory. :-)

Sorry for taking the site down for a few hours. I made a change in the networking settings and ...

David1955 comments on Oct 18, 2018:

First YouTube. Now here. Hubble's down. So are other space telescopes. It's all going down. Do we really believe admin, or it really aliens like they say? Be afraid, be very afraid. :-)

A complaint I have since adopting an agnostic position is that too much of the atheist/agnostic ...

David1955 comments on Oct 17, 2018:

I have no problem reconciling an anti religious position with focusing on positive themes. The positive themes for me concern creating a fair, just world. Religion is the very opposite of that. Religion is the antithesis of all momentum towards a better world, their phoney smiling popes and disingenuous spiritual banter notwithstanding. So we discuss religion to help neutralise its impact. But that's not the goal. The goal is a fair and secular world. Religion in just in the way and holding us back.

So, how many people here watch The Young Turks or Secular Talk?

David1955 comments on Oct 17, 2018:

I'm not American, but I watch both. I like the themes and subjects. Got a bit of a crush on Ana from TYT. Wish I had found a lefty girl like her when I was younger! I like Kyle from ST. He's funny and passionate. He's making inroads into mainstream TV but bringing his progressive view. I wish he would cover religion more too, given the title. When he does it is good, but I'd like more.

The physical changes associated with old age continue to annoy me. Why, for instance do I now have ...

David1955 comments on Oct 16, 2018:

It's God's punishment for knowing that he doesn't exist and to punish you for it. BTW, I can recommend the use of a battery surplus hair remover for the ears and nose. Not that I need one myself, of course. :-)

Pro-Life Argument "I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes ...

David1955 comments on Oct 16, 2018:

To which we might add that if conservatives and right wingers are so damned "pro life" it seems, why are they always the ones so willing to start wars, continue wars, whether justified or not, and to support any kind of speciously justified killing as "defending the country"? They don't seem very "pro life" to me.

Ever wish you could be the life of the party, the person everyone wants to get close to? Well now ...

David1955 comments on Oct 15, 2018:

Great advice! I'll try it next time. Oh, wait, I don't go to parties these days. Oh, well. Does it work equal well at dinner parties?

I've just joined the group so hello to you all. I notice that so far the number of posts to the ...

David1955 comments on Oct 15, 2018:

South Australians are always late to the party. ;-)

It's Tuesday

David1955 comments on Oct 14, 2018:

My EYE nearly POPPED out. (Cryptic)

I started a new group that was denied. I was told by admin "Yeah... it doesn't help us promote ...

David1955 comments on Oct 13, 2018:

Hmmm..iffy...

One of the questions on this site when I signed up was if I believe in God or gods, and then it ...

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

The only advantage of the 1% option is, should you face a God in the afterlife you can claim that you were only 99% an atheist, so God might make a discount and only condemn you to 99% of eternal suffering. Every little bit helps, right? :-) 100% er here

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

This is really about cognitive dissonance, as others have said. Separating irreconcilable beliefs in order to function. I think we should be honest and admit that we all do this, or are capable of it, on some things. I suspect, though this is not my field, that it's a trait that allows human beings to cope with things but continue on with the contradiction. That said, this compartmentalizing in religious people is often so pronounced they literally say stupid things that impair their mental function and make them look and sound silly. A scientist who says they believe in the silly Jesus story, for example. Out comes a lot of nonsense, yet they can't help themselves. An historian or social scientist who knows the fakery of Jesus and Christianity, but peddles rubbish about their "faith" and spiritual knowledge. I've seen it, pushed them in debates, and watched the compartments in their brains clash. And religions rationalize this for them, prattling on about being "tested by God" or knowledge from another way of knowing, and so on. I've said this before, but when intelligent people start justifying their brand of religion, they seem less intelligent. They are because their cognitively dissonant minds are impaired during this discussion. The neuroscientists will give us more scientific analysis, but that's my layman take on it.

I'm hoping that people here are more open minded than self described atheists. after lurking & ...

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

There's a whiff of persecution complex in this thread. Unfounded assumptions, eg group-think and the rest. I'd expect a bit of rough and tumble with any group of free thinkers. You know the old saying about heat and kitchens and staying out of them. Well, this kitchen is warmly comfortable in my view. Anyway, my focus is as it has always been: on religion and fighting it.

