Agnostic.com
1
1 Like Show

Comments

Did anyone else ever fantasize about creating a community of non-believers?
David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:
Throw in a nearby beach, reasonably priced massage, and free streaming services and I'm in.
T-1000 pts and counting to L8 rapture. That is all. :D
David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:
I am surprised at you Middle, that you would be motivated by such things as points and levels (and shirts.) I honestly thought you beat to a higher drum. So, you're mortal after all. Well I'll be. :-)
Why is water wet?
David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:
You Sir are just full of interesting information. Thanks. We should call you "The Professor" like in Gilligan's Island. As I recall he knew everything.
'Special place in hell': Trump's top advisers accuse Trudeau of betrayal
David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:
Perhaps there's a special place in hell for presidents who sell out their country to dictators.
It was all so much simpler back then
David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:
I think it's done like this in North Korea. Perhaps Kim the crazy will unfriend Donald the orange looney.
Name one thing you want to try in the bedroom.
David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2018:
Breakfast. (Everything else I've tried, one time or another) :-)
The Atheist movement has changed since the days of Christopher Hitchens (hallowed be his name).
David1955 comments on Jun 9, 2018:
We will get nowhere appeasing religion. People have the right to practise their religion, providing it is not a murderous or racist or whatever cult, but we have the right to challenge, challenge, challege.
To all my friends here, I hope you all know that is a pleasure to have met you and my life has ...
David1955 comments on Jun 8, 2018:
I think this site is a work in progress. That's part of the interest for me, watching it evolve almost from the beginning. Members leaving doesn't concern me. Some I think make a personal connection if they have been looking for that, and activity on the site is less important for awhile. Or maybe it's life pressures. I don't know. I think this site is a little refuge from the believers world too, though some think we spend too much time talking about religion. I don't agree. We don't know how the site might evolve. I remain hopeful.
Favourie Bond & Favourite Bond Movie Theme
David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:
Forgot to mention before that I find Daniel Craig a sullen humourless Bond and I wish he would move on. The last Bond movie he phoned in, in my opinion. Poor movie. Christophe W waisted talent, Monica B a Bond quickie, and a poorly edited effort. Another Craig Bond would be a mistake. They do that, let me make one too many. Roger M said that about his last. Connery too. I fear they will, but a mistake IMHO.
Favourie Bond & Favourite Bond Movie Theme
David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:
Sean. You Only Live Twice.... (or so it seems. One for yourself and one for your dreams..) Remember when Bond themes used to stay with you forever... "And he strikes, like Thunderball.." "You only live Twice" "Goldfinger... He's man with the midus touch... "The Spy who Loved me.." "To LIve and Let Die.." I remember the themes and lyrics in my head. Anyone remember the theme from the last Bond, or the one before that...? Yeah, I thought so. Me either. To any female members who think Bond is a misogynist dinosaur, I agree with you.
Mike Pence is such a suckass
David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:
He could end up being President Suckass. President Fundamentalist Suckass. There's a nauseating thought.
What constitutes evidence? proof? Part 2
David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:
I think this is interesting and helpful in reviewing how we reference external sources. There is clearly a difference between referencing external links - articles, news stories and alike - which in effect is a reference to supporting *opinion* and external reference to studies and quantitative data which may be judged as supporting *evidence*. Obviously the former can be personally agreed or disagreed with, while the latter can be questioned or challenged as accurate or objective evidence. Clearly this is a discussion forum, not an academic forum, so there is always going to be a fair amount of mish-mash of fact, opinion, allegation, and a bit of bluster as well. But compared to a lot of web forums it is interesting how many posts here include references to external sources, a least an attempt to support a view or opinion. But, I agree that we should be mindful about the way we reference 'evidence' in support of opinions. I can think of occasions here when I have included some news links in support of something, and someone else has looked for articles with an arguably opposite view and back they come at me. I realised it was a clash over selected opinion pieces. An interesting post.
What are your top 3 current favorite TV shows?
David1955 comments on Jun 7, 2018:
- Billions - an utterly morally and ethically bankrupt show, a perfect reflection of the economic rationalist weaponized capitalism fashioned since the 1980s, but well acted and written. - Westworld. Flawed but interesting. - The Americans. Sadly just finished. Brilliant. - add Star Trek Discovery. Flawed but interesting.
So.....what is the BIG deal with the chat rooms?
David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:
As far as I can see, the chat rooms work for members in US time and not really those of us outside the region. Not a complaint but just a fact about the time zones.
Dave Allen: God's comedian: [youtube.com]
David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:
Genius
So, my religious neighbour asked me out to lunch last week and I went, with the stipulation that we ...
