Hyper Religiosity, Psychiatry still has no clue. - Atheist Nexus

CrystalKing333 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I would say for the longest time I struggled with my homosexuality, I even voluntarily placed myself into therapy to "cure" myself of it. It made me incredibly depressed and suicidal, I even attempted to take my own life at the age of fourteen because of all the bullying I suffered from religious ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Dude I hope you have accepted that you are human and that those around you do also, from a very straight guy that has a perhaps unhealthy obsession with breast. Don't let them beat you down!

Where should the line be drawn, between religious freedom and mental illness?

DUCHESSA comments on Jan 23, 2018:

No sure....specially after this afternoon...when an acquaintance told me that my Atheism offends her.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@DUCHESSA I like you

Where should the line be drawn, between religious freedom and mental illness?

buck1977 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

please just let the nutjobs kill themselves off...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Kinda harsh. The parents are victims themselves, of religion.

Where should the line be drawn, between religious freedom and mental illness?

Skyfacer comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Yes, I agree. But who's going to draw the line ?

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

The line as far as in am concerned is when medical professionals deem potential harm.

Bringing People Together! I posted this yesterday on my facebook page, and I had 2 different ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Try doing it again next year with the word Americans. You will probably have the opposite results.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

@Naeem Americans may not have as as refined of humor.

Bringing People Together! I posted this yesterday on my facebook page, and I had 2 different ...

david7wk comments on Jan 24, 2018:

How ironic would it be for a couple to make hatred a basis for their relationship. Almost as ironic as a politician making hatred a basis for his support. Ultimately neither the relationship nor the politician are on firm foundations.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

How old are you really? I remember 19 out of 20 Oh My!

Hominid comments on Jan 24, 2018:

15. Some of things are American, so they weren't up in Canada.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

I am honoredl to admit you to the "Old Fart" club!

How old are you really? I remember 19 out of 20 Oh My!

Uncorrugated comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I'm a whipper snapper. Which is cool, 'cause I reckon if I lived in the states I would have scored 20..... ;-)

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 24, 2018:

Cheater!!!!! When I was a boy....What was I saying?

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

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I find my self often having to define both terms. I gets quite tiresome. The only time I bother with this is when theist make statements like "atheist belive in God the just deny it" or "You cant be agnostic and atheist". Then I have to "school them". With knowlege comes understanding, with ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

@silvereyes Actually i think you did a great job!

Cue the "thoughts and prayers" UGHHHHH!!!

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 23, 2018:

It sickens me. First that it happened. Secondly, these people whom belive in God believe he let it happen or worse "willed it" and then go crawling to him after the fact. He let it happen and now that we have dead bodies hes going to make it all better? Really? I in no way mean to make fun of or...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

@witchymom I one agree wih you and think we are both right. There are many ways to justify an omnibenevelent god not being so. I grew up in the "satanic Panic" 80s It was always Satan then.

Mississippi bill would require teachers to recite the Ten Commandments every morning – ...

magicwatch comments on Jan 23, 2018:

wow, some Americans, is this "FAKE NEWS?" here in the UK we follow you, since when did the 10 commandments become part of your constitution?

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

It has been that way a long time. Noah used it as bedding for the Dinosauras

Cue the "thoughts and prayers" UGHHHHH!!!

resserts comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Thoughts and prayers!

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

Great joke, bad timing.....

Who are we?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 22, 2018:

We are humans. We do not believe in God. We eat and pooh. We are not a religion as we by definition do not fit any of the criteria. We tend to be humanist. We have fewer children. We are higher educated. We are literally scientifically proven to be smarter. We tend to be more liberal than ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

Membership in political parties, racist organizations, gangs, or even green piece or PITA have nothing to do with ones religious beliefs or non belief. Wheter one does or does not believe in God is its own issue. There can be horrible people whom do not believe in God or great compassionate people. Unfortunately, religion does have the power to make good people do bad things. Atheism is a stand alone issue, what people do is another matter.

Hyper Religiosity, Psychiatry still has no clue. - Atheist Nexus

Mcurie7 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

Religion is generally shown to help with mood issues because it offers solace, purpose and meaning, whether or not that is justified. It serves as a security blanket for those times when things don't make sense or they are intolerable. Conversely, atheism without the creation of personal meaning...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

For me as I was extremely religious, the opposite was the case. It cause extreme guilt, insecurity, shame and depression, because I never felt "good enough" for the magic sky daddy to speak to me....everyone else said he did.....

Hyper Religiosity, Psychiatry still has no clue. - Atheist Nexus

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I'm a therapist. I have seen how religion has affected people in regards to guilt and fear, I think for obvious reasons. Also, it is, for lack of a better word, interesting working with people diagnosed with schizophrenia who are having religious based delusions. My own personal experience, I ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

@VirginCotton Is there a chance that the mental health field simply overlooks mental health issues caused by religion? My case was severe, but I suspect that there are many more like me that are simply overlook because it is no normally a consideration unless the patient is from a "cult".

Hyper Religiosity, Psychiatry still has no clue. - Atheist Nexus

buck1977 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I thought there was something wrong with me because a god wasn't talking to me when everyone else was jumping around like lunatics during church. Then I grew up and realized everyone was just pretending.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 23, 2018:

Me too except I came from a very conservative young earth creationist Methodist Church. I joke to people that I'm a recovering Methodist, they don't get it.