That's a good start....

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

Funny, since all the people cited belong in the Dark Ages.

I'm hoping that people here are more open minded than self described atheists. after lurking & ...

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

Wouldn't you be better off attacking religionists and religions? We atheists are not the enemy, they are.

THIS opinion article highlights nicely what I have believed for the past 3 years....that McConnell ...

David1955 comments on Oct 9, 2018:

He's Frank Nitti to Trump's Capone. The Enforcer. Top thug in the gang of thieves and crooks.

Update on the Humanist.com development (in progress). A couple days ago, I announced that we're ...

David1955 comments on Oct 9, 2018:

I still find this new site perplexing. It seems to be based on a view that there is a target group out there, Millennials, who are not really religious, or religious in name only, who might be put off by scary terms like agnostic and atheist, but humanist might get them, and this site might be the off-ramp they need to embrace a fully non religious view. Am I the only one scratching their head over this? Anyway, I've opted out, so, whatever, I guess. :-)

Why do you think the religious right are so intent on forcing their agendas on others???

David1955 comments on Oct 8, 2018:

Fear. They see their white dominancy slipping. They see the greater society becoming more secular and rejecting or apathetic towards religion. They fear history turning away from them. Fear is the most powerful motivator there is. Their political and religious fear combine as one, and success must be achieved no matter the cost.

Why is it that the fraudulent Church of Scientology still exists?

David1955 comments on Oct 8, 2018:

You know, Charles Manson was a scientologist. I mean, any religion that would accept him......

Why is it that the fraudulent Church of Scientology still exists?

David1955 comments on Oct 8, 2018:

Seemingly because rich gullible people like Tom Cruise and John Travolta believe in it. I gather that poor unsuccessful people are not encouraged to apply. Well, they wouldn't want me I guess. :-(

The primary operating principle of the US constitution and government was to prevent tyrannical ...

David1955 comments on Oct 7, 2018:

I'm not an American, but I hope the people who did this know that the rest of the world, especially the liberal-democratic world, sees all of this, and that the moral authority of the US, already seriously challenged, is further weakened as a result. I do not think the US media is finished with Kavanaugh.

Under 20,000 Level 8. LOL. It is taking long!!!

David1955 comments on Oct 7, 2018:

Yeah, I've been posting and commenting at 7.4 for months and it never changes. I'm not sure I have complete faith in the point system now. Oh well, I'm bigger than that. (Did I say "faith"? Wash my mouth out :-) )

I would like to your help on our "new" website domain Humanist.com. It is currently completely the ...

David1955 comments on Oct 7, 2018:

This post and commentary has prompted me to think about the reconcilability of religion, even mild religion, and humanism. This extract from Wikipedia is not a bad one. "Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition. The meaning of the term humanism has fluctuated according to the successive intellectual movements .... In modern times, humanist movements are typically non-religious movements aligned with secularism, and today humanism typically refers to a nontheistic life stance centred on human agency and looking to science rather than revelation from a supernatural source to understand the world." I agree with the view that belief in religion, even mild, is not compatible with Humanism, though supporting *humanitarian* actions is.

Im curious to know how many people believe that after the age of 60-65 or even older that they are ...

David1955 comments on Oct 6, 2018:

Well, speaking for myself only, some boats sail away and you don't see them again. A young fool madly in love might seem amusing, but an old fool so defined just looks a bit sad.

I would like to your help on our "new" website domain Humanist.com. It is currently completely the ...

David1955 comments on Oct 5, 2018:

I don't see the point of the new site, sorry. This site already encompasses believers who add words like humanism to their flag, even if some of us think this should be a non believers site only. What is the goal here, to add anyone even if religious, so long as they kinda believe in humanism as well? Don't want to be negative here, but this seems like a further watering down of an inclusion policy that already accepts anyone as long as they are respectful. I further add I don't think it's a matter of "allowing" believers to call themselves humanists as well. They can call themselves what they like, but do they really understand what it means, and the problems in reconciling humanism with doctrinal non rational religions. I doubt it. Finally, why is it better to fragment this community? It seems the decision was made to create this site, and now we are asked if it is a good idea. Kinda backwards, don't you think?

