Has anyone watched Altered Carbon, on Netflix?

JustLuAnn comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I have watched the first two episodes. I'm saving the rest for a rainy day.

David1955 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Me too, exactly, 2 episodes and I'll keep the rest for when I'm ready. I have to say, it's a bit like Bladerunner meets Blade meets about a dozen other sci fi movies and tv shows.

What is your definition of God?

AxeElf comments on Feb 3, 2018:

My God is defined by 5 axioms: 1 God exists. 2 God is omnipotent. 3 God is omniscient. 4 God is omnipresent. 5 God is omnibenevolent.

David1955 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

so, Mr @AxeElf we now know that: 1 anything that anyone believes, no matter the value, is an axiom, so the word has little meaning other than an opinion. So we are back where we started. 2 You don't think much about your fellow Christians . Cheer up, nor do I. 3 Yours, however, is a rational Christian faith, apparently. Indeed, you are right about one thing. Some would consider rational faith to be an oxymoron. I am one of them. Intellectual lightweights like Bertrand Russell would agree with me. Regarding your last sentence, I beg to differ. The impressiveness of your arguments is directly proportional to your audience's ability to see through them.

What is your definition of God?

AxeElf comments on Feb 3, 2018:

My God is defined by 5 axioms: 1 God exists. 2 God is omnipotent. 3 God is omniscient. 4 God is omnipresent. 5 God is omnibenevolent.

David1955 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

@AxeElf. ok, here's an axiom: GOD DOESN'T EXIST. Thanks for accepting my "axiom" (according to your logic) What are you doing here, on a site for nonbelievers? You don't accept any non religious position, and your arguments, such as they are, don't impress. Why don't you find a place called religious believers.com or some such. You have the right to be here, but I can't see the point, really.

What is your definition of God?

AxeElf comments on Feb 3, 2018:

My God is defined by 5 axioms: 1 God exists. 2 God is omnipotent. 3 God is omniscient. 4 God is omnipresent. 5 God is omnibenevolent.

David1955 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

@AxeElf Axiom 1. A self-evident or universally recognized truth; a maxim: 2. An established rule, principle, or law. 3. A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument;a postulate. Your assertions are not self evident axioms. They are not generally accepted as true, and cannot be used as a general principle in argument. Almost non one here would accept them. Quite the opposite. You like the word, but you use it falsely. It is axiomatic that it is immoral and wrong for human beings to "own" other human beings as slaves. That's an axiom.

What is your definition of God?

AxeElf comments on Feb 3, 2018:

My God is defined by 5 axioms: 1 God exists. 2 God is omnipotent. 3 God is omniscient. 4 God is omnipresent. 5 God is omnibenevolent.

David1955 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

An axiom is something that is considered to be true or accepted. Your 5 points are not axioms: they are suppositions, and anything but accepted or considered to be true, much less proven. Believe what your like, but axioms they are not.

What is your definition of God?

icolan comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I'm pretty sure we already have a name for the light that comes from the sun, why call it god and saddle it with all the baggage that comes with that name?

David1955 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

I think you and the late great Carl Sagan would have gotten along. I agree, BTW.

I was told by a Christian that atheist stay stressed cause they always doing research on everything.

David1955 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Ah yes, ignorance is bliss. The old religionist argument: don't ask too many questions, don't question too much, just believe. Just like in the Dark Ages. Dark Ages thinking, you just can't beat it. :-)

David1955 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau. Don't bother, I'll do it myself. I'll go noisily.

It was just pointed out, and a total surprise to me, that Cleopatra is nearer in time to the Aswan ...

David1955 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

Cleopatra wasn't even racially an Egyptian woman. She was Greek, her line going back to Alexander the Great period a couple of centuries before.

David1955 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

We could also mention that in her family incest was common, for example between brother and sister as was the case with CLEO and her brother, in order to keep the Greek bloodline in the family "pure" . Interesting family.

Are atheists in general, more intelligent than religious people?

Gatovicolo comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Well, of course they are. And agnostics are more intelligent than atheists, of course. ????

David1955 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

@Gatovicolo It wasn't meant like that, which I think you know, but if it offends you then I withdraw it. We'll keep out each other's way. It's easy to do here.

Are atheists in general, more intelligent than religious people?

Gatovicolo comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Well, of course they are. And agnostics are more intelligent than atheists, of course. ????

David1955 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

@Gatovicolo I find your kind of upperty agnosticism less than pleasant. Not all agnostics are like that, but they are around. It is characterised by throwing terms at atheists like untenable and fallacious, after making claims about atheism that are not true, like saying we say "God doesn't exist" instead of what we do say "there is no evidence for the existence of any God". Falsely trying to take the higher ground. There will be no further need for any exchanges between us on this. (@WizardBill)

Which so called "conspiracy theory/ theories" of all of them do you seriously believe, or believe ...

chicagojcb comments on Jan 28, 2018:

None. Zero. Nada. I don't deal in "may be", which is why I'm an atheist, not an agnostic. Present me with facts, and I'll believe. Conspiracy theories don't fall in that category.

David1955 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

@chicagojcb The delicious irony here is that I speculated just days ago here that Trump and the crazies in his party would conspire to neutralise the Russia Investigation by concocting a false flag or similar, and lo and behold it's happening, over these Memos. I am beginning to think that in the past they were simply better at conspiring to lie, discredit and divert attention than they are now, or maybe we are wise to them, or the media are sharper. Back in the 60s they got away with stuff they couldn't now. Ultimately it's a matter of history, and we might be surprised how many crazy conspiracy theories prove out in the future. I'm old enough to remember when people speculated that the US conspired to facilitate US escalation in the Vietnam war. Laughable, until we found out about the Bay of Tonkin false flag and the Pentagon Papers. Things are never that cut and dried in this world. Certainly not in the US.

Are atheists in general, more intelligent than religious people?

Gatovicolo comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Well, of course they are. And agnostics are more intelligent than atheists, of course. ????

