I believe in the power of faith.

HippieChick58 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I don't know if I would call that faith, confidence maybe. I would ask faith in WHAT? Is it God giving you that sale? Or is it your preparation, your personality, charisma? Or your BS? :)

Diogenes replies on Jan 3, 2018:

Chick, you already know it's his BS. And what has this dude achieved from his lies or near lies. He probably treats the rest of his life in the same way.

What, not who, makes life worth living?

DharmaBum50 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Traveling and seeing as much of nature and the planet as possible. As far as I can determine, that's the only reason it's there.

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

@btroje Ya, some joke. Go somewhere, and see nothing- then sit on the patio and drink beer for a week or two. Must not forget to complain about all the Japanese food: "Don't they have any 'real' food here?"

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

carlyhorton comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I wouldn't call it fear, but I do think it's a bummer that I won't be able to experience the future. I'm so curious about it! I really wish I could be a ghost and observe everything.

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

@RoboGraham and if you got your wish- I don't see much so-called "enjoyment" without a body. Might be a good idea to be careful about what you wish.

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

carlyhorton comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I wouldn't call it fear, but I do think it's a bummer that I won't be able to experience the future. I'm so curious about it! I really wish I could be a ghost and observe everything.

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

@carlyhorton, first and foremost, thanks for the conversation- and have a productive 2018. I can not claim to know that which is 'unknowable'- even by people much smarter than me. (It wouldn't be hard to be smarter than me) A question: most of us have had a pet, if being a dog is the current life, what was the dog in the former life? There are smart, brave and loyal dogs, who live more worthwhile lives than many humans, why are they dogs?

Quick poll.

SusieQ420 comments on Jan 2, 2018:

the only anger I feel is towards the systematic brainwashing of children and adults looking for reason to life. but that is life.

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

Susie good morning. Yes, it makes me angry to see 'systematic' brainwashing of children. I don't agree with the other part though. I always found the adults were, NOT, looking for the meaning of life.

Quick poll.

TheMiddleWay comments on Jan 2, 2018:

If you stayed angry longer than a few days, please seek medical attention.

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

Well it appears that I should have looked for psychiatric help. I am ashamed that I slobbered such a large portion of my life away on such a moronic pastime.

Quick poll.

LeighShelton comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I never believed the lies in the first place

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

Then you must have had intelligent parents to teach you- so don't take all the credit.

Quick poll.

Mojefro comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Never angry, I think this shit is quite comical.

Diogenes replies on Jan 2, 2018:

Certainly comical.

What, not who, makes life worth living?

DharmaBum50 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Traveling and seeing as much of nature and the planet as possible. As far as I can determine, that's the only reason it's there.

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

@BikerDude50 Congrats! Way to go! I know a bit of Europe- but I would like to see a little more of other cultures. It has been about 15 years since I have been in Kentucky.

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

carlyhorton comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I wouldn't call it fear, but I do think it's a bummer that I won't be able to experience the future. I'm so curious about it! I really wish I could be a ghost and observe everything.

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

@carlyhorton Ya, LOL. But Nature has never sent any messengers to tell us what this puzzle is about- so all options are open- maybe we just "fade to black" too.

Are you bothered that we count time based on when Jesus was supposedly born?

ripcurldane comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Yes it bothers me a lot. What alternatives. We kind of need an exact date! IT'S THE YEAR 7 000 018 :-) This is for those who take the start point from where evolution turned to create humans. Scientists say that it was about 7000000 years ago? Start of the human lineage, following a split with ...

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

Yep, that's a good idea too.

Are you bothered that we count time based on when Jesus was supposedly born?

MsOliver comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Historical scholars and others in academia stopped using BC and AD decades ago in favor of the more inclusive BCE and CE (before common era and after common era) and given that Jesus was allegedly born in 4 BCE, not 1 CE the system has been off by four years since the beginning. The only real ...

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

@MsOliver Hi, that interests me and there are other subjects that I would like to pursue- but before I get to any of them, I must take care of a 'list' of 'yesterdays'. ....and someone should have actually assassinated Constantine; this fiction might have faded away if he had not been involved.

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

carlyhorton comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I wouldn't call it fear, but I do think it's a bummer that I won't be able to experience the future. I'm so curious about it! I really wish I could be a ghost and observe everything.

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

@carlyhorton Hi, sorry I did not make myself clear. My point was, if there is a life after death' we may come back as anything- and that includes something as 'insignificant' as a bug or mouse.----And have an interesting 2018

Are you bothered that we count time based on when Jesus was supposedly born?

MsOliver comments on Jan 1, 2018:

Historical scholars and others in academia stopped using BC and AD decades ago in favor of the more inclusive BCE and CE (before common era and after common era) and given that Jesus was allegedly born in 4 BCE, not 1 CE the system has been off by four years since the beginning. The only real ...

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

MsOliver, yes. I didn't see your comment before I wrote mine. Looks like you have put more study into this. Yes, and I knew that it was four years off- but what difference does it make to a fictional birth? It could be a hundred years off, who cares?

What, not who, makes life worth living?

DharmaBum50 comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Traveling and seeing as much of nature and the planet as possible. As far as I can determine, that's the only reason it's there.

Diogenes replies on Jan 1, 2018:

As far as travelling around the world on a huge aircraft- and then staying in a five-star resort where the room temp would be the 'comfortable' same, no matter if it was on the equator or arctic, I see no progress. If you see nothing of interest in your own neighbourhood, you may not see anything away. A few miles away, U of T were doing a dig, and I asked, what they were doing. He said, "There was a Huron village here." He showed me where the posts supporting the long house had been. The spots were black from the post decay.