David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:
Could it be that her religious faith isn't as secure as she pretends, and what she really is looking for is a way to deal with it, and who is she going to talk to, her religious buddies? There's been a few believers like that on this site too. They say they are religious but like talking to atheists and agnostics. Wonder why? Ask her directly Maybe she'll come clean. Just a thought.
An old friend of 50 years has become a person of extreme religiosity in his old age.
David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:
Ooooh, that's a tough one. The lines have to be drawn and respected or the situation can't continue. What you have said is more than reasonable. From my experience, when this happens to someone you have known, it's like they are not the same person you knew; they are, but the mental processes are different. Sometimes there is self correction when the religious rush wears off. Either way you have to stand your ground, long friendship or not.
<rant> I don't know if this will matter a hill of beans at the end of the day (don't you love ...
David1955 comments on Jun 6, 2018:
I am also in agreement with you. The issue can be raised, and people be encouraged to think about it, but in the end it's a personal decision with that right, whether applied judiciously or not. I've never blocked. I don't know if I've been blocked, and I'm not going to lose sleep over it. What else is there to say.
Teleporters I was having an odd but fun conversation the other day and thought I'd being it over ...
David1955 comments on Jun 5, 2018:
I remember the Riker episode. So then there were two Rikers to have sex with every alien women in the galaxy. Oh nice! One curious thing about this transporter business: potentially immortality. I forget the episode and series (not TOS) but it was when they found Scotty in a transporter pattern buffer in an old ship and he had been there 70 years and so and out he came to help save the day. Well, you could be stored forever and reformed from time to time, it seems to me, so long as nobody turned the buffer off. So, not just transportation but permanent storage as well. There you go.
I think once a year, all blocks should be reset.
David1955 comments on Jun 5, 2018:
I can't believe I'm actually writing this, Middle, but I actually agree with you. Just goes to show there's a first time for everything, right? :-) Seriously, I haven't blocked either, but I think an automatic unblock might be taking the power away from those who feel they have, or had, good reason to block. Perhaps your suggestion can be taken that members who have blocked, annually, or from time to time, review the decisions they have made. I remember early in my membership feeling very annoyed at one member's comments, I won't name him, and though I didn't block I decided to ignore him, but over time I can see he's a good fellow. Had I been the blocking kind I might have done so, and that would have been a mistake. Just my two cents worth.
TV or not?
David1955 comments on Jun 5, 2018:
Too restrictive a choice: - live TV, no, only some news services, largely foreign; - reality TV - never! - local TV, no very rarely now; - stream quality shows I choose very carefully, yes; I make TV work for me, meaning I take from it very selectively, only what I want, so neither fine with nor couldn't live without;
What is probably one of the most stupidest superstitions you’ve ever heard?
David1955 comments on Jun 4, 2018:
A horse shoe for luck. I have one in my garden, btw. My total failure ever to win anything in a lottery would rather suggest there is little merit in this belief.
Why don't atheists like showing respect and kindness toward God believers?
David1955 comments on Jun 3, 2018:
I don't think I care very much for these assumptions as questions posts. Atheists don't like showing respect and kindness (really?) for believers. Well, as an atheist, it depends on each believer I might meet. There's not a blanket policy. Also, I wouldn't just make a judgement based their belief. A lot of factors might apply. As for the reverse statement, well I think the same diversity applies. It is I think truer to say that a lot of atheists don't care to show respect towards religion, and for good reasons. We are not obliged to, and decline to do so. Similarly, many believers display negative attitudes about atheism, I think because the growth of more strident atheism scares them, and the growing secularism in the west. But these are attitudes towards the positions and movements, not blanket attitudes to all individuals.
What do you find most ridiculous about worship?
David1955 comments on Jun 3, 2018:
People walking around with a human figure nailed on a cross around their necks. "He died for your sins." What? Crap. What if we atheists walked around with a figure of a woman who'd been stripped, dragged through the streets, and then cut into into pieces and then burnt, around our necks. "She died because of Christian stupidity and fear of science." What? Fact.
Firebrand atheists
David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2018:
I prefer the term atheist activist, or anti-theist, but if someone wants to call me a firebrand atheist, then fine with me. I certainly distinguish myself from agnostics, passive atheists, so-called apatheists, and 'I don't believe in religion but...(I still hold a candle for religion because I can't let it go)" types. So, be outspoken and forthright. There are more and more of us.
I used to enjoy dystopic books, TV, movies.
David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2018:
Totally agree. The constant stream of dystopian content now feels more like a strategy by power to makes us feel fatalistic about a future where the world is ruined, the elite have all the power and money, and all we can do is pathetically and ineffectively struggle against it. They've turned this on its head. Dystopian material used to be a kind of warning about the future. Don't let this happen. Now, it's about acceptance. The future's lost. Corporate fascism. Techno fascism. Dog eat dog in a climate destroyed world. I don't buy it.
