David1955's Profile

I am not an atheist.

DenoPenno comments on Jul 17, 2019:

I'm an agnostic atheist. This is because if I tell you with 100 percent certainty that there are no gods it is up to me to produce the evidence. I have none, but you can call yourself whatever you like.

David1955 replies on Jul 18, 2019:

@NR92 Yes. I do wish some would understand that in science, and with religion, you don't have to prove a negative.

UK secularism on rise as more than half say they have no religion [theguardian.com]

David1955 comments on Jul 11, 2019:

I congratulate my British cousins for moving in the right direction. I have read before that the actual functional participating Christians in the UK, compared to notional census form Christians, is very low. I think this is true generally speaking in so-called Christian countries. However, ...

David1955 replies on Jul 12, 2019:

@Gareth Encouraging

Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says - Scientific ...

Athena comments on Jul 10, 2019:

I would personally like to thank the person who posted this because it has alerted me to the people I should block on here. I joined this site to avoid the stupid arguments that theists make, and here they are again, but with a guise.. invoking science? I've blocked 12 people with absolute ...

David1955 replies on Jul 11, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay my point is, you like throwing the cat amongst the pigeons on the agnostic-atheist issue, then pretend 'oh, I'm just supporting my view as an agnostic. If people get riled up, that's nothing to do with me..' and in fact that is your very intention. A great many of us, like @Athena, like myself, are totally over this debate, and bored with it being dragged up here. As for Dawkins and co, I have long suspected that it is his success in promoting atheism that you really dislike. In fact he and others give expression to a more assertive form of atheism, and that is a wider trend and one I applaud.

Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says - Scientific ...

Athena comments on Jul 10, 2019:

I would personally like to thank the person who posted this because it has alerted me to the people I should block on here. I joined this site to avoid the stupid arguments that theists make, and here they are again, but with a guise.. invoking science? I've blocked 12 people with absolute ...

David1955 replies on Jul 11, 2019:

While I like Middleway in some ways, on scientific points, he does have form in waging an agenda against atheism and prominent atheists like Dawkins, and he likes to think he is subtle about it, but truthfully subtlety isn't his strong suit. I wish he would get over whatever grudge he has with modern atheism. Like you, I find the debate tedious, especially on this site.

Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says - Scientific ...

David1955 comments on Jul 10, 2019:

I see you've found another bright shiny thing to get agnostics and atheists at each other's throats again on this site, Middle. Of course. Well, I'm not going to be distracted from MY goal: opposing religion!

David1955 replies on Jul 10, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay if only you disapproved of religion as much as you disapprove of atheism, Middle..

Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says - Scientific ...

Athena comments on Jul 10, 2019:

I'm really tired of this bullshit argument. The people who make it need to educate themselves on the definition of "atheist" including the author. Not accepting a claim is not asserting a God does not exist. Replace the word "God" with "fairies" and see if this argument sounds like it's ...

David1955 replies on Jul 10, 2019:

Your reply was so good, I didn't need to. Thank you.

Someone here can help?

glennlab comments on Jun 27, 2019:

Sorry, I'm Keyensian, well regulated capitalism with socialistic tendencies. That makes me progressive. Wealth redistribution through high taxes on the largest incomes and corporations paying at least 30% of the tax base.

David1955 replies on Jun 29, 2019:

Exactly.

The reason I am agnostic is because there is no proof that a God told man to compose religious texts...

Storm1752 comments on Jun 23, 2019:

I came to my conclusion by simple logic. Atheists love to state the simplistic obvious, then make a totally unjustified leap to an absolutist verdict: there is no proof there is a god by any definition, therefore there is no such thing. Well there's no proof there ISN'T a god of sorts either, but I...

David1955 replies on Jun 26, 2019:

@Storm1752 Bertrand Russell made the point that he did not believe that agnostics are equally agnostic about Zues or Apollo, say, as they are with the God they grew up with, the Christian God for example. I agree with him. In practice, he said and I agree, agnostics are functionally atheist about the gods they don't care about, and agnostic about the one they do, their own culture God. I have never believed this is a consistent position. I am atheist.

The reason I am agnostic is because there is no proof that a God told man to compose religious texts...

Storm1752 comments on Jun 23, 2019:

I came to my conclusion by simple logic. Atheists love to state the simplistic obvious, then make a totally unjustified leap to an absolutist verdict: there is no proof there is a god by any definition, therefore there is no such thing. Well there's no proof there ISN'T a god of sorts either, but I...

David1955 replies on Jun 25, 2019:

@Storm1752 I wish you would stop making false claims about atheists. We don't just reject Abrahamic gods, but ALL gods, all 3,000 or so of them. So wrong. Of course, as an agnostic you have to be agnostic about ALL gods, including Apollo and the rest, to be consistent. (A point well made by Bertrand Russell.) You seem to dislike atheists more than religionists. I've encountered this kind of agnostic attitude before. I wish agnostics and atheists to be on the same side, fighting religion. But your kind of self-righteous agnosticism is distasteful to me, I'm afraid.

The reason I am agnostic is because there is no proof that a God told man to compose religious texts...

Storm1752 comments on Jun 23, 2019:

I came to my conclusion by simple logic. Atheists love to state the simplistic obvious, then make a totally unjustified leap to an absolutist verdict: there is no proof there is a god by any definition, therefore there is no such thing. Well there's no proof there ISN'T a god of sorts either, but I...

David1955 replies on Jun 24, 2019:

You accuse atheists of making a unjustified leap of absolutist verdict, then claim that we get beyond this "vacuous debate". Yes, we should just agree with you. Yes sir! If you are not an atheist, then fine, but don't mischaracterise atheism. Also, replace God in your comment with leprechauns and the conclusion would be from your logic that being an a-leprechaunist (not believing in them) is an unjustified leap of absolutist verdict. You might like to rethink your view of the agnostic-atheist debate, which is more nuanced that you seem to think.