Was I a tad out of line?

Tomas comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Rude.. not at all ! I’d seen that same “news article” a few months back, the statement was made by a “fundamentalists christian” congressman or senator... (KS, OK) he was ridiculed by FB folks... anyway, he was rightly shot down by media.

Diogenes replies on Dec 31, 2017:

Ya, I saw it too. It was a while back. There are so many nutters though. It is not possible to keep track of them all.

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

carlyhorton comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I wouldn't call it fear, but I do think it's a bummer that I won't be able to experience the future. I'm so curious about it! I really wish I could be a ghost and observe everything.

Diogenes replies on Dec 31, 2017:

I do not like to kill anything. (The mice have chewed the water pipes till they leak) carlyhorton maybe you will be one of the mice that are killed in mouse traps.

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

AMGT comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I find comfort in the fact that my time here will end and that I won’t be at all aware of the aftermath. “I” will be no more.. Finally.

Diogenes replies on Dec 31, 2017:

You do not know that

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

jwm03h comments on Dec 30, 2017:

You are assuming there is no after life. Which is an unknown for me, certainly there isn't a heaven or hell, but I have no idea how I got here , and before I was born I didn't exist, so if I got here when I didn't exist before, how do we know it can't happen again?

Diogenes replies on Dec 31, 2017:

JWM-yes all the possibilities! I wonder what it would be like to be a bird and fly. And to give a little credit to birds, crows are not the derogatory termed "bird brained"; they have the ability to use tools and think. Another point: what makes anyone think they are going to come back (if there is a second life) the same colour, or in the same place? Maybe as we eat gluttonous amount of food while watching the profound amount of misery on TV- we could end up that way.

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

IndySent comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Coming from a religious “fire and brimstone” childhood, I would have to say that the realization that I wasn’t going to burn for eternity for being exactly what some creator made me, really brought me comfort. It also opened my eyes as to how abusive a “relationship with God” really was....

Diogenes replies on Dec 31, 2017:

IndySent, ya, when a person finally gets "the religious message"- there isn't enough contempt to heap on that message.

Although I find religion too foolish to even comment on- I still find some religious people, so ...

SKH78 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Liberal religious people are okay with me. A couple of my friends are religious. They believe in separation of religion and state and they give support to human rights issues. They know I am a non-believer and they are okay with that. It is the Religious Right that scares the stew out of me.

Diogenes replies on Dec 28, 2017:

Yep, the, "my god can kick the shit out of your god", crowd are a scary bunch.

Do any of you have holiday traditions?

CeciRosane60 comments on Dec 25, 2017:

your post finally showed..strange...well mine is to have a meal with my kids on the evie of the 24th...most we do is watch old videos and pictures and talk about our life journey ...since there is only 3 of us here all our family are back in Brazil. By the way loved the video, you guys rock!

Diogenes replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Sorry. I didn't watch the video- maybe I missed something great. It wasn't an intentional omission. I have NOTHING against happy events.

Okay, on this site, the topic is being an agnostic; is there more?

JHeyoka comments on Nov 19, 2017:

When I found this site, i quickly became very excited that i can talk about personal and societal philosophy without immediate ignorance and hate. But yeah, i see more of the 'i just quit religion' support group type discussion more than progressive philosophy. I personally welcome it.

Diogenes replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Yes, who in "hell" (another of my Freudian slips) cares about religion? Can there ever be a more moronic topic?

Who on here has heard of the White Rose Movement?

SKH78 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I have heard of the White Rose Movement. I read about Sophie Scholl, one of the leaders of WR. I read that she got executed at age 21. I thought, there is a person with Moral Courage. She surely must have known she would get killed, but fought the Nazi movement the best that she could. I have ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Yep.

Who on here has heard of the White Rose Movement?

SKH78 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

Takes awhile for the courageous ones to wake up. There are some signs that people are stirring and coming to life. At least Roy Moore did not get elected Senator. The race was VERY close, though. But Moore, who is an Upfront Bigot and Proud of it, did not go to the U.S. Senate. In North ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 27, 2017:

Yes. It takes guts to stand against religious nonsense in a bible belt state.

Persons that must be different- like all the other ones that are "different"?

SKH78 comments on Dec 26, 2017:

I guess I am "different". I am of a Liberal bent, but there are Liberals who I do not get along with. The Conservatives, I have my strong disagreements with them but if they are nice and courteous on a personal basis, I get along with them. I don't really follow any party line. My friends call ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 27, 2017:

I didn't write my remark correctly- as usual. LOL. I will have to go back and look at it; find it even. What I wanted to say was, "Being different by being the same as all the other people who are different..." Yes, I agree with you. I am going to vote Conservative, not because I particularly agree with them- but I see them as the only choice. My views tend to be socialist- if there was a 'responsible socialist' party in Canada. "Too lazy to work (at an honest wage)- then too lazy to eat", is the way I look at it. The 'hard and nasty' of it is that it takes money to fund social programs and that takes work and planning. But this is off topic from what my point was. All these clowns who are willing to "seek justice"- "to be different", by mouthing stupid nonsense. My 'good' friends (not my 'token' friends, used to make a point) are of all colours: some, so-called "white", black, brown... It appears they are all "people of colour". What would be the second choice- besides being invisible? Ya, and just watch, someone on here will tag me as a racist.

If religion wasn't here, what would atheists bitch about?

mash_tatoes comments on Dec 24, 2017:

It would just be another Facebook. The reason there is so much religion/god talk on here is because most of us have not had so many similar minds in one place to share all of the ideas that we can't discuss with people, even if they are not strongly religious. I normally just get on Facebook for ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 26, 2017:

Getting rid of religion is the first step---- but a person doesn't walk very far on "one step". If a person is not going to do something with their life, why bother? Stick with religion, what difference is there going to be?

