This will be my first post here, and it is very difficult to write, as silly as that may seem.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 23, 2018:

Welcome, I hope you enjoy it here

The Old Guard won and the Progressives lost :( I got routed and so did the other progressive ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Every effort at progress doesn't always succeed at first. I think you showed great character putting in the effort.

The way God loves

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

That's powerful and scary!

In January of 2004 I met a woman that I fell in love with.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

I went through hell and back 15 years ago starting with an unfaithful wife, a divorce followed by a 2.5 year custody battle which I lost. Was at rock bottom. Put myself together and pretty much did the lions share of raising my 3 kids while paying $1650 a month in child support. 15 years later every thing is pretty damn rosy. Life is good. I said all that to give you a little hope. I can see you care a lot. Have faith in yourself.

Atheist = Depressed?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

I imagine that ostracized atheists are equivalent to ostracized LGBT persons, similarly affected by depression and suicide at a higher rate. I would also expect community like Agnostic.com to mitigate this effect.

Makes as much sense as everything else...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Kind of reminds me of being married, she'd put me in those no win situations all the time.

Oopsie! My bad..

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Strictly Genius!

Thom Yorke - Suspirium [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Good choice!

Today's the day, Monday Oct 22nd is municipal election day in Ontario, Canada.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Best of luck to you!

Kid you not, I'm on the train to Chicago and my car is packed with Amish and I barely have wifi.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Lol photographic evidence. I'll probably end up liking them.

So good people of the universe, how do you all handle the assumption from Christians that you ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Very situational; depends on how militant they are and how respectfully they conduct themselves. Militant = Sarcasm "That's adorable!" Respectful = Compassionate dialog about how I just couldn't talk myself into believing anymore, but I'm glad It's working out for you.

How to achieve level 8 in 52 days or less. Posted 10-22-2018

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Wow!

How do you handle negativity regarding your agnostic ideas?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Like a door knocking mormon, I go in for the kill!

What's the best response to "why are you so quiet'?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Like a shark has to swim to breathe, I probably won't be around when I'm finally silent...

SPOILERS S11 E3 - Rosa Discussion post.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 21, 2018:

I was really worried they would fuck up this episode. They pulled it off and did well. Solid episode.

Party on!!!

JazznBlues comments on Oct 21, 2018:

I'm on that list 5 times! Anyone more qualified for hell than me?

@HippieChick58 just made Level 9! Big Congrats!!!

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Congrats!

Because I love men who play guitars! [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

I love this video. Watched it a few times after Prince died.

Only talking to you local music fans out there.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Miss Myra and the Moonshiners - Blue Drag Live on a boat - great local band rough recording https://youtu.be/vQpO9VWhVZY

I'm thinking of adding a series of political questions to profiles and want to get your suggestions ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Looking at what you've cobbled together here I think you obviously know what you're doing. I think as long as we steer away from abortion I think we'll be fine. Although I've always viewed prolife as a religious issue. Damn it, now I'm curious.

Name a band or singer (several even!) that everyone else seems to like but you.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Van Halen

What’s your “Woo”?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

That bad things come in 3s

The World's Newest Major Religion: No Religion As secularism grows, atheists and agnostics are ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

“Organizing atheists is like herding cats,” says Stephanie Guttormson. Favorite quote in this article!

SHOULD WE RESPECT RELIGION? [barbara.smoker.freeuk.com]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

I always tell religious people when discussing beliefs "That I will totally respect your beliefs as long as you have worked out why you believe what you believe and can explain it to me. If you just have blind faith and are letting someone else do all your thinking for you then you're just a talking sheep." This puts them in a defensive posture and seems to motivate them to explain / justify their belief system. It gets my foot in the door to really encourage them to do some critical thinking while still respecting their viewpoint. I've changed a few minds over the years. Always keeping it non-emotional and theoretical so it doesn't turn into an argument.

Morales by who’s definition?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Great post, it's almost ironic how ironic that statement by the pope is. You would think it's obvious that moral decisions you personally choose would be more meaningful and appropriate than an arbitrary moral compass from some fucked up pedophilic & sexist organization run by old white men. I have multiple Catholic friends that are thinking of leaving the church because of all the scandals.

Current or former military. What was your MOS?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 19, 2018:

31M & later 31F communications paratrooper

This was the greatest South Park episode to date [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 19, 2018:

I'm fond of the episodes red hot Catholic love and creme fraiche

Meme challenge... will some one please make me a meme with this phrasing on it?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 19, 2018:

Hopefully, this is more what you wanted!

I've been married twice now, and I lost both of my wives two other men.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 19, 2018:

That's tough, sorry to hear. Rips your sense of self worth apart doesn't it.