David1955 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Hey @Gatovicolo, as Bertrand Russell pointed out, if you are going to be agnostic you can't just talk about one God, the one that you grew up with, usually the Christian God, you also have to be agnostic about all the thousands of other gods humans have created. Remember that the impossibility of proof you referred to also applies to Apollo, and all other Gods. As Russell said, in reality, agnostics are atheists about all the gods they don't know or care about, but choose to be agnostic about the one they do. That's why just about always agnostics refer to God in the singular, incorrectly. So when you're throwing around words like "fallacious" you might like to think about the consistency, or indeed lack of it, of the agnostic position. Ok? @Sarahroo29

Who is your favorite villain?

azzow2 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Catwoman from the old batman

David1955 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Come on! Julie Newmar Catwoman is one of my favourite Goddesses. She was only bad from some angles, like all cats are. She's wonderful. She was only bad because she wanted Batman to love her and save her. And he was such a smuck he couldn't see it. :-)

Who is your favorite villain?

LEPeff comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Macbeth. In many good stories the hero starts out vulnerable and grows wiser, stronger, and more virtuous as the story progresses. It is the opposite in Macbeth. He starts out as a loyal soldier for his King and devolves into a villain with no qualms about murdering anyone who gets in his way.

David1955 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Well I think Lady MacB egged him on and shares some of that. But then again Life's a Walking Shadow, a Poor Player....

Why are Christians being marginalized in America?

David1955 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Truth is, despite their bleatings, White Christians still have a stranglehold on America, politics, finance and business. White Christian complaints in the US are hypocrisy as an art form. The racial mix is changing and underclass challenge is evident, but to call that marginalised is absurd. ...

David1955 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@rmnsgrt Well I specialised in political science and political philosophy at university, and history, 20th Century, and the various revolutions, French, US, China and and Russian, oh I have been to China, which is still Communist, last I heard, so I guess I encountered it in theory, history and in practice, but what your comparison is between a political system and a religion, well I have no earthly idea. So I'll guess I'll just stipulate that Christianity is bad and Communism is bad too... And Fascism is bad...and totalitarianism is bad...and military juntas are bad.....

Is being forceful with ones' disbelief of religion any better than someone trying to convert one to ...

David1955 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

This question is somewhat loaded, with an assumption that atheists are forceful about their non belief in religion. It reminds of something R.Dawkins said once that if you're clear, confident and articulate about your atheism then you're labelled hostile and militant, simply for that. Comparing ...

David1955 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@Shelton Ok.

I upset several devout Christians this afternoon.

David1955 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I always think if you upset some devout Christians, then the day hasn't been a complete loss. :-)

David1955 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@AxeElf I can't begin to imagine what logic might be used for your last statement, and I don't really care, but if you want to be courteous to religions then you go right ahead. No one says you have to subscribe to one form of atheism. But the truth is religions will take all that respect and keep doing the shitty things they have been doing for millennia. Good luck to you friend; (BTW my favorite term for Christians is "Christos" but its meant to be patronizing. :-) )

I upset several devout Christians this afternoon.

David1955 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I always think if you upset some devout Christians, then the day hasn't been a complete loss. :-)

David1955 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@AxeElf "Bowing out of the fight"? That's really going to help the cause. You might be aware that there was a lot of accommodating in the 20th Century towards religion, showing all that respect and so on. Really paid off: extreme right wing evangelism, islamic terrorism, growth of religious fundamentalism. So when atheist activists in the early 21 C suggested a more muscular attitude towards religion, many of us heard the call. Hostility is the term you used. I would say a more confident and direct challenge to religion. Oh and by the way, my comment above was meant to be a tad humorous. Bowing out? Oh no; Why do you use the term Xians? ( I know the meaning)

What is the worst argument that religionists use against atheists that gets your back up?

Alynscott comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I am sorry for you. As if I care that they are sorry that I don't agree with them

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Absolutely.

How many folks here know who this is, and/or remember his presidency?

David1955 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Did the poster seriously think that people wouldn't at least remember JFK if for no other reason than the recurring issue of the assassination? I'm sure not. As for personally remembering him, well that is a generation related question. I was 8 in 1963. I remember the shock of that time, generally ...

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@HippieChick58 yes, no offence was meant by the question. I took it as a humorous question, actually, like of course we all remember JFK. As for some not recalling, I suppose I should not be surprised, given some young folk think ancient history is anything that happened before the invention of the iPhone. Worrying. And who said you're an OP? Not me. :-)

Which so called "conspiracy theory/ theories" of all of them do you seriously believe, or believe ...

chicagojcb comments on Jan 28, 2018:

None. Zero. Nada. I don't deal in "may be", which is why I'm an atheist, not an agnostic. Present me with facts, and I'll believe. Conspiracy theories don't fall in that category.

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Theories are theories, of whatever type or kind, until proven or disproven. Maybe is an adverb that means the matter remains possible until clearly proven otherwise. Do you think that maybe the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians, or had dealings with them that were not legal, or that maybe Trump has attempted to thwart justice? Maybe? Thinking about and considering it? Waiting for the investigation to conclude? Congratulations fellow atheist, you are dealing with a "maybe".

Which so called "conspiracy theory/ theories" of all of them do you seriously believe, or believe ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

All conspiracy theories are pure garbage invented by weird minds working overtime.

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Ok. What about the conspiracy theory Woodward and Bernstein had in mind when they went after the Nixon Adminstration in the early 1970s?

Is being an atheist important?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I was a wacko Fundamentalist. It was devistating to my pschological well being as a child. Mostly due to the extreme guilt I felt. Yes it is very important to me to let peolpe know its OK to not believe in God and perfectly normal. I hope to help anyone whom wishes escape the clutches of religion ...

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau You were a Wacko fundamentalist? Now that's hard to believe. Well, you're cured. :-)

Which so called "conspiracy theory/ theories" of all of them do you seriously believe, or believe ...

Vic47 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

None. I walk away from those sorts of people.

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@Vic47 Well, that interesting. But I've never forgotten that Woodward and Bernstein were, by definition, conspiracy theorists. They had a conspiracy about the Nixon Adminstration. Fortunately, with the No2 of the FBI leaking files, and Nixon's own recordings, it was proven true. Without all that unusually high evidence, it may well have been just another conspiracy theory never proven against a President. And people might laugh at it now. People in power do conspire, to conceal the truth, and to manipulate. That can certainly be computed in a world of chaos, chance and change. Certainly to this atheist.

Which so called "conspiracy theory/ theories" of all of them do you seriously believe, or believe ...

Vic47 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

None. I walk away from those sorts of people.

David1955 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Interesting isn't it, how the expression conspiracy theory is now equated with crazy. Quite a nice job the authorities have done calling any questioning of official stories as conspiracy theories. Of course, governments, military, security agencies, media and alike always tell us the truth and believe in transparency. Of course. Like President Nixon, like the Pentagon Papers..