From your personal experience, are some people simply not wired (say, neurologically or ...

KKGator comments on Jun 22, 2019:

Some people are just more gullible and weak-minded than others. That's how I look at it.

David1955 replies on Jun 23, 2019:

@greyeyed123 yes, we all know people like this. It comes down to brain segmentation I believe, but I am only a reader of this type of research and not an authority.

From your personal experience, are some people simply not wired (say, neurologically or ...

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2019:

I've been criticized before for saying something like this might be true. The 'born hard wired believers' notion. Some say we are all born atheist and socialisation is sorely responsible for religious belief. They criticise any idea that some people are born neurologically disposed to religion. I ...

David1955 replies on Jun 23, 2019:

@greyeyed123 oh very true. Richard Carrier's lectures and books about how Christianity evolved from many previous and existing religions, so little of it was in any way new, is a good example. Religiously inclined people start religions and then rope in the others with fear and false promises. I wish it were not true but it is.

From your personal experience, are some people simply not wired (say, neurologically or ...

KKGator comments on Jun 22, 2019:

Some people are just more gullible and weak-minded than others. That's how I look at it.

David1955 replies on Jun 22, 2019:

If that's true, how can I explain my closest friend from university days who got a first class honours, a Rhodes scholarship, went to Oxford, was one of smartist people I've known, knew the history of Christianity in depth, but still was very religious and a believer? It is true that when we spoke about religion he would seem less 'smart' to me, and I told him so, nicely and humourously. But there it is.

Howdy.

dalefvictor comments on Jun 20, 2019:

I am writing this on a chromebook and it runs both android and Linux applications. Great computer. I really like the touch screen. This is the first computer I have had that will run AutoCad, Blender 3D, Google Search, and keep up with the apps on my phone. All this an for less than $300.00.

David1955 replies on Jun 20, 2019:

May I ask which chromebook you are using? I'm researching everything chromebook at the moment.

Which famous atheist/nonreligious person do you admire the most.

273kelvin comments on Jun 19, 2019:

Dave Allen: not a great philosopher or academic but a jester who could see through the emperors new clothes of religion and point out the comic absurdities of said same so brilliantly. https://youtu.be/BGASvVqzOa0

David1955 replies on Jun 20, 2019:

Yes. In his field, humour, his contribution to taking on religion is unequaled, at a time when humourists didn't do that. Sadly missed.

Do you suspect there is an evangelical arm of atheism that wants to convert religious practitioners ...

DesertInfidel comments on Jun 19, 2019:

Definitely! Those pesky evangelical atheists were knocking on my door just the other day, passing out pamphlets and asking if I had accepted the love of science into my heart. 🙄

David1955 replies on Jun 19, 2019:

Good one!

Questions.

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2019:

Yes, the site is America-centric and Christianity-centric, but it reflects the current membership. I would very much like it to be even more global in the future and standing up to religions generally. I wonder how many out there are afraid to criticize Islam like they do Xianity for fear of ...

David1955 replies on Jun 10, 2019:

@DavidLaDeau It is. Regressive Leftism is indeed sad, and I say that as a democratic socialist with life long left leanings. How to reproach it without looking like a closet bigot, that's the challenge.

Am I the only one seeing that there is no longer an Anti-Theist label in updating profiles?

KKGator comments on Jun 9, 2019:

Damn it!!! You are correct. I don't like that, at all. I had to alter my profile to deliberately include that. @Admin Is there any particular reason the anti-theist tag has been removed? I'd very much like it back, please. Along with the puke emoji. Thanks.

David1955 replies on Jun 9, 2019:

I likewise. Anti-theist is clearly a tag that means one is not just atheist- neutral but feel actively opposed to religion. It shouldn't have been deleted.

I've posted this before but every time I do I get berated for doing so.

David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2019:

As @AnneWimsey said, this again? You know, you could call them fairies, flibbies, floonties, flubbies or flappies, but if any or all of these words meant little ladies with wings that fly, then it would still be unproven nonsense and anyone who believed in such things would be a believer in ...

David1955 replies on Jun 8, 2019:

@EdwinMcCravy I suggest sir that you look at religious art. Michelangelo, for example. Religionists have been imagining their God, for Millennia. Of course, it's an old man in the sky. A variation of us but cosmically. Just like fairies are a variation of us: ladies with wings. Others see God is a big bundle of energy, and conjure that. I don't see any difference. It's all human projection and fantasy.

A couple of times, in the movie, "Religulous," Atheist, Bill Maher, is asked, "What if you're ...

Yakimaatheist comments on Jun 6, 2019:

What if you’re worshipping the wrong god?

David1955 replies on Jun 7, 2019:

Oops! Well they are choosing one God out of several thousand Gods humans have created. Those odds are better than a lottery, but still pretty had. I guess they could always ask for a discount for believing in *a* God, but I don't like their chances. These deities are not known for their forgiveness that way.

I've posted this before but every time I do I get berated for doing so.

David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2019:

As @AnneWimsey said, this again? You know, you could call them fairies, flibbies, floonties, flubbies or flappies, but if any or all of these words meant little ladies with wings that fly, then it would still be unproven nonsense and anyone who believed in such things would be a believer in ...

David1955 replies on Jun 5, 2019:

@EdwinMcCravy Mr CcCravy, God is just the English word for an omnipotent being, just as other languages have their words. Just as they have words for fairies. It's just a sound formed from the brain to the mouth. I know this is your hobby horse, but speaking as a committed atheist, there really are bigger fish to fry.

