Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Merseyman1 comments on Feb 8, 2020:

The same happens to Lottery Prizes...the Curse of the Lottery prize!

DenoPenno replies on Feb 9, 2020:

Tonights winning numbers are ------not yours! :)

Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Marionville comments on Feb 9, 2020:

Superstitious nonsense, given credence by people who believe in the supernatural, but there are many other recorded instances of people having a belief that certain objects have been cursed. Is it due to religion or just a natural human desire to explain unexpected deaths or disasters? I think I ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 9, 2020:

I think it is due to religion but tends to fall more towards the latter.

A convoluted argument hard to grasp for agnostics, but if it were to succeed...? [sojo.net]

DenoPenno comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"Creation care." WTF is creation care? What is hard to grasp here with environment and issues of our environment involves the Christians. The reason is that our environment does not matter because god is taking care of that and why should we worry because we are not going to remain on the Earth for ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 9, 2020:

@fishline79 Yes. I also believe that questions about believing in gods apply more directly for those who were in families that believed in gods. In other words, sincerity of you answer is directly related to past exposure to this god belief regardless of denominational preference. I've had people tell me that at my age I had better start believing in a god because I don't have that much time left. They are serious. I take this as a joke that any real god could see through instantly. If you are worried about my soul just sacrifice me a goat. I told door to door Baptists that once and one in all sincerity one replied "that doesn't work any longer." :)

A convoluted argument hard to grasp for agnostics, but if it were to succeed...? [sojo.net]

DenoPenno comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"Creation care." WTF is creation care? What is hard to grasp here with environment and issues of our environment involves the Christians. The reason is that our environment does not matter because god is taking care of that and why should we worry because we are not going to remain on the Earth for ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 9, 2020:

@fishline79 I studied to be a Pentecostal minister but today I am not part of the flock.

The retribution has begun.

BitFlipper comments on Feb 7, 2020:

He's already punishing New York State/City with his punitive visa program.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 8, 2020:

A few of his supporters have said "Trump is punishing the wrong people." My questions are why are we punishing anyone and why do we need to punish anyone. I saw another Trump 2020 bumper sticker today that read "make liberals cry again." WTF is wrong with people?

Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Kat-purrx2 comments on Feb 7, 2020:

I think perhaps belief is borne in the believer. My mom had a small cheap religious plastic plaque. She attributed miraculous miracles to this thing. I doubt it was any message from a god. But she believed in it fervently. She spoke of seeing, hearing dead relatives, strange noises. I just rolled ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 8, 2020:

Just your thoughts and you are correct. :)

A convoluted argument hard to grasp for agnostics, but if it were to succeed...? [sojo.net]

Eazyduzzit comments on Feb 7, 2020:

One reason I stopped going to a particular church is because I heard so many of the people in it laughing about something scientists had said about climate change, or vaccines or whatever science had to say. This was years before I called myself atheist. They had the attitude that god would take ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 7, 2020:

Koch Industries wants us to believe that argument right now while they rape the Earth of every resource and no regard at all for us who live here.

A convoluted argument hard to grasp for agnostics, but if it were to succeed...? [sojo.net]

DenoPenno comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"Creation care." WTF is creation care? What is hard to grasp here with environment and issues of our environment involves the Christians. The reason is that our environment does not matter because god is taking care of that and why should we worry because we are not going to remain on the Earth for ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@fishline79 Rapture is not a biblical term but it is made into a biblical doctrine because of the Evangelical take on 3 scriptures supporting one thing making that one thing into a "doctrine." The problem is that the rapture is simply "great joy at his appearing." Christians today are so special that they are going to be removed from the Earth rather than go through things that many before them had to endure. Believers want this and know it is true because of the ushering in of "the end times." The strange thing here is that Jesus called his followers together once and told them we are now living in the end times. This has went on for over 2000 years now and no Jesus. Book of Revelation or not, there is no Jesus so far.

Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Geoffrey51 comments on Feb 6, 2020:

It was stolen on 11 September 1792!

DenoPenno replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 I do not believe in curses or energy infused into objects that cannot be detected. This is why I no longer have a lucky rabbit's foot.

Trump’s legacy will be exposing the patina of decency for what it is and revealing just how much a...

Mofo1953 comments on Feb 6, 2020:

The dims?

DenoPenno replies on Feb 7, 2020:

You spelled it right in this case. :)

Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Mofo1953 comments on Feb 7, 2020:

What's the point of your post? Nobody here believes in superstitions. This claim "For those who look at it properly I think I have dispelled the curse of the Hope Diamond." A little pretentious to claim I DID IT don't you think? Especially in a place where nobody believes in that crap.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 7, 2020:

Nothing here is about me. I disagree with you because many agnostics still believe in a supernatural. I've even read posts by a few of them.

Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Cast1es comments on Feb 6, 2020:

I agree . Many decades ago , I did see it at the Smithsonian . I recall hearing that Jacqualine Kennedy had borrowed it . I'm not sure , but I think she wore it for one of the parties after John F Kennedy's swearing in .

DenoPenno replies on Feb 6, 2020:

OK, but how would that have changed anything that happened to the Kennedys?

Curse of the Hope Diamond is a legacy of the Supernatural that I have long heard of.

Geoffrey51 comments on Feb 6, 2020:

It was stolen on 11 September 1792!

DenoPenno replies on Feb 6, 2020:

Yes but would the curse effect be real because of this? What if it was a small wood carving or a poker chip.

I have watched most of trump’s State of the Union and it was calmly presented, with evil ...

Cutiebeauty comments on Feb 5, 2020:

I didn't watch that crap.. why did you?

DenoPenno replies on Feb 5, 2020:

Yes, i had no reason to watch that crap.