Does any credible dictionary or philosopher accept the definition of atheism as "a lack of belief in...

wordywalt comments on Jan 21, 2018:

No. Atheism is CHOSEN disbelief in any deity or religion. It is not a LACK of anything!.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

"Atheism is discovered not chosen" Christopher Hitchens. I did not choose to become an atheist. I came to the realization that God does not exist. I could not believe that Scooby Doo is a real Dog if I wanted to. Neither can I believe there is a God. I do in fact lack a belief in a God.

Skeptic's Annotated Bible / Quran / Book of Morman>

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 21, 2018:

When doing historical research I use the New Jerusalem bible. When doing research for atheist issues I use the Skeptics Annotated Bible and the Cure for Fundamentalism. The cure is not a bible but goes through most of the problems within the bible with much greater detail. The Skeptics ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@SimplyMe Great what a great investment and return!

How to easily understand the Bible better than Theist. - Atheist Nexus

buck1977 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

Why does the bible need to be interpreted at all? Seems a little inefficient for an all knowing deity.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

If God thought it was important for us to "know" anything and was all powerful we would "know" it without question. So God is either not all powerful, does not care or simply does not exist.

How to easily understand the Bible better than Theist. - Atheist Nexus

WizardBill comments on Jan 21, 2018:

Well, you really need to check for typos. That’s my first observation. Citing references would be a great addition. I’ll comment more later.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

Thank you.

Hyper Religiosity, Psychiatry still has no clue. - Atheist Nexus

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I'm a therapist. I have seen how religion has affected people in regards to guilt and fear, I think for obvious reasons. Also, it is, for lack of a better word, interesting working with people diagnosed with schizophrenia who are having religious based delusions. My own personal experience, I ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

Thank you for a professional opinion on the matter. Thank you for your service to human beings, it is extremely important and appreciated. I hope I did not appear to bash the entire Mental Health field. Every field can and should do it best to improve just as the Mental Health field is doing. Sometimes it takes an odd ball to point out from where those improvements might needs to be addressed. Again your work is very highly valued.

Hi. Here is a question: have you changed a cherished opinion you held based on new evidence?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I once believed that people had an inherent desire to seek a god from birth. I mentioned to some friends that told me that we are all born atheist. It took six months of research. I found out that we were all wrong. There have been entire cultures that have had not spirit or god concept at all. Thus...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay Excellent you are absolutely correct! Thank you for your thoughts.

Hi. Here is a question: have you changed a cherished opinion you held based on new evidence?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I once believed that people had an inherent desire to seek a god from birth. I mentioned to some friends that told me that we are all born atheist. It took six months of research. I found out that we were all wrong. There have been entire cultures that have had not spirit or god concept at all. Thus...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@Eazyduzzit My point was the concept of theism would not exist, therefore the concept of atheism would not exist, therefore it would be a non issue. I just made up the god. Poohpoohmodo. We are both Apoohpoohmodos. Even though before just now neither of us believed in Poohpoohmodo neither of thought of ourselves as apoohpoohmodos.

Ancient ideas and modern technology.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I looked in all of my bibles to verify your story, it ain't in there so it ain't so.....

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

@PeterJohn The Bible says its right!!!!!!! Check mate! LOL

Quick! While the US government is shut down, let's all switch everything to metric!

twshield comments on Jan 21, 2018:

NO! it took me too long to master you guys measurement system when i came to the states!

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 21, 2018:

Master? I was born here and I still have no idea! The worst is medication dosages, we don't even always use the same measurement system.

Moral question?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 20, 2018:

My son has severe deformities of both of his "knees" at 16 years of age he is having his second knee replaced in two weeks. I don't care if it was the most immoral thing on earth! If we could have prevented his pain and suffering with gene therapy we would have done it, to Hell with morality. ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@buck1977 I did take a bit of poetic licence to make my point. It is true about my son and I of course would step out side the norms and do whatever I could for him as long as it did not negatively affect anyone else.

Moral question?

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Ethics will prevent cloning and super army hopefully. Gene therapy may save children that might have died. Congress should pass law to prevent Master Race. but after trump anything is possible.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Do you have a secret crush on Trump? Just kidding lol.

How does an agnostic begin a prayer?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 19, 2018:

This is actually a legitimate question. If someone does not in fact know if there is a God one could certainly pray or speak to said unknown entity whether it could hear the words or would bother to respond. I was very briefly an agnostic of this sort. I would simply pray "whatever you are if you ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@engineer_in_nj I do realize that now and it was funny. I frequent site where I answer questions concerning Christian history and atheism. Many questions are ridiculously stupid. I often skip many of those questions. The most important part of answering a question on those sites is being honest without being rude. If one is successful one can offend their beliefs without offending the person.

"We're all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it ...

hlfsousa comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Dude, my plan is to live forever. And so far it's working

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 20, 2018:

Great plan, the execution could be a little tricky.

I have given this next topic a great deal of thought.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I very rarely invoke my prestigious membership in the clergy. I am in fact Rev. Dave. I am an ordained atheist pastor through the First Church of Atheism. I got the ordination so that I could do just that. In addition I am planning to make myself available on a volunteer basis at the local prisons ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@misstuffy thank you, I am aware of that and would like to say more and will in the future, but for now the situation is quite sensitive.