Non-Supernatural Religions, This Community and Dawkins’(and other activists’) critique on ...

Atheopagan comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I am critical of Dawkins, Dennett et al because they attack "religion" in a generalized way, but then narrowly define "religion" only to mean those religions that require supernatural belief. It's a straw man argument, and it throws the baby (community building, sense of meaning and place in the ...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@Atheopagan I think their arguments are pretty nuanced, actually. They are very articulate people. I can't help but think you stand in front of the target and say "Why are they firing at us?" But, I have thought about non supernatural religions since reading your posts. I still think they are philosophies rather than religions, but I'm sure you won't agree. I even think of this about Buddhism, tho people always think it's a religion.

Was sex more fun when you still believed in original sin?

Freedompath comments on Jan 26, 2018:

That's the silliest question I have seen lately! I just never attached my sexuality to my religion. Although, it did appear it was supposed to be shunned as much as possible by the church teachings! But, then on the other hand, hardly anything out of my religion stuck to me! Maybe, it has ...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

You're right, but with this poster's question it's our leg he's pulling. :-)

Was sex more fun when you still believed in original sin?

GeorgeRocheleau comments on Jan 26, 2018:

The worst part about being an atheist, you have nobody to talk to during an orgasm.

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

Yes, crying out "Oh Universe!!!" at the end doesn't quite cut it, does it.

Was sex more fun when you still believed in original sin?

WizardBill comments on Jan 26, 2018:

When was it ever not fun?

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

When we weren't getting any. :-)

Best fictional TV show that features Atheism?

paul1967 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

My first exposed to atheism on TV was Star Trek S2 E2 "Who Mourns For Adonais?" In this episode, it is made clear Scotty doesn't believe in God(s) I was shocked that a TV network would allow a protagonist character to be an atheist in the late 60s. Since then I have seen more exposure on the subject...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@paul1967 Absolutely, Absolutely. The new guy playing younger Sarek in the new Discovery series is good, but he's no Mr Lenard. Lenard had great theatre actor charisma. Colicos was a splendid actor, and in my other fav episode Errand of Mercy in which he played I think the first Klingon. In those episodes Roddenberry hits great themes, that's why people note them. :-)

Best fictional TV show that features Atheism?

paul1967 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

My first exposed to atheism on TV was Star Trek S2 E2 "Who Mourns For Adonais?" In this episode, it is made clear Scotty doesn't believe in God(s) I was shocked that a TV network would allow a protagonist character to be an atheist in the late 60s. Since then I have seen more exposure on the subject...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@paul1967 Actually it was Paramount studios who took over Desilu a productions in 1967 and had production control. Roddenberry was always fighting with them. Sponsors were not the problem, but the Studio used to say "You'll offend all the people down South..." about issues of race and religion. Roddenberry would say "Well let them be offended!" Great guy. BTW, when Shatner uttered that line, knowing the story and Robbenberry's view, he throws the line away, says it quickly, which is great. Of my 3 favourite episodes of the TOS Adonais is one. It's not fancy in terms of production, but the themes are perfect.

Best fictional TV show that features Atheism?

David1955 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I wasn't aware that there were any. Perhaps Star Trek, TOS, 1966-1969. Definitely atheist themes reflecting Roddenberry.

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@Mcflewster I understand Roddenberry was an atheist, or maybe agnostic, with a very negative view of religion. Yes and humanist. Saw a quote of his to the effect that humanity will only achieve its potential if we have a fair economic system, a just social justice, and reject religion. His ST TOS series reflected that in the 23C. I really agree with that view.

Best fictional TV show that features Atheism?

carlyhorton comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Bones: The two lead characters were an open atheist and a Catholic. I liked the show, but I hated that the Catholic was more often portrayed as warm and compassionate while the atheist was more often emotionless and socially awkward. The Orville: Seth McFarland's sci-fi Star Trek homage. The ...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

The Orville, last episode, loved it! Became a fan after that episode. Very Roddenberrian in theme. I really like the actress who plays Kelly. Gorgeous.

Best fictional TV show that features Atheism?

paul1967 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

My first exposed to atheism on TV was Star Trek S2 E2 "Who Mourns For Adonais?" In this episode, it is made clear Scotty doesn't believe in God(s) I was shocked that a TV network would allow a protagonist character to be an atheist in the late 60s. Since then I have seen more exposure on the subject...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

I absolutely love Who Mourns for Adonais? From ST TOS S2. There is a whole story about how Roddenberry fought against the studio over it. In the scene where Kirk says to Apollo "Mankind has no need of Gods" the studio made Kirk say something like "We find just one God sufficient". Over Roddenberry's head. Great episode. Later in ST series they added a lot of quasi religious crap, but in the TOS the vision was 23 C, no religion, science and reason and social equality. Hope you agree.

Television- The great bullshitter

AnthonyP comments on Jan 26, 2018:

TV is largely bullshit and I rarely watch it anymore. I do watch some fiction based show purely out of desire for escapism from reality. It's ok to watch and be entertained by something even though it isn't true. I like watching The Walking Dead, for instance, simply for the drama of it and the use ...

David1955 replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@Sadoi You mean you're not watching Fox (alleged) News? You don't know what you're missing? Duuuuuuuuurrhhhh! (vomiting sound). :-)

What are the commentariats' views on legal prostitution?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Let's face it people are going to have sex. The Romans used to sell special tokens specifically for prostitution. Modern historians did the math and found out that the going rates were almost identical to today! Sexy sells and has for a very long time. What I am concerned about is first that we...

David1955 replies on Jan 25, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau Absolutely. The dehumanising of people of those who work in this industry, which is what it is, is one of worst aspects of the current laws in many or most practices. Don't know if the situation is better in places like Nevada where it's legal. One would hope so. Never been there however.

What are the commentariats' views on legal prostitution?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Let's face it people are going to have sex. The Romans used to sell special tokens specifically for prostitution. Modern historians did the math and found out that the going rates were almost identical to today! Sexy sells and has for a very long time. What I am concerned about is first that we...

David1955 replies on Jan 25, 2018:

You have a knack for saying exactly what I would have said and so I don't have to say it. The police and the law wasting time on consenting adults negotiating sex, on whatever basis, without harming anyone, is pure folly.