My daughter just informed me that my step-son who lives in another state has passed.

Muton comments on Feb 3, 2020:

If it comforts people to believe it, let them believe it in peace. You have no idea what happens to us after we die.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 4, 2020:

Yes, I do have an idea what happens to us after we die. We are dead.

Study of European Countries where young people are not religious.

Petter comments on Feb 4, 2020:

I live in Spain and have family in Northern Italy. Religion is associated with the old. The young have far better things to do with their spare time.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 4, 2020:

I haven't been to Spain since the 60's and I only went one time then.

Wondering if anyone else accepts the Absurd (pursuing meaning in a meaningless world)?

KKGator comments on Feb 3, 2020:

I think "meaning" is wholly subjective. A lot of what other people believe is "meaningful" is often straight-up bullshit to me.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 3, 2020:

I can certainly agree with KK on this one. :)

In this world we are hearing of the evil of terrorism.

DavidLaDeau comments on Feb 3, 2020:

The key is that tribalism is not nationalism or religion etc. Football for example does not call on people to murder each other.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@Storm1752 Sorry to hear it but I'm not a fan and I do not bet on anyone. I do play lotto however because you cannot win without a ticket. Starting to look like you can't win with one either. :)

What are everyone’s thoughts on the ACA?

DenoPenno comments on Feb 2, 2020:

Recently the ACA had a big shakeup and several people are not there any longer. Jen and Traci among them and I liked both of them. I watch the Atheist Experience every Sunday. Some of this shakeup had to do with the LGBTQ people and where this show was going. I can accept that many of them do not ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 2, 2020:

@Omnedon I here you. I still watch the show but it is not the same without those who have left, and this is not to any benefit of the ACA.

My daughter just informed me that my step-son who lives in another state has passed.

Omnedon comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Sorry for your loss. As far as I can tell, the idea that someone goes to heaven right after dying isn't even scriptural. I always gathered that judgment had to take place first. In the meantime, people wait. I'm assuming that idea of a loved one looking down on us from heaven is primarily just a ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 2, 2020:

You are correct that scripture does not claim people go to heaven right after dying, but modern people want something and they want it right now, so they simply make it up. It's the American way. Suddenly there is an invisible part of you that springs into being the very instant that the body dies. These ideas show how deep rooted our fear of death really is.

Damn trump is getting cheap! This is however the best pic of him I ever seen! Man accused of ...

DenoPenno comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Dumbest story I have ever heard on prostitution stings. If true, the undercover officer suggested it and therefore the arrest was a setup. The man on the bike was simply playing a game to say he might have the money later, and the officer has guaranteed the case will be kicked out.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@TheGreatShadow Me too. LOL

Could I be considered an atheist or a deist?

Cyklone comments on Feb 1, 2020:

The trouble with the concept of a god is that it just pushes the evolution theory further back. Did this higher force just spring into a fully cognizant being out if nowhere or did it have to evolve into being.. And if you accept accept that it is unlikely to have just suddenly come into existence ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@anglophone At this point in my existence so would I. Christians claim creation but when it comes to their god "he always existed." It contradicts and is not an answer.

My daughter just informed me that my step-son who lives in another state has passed.

Joanne comments on Feb 1, 2020:

If we were taught, from the time we realize what death means, that when we die our atoms and energy return to the earth/the universe, thus allowing other life to exist, and that we are a part of life that existed prior to us, we would accept it. And, even though death would still seem scary, we ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 1, 2020:

You probably will be with Jesus forever as he is also dead. Regardless of feelings you would have that much in common with him.

My daughter just informed me that my step-son who lives in another state has passed.

LucyLoohoo comments on Feb 1, 2020:

You can never overestimate the human capacity for self-delusion. Sorry for the loss of someone you loved. He's dead. He's not making leaves rustle or wind blow and he's not taking harp lessons/having wing-fittings in some celestial halls. He's dead. Grit your teeth and roll your eyes when ...

DenoPenno replies on Feb 1, 2020:

Exactly, and bells are not ringing when "another angel" gets his wings. In fact, according to the bible people who die do not become angels. The angels were created long before mankind.

My daughter just informed me that my step-son who lives in another state has passed.

Hugo_Stiglitz comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Fear of the unknown, fear of death, Solution? Religion and the promise of life ever after.

DenoPenno replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@Dougl35534 Exactly so, and this is why they continue to make things up way past the idea of returning to that ground. Suddenly you do not have to return because the real you "has a soul" rather than the fact that you are a soul. In fear they claim that the soul lives on in one place or another. My bible says the soul that sins will die.

If you had Chickenpox, you can get Shingles.

Jolanta comments on Jan 31, 2020:

I got sciatica at the moment and that is hell. Trying to do exercises for it but so far not good.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 31, 2020:

Me too, Jolanta.

A small PSA for everyone How to Be Human: Talking to People Who Are Transgender or Nonbinary...

DenoPenno comments on Jan 30, 2020:

Duh, this is my friend Steve and he just got circlesided. Will that work?

DenoPenno replies on Jan 31, 2020:

@RavenCT I don't know either. Try to imagine an ignorant person describing a botched operation.

Finished a vest and all I see are flaws. Do you ever feel like this?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 30, 2020:

I don't see the flaws but I understand what you might be feeling. My recent experience over a week period is in trying to make Kodi 18 play on both my computers. It only works on one of them. It works on Windows 10 but not on Windows 7. I tried every bell and whistle and every trick in the book. ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 30, 2020:

@Petter Kodi is a name change after a threatened lawsuit. The software comes from X-Box technology and was first called XBMC for X-Box Movie Center. In itself it does nothing but make it possible for you to use third party software. These change a lot but work very well. You have to keep up with them. As for TV shows that you might like, go to Fluxus Playon website and download their codec for IPTV and then put that code into your VLC Media Player. As usual, all channels do not work but most do if you know what you are doing. Another good way of watching TV shows is to buy a Roku and just set it up for the free channels. I do all of these and more. Internet searches and also You Tube will help you. In fact, you can find a great amount of good TV shows and movies free on You Tube too.