Meme challenge... will some one please make me a meme with this phrasing on it?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 19, 2018:

This probably wasn't what you're looking for...

Kat Edmonson - Summertime [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 18, 2018:

I love her froggy voice! Very unique.

Love this song.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 17, 2018:

Thanx, haven't listened to Dave Matthews in an age.

Root City - 6 days of Rain [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 17, 2018:

Local MN Boys, very fun to watch.

Bcz it's Tuesday and still no desire to go to work tonight ?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 16, 2018:

Did you come up to MN for the Allina strike?

Why are you here

JazznBlues comments on Oct 15, 2018:

To get away from the religiousity of real life and worship at the heathen meme alter. The people here feel like family and I love you all, mostly.

Well I guess, since I started this group, I should share my story.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 15, 2018:

Went through something similar and burned my life to the ground in reaction. Took about 10 years to put it back together again. Not sure if I made the right choice or not, but such is life. Good luck with your choices coming up. Hope you have a better path in front of you.

Q for fellow vegans: vegan about two years, vegetarian for 5, I use fortified cereals and ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 15, 2018:

I take a Huel drink once a day to help with the B12 and D

I think we need to get back to biblical values.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 14, 2018:

I am amazed at how many fucked up Bible verses there are. Don't know how people could read that and think, yup there's gawd's inspired book.

Written by Mike Pence in 1999: Just spent a memorable Fathers Day, like so many other all ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 14, 2018:

Can't say enough bad things about Mike "bag of white flour" Pence.

As a group of mostly open minded people, I am surprised by the number of persons who are openly ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 13, 2018:

To some extent I view this site as a place to take the mask off that I wear to get along out in real life. A place to talk about what's going on inside myself. Love this venue and outlet but it's not an accurate depiction of how I interact with others day to day. The frustration I talk about is what's going on on the inside. A place to share hidden ideas and experiences in being an out of the closet atheist. I'd hate for Agnostic.com to be a totally PC environment that we only showed smiles and no frowns, sadness or frustrations.

Share your most cringe worthy interaction with a believer.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 13, 2018:

My story revolves around contracting Lyme disease. Hiking in a state park weeks before going to the Chicago Blues festival, and missed the deer tick behind my knee. Partied for most of a day and a half and had the time of my life. Incubation period now over, exhausted and drunk from the festival I woke up thinking I might be dying. Doctors then antibiotics then bedrest while hurting as bad as I ever have and then some. Knock on door drags me out of bed, answering the door was one of the most exhausting things I've ever done. Get to the door expecting family coming over to care for me... Large lady in a floral dress stopped by to tell me about the good news. Needless to say her message of love was ill received.

Very interesting who god finds 'holy'...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 13, 2018:

Lol gawd! I looked it up and thought for sure you were exaggerating or pulling our leg. Praise be to the father / grandfather!

There you go Teddy

JazznBlues comments on Oct 11, 2018:

Republicans back then were pretty much the liberals of today.

Good advice from an amazing guy. Too soon. Know? [youtube.com]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 10, 2018:

Great song!

You shall submit

JazznBlues comments on Oct 10, 2018:

Pivotal reason that made me question the church in the first place. Any other organization that spouted that much oppression and hate would have been called on it long ago, unless it was the GOP of course.

How old/young were you when you realized you were atheist/agnostic?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 8, 2018:

Not sure, active in the church because of my family and slowly lost faith through the years. Guessing around 25-30

Feeling vindicated yet?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 7, 2018:

Hate when my science fiction becomes reality! #continuum #corporatecongress

Do atheists observe Halloween?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 6, 2018:

Cosplay for adults, Hellz YES!

What action or bad habit do you have, that still drives your parents nuts?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 6, 2018:

I think they'd prefer me more malleable. I like to make up my own mind about most everything. Pretty much how I found myself here.

My position an anger ruffles many panties.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 6, 2018:

Anger is many times pointless, but I think it has a place. Driven from passion I sometimes think it's warranted. Caring intensely can lead to anger if endangered or disrespected. To give up anger completely would mean for me, to disconnect from all I care about...

Garbage - Stupid Girl [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Oct 6, 2018:

One of my favorite bands!

Should you ask a date for his/her credit score? Why/why Not?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 6, 2018:

Had that happen to me and it was quite offensive. As if I was nothing more than an arbitrary number calculated by a bunch of arbitrary rules. I believe in saving up money if you plan on buying something. Have no interest in playing the debt game so popularized by the US.

I thought y'all needed a distraction. Caption this.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 5, 2018:

Duct tape can fix anything, even hairy legs!

@RavenCT just made Level 9! Let's show her some love, folks!!!