Its Saturday night, whats everybody up to?
David1955 comments on Jun 2, 2018:
streaming my favourite TV shows and a movie or two. I work weeknights, so i only have weekends.
27% of American agnostics believe with certainty there is a God compared with 23% of European ...
David1955 comments on Jun 1, 2018:
Another reason I'm pleased to be able to say: Me, atheist. Belief in God/s - none. Why? No evidence. Have evidence? Make an appointment. Bronze Age heresay not acceptable.
Conservative and Libertarian Athiests
David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:
For me, atheism and progressive political, social and economic agenda are inextricably linked. I ask, if one's atheism is rooted in a belief in science, reason and evidence based values and humanism, then how can one accept a society of gross economic inequality, tolerance of prejudice and discrimination and injustice of any kind? Were I to be a political conservative, especially a reactionary conservative, I would have a case of cognitive dissonance so bad my head would explode.
I never understood, even when I was an Evangelical, how christians loved warmongers and ...
David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:
I feel compelled to add here that should be careful to avoid the Jesus the preacher of love and goodness and all that stuff myth, which has more or less evolved post Enlightenment in parts of modern humanism influenced christianity, a take which is hardly consistent with the bloody, repressive and authoritarian bulk of christian history. Exactly what the real Jesus said, if there was one, is highly speculative, and may have more militaristic and political than is realised. I for one refuse to buy into any of these Jesus the prophet of love and peace myths, as this character is more like an concoction of supposed sayings created and added to over thousands of years. The love and peace blurb of the modern christian message, as far as I can see and from what I have read, stems more from the influence of humanist philosophy on this religion, not that christians would ever admit it. For most of its history christianity has been synonymous with war, oppression, class power, and authoritarianism. When I hear christians rambling on about christian love and brotherhood I'm inclined to say, "With your history? Give me a break. "
I never understood, even when I was an Evangelical, how christians loved warmongers and ...
David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:
Big subject but essentially the fact is there is little connection between anything that the real Jesus said, even if he existed, which is debatable, and a great deal of modern Christianity, especially evangelical christianity, which is more a modern right wing moralistic regressive anti-modernist movement which tags itself to this vague historical figure they call Jesus. Truth is, most christians, including evangelicals know little or nothing about their so-called Jesus, other than simple statements and hollywood type biblical history, which is worthless.
More important to me that people understand the way that I k as opposed to being defined by labels ...
David1955 comments on May 31, 2018:
And all Gods too, everyone of the thousands believed in by people, not just God singular and the Christian God in particular. This is an important point for any agnostic to acknowledge. I like your position on the evidence issue and agree totally. But for consistency it does have to apply equally and fully to all gods, ancient and modern, as well as the tooth fairy etc, and not, as Bertrand Russell wrote, just be an implied atheism on all Gods that one may not care about, but agnostic on the one God we do know and grew up with.
"What Do You Know About The Separation of State and Church?
David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:
Eric Idle of Monty Python fame put it well once when he said "I'm a strong believer in the doctrine of the separation of Church and...Planet!"
Theists aren't alone in assuming an unquestioning belief in a comforting illusion.
David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:
The difference though with religion as a comforting illusion is that it develops into religious organisations, which preach morality, sin, guilt, teach children rubbish, pursue political aims, usually reactionary politics, have office holders and celebrants who have power and influence over others, and generally, with rare exceptions, do little to advance the world in positive ways. So, some comforting illusions are harmless and maybe foolish but theism as an illusion is anything but harmless.
Morality is Very subjective, As an individual you decide what is Moral.
David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:
I think you meant subjective. I don't know about laws to decide perfect morals. I could go out and have sex with a different woman every day and be as promiscuous as can be and many would judge me immoral but there's nothing illegal about that, providing the sex was adult and consensual in all cases. Morality would be matter of opinion here but not related to the law. Many people work in professions, areas of business, that I think are immoral, like finance where they treat people badly and exploit them and get away with legal cheating, but it's still legal. I think it's immoral. So, yes there is subjectivity, but laws to define perfect morals? I don't think so.
Anyone seen Star Trek Voyager Episode 8 "Emanations"?
David1955 comments on May 30, 2018:
Where science fiction meets pseudo religion, and afterlife emanations. Voyager was never a big hit with me. Some great episodes with Q, notably "Death Wish", which had huge implications for the universe (it's finite) the Q Continuum (they can die, aren't omnipotent and are flawed) and humanity (Qs have interfered with us). But emanations was the kind of pseudo religion they put in ST after Roddenbury died and I never liked it myself. Just my view.
Atheism or agnosticism is not another kind of religion that it requires constant preaching And we ...
