Diogenes's Profile

As I have said in previous posts, I am new to atheism and to this forum.

silvereyes comments on Nov 22, 2017:

I think you can identify the way you want. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I identified as an Atheist- but have recently changed my labeling to Agnostic. It's more accurate. I DO reject Abrahamic religions. I think most religion is a bad thing for society- hence why I went with ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

ALL religions are 'funny'- if one has an infantile sense of humour. Otherwise religions are too foolish and boring to talk about. I am agnostic; I don't know what Nature is- or why it is.

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

Diogenes comments on Nov 23, 2017:

I read many years ago that the most successful marriages were when one person had been divorced and the other never married. To me it would seem that the divorced person wasn't going to make the same mistake twice- wasn't going to get in with the 'divorce crowd', with the boozers and all the crap ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

Here I go again; adding something. I would imagine that any person that had a good mate, but their wife/ husband had died, probably would be expecting to meet a decent person again.

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

astrnelis comments on Nov 21, 2017:

No, you're going there laugh maniacally and then add that I'll be fine

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

Ya, my typo- the word should be "secession". What the hell- I even spell four-letter words, like "shit" with two Ts.

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

CowboySteel comments on Nov 22, 2017:

The last time a Theist, a guy I've known for 20+ years, tried to get me back to "The Rooms", (A.A. is a theistic organization) I sent him a strongly worded email with a FB post backing it up, telling him point by point what it was like living with a severe, chronic illness was like. . After the ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 23, 2017:

Going from one addiction, alcohol, to another addiction, religion, doesn't seem to be very progressive to me. Most alcoholics are also addicted to cigarettes. There needs to be a sensation to addictions. I need to lay off the little bit of booze I drink- because I can't afford it. But then I have to find something to fill the space. Problems, problems!

I call myself a catholic agnostic, what do you call yourself?

SamL comments on Oct 22, 2017:

I'm guessing you're hanging on to Catholicism because there is something in the teachings that you identify with. Like many the exposing of the inappropriate behavior of those in positions of power is revolting and you're repulsed by the thought of the people who are to blame but again something in ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

Ash---- you are so lucky- you didn't have to go through hell. I don't have to worry about going to fictitious hell; I've already been there. My old mother wasn't particularly religious- just uneducated and crazy. Being beaten was a daily occurrence- from the 'little runt' (when a kid is six and seven, runts are big). Sunday was the "end of the week because it was the seventh day", and because it was a "day of rest", if a kid so much as moved it was time for another beating. Forget about Constantine and his adjusting the Sabbath so that it wasn't a day of worship the same as the Jews; she wouldn't have the smallest inkling of who Constantine was.

How many here exercise regularly?

snytiger6 comments on Nov 21, 2017:

I used to. A few years ago, I had leukemia and hte cancer drugs just really sapped my energy to where I just didn't have the energy to exercise. After a few years on those drugs, I just was no longer in the habit of exercising. Once you stop, it is hard to start up again, especially as you get ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

Sorry to hear about your cancer problem. It takes such a short time to get out of shape- yes, but you can get back in shape. There is something to be considered: absolutely no smoking; light on the booze; eat lots of fresh fruit, and veggies lightly cooked. Maybe you already do these things- and I certainly don't have all the answers.

How many here exercise regularly?

Decieven comments on Nov 21, 2017:

I was going to Planet Fitness four times a week. Had to cancel my membership though so I'm trying to figure out things I can do at home. I'm aiming for a combination of resistance & aerobic training. I had started learning Tai Chi a few months ago & haven't committed much time to it since. I plan on...

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

Hi. Signing up is the easy part. I hope you are in a club where you can make friends- and make reasonable objectives for yourself. Another thing- find a few exercises to work on the whole body- I know I am not going to do 10 different exercises

How many here exercise regularly?

wordywalt comments on Nov 21, 2017:

At the age of 80, I work out with weights 3 days a week -- on 13 different machines, exceeding my body weight on 9 of them.