I dislike living in a highly conservative area.

atheist comments on Jan 25, 2018:

So you're having difficulty getting laid, is that it? :)

David1955 replies on Jan 25, 2018:

Boy, you really go for the jugular, don't you @atheist? :-) It must be fun to watch you around religionists.

A world of Tribes. Are we one?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 25, 2018:

From an anthropological aspect of speaking I think there is much merit to what she said. We have survived as a species due to tribalism and working together to survive. This in itself may be correct, but in the context that she is thinking of it is very wrong. Let's say that this is KKK.com. ...

David1955 replies on Jan 25, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau Great points here.Tribalism, to use that term, is part of human behaviour, essential really. In some ways, to push the analogy here, this site is more like a little a loose affiliation of sub-tribes broadly under the banner of mostly non religious. The analogy is strained I know, but the dynamic here is not constrained by a narrow world or nationalistic or ideological view, as witnessed by the debates here. You hear about the tribalism that commentators talk about in the US (Australia too) on political and media lines, like CNN viewers and Fox viewers, the political parties, and I think it reflects a desire by many to plug into a group world view that makes the confusion of life comprehensible. The danger is when that view is narrow, ignorant and completely inward looking. If this site is a tribe it's a good one; it's open ended, everything gets challenged, including sacred cows. Perhaps my student's comment prompted me to think about whether the culture of the site is a good one. I've decided it is. Somehow they, whoever they are, have managed to create a site for mostly non believers and it just works.

You heathens eat pineapple on pizza?

Qryzti comments on Jan 24, 2018:

No. That's so disrespectful to pizza.

David1955 replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@Qryzti Pizzas have feelings? I'll never be able to cut one again...

Is Atheist vs. Agnostic conflict a real thing?

buck1977 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Atheist/Theist addresses belief Agnostic/Gnostic addresses knowledge conflict is imaginary

David1955 replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Well here's a contradictory post if ever there was one.

11 reasons Why Christianity and its God should be thrown into the dustbin of history

Hominid comments on Jan 23, 2018:

As much as I agree with every point, the article was written in an accusatory, condemnatory tone; certainly not something I'd share with any Christian.

David1955 replies on Jan 23, 2018:

Why, you don't want to hurt their feelings? You old softie, you, Hominid :-)

I live in India and I have not met a single friend or family member in India who is an atheist, I ...

WynnHorton comments on Jan 22, 2018:

Most atheists are male. This site has far more women than I expected. Men don't need the support network as much as females, perhaps. Just a thought, but, at least in European countires, there are FARRRR more vegetarian and vegan females (70% about) than males, so if you go vegetarian (an easy ...

David1955 replies on Jan 23, 2018:

I'm not being fact picky here, but you seen any data to show that most atheists are male? I suspect that this is not true, but I don't recall seeing any data on this.

Question from a newbie to this forum, but not a newbie Atheist.

MsOliver comments on Jan 22, 2018:

This is the subject I diverge with one of the Horsemen, specifically Sam Harris on. I think the whole notion of "spirituality" is simply whooo for people who can't let go of all things religious. Others will disagree but I simply find no need for "spirituality" to make life meaningful or complete,...

David1955 replies on Jan 23, 2018:

Nicely put, especially the last sentence.

Your favorite atheist or agnostic comedian?

PeppermintDreads comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I LOVE Ricky Gervais! And while not typically thought of as a comedian, Stephen Frye.

David1955 replies on Jan 23, 2018:

Fry is certainly comedian as one of his talents. And I agree with you. Very outspoken atheist.

Question from a newbie to this forum, but not a newbie Atheist.

David1955 comments on Jan 22, 2018:

The word spiritual is not one I like to use myself. Some people use it in a good sense to mean an appreciation of the wonders of the universe and respect for all we don't know. Carl Sagan used it like this. Others use it poorly to mean nonsense, things they can't prove, or to pretend they are on "a ...

David1955 replies on Jan 22, 2018:

@A2Jennifer Personally, as an atheist, I totally reject mysticism of any and all kinds, including those things you mentioned. I would only use it in a Carl Sagan sense: contemplation of what we know, what we can prove through evidence based thinking, and humility about what we don't yet know. This has nothing to do with religion. Religionists have stolen the word spiritual and corrupted it. It should be wrestled back from them.

I have a question for people who describe themselves as agnostic.

skado comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I'm not an agnostic or an atheist because I don't believe there's a god for me to not believe in.

David1955 replies on Jan 22, 2018:

Doesn't that make you an atheist, despite the double negative? I'm confused.

If someone was to start an atheist church, would you attend?

gearl comments on Jan 21, 2018:

There are atheist churches called Sunday Assemblies. If there were one locally I would try it out. I could never become regular but it would be fun to find people with similar ideas. Jerry DeWitt has one such church in DeRidder, La. When I got out of religion, one thing I did miss was the ...

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

These stories where preachers become atheist activists are always interesting. They often face terrible backlash because of it. Saw one like this in an atheist doc a few years ago. Guy set up an atheist support community and he was in one of the Bible Belt states. He had been a TV preacher there. Very courageous. I admire people like this.

I have a question for people who describe themselves as agnostic.

stinkeye_a comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I need to see some proof before I'll "believe" anything: this God, that god, those gods, no gods. Anything. Everything. Show me proof, and then we'll talk.

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

A b s o l u t e l y

What political party do you consider yourself to be?

MichaelSpinler comments on Jan 21, 2018:

progressive independent, that backs sanders.

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@Marcus_Angelus Bernie Sanders is a open Democratic Socialist, as am I, though I'm in Australia. He draws on the political ideology that I do. Communist is something else again.

What political party do you consider yourself to be?

SamKerry comments on Jan 21, 2018:

Labour Party, AUS. They are on the left side of the political divide. I can't bring myself to fully adopt The Greens yet - even if I really should. Some habits/traditions are still difficult to change.

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

I'm with him, except I have embraced the Greens cause the Labor Party (correct spelling) is so right wing and has been since the 1980s when a couple of economic rationalists called Hawke and Keating destroyed its progressive agenda. The strategy was so successful since they left the party has won one election in the past 25 years. Way to go. Come to think that's a big "except".

Which Wyatt Earp movie do you prefer?