David1955 comments on May 29, 2018:
Not sure what "constructive works" means. A progressive social and economic agenda to fight prejudice? Not sure. A lot of us are past being angry about religion as you put it, and now seek to actively oppose or at least challenge it. Being tolerant of religions and religious practice was the approach of atheism in the 20th century. It failed, spectacularly, as the rise of monotheistic extremism showed us all. I'm an atheist who believes in marrying atheism to a progressive political-social-economic agenda. Not all atheists would agree. But a lot would.
I just saw the new Star Wars movie, Solo.
David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:
I think it's called franchise fatigue. SW movies work best when we identify with characters pursuing purpose. Like Rogue One, which was excellent. Solo is a self serving character, interesting but only when other characters around him have ideals and purpose. Making him the movie was a mistake in the mythology that people identify with.
Atheist humor
David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:
Indeed. I wonder what "God" might think about modern Evangeli-hypocrites?
I really don't believe in any God in anything not even myself or this life if there was a God "God" ...
David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:
Theists say about comments like these that you do really believe in God but are just angry at him for the state of the world. I'm not saying that about you but I'm sure many theists would. So, since there is no cosmic god to solve the world's problems, the frustration we feel about the world is really about our failure to create a fair, just, rational and non religious world. Religion is just a distraction to the improvement of the state of the world. They are not part of the solution - charity bandage efforts aside - as they don't help to change the systems that create so many problems. They are obsessed with sexual morals, and the afterlife, and controlling people. So, my point is we need always to be clear about whom we are angry at and why, and the guilty parties are not in the Cosmos. They are right here in front of us.
Who created God?
David1955 comments on May 28, 2018:
There's only one logical answer: a bigger more powerful God..and an even bigger more powerful God created that God and..........
I just turned up - hello!
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
Welcome from Adelaide. The more Australians the better.
So what is your most hated song of alltime?
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
"Memories" by Barbara Streisand". It's like chalk scraped across a blackboard I tell you.
Saw the new Star Wars Solo movie today. I liked it. That's all you get. No spoilers ?
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
I fear that Disney will suck every drop of life out of this franchise until it's barren and lifeless, like they did with those silly Johnny Deb pirate movies. It's what they do. They start off ok, and then they wring it dry. I predicted it when Disney bought the rights. I further predict that they will reduce SW to family mush in the future. It's in their DNA.
Hi there.
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
Well, we didn't exactly let you in. It was more like you jumped in, like all of us. :-) Anyway, good to meet you. Kind of wondering why someone from north Hollywood would be here instead of watching all those alleged movie stars in the neighbourhood. ;-)
If I die and the God of Islam is there for a reckoning and asks me to accept him.
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
Something I like to pose to Christians is, " What if, when you die, you discover that you picked the wrong God? It's the Islamic God, or Jewish God, or Hindu god, or Apollo, or the God up the coconut tree you are facing? What would you say? 'Sorry, I was wrong about you but I did at least pick a god' ". Usually they say like, oh but mine is the one true God! But I tell him they chose one God out of several thousand, and while those odds are not as bad as lotto, there are still not good. And I don't think God would cut them some slack because they bought a ticket but it was wrong. You know I've discovered believers don't like these kinds of questions, they really don't.
Alan Bean, moon-walking astronaut and artist, dies aged 86 - BBC News
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
I know I'm old fashioned, influenced by growing up in the 1960s, but astronauts are still heroes in my book. They sat on top of those guided slowly released bombs, known as rockets, and got the job done. It's a great shame that the courage they showed has not been matched by effort and determination since that time to pursue exploration. I believe in interviews these guys express this view as well.
Pope Francis
David1955 comments on May 27, 2018:
Pope made a comment just recently to a gay guy that God "made him that way" and loves him. The guy felt better, but the logic is off, as usual. So, God intervenes to make some people a certain orientation! Well, why didn't God tell his precious church instead of millennia of moral condemnation and persecution? How come it's still a sin, Pope baby, because officially it still is, doorstop interview and cuddly photo-Op sessions of the pope aside. Like all politicians, work the room, get a photo, look for the headline, pretend to placate different parts of the catholic constituency, and hope no one looks to see what's really going on. But don't the mainstream media love this stuff; another Pope Frank headline that means nothing, and another grateful weepy progressive Catholic on the telly.
Noise cancelling devices
David1955 comments on May 26, 2018:
I wish there were a noise cancelling device attuned to the Trump frequency.:-) That said, I would like to buy one of these headphones but they are always so expensive. I have doubts the money is justified.
Pope Francis
David1955 comments on May 26, 2018:
The Pope is a religious politician and everything he says "on the run" should be treated with great skepticism. Nothing he says off the cuff about atheists, gay people, or anything else means a scrap. Only official Catholic policy and practice counts. And that never changes from its reactionary, moralistic, judgemental stance.