That spiritual feeling. I am not quite sure why so many people have ...

David1955 comments on Oct 4, 2018:

Well, religion is a neurological disorder, and here is another variant of it. Personally, I do feel "one" with "everything" except my bank account. Definitely not one with that. :-) These aren't the droids you're looking for.

22% of Atheists believe in New Age nonsense. [friendlyatheist.patheos.com] I wish this were ...

David1955 comments on Oct 3, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau It is interesting that more people here are not concerned that, according to these figures, nearly a quarter of atheists may believe in new age nonsense. One point: I don't know if this includes agnostics and atheists, as agnostics seem more inclined to this nonsense than atheists, from my experience. Apparently, belief in virgin births, miracles, zombie Jesus, Stars hovering over Bethlehem and God parting oceans, is ludicrous, but cosmic consciousness, Astro travellers, karmic interventions, and cosmic kitties in space is just fine because it's not "harmful" and anyway, it might just be true. Really.

So I told my mom this past weekend that I am Agnostic. I didn't expect her to be upset, ...

David1955 comments on Oct 2, 2018:

Wonder what she'd said if you'd told her you were an atheist? "An atheist?! Darling I don't mind if you're an agnostic about God, but an Atheist!!" (Favourite Dawkins joke recycled)

Note to self: The next time you REALLY want a job, be sure to cry and talk about how much you love ...

David1955 comments on Oct 2, 2018:

No, I'd rather be unemployed than look like a spoilt brat whining little bitch boy and left over Catholic sook from Brideshead Revisited.

Many will have seen this already, but it's worth a look if you haven't. SNL's summary of the ...

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Damon nailed that hypocritical whinny little bitch Kavanaugh 100 %. I forgive Damon for all shortcomings and failings in the past. Kavanaugh is the embodiment not only of rich white guy entitlement, but Catholic hypocrisy, the sort I have seen my entire life and loathe. The kind who 'sins', runs to confession, is 'purified' and then does it over and over and somehow looks down on others as beneath them.

Scientists Are Working on an Algorithm to Predict Death - Tonic

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Ask them to do an Algo on Trump.

The Twilight Zone: Its Relevance Today

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

I read that Serling's daughter was very upset at Kavanaugh and his republicans referring to the Twilight Zone. Absolutely. What the Republicans are facing is not the Twilight Zone but a Reality Check Zone. I have every episode of the Twilight Zone. Watched them in sequence a couple of years ago. They are wonderful. Themes are totally relevant to today, because they are universal. Made by a generation, like Serling, who faced the horror of WW2. The influence of so many episodes resonates to today and to modern movies and TV. Serling himself was such an interesting man. Anyone who has not seen this series, has truly missed out.

There is no agnostic vs. atheist! The peeve I have...

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

This is recycled from the past. Months ago. What's going on here?

When did you first doubt religion?

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Always. Natural born nonbeliever. Being raised in a Catholic family made no difference. As soon as I reached teen age years I was reading history and critical books about religion. Other teenage boys might have been delighted with a Playboy magazine. I preferred Bertrand Russell. Boring kid, but on the right track at an early age. :-)

Believe in karma?

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Karma? Let's see. I'm a life long fan of Sharon Tate. She was 26, sweetest human being you could meet, by all accounts, and horribly and brutally murdered by strangers. Her murder mastermind, Charles Manson, lived in a protected environment in prison, died at 82, given all medical care to the end, and not once regretful of his actions. Karma? What Karma? Ps. To the comment, "Karma doesn't work like that." I say, well, how the bloody hell should it work?

Democratic Socialism [counterpunch.org]

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2018:

Splendid. I must read his book. One para absolutely nailed the reality of the two main parties US political system. "The liberal contention that Republicans are worse is true in the sense that they more straightforwardly represent the interests of rapacious capitalists. However, left to Republicans alone, this system would have run off the rails and remained there centuries ago. Bill Clinton was elected to repair and restore the carnage wreaked by twelve years of Reagan-Bush. Barack Obama was elected to repair and restore the carnage wreaked by eight years of George W. Bush. The Democrats do have a political program. It is to restore and repair American capitalism for the next round of carnage and looting." Bingo. The Left needs to stop apologizing for its weak platform of mild nothing reformism and grow a pair. You should see our so-called party of the Left here in Australia, the Labor Party. Pathetic would be a compliment.