I've posted this before but every time I do I get berated for doing so.

AnneWimsey comments on Jun 1, 2019:

Ohferpetessake, THIS again? Any sound can have meaning if people agree on that meaning, which is where all language comes from. Tiresome at best.......

David1955 replies on Jun 2, 2019:

He doesn't give up, does he?

Just presented to me on f'buck, I don't know how or why:

David1955 comments on Jun 1, 2019:

It's funny, when I hear the phrase, The Christian Right. I always say, "Is there any other kind?" As if there's the Christian Left or the Christian Centre. I believe at one time there was a left wing Catholic group called Liberation Theology. (My friend wrote a Thesis on them. No doubt they've all ...

David1955 replies on Jun 1, 2019:

@Triphid yes, the peace living Jesus I think was largely a construction of the post Enlightenment age when Christos repackaged their brand. The bulk of the history of this religion has nothing to do with peace, love and charity. It's like if Nazis reinvented themselves in a century or two as a nice caring ideology. "What about the 20th Century and WW2?" a historian might ask. "Oh that's in the past." Well, the past can't be forgotten.

Religion isn’t something designed by an oppressor class to “control the masses.

Moravian comments on May 31, 2019:

Evolution does not "design" anything either directly or indirectly. Certainly religion has evolved and has been beneficial, in helping to create a community spirit and in the case of Islam, conquering much of North Africa and Europe. If that is seen as a benefit. It also kept much of western Europe ...

David1955 replies on Jun 1, 2019:

Exactly.

One day will come.

Neenz comments on May 29, 2019:

I forgot to add.. and religion will be just stories of our historical primitive minds

David1955 replies on May 30, 2019:

They already are, to many of us.

I bloody hate telstra, useless krunts.

FrayedBear comments on May 27, 2019:

I don't understand why people want NBN but then I don't need / want Netflix. For $300 for one year of 4G service Telstra gives me 150 Gb download, unlimited free WiFi at 20,000 Australian locations, no charge calls to landlines and mobiles in Australia and 15 international locations as well as ...

David1955 replies on May 27, 2019:

In certain situations I can certainly see that would suffice. But if you are working online with computer, and need a home network, mobile internet isn't enough. I wish I could ditch NBN and just have 4g, I really do. For one thing, all this talk about NBN, it still depends on a bloody home router, and if that drops you have to reboot. Drives me crazy! Billions on an NBN and still we use bloody routers!

I bloody hate telstra, useless krunts.

David1955 comments on May 27, 2019:

Australia is the rip off capital of the world - electricity, internet, streaming services, goods, you name it. I've been saying it for years, and had enough of "you can't criticize Australia, it is the greatest country in the world" as a reply. Fooey. Who stands up for everyday people? Not the ...

David1955 replies on May 27, 2019:

@powder, @FrayedBear Thailand can be the most frustrating of places, corruption, Thai variability on truth, I've seen it all. Despite all that, I'm never happier than there. Somehow I just go with the flow there. There it is.

I bloody hate telstra, useless krunts.

David1955 comments on May 27, 2019:

Australia is the rip off capital of the world - electricity, internet, streaming services, goods, you name it. I've been saying it for years, and had enough of "you can't criticize Australia, it is the greatest country in the world" as a reply. Fooey. Who stands up for everyday people? Not the ...

David1955 replies on May 27, 2019:

@powder Lucky F'ing You! :-) But I'm hoping I might get back myself in July- August. Catch up with expat friends. A good lottery win and everything would be up for grabs.

This writer has got the right idea.

Dooley comments on May 25, 2019:

Neo liberalism gained a strangle hole on the Australian economy via the policies of the Hawke/Keating government in 1983. The Prices and Income Accord with the government and ACTU was meant to restrict industrial action in return for a Social Wage. It led to erosion of wages and conditions. The ...

David1955 replies on May 26, 2019:

Totally agree with all you say. Hawke Keating won a few elections, mostly because Hawke was liked, and destroyed the ALP I fear permanently.

Do you think that studying the history of the world helping to make everyone become agnostic or ...

David1955 comments on May 25, 2019:

I certainly wish people would read about the history of religions, especially their own, from serious secular historians trained in the historical method. (It isn't true that all history is subjective. That's a cope out. Does anyone here believe that the history of nazi crimes in WW2 is a matter of ...

David1955 replies on May 25, 2019:

@Stevimo yes, ignorance of history is general. But people join and often use their religion to justify what they say and believe, but their knowledge of religion is actually woeful. That makes it a special case to be called out.

Do you think that studying the history of the world helping to make everyone become agnostic or ...

creative51 comments on May 24, 2019:

As @KKGator has said History is written by the victors. So what is the real history. History is dependent on ones viewpoint, same events but perceived differently according to ones values.

David1955 replies on May 25, 2019:

No, the first draft of history is written by the victors. That is why contemporaneous history is never objective or complete. Later historical analysis becomes broader and more objective. The first draft of history when Octavian/Augustus defeated Antony and Cleopatra was written by Romans. Do you still think books about this subject are written with a Roman bias? Of course not.

Do you think that studying the history of the world helping to make everyone become agnostic or ...

darthfaja comments on May 24, 2019:

No I don’t. History is only as good as the source. Studying philosophy is a better path to enlightenment in my opinion.

David1955 replies on May 25, 2019:

That is a cope out. You cannot understand any subject fully without knowing the history.

Does anyone feel Buddhism (or some sects of it or some parts of it) is more of a philosophy or way ...

Pedrohbds comments on May 23, 2019:

Nope, it is a religion, as bad as any other. The peace, love and acceptance is just the cover to sell it to westerns (look what is happening in Myanmar that have a Buddhist majority and government). Buddhism is a dogmatic way to keep status quo in a very hierarchical society. Accept your place, do...