Are we afraid of religion?

Redheadedgammy comments on Jan 30, 2020:

Speaking for myself, I call out the bullshit and lies of religion every chance I get.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 30, 2020:

Thank you. I do the same and take long discussions about to a conclusion quickly because I have heard it all before and used to be a part of it.

Long ago I was with a group at a get-together after a funeral.

Jolanta comments on Jan 29, 2020:

I find a hell of a lot of middle aged and old men are incredibly delusional, they imagine that they still are young, beautiful and don't have an ugly hanging belly no matter how many mirrors they have in their houses.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 29, 2020:

Well, Jolanta, you just busted my bubble. I keep calling everybody younger than me "old men."

There are many things that we can debate and argue over with religion.

DenoPenno comments on Jan 28, 2020:

One true god is sort of like one true Scotsman. I do not debate (at least not long and drawn out) because it proves nothing. I'm still surprised by the comment of the idiot in You Tube who wanted me to "give him proof" of why I no longer believe. I do not have to have proof for changing my mind due ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 29, 2020:

@Mcflewster I have noticed in my lifetime that they are so worried about lack of evidence that they make up evidence. This is a fact that is there in every argument where believers offer their proof of their god. It is a major reason that I am no longer a believer today. For the most part, I avoid these arguments and simply jump to the end right away to prove that it means nothing.

Obama is that you?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 26, 2020:

Funny. my Mexican relative by marriage is a Trump supporter and she claims we are going through all this crap now because of Obama. I tell her that Trump is the one that brought all this nastiness to the surface. She then tells me that Obama is not even a Christian. I ask her who told her that - ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 27, 2020:

@altschmerz I agree and there is a whole group of them in Texas just like her. She insisted today that the Trump impeachment thing is wrong because trump did not say what he is accused of saying. It's insanity to argue with them.

I grew up in the Bible Belt in a non-religious home.

DenoPenno comments on Jan 26, 2020:

I think we all struggle with them almost daily. I have a long time Christian friend that I've known since age 12 or so. He thinks my non-belief is a rebellion and just a phase. Talking to him is a pain as he often gets into what I call "preaching." He tells me "no, it is scripture." Regardless of my...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 26, 2020:

@BestWithoutGods I have those same hopes and I often point to around 335 CE when the bible as we know it officially came into being. That puts the book a long way from Jesus and you can look closely and see how it was all made up, what was included and what was not included. Then along comes some idiot who claims "if the bible said 2 plus 2 was 5 you should believe it." They are all ate up!

Obama is that you?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 26, 2020:

Funny. my Mexican relative by marriage is a Trump supporter and she claims we are going through all this crap now because of Obama. I tell her that Trump is the one that brought all this nastiness to the surface. She then tells me that Obama is not even a Christian. I ask her who told her that - ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 26, 2020:

@altschmerz My Mexican relative actually told me that Jeremiah Wright was the proof that Obama was not a Christian.

Homeopathic uranium, it has been claimed that it cures a wide range of neurological ailments! What ...

DenoPenno comments on Jan 25, 2020:

Is it anything like commodial silver?

DenoPenno replies on Jan 25, 2020:

@Observer-Effect Yes, but commodial silver is from the commode.

I saw in the paper today that the supreme court is deciding whether to use public funds to support ...

Yogisan comments on Jan 24, 2020:

A lot of good positions here. Personally, I don't have anything against religios schools getting public funds IF the the churches involved pay taxes, just like businesses do. The whole idea of taxes is to support common public needs, like infrastructure, emergency services, public intitutions ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 25, 2020:

@Yogisan Maybe you don't get it. The move is on to use public money to fund religious schools.Religious schools are private schools. Why is the government involved in this? This issue has already been decided long, long ago. The answer is that they cannot do this. Why is it coming back again? It is because many do not want a difference to exist and the reasoning they have is to declare America is a "Christian Nation." This is the soul purpose of the mixing of religious and public schools. It is on this basis that you sort of understand religions being taught in public schools. FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation) and others are opposed to it for this reason. Fuck taxing! If they succeed your kid will be taught religion in public schools. This is what that mess is all about. Should churches be taxed? Yes, they should. It does not change the above or make doing this OK.

I saw in the paper today that the supreme court is deciding whether to use public funds to support ...

Yogisan comments on Jan 24, 2020:

A lot of good positions here. Personally, I don't have anything against religios schools getting public funds IF the the churches involved pay taxes, just like businesses do. The whole idea of taxes is to support common public needs, like infrastructure, emergency services, public intitutions ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 24, 2020:

Yes, but it is against the law. If a religious school gets public funds then we will end up with religion being taught in public schools. This is against the law. Teach it in religious schools if you like, but not in our public schools. Those who want to make this legal are shooting themselves in the foot. If it becomes legal ALL religions are going to be required teaching in public schools and not just Evangelicals as the plotters thought. It is a backwards way of claiming America is a "Christian Nation" and many want to push this false idea.

What is the worst experience you had with religion and how did it affect you or what was your ...