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Jan 21, 2018:

As a kid I liked the Earp done by Burt Lancaster with a catlike walk and unfortunately no mustache and still alive Kirk Douglas as Doc Holiday. I would had added "Gunfight in the OK corral" as a choice. I can't decide of the 3 but Val Kilmer looked too healthy to be sick I watch them all every time...

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

Yeah the real OK Corral fight was just a few seconds. According to Hollywood it lasted about 25 minutes. Funny.

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

David1955 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Excellent response @MichaelSpinler on this subject. I'm a little taken aback by a post that rails against people trying to "educate" others about labels while doing exactly that in the post. This issue has come about from a challenge from agnostics about the site and what it stands for. Having ...

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@silvereyes "...your initial response through make it seem as though I directed the entire message at you ..." No, I didn't think that. I knew it was a reflection on recent discussions.. "In the end, I think we agree about being on the same side... etc. I agree.

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

David1955 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Excellent response @MichaelSpinler on this subject. I'm a little taken aback by a post that rails against people trying to "educate" others about labels while doing exactly that in the post. This issue has come about from a challenge from agnostics about the site and what it stands for. Having ...

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@silvereyes OK. Just so we're clear, comments like agnostics don't have the balls etc are not something I would say or have said, including here. You can check my contributions. And I haven't read atheists say this about agnostics, but maybe they have. I get the agnostic position, I do, and used it myself in the past. But now the logic of agnostic doesn't work for me. But I think we are all on the same side, ultimately. As I said in another post, I want to fight "The Romans" not us. (Life of Brian). So, when agnostics say atheism is "insane", "arrogant" or "dogmatic" - I quote these as they have been said to me here - it's wrong and doesn't help. :-)

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

David1955 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Excellent response @MichaelSpinler on this subject. I'm a little taken aback by a post that rails against people trying to "educate" others about labels while doing exactly that in the post. This issue has come about from a challenge from agnostics about the site and what it stands for. Having ...

David1955 replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@silvereyes. Oh I don't take anything personally. Your preferred dictionary definitions are fine but these are basic definitions only of course. My point though is, if you look at the relevant posts, the running on this issue has come agnostics, including about this site definition, and not so much from atheists. I think we atheists are very laid back about whether people choose agnostic or atheist. Really.

Ancient Aliens

David1955 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

You all think the show is a joke but you watch it. What does that tell you? Well, clever marketing, but also we humans just love the idea of a big cosmic thingamy to intrigue us. Oh, I'm no better, before you flame me. I've watched a few episodes, but not a lot. It's a hoot. Mostly harmless, unlike ...

David1955 replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@DwayneBarrett And the link between questioning the existence of Aliens and believing the world is flat is ???

When was the last time you had an in-person theological discussion?

Sacha comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Ummmm about 100 years ago when I was 18 I got into a debate with a born again Christian that kept going round and round and no where, and that was the last time I ever attempted that. Until I was in Egypt and I think I may of had 1 too many Egyptian vodkas (They make it there you know) And I told my...

David1955 replies on Jan 20, 2018:

I've gotta say @Sacha for a 118 year old you're certainly looking good. What's your secret?

Any Sam Harris fans?

gearl comments on Jan 19, 2018:

I've read "Letter to a Christian Nation", "Islam and the Future of Tolerance", "Free Will" and "The End of Faith" and watched many debates and talks. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of him was his confrontation with Ben Affleck on Bill Maher's show. I gained even more respect for ...

David1955 replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Absolutely. I think Affleck is a d--k. He's all packaging and no product.

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

David1955 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Looking at all this and some of the assumptions about what atheism is which I think are wrong but obviously it doesn't seem to matter much whatever you say, I am left wondering what the tag line of this site is becoming. "Agnostic.com is a non profit organisation allowing discussion between ...

David1955 replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay It doesn't just cater to atheists and alike. Another false assumption.

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

David1955 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Looking at all this and some of the assumptions about what atheism is which I think are wrong but obviously it doesn't seem to matter much whatever you say, I am left wondering what the tag line of this site is becoming. "Agnostic.com is a non profit organisation allowing discussion between ...

David1955 replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@silvereyes. @Sadoi. Atheism - a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods, a lack of belief based on the total absence of evidence to the contrary. That's all gods, past and present. It's actually a position based on the total lack of evidence. If the evidence changes then I'd review it. It's the same position I hold on fairies, dragons and leprechauns, or a cosmic duck that created the universe. God is just a word and an imagined thing like cosmic ducks. The position is consistent with all unproven phenomena. I respect your agnosticism, but I only ask that you acknowledge that your agnosticism must apply equally not just to the God you grew up with but all Gods, ancient and current, as well as dragons and leprechauns and cosmic ducks, because the proven existence or otherwise of all of these things is unknowable. That is not a position I can hold. I don't believe in ANY of them, because there is not a scrap of proof for them, and I don't have to prove that they don't exist. With that said, I'm sure we can all be friends, and, I would have said, until recently, fellow nonbelievers, but with some of these discussions recently, I'm not sure if I can say nor not.

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

David1955 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Looking at all this and some of the assumptions about what atheism is which I think are wrong but obviously it doesn't seem to matter much whatever you say, I am left wondering what the tag line of this site is becoming. "Agnostic.com is a non profit organisation allowing discussion between ...

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@Sadoi I think you missed my point. It wasn't that people don't get along here. They do, and that's great. My point was about the possible dissolution of the focus of the site trying to find a tag line that everyone agrees with. I think we should stand for something clear: religious non belief. Others join in but that's what this site is. Remember this thread started from an agnostic unhappy with the tag line. What does it take for agnostics to be happy? I'm an atheist, I might have complained about the site name Agnostic.com, but I didn't and don't. Is the tag line perfect from my view? No, but again it's ok. Have I called agnostics "arrogant"? No, and won't. Another agnostic said to me that atheists are "insane" because of that view. Yet another said atheists are "dogmatic". I would never say that to an agnostic unless other factors applied. Perhaps my concern is that if this site tries to be all things to all people it might end up being nothing for anyone.

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

David1955 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Looking at all this and some of the assumptions about what atheism is which I think are wrong but obviously it doesn't seem to matter much whatever you say, I am left wondering what the tag line of this site is becoming. "Agnostic.com is a non profit organisation allowing discussion between ...