David1955 replies on May 24, 2019:

@Gareth wrong. I've heard religious historians say the same thing. I was pleased once to hear even Riza Azlan say it once in a TV interview, including his own religion, Islam. Founders come along. They live a few decades, spin their spin, die. The converts and disciples continue along. They create the theology and the mythology. They put in what they want, leave out what they want. Soon there are believers and heretics, wars and schisms and lots of dead. Nothing to do with the Founder any more. Oh yes, followers create the religion, because that's what followers do. You think preacher Joshua Ben Joseph, AKA, Jesus Christ founded the hideous thing called Christianity? Try a dude called Paul of Tarsus, who never met Jesus, even if he existed, which is debatable.

Does anyone feel Buddhism (or some sects of it or some parts of it) is more of a philosophy or way ...

Pedrohbds comments on May 23, 2019:

Nope, it is a religion, as bad as any other. The peace, love and acceptance is just the cover to sell it to westerns (look what is happening in Myanmar that have a Buddhist majority and government). Buddhism is a dogmatic way to keep status quo in a very hierarchical society. Accept your place, do...

David1955 replies on May 24, 2019:

@Gareth ah well, there's what the Buddha supposedly said and then there's Buddhism the religion. It is the way of religions. Just like Jesus prattled on, allegedly, about the meek inheriting the earth and blessed are the poor or whatever, and Christianity propping up kings and monarchs and these days the rich and powerful and their political parties. Yes, religions are founded by *followers* not by founders, including Buddhism.

Does anyone feel Buddhism (or some sects of it or some parts of it) is more of a philosophy or way ...

Pedrohbds comments on May 23, 2019:

Nope, it is a religion, as bad as any other. The peace, love and acceptance is just the cover to sell it to westerns (look what is happening in Myanmar that have a Buddhist majority and government). Buddhism is a dogmatic way to keep status quo in a very hierarchical society. Accept your place, do...

David1955 replies on May 23, 2019:

Yes, and we can add the Buddhist idea that life is suffering, so all you can do is give up your attachments and wait and die and go to Nirvana, hopefully Buddha will be there. Like all religions it proposes that making this world a better place is a waste of time, just wait for the next one. Oh, but in meantime give lots of donations to your temple. They need the gold.

The Australian election. Is everybody shocked but not surprised by the result, like me?

MsDemeanour comments on May 19, 2019:

so true.....at least i think it's true. Ive been to a commiseration party and I'm pissed as fart. I've been so depressed. I will have more to say when sober

David1955 replies on May 19, 2019:

Understood. Trump, Brexit, now us. It's a political contagion. It's odd that politics used to be thought of as being about self interest. But now something else drives people politically. Fear of change, perhaps, any change. I sense it but I don't understand it in political science terms.

The Australian election. Is everybody shocked but not surprised by the result, like me?

DragonDust comments on May 19, 2019:

I really, really hoped it wouldn't turn out how it did. However it is a good reason to learn how to live without a government. Farmers gave up on politicans and councils and have been helping each-other for quite a while.

David1955 replies on May 19, 2019:

@DragonDust couldn't agree more. The solution to the rising right wing tide is for what they used to call "people power". The term has been made a joke, but when people mobilize power cannot resist. Problem is, people power is strong in some groups, but not general or widespread. Oddly enough, we are seeing perverse forms of it now, like Trump cultists, and our own rural area reactionaries.

The Australian election. Is everybody shocked but not surprised by the result, like me?

DragonDust comments on May 19, 2019:

I really, really hoped it wouldn't turn out how it did. However it is a good reason to learn how to live without a government. Farmers gave up on politicans and councils and have been helping each-other for quite a while.

David1955 replies on May 19, 2019:

I think that's true. I'm totally alienated in my mind now about governments. But of course that's how conservatives want us to feel.

The Australian election. Is everybody shocked but not surprised by the result, like me?

Coffeo comments on May 18, 2019:

Certainly shocked and, admittedly, a little surprised. Also horrified at the gullibility, stupidity, and selfishness of so many Australians.

David1955 replies on May 19, 2019:

@heritic me too. I think it's worse. The polls in 75 weren't good for Labor, but there was so much outrage we didn't believe them. Still got my 'Shame Fraser, Shame' badge, also my 'Its Time' badge from 72.

The Australian election. Is everybody shocked but not surprised by the result, like me?

powder comments on May 19, 2019:

Totally agree about Shorten. He's a public servant, not a leader. Inspiring as wet paint. Only thing positive is the back of Pyne and Abbott.

David1955 replies on May 19, 2019:

Agreed. But Abbott will be back. He has nothing in life except holding back progress like a good Catholic.

Two days out from the 2019 Federal Election and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke dies at the age of ...

David1955 comments on May 16, 2019:

One of course shows respect for the departed. But I can't forget that I stood at a ralley for Hawke in 1983, cheering, along with the rest. So many hopes. I'll never have them again. Hawke elected and within weeks there was a labor government I didn't vote for. All promises ignored - budget ...

David1955 replies on May 17, 2019:

@Triphid Me too. I've pre-polled. But there's no sense of excitement. I haven't felt that since 1983. The Conservatives have boxed Oz politics into a narrow spectrum and they know it. I hate them for it. I blame Hawke and Keating for helping them.

Two days out from the 2019 Federal Election and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke dies at the age of ...

David1955 comments on May 16, 2019:

One of course shows respect for the departed. But I can't forget that I stood at a ralley for Hawke in 1983, cheering, along with the rest. So many hopes. I'll never have them again. Hawke elected and within weeks there was a labor government I didn't vote for. All promises ignored - budget ...