VictoriaNotes comments on Jan 22, 2020:

My late spouse had sustained a traumatic brain injury after a car/train accident. When we got married he was an agnostic and had disdain for most religions because of their hypocrisy and bigotry. Symptoms of his TBI progressed and was the cause of the onset of a neurological disorder. Two of the ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 23, 2020:

@VictoriaNotes Good for you, Victoria. I think I would have had the same reactions and vocal regards.

What is the worst experience you had with religion and how did it affect you or what was your ...

VictoriaNotes comments on Jan 22, 2020:

My late spouse had sustained a traumatic brain injury after a car/train accident. When we got married he was an agnostic and had disdain for most religions because of their hypocrisy and bigotry. Symptoms of his TBI progressed and was the cause of the onset of a neurological disorder. Two of the ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 22, 2020:

I'm quite sure you know what I'm going to say here anyway as some of it is shown in your post. In case it ever even remotely bothers you about suicides and "going to hell" the bottom line here is that a person in this state of mind is not in their right state of mind. Their passing is unfortunate and causes much pain but it is nothing for you or your family to be concerned with. Most of us know that hell is imaginary, has no demons, deliverance, or power over you in any way.

What is the worst experience you had with religion and how did it affect you or what was your ...

Jon_Frum comments on Jan 22, 2020:

Being ask to leave the service because the person I was with was not white.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 22, 2020:

In that situation I would make note to also leave that religion - forever.

'Inexcusable': Hillary Clinton, Who Lost to Trump in 2016, Won't Commit to Helping Bernie Sanders ...

altschmerz comments on Jan 21, 2020:

Shillary knows how to hold a grudge. She made nice with Obama after he won with the stipulation that he would back her next time she ran, but privately she is said to refer to him as "that man." And she's never going to forgive or forget Bernie for running such an effective campaign against her in ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 22, 2020:

Hillary has only herself to blame because she would not listen. As to the term "that man" it was also used this way in time of FDR when some did not want to say his name.

‪Religious-schools case heads to a Supreme Court skeptical of stark lines between church and state...

TimeOutForMe comments on Jan 21, 2020:

...and this xtian women swearing in Walmart for cheeesus. Empty trolley! Seems she planned it. Pheeew hopes she doesn't have any children. https://youtu.be/7Jj_FgOCNEE

DenoPenno replies on Jan 21, 2020:

What sort of farce is this? Who is the blonde bitch that is talking in tongues? :) I must admit that some people are that dumb.

I'm watching the start of trumps impeachment trial I'm struck by the conversation about will ...

Tooreen comments on Jan 21, 2020:

The fight for right never stops, never sleeps ,never surrenders. He is Impeached forever!

DenoPenno replies on Jan 21, 2020:

@TimeOutForMe Everything about Donald Trump is crazy lies. I do not mean things said about him. I mean the man himself. He is a liar, grifter, and a conman.

It's Tuesday, Y'all! What is something fun you are looking forward to?

Cutiebeauty comments on Jan 21, 2020:

Always looking forward to Saturday night... Frankie, baby j, and I go to Applebees, in the Bronx and we pay a visit to you know who...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 21, 2020:

IDK who?

Trumpers past

EMC2 comments on Jan 20, 2020:

Never in my life, as a white person, have I ever considered skin pigment a judge of people. Never, did not enter my mind. I considered frogs and toads the same thing , all snakes are not fun, but to see people actually believe their skin color is their heart and soul. HOly shit people, wake up, ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 20, 2020:

I never thought I was racist as a kid but it took being in the U.S. Army and traveling overseas to wake me up and straighten me out.

This is the sort of legislation that Australia should be introducing: [patheos.

Jolanta comments on Jan 19, 2020:

Scotty from Marketing would never do that, he would use it as an excuse for religious freedom.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 20, 2020:

Religious freedom has no excuse. They do not want a freedom of choice and they only want things their way.

Who’s your favorite scientist and why?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 17, 2020:

Most likely Carl Sagan. I first got a copy of his Demon Haunted World back when I still believed in spirits and found out the book was scientific and really different. I could hardly put it down and I'm convinced that Sagan had some hidden influence with me when I finally came out as atheist. I saw...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 18, 2020:

@Aurora62 You are very welcome. I am following your posts now.

How do people feel about pulling good guy (or good person) deeds as an atheist?

soobydoody607 comments on Jan 18, 2020:

No church for me! The church is nothing but a damn lie! Catholics, protestants, baptists, methodists are all there to divide people and I am not falling for none of it!

DenoPenno replies on Jan 18, 2020:

The reason believers need a supreme being to be good is that they think god's divine morals will guide them to heaven. Without this, they reason, what would keep you from robbing a bank. It must be forced morality at work here.

The structure of marriage is heavily based upon religion; in the sight of god, till death, what god ...

DenoPenno comments on Jan 16, 2020:

I did my own divorce over 2 years ago. I was lucky because in 12 years of marriage we had no children. The core of marriage belief comes form religion. While people claim you should support your wife and children the basic marriage concept is out of the bible with a woman as property. I understand ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@Aurora62 To some extent property together gives you certain rights. You need these rights in case one of the parties dies. What I am talking about mostly is that if the party who has died had lots of debt and the surviving party did not, the law in many cases wants the survivor to pay that debt. I personally do not see marriage this way. In many cases the law does.

Who in here has actually had what they would consider a successful long distance relationship?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 16, 2020:

I don't think that would work for me. The closest thing that would work for me is to be in a relationship where they live with me on the weekend and then go to a city to work 5 days before it happens again. I had that once and it worked fairly well until I discovered that she was slowly moving ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@ElusiveMoby At the time t was a literal drawer. Just my way of knowing where things are.

The structure of marriage is heavily based upon religion; in the sight of god, till death, what god ...