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay It wasn't specifically named agnostic. @Admin in an earlier post noted that it depended on available domain names and choosing a name which might be generally acceptable. Admin can clarify that, but this site cannot be called specifically agnostic or constrained by the term. Personally I would have preferred Non Believers or Unbelievers, drawing on the Dawkins et.al term used. But it hard to find a term to please everyone.

What's your favorite pizza?

David1955 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

I hope there are no more threads like this. You just get hungry reading it. Now I've got to get a damn pizza tomorrow, Saturday, cause all I can think about is pizza. Thanks a lot. :-) :-).

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@MyLiege I'll have you know that their gourmet chicken vegetarian supreme is quite excellent. It's not Pizza Hut, after all. ????

Is it just me, or has gravity gotten clingy?

Zoidburg comments on Jan 19, 2018:

The earth is flat. Gravity is a myth.

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@HippieChick58 Surely you know that this is just cat behaviour to train you and keep you from getting any ideas about being the boss or in charge in any way. With cats you have a choice: you can yield now or you can yield later. Cats are like The Borg: Resistance is Futile.

What's your favorite pizza?

David1955 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

I hope there are no more threads like this. You just get hungry reading it. Now I've got to get a damn pizza tomorrow, Saturday, cause all I can think about is pizza. Thanks a lot. :-) :-).

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@MyLiege Is Caesars Pizza technically a small business? A global franchise isn't it?

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

shockwaverider comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Perspective is a funny thing, isn't it? @admin I'm fine with the tagline. I have the opposite view of the site. I was expecting the site to be predominantly non-believers which is how I view agnostics. The semantic differences don't interest me and I am surprised how much energy is spent ...

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@Sadoi I just have come in here and really say, agreeing @AMGT, that there really isn't anything arrogant or finite about being an an atheist. Saying that the total absence of evidence of God justifies being an atheist is no more arrogant than saying a total absence of evidence for any other supernatural things justifies being a nonbeliever in those things. Now, if the evidence changes, I'll reconsider it. That's hardly arrogance. We're I an agnostic, I'd also have to be agnostic about the Islamic God, the Jewish God, the God Apollo and all the rest. Or, is agnostic just about the Christian God? I wonder. I don't see how you can be agnostic about only God and be consistent. I hate to be in dispute with fellow brother and sister non believers, but equating atheism with arrogance is just a button pusher for me. Sorry.

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

Coffeo comments on Jan 19, 2018:

There are a lot of comments on this post, and I must confess to not having read all of them in detail. So if what I'm about to say reiterates anything in an earlier comment, I apologize in advance. If it is really the case that an agnostic regards the existence or non-existence of god as ...

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@Coffeo. Your choice of course. But a question: what benefit, strength of position, or real advantage does calling yourself an agnostic give you over calling yourself an atheist? Put another way, what is the negative reflection or downside, either in your own eyes, or in others', in saying you are an atheist? It is a genuine question.

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

Admin comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Wow, what a good discussion... makes me hesitant to make changes though. I'm leaning towards something more descriptive such as: "Agnostic.com is a non-profit community for atheists, agnostics, humanists, freethinkers, skeptics and others happy without religion" Boring but clear and ...

David1955 replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Fine by me, but as I discovered during my time here, there are some here who follow so-called non-supernatural secular "religions". I think they are philosophies, but they don't agree. Just wondering if they might not like to be included in the phrase "happy without religion". I know they feel attacks on religion offends them. It surprised me, but there it is. Just thought I'd mention it. You might get feedback. Hopefully not. I like it however. I don't envy your job Admin.

In one moment I am born, living and taking my last breath.

resserts comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Time may be an illusion in some sense, but I'm not sure I see it as making much practical difference. We still exist within that perception. Whether time is a real phenomenon or some sort of emergent property of a larger reality seems immaterial to how I behave. I don't truly believe in ...

David1955 replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@UnityBrad It must be a 'wavelength' thing with you and me, but I can't decide if you're serious or not.

In one moment I am born, living and taking my last breath.

resserts comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Time may be an illusion in some sense, but I'm not sure I see it as making much practical difference. We still exist within that perception. Whether time is a real phenomenon or some sort of emergent property of a larger reality seems immaterial to how I behave. I don't truly believe in ...

David1955 replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@resserts LOL. ??????

Can anybody give their views on mediums and faith healers? I think they are despicable.

engineer_in_nj comments on Jan 18, 2018:

I think they would make the world a much better place if they used their skill set in a medical setting. Like volunteering in actual hospitals to cheer up patients. I don't like saying someone is evil I prefer to think that they are using their abilites in the wrong way and i hope they correct ...

David1955 replies on Jan 18, 2018:

Cheer up patients how exactly, using that skill set? I'm not being sarcastic. I am wondering what your thinking is.

Some times I wish I believed in a god, so I'd have someone to get pissed at.

David1955 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Yes. John Lennon wrote in a song, "God is a concept by which we measure our pain." I think this is truly insightful. God or equivalent is something we can create to have an external reference to vent our frustration and anger. It's a natural thing for specks like us on a ball in space to do, to ...

David1955 replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@Maurcus Is that DAMN - good; or DAMN - bad. I'll lose sleep till I know;

I look at this group as my own little hippie commune.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Cool!! Me too!! So nice to be able to say what I want to say and not worry about anyone getting their feelings hurt.

David1955 replies on Jan 18, 2018:

Well yes, but I have to say that I have had a few new age lovers, pope likers, Mother Earth worshippers, amateur philosophers, and ardent agnostics ("I'm not an atheist, dang blarn it!") who have gotten their noses a wee bit out of joint in some exchanges I have had, but with some it doesn't take much, really. No problems with fellow atheists though.

How long has everyone been single. For me it's been over 2 years.

Haider comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Are we talking about sex wise or relationship? Either way I have being single over a year tryin to figure out is it trump our president or gods exist? You pick one!

David1955 replies on Jan 18, 2018:

In order, unfortunately yes, and fortunately no.

How did God create the sun on the 4th day?

David1955 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

A religionist would say, "God's idea of a day is a mystery and unknowable to us and is a matter of faith." See, problem solved. :-)

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@Srijith you had better pass that on to @ThereIsNoGod10

Am I the only one on the planet who prefers reading to movies?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

I much prefer reading to TV or movies. I cut the cable about 2 years ago and have never regretted it. I used to watch TV with a book open, and pretty much follow both plots (which doesn't say much for the plot of either, I admit I was reading some pretty fluffy stuff.) Used to really aggravate the ...