David1955 replies on May 17, 2019:

@FrayedBear certainly Gough made mistakes. Some were through doing too much too quickly, others were forced errors, the opposition he faced. You had to live through that time to appreciate the right wing mobilization against Whitlam, going back to and including the UK and the US, and all he was doing was modernizing Aus and putting us on a more independent footing. Yes, foreign policy errors were made too. Medibank, as the first system was called, was a work in progress. Health systems take time. Frasier then scrapped it, typical right wing response. But people wanted it and Gough did that. Despite faults, his was a progressive government. Hawke's was not. Successive Labor govts have been Hawke-like clones. So will Shorten's.

When the Buddha obtained enlightenment he went out to teach his students asked, are you a god?

David1955 comments on May 15, 2019:

Before he died, the Buddha also told his followers, don't believe in faith, don't build religious temples, don't wear religious symbols, and don't separate yourself from the world. Ever taken a look at Buddhism? Lots of talk about faith, lots of temples, lots of followers wearing symbols, and ...

David1955 replies on May 15, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay yes but as in all religions they never all agree on those teachings.

When the Buddha obtained enlightenment he went out to teach his students asked, are you a god?

David1955 comments on May 15, 2019:

Before he died, the Buddha also told his followers, don't believe in faith, don't build religious temples, don't wear religious symbols, and don't separate yourself from the world. Ever taken a look at Buddhism? Lots of talk about faith, lots of temples, lots of followers wearing symbols, and ...

David1955 replies on May 15, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay while that is true as a generalization, I don't consider religions as erring, but as fundamentally wrong, based on falsehoods.

When the Buddha obtained enlightenment he went out to teach his students asked, are you a god?

David1955 comments on May 15, 2019:

Before he died, the Buddha also told his followers, don't believe in faith, don't build religious temples, don't wear religious symbols, and don't separate yourself from the world. Ever taken a look at Buddhism? Lots of talk about faith, lots of temples, lots of followers wearing symbols, and ...

David1955 replies on May 15, 2019:

@jerry99 yes, and they suck in a lot of money too, like the RCC, from rich people looking to "make merit" for all the greedy shitty things they've done. Buddhism looks pretty and all that, but it's crap underneath, like all religions. Worse, like all religions, it says don't fix the problems here and now, but rather pray, die and go to heaven or nirvana. No thanks. I want to fix the problems here and now.

Great News! The Show "The Orville" has been renewed for Season 3.

bleurowz comments on May 13, 2019:

I love this show. It never fails to surprise me. Glad to hear they're being renewed.

David1955 replies on May 14, 2019:

Me too. Show has great heart, and the themes are openly secular. A treat.

Great News! The Show "The Orville" has been renewed for Season 3.

Sticks48 comments on May 13, 2019:

Murdock is about making money. If he could make more money with a liberal news network, that is what he would do. Fox has always been edgier than the other three networks which is one of the reasons, along with getting the NFL, for their success. Never mistake what goes on with Fox News with what ...

David1955 replies on May 13, 2019:

I'm afraid I think Murdoch is a natural born fascist who has no time for democracy. Hence his fascist leaning networks.

All religions in the world were born/created with a view to leading the people to the right path.

David1955 comments on May 11, 2019:

"All religions in the world were born/created with a view to leading the people to the right path." You really think this is why religions were created?

David1955 replies on May 13, 2019:

@TimeForMeAgain God needs money, to do "his work". And people fall for it.

‘Decades in the making’: Megachurch pastor gives up on Christianity in profanity-laced ...

Heathenman comments on May 11, 2019:

This guy is in for a tough road. He has just lost his social support group and his source of income. He is older and not likely easily reemployed. I am sure he feels relieved in some ways, but as many of is know, he has a tough road to hoe. Might not be a bad idea for the atheist community...

David1955 replies on May 11, 2019:

I remember reading somewhere that the Richard Dawkins site for science and reason, in raising money for its activities, provides support for religious clerics and similar who have renounced their religion and need support. I remember reading it and thinking this was use of atheist resources for a good cause.

Time for someone to "leak" the Mueller report.

David1955 comments on May 8, 2019:

I blame Meuller. He needed to man up, take and keep control and do what he was supposed to do. I've had about enough of all this hero worship of Mueller. All the things he was supposed to be investigating, the financials etc, and in the end, nothing. Trump, no interview. Don "Fredo" Jr, no ...

David1955 replies on May 9, 2019:

@Sticks48 All that will achieve is years of legal games. If he wins the 2020 election the statue of limitations will take care of that, and it'll be too late as his descruction of the US will be complete. Mueller could have done a great deal more but chose not to. As to why, well I have my suspicions but history may eventually tell us.

Time for someone to "leak" the Mueller report.

David1955 comments on May 8, 2019:

I blame Meuller. He needed to man up, take and keep control and do what he was supposed to do. I've had about enough of all this hero worship of Mueller. All the things he was supposed to be investigating, the financials etc, and in the end, nothing. Trump, no interview. Don "Fredo" Jr, no ...

David1955 replies on May 9, 2019:

@Sticks48 oh come on. That's a cope out and we know it now.

As a Christian, I can remember mocking Islam and thinking how stupid the religion was.

David1955 comments on May 8, 2019:

Didn't Muhammad "rise" to heaven in a golden chariot or some such? That's the silliest thing I've heard since zombie Jesus came back three days later. How do people come up with this stuff. They certainly had fertile imaginations in the Bronze Age.