DenoPenno comments on Jan 16, 2020:

I did my own divorce over 2 years ago. I was lucky because in 12 years of marriage we had no children. The core of marriage belief comes form religion. While people claim you should support your wife and children the basic marriage concept is out of the bible with a woman as property. I understand ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@Aurora62 You should be able to keep your own name. A ceremony is great if the parties involved want one. What the piece of paper does is actually allow taxes and debt making you pay for things if one of the parties has died. (That is a trap.) As far as church weddings go, religion did not have control of marriage til the early middle ages.

Kentucky Christian School Expels Student For Eating Rainbow Birthday Cake | Michael Stone

DenoPenno comments on Jan 15, 2020:

Be aware here that the very first time I saw this today she was expelled for wearing a rainbow shirt. Later on it changed to the birthday cake. What it means is that someone in social media is pulling our chains and they want to keep us busy and occupied. It can be about politics or people getting ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@OldMetalHead What I meant was the situation cannot be both about the cake and about the shirt. It appears to me as a distraction. Is this true? IDK. Why does it matter?

Pope Francis assures atheists: You don’t have to believe in God to go to heaven | The Independent

Aurora62 comments on Jan 15, 2020:

Dear Pope Francis.... Where is heaven exactly?? And do we really want to go there... thank you but no thank you, I’ll pass lol.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 15, 2020:

I think all those people who tried so hard not to sin are gonna be pissed of about this news.

Why do most humans love a religion?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 12, 2020:

The biggest reason I can think of is that we all like to have answers. As non-believers we know that nobody has all the answers, but you do secretly feel superior to others if you think you are smarter. Religious people seem to be deluded into thinking they have most of the answers and god will ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 15, 2020:

@FrankA I agree with every word of that, Frank. Often my answers will reflect what I think is the thinking of believers because I once was one.

A good history lesson about the terms "capitalism" and "socialism," and criticism of the changes of ...

rainmanjr comments on Jan 14, 2020:

I'm in favor of Democratic Socialism. Every nation that's still doing well is Socialistic.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 14, 2020:

I favor Democratic Socialism as well. America has it in very limited form and the GOP is trying to get rid of those programs. Who will take care of grandma in the nursing home? Those in power do not care.

Why atheist get it wrong when addressing apologetics.

DenoPenno comments on Jan 13, 2020:

Maybe we could ask ourselves what are those Christians apologizing for? That's my take on apologetics. :)

DenoPenno replies on Jan 13, 2020:

@Gwendolyn2018 Yes, I was trying to be amusing. To me apologetics is a sad, broken record using double talk to explain absolutely nothing. It has came into being because it is no longer 300 AD.

Less fear of hell?

KKGator comments on Jan 12, 2020:

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay. I don't fear much of anything. Especially that which does not exist. Hell does not exist. Neither does heaven, or any god. No need to fear any of those things. :D

DenoPenno replies on Jan 12, 2020:

@KKGator Me too.

Less fear of hell?

KKGator comments on Jan 12, 2020:

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay. I don't fear much of anything. Especially that which does not exist. Hell does not exist. Neither does heaven, or any god. No need to fear any of those things. :D

DenoPenno replies on Jan 12, 2020:

Remember KK that heaven had a great wall around it. Was that to keep enemies out or to keep us in? It might have made sense to someone 2000 years ago.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm never going to really fit into society anymore.

DenoPenno comments on Jan 11, 2020:

We share a lot of similar things and I can identify with a lot of what you are saying. I was also Pentecostal. Today I am a militant atheist. My weapon of choice is a keyboard. I might add that I do feel extremely isolated but I have brought this upon myself. There is no going back. This journey...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 12, 2020:

@JonnaBononna You have described the town right. I feel that it is hard to be mad or angry at something that is invisible and remains so. The poor Christians made a movie called "God Is Dead" in which the main atheistic character was angry at god because his father had died. A priest came to the atheist's rescue as he himself was dying. I think I'm going to vomit!

It's sometimes strange to look back on one's self in the past, particularly the distant past.

Jolanta comments on Jan 11, 2020:

Yes, I remember when I used to be a size 8, what happened suddenly? I have no clue.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 12, 2020:

LOL. I used to have tailor made clothes years ago. I'm not sure what happened to them but today they would do me no good at all.

Blackout of 2003 As I was watching the fear-mongering by the right-wing propagandists earlier, ...

Sticks48 comments on Jan 11, 2020:

But the fraidy cats and the stupid will buy it hook, line, and sinker.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@SeaGreenEyez That is exactly what they are and if you don't like Trump they call you negative. There is nothing positive about the man, period. Maybe I'm wrong. Look how he brought coal mining back to Kentucky. :)

Does anyone else have a homophobic family member?

DenoPenno comments on Jan 10, 2020:

Lots of people seem to think that "the gay might rub off." This nonsense goes on into the religious community. It seems strengthened by the HIV threat because many do not know that sex is not the only way to become HIV. Are any of these people the same as rapists, pedophiles, and others? Not that ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@TimeOutForMe I like your informative stories and I've heard some of this before. I would not have liked your country before Mandela but if I lived there then or now I would try to look you up. :)

Sometimes, I feel like I'm never going to really fit into society anymore.

Paddypereira comments on Jan 11, 2020:

Although I was always surrounded by religious people, I never felt that pressure. I can relate to your story on how you had to rebuild yourself. As I play guitar and bass, you have the love for music in common with me. Also, that I'm quite reserved and I also avoid heated discussions. I select ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@MusicManDre Do not let your change of direction shut down your musical abilities and interest. You can still find that outlet.

Do atheists overreach?