JazznBlues comments on Oct 5, 2018:

Congrats!

Alright you heathens, what's your favorite movie with a religious storyline or narrative?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 5, 2018:

Thanx! Have a few more movies to add to the list.

Alright you heathens, what's your favorite movie with a religious storyline or narrative?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 4, 2018:

I find that I'm still obsessed with the mythology of religions.

Cruisin' Innocence - Ersal Hickey and the Squirrels From Hell [soundcloud.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 4, 2018:

Very Nice!

I just don't understand how people can stand being alone.

JazznBlues comments on Oct 4, 2018:

It's a learned very important skill to acquire. Time, perseverance and conscious intent will get you there. Good luck

Have you stopped watching a TV show, or listening to a musician due to their political beliefs?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 4, 2018:

I separate art from the artist. Everyone is fucked up, in their own special way. I wouldn't be able to enjoy anything if I boycotted art based on the actions or beliefs of said artist.

Do you believe that a cure for cancer exists, but it's not available to the public because medical ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 3, 2018:

I've observed horrific things done in the name of greed. While I don't believe there's a one pill solution to this problem, I do believe that solutions will always take a back seat to profits.

Unpopular Opinions I know you got 'em, what are they?

JazznBlues comments on Oct 3, 2018:

Heading home from work and smelling BO on the bus. Really bad BO, like I don't know what a shower is BO.

Hello my girlfrined is bully me into becoming an evangelical christian like herself,I have been a ...

JazznBlues comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Buy some Nike's and get the fuck out of there. Just do it!

Star Wars name... (Caibi Crsan)

JazznBlues comments on Sep 30, 2018:

Ogrmi Waelg

Would you want to know?

JazznBlues comments on Sep 25, 2018:

Scaring patients on unlikely maybes seems like bad medicine to me.

Wonder if I'll need one of DD's 'offended?' memes for this?

JazznBlues comments on Sep 24, 2018:

Reality FTW!

Kavanaugh is looking more and more like an utter lowlife.

JazznBlues comments on Sep 24, 2018:

Stupid immoral atheist

A Tale of Gender Bashing and a Double Standard.

JazznBlues comments on Sep 22, 2018:

I'm fairly far left and almost always enjoy colbert, but complaining isn't satire, the bit was annoying and not funny. It's not that it came from a woman it's the fact that if you string twenty complaints together about anything, it's just annoying.

Would you settle with a religious person or just stay single?

JazznBlues comments on Sep 17, 2018:

I'm looking for a woman who's a match for me. She has to be confident, sarcastic, fun loving, mischievous and intelligent enough to not believe in imaginary friends. So NO!

It is still technically summer.

JazznBlues comments on Sep 13, 2018:

I'll never complain about MN winters again!

Saw this article about asexuals and felt some resonance.

JazznBlues comments on Sep 10, 2018:

The more I've dated the more I know what I like and what I don't. Frustrating because I have BFF girls that I adore but the spark isn't there. I've also had girls who all we had was spark. Is it too much to ask for to want both?

Saw this article about asexuals and felt some resonance.

JazznBlues comments on Sep 8, 2018:

I know this isn't really the definition of asexual, but the apathy towards meaningless relationships feels similar.

I’m heading to St. Louis Sunday to get my Robert Plant fix! [youtu.be]

JazznBlues comments on Sep 8, 2018:

One of my favorite towns for blues. Have a great time!

Can science and religion be reconciled?

JazznBlues comments on Sep 8, 2018:

I'm sure if someone spent enough time you could construct a narrative to reconcile the two. But it would just be ridiculous fan fiction supporting an unenlightened viewpoint. Besides wasting time, why would you want to water down science with dogma?

I was wondering if anyone else has experience with this type of situation.

JazznBlues comments on Sep 8, 2018:

I have a daughter with autism, this has nothing to do with her. I am extremely competitive and when I was growing up I had the similar problems, I hated to lose. I eventually found sports like cross-country running, cross-country skiing, where I was competing against myself worked out better.

What is your definition of integrity?

JazznBlues comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Doing what you think is right. No matter what anyone else thinks. Making decisions that you can look back at and be proud.

Did anyone else go through the stages of Atheism?

JazznBlues comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Never made it out of 2. I try to, but end up viewing religion as the root of all evil. I start looking at cause and effect of a variety of issues and end up recondemning it very quickly. Narrow minded, bigoted, racist, entitled, arrogant pricks. Yup, still in stage 2 ?

Which are your favourite cities/towns to visit?

JazznBlues comments on Aug 26, 2018:

Partial to Boulder Colorado and St Louis for the Blues and Jazz

Hi, everyone.