David1955 replies on May 9, 2019:

@Sandman07 Bart Urhmann, one of the most respected secular Christologists of our time, in his thorough study of Roman crucifiction practices, noted that those crucified were left to rot on the cross for days, and only then dragged to pits or fires to be burnt. The idea of being taken down and respectfully buried in a tomb is laughable. The Romans would never have allowed it. Even if there were a real person in this story, the tomb story is rubbish. So, if he came back, he would have been a rotting zombie corpse, or a burnt cinder. So silly of Christians to believe otherwise.

Is it possible to be an atheist and a Buddhist ?

St-Sinner comments on May 8, 2019:

Possible? All stupidity is possible but atheism and Buddhism are incompatible. Here are a few examples. These are the exact things I ran away from in the first place: 1. It is all about God, LOL 2. Outdated and meaningless rituals and chores, 3. Full of superstitions 4. Believing ...

David1955 replies on May 8, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay I agree that the poster is mixing up religions, certainly. But Buddhism is not what it is in theory but what it is in practice. I lived in Thailand for many years so I've lived in a Buddhist country. Many western middle class Buddhist types know Buddhism from their books and a one week holiday playing tourist and temples. Buddhism does include worship like other religions; it does include supernatural belief mystical assertions and all the stuff religions have. It is what it is in practice. Buddhism is a philosophy not a religion, is a nice illusion in the west but it's false. I'm not really disagreeing with you, but let's not sanitise Buddhism the way some western people do.

Is it possible to be an atheist and a Buddhist ?

David1955 comments on May 8, 2019:

Atheism isn't just a non belief in any god. It should also include embracing principles of reason and a rejection of mysticism of all kinds. Buddhism, despite its warm and fuzzy pretentions, is riddled with mystical nonsense, like karma and reincarnation which require a kind of faith, even if ...

David1955 replies on May 8, 2019:

@Gareth in other words you don't agree. Equating atheism with a rejection of mysticism is hardly my assertion alone but a universal one. Try reading Bertrand Russell for example. Nothing impaired with his cognitive processes. Though people pick and choose bits from Buddhism that suit them, like they do all religions, don't fool yourself, it's full of mysticism, supernaturalism, and non evidence based claims, even if it's not a monotheistic religion by definition.

Is it possible to be an atheist and a Buddhist ?

St-Sinner comments on May 8, 2019:

Possible? All stupidity is possible but atheism and Buddhism are incompatible. Here are a few examples. These are the exact things I ran away from in the first place: 1. It is all about God, LOL 2. Outdated and meaningless rituals and chores, 3. Full of superstitions 4. Believing ...

David1955 replies on May 8, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay I wouldn't say none of these, but certainly not all of them are part of buddhism.

Retired Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating berates Australian Secret Intelligence organisation ...

David1955 comments on May 6, 2019:

Jeez I wish someone would tell that rabble of leftover ALP leaders to go fishing during federal elections. As if Keating hadn't done enough to help push the Australian political debate to the Right during his time with egomaniac Hawke. He's still looking for thanks. 30 years of political wasteland ...

David1955 replies on May 6, 2019:

@FrayedBear any chance you might use the English language to make an articulate point?

Sam Harris’s argument is that the real villains are the religious moderates.

mentalinnuendo comments on May 5, 2019:

Matias, just a question: did you read the book? Or just find that quote? I read the book (recently) and actually does go on to explain in great detail what he means about how the religious moderates are easily manipulated in vast numbers. When push comes to shove, these moderates will not side ...

David1955 replies on May 5, 2019:

Good point. Matias likes to throw cats amongst pigeons. It is his style, quoting others .

Trump will defeat biden, it will take more than just an anti trump message to win

David1955 comments on Apr 30, 2019:

I agree. He and supporters think they can go back to the nice Obama days. The "nice" Obama days got Trump elected.

David1955 replies on May 2, 2019:

@JesseBoren yes, Obama was hugely disappointing. In the end, little will remain of his legacy. Mr Biden is a memory, not a promise.

Given that life in itself is meaningless, what do we have in mind when we talk about the "meaning ...

David1955 comments on Apr 30, 2019:

I recall that the Delai Lama during one of visits here, at a TV broadcasted discussion, was asked a long waffley question about how we could tell the difference between "real meaning" and "false meaning" in life, and how we could find "real meaning" etc, and the big DL listened intently to this ...

David1955 replies on May 1, 2019:

@Matias more an elaborate way of saying that the question and subject is very subjective, and so will any answer be. People find meaning in life as they may find, or not. Life can be very cruel, despite best intentions.

In case you missed Bill Friday night (April 26) here's a profound new Rule... [youtube.com]

David1955 comments on Apr 29, 2019:

Loved it. I could have kissed BM watching it last week. I was right about Mueller all along in my predictions. A few scapegoats, leave Trump and family off the hook, list some misdoings, avoid the financials, be indecisive, pass the buck, and keep his Republican party happy. Mueller could have ...

David1955 replies on Apr 30, 2019:

@MojoDave love to believe you friend, but with Trump possibly staying on beyond the legally actionable time, the endless appeals and challenges that comprise financial and business law, and every trick and duck and weave and delay lawyers can find, I doubt all that will come to much. Inanycase, after 8 years of Trump, it'll be too late. As an Australian, now after watching this Meuller outcome, though not surprised, I, and many others globally, have no faith in US systems. The time is now to the 2020 elections. Meuller needs to stand up, the others too, but they will not.

What is with this Atheist/Agnostic divide stuff lately.

David1955 comments on Apr 30, 2019:

You know, I agree with you, and up until I joined a couple of years ago I thought agnostics and atheists were comrades together in the same struggle. Then, I joined this community. Quickly I got told by agnostics that theirs was the "more nuanced position"; that atheists were no different from ...

David1955 replies on Apr 30, 2019:

@Fernapple I've not heard him say that.