BradleyBell comments on Jan 10, 2020:

Damn that's a lot to read bro. Lol I think atheists do a little... I mean. Its really hard to prove that something doesn't exist. I think we are all agnostics, even those with faith.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@anglophone I find many people even on this site that do not understand that. If I am telling you how something is I am the one who has to provide proof.

Anyone who claims to know what god wants you to do is clearly lying.

Bilbobagins comments on Jan 10, 2020:

I would add delusional to your first sentence. I have known Christians that are totally convinced that your life is already mapped out for you by God. No amount of argument could sway them, and I’ve attended special public welcome nights at the local University highlighting debates on this ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 10, 2020:

I know people so dumb that they claim the book of Revelation holds a history of all things past and present and this includes inventions and wars.

A very painful on-line, structured discussion. Can you follow the logic ? [kialo.com]

DenoPenno comments on Jan 9, 2020:

What is circumcision for? In areas of the world where there is not water enough to wash the male member as it should be, this practice has benefits. For most of us in this modern world today it has little or none. When it is done to women and young girls it is nothing but mutilation. A crime that ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 9, 2020:

@Canndue I'm very thankful it was never done to me but I know people who have had it done at 40 years old because of a marriage. Ouch!

Spanish driver rams his SUV into church in attempt to ‘ESCAPE THE DEVIL’ — RT World News

gsiamne comments on Jan 9, 2020:

The devil/satan must be just as omnipresent as yahweh according to believers. lol

DenoPenno replies on Jan 9, 2020:

Dead Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia believed in hell and the devil and he was very plain and straightforward about it. He also said that just because you do not believe in hell it does mean you are not going there. Oh, my. Say 3 Halle Berry's.:)

Iran approves bill labeling US military as terrorist organization - JURIST - News - Legal News & ...

Killtheskyfairy comments on Jan 7, 2020:

Such a sad day for USA!

DenoPenno replies on Jan 8, 2020:

@TheGreatShadow The day they took his tweeter away and duct taped his mouth was one. Sorry. That did not happen.

You don't have to scratch very far below the surface of the Soleimani assassination to get a whiff ...

Captain_Feelgood comments on Jan 5, 2020:

Just curious, were you as condemning of Obama after taking out an equally horrific terrorist leader named Bin Laden? Were you as willing to act like the good Christian and turn the other cheek then? Trust me, Trump is not worried about being impeached. He did this because the guy just attacked us ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 5, 2020:

@Captain_Feelgood Sorry, Feelgood. This is not a debate. I won't even point out the times Soleimani helped us. I'm done.

I was listening to One of Richard Dawkins books and it surprised me when he said that on his scale ...

Merseyman1 comments on Jan 4, 2020:

A SEVEN ! 😀

DenoPenno replies on Jan 5, 2020:

I'm 99.9 percent sure. This means I am not making a claim that I would have to backup with proof because there is no proof either way. Of course, god could get our attention if he cured all those sick kids at St. Jude, but maybe they have cancer because their parents had some hidden sin. That's theist thinking for you and it is ancient at that.

You don't have to scratch very far below the surface of the Soleimani assassination to get a whiff ...

Captain_Feelgood comments on Jan 5, 2020:

Just curious, were you as condemning of Obama after taking out an equally horrific terrorist leader named Bin Laden? Were you as willing to act like the good Christian and turn the other cheek then? Trust me, Trump is not worried about being impeached. He did this because the guy just attacked us ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 5, 2020:

@Captain_Feelgood That is exactly how my response to you looks at your post. Be certain to throw in Bill Clinton, Bush Jr., and FDR while defending Trump. You cannot defend his actions by talking about someone else. It does not work that way and is just another diversion.

You don't have to scratch very far below the surface of the Soleimani assassination to get a whiff ...

Captain_Feelgood comments on Jan 5, 2020:

Just curious, were you as condemning of Obama after taking out an equally horrific terrorist leader named Bin Laden? Were you as willing to act like the good Christian and turn the other cheek then? Trust me, Trump is not worried about being impeached. He did this because the guy just attacked us ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 5, 2020:

Yes, we can always defend Trump's actions by talking Obama. If that fails maybe we can talk Hillary. BTW, let's use her e-mails and build Trump's Wall. Lately I have been increasingly worried that someone will cross over to the USA from Canada and kill me in my sleep. :)

THE MOST DAMNING THING ON CHRISTIANITY Jesus died and his death and resurrection was ...

Geoffrey51 comments on Jan 4, 2020:

1) Not sure why this is a problem. Grafting an important event on to an already existing important feast is a sensible idea for attaining primacy. 2) As you say Seventh Day Adventists. Swiftly Passing Over 3) As point 1 4). As point 1 The phenomenon of Jesus’ ministry is real, ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 4, 2020:

What phenomenon of Jesus' ministry did we have? The Gospels are not eyewitness accounts and were written around 70 CE. (70 AD) The Romans destroyed much of the temple about that time and this event was previously used by believers to prove prophesy. What it proves instead is a later writing of the Gospels and the phenomenon of Jesus' ministry is really something written of after the supposed fact and was distorted and used by Saul of Tarsus to give us all the Christianity of today. As for calendars, the Julian calendar came into being in 45 BCE which some of us call 45 BC. People of Jerusalem had to have some form of remembering events rather than tying them to religious ceremonies. Would people simply say an event was before or after Passover? Passover of what year. If date keeping back then was this problematic then so is god's divine plan.

Religion in the workplace

DenoPenno comments on Jan 3, 2020:

In my workplace religion sometimes come up one way or another. My remarks back to them are that earlier in my life I studied to be a Pentecostal preacher. Today I am no longer religious. Usually they leave me alone at that. If not, I tell them they are trying to put words in my mouth and go back to ...