Whether you're agnostic or not, what are your thoughts on reincarnation?
David1955 comments on May 26, 2018:
An unproven idea, as religious ideas are. But make no mistake the concept in practice can be anything but a nice idea. It's a short step to believe that people are born punished in some way, while others are born privileged, as karma and reincarnation are entwined. Buddhist cultures are known for this. I know, I've lived in one. Purists will say that this is a distortion of the true meaning. Religious nonsense is always dismissed as a distortion of true meaning. But a theory is only as good as it is in practice. Reincarnation is just another reflection of human desire for life after death. If it's not heaven, it's reincarnation, or, as some new age types believe, we die and reform in another universe. Sure. Like all these ideas they distract us from the present.
How long have you been/were you agnostic?
David1955 comments on May 26, 2018:
0 - 12 pretend Catholic, hardly pretended. 12 - present, Atheist. That's it.
Are you a friendly or unfriendly, atheist or theist?
David1955 comments on May 26, 2018:
My direct answer to this is I am by definition an unfriendly atheist, being an anti theist. Personally, I'm a friendly atheist, unless religionists get in my face, whereupon they discover quick smart how unfriendly I can be.
Are you a friendly or unfriendly, atheist or theist?
David1955 comments on May 26, 2018:
What didn't you as a proclaimed agnostic asked this about agnostics or non believers generally? Or are agnostics by definition always friendly, so the question doesn't apply.
Are us atheists becoming evangelical and close minded?
David1955 comments on May 25, 2018:
A lot of things mixed up in this post. Atheists should be clear and confident and engage on the issues. That's not evangelical. Not close minded. Not the same as "other religions". Atheism is not a religion. Recruit? No, connect, yes. As for the aliens, I'll leave that to the qualified science members. But no contact does not mean no aliens. Turn around time even at light speed is slow. Maybe they are there but not advanced. Maybe they are on their way. Maybe they are wise enough to keep the hell away from us. Who knows?
Now that we've more than 300 groups, it's time to come up with a list of categories (e-hem, ...
David1955 comments on May 24, 2018:
Might we separate Politics (as in current issues) from Political Philosophy, possibly Political Philosophy (Progressive) and Political Philosophy (Conservative). Avoids ambiguity with words Liberalism and Conservatism. Just a thought.
Your move, Atheists.
David1955 comments on May 24, 2018:
Well a lot of atheists have said this Pope is full of s--t, when you get right down to it.
Thoughts on "things happen for a reason"
David1955 comments on May 23, 2018:
I am obliged to agree with the comment from @LadyAlyxandrea "It was meant to happen"; "Everything happens for a reason."; "It's all part of God's plan"; "It is written"; "It was just fate". All these and similar reflect the human brain, our propensity to see patterns, no matter what, and to explain everything in terms of predetermined cause and effect. God - universe - plan - my little bit in it. Some substitute God with universe, or cosmic thingamy, or whatever so as to feel non religious. We can all do this in our troubled moments, shuffling through our mental mind maps that we've created from experience, to make the absurdity of life seem explainable.
My bio vanished. POOF. WTH???
David1955 comments on May 23, 2018:
Can we get Mr Mueller to look into this? Russians, I tell ya.
Why is there so much anger here?
David1955 comments on May 22, 2018:
The directness and adamance of position as @Slappy_Longarms nicely put it, is a reflection of the determination of many of us not to let the religious and religions kick our ass, as you phrased it.
I recently went from Christian to Atheist as things just made a hell of a lot more sense as I ...
David1955 comments on May 22, 2018:
Congratulations on avoiding the agnostic step on the way and landing fully on your feet. :-) Seriously though, it must represent a big change in your outlook and views. I hope the transition was not too difficult. This is good place to be.
What happens when we die?
David1955 comments on May 22, 2018:
“I believe that when I die I shall rot, and nothing of my ego will survive. I am not young and I love life. But I should scorn to shiver with terror at the thought of annihilation. Happiness is nonetheless true happiness because it must come to an end, nor do thought and love lose their value because they are not everlasting. Many a man has borne himself proudly on the scaffold; surely the same pride should teach us to think truly about man's place in the world. Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cosy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigour, and the great spaces have a splendour of their own.” Bertrand Russell What could I say to improve on that.
Daves Unite! I made a group for people called Dave, or David.
David1955 comments on May 22, 2018:
Not a Davidian cult I hope. Read something about that somewhere...didn't work out so good. :-) (From a David)
What are your views on meaningless sex?
David1955 comments on May 21, 2018:
Woody Allen once said that sex without love is a hollow, shallow, empty experience, but, as hollow, shallow, empty experiences go, it's one of the very best. :-)
Interact with the right kind of people.