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

We are the same age. My chief objective now is to drop about 17 pounds. Yes, and I need to work out with some weights too. This spring I did 372 km in a month on the rowing machine. I think I will get a t-shirt with, "Geezers do it better- they just can't remember what they do"

How many here exercise regularly?

silvereyes comments on Nov 21, 2017:

Somewhat. I do Yoga 2x a day in 15 minute sessions. I walk every day. Sometimes go to the park and take a basketball, racquetball equip, soccer ball, or take my bike. I try to make it so that it doesn't feel like a chore, but a hobby.

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

Yes, absolutely- enjoy your workout- don't turn it into work or an obligation. You have the right idea. I find people at fitness interesting-----ya, I go to the pub, where the sports 'officiadoes' are blathering about nothing- THAT ain't interesting. They need to get off their fat asses.

How many here exercise regularly?

twshield comments on Nov 21, 2017:

I walk fast pace 5 miles a day. I use to be 410lbs with type 2 diabetes. Now i am 280lbs with a 5.4 A1C. Exercise can really change your life!

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

Hi. There was a guy at fitness that was over 500- and he lost the weight of a fat man, about 260 pounds- and he had kept it off. Good for you taking off the weight. Congrats.

How many here exercise regularly?

Diogenes comments on Nov 21, 2017:

It's like this, Nature 'provided' me with a reasonable body, unlike some who were not so fortunate at birth. Turning myself into a fat slob, would be to dis my good fortune. Yesterday I did 5 km on the rowing machine- will do that again today. Rowing exercises the arms, back, stomach, legs: a good ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

The club is just an all round fitness club; it isn't solely a rowing club. The company that manufactures the machine sponsors the competitions twice a year.

Does anyone believe that theists are generally honest and sincere in their claims?

HeatherLea1313 comments on Nov 2, 2017:

I strongly believe Agnostic is the perfect description of me; and that everyone is agnostic, they just refuse to admit it. Agnostic means “to not know”. It’s NOT POSSIBLE TO KNOW what happens when you die. People who claim to know are not being honest. They have faith, but they don’t know....

Diogenes replies on Nov 22, 2017:

So they "believe in the bible". Which one? Like all religions there are so many versions.

Scientific Study Concludes That Jesus Christ Didn’t Exist | Neon Nettle

Timmytime comments on Nov 20, 2017:

Jesus is doing just fine. Does my lawn twice a month

Diogenes replies on Nov 21, 2017:

Hey, stop cutting into my 'hired help'. I have Jeezuz-dude working in the kitchen of my restaurant. I give him a can of outdated sardines and a stale bagel and he waves his magic wand and there are elegant fish diners to feed the thousands.

Scientific Study Concludes That Jesus Christ Didn’t Exist | Neon Nettle

MsOliver comments on Nov 20, 2017:

Anyone with a modicum of education about the history of the religion knows that he didn't exist. I am however looking forward to the results of the alleged scientists who think they can "clone" said non-existent person from DNA from relics which were a cottage industry of the early church. I find ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 21, 2017:

'Ah cumon'; use your imagination! Gotta stir something up this morning! LOL

I've discovered something about people and it is quite confusing to me.

MsOliver comments on Nov 20, 2017:

I don't know why you think someone has to be wealthy in order to be successful. That seems awful materialistic and may be the source of some angst for you personally as time moves forward. Each person defines their own success and happiness and for many people the accumulation of material goods ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 21, 2017:

"Ms" Oliver- very well said. I think people who collect 'junk': wood, plastic, metal, or anything made from such materials, would have to be considered a 'junk collector'. Gold is just a metal; how much would it help a person if they were sick or starving? That being said, a little reality; it is nice to have a few shiny 'things' that are over and above that which is survival necessities.

Post a lyric that empowers or motivates you.