On Sporting Events Thanks @Piece2YourPuzzle for your post about Idolizing sports stars, it ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Dreadysmart you live up to your moniker.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 20, 2018:

@DreadlySmart I struggle with the fact that while I do not think I'm smarter than anyone else, but I do think differently. I'm always focused on life's bigger questions, I spend a great amount of time thinking about such things like philosophy while in line ordering a hamburger. The poor girl at the register has to deal with the fool with the distracted deer in the headlights look. It makes things difficult for everyone.

We have more that just weed in Denver.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Great what will we come up with next, as a Colorado resident I would like to suggest a few. Reefer Ranching, Hash out the bible study, Rocky mountain high..make that a double.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@Duke lol

On Sporting Events Thanks @Piece2YourPuzzle for your post about Idolizing sports stars, it ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Dreadysmart you live up to your moniker.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@DreadlySmart It is easy to recognize that you are not pompous. That being said no matter what our strength is it is wise to use it.

We have more that just weed in Denver.

Tecolote comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Colorado has everything I yearn for, except a place I can afford to live in. :(

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 19, 2018:

Actually the rural areas are very affordable, also in many of the cities that are not tourist oriented.

I get frustrated to no end when I hear.

psycheworks comments on Jan 19, 2018:

And opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one :-)

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 19, 2018:

I like to think I have ascended to a plane of reality that I no longer have or need one....my wife thinks I have become one....

Discussion about the latest site footer It reads "Agnostic.

David1955 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

I am fine with the tag line as it is too. But honestly, this never ending squabble between calling oneself agnostic or atheist is one of the biggest surprises to me here. It seems really to bother some agnostics, though I don't know why, though atheists like me have no problem with the term ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 19, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay Well said. I had to read it a few times, not because you failed to communicate, but rather sifting through many understandings of many beliefs can be a cumbersome endeavor. The entire subject is dealing with trying to see through muddy waters.

What age should be the age of legal consent for sex?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 18, 2018:

This is very difficult question to answer. Morality is subjective and directly related to the culture of a give time. Mohammed married his favorite wife Aisha at age nine. That means he did consummate the marriage at that time. No matter what we may think of that it was perfectly acceptable for his ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@Naeem thank you for the correction. When Jesus wrote it there was something nagging in my mind, I thought I was just disgusted with the thought and wanted to quickly move on.

I love debates and intellectual muscle-flexing on forums such as this where the other participants ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 18, 2018:

If someone is intellectually superior, then they should be able to recognize how ignorant they are. Ignorant people are ignorant of their ignorance. So yes I do feel somewhat intellectually superior to theist. The result is that I am much more humbled by my ignorance.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@Shawno1972 My intent was that if one is intellectually superior, then one has much more responsibility to others than one who is not as intelligent. So an intellectually superior person should not go about flaunting it but rather be modest about it and use put that intelligence to good use actually helping others. Yes a bit twisty.

What age should be the age of legal consent for sex?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 18, 2018:

This is very difficult question to answer. Morality is subjective and directly related to the culture of a give time. Mohammed married his favorite wife Aisha at age nine. That means he did consummate the marriage at that time. No matter what we may think of that it was perfectly acceptable for his ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@atheist Very good question, hopefully we as humans will be able to answer it.

What age should be the age of legal consent for sex?

Sacha comments on Jan 18, 2018:

I find it quite odd in my country that you can marry at age 16, legal age to consent to have sex is 16, Though you can not watch horror movies or porn, or go to a strip club, or drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes OR VOTE until you are 18. I guess the legal age you should be able have sex should be ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 18, 2018:

I joined the military at 17. I thought it was odd that I was expected to die for my country if necessary, but wasn't able to vote until I was 18, and couldn't enjoy a beer until I was 21. I think I enjoyed quite a few beers anyway.

I just watched a program on AHC network that Mussolini is the dictator that gave the Vatican it's ...

evidentialist comments on Jan 17, 2018:

No Popes lived in what is known as the Vatican until the 1400s. They lived on the other side of Rome in a place called the Lateran Palace. There was a time during the 1300s when they didn't reside in Rome at all, but left the city in 1309 because the papal court moved to Avignon, France, after ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 18, 2018:

@evidentialist I've read volumes of books on the Catholic church. By many different authors. What strikes me the most is you find very little about religion in the history books. It almost all repetitive politics. So much so it seems to all mash together that I can keep any facts straight. Just change the names and dates and rewrite the the previous 300 chapters. I am oversimplifying but even though I love history it begins to read like a chess match no matter whom the author is.

App creates ‘legally binding contracts’ for one night stands to prove sex is consensual | Metro ...

TheAkWay comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Can you imagine being drunk at the bar.. "Hey baby, wanna consent?"

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Tears!!!!!

"GOD" IS?

buck1977 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Me: Do you think invisible people exist? Godder: No Me: Do you think magic is real? Godder: No Me: Is your god invisible and can he do magic? Godder:

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Beautiful I've got to remember that one. It really makes people come to terms with their beliefs without directly attacking them or their religion....let them question it for themselves.