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@HippieChick58 Well fair enough! I am ashamed to say I have never heard of Nurse Jackie. Not surprising, knowing me. :-)

Am I the only one on the planet who prefers reading to movies?

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

I much prefer reading to TV or movies. I cut the cable about 2 years ago and have never regretted it. I used to watch TV with a book open, and pretty much follow both plots (which doesn't say much for the plot of either, I admit I was reading some pretty fluffy stuff.) Used to really aggravate the ...

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

What about some of the better quality TV series? Obviously G of Thrones, House of Cards and alike. My ratio of tv to movies would 10.1 easily. Or do they not appeal as well?

I believe in GOD.

David1955 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Talk about trying to have the best of both worlds. If I thought like that I'd have cognitive dissonance. What then, in your view, is the link between your God and human beings. Obviously it's not religion, as you have discounted that. So what is it?

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@treyhill3 I've heard that sort of New Age stuff too much over the years. It's a bit of everything and nothing specific. Good luck to you, but there are those of us who are clear about where we stand on things. That might be dogmatism to you but not to me.

I can't seam to ignore religious comments

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Best to walk away and not waste time and energy.

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

It's rare that I ever disagree with your views on this site, and I don't really disagree with you here. It's true that in most cases it's a waste of time. It's just that in some rare cases you meet someone who is looking beyond their religion and a discussion can be interesting.

I believe in GOD.

David1955 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Talk about trying to have the best of both worlds. If I thought like that I'd have cognitive dissonance. What then, in your view, is the link between your God and human beings. Obviously it's not religion, as you have discounted that. So what is it?

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@treyhill3 I mean connection. Religion is usually the connection between the will of God and mankind. You said religion is man made, so do you see a connection between your God and us?

I've been thinking a lot about death recently and what I would like to happen with my remains when I...

David1955 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

If I could I would have my remains put into a rocket and shot into the Sun. I've never forgotten that Uncle Carl Sagan told us we are star stuff, and I'd like to be recycled that way. Bit difficult, I know.

David1955 replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@Coffeo Rockets? Oh man, they don't have rockets. They've got really cool stuff like gravity bubbles, and quantum drives, and wormhole generators...or so I am lead to believe... Aren't they lucky?

I have a huge problem with atheists who are completely intolerant of those who believe otherwise.

stomato comments on Jan 16, 2018:

REMEMBER: YOU DON'T KNOW ANY MORE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH THAN BELIVERS DO! When I see posts from our members that are absolutely hateful and destructive of others that feel differently than we do when it comes to religion, it makes me cringe! Can we really expect that anyone in the world ...

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@stomato My post was one reply you didn't like about the pope. I stand by my comments about the mainstream media phoney reporting about this pope. You don't agree ? You are welcome to disagree. I think you may have a problem with atheists who express views contrary to your pet subjects or positions. That's a problem for you to work through. And just a reality check here. You might think this pope is wonderful, but know this: you say you are an atheist. To the Catholic Church, and this pope, you are out of grace with God, you will be damned for your rejection of God. You represent everything the CC opposes. This pope does not stand for anything different. His BS statement on atheists was nuanced by his PR people just in case it was misunderstood. He doesn't judge gay people, great, but HIS GOD does, and the position of the CC hasn't changed. We had a poll here in Australia about gay marriage. Fortunately it was successful, but the CC opposed it, of course. That's Catholicism on the ground. Like in third world countries where the CC opposes birth control, family planning and alike. Actively opposes it, like in The Philippines. If you are offended, fellow atheist (with a lingering attraction to Catholicism I suspect) about those of us who look deeper, see beyond mainstream media spin, and read about real Catholicism at ground level, then that's a problem for you. But I do not see that you have legitimate grounds for complaint. If you wish to ignore my posts, and others like mine, then that is your privilege.

I've been thinking a lot about death recently and what I would like to happen with my remains when I...

David1955 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

If I could I would have my remains put into a rocket and shot into the Sun. I've never forgotten that Uncle Carl Sagan told us we are star stuff, and I'd like to be recycled that way. Bit difficult, I know.

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@Coffeo l'm sure you right. Lots of UFOs photographed around the Sun, according to the UFOers. I guess got it figured out. :-)

I've been thinking a lot about death recently and what I would like to happen with my remains when I...

David1955 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

If I could I would have my remains put into a rocket and shot into the Sun. I've never forgotten that Uncle Carl Sagan told us we are star stuff, and I'd like to be recycled that way. Bit difficult, I know.

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@Coffeo Don't know why, it's a bigger target. I mean you can't help but see the damn thing. You'd think the Sun's gravity would pull you there, but what do I know. I'll ask Lawrence Krause when I see him. :-)

If you could live anywhere in the world except your homeland, where would that be?

LucifersPen comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Well, since I speak Spanish, I would realistically gravitate towards South America, Peru, Bolivia, or Chile being at the top of the list, with maybe Argentina, except the economy there is always in danger of getting fucked up -- at least that's what Argentinians have told me. New Zealand appeals...

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@273kelvin Ah, yes, poor PM Harold Holt, taken by a shark, or drowned and eaten by a shark, can't be sure, back in 1967. Well, he was warned about it going into the surf...

If you could live anywhere in the world except your homeland, where would that be?

LucifersPen comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Well, since I speak Spanish, I would realistically gravitate towards South America, Peru, Bolivia, or Chile being at the top of the list, with maybe Argentina, except the economy there is always in danger of getting fucked up -- at least that's what Argentinians have told me. New Zealand appeals...

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@LucifersPen "Australia kind of intimidates me.The wildlife there is some of the craziest most vicious in the world." Ah, so I see you've heard about some of our politicians.. :-). Well, if you come here bring plenty of money. We get ripped off for everything.

I've had a lot of people think because I'm an atheist that I have no morals.

Jdreese comments on Jan 15, 2018:

I recently had to cut ties with my brother, because he thinks just because I'm an atheist, I'm a devil worshipper.

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

Wow, cut ties..sorry to hear that, but I do get that. My older brother used to be a non believer like me and now he's religious. He doesn't think I'm a devil worshipper, but we are not close now and I'm sure that my strong opposition to religion is part of it. Religion truly is insidious.