DenoPenno replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@freeofgod Call me a hard core non-believer.

I was listening to One of Richard Dawkins books and it surprised me when he said that on his scale ...

DenoPenno comments on Jan 3, 2020:

The god argument is fifty fifty. Neither side can prove or disprove a god. If you make a solid claim you also have the burden of proof. Surprise! Neither side can prove.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@Joanne Be damned if you people don't act like you think I believe in god. If you think so you are mistaken.

Are you truely agnostic or an athiest in hiding?

DenoPenno comments on Dec 31, 2019:

Believe it all your way if you like. I am an agnostic atheist.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@SilentRage We are not arguing and I am simply making a statement. Many people insist on dividing words like agnostic and atheist and going into great detail to try and prove to you what each means. I am not one of those people. I do not have a burden of proof.

I was listening to One of Richard Dawkins books and it surprised me when he said that on his scale ...

DenoPenno comments on Jan 3, 2020:

The god argument is fifty fifty. Neither side can prove or disprove a god. If you make a solid claim you also have the burden of proof. Surprise! Neither side can prove.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@ToakReon Does god existence have equal merit for or against? It depends on who you are talking to and what they think is evidence. There is no evidence either way. Did the prophet fly to heaven on a winged horse? Show me evidence of a winged horse. Believers think they have evidence but gods still cannot be proven.

Anyone notice this new trend?

Bierbasstard comments on Jan 2, 2020:

Catering things to one's interests is one thing. Limiting oneself to specific ideologies is another thing entirely. You see it everyday where people only link to stories that fit their agendas.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 2, 2020:

This is exactly what I am talking about. Most of us are just too dumb to see it.

Michael Bloomberg.. He was republican as as mayor and now democrat as president candidate?

yvilletom comments on Dec 5, 2019:

I lived in eight cities in four states, and in order to vote in primary elections I registered with the party whose candidates most often won in general elections. IMO, the parties are about equally corrupt but I prefer Demo corruption to Repub corruption.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 2, 2020:

My area in Missouri is all Republican. I am fortunate that most of them think I'm one of them. I vote as I like and belong to neither party. Libertarian card in my pocket but they are not going to win. That's why the Kochs and Mercers bought the GOP.

After watching several YouTube videos of Christopher Hitchens, I have now concluded that it is a ...

DenoPenno comments on Dec 31, 2019:

Yes, condoms are far more worse than AIDS. Everyone must know this by now. Also in Africa the belief is that you can be cured of AIDS and HIV if you have unprotected sex with a young virgin. To hold these beliefs in any form is to be engaged in genocide.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 2, 2020:

@TimeOutForMe I understand a lot of that. My time in Egypt was a 4 hour stop over in changing planes. I raveled some in the military years ago and then in 2004 I went to Kenya for the woman who is now my ex wife. We were married 12 years. These days at 73, I am a small town hermit. :)

Who has noticed in the last day or so there has been a resurgence of Islam bashing.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 31, 2019:

This is because Trump blames Iran for what is happening in Iraq at our embassy. Rather than an increase of Islam bashing it appears to me as a resurgence.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 1, 2020:

@Trumpeter If I mention our current way of life I am not going into a tirade to blame those before Trump came along just so I can get Trump off the hook. The question of who to blame rests in who is in power. We are not in a popularity contest or preserving of a fake reputation. Trump is all fake and has a fake reputation. His tweets show an unstable man at best. He is a conman and a liar.

After watching several YouTube videos of Christopher Hitchens, I have now concluded that it is a ...

DenoPenno comments on Dec 31, 2019:

Yes, condoms are far more worse than AIDS. Everyone must know this by now. Also in Africa the belief is that you can be cured of AIDS and HIV if you have unprotected sex with a young virgin. To hold these beliefs in any form is to be engaged in genocide.

DenoPenno replies on Jan 1, 2020:

@TimeOutForMe Thanks, and I am aware that it is a continent. I was speaking of tribal lore from Kenya in particular. My point is that the supposed cure for AIDS is what spreads it. The Catholic Church and condom beliefs do a good job of spreading diseases also.

Who has noticed in the last day or so there has been a resurgence of Islam bashing.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 31, 2019:

This is because Trump blames Iran for what is happening in Iraq at our embassy. Rather than an increase of Islam bashing it appears to me as a resurgence.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 31, 2019:

@Trumpeter Troops are not really leaving anywhere in the ways that we are being told they are. What goes on is our current way of life in this world. Naming people in power before Trump came along does not change anything or get Trump off the hook.

I am so sick of the cess pool in the house, Senate.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 29, 2019:

I don't send a dime to either party. Charity begins at home.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 30, 2019:

@gigihein I have little way of knowing if people are bribed or not but I see your point.

So, here I am, folding my laundry, wondering about descriptions of existentialist ambiguity, esp.

KKGator comments on Dec 28, 2019:

I coulda had a V-8.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 28, 2019:

You also could of had a six cylinder. :)

Even though I am an atheist, I recognize that we have had great theologians, whose thoughts are ...

DenoPenno comments on Dec 28, 2019:

What is the word of god? Why would I think that one person has it when another person does not?

DenoPenno replies on Dec 28, 2019:

@wordywalt I do not find or see many good religious men. I'm also not looking for them.

In a couple of my Amazon books I mention the danger of a self-fulfilling prophesy.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 26, 2019:

In Evangelical Christianity it is widely believed that Gog and Magog as mentioned in the bible is Russia. I'm here today to tell you that your bible says nothing of Russia, and it also says nothing of the USA.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 27, 2019:

@Joanne That sums it up well.