I just watched a program on AHC network that Mussolini is the dictator that gave the Vatican it's ...

evidentialist comments on Jan 17, 2018:

No Popes lived in what is known as the Vatican until the 1400s. They lived on the other side of Rome in a place called the Lateran Palace. There was a time during the 1300s when they didn't reside in Rome at all, but left the city in 1309 because the papal court moved to Avignon, France, after ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

A student of the history of the Catholic church I see. To me Catholic history is much like reading a political soap opera. This family killed this guy so their son could become pope so these other people.......

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

azzow2 comments on Jan 17, 2018:

Your first question should be how did it create it self in order to form everything else.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Of course God did not create himself he always existed after he evolved from a monkey. I somehow feel awnry today.

I have a strange sense of humour, I know... This made me chuckle.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 17, 2018:

I wish people would stop posting pictures of me on the internet!

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@Hominid literally lol

I can't seam to ignore religious comments

MichaelSpinler comments on Jan 16, 2018:

All you can do is plant the seeds. engage the ones worth doing so, creationist are not worth the time or effort. dismantling their religion is sport to me. I pick my battles though

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@MichaelSpinler I understand about learning. I literally can not sleep unless I'm satisfied I have learned something on a given day. If I haven't I simply study something and sleep like a baby. I don't know I may be an exception, I could not be the best Christian possible if I did not have knowledge. I could not be quite Christian once I began to have that knowledge.......I like those last sentences, I am sure I will use them again.

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

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 16, 2018:

I am not intolerant of people. I was a fundamentalist whacko myself. I do respect people. I have no respect for religion. I have no respect for living ones life as if mythology was actually real. There is nothing to respect about that and I am intolerant of living in a fantasy world. We live in a ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@stomato I stole it fair and square from a friend that is a much better bible scholar than myself, he is on atheist nexus.

I really wonder what is wrong with these people who deny climate warming.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 15, 2018:

I have heard conservatives say that it's a conspiracy to the extent that if you want a federal grant to deal research you best put climate change in the mix. This may be true to an extent. What they don't understand is science. All the world's scientists are not getting together to fool ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

@misstuffy I would love to be the scientist that did. One it would be a encouraging discovery. Two, they would have to make grand millennial Nobel prize!

How do you feel about transgender individuals?

sassygirl3869 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

All LGBTQ individuals deserve to be treated the same as any Heterosexual human being. No one is better than anyone else.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 17, 2018:

Please don't tell my wife "no one is better than anyone else"....I've been trying to brainwash her for 20 years!

I can't seam to ignore religious comments

MichaelSpinler comments on Jan 16, 2018:

All you can do is plant the seeds. engage the ones worth doing so, creationist are not worth the time or effort. dismantling their religion is sport to me. I pick my battles though

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@irascible I can be a bit bitey. When they tell me what the bible says it is almost always wrong and out of context, so I throw out a bible verse that says the opposite of what they did then I explain to them both verses. It is embarrassing when a stupid atheist knows more than them about the bible and their religion. I study Christianity about four hours a day. Anyway after I have crushed them with my scholarship, I tone it down and relate personal experiences or ask them questions to make it conversational and turn it away from debate. Conversation promotes understanding debate ends the conversation.

I can't seam to ignore religious comments

davtim68 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Just explain why you clearly believe one doesn't exist. I find if you stick to facts they will shut the fuck up and let you be.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

They tend to be vehement at first. In about two minutes they realize it know vastly more than they. The conversation ends when I educate them about what they claim to believe. I have had many conversations with preachers that don't want to tango with me when it comes to biblical scholarship, the best part is when they start listening instead of preaching. Then the conversation begins.

I can't seam to ignore religious comments

MichaelSpinler comments on Jan 16, 2018:

All you can do is plant the seeds. engage the ones worth doing so, creationist are not worth the time or effort. dismantling their religion is sport to me. I pick my battles though

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

I love your spirit and respectfully disagree with you. I was a young earth creationist, fundamentalist whacko. I had been indoctrinated as from birth. I often wonder how it would have affected me if someone took the time to teach me to think and analyze when I was younger. I was taught not to think or question anything that came from the church. I particularly enjoy dealing with th a hard core fundamentalist. I know just the questions to ask as I was one. They are not unable to reason, they are afraid to.

To those of you familiar with atheism's "Four Horsemen" I pose a question.

Sethy comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Though I love Matt and Aron my personal favorite is Seth Andrews.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

Seth Andrews is an amazing orator. He just lacks the background of Matt and Aron. He is the new kid on the block with amazing talent.

so....soul, no soul?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 13, 2018:

The soul is simply a construct of our ancestors minds. Consciousness or the mind if you wish could not be touched. It did not seem to be part of the body. They did know that if you got thumped on the head it would knock you out or cause mental problems, but the mind was not physical. They did not ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@mrdunn I do appreciate the fact you have been polite. Best wishes!

I also want to say I’m new on here and I haven’t been asked for money from some who’s says ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 15, 2018:

Hi. I'm stuck in a foreign country(Colorado). I am Involved in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster very deeply and need to escape. All these people talk like pirates and do fund raisers for the needy. It's horrible. Anyway evidently the great FSM ( may you be touched by his noodlely ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@BookDeath lol

6 Protons, 6 Neutrons and 6 Electrons.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 15, 2018:

It may be interesting to know that the number of the beast in our oldest text extant is 636 this tells us that for some reason the spelling was likely changed in later manuscripts either accidentally or as the language and hence spelling changed. What a bummer the horrible number of the ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@macrobius ooh great another number.....of the beast....

so....soul, no soul?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 13, 2018:

The soul is simply a construct of our ancestors minds. Consciousness or the mind if you wish could not be touched. It did not seem to be part of the body. They did know that if you got thumped on the head it would knock you out or cause mental problems, but the mind was not physical. They did not ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 16, 2018:

@mrdunn I really am tired of this conversation. If you cannot accept the brain is what causes consciousness then I can only suggest you study more..science not theology.