Seeing supposedly religious people support tRump has made me incredibly angry.

Thomas3 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I am not religious any more, but I voted for and support Trump. Do I make you angry. Who is going to pay for everyone to have a place to live and food to eat. What raise my taxes. I have to work to pay my rent and buy my food. It is my responsibility not anybody else.

Diogenes replies on Dec 25, 2017:

When a person READS BETWEEN THE LINES, Trump is doing exactly what he has done in business and what he is going to do now. He has had four or five 'successful' bankruptcies. Now just how does anyone have a "successful bankruptcy"? He takes Chapter 11, and the investors take the loss. The next one will be the biggie. Right now the stock market is going wild---- just like it was doing in the summer of 1929, where everybody was getting rich, buying stock on margin. Then in November, came the depression and that stock was worth nothing. This time it may be much worse than 'just' a financial crisis--- there is a loony with his thumb on the nuke button.

Bright side of the religions

LeighShelton comments on Dec 5, 2017:

I know it saves people who get messed up on drugs or in prison etc.

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

So they go from one addiction to, 'the next addiction', the god addiction- and that is being "saved"?

Vegans

Joanne comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I can see myself at some point going vegetarian; but as someone with low blood sugar issues, I need to make sure I have adequate protein in my diet. I am now what I call a pescafowlatarian. I eat only some seafood--I don't like most so that is limited--and fowl (mostly chicken, but some turkey). ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

Yes

Vegans

SarahSiddons comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I probably only eat animal protein once or twice a week more for environmental reasons. I have zero plans to give it up completely. Generally I won’t eat ground beef, non organic chicken or eggs are out of the question, as are non-kosher hotdogs. My eating habits/diet have nothing to do with my ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

A while back, I asked a person, "If there was a cow in the pasture would you take a sharp stick and poke its eye out?" The answer was, "Of course not."---- but chewing on another resident of this rock is okay????

Vegans

IntoTheMist comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I was vegetarian for about 10 years and then vegan for 2----long story short, I made myself extremely ill, and I'll not try either diet again.

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

I keep missing to state my magor point. I VERY seldom eat meat- if I do I get depressed after. To me a veggie diet makes sense.

Vegans

IntoTheMist comments on Nov 1, 2017:

I was vegetarian for about 10 years and then vegan for 2----long story short, I made myself extremely ill, and I'll not try either diet again.

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

Mist. I am 'just a bit over 35'---- LOL, and I won a fitness contest this year- against some in their 20s. I have no intention of being a slave to diet- but a person must be aware of what they eat. I have no intention of being vegan. If a person was starving, would they let fresh eggs rot. Just what would be the purpose of that?

[snotr.com] Hope this clears things up for people.

resserts comments on Dec 24, 2017:

This is how the entire Bible should be read. :D

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

"How the bible should be read"! It would make a great 'paper weight'- and that is just about how it should be "read".

Vegans

Mantra comments on Nov 4, 2017:

Although I believe in a balanced diet I can probably transition into a vegerarian easily as my favorites are fruit, veggies and nuts. Not sure about vegan though considering how much I like eggs and honey. Ok I'll think about giving up meat completely. I rarely eat it anyway.

Diogenes replies on Dec 24, 2017:

Mantra, I am not a "radical"- and I do nothing that will enable me 'to join the crowd'. Veggies taste good, which is a very good subjective reason for eating them. The objective reason for not killing something is overtly obvious- at least to me. Help! LOL. I got a good deal on some veggies. Although I stacked the carrots and put them in a cold room, they are turning bad. So as far as a "saving", there is none if a large portion turn bad. I thought about wrapping each veggie in cellophane. I will experiment till I find the answer. I am tired of talking about religion- something that has no bearing on my life.

Does ANYONE on here listen to classic music?

BrianPhraner comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I have listened to this station. Another great classical music station you can stream on line is Classic King FM in Seattle. They are publicly funded so there are the periodic fund raising times of the year. I myself have been writing symphony music for the last 15 years or so.

Diogenes replies on Dec 23, 2017:

Brian hi. Classic King must be a PBS station. I like to listen to PBS form Buffalo- besides their great music, the knowledgeable commentary is interesting. I am at the outer edge of their reception range, but reception from them is perfect on TV. When you become 'more' famous, than you already are, with your compositions, I am going to claim that I have 'talked' with you. LOL. All the best.

Does ANYONE on here listen to classic music?

Ruskie100 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I am a retired Assoc. Professor Emeritus of Music education, classic/jazz pianist and bass baritone soloist having sung the great religious compositions with symphony orchestras along with leads in operas. Yes, at 88 I listen to classic music as well as good jazz.

Diogenes replies on Dec 23, 2017:

Ruskie, I should have paid more attention to the music classes in school- just one more thing that 'I should have paid attention to'. I like all kinds of music, especially early jazz.It must be MUSIC though; to me, dissonance is not music.

Who agrees with the theory of multiverse?

Squirrellglider comments on Nov 4, 2017:

I not long ago was reading a book called "Time Travel in Einstein's Universe" and by the time I was about 1/3rd of the way through, I was in such mental knots as to be finding the book beyond me. It had all sorts of theories including "String Theory", "Multiverses", and other equally bewildering ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 20, 2017:

Ya, I watched a TV, 'science' program- and it was way beyond me. There I am---- being honest. But one thing I did get out of it was these universes could be 'playing' at the same time, and occasionally crossed each others paths.