In case you missed Bill Friday night (April 26) here's a profound new Rule... [youtube.com]

MojoDave comments on Apr 29, 2019:

I love it when he gets pissed off!

David1955 replies on Apr 30, 2019:

Me three.

In case you missed Bill Friday night (April 26) here's a profound new Rule... [youtube.com]

Novelty comments on Apr 29, 2019:

I love Bill until he starts talking about millennials.

David1955 replies on Apr 29, 2019:

He does lay that on a bit thick sometimes. He's not all wrong, but he might note that Millennials are also leading away from religion and their politics tends to the progressive. These are good things.

Matt Dilahunty once made the statement that "Atheists are those that don't BELIEVE in a god, and ...

ipdg77 comments on Apr 29, 2019:

I can't answer because as an atheist it's not that I don't believe in a god, I see no evidence for one so there's nothing to believe in.

David1955 replies on Apr 29, 2019:

Yes, atheism is not a belief statement plucked from the air; it's a position that says, this is where I stand, based on total lack of evidence.

"Is Christianity an addiction?

Athena comments on Apr 29, 2019:

I'm all for the death of religion, but I don't think it can be classified as an addiction even with a nuanced application. Truly believing in something, and acting with that belief, speaks to being true to oneself and what he or she values. People can be reasoned out these beliefs which is not ...

David1955 replies on Apr 29, 2019:

Your last sentence might suggest that no one can be helped out of an addiction. I doubt you think that is really true. People are supported out of addictions often, thankfully. Any physical or emotional addiction may require various support mechanisms, including psychological support, which is reason served as treatment. Many would say that cults are dangerous addictive things. Ex-cultists talk about their deprogramming to cure them of that cult. A cult is a small religion, that's all. The addictiveness of religions may be less obvious, but the same underpinnings apply, in my view.

25 reasons people stopped believing in God.

THHA comments on Apr 28, 2019:

What sadistic god would create sentient beings that had to kill and eat other sentient beings in order to survive?

David1955 replies on Apr 29, 2019:

What kind of God indeed would do that.

A long time ago

Robecology comments on Apr 28, 2019:

Older! i recall working at a MacDonalds before they had a big Mac! (summers of 63 and '64) They have an interesting story. Damn! Now I'm hungry! http://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/about-us/history.html

David1955 replies on Apr 28, 2019:

@dan325 Ah, the 60s. What it lacked in social justice, it made up for in lots of bonking. :-)

Despite being atheist, im pretty sure I 100% believe in Tarot cards.

David1955 comments on Apr 28, 2019:

I'm interested in how you think Tarot Cards "work"? Is it energy, or spiritual channels transmitted through the cards, or psychic flows from somewhere, or some kind of universe flow that transcends to the cards to reveal your future? Also, consider this: Tarot tells a person's "future". For that ...

David1955 replies on Apr 28, 2019:

@AnneWimsey yes, I did it myself when I was a young silly dude. I was pretty good at it too. All this kind of thing is called "cold reading" - using intuition, the person's age, how they appear etc. And it's true, things that happen to us in life do group into categories of things, and most "readers" are about 10% roughly right in their "readings". People forget the 90% they were wrong about. In most cases their own predictions would be more accurate, as we know ourselves better than others. When it's just fun, it's ok. But this stuff can become addictive.

"Atheism deserves better than the new atheists whose methodology consists of criticizing religion ...

Geoffrey51 comments on Apr 27, 2019:

Totally agree. Never understood why so called atheists want to get involved with religion and even worse become evangelical about their atheism. Makes no sense to me but then not much does!

David1955 replies on Apr 27, 2019:

It comes down to whether you believe in passively accepting religions, even though you don't follow them, or actively opposing and challenging religions, their bogus history, absurd theology, and appalling practices. I favour the latter.

Is everyone else bored to death with the lamentable nonsense that is passing for our Federal ...

Triphid comments on Apr 26, 2019:

I've been bored shitless with politics and politicians ever since the Liberal Party was formed and joined with those dipshit Nationals.

David1955 replies on Apr 26, 2019:

In 1944? You've aged well, sir. :-)

Is everyone else bored to death with the lamentable nonsense that is passing for our Federal ...

Triphid comments on Apr 25, 2019:

Like my Dad always said, " In any Election, no matter who you vote for, some bastard of a politician ALWAYS gets in." But given a choice between the worst and the even more disastrous , I'd take Shortonballs over Happy, Clappy, Jesus Chappy Scum Mo any day.

David1955 replies on Apr 25, 2019:

I'm in the same unfortunate position. There was a time when I had hopes for the Greens, but alas...

Hi Linux members.

FrayedBear comments on Apr 25, 2019:

Hmmm what do you want it for? I have to confess that I haven't used a computer now for about four years. Everything has been done on Android phones or tablets and it is now rare that I use one of those. Confession I haven't done any recording/editing of late either and that was what I mainly used ...

David1955 replies on Apr 25, 2019:

@FrayedBear I'm right with you. I've been thinking about where I can get a older but not too old PC, and boot it up with Mint. I'm not good at that kind of thing, buying stuff. But, yes, I'm thinking about that. A new expensive PC just to run Linux isn't necessary. I'll add that to my stewing.

Is everyone else bored to death with the lamentable nonsense that is passing for our Federal ...

FrayedBear comments on Apr 25, 2019:

There may be surprises yet. Never count your chooks til they have all hatched.

David1955 replies on Apr 25, 2019:

Why did the word foul suddenly enter my mind. Let me check that spelling. :-)

Hi Linux members.

FrayedBear comments on Apr 25, 2019:

Hmmm what do you want it for? I have to confess that I haven't used a computer now for about four years. Everything has been done on Android phones or tablets and it is now rare that I use one of those. Confession I haven't done any recording/editing of late either and that was what I mainly used ...