Diogenes comments on Nov 19, 2017:

The drunken, Welsh poet Dillan Thomas wrote a poem 'to his father', apparently. Even though I am 110 years old, I try to live by this poem. "Do not go quiet into that good night/ But rage, rage against the closing of the light." The way I look at, being dead 30 years before the actual event, makes ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 19, 2017:

I missed my cardinal point, which is: live every day; try to make some progress; don't waste any of it.

For other skeptics out there, what are some books from your youth that influenced you in your ...

gearl comments on Nov 19, 2017:

Isaac Asimov Books. Carl Sagan books. 1984 Later everything by Dawkins, Hawkins, Krauss and Sam Harris I’m an old fart and it took a long journey to get from there to here.

Diogenes replies on Nov 19, 2017:

Hey, I am an "old fart", probably the oldest on here---- stop trying to take my 'title'. LOL

What personal experience made you a non believer?

Hugene2002 comments on Nov 7, 2017:

Years and years, 40 years really, of belief that didn’t change anything in my life. Actually the more I prayed about something, often the worse it would turn out, probably because the things I felt I had to pray about more were stupider ideas or paths than the other more realistic thoughts I ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

Yep; "Dear god-dude, don't let 'thet thar' storm blow my house away- send it down the road and blow my neighbour's house away."

What personal experience made you a non believer?

rainmanjr comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Reading The Age Of Reason, by Thomas Paine.

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

I know of Paine's book; have never read it. But I know he also said the obvious, "Man created god." He should have made that plural- the millions of them.

What personal experience made you a non believer?

z0000 comments on Nov 8, 2017:

For me it was an accumulation of study and exploration. I never suffered a crisis of faith or anything like that. The whole facade was just worn away by logic. I found that the bible, if taken literally, is contradictory to history, to science, to morality and to good taste. It also ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

Let's start with, "contradiction to history". Yes, I agree with you. It is said the best lies are the ones mixed in with a small bit of truth. So long ago I read about the historical Herod. He was a proxy for the Romans and an ultra evil bastard. He murdered members of his own family. The cardinal point though is there is no historical evidence of him ever murdered babies. Its all a big fairy tale- and that is where the story belongs- 'in the book of fairy tales'.

What personal experience made you a non believer?

Emelle comments on Nov 8, 2017:

My mothers family was Catholic and my fathers family was Baptist. I heard all the time, from my fathers parents, how sad it was, that when we died, their grandchildren, they would never see us again because all Catholics go to hell. Even as a small child this didn't seem right to me but once I ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

Emelle, with me it didn't, "just all fell apart"- it just became so silly and laughable and worn out that, that was that. Religion at its worst is true evil; somewhere down the line it moderates to just being foolish. And the religious don't want anyone to ask the FIRST question, because that will cause an avalanche of reality.

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

tsjames comments on Nov 17, 2017:

There's a pile of stuff getting discussed here. You could start a joke topic. How many agnostics does it take to change a light bulb?

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

Okay, "I don't know". LOL

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

vertrauen comments on Nov 17, 2017:

Click the "Discuss" button and look at the various categories listed on the right. You will see sections devoted to Music, science (with Academic), and Art. Probably sports fits somewhere as well.

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

Agreed- I have to be more astute. As far as "sports" and physical fitness, I am involved--- being a fat, armchair quarterback is not part of my game though.

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

ErichZannIII comments on Nov 17, 2017:

Why not set up a discussion of your own about such things? I personally enjoy talking about religion from an academic standpoint. But many people don't.

Diogenes replies on Nov 18, 2017:

Yes, anything, even religion, is interesting-- if viewed from an academic point. I hope I managed to get my basic point across- denying religion is the starting point, but next comes doing something with one's life.

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 Nov 17, 2017:

Love that one

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

Benthoven comments on Nov 16, 2017:

For god so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever would believe in him would believe in anything. —Unknown Prayer has no place in the public schools, just like facts have no place in organized religion. —School Superintendent Chalmers on The Simpsons

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

"Would believe in anything"- and that is the downfall of these con-artist preachers. They have no boundaries; they don't know when to quit.