David1955 comments on May 21, 2018:
So, if I come across people who want to talk about great people who talk about visions and ideas -- writers, scientists, philosophers, intellectuals -- I should avoid them? I think I'll decline thanks.
Love is the answer.
David1955 comments on May 20, 2018:
Well yes, but some money to keep a roof over your head and avoid starving to death also helps, and from experience even the most loving people don't give it away. Sorry, but my 1960s illusions have all but disappeared through the reality of the world.
To the frustrated & the offended.
David1955 comments on May 20, 2018:
The site is what it is, the rough and the smooth, and I've come to see it that way. It's as diverse as the non religious community, and as unified and fractious as well. That dynamic is what makes it unique. From the beginning I have read comments from time to time from those saying it should be more like they want it to be. But the truth is this site is whatever we want to take from and contribute to it. I do just challenge the assertion in the post that the main reason for the site it dating. A main reason for some, I would say.
How long did it take you to go from agnosticism to atheism?
David1955 comments on May 20, 2018:
I skipped the agnostic step. I remember reading Bertrand Russell's essays on the subject as a teenager and felt his thinking was as insightful as anyone. I still do, and I've read a lot. The agnostic position is simply problematic to me and I've never adopted it.
Now level 7 yea! Actually don't care, but I am the guy that wears atheist t shirts whenever I go to ...
David1955 comments on May 20, 2018:
I've just had a new idea for a Tshirt. It will read "DavidLaDeau wears atheist Tshirts whenever he goes to town" What do you think?
It appears the main stream centrists and right wingers are getting happy and comfortable with Trump,...
David1955 comments on May 20, 2018:
I think if Michael Avenatti ran as an independent he might win. Otherwise I'm a Bernie man. (Pity I'm not American).
Is Trump a cult leader? Reza Aslan talks about Trump and his Evangelical followers: [youtu.be]
David1955 comments on May 20, 2018:
Mr Aslan is not one of my favourite people, I must confess, due to his thinly disguised apologising for Islam and its extremism, though he does seem to be a decent fellow in interviews, but there's a filament of truth here. He's hardly the first person to say it either. It's not just the evangelicals either. The unwavering support of Trump by everyday folk, about whom Trump couldn't care less, despite his appalling character and attacks upon them in his policies, is very much like a cult. They fell under the Trump cult spell. They aren't thinking with their rational minds but their emotional minds, like religionists and cultists do. So, the usual political criticisms don't work on them. It's just like in a cult where the cult leader takes their money, lies and peddles nonsense, and screws them over, literally and figuratively, but to the followers he's their spiritual leader and whatever other people say about him is wrong. Cult followers have to outgrow that dependence. It'll be the same for many Trump supporters. People never like to admit they were wrong and others were right.
Does anyone here like to correct grammar, spelling or punctuation?
David1955 comments on May 19, 2018:
I would just point out the difference between pedantic nit picking, which can be petty, and the person might be doing the best they can, we are not all Shakespeare, and cases where honestly I just don't know what the hell some are saying in a post. Brevity is good but not when the meaning is obscure. The opposite is long and rambling without a clear point, or a point I have to deduce. I don't criticise on either as I don't think it builds good rapport here, but I do often think it reading some posts.
Music streaming
David1955 comments on May 19, 2018:
Currently using Spotify, but looking to see what the new YouTube combined video/music paid service premium will be like, as I would like to have YouTube without ads but I won't pay for it without music included.
There is no objective reality. There is only an objectionable reality. Discuss.
David1955 comments on May 19, 2018:
Whatever we think reality is, we still have to just deal with it. That includes religion.
Six months on the site.
David1955 comments on May 18, 2018:
Just a follow up comment about how interesting the replies have been here. It's quite moving how some have noted how the site has helped them through personal challenges and struggles in various ways. It's a sanctuary for me too. I hope @Admin are pleased and even proud of that fact. They started the site for motivations known to them (I'll use the plural, but I'm not sure if that's right) and now can see how important it is for so many in various ways. If this site suddenly disappeared without trace a lot of people would suddenly find an empty void in their day and life, including me. May the site only get bigger and better, but never lose its uniqueness for people like us. And I know there are a lot more like us out there. We just need to connect more. Thanks to all.
Finish This Statement: "I Remember"
David1955 comments on May 18, 2018:
.. A world before Neo-liberal, 'free-market' rapacious, dog-eat-dog, right-wing, economic rationalist economics all but destroyed it, politically and economically.
When it comes to what I believe vs what you believe are Atheist any better than theists?