When l go to the site home page, the page is several months old, with 3 current posts at the top. ...

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2018:

I noticed that too. I thought it was my iPad playing silly buggers on me. Thanks for raising it.

Think poor old Bill's got dementia [mobile.abc.net.au]

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2018:

I am sorry to learn that Bill is suffering from this affliction. If any religionists feel this is a feather in their cap, then shame on them.

Fucking Howard started this with Hicks. I don't care what you have done, if you are expat and Aussie...

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2018:

What is the difference between the Anglo-US alliance and the Australia-US alliance. With the Anglo-US alliance, when the US says "Jump!" the Brits say "How high?!". With the Australia- US alliance, when the US says "Jump!" we yell "How high Sir?! " In other words, I agree with you.

If you could get one more season of any TV show what would it be? Me ( And some do not like it. But...

David1955 comments on Sep 28, 2018:

Dark Matter. I could still throttle the tv network for cancelling it last year. It had just hit its stride. Love actress Melissa O'Neil. She's my cup of tea.

The world would have been better off without religion. 1) All the money spent on churches and ...

David1955 comments on Sep 28, 2018:

Won't solve all problems, but it would be a good start.

I've seen a few long-term members leaving lately. I don't know what's going on or why they've ...

David1955 comments on Sep 27, 2018:

I think the responses have captured many relevant factors: some find a personal attachment and pull back; some just get a little bored and pull back or stop; some get pissed off for some reason and do likewise; some just have more important matters in life, long or short term. One factor I think might be site design related, is that people put so much effort into reaching upper levels, 7 and 8, that once there a burn out factor might apply. This is worth considering. I'm glad that I just plod along at my own pace, allow the points to do their thing, and maintain my interest without burn out. Further feedback from members on this would be useful.

Heads Up! Just to make members aware we've had some reports of underage members on site. ...

David1955 comments on Sep 26, 2018:

While I agree with the age rule, if there are younger people on the site and concealing it, I'd like to know why. Could it be that they are seriously interested in a non religious community and in agnosticism and atheism? If so, that's good and encouraging.

Road to theocracy

David1955 comments on Sep 26, 2018:

I agree with Eric Idle of Monty Python fame who said once that he was a strong believer in the doctrine of the separation of church and.. planet. How true. There's no way to separate religion and politics as long as religion exists. Religions aren't about religion; they are about power. Politics is about the structured application of power. Religions are attracted to politics like cats to mice.

From my experience there are large numbers of people that will not come out and call themselves an ...

David1955 comments on Sep 26, 2018:

An interesting aspect here is the growth of so-called Apatheists, those who just don't care about religion, not even enough to call themselves agnostic or atheist. Recent readings indicate that a lot of religions are worried about this too. They, religions, like fighting agnostics and atheists because they're the perfect strawmen to mischaracterize. But Apatheists are no fun to attack. So, to your question, I find I do have to separate people who really are nonbelievers but are wary about coming out, from those who just don't give a damn about religion.

Can't stand constantly barking, hyper little dogs

David1955 comments on Sep 25, 2018:

I don't like dogs, period. Being a runner and jogger I've been threatened and snarled at enough of them that I just ignore them whatever the situation, including around dog gushing owners. Barking muts of all sizes drive me crazy. You walk into someone's house, bark, bark, bark. You jog past someone's house legally, bark, bark, bark. You walk down the street, bark, bark, bark. Any excuse, bark, bark, bark. And then there are those people who *look* like their dogs. Mean and unkempt. Not to mention the ladies walking around with a big dog, basically a male substitute. The list goes on.

Some people are just born into a lucky life while others aren’t? True or false?

David1955 comments on Sep 25, 2018:

Well, it's not simple thing, as some are born into fortunate circumstances and screw it up, while others are born into difficult circumstances and make good. I do think some people just land in jam their whole lives and it's not all due to hard work and initiative. Others have terrible things thrown at them and it's not their fault. What I do believe is that it's a crap shoot of a reality and there is no loving God behind it all.