Who on here has heard of the White Rose Movement?

ZebZaman comments on Dec 19, 2017:

I sure have heard of them. There day of death, 22.2.43 , has other significance to me. One of the group who survived became the chief doctor in the hospital my father frequented. They are inspirational, but the warning is also: if bad people are in power, it is good people that get executed for ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 20, 2017:

Yep- in the 'movie' (it was only a "movie")- but I can imagine that the judge, in real life, carried on in the same way, railing about "high treason"- then the same characterless characters, only a few years later, probably blithered about how little they had to do with these executions. Trump has done lots of sacking- but look what he has set up. Getting rid of him will do nothing- the tangled rat's nest will still be there. And thanks for getting back to me and the info.. Religion is of no interest to me. If I am going to use time, it will be on something that I am interested in.

Exuse me, but the subject of religion is over, who feels the same way?

Dutchiedutch comments on Dec 19, 2017:

Dear Diogenes, I agree.

Diogenes replies on Dec 20, 2017:

Hoi, zoooo, bent je uit Nederland?

Seeing supposedly religious people support tRump has made me incredibly angry.

Thomas3 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I am not religious any more, but I voted for and support Trump. Do I make you angry. Who is going to pay for everyone to have a place to live and food to eat. What raise my taxes. I have to work to pay my rent and buy my food. It is my responsibility not anybody else.

Diogenes replies on Dec 18, 2017:

Bob, ya "Trump made promises that made him shine"- -- but all his promises are lies. If you read between the lines, then he is doing exactly what he said he was going to do

How could the Holy Ghost impregnate Mary?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 25, 2017:

It didn't. There were several other religions that had stories of pregnancies and birth without sex at the time when Jesus was supposedly on earth. The "virgin birth" was added into the story at a later date, having been "borrowed" or plagiarized from another religion of the time.

Diogenes replies on Dec 17, 2017:

Yes, I have read many rulers of the period, a few thousand years ago, were deified- but- expressing such beliefs in the modern age is- 'just a wee bit silly'.

OK.

LeighShelton comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I don't know but then again there's endless things I can't explain on earth let alone out there. personally, i think people find it so much easier to say god did it so they can keep blinkers on and stay happy in their own little bubble.

Diogenes replies on Dec 16, 2017:

Yep, stupid and lazy.

OK.

twshield comments on Dec 15, 2017:

If you were able to visit another world, they would have no idea who God is. God is a creation of man and the idea is only here on earth. The universe is vast and we are merely a molecule inside it.

Diogenes replies on Dec 15, 2017:

Yep- and I expect Jeezuz-dude does not have a few billion billion brothers- one for every habitable planet in the universe.

OK.

Arasmuson comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Perhaps there are many other galaxies and we are a giant poop from a black hole.

Diogenes replies on Dec 15, 2017:

Yep, even though there are photos from Mars- we must consider ourselves "primitives" with our knowledge of the universe.

OK.

JohnnyThorazine comments on Dec 15, 2017:

The first thing I enjoy about the word 'always' is that it is so temporary. Hehe...but there's the fun in life, questions questions questions. If you think you have an answer, you just haven't found the question yet.

Diogenes replies on Dec 15, 2017:

Yep, if we had all the answers, life would be rather boring.

OK.

MsOliver comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I don't know. Just as importantly, I don't care. There is no evidence at all that there is a being in charge of the rules of the universe, so I honestly do not care if the answer is literally "something came from nothing," (although I'm sure there is probably a better explanation for it, I simply ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 15, 2017:

Well dam it, MsOliver, you could create another "one-true god". LOL

OK.

Grim comments on Dec 15, 2017:

We are very young as inhabitants of this planet, and even younger when it comes to understanding yet the simplest of things, now explain quantum mechanics to me... No? Then how can we think we have the answer to the most complex of things? I think the realization of our lack of knowledge is why ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 15, 2017:

Yep, the stupid do not want to get out of their 'lazy comfy' zone.

How comfortable are you with the word "Atheist" ?

ags2 comments on Dec 12, 2017:

I prefer to describe myself as a Humanist. Call me chicken :)

Diogenes replies on Dec 14, 2017:

I have worn out the topic of "atheist". I refuse to comment on gods that do not exist, or have never existed- I am NOT an atheist. If I am going to waste time---- it's going to be on something that is pleasant- not profound foolishness. I don't care if Donald Duck wears rubber boots when he is swimming, so that his feet will not get wet. And I feel that the discussion about gods is even more absurd than the foregone premise.

Before being put under oath, should I inform that I am a non-believer?

Benthoven comments on Dec 12, 2017:

When they say, "Do you promise to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth," I like to argue the concept of "truth." What is truth anyway, and can we really know it? And even if we could know the truth, how could we possibly understand the "whole truth." Not sure it would get me ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 14, 2017:

I am in Canada. I had to be in court for something and the bible-bit came up. This has been a while back and I can't remember exactly what I said- but I did not swear anything on that book of fairy tales. Foolishness is carried just too far.

How do you communicate a refusal to donate to religious groups? (more inside)

EyesOnTheFuture comments on Dec 9, 2017:

You don't owe them an explanation. Besides only 33% of a charity donation ever actually makes it to the charity itself.

Diogenes replies on Dec 12, 2017:

Yes 33%- maybe much less, and with some of these organizations the criminals/directors are making huge salaries.I would never give to any evangelical organization. I heard that even Jimmy Carter broke away from the Southern Baptist. Carter is involved with Habitat for Humanity- and to me, he is a decent human being.