Favourite Relgion, Atheism Quotes ?

DUCHESSA comments on Nov 17, 2017:

Carl Sagan: "" You can't convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence, it's based on a deep-seated need to believe.""

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

Duchessa, Sagan is a brilliant man; I am not. The believers are going to La la Land and yes there is this "need to believe", but they are also stupid and lazy- thinking would take them out of their cloistered comfy zone. "Cain't let thet thar happen"

How do you answer theists who say "science can't explain the complexity and order of life.”

Joanne comments on Nov 16, 2017:

Theists cannot give a credible explanation of how a god, complex enough to create all this complexity and order, came into being. They always result to "god has always existed." If they can think that, why is it so difficult to accept that energy, that is both creative and destructive, has always ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

Yep, "god has always existed". But humans made this complex---when they created the hundreds of thousands of "one true gods"- gotta figure out which one they are talking about. But there are still questions to be answered: "How many big bangs have there been?" "How small is the universe compared to whatever else is out there?"

How do you answer theists who say "science can't explain the complexity and order of life.”

MsOliver comments on Nov 16, 2017:

Yeah why study a field that doesn't already claim to know all of the answers, when you can just trust a book written thousands of years ago to explain everything to you? Bunch of freaking morons. Choosing to be that ignorant should be grounds to be excluded from the gene pool.

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

Like that: "excluded from the gene pool".

How do you answer theists who say "science can't explain the complexity and order of life.”

reluctantexan comments on Nov 16, 2017:

While my DH loves to argue with religionists, I don't enjoy that hobby. I don't argue with them or try to convince them of anything. Everybody finds their own way. Everything changes.

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

Yes, I agree with you-- and I think your DH has time to waste. I believe it was Einstein that said, "Intelligence was limited; stupidity isn't". Religionist prefer to sink to the lowest level---- and that is "their own way"- and I am NOT a militant anti-theist. What-is, is.

How do you answer theists who say "science can't explain the complexity and order of life.”

Redlegdex comments on Nov 16, 2017:

All life is made of DNA, what's so complex about that? Why didn't religion tell us that?

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

Got another question: who was the 'reporter' that was covering the Adam and Eve creation?

How do you answer theists who say "science can't explain the complexity and order of life.”

richiegtt comments on Nov 17, 2017:

I would say how do you explain the complexity and order in a supreme being.

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

What "supreme being"?

How do you answer theists who say "science can't explain the complexity and order of life.”

Normanbites comments on Nov 17, 2017:

Actually, science can and has gone a long way toward explaining how the complexity and order in life has occurred through evolution. This is just another attempt to assert the god of the gaps, "I don't know or I don't understand, therefore God". This god grows smaller with each scientific ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 17, 2017:

Yep. Even the shape of some birds beaks to take advantage of some food, such as seeds. Darwin saw that almost two centuries ago--- but "god" still lingers on.

Gosh!! Don't think we have this kind of Christian in England!?

VictoriaNotes comments on Nov 16, 2017:

Yes indeed, mass hysteria and the power of persuasion is alive and well in Christian America. There are psychological techniques they use to get people to behave in this way. It's explained by psychologists, neurologists and cognitive/behavioral scientists in an excellent HBO documentary "A Question...

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

Victoria. Benny Hinn was on that film you mentioned. I don't think Benny Hinn is around anymore- probably in jail. There was no mass hysteria; it was co-operation between his actors and his willing audience. He was caught a few times using his actors. Many decades ago, I am ashamed to say, I went off to the Salvation Army and a woman got up, she 'testified', many times, that Jeezuz-dude had stood by her bed. 'Gotta' be bad when the nutters feel uncomfortable with a nutter that is crazier than they are.

Gosh!! Don't think we have this kind of Christian in England!?

SteveB comments on Nov 16, 2017:

I live in America, and I once went to a church where they spontaneously spoke in tongues. I thought to myself, what kind of crazy is this?! The preacher then started to interpret this speech. Needless to say, that was my last visit to that place.