The one thing we all have in common is that we don't buy into organized religion, however, is there ...

David1955 comments on Sep 24, 2018:

I wish it *were* true that the one thing we all have in common here is that we don't buy into organised religion. Even apart from those who clearly still do, and those who buy into *disorganised* new age type religions, there are those here who claim they don't, yet I suspiciously suspect they do. What I believe in is something that Gene Roddenberry is supposed to have said. Namely, that we can only be a better species when we have equitable societies, social justice for all, and religions left behind.

this is why we march.

David1955 comments on Sep 24, 2018:

It hardly helps that the current occupant of the White House is a professed sexual predator (locker talk Don) who unflinchingly supports abusers over the abused, no matter the situation.

Last night I was out with The Phoenix Atheists Meetup group at a local restaurant. Somebody walking ...

David1955 comments on Sep 23, 2018:

You have an atheist meet up group. Lucky you.

I picked up “Fear” by Bob Woodward on Friday. I’m about start chapter 3. Anyone read it yet? ...

David1955 comments on Sep 23, 2018:

Reading it now. As awful as it reads, I think it's too sympathetic to Trump, odd as that sounds, as he suggests Trump's hated of Mueller is genuine, rather than what I expect, namely this guy is a traitor to his country and the West and is deliberate about it. Haven't finished it yet so I'll make a final judgment at the end. One thing is obvious from the book: this guy Trump should not be in the White House.

Christian by culture?

David1955 comments on Sep 21, 2018:

Don't accept the premise of your question. For most of its history Christianity has practised vile values and in many respects still does. Modern Christianity has mutated with a thin veil of pretend humanism and humanistic values in the post Enlightenment period. The value system that influences me is drawn from humanism and other antecedents not from the catastrophe known as Christianity. Finding friends and lovers or partners with similar humanistic and progressive values has always been a challenge, but that's life.

Neoliberals never get my vote!

David1955 comments on Sep 20, 2018:

It's a global trend in Anglo Saxon countries since the 1980s: corruption of parties on the Left by neoliberalism and free market ideology, which has been only to the benefit of the elites and the political Right. To paraphrase Mr Colmey, Lordy, may it come to an end. It will only happen with a surge from the ground up, from activism at grassroots level. It hasn't even started here in Australia. Some signs in the US though.

@sitesupport & @admin. How did I get put in charge of the "Foxhole Atheists' group? One thing I ...

David1955 comments on Sep 20, 2018:

There doesn't seem to be any obligation to consult with another member before transferring group responsiblility to them. I think that's an issue. I discovered recently that I am now the honcho in charge of the group on Online Employment, the member who set it up having departed. I don't mind in this case, and I'm now thinking about how to make it more active, but I would have liked some contact about it, or to have been asked.

Isolated black holes (BHs) don't emit gravity waves. A pair of BHs (binary BHs) do in the final ...

David1955 comments on Sep 19, 2018:

You know, I remember back in the 80s first hearing about black holes from the late great Carl S. I mean for we laymen. Since then they have become massive BHs, super massive BHs, down to mini BHs that sneak up and get you when you're not looking. They used to be part of the universe, now they're the only game in town. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but these things have become the stuff of wild imagination. Portals to other galaxies, universes and time dimensions and so on, and I'm confessing I've started to become a bit resistant to the term black hole. With apologies to you professor. I'm sure they are key to the universe. I'm trying not to get jaded about them. Blame the science fiction crowd I guess.

I spent a lot of time when I was young trying to figure out what was wrong with me since I didn't ...

David1955 comments on Sep 18, 2018:

Actually, I've spent my entire life wondering how people can possibly believe all these nonsense religious stories from the Bronze Age, each believing that their's was the one true correct religion and all the others are wrong. I think I will spend every day until my last contemplating this question.

I would like to see a title field added to group posts, as well as posts to the general discussion.

David1955 comments on Sep 17, 2018:

Excellent suggestion.

Anyone else think of his site as a secret society? :P

David1955 comments on Sep 17, 2018:

Not very secret. You can find all about us from a Google search and username, as some have observed recently. A refuge from the loonies rather than a secret society, is how I call it, though some odd balls and religious leftovers have slipped in.