What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)

LoveThyDog comments on Oct 25, 2017:

I laugh my ass off. I also love it when they ask, "don't you want to be saved?" "Hell freakin' no," I reply. "Saved from what? Logic, reason, critical thinking?!"

Diogenes replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Soooooo true!

What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)

Rajmarax comments on Oct 11, 2017:

I have them read the sections of "Revelation" that describe heaven, and point out how fucking boring that sounds.

Diogenes replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Ya, but you can walk on streets of purest gold--- think even soft metal like gold would be hard on the boots- would rather see and walk on grass anyway.

Pushy Atheist?

DUCHESSA comments on Nov 24, 2017:

No, I haven't....and I haven't because I don't waste any time talking about Atheism with people whose brains are intoxicated with religion.

Diogenes replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Hi. A person can get over "intoxication" in a few hours; many "plagues" end life. This is not a confrontational point. I also do not have time to waste talking about religion- if I am going to waste time it's going to be on something pleasant. But the godsters have to be given points for their 'invisible god'- a great promotional foil where only the 'believers' can see it. I see the "believers" as the 'indoctrinated'. Obviously I have not been programed because I see no god-dude. And I was not speaking directly about you, 'not having a life'- peace!

So US WH occupant 45 has now recognized Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel.

sassygirl3869 comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I'm really upset about this faux pas. tRUMP is the biggest moron for setting this juggernaut in motion. I personally can't joke about such a party sorry.

Diogenes replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Yes, correct

Isn’t it funny that religious people from all religions think if you’re an atheist, you’re ...

Alexa comments on Dec 8, 2017:

A religious guy told me once that I look like the devils daughter because of my red hair. He said "Did you dye your hair this colour on purpose to be closer to the one you worship? You could be his daughter." Crazy crazy crazy

Diogenes replies on Dec 10, 2017:

Alexa- your hair- tell him to piss off.

Isn’t it funny that religious people from all religions think if you’re an atheist, you’re ...

Kcchrist comments on Dec 9, 2017:

It is hard for the believers to imagine the non-existence of a god and afterlife. It scares them. I've been told, "I'm going to hell!" I reply, " I do not believe in that either." It usually throws them into a awkward trance.

Diogenes replies on Dec 10, 2017:

Hey I'm a "believer"- I believe in reality. Shit, I guess I made a mistake; that's a "non-believer". LOL

As you know, the secular community is a marginalized one.

MsOliver comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I have no issue with my mental health. I am not at all afraid to keep my own counsel. I understand that some people need the company of others to feel fulfilled, especially for this season. I recommend reading philosophy, engaging in thoughtful debate with like minded people, and doing volunteer ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 10, 2017:

Just another bit- yes, right on about "doing volunteer work".

As you know, the secular community is a marginalized one.

MsOliver comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I have no issue with my mental health. I am not at all afraid to keep my own counsel. I understand that some people need the company of others to feel fulfilled, especially for this season. I recommend reading philosophy, engaging in thoughtful debate with like minded people, and doing volunteer ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 10, 2017:

MsOliver-- glad to know your mental health is okay- but I have read some of your posts and already knew you were quite sane. As for me, I think I've lost my last marbles years ago, and between bouts of depression, my absurd and warped sense of humour carries me through--- for at least another 'few minutes'. (Please laugh; this is not meant to depress)

Pushy Atheist?

AccursedHalo comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Haven't been told I was pushing my beliefs on anyone, but I have been in many arguments with my mom about it and then she starts crying and says she doesn't want to talk about it anymore. She starts to cry even when we are having a civil discussion. So, I can say i've been guilt tripped and shamed ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Said it before, "You have taken her out of her comfort zone". And if you start to ask her direct questions, "Has anything ever come back from the dead?" such questions as that will take her farther out of her comfort zone.

Pushy Atheist?

DUCHESSA comments on Nov 24, 2017:

No, I haven't....and I haven't because I don't waste any time talking about Atheism with people whose brains are intoxicated with religion.

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

How about "plagued by religion"? But doesn't anyone on here have a life? Anybody like classic music? I was down to the track today and did a few miles. In the afternoon I watched some great football. I got my photo fixed on here.

Isn’t it funny when the religious say they will be praying for you?

Mightyjustice comments on Dec 9, 2017:

When my mom is worried about my sister she still asks ME to pray for her. I think it's 50% sincere worry for my sister and 50% belief that I believe, I'm just mad at good or something.

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

I don't know all the answers, but there is something that I have seen- many stupid people try to bring a person down to their level. They expect a thinking person to give some credence to the idea of "prayer".

A little humour, please! Is this the 'season' of "Good Friday"?

JLFowler comments on Dec 9, 2017:

I do call Easter zombie Jesus day.

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Ya, but I mixed up the days, not that I care. Easter Sunday is the day that the spooks come out of the ground , not Friday- my mistake.

Isn’t it funny when the religious say they will be praying for you?

Mightyjustice comments on Dec 9, 2017:

When my mom is worried about my sister she still asks ME to pray for her. I think it's 50% sincere worry for my sister and 50% belief that I believe, I'm just mad at good or something.

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Do you know the history of religion- if you don't, educate yourself- then it is your responsibility to educate and help your sister. And by that I don't mean in the sense of 'fire breathing atheism'- because I don't have the time for that either.

One of my favourite poets ever , Phillip Larkin poet laureate This Be The Verse BY PHILIP ...