If there were any Christian traditions to observe, this might be it.

nicknotes comments on Dec 27, 2019:

Slaughter of Innocents In Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 2, verses 13-18, part of the Christmas Story is called ""the Slaughter of the Innocents" At verse 8, King Herod tells the Magi..... "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too ...

DenoPenno replies on Dec 27, 2019:

You are correct and this is because there never was a "slaughter of the innocents" as Matthew wants us to believe. This is not a part of any history of the times.

UPDATE if you read my post about my major Dilemma.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 26, 2019:

Even that Rascal Paul said that the believer in a relationship might influence the non-believer in the end and that this was a reason to stay together. Oh, well. Everyone cherry picks the bible.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 26, 2019:

@Donotbelieve Yes, he did say it was better to remain single but he also claimed the believing spouse might be able to convert the other as well. I'm guessing this came to his attention because many had been taught not to be "unequally yoked" and could have been using it as a reason for divorce.

In a couple of my Amazon books I mention the danger of a self-fulfilling prophesy.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 26, 2019:

In Evangelical Christianity it is widely believed that Gog and Magog as mentioned in the bible is Russia. I'm here today to tell you that your bible says nothing of Russia, and it also says nothing of the USA.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 26, 2019:

@Joanne That's what I was taught also. It's so trucked up that they cannot see the turn around here just to be able to feel good about Trump. It's insanity. How do they justify it?

The Importance and Relevance of Endorsements in Presidential Candidates Joe BIden has the most ...

Jolanta comments on Dec 26, 2019:

Endorsement may so be but the people want Bernie.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 26, 2019:

Most of us do not care about endorsements.

Have you ever entered into a relationship with someone who is associated with some kind of religion ...

JonnaBononna comments on Dec 21, 2019:

I am currently in a relationship with a Christian. He isn't a radical Christian, and he doesn't think less of me for not believing- it fact he didn't seem to care that I don't believe. I really think if I could get him to really consider things logically, I could sway him. We converse on many ...

DenoPenno replies on Dec 21, 2019:

The problem here is that both sides are trying to sway the other even if they do not admit it. The "believer/non-believer game" can become as bad as the abused woman who knowingly picked a bad boy and thinks his abuse is proof that he loves her. There are a few people, however, who never enter into the "belief games." I find it strange that some people even think that jealousy in a relationship is a good thing when actually it is poison.

More Americans Celebrating a Secular Christmas [news.gallup.com]

BlackDove comments on Dec 20, 2019:

The only thing that I do is put up lights, and not outside. And I usually put up the cat's stockings, but I've been so busy this year, they're not up. But, hey Festivus is coming up, right?

DenoPenno replies on Dec 20, 2019:

LOL. I can just see the cats playing with those stockings.

The plight of the Ignorant and Superstitious.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 19, 2019:

Today we are just as ignorant. I know people who believe in ghosts and a few claim they have seen them. Not sure if the ghosts were holy or not and the churches still have profits. (No, that is not a misspell.)

DenoPenno replies on Dec 20, 2019:

@nicknotes There was a middle aged couple on TV that dealt exclusively with angels. They even reported that angels were 12 feet tall.

I want to punch the computer screen every time I see his face! Tried posting this last night, but ...

yvilletom comments on Dec 19, 2019:

Thanks for the list. But aren’t they voting for him because he’s bringing their End Times? If so, they want that more than they want anything else on the list.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 19, 2019:

You may be right, Tom.

Seen on Facebook

TheGreatShadow comments on Dec 19, 2019:

I'm staying away from FB. All I see is people supporting him more!

DenoPenno replies on Dec 19, 2019:

It appears that Trumpy and Zuck made a deal to continue with false GOP ads. This is why I am still on FB because i fight and counter such nonsense every single day. I am often 'reported' because i won't let some clown post lies on my page and I fight back.

So coming up to Christmas please tell me Athiests what you think of the Holiday season since you ...

IamNobody comments on Dec 19, 2019:

Christ who???....? Once again, it's party time, drink, eat and enjoy the time off. What's not to like???

DenoPenno replies on Dec 19, 2019:

Keep in mind that Jesus is a name and Christ is a title. Christians seem to forget that fact. I recall an over the road truck with words on it saying "his name is Jesus Christ." It simply is not so.

Evaluating the Truth of the New Testament.

abyers1970 comments on Dec 18, 2019:

Well at least they told the truth about a talking donkey

DenoPenno replies on Dec 18, 2019:

Without there being one in the bible I doubt if there ever would have been any "Francis the Talking Mule' movies.

"The Color Purple" premiered in New York City on this date in 1985.

DenoPenno comments on Dec 17, 2019:

I loved that movie. Good casting and acting for everyone involved. The film included my FB friend Rae Dawn Chong and was a showcase and big turning point for Oprah. Many thought Oprah was making a mistake in going for a talk show host after this film.

DenoPenno replies on Dec 17, 2019:

@KKGator She took over AM Chicago in 1984 and brought it right to the top. Her show called "The Oprah Winfrey Show" started in 1986 mostly because of her success with taking over AM Chicago. History seems to show that she made the right choice.

1 Million Moms, is freaking out over a commercial showing two people kissing

DenoPenno comments on Dec 16, 2019:

Here is where I take a different stance than most of you. My bottom line is that we do not need to see commercials with people kissing. I mean people of any gender. I get it and we all know what kissing is. It is not always so easy to avoid seeing people kissing, so why put this upon us? Most of us ...

DenoPenno replies on Dec 16, 2019:

@ToolGuy I don't think that many of you got it about my turn around as I broke this issue down. Obviously the protesters are not those who would watch the program. Protesters do not want to see same sex people kissing.