6 Protons, 6 Neutrons and 6 Electrons.

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 15, 2018:

It may be interesting to know that the number of the beast in our oldest text extant is 636 this tells us that for some reason the spelling was likely changed in later manuscripts either accidentally or as the language and hence spelling changed. What a bummer the horrible number of the ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 15, 2018:

@webbew1 The end has indeed come........

Is the bible the basis of morality?

KKGator comments on Jan 15, 2018:

Well, given that the bible is a work of fiction, it's probably not a great source of information regarding morality, or anything else. It's plagiarized and cannibalized every ancient text that came before it. It's also been frequently rewritten to reflect whomever was financing the monks who were ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 15, 2018:

I do not use a computer at all to surf the web. I use an old kendle fire. They just don't make viruses targeted toward older devices.

Is the bible the basis of morality?

Sethy comments on Jan 15, 2018:

Do you think that humans were capable of morality prior to the existence of the Bible? Even reading the Bible shows it to be pretty vile. So many Christians refer to it as the good book but honestly if they had ever read it from cover to cover I think that they would be disgusted for ever thinking ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 15, 2018:

You really hit on a good point. If we had no morality before the bible we would not made it as a species to write the thing.

so....soul, no soul?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 13, 2018:

The soul is simply a construct of our ancestors minds. Consciousness or the mind if you wish could not be touched. It did not seem to be part of the body. They did know that if you got thumped on the head it would knock you out or cause mental problems, but the mind was not physical. They did not ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 15, 2018:

@mrdunn There is no evidence that there is consciousness without a brain. How it works exactly we do not know. There is positive proof that we can not have consciousness without a brain. What I am not going to entertain is the notion that the soul exist just because "some guy says so". I am not going to entertain the idea that consciousness exist outside of the body. If it does please tell me what it was like before you were born. If consciousness exist after death and God simply issues us a body to put the consciousness in surely we could remember that. We must not conflate wild, primitive magical notions with reality just because we like the idea of it.

so....soul, no soul?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 13, 2018:

The soul is simply a construct of our ancestors minds. Consciousness or the mind if you wish could not be touched. It did not seem to be part of the body. They did know that if you got thumped on the head it would knock you out or cause mental problems, but the mind was not physical. They did not ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 14, 2018:

@mrdunn Absolutely. Scientists have proven that bio-chemical processes cause electrical synapses that make the brain function. If the Brian or "mind" is not functioning we do not have consciousness. This is why atheists such as myself believe there is no reason to believe in any sort of after life. Once the Brian ceases to function, for us the entire universe ceases to exist. There is no reason to believe otherwise.

so....soul, no soul?

kensmile4u comments on Jan 13, 2018:

A theoretical Quantum Multiverse is the only path I see where an afterlife with inherited consciousness is possible. https://www.learning-mind.com/quantum-theory-proves-that-consciousness-moves-to-another-universe-after-death/

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 13, 2018:

In a multiverse theorem anything can be possible, even the laws of physics and what we understand to be real and not real.

Is evolution a fact or still just a theory.

resserts comments on Jan 12, 2018:

In science, theory means it's a well-established, comprehensive explanation that relies on a great deal of supporting data collected using the scientific method (observation, testing, etc.). That doesn't mean we know everything about it, as there's always more to learn, but it's not a mere ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 13, 2018:

@splittingzero There is a different meaning when used in science. In science a facts are the basis of a theory. A theory is the highest level of accumulated facts. It is not conjecture or guesses or speculation. For example we know germs exist this is a fact . We have germ theory, that is the science of studying how germs work. Not speculation on whether they exist. Words have different meanings. Theist often purposely use the word theory in the wrong context to cast doubt on evolution to support their position of creation. Please check out aronra the fundamental falsehoods of creation on YouTube.

Since joining this site, I've seen an excessive amount of posts referencing choice in the held ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Christopher Hitchens one said, "Atheism is not chosen, it is discovered". One can not choose ones beliefs. One can look at the facts and ones understanding will be affected.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@JeffMurray You are correct. Theist are a good example of your last two sentences. We can also be guilty as charged.

Artificial versus Natural: is there a difference?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 12, 2018:

You just made my philosophical brain explode! I would comment more but there is grey matter to clean off the ceiling.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@Leutrelle what really irritates me is now I will be compelled to study the issue....more work....

Why do the religious people have a hard time respecting trans women and men?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I'm going to oversimplify and generalize as I was taught at the United Methodist Church. Men are genetically male and Females are genetically female. DNA has penises and vaginas. So one can only be one or the other. If you "choose " to be anything other than what "God made you" you are doing so ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@Sarahroo29 I must have failed to communicate somehow. I am a "strong" atheist activist.