JazznBlues comments on Aug 26, 2018:

Welcome! I have a 25 year old Autistic daughter. Community here is wonderful. Hope you enjoy it!

I wonder how many people here were born Atheist/Agnostic or were perhaps brought up religiously then...

JazznBlues comments on Aug 25, 2018:

Born and raised Lutheran and eventually moved to the Methodists, kept at it till my 30s mostly to please my father. Finally couldn't take all the hate dressed up in a bow and gave myself permission to reevaluate religion and how it didn't fit for me. I wanted to look in the mirror and be proud but couldn't with Jesus F***ing Christ in my heart. Dad was disappointed but learned to accept it. Would love to be able to say that rationally but emotion creeps in when I look back at the journey.

Do you "dress your age"?

JazznBlues comments on Aug 25, 2018:

My best friend says her favorite quality she likes in me is no fucks given. I wear what I want, believe what I want and am not shy about saying what I want. I believe you should stop caring about what everyone else thinks of you and only worry about looking in the mirror and being proud of yourself. Do what makes you happy.

When I was married, it bothered my husband that I didn’t “need” him I always thought he ...

JazznBlues comments on Aug 5, 2018:

I like to be wanted over needed. Prefer to date an independent woman who has her own life, beliefs, opinions, hobbies and friends. The only version of dating that seems interesting is a joining of equals.

For me.

JazznBlues comments on Jul 2, 2018:

I've given up hiding who I am. Would rather alienate people early on than waste time and energy. I believe you end up with less friends but the ones you do have are amazing!

Do you think that duality in thoughts and actions limit the living "experience"?

JazznBlues comments on Jul 2, 2018:

Yes, I weigh both sides and consequences back and forth. At times, I think it would be easier to be less introspective.

Do you have experience with a parent with Alzheimer's/Dementia?

JazznBlues comments on Jun 30, 2018:

My favorite uncle ended up with Alzheimer's. As it progressed further and further the thing that seemed to work best was focusing on earlier times in his life as his memory deteriorated. My very last visit he totally didn't recognize me, although he was still able to remember everything that happened from his early twenties. I covered up my sadness and just showed him joy at going over his old stories. If there's anything you really need to talk to her about, sooner would be better.

Discussion - If I buy a used CD, am I cheating the artist?

JazznBlues comments on Jun 30, 2018:

I view it as being taxed twice for the same thing.

Name Change Question

JazznBlues comments on Jun 29, 2018:

Switched my first and middle name around legally. It was really quite easy. Filled out the forms and posted in the court house for 10 days. Easy Peasy

Fats Domino, Monday: [youtube.com] And a new week begins.

JazznBlues comments on Jun 28, 2018:

Love Fats!

Band of Heathens “Hurricane”

JazznBlues comments on Jun 26, 2018:

https://youtu.be/75X4bWf5fIs

Does make a person wonder

JazznBlues comments on Jun 26, 2018:

I have some conservative friends that need to see this.

Was there something you used to do as a religious person that you couldn't get used to not doing.

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

When I was a kid and went to my parents Lutheran Church, they used to make the sign of the cross to bless you at the end of the service. I appropriated it for myself and would do it when someone would do me a kindness. Hard to stop doing it on the spur of the moment when someone does right by me.

I've been an atheist for a little over two years.

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Problem is, I think becoming atheist is culling yourself from the herd. Gotten real used to being independent.

Just like the shroud.

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

Laughed so hard!

After watching Undercover Brother, it made me wonder if eating mayonnaise really is a Caucasian ...

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I'm white as bread and I find it disgusting!

Have you found your "calling" in life?

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I've been told I'd make an excellent con-man but settled for Biomedical Technician which makes me feel like I'm doing something that matters.

STRESSED OUT/Twenty one pilots

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

https://youtu.be/pXRviuL6vMY

Sometimes, I feel like religion is a state sponsored control mechanism to control the sheep.

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

I felt like I was being a little too sceptical. Good to hear some confirmation from you all.

Stem cell research. For or against?

JazznBlues comments on Jun 25, 2018:

For!

Sarah Sanders says restaurant owner in Virginia told her to leave - CBS News

JazznBlues comments on Jun 23, 2018:

While ostracizing people isn't something I generally support, I think the current administration is continually so far past the human decency line that I think it's necessary. To do otherwise would to be complicit in these crimes against humanity. To me it would be akin to walking past a rape and looking the other way.

WOW.

JazznBlues comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Agreed, I usually don't find out if people are attractive or not until they open their mouth.

Let’s talk about Red Flags: what are they?

JazznBlues comments on Jun 22, 2018:

My red flag would be selfishness. If I note that she's completely self absorbed I run.