Admin , I did a Google search for various “unique” member names on here as an experiment to ...

David1955 comments on Sep 16, 2018:

I observed this some time ago too. I noticed that our individual posts will come up in google searches, though you have to sign in to reply. I found it curious and would also like to know about that.

What happens to your spirt / mind when you die? Are you reincarnated? Do you go into another ...

David1955 comments on Sep 15, 2018:

These fantasies are part of the new age pseudo religions that are popular amongst the middle class "spiritual" set, derived from eastern religions and alike, offering heaven-like alternatives, based on coming back as something else, or progressing to a new plane, or dimension or universe. They all have one thing in common: like religions there is not a scrap of evidence for any of them. They mainly serve to line the pockets of gurus and similar wankers who peddle their books and cults, and cheer up the gullible who are foolish enough to take them seriously.

Can some one advise me on what the reporting procedure is for a seriously unpleasant member, I have ...

David1955 comments on Sep 14, 2018:

Well, you learn something new everyday on this site. Now I'm going to think that every question asked of me is a Sealioner sealioning me. Dang, I'm getting too old for this.

The Real Problem I Love this site and the clarity of thinking exhibited, even love chasing down the...

David1955 comments on Sep 13, 2018:

Yes indeed, and this is a point that the atheist activists like Dawkins and others have made, despite attacks from religionists and even sadly some non believers. What a lot of people get from religion is often not so much the beliefs, which they may not really believe at all, but the other stuff: community activities, the theatre and entertainment of religion, and that feeling of "belonging". It's a serious challenge in pursuing a non religious world. How to replace and substitute these things. Religions are cultural organisms as much as belief systems. There are those who will say that religion is good because of that. I don't agree. The fundamentals of religion are appalling: bad history, awful theology, terrible practise, corrupt activities, harm to people, directly and indirectly due to all those things. What you have raised is one of the most important questions. I do think that with religion in decline in the west, and religious attendance in particular, this aspect of the ongoing momentum of religion is declining.

Well fk me sideways! Words of wisdom from the bible!

David1955 comments on Sep 13, 2018:

Even a clock that doesn't work is right twice a day. Thus it is with the Bible. Great one!

Would you pay someone to date you?

David1955 comments on Sep 12, 2018:

Yes, and my name is Donald Trump. No collusion! (Except between my credit card and women) :-)

What happens after a human being dies? To me, this is one of the easiest questions about life and...

David1955 comments on Sep 12, 2018:

I just make this point that one appalling delusion of modern Christianity is that they convince believers that when they die they rise to heaven to God and Jesus and to meet all their past friends and family, including their favourite grandma and pet dog Boo Boo from when they were a kid. Serious bible scholars like Bart Urhmann and atheists like Sam Harris point out that the bible says no such thing. Some vague statements are peddled to suggest this myth, but mostly the bible says that when you die you are dead, and maybe if God and Jesus get around to it, in godly not human time, you might be reaped up as a believer to the kingdom of God. It's hardly clear or very encouraging. So, Christian afterlife isn't that much of a promise, at best. But most of them don't know that. Believer or non believer, when you die you are dead.

I was across the street from the Pentagon on 911. It is my sincere belief that all of this was "an ...

David1955 comments on Sep 11, 2018:

Do you think an actual aircraft hit the Pentagon that day? I ask because reports I've read say that even the most catastrophic aircraft crashes will leave recognisable aircraft remnants, like wheels and wing parts. Nothing like that can be seen from that day. Nothing I ever saw in footage shows any. What is your view? Thanks.

10 reasons atheists do it better Over a year ago by PAUL RATNER Although the exact number ...

David1955 comments on Sep 10, 2018:

Well, as an atheist, I'm a failure on 1, smugly ok on 2, definitely a failure on 3, passable on 4, reasonable on 5, getting there on 6, challenged on 7, right up there on 8, totally on board with 9, and a complete disaster on 10. Guess I've got a way to go.

I'm a starting to wonder if I should just make peace with the notion of being single for the rest of...

David1955 comments on Sep 9, 2018:

Isn't it the truth of the matter that we are all born, live and die single, but most, not all, spend part, never all, of our lives in a state of cohabitation with another?