David1955 comments on May 18, 2018:
Here's the difference. Non-believers of various positions don't talk about having the one true belief. Religionists do. Non-believers disagree but don't think that others are bad people or of low moral character, are untrustworthy or are heretics or infidels of some kind. Religionists do. What you suggest is a huge false equivalence. There are a number of people here I have clashed with and had strong disagreements with, but I can tell they are genuine and decent people. We just disagree. We are not religionists by another name.
I joined Agnostic.
David1955 comments on May 17, 2018:
Well, you only joined a day or ago. Maybe spend a little more time engaging here. The quality of the discussions vary greatly. That's the nature of a diverse group.
Noah's Ark, Kangaroos and Australia
David1955 comments on May 17, 2018:
It's God's Will. He picked up the bones in order to test your faith. He's cunning like that. Like when he put old dinosaur bones in the ground to test your faith that the world is only 8,000 years old. Don't believe all those scientists. They'll only teach you things. :-)
For the guys..Boxers or Briefs?
David1955 comments on May 17, 2018:
It's really profound questions like this that makes me love this site. Where else could there be a very long thread about male underwear? Think of the implications - do agnostics wear different underwear from atheists? The implications may be huge. I would think agnostics like boxers. They need more wiggle room. Atheists prefer briefs, perhaps, keeping their marbles together in a fixed position. Theist males don't wear underwear at all, I suspect. Their faith means they don't want to think about what's down there. My answer: boxers, black. I thank you.
Even Kirk.....
David1955 comments on May 17, 2018:
Fascinating, captain!
Are atheists too passive?
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
Good question. I've commented on this before, and I say atheists used to be too passive. The 20th century was a testament to the passivity of atheists. We had to be polite. We had to be respectful of religious beliefs. And so too many of us were. How were we rewarded? Islamic fascism. Evangelical reactionary conservatism and political infiltration. Catholic Church crimes, sexual, financial and other, hidden until people stood up. Same thing with other large denominations. Christian and Islamic anti modernist ideology, not just theology. Yes, atheists were too passive. Now that's changed. Thanks go to activists like Dawkins and others, of course, but they've tapped into a broader change in consciousness amongst the non religious and given it expression and focus. So, time for phoney respect is over. Hold them accountable. Challenge their claims, their actions, and their theology. We can hardly be less successful than in the past. Personally, I think the progress over the past 10 years in promoting atheism has been exceptional. May it continue.
It is very difficult to conduct an adult conversation on politics or social controversies, even on ...
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
I'm not as concerned about it as you seem to be, though I see the issue. This site came into existence at a time when the US is polarised and tribalised badly. That's reflected on the site, with a high proportion of US members, though the profile here is progressive leaning, generally. There are heated exchanges here, and it appals me if some people, including women, feel threatened in some way. But there are also interesting threads and discussions, and agreement to disagree. I think it would unrealistic to expect the site to be any different, given the group diversity. Any dynamic group interaction usually involves fringe opinion. None of us have to engage in a thread if the subject is off putting. No one has to continue in a post or thread if it spirals into unpleasantness. Sometimes I get despondent about the issues within the non religious here, like between agnostics and atheists, wearying, as I am, of seeing the same (what I think are lame) criticisms by agnostics, for example. But it is what it is, and I don't know any other site where I could make a cyber connection with so many like minded (dare I say it) souls. You and I are both Australian, in the same city. Being an atheist in this country is an isolated experience for most. I'm thankful for the contact here, whatever the rough patches. That's my two cents worth.
These are some serious issues!
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
I further note that the list includes "So Called Christians". Methinks they mayhap refer to theyselves. :-)
These are some serious issues!
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
Quite a few on this list would seem to me to fit quite happily in the Republican Party. :-) Ankle biters? Really?
As an atheist what do you want done with your remains when you die?
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
Ideally I would like to be put in a rocket and sent into the sun. Back to star stuff. Since that's a wee bit totally impossible I'll be cremated and then scattered in a place I'll suggest, or anywhere really. Minimum fuss. I've specified that already.
We're really excited to announce a bunch of new ways to help you meet other members.
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
It's great watching this site's development, and I have been here since 2017. Thanks.
Who is your favorite Atheist?
David1955 comments on May 16, 2018:
Living: Richard Dawkins. Sam Harris (tied). Passed: Bertrand Russell.
What's the most annoying habit that others would say you have ?
David1955 comments on May 15, 2018:
I question things, like assumptions, sacred cows, and things that 'everybody knows are true'. People hate that. I loved that they do.
What is truth?
David1955 comments on May 15, 2018:
The link between extreme regimes and 'relative truth' is so evident. The Nazis built a Reich on it. The Communists in the Soviet Union and China peddled 'official history' and approved facts. The only thing I can say is that the real truth, the facts, and the evidence has a way of catching up with extremists, sooner or later. Then relative truth becomes part of the wrong side of history.