VinceRichardson comments on Dec 3, 2017:

Brilliant,unfortunately I passed on the misery to my one and only daughter ; ) She is doing fine in life though to be honest

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Vince, glad your daughter is doing fine---- mine isn't! NOOOO there was none of that super sick crap---- but there was no 'love'. 'That' is so important! It was soooo important that I break the succession of bull shit, but I didn't even know it- or know how.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

RundioII comments on Nov 16, 2017:

"My best advice to anyone who wants to raise a happy, mentally healthy child is: Keep him or her as far away from the church as you can." -Frank Zappa

Diogenes replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Rundioll, "keeping children away from church" is just putting them at the starting line. They should also 'study' religious mythology and the history of it. They should study cosmology, archeology, history---these subjects are so interesting that they would not accept buffoonery. And after they know a bit about life, they should be taken to church-- to be shown what 'indoctrination' looks like.

Who agrees with the theory of multiverse?

BKMiller1970 comments on Nov 7, 2017:

Well to begin with, there is no theory of a multiverse. There are hypotheses that point toward a multiverse. A theory is a well founded model that describes a phenomena. A theory is backed by evidence that is peer reviewed and duplicated many times and found to be consistant with reality. There ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 8, 2017:

Thanks, but I am not too interested in all the 'precise' semantics- and the universe wasn't what I was talking about. It was knowing the future for a few seconds or minutes. It has happened to many people- NO, I do not own a crystal ball that can predict the future, and I won't even talk with anyone that owns one and claims they can predict the future. LOL

Isn’t it a shame a non-religious person have to keep their sanity secret?

Buddha comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Thank good ness for this site.... I almost said thank God! Lol

Diogenes replies on Dec 8, 2017:

I too sometimes make mistakes with those Freudian slips- thank god. LOL

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 16, 2017:

Yummy post, btw. Your Hicks quote reminded me of this one by stand-up comedian, Lenny Bruce, in the early 1960's: “If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses."

Diogenes replies on Dec 7, 2017:

Certainly something like that, but how can anything kill a fictitious character?

Isn’t it a shame a non-religious person have to keep their sanity secret?

Castlepaloma comments on Dec 7, 2017:

Here is some sane news, the non belivers is the fastest growing group in the world.

Diogenes replies on Dec 7, 2017:

It is the 21st Century! It is about time that at least a 'few' people figured that out. LOL

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

Annaleda comments on Nov 16, 2017:

Something Abraham Lincoln heard: When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad. That is my religion.

Diogenes replies on Dec 6, 2017:

Annaleda, yep, when I do bad, I can't ever seem to ever forget it---- thus in my 'dotage', when I am too old to change the past, I attempt to do some good in the day.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

mrdunn comments on Nov 16, 2017:

“The fanatical atheists are like slaves who are still feeling the weight of their chains which they have thrown off after hard struggle. They are creatures who – in their grudge against traditional religion as the ‘opium of the masses’ – cannot hear the music of the spheres.” ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 6, 2017:

mrdunn, never heard that quote by Einstein. He says it well. Some have thrown off their chains, but are still burdened by the weight- still cursing religion. There are other things to do beside that, and they "cannot hear the music of the spheres." Yes, that is the true picture of what should be- and the later has nothing to do with religion.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

mrdunn comments on Nov 16, 2017:

“The fanatical atheists are like slaves who are still feeling the weight of their chains which they have thrown off after hard struggle. They are creatures who – in their grudge against traditional religion as the ‘opium of the masses’ – cannot hear the music of the spheres.” ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 6, 2017:

Michael, I have seen and heard that term anti-theist before- never thought about it much, but for me that would be a correct term. Religion is too foolish to talk about or hate, but the con-artist theist do get my rancor.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

RundioII comments on Nov 16, 2017:

"It's fair to say the Bible contains equal amounts of fact, history, and pizza." -Penn Jillette

Diogenes replies on Dec 6, 2017:

Yep, more or less. And it is a hell of a mess trying to separate the fact and history from the pizza.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 16, 2017:

“Scientists do not join hands every Sunday and sing "Yes gravity is real! I know gravity is real! I will have faith! I believe in my heart that what goes up, up, up must come down, down, down. Amen!" If they did, we would think they were pretty insecure about the concept.” ---Dan Barker, ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 6, 2017:

Victoria, the next thing you will be denying is that the earth is flat- and that Trump has a 158 IQ LOL Have a perfect day.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

Benthoven comments on Nov 16, 2017:

Don't you know there ain't no devil, it's just god when he's drunk. —Tom Waits

Diogenes replies on Dec 6, 2017:

Another point- god is always drunk- so be serious- how can you tell when he is in the devil guise? LOL

Are there any vegans like me that are not vegans in the strict sense of the word but just people who...

gsiamne comments on Nov 17, 2017:

I am a vegetarian who on occasions also has a fish or bird.

Diogenes replies on Dec 3, 2017:

You eat "fish", like me, so we are not "vegetarians". I am aware that this contravenes the Laws of Nature, not to be an omnivore, but I will still do the best I can. And farm-fresh veggies, blanched, with spices, taste fantastic! Why would anyone desire food that tastes awful- or/and makes them sick?

Are there any vegans like me that are not vegans in the strict sense of the word but just people who...

Lyonesse comments on Dec 1, 2017:

I think what you're doing is called flexitarian, I know, what a bliddy mouthful! Essentially it means you mostly eat veggie or vegan, def don't do mass produced meat or dairy, but occasionally eat wild or sustainably produced animal food.

Diogenes replies on Dec 3, 2017:

Lyonesse, been to England once- saw a 'few' (hundred) pubs in London- I didn't see historic Bath, or make good use of my time. As far as eating the other 'residence' (biped or quadruped) on this rock, I try to opt out. I eat the fish (sorry fish). I am a 'wannbe' vegetarian. I would get no pleasure out of running through the 'jungle' and shooting everything in sight- it wouldn't wind my crank! And as far as eating just a 'bite or two' of meat- how would I like a "bite or two" taken out of me?