David1955 replies on Apr 25, 2019:

I'll look that up. Thanks. My computer is my income, teaching and other. But it's all word processing, files, and alike, watching video online, but no heavy processing or number crunching. My iMac died, because Apple put crappy video cards in them. No more imacs for me. Designed failure after a few years. I'd like a MacBook air, but Apple can't make keyboards that work apparently. So I'm waiting to see if they do something about it. But hey, the mugs buy over priced under valued iPhones, so why should Apple care about computers - *their original mission*. So, I'm lingering with an old Pc laptop. Tried Mint, lubuntu, I've lost count of how many distros. The Bios just won't boot up. So I'm looking at a buying a modern PC and installing Mint as I want to learn Linux well. Never Windows! Keeping an eye on MacBook Air, but I know I'm on the march to Linux. After 35 years I've had it with Apple. I know myself. God I miss Steve Jobs. Tim Cook is a greedy bean counter, and I dislike him greatly, and what he has done to Apple. Apple credit cards? Apple streaming? What next, Apple massage parlours? Anything for a buck. I'll work through the options. I'm stewing now, but I'll get there. Sorry for the rave. :-)

Belief is the death of intelligence do you agree?

TheMiddleWay comments on Apr 23, 2019:

Every scientific concept starts with a belief. So in fact belief is the birth of intelligence.

David1955 replies on Apr 24, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay I am aware, as you've mentioned it more than once, and, to come back to my first point, I'm surprised you would conflate belief with hypothesis. Believers do this all the time, intentionally, to muddy debate.

Belief is the death of intelligence do you agree?

TheMiddleWay comments on Apr 23, 2019:

Every scientific concept starts with a belief. So in fact belief is the birth of intelligence.

David1955 replies on Apr 24, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay well, I'd love a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, or similar, which I'm not, to respond to that one. I suspect they would find that assertion of yours problematic. Of course, I am theorising only, and that's in no way a belief. :-)

Belief is the death of intelligence do you agree?

TheMiddleWay comments on Apr 23, 2019:

Every scientific concept starts with a belief. So in fact belief is the birth of intelligence.

David1955 replies on Apr 24, 2019:

@TheMiddleWay I can't agree. A theory or hypothesis is exactly that. To call either of these a belief adds nothing objective but a great deal subjective. Of course semantics and the word belief comes into play. But in science, or in everyday use, I'd never confuse these words. For example, some scientists hypothesize about multi-universes, but would never say they have a belief in them.

Belief is the death of intelligence do you agree?

TheMiddleWay comments on Apr 23, 2019:

Every scientific concept starts with a belief. So in fact belief is the birth of intelligence.

David1955 replies on Apr 24, 2019:

I would disagree.They start with a theory or hypothesis. Proven by evidence. I'm surprised you would state this.

How many of you feel discriminated against for been Atheist?

David1955 comments on Apr 23, 2019:

There are already laws of free speech, if the religious are not able to subvert them. There are places where non-religious people are discriminated against, and it's shocking. Not where I am. It's the failure to have or enforce free speech laws. What I resent is the constant stream of ...

David1955 replies on Apr 24, 2019:

@FrayedBear I'm not the enemy here, and I do see that as the outcome of racism and imperialism, of which there may be a religious aspect, but it's a broader topic, in my view.

How many of you feel discriminated against for been Atheist?

David1955 comments on Apr 23, 2019:

There are already laws of free speech, if the religious are not able to subvert them. There are places where non-religious people are discriminated against, and it's shocking. Not where I am. It's the failure to have or enforce free speech laws. What I resent is the constant stream of ...

David1955 replies on Apr 24, 2019:

@FrayedBear I don't understand the first point and how this discrimination is on religious non belief. Also, negative attitudes towards non religious is different from discrimination in a legal or economic or demonstrable way. There is plenty of the former in Oz, but the latter would be legally challengable. That's what I meant.

Easter is a perfect day to watch Richard Dawkins videos.

David1955 comments on Apr 21, 2019:

Any time is a good time to watch RD's videos. If I could piss off even a fraction of the religious and the foolish that Dawkins has over the years, I would be so proud.

David1955 replies on Apr 21, 2019:

@confidentrealm yes, but there needs to be tree shakers in this world. That is what Dawkins does. The best I can do is ruffle the odd branch. :-(

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding quantum mechanics.

David1955 comments on Apr 20, 2019:

Very much agree. QM has become the last best hope of religionists now that science has left religion in the dust; they hang on to this notion that QM and QT will somehow vindicate them. Pathetic. They think that maybe they'll see God at the quantum level and then proclaim they were "right" all ...

David1955 replies on Apr 20, 2019:

@Happy_Killbot it was a ham fisted attempt to talk about transfer of energy, and transfer of soul after death, and how quantum science is revealing these mysteries. I stood there, looked up and down, and shook my head, but not enough to draw attention.

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding quantum mechanics.

gearl comments on Apr 20, 2019:

Deepak Chopra immediately came to mind with his woo.

David1955 replies on Apr 20, 2019:

Ab-so-lu-t-ely! Saw a video of him peddling this crap at a seminar at Caltech. He got told he was full of woo. He didnt like it.

What is the difference between Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism?

Charlene comments on Apr 19, 2019:

Liberalism is believing in Social justice..neo- liberalism is a new word for corporate capitalism..see the Clintons.

David1955 replies on Apr 19, 2019:

Bingo!

The evidence that Jesus ever existed is weaker than you might think

brentan comments on Apr 17, 2019:

There is evidence in Tacitus' Annals that looks very credible I'm still not convinced though. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacitus_on_Christ