Thinking tonight on the death of Margo Kidder - the 'Lois Lane' of my age.
David1955 comments on May 15, 2018:
Was it 40 years ago? Cosmic kitties, time flies! Back then superhero movies were entertaining and had heart. I'm also thinking about Chris Reeves today. He deserved better.
Robert Reich: The Poor Should Work Harder, but Billionaires Deserve a Break—Right, Trump?
David1955 comments on May 15, 2018:
He's a great guy, always worth listening to. He made a doco a year or two ago about economics in the US. Excellent watching. Quite damning of the Clinton period, and I think Clinton was his student back in the day.
Holy crap! We have Holy Koolaid as a member! Holy Koolaid is a Youtuber definitely worth watching! ...
David1955 comments on May 14, 2018:
I sense that this guy's style appeals to you. He kind of targets specific issues and fleshes them out from the nonbeliever perspective. Interesting.
Does God exist?
David1955 comments on May 14, 2018:
Agree with you 100%. But prepared to be criticized some in the agnostic camp that claim that atheists, or those presenting your argument, have to prove that a God does not or God's do not exist. Basically to prove that negative. It's bizarre to me but you will hear it.
I'm spiritual
David1955 comments on May 14, 2018:
Absolutely. That crap gets nowhere with me. It's like a boast people make. Not around me and get away with it.
Which Star Trek series is your favorite?
David1955 comments on May 14, 2018:
Well, I'm a sucker for all of them, but TOS captures Roddenberry's 23 century secular vision better than any other series. I liked TNG but they should have thrown Wesley Crusher out the airlock. Absolutely love the character of Q. The greatest and most misunderstood character in the ST mythology. Voyager was sooooo politically correct it made my teeth ache. Love the episodes with Q in Voyager, though. The episode "Death Wish" has a number of huge philosophical implications about the Q Continuum. The space station series didn't do much for me, though others loved it. I really liked Enterprise, though it was fashioned in a post 9/11 environment and misty eyed Trekkers didn't care for it. The new one, Discovery, I'm holding judgement and see where it goes. It's a mess in terms of consistency with tv and movies, but there it is. I do feel Roddenberry's secular vision is just about gone, however. I suppose it reflects the age we live in, sadly.
Holy crap! We have Holy Koolaid as a member! Holy Koolaid is a Youtuber definitely worth watching! ...
David1955 comments on May 13, 2018:
"Holy crap" There's tautology for you.
Finally!!! Someone is standing up to the bully.
David1955 comments on May 13, 2018:
I agree. The Aust-US alliance should be one of mutual respect, but in truth we revel in being someone's little buddy, and that's how the US treats us and regards us really. When Trump spoke to Turnbull like a dog a little while back it wasn't just Trump being Trump, but a glimpse of the reality of US elite attitude to Australia. He let it slip, and they smoothed it over afterwards. Australia should be a country of principles, and we are, but mostly other country's principles. Of course, the Australian political, business and media elite maintain a concerted effort to discourage Australian self-criticism or even serious self reflection. The mantra and reverberating echo of Australian self-congratulation fills our media and public discourse. You can say anything you like about Australia, as long as it's glowing and not critical. This is never more truer than talking about our foreign policy. I've refused to go along with this mantra for years. It started with the right wing, but has now corrupted left of centre politics as well, just as conservative ideology had corrupted just about everything else about progressive politics. So, no, don't expect Australia to stand up against anything any US governments do. That's not what little buddies do. Little buddies are with you right or wrong, even while you're kicking them.
Drive-in movies
David1955 comments on May 12, 2018:
Oh man, now you're talking about my youth. Bad sound, rain, rotten food from the canteen and a picture that was basic at best, freeze your ass off during winter, what could beat that? Well, there was the girl and you in the back seat. :-) That might have had something to do with it. In my case I can even boast that my father was a part owner of a suburban drive-in and we didn't have to pay. Never made much money, but it cool saying we owned one. Fun days. It was the best excuse young guys and gals had to go somewhere and make out.
Athiestists and Astrology
David1955 comments on May 12, 2018:
Reading this thread I'm seriously thinking of throwing away my Tarot Cards, as well as my Iching sticks, not to mention my mystical tea pot for tea leaf reading, my astrological dart board, my fortune telling dice, and between you and me even the garden statue from which bird poop stain-divining is practiced is also on borrowed time. Thanks a lot. :-)
Atheist, Humanist, Secularist, Skeptic, Freethinker
Here for community
  • Level8 (112,827pts)
  • Posts293
  • Comments
      Replies
    3,075
    2,564
  • Followers 33
  • Fans 0
  • Following 1
  • Fav. Posts 1
  • Joined Dec 19th, 2017
  • Last Visit Very recently
David1955's Groups