Atheism is Gnostic = They KNOW. No, they don't!

Lethious comments on Dec 2, 2017:

If, you would like i could clarify...we have the gnostic atheist or the agnostic atheist(like myself) we also have the gnostic theist or the agnostic theist....gnostic meaning to know like you know 100% there is or is not a god(s)....neither of which can really be proven. what we have left is ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 2, 2017:

Were you laying down when your picture was taken? "However there are a few gods you can eliminate", talking about the Roman and Greek gods. Ya? But the Judo-Christian one; walking on water, coming back from the dead- and we could go down the list- has a chance of being the 'real super dude' to your way of thinking? Amazing!

Looks like Tillerson is out January.

Diogenes comments on Dec 1, 2017:

I draw cartoons- I don't have a crystal ball that forecasts the future- but a few weeks ago I started a cartoon of Trump introducing Tillerson to his new office. It features a paper sign with "Tillerson" typed on it and taped to the door. Above the door is the imprint of a former sign: "Exit". I...

Diogenes replies on Dec 1, 2017:

Josie, BIG thanks for wanting to see my cartoons- glad someone wants to see them! (Ya, ya, everybody says, "Why don't you get them published?") Right now there are a lot of negative things going on- and that is taking up a lot of my emotional strength and time. I don't even have a photo on here yet. I may get 'one', only, cartoon on here. I have to figure out how to do it>

Looks like Tillerson is out January.

atheist comments on Dec 1, 2017:

I hear ya, but I'm from Canada :) I'm glad the Canucks maintained British association (unlike those rebels to the south) which has influenced our culture & identity for the better. Beatlemania! :)

Diogenes replies on Dec 1, 2017:

"For the better". Ya gotta be kiddin'- we got Trudeau- same thing; different agenda! And his drug campaign- working to get all the kids on drugs. If that crap had been around in my backwoods area when I was a kid- I, as an uninformed kid, would have been on them.

Looks like Tillerson is out January.

SteveB comments on Dec 1, 2017:

We've been writing on a lot of different subjects, unfortantnely no one is listening. In fact one of the few things that this congress has accomplished in an increase in the military budget. You know, because it was so tiny before. Tillerson's replacement is rumored to be Mike Pompeo. A ...

Diogenes replies on Dec 1, 2017:

But Trump is doing everything he said he was going to do- when a person reads between the lines. Going to create massive world-wide upheaval and unemployment when he keeps tearing up trade deals. Oh yes, the stock market keeps going up---- and, yes, a song written in the summer of 1929 was, "Happy Days Are Here Again"- and it came out at the end of 1929. This just one of the dozens of evils that are soon to befall.

Do you have a subconscious racial bias?

JosephHarrison comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Interesting question. I'd say, in all honesty, that I don't. 1. My father is disabled, I'd be a morally reprehensible person if I judged people based on disability. 2. I've never been anything other than egalitarian regarding gender. As my father is disabled i.e can't move anything other ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 30, 2017:

"Fat people who can't control themselves"- how about obese people who WON"T control themselves. Heterophobes who will not keep it to theirselves- but must recruit the kids to their very sick avocation. And the law in Canada states you can be fined or imprisoned if you object. Colour? What does colour have to do with anything? The people that I talk to and laugh with are of all colours- and I hope they are my friends------but as a child I had that retarded, Protestant upbringing to hate Catholics, Jews, blacks, whatever---- unbelievable!!!! Only thing I have to say to such characters is to get an education; get some semblance of reality.

I am an ordained minister.

Kreig comments on Nov 28, 2017:

On the surface, it either makes you one confused dude, or a farcical one.

Diogenes replies on Nov 29, 2017:

Kreig, yep, right on with the, "confused or farcical". Just did the daily quiz a few minutes ago; one of the questions was about the "first marriage". In Greek mythology it was between Zeus and his elder sister, Hera. Some characters on here, make zero connection with much of anything- including the histories of legend.

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

NerdyOkieDude comments on Nov 20, 2017:

If it’s my house they can pray silently or leave. If it’s their house I wait quietly why they engage in a behavior that might otherwise be a sign of mental illness, taking to someone who isn’t there.

Diogenes replies on Nov 27, 2017:

"A sign of mental illness... talking to someone who isn't there". Yep. Even the pope knows that he is putting on an act. But these TV evangelists that make a racket out of the buffoonery!!! Wouldn't it be nice if some 'mysterious force' (don't accuse me of believing in mysterious forces) zapped them for each lie.

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

AtheistInNC comments on Nov 21, 2017:

I'm with you. If they believe, that is their business and I'll be respectful of their ignorance - but later I'll try to talk about why they believe in one god, but not all gods. Brainwashing is a wonderful thing.

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

Hey, let's get serious. How are they going to believe in the thousands or millions- of "one-true gods"?

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

Buddha comments on Nov 20, 2017:

Hey, if it makes them feel better, let them go for it. Why make it an issue... ????

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

Yep. I do not agree with religion, but they may be decent in every other way

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

DharmaBum50 comments on Nov 20, 2017:

I really haven't ever found a better Thanksgiving prayer than the one I learned in the Zen tradition. It is a wonderful nontheistic expression of gratitude, and if I am put in the position of having to give the "grace," this is what it is: First, let us reflect on our own work and the effort of ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

I am NOT a 'good' person. I have made many evil choices; they were not "mistakes"; they were "choices". And now for the double whammy; I can't go back to reverse any of them. My point is that I don't have the right to criticize anyone! Depressingly, I have learned my lesson; some have still not. There are other pronouns in the dictionary besides "I, me and we"; there are "they, he, she, them" etc. There should be stenciled on bags of donated food- "This food was brought to you because you are hungry"---- NOT, "This food was donated by 'Whatsoever' Church and for the glory of god".