Jeff Sessions Rejects Separation of Church and State

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Unfortunately he is right. Thomas Jefferson was an admitted deist and more than likely atheist. His idea of separation of state and church was the opposite of what is now believed. We think religion should not be in government. He thought that government should not be in religion. Let's look at ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@misstuffy yyyyyyyeeeeeeeesssssss!!!!!!!!!!!! I do agree a bit. My son's middle name is Thomas as an amateur historian I took the liberty(I used the word liberty) of naming my son after him.

Closet atheism

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I hid the fact that I was an Atheist from my wife for 15 years. I was afraid she might divorce me. I did not lie to her ever. I have studied Christianity and the bible all my life, I spend a lot of time studyingng it, hours a day. Everyone thought I was a Christian including my wife and children, ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@meerasate its something like "I deny there is a holy spirit" now that I'm condemned to Hell forever I guess ill just stay an atheist.

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!

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 12, 2018:

@David1955 maybe as stories happen we can submit them and vote at the teens of the year.....but they gotta be funny!

Closet atheism

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I hid the fact that I was an Atheist from my wife for 15 years. I was afraid she might divorce me. I did not lie to her ever. I have studied Christianity and the bible all my life, I spend a lot of time studyingng it, hours a day. Everyone thought I was a Christian including my wife and children, ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 11, 2018:

@meerasate When speaking to theist, I make it all about me. I didn't know what to think about....I couldn't understand how all sins are forgiven and blasphemy is an unforgivable sin. This way I'm not questioning their belief I'm simply confiding in a friend about my cognitive dissonance. No debate, no hurt feelings. If I do it right they might ask themselves the same questions.

Sapiosexuals

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I actually had to look that one up. I have always been attracted to women more intelligent than myself. Hmmm... how to be tactful. If they are not more intelligent than myself there is no challenge and they simply are not attractive. I find it interesting that in my case high intelligence makes ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 11, 2018:

@Sadoi Good luck! You go girl!

When Christians say things like "You have no morals, you think you can do anything", I reply "If ...

Deedreaming comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I like your response. It's straight to the point with no fluff. I really hate the term "forgive". It's just a omission of guilt if someone asks for it. If you've wronged someone and that person can get past it and move on without giving another thought about you or what you did. Awesome! If you've ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 11, 2018:

I have been wrestling with the term "forgive" recently. If someone rapes, tortures and kills my daughter and expresses no remorse, I can "forgive" them. What does that mean? I suddenly love them and am ok with it? No I'd probably be very angry and have a right to be. I'm not saying we should be human and not give people second chances, but "just forgive". It sounds like bull.

Technology and age

twshield comments on Jan 10, 2018:

that would depend on your interest in technology to begin with. myself speaking, i will keep up with technology as i am addicted. nothing could stop me but Alzheimer's!

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 10, 2018:

I never believed I would see grandmas fussing over smart phones!

Are you an atheist, but believe in aliens (as in extraterrestrials)?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I don't understand the "but" in the sentence. An unfounded belief in a mythical God is one subject. The idea that we exist and the universe is as far as we know is infinite, therefore it is almost statistically certain that intelligent life exist somewhere else, is a different subject. This being...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 10, 2018:

@David1955 I too think it is possible. There may be a "prime directive" at play. There may also be a great danger of cross contamination of organisms that could play a bigger part than I imagine. If either is true our rectums are safe. The reason I made that reference is many take things too far....so I did to illustrate the absurdity.

Sapiosexuals

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I actually had to look that one up. I have always been attracted to women more intelligent than myself. Hmmm... how to be tactful. If they are not more intelligent than myself there is no challenge and they simply are not attractive. I find it interesting that in my case high intelligence makes ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 10, 2018:

@Sadoi From a evolutionary point of view I don't know that she or I was "the one". Luckily, to her I was "good enough" to love and procreate with. Not very flattering put this way. I believe that we due to our sociological and altruistic nature can be compatible with a great many of people. I was just lucky to find "one" that will put up with my bullshit.

Any theories on common archetypes and such?

Srijith comments on Jan 10, 2018:

Carl Jung describes something called collective unconscious. Archetypes were part of this. But there are lot of criticism to this theory. In this theory, basically he rejects the idea of earlier psychologist of tabula rasa or plain(blank) slate which means you are born with no knowledge or ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 10, 2018:

@Hominid Is he speaking as you put it better of the operating system?

Blessings are bullshit

Hominid comments on Jan 10, 2018:

A 90 year old semi-religious senior doesn't need an atheist trying to prove a point. Choose your battles with consideration and compassion.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 10, 2018:

I very much agree. I never have difficulties or even conflicts when discussing religion with theist. I don't allow the conversation to turn into a debate. There is a time for everything under the sun....

Unintended condescension: what's your best example?

VictoriaNotes comments on Jan 4, 2018:

In the blogosphere and debate arena, I have a gender neutral moniker. I found that I was taken more seriously if men didn't know I was a woman. When they found out, many appeared to be surprised.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 9, 2018:

Wow archaic sexism abounds yet today.

Debate or not debate?

tsjames comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I think that we have had people come here who had become 'doubting believers', and for the most part they've been dealt in a fair manner. I don't know if the comments have helped anyone further along the agnostic/atheist road. But I don't think we want this to devolve into a debating forum, for ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 9, 2018:

Debate is no substitute for conversion. I like to simply educate and let people come to their own conclusions. If people come to a conclusion based on facts mythical beliefs can not change them.