South America is getting a new dose of brainwashing.

stomato comments on Jan 15, 2018:

I harbor no ill will with Pope Francis, quite the opposite, I admire him greatly. He has made great strides to bring the Catholic community closer to the 21st century. Lots more to do, but he has done more than any other Pope I can think of. He said about gays "Who am I to judge". He said about ...

David1955 replies on Jan 16, 2018:

Excuse me but do you really think these tepid, PR nuanced utterances of this Pope, as you've quoted, mount up to anything? Nothing ever specific, major, or definite is ever uttered by this pope. I'm sorry, he's playing the media, playing the so called progressives in the CC, and he somehow manages to play some non believers into thinking he's different. There's research on this if you look, but basically this pope's play is this: 1. Pretend to make changes to the church to modernise it, to appeal to progressives, but do nothing specific. 2. Reassure the archaic reactionaries who run the church that he's not going to change anything, despite media spin, by stomping down on real progressives in the church at ground level. The stuff that the media don't want to know about. 3. Run a fake news story about a big battle going on between him and the CC reactionaries who are preventing him from making real change. The reactionaries don't care about being in bad guys in this story. They care little about the modern world as it is. The progressives believe though. 4. Pitch the story to the US in particular where the pope is more popular than a free hot dog at a ball game, where a goodly amount of the 150+ billion dollars that yearly sucks into the CC comes from. I am so tired of hearing from mainstream media and others how wonderful this pope is, since they never dig below the surface. I could quote you articles in the atheist world about this stuff, but I suggest you do it yourself. Catholic Church: same rotten wine, new bottle.

Besides religion, what's an example of magical thinking?

resserts comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Healing crystals, energy healing, lucky talismans, astrology, homeopathy, water divination, perpetual motion machines, empty force martial arts, psychic readings, The Secret, trickle-down economics…

David1955 replies on Jan 15, 2018:

@resserts lovely response, including trickle down economics. Now there's magic. Would like to shake your hand sir.

Worst movie ever made?

Skyfacer comments on Jan 13, 2018:

Dark Star. This was an outa space movie directed by John Carpenter. I'ts so bad it's very watchable.

David1955 replies on Jan 13, 2018:

Oh, come on, man, Dark Star is a classic of the 70s. A precursor to things like Alien, where you saw people living grungily in space. :-)

What's Going On.... Bernie Sanders

David1955 comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I'm a big admirer. Many outside the US are. 2016, he was robbed! I only wish he were 20 years younger. I intend nothing ageist about that. I wish him full steam ahead. But there are some realities about ageing that can't be ignored. I wish he had a protege, someone following in his footsteps, ...

David1955 replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@evestrat No disagreement. No one would be happier to see Bernie as President than me. What the Clintons and the corporate Democrats did to him in 2016 was a disgrace.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

twshield comments on Jan 10, 2018:

religion gives the religious HOPE. without HOPE, what would be the result?

David1955 replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@twshield With that sarcastic reply I'll not engage further with you on this site. Enjoy your time here.

What's Going On.... Bernie Sanders

David1955 comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I'm a big admirer. Many outside the US are. 2016, he was robbed! I only wish he were 20 years younger. I intend nothing ageist about that. I wish him full steam ahead. But there are some realities about ageing that can't be ignored. I wish he had a protege, someone following in his footsteps, ...

David1955 replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Well I don't think Mr Biden should run either. He seems like a nice man, but that's not enough.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

twshield comments on Jan 10, 2018:

religion gives the religious HOPE. without HOPE, what would be the result?

David1955 replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@twshield. I think not. Ideology: "A set of doctrines or beliefs that are shared by the members of a social group or that form the basis of a political, economic, or other system". Study ideology at university and you will not study theology. Try your argument at a political science or philosophy department at any credible university and you'd likely not get far. But it hardly matters here. You think there is some good in religions as a buffer against extremism. I don't. That's all.

Dumb Religious News.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Maybe we can start a atheist "Darwin awards" for the most ridiculous theist stories of the year! What a great feature for the site!

David1955 replies on Jan 12, 2018:

Great idea. Hope Admin is reading.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

steve148 comments on Jan 10, 2018:

Didn't Manson have a cross carved into his forehead? Didn't stop him from murdering lots of people. Did he get absolution? lol

David1955 replies on Jan 11, 2018:

@steve148 yes, and Manson killed wealthy people, at least wealthy from his perspective. He also was responsible for the murders of non wealthy people. Anyone who annoyed him, basically.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

steve148 comments on Jan 10, 2018:

Didn't Manson have a cross carved into his forehead? Didn't stop him from murdering lots of people. Did he get absolution? lol

David1955 replies on Jan 11, 2018:

@Wafflestomp oh please. In addition to stabbing bike drug dealer Lottsapoppa whom he thought he had killed until Lotts walked into the courtroom later, Manson is strongly suspected of other murders pre and post the murders of August 69. The fact that the authorities didn't pursue this is a reflection of the deal that concealed his wider connections including with government undercover activities, to their benefit, and the fact that he was going nowhere but gaol for the rest of his life, and knew it, so he took the deal. I do wish people would stop saying "Manson didn't kill anyone" just because he technically didn't kill on those 2 nights. Anyone who had read this subject in any detail, and I have thoroughly, knows this.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

twshield comments on Jan 10, 2018:

religion gives the religious HOPE. without HOPE, what would be the result?

David1955 replies on Jan 10, 2018:

@twshield No, no, Sir. If you are taking this quote seriously, let me be clear: It's not religion that stops the poor from murdering the rich. It is IDEOLOGY. Religion plays a part in that ideology of hegemony, but when underclasses reject or transcend that ideology then insurrection follows. There are signs of that transcendence of ideology evident in Western countries now. Where that leads is a matter of speculation. But should the tables seriously turn against the 1% ers then religion will not save them. I don't think there will be enough guns either to do that.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

twshield comments on Jan 10, 2018:

religion gives the religious HOPE. without HOPE, what would be the result?

David1955 replies on Jan 10, 2018:

@twshield Well, yes, but my point is that belief in mysticism, religious and otherwise, might give hope but it's false hope. In the case of religions it's always hope for reward in the afterlife, but of course they always want money now. I prefer hope for this life, based on reality. Real hope based on real change.

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoleon Bonaparte LOL :-)

twshield comments on Jan 10, 2018:

religion gives the religious HOPE. without HOPE, what would be the result?

David1955 replies on Jan 10, 2018:

So does fortune telling