What movies do you find inspirational as an atheist/agnositc?

silvereyes comments on Nov 22, 2017:

I'm usually more interested in TV documentary types. Like, Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman. I'm currently watching a PBS one on the Brain. Brain Games. Movies... ah Predestination was a big mind F#ck. Really didn't see it going the direction it went. (I was left nogginthumpt).

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

YES, great programs on PBS- where does one start to pick out the best?

How could the Holy Ghost impregnate Mary?

davtim68 comments on Nov 25, 2017:

The same way the Easter Bunny delivers eggs and Santa delivers presents.

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

Ya, and I often wondered what hatched those chocolate covered Easter eggs- and off course, where did a bunny get eggs?

How could the Holy Ghost impregnate Mary?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 25, 2017:

It didn't. There were several other religions that had stories of pregnancies and birth without sex at the time when Jesus was supposedly on earth. The "virgin birth" was added into the story at a later date, having been "borrowed" or plagiarized from another religion of the time.

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

Excuse me if I didn't look up exact dates. One of Philip 2's wives apparently got it off with a god-snake and Alexander, The Great, of Macedonia born about 300 BCE. Unlike the fictitious Jesus, this was a historic person. The Egyptian city of Alexandria was named after him. Yes Jewel, "like telling the children that Santa doesn't exist".

How could the Holy Ghost impregnate Mary?

Diogenes comments on Nov 25, 2017:

"A fun question?" Any religion is too moronic to be fun. I have forgotten, not that I care- there is the religion where they make a pilgrimage- then usually trample each other to death so that they can throw stones at a 'rock', which represents the devil. By the way, I agree with you- but religions...

Diogenes replies on Nov 26, 2017:

Jewel, I have taken a few language courses that I never used; I should be more precise though. My point, first, you were 100% on the mark- I liked your comment. I believe 'satire' is a form of humour and religions are "making fun" all the time- they are creating satire about themselves all the time- and are too dim witted to see it.

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

DharmaBum50 comments on Nov 20, 2017:

I really haven't ever found a better Thanksgiving prayer than the one I learned in the Zen tradition. It is a wonderful nontheistic expression of gratitude, and if I am put in the position of having to give the "grace," this is what it is: First, let us reflect on our own work and the effort of ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 25, 2017:

This prayer sounds like it is about 'I and me'.

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

DrewBekius comments on Nov 20, 2017:

My kids and I sit respectfully while winking and making faces at each other from across the room. For those wrestling with the best way to handle things like this, Greta Christina's book "Coming Out Atheist" is arguably the best resource out there!

Diogenes replies on Nov 25, 2017:

"Winking and making faces"! Sounds rather infantile to me.

Those of you in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving with religious family, do you all have to do the ...

richiegtt comments on Nov 20, 2017:

When I was a youngster and attended family dinners at relatives homes I was part of this ridiculous ritual.But I always thought what about the starving people all over the world that don’t have any thing to be thankful for at this moment.What audacious crap to think that a God picked us to treat ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 25, 2017:

So well said! But I think the food should be so well done- all the garnishments- the whole deal- then taken to someone that has no food. (I don't believe in being a sucker; there are people at the 'bottom'; not because they, 'prepared to be- or want to be) Yes, the person that has just given their meal away may have a sudden realization that their food is gone----- and have a very sad face. Better to have a "sad face" one day a year than 365. And this "one day" could be a 'feast' of inspiration.

How could the Holy Ghost impregnate Mary?

Skyfacer comments on Nov 25, 2017:

It's all to do with Magic :P

Diogenes replies on Nov 25, 2017:

Ya magic, god-dude didn't do it with his penis- he waved his magic wand.

How could the Holy Ghost impregnate Mary?

Whiskey_Will comments on Nov 25, 2017:

The answer to your question is as logical as Cain and Abel populating the Earth by themselves.

Diogenes replies on Nov 25, 2017:

It has been said, "They got it off with mommy."

I have been married before and I learned a lot about what makes a good relationship great and what ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 23, 2017:

I learned that the two most important things in a potential mate are personality *warm, carrying, sharing, helpful, etc) and intelligence are by far the most important things. Don't ever let a preoccupation with physical beauty cloud your judgment. Some very pretty women are entirely ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

Actually, "some very pretty women" may have sexy exteriors, but are super ugly on the inside.

No, everything does not happen for a reason.

MsOliver comments on Nov 23, 2017:

If their god is so benevolent, what lesson is he trying to teach by allowing children to starve, to die from preventable or curable diseases, by giving them cancers that require they suffer and then die, if "god has a plan" why does that plan only seem to apply to believers some of the time? They ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

MsOliver, your brain functions. Now that I am 110 years old, I am looking for a 'young one'- one about 90. If your granny is as cognitive as you, and still alive- preferably, is she available? Please laugh.

No, everything does not happen for a reason.

MsOliver comments on Nov 23, 2017:

If their god is so benevolent, what lesson is he trying to teach by allowing children to starve, to die from preventable or curable diseases, by giving them cancers that require they suffer and then die, if "god has a plan" why does that plan only seem to apply to believers some of the time? They ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

"Ms" Believers pray. (Said this before--- gotta get some new material. LOL) "Laud, take this storm away fum ma door- an' send it down the road; them thar Joneses has got too many chilen anyway."