Who wrote thIs book called bIble?

Hominid comments on Jan 9, 2018:

The bible isn't a book, it's a *collection* of books apparently written by 40 different authors over a span of thousands of years. Church elders decided in the middle ages which books were included, and which ones weren't.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 9, 2018:

Of course this is also why their is such a rich variety of opinions of what god is in it. One can flip through and tailor design any God one wishes.

Dating Scams

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I've been married for 20 years and am here to converse with agnostics. What is a dating scam?

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 9, 2018:

@Benmonk O.K. Sounds great! You buy!

Religious Homosexuals?

twshield comments on Jan 7, 2018:

just because your gay doesnt mean you cant be brainwashed with religion. I am gay and i did not become agnostic because of my sexuality. Its about expanding your mind beyond religious nonsense. gays are rejected by believers and often continue down the path of seeking acceptance from them.

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 8, 2018:

If you don't mind I will vent. I really hate the term gay, heterosexual for that matter. We are products of evolution and sexual. Biology for the purpose of the propagation of our species does not require sexual identity. It only requires that we have sex. With all the combinations of hormones and DNA scientists can not give a definitive line of what a male and female even are we all share some degree of both. Many of the hottest babe supermodels are in fact genetically male I actually read recently that it's about 10%. At least some of these men/woman can have children. What if my wife is genetically male and we don't know it am I gay? Well yes and I wouldn't have it any other way. My point here is that we are both to an extent male and female and sexual beings. Sexual identity is simply a social construct mostly imposed on us by religion. Soon don't care about gay or straight or transgender, I care about human. Have a good one bro!

Where do you get yours?

PeppermintDreads comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I get groped and fondled every day at work. Get your minds out of the gutter, I’m a veterinary technician and if another tech (or doctor) grabs my boob while we’re wrestling a 200# Rottweiler trying to kill us, so be it. There is no such thing as personal space in veterinary medicine. Other ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 8, 2018:

My daughter confirmed your report. She wears extra undershirts because she knows one way or another she will fall out. Not to mention several changes of clothing!

I would like to discuss a little about what we say and what is understood.

EMC2 comments on Jan 8, 2018:

". Gnosticism is a heresy which is made up of a diverse set of beliefs. It is the teaching based on the idea of gnosis (a Koine Greek word meaning "secret knowledge"), or knowledge of transcendence arrived at by way of internal, intuitive means" I understood the gnostics to be the first and true ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 8, 2018:

For the purposes of those whom do not know a heresy is a belief that is not orthodox. The "A" is to be understood as without not necessarily "against". So agnostic means without knowledge and atheism is without theism. I do not like to use the therm anti theist because "Anti" does mean against. I an not against theist. I am against theism- living as though mythology was real. I love to study the history of Gnosticism the perhaps earliest form of Christianities. I am not against what happened in the past I only study how it affects the present. Thank you for your response.

The "power" of faith

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Anytime anyone lives their lives on based on things that are not real it is not beneficial. It is far better and healthy to make sound decisions based on reality. If something "just makes someone feel better" is it really good or worthwhile? I don't care if mother might feel better thinking she ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@BobFenner frankly I have been there. When someone does they cease to exist therefore soon it will not matter. The time of dying is a time for comforting not a time to upset people. If asked however I would answer that death will be like it was before we were born.

In a world free of religion, what rules would no longer apply to you?

DavidLaDeau comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Th only rule that would be important is the rule I've made for myself. I was raised as a young earth creationist, fundamentalist. I had no choice. I did buy into it completely, I was very close to becoming a preacher. The only reason I didn't was that I'm a perfectionist. I want to know everything ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 6, 2018:

@Varn I study every day. Interestingly people don't actually know what they claim to believe. For example I had to explain to a Catholic friend that according to the Catholic religion sacrament of communion means that they are literally eating the flesh and drinking the actual blood of Jesus. She did not believe this but claimed to be Catholic and thus hold those beliefs. So much of my job is explaining Christians claimed beliefs to them. Once this is accomplished I leave them to evaluate their own beliefs and or claims.

If our belief as agnostics is specifically defined as I do not know what form God may be?

bingst comments on Jan 1, 2018:

What's the point in making up definitions?

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 5, 2018:

Dictionaries do not necessarily actually adequately define a word according to usage. They are often flatly wrong in the areas of science and religion. People whom write dictionaries are not experts in any particular field only in language. For example they could simply not "know" exactly what the meaning of every term in every sport means. So they do their best and approximate. There is a huge difference in, I do not believe in God or I do not believe there is a God. Yet both meanings may be alternated in the definition of atheist. These may seem to be unimportant nuances to those whom are not atheist, but represent major theological differences. So it is very important for us to define very clearly exactly what we mean when we use certain words.

If our belief as agnostics is specifically defined as I do not know what form God may be?

TheMiddleWay comments on Jan 1, 2018:

As an agnostic, when I say "I don't know" that doesn't give credibility to anything. It's a statement that there is no evidence one way or another to sway opinion or belief. When there is evidence, however, we can (and should) stop being agnostic on a subject. Such is the case with FSM. There ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 2, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay you are thinking!

If our belief as agnostics is specifically defined as I do not know what form God may be?