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

"Talking in tongues" ---- ha, ha; I can do that- after a 'few' pails of beer. Well I guess honestly I can't, because I stopped doing the 'pail-thing' decades ago. Wonder what the freaks excuse would be then.

Which last longer, Christian marriages or agnostic/atheist marriages?

Diogenes comments on Nov 16, 2017:

I was divorced many decades ago. My 'bride', an uneducated candidate for Salvation Army 'officership', and young, and very stupid me, got married. Was that ever hell on wheels! There wasn't anything she wouldn't fight about---- just proves she should be in someone's 'army'. I started reading- and...

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

I would like to mention something else- the more one knows, the less one is part of the herd- and it can be a very lonely and depressing experience- but I still don't want to be part of the mind-mulch herd.

What do you think of 'acknowledging' the Winter Solstace?

resserts comments on Nov 14, 2017:

The seasons are the reason for the timing of many religious holidays, because the seasons are meaningful. I say enjoy the seasons, just without the religion.

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

I have forgotten the name of the dudes in the bible that were a few hundred years old- about my age. "About my age", and I know so little about the stars- should be ashamed of myself. There is Nature on full display for me, and anyone else who is inquisitive enough to take advantage of it.

Does anyone believe that theists are generally honest and sincere in their claims?

Diogenes comments on Nov 7, 2017:

"Christ's teachings"- you really don't get it do you? Christianity is just a Jewish cult that got out of control; a matter of one-upmanship, where the group found the "prophet", even though he had to be invented. J.C. is a piece of fiction. So now "you are an atheist"; you are ready to deny ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

And I sure as hell ("sure as hell", another Freudian slip) don't get what you are asking? You somehow believe that I have any interest in religion!!!! Amazing! ANY children's fairy tale, would not be suitable for any cognitive adult- and children should be taught, before hearing such stories, that these tales are myth. ALL of them.

I hear too many people, even atheists, say things such as that Jesus was a good man, a teacher, but ...

goatgirl comments on Nov 15, 2017:

WOW! Now THIS is exactly why I joined this site. You just opened my eyes to some good shit! I always kind of shrugged about Jesus the man and assumed he was a kindly hippie type that today's christians would escort straight out of their church on a Sunday. But this posting is an AH HAH moment ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

Jody, you didn't tell us you had a "Saintly ass". Sorry; it is the best I can do for humour. Please take that as HUMOUR- I do not like red-neck ass holes.

I hear too many people, even atheists, say things such as that Jesus was a good man, a teacher, but ...

goatgirl comments on Nov 15, 2017:

WOW! Now THIS is exactly why I joined this site. You just opened my eyes to some good shit! I always kind of shrugged about Jesus the man and assumed he was a kindly hippie type that today's christians would escort straight out of their church on a Sunday. But this posting is an AH HAH moment ...

Diogenes replies on Nov 16, 2017:

Jody yep, "Saint" Teresa worked hard to overpopulate the world. She loved the so-called "unborn"- but she hated the born and where some poverty stricken couple might eek out a life with one child, and they already had nine, she was going to make sure they could not get birth control- so they would have more. Forget about the things that would make life worthwhile: 'music', (yes, I put "music" in there) edible food, clean and safe housing-------- instead they exist in a rubbish pile that a pig would disown, if it could. Left over garbage for food- if they could get it.. And she did it- so that she could be a whore for the Catholic Church. And then there's Emperor Trump- who is trying his hardest to create as much evil as he can, defunding any agency that is involved with birth control.

I'm just curious since it is November already.

sol65 comments on Nov 7, 2017:

As an atheist with a secular, non-believing Jewish upbringing the entire season is a reminder that I don't fit in, that I am a marginalized and sometimes hated minority, and that forces currently in control of the USA want to ram Christianity down my throat. Despite that I enjoy the lights, the ...