TheMiddleWay comments on Jan 1, 2018:

As an agnostic, when I say "I don't know" that doesn't give credibility to anything. It's a statement that there is no evidence one way or another to sway opinion or belief. When there is evidence, however, we can (and should) stop being agnostic on a subject. Such is the case with FSM. There ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 2, 2018:

The FSM could have wanted his exposure to seem to be satire even though he actually exist. This may be due to his Devine will which we can not understand. That's how the religious game is played. Whenever facts are given simply pull stuff out of your.....

If our belief as agnostics is specifically defined as I do not know what form God may be?

TheMiddleWay comments on Jan 1, 2018:

As an agnostic, when I say "I don't know" that doesn't give credibility to anything. It's a statement that there is no evidence one way or another to sway opinion or belief. When there is evidence, however, we can (and should) stop being agnostic on a subject. Such is the case with FSM. There ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 2, 2018:

While we know this to be true, it is possible that the magical FSM gave a revelation to the fellow in 2005. I have been a theist, studied theist, and debated theist long enough to "know" how the game is played. It is in fact possible that the FSM exist. It certainly exist in pop culture. I will concede that I am certain that it does not exist. This being said it is just as plausible as any other God. We can not know what we by definition can not know. This is my point. I concede it is possible for the FSM to exist. I am an FSM agnostic. I do not believe the FSM exist I am an FSM atheist. May you be touched by his noodly appendage.

If our belief as agnostics is specifically defined as I do not know what form God may be?

BookDeath comments on Jan 1, 2018:

May you touched by his noodly appendage! R'amen! (And beware of those maniacal heretical SPAMITES!)

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 2, 2018:

Ramen!

If our belief as agnostics is specifically defined as I do not know what form God may be?

TheMiddleWay comments on Jan 1, 2018:

As an agnostic, when I say "I don't know" that doesn't give credibility to anything. It's a statement that there is no evidence one way or another to sway opinion or belief. When there is evidence, however, we can (and should) stop being agnostic on a subject. Such is the case with FSM. There ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 1, 2018:

The FSM, may you be touched by his noodlely appendage, is satire. We can not "know" it is not possible for him to exist.

Is there such a thing as a Christian child, Muslim Child or any kind of religious child?

DavidLaDeau comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Absolutely there is, I was one. My family indoctrinated me into fundamentalism from birth. I was a Christian because I had no choice. I was incapable of not thinking religiously. I got older and was able to think for myself and understand that everything I was taught may not always be correct . ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 1, 2018:

One thing I would like to add here is another question that may be mashed into this issue. Are we born religious? No. There have been cultures found in the last 150 years that have no concept of God, religion, or any spiritual elements. This eliminates the possibility that humans are "born" with a desire to seek spirituality, gods etc. So we are not "born" to believe.

Is there such a thing as a Christian child, Muslim Child or any kind of religious child?

DavidLaDeau comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Absolutely there is, I was one. My family indoctrinated me into fundamentalism from birth. I was a Christian because I had no choice. I was incapable of not thinking religiously. I got older and was able to think for myself and understand that everything I was taught may not always be correct . ...

DavidLaDeau replies on Jan 1, 2018:

No I was a child that actually believed was I was taught. I was in fact a religious child. We are talking about two different things here. Is it possible for a child to be religious? (Yes) What is the cause of children being religious is a different question. That being external factors. Children do learn religion from their environment it is not something that spontaneously occurs.

Is there such a thing as a Christian child, Muslim Child or any kind of religious child?

jwm03h comments on Dec 31, 2017:

No such thing as a Christian or Muslim, period. It's all based in fictional works and the ideals they claim to be, to become Christian or Muslim, are also fictional, therefore it's a logical fallacy to call oneself Christian or Muslim.

DavidLaDeau replies on Dec 31, 2017:

The beliefs themselves are certainly fictional. It is not a fiction that people live their lives as if these fictions are real. It is appropriate and logical to label a belief system whether the belief system itself is valid or not. It is not a logical fallacy to label ones ridiculous beliefs, only to hold beliefs that are fallacious.

I would like to discuss a little about what we say and what is understood.

SamL comments on Dec 30, 2017:

There are hardcore atheists here that adamantly state that an agnostic is really an atheist.

DavidLaDeau replies on Dec 30, 2017:

If someone does not actually believe in a supernatural being even if they accept that there could be, they are by definition an atheist. There are simply more atheist out there than what people believe, wether they know it or wish to openly admit it.

Should prostitution be illegal?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

It should be legal .If it is legal it can be taxed and generate money .It will also save on the waste of time and money it costs police departments and the judicial system .It will also be safer because prostitutes will have to under go periodical testing for sexually transmitted diseases

DavidLaDeau replies on Dec 30, 2017:

When I was in the military as a hospital corpsman we screened prostitutes for stds. Now at first it appeared to me that our government was supporting prostitution. It did not take me long to realize people were going to have sex no matter what. The military was simply doing their best to protect their marines and sailors. As a result it was also beneficial to the entire community.

Does all life have inherent value?

sassygirl3869 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

My 34 year old daughter Becky has cerebral palsy. She was born 2 lbs 5 ounces and 3 months early. She is also developmentally delayed. We don't use the word "retarded" any mre. Please educate yourself. Handicapped children have a right to live. They have feelings, they smile, they laugh, some...

DavidLaDeau replies on Dec 30, 2017:

Your awesome!