Buddhism Don't know if this should be in a different category, but I don't think it matters.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 16, 2018:

I ran the gamut from Southern Baptist to agnostic to atheist to anti-theist to Buddhist to Vedic sage. What I learned is if you label me then you minimize me. I no longer have any need for supreme beings to give me assurance. The balance of the universe is my security. It's necessary in this context to offer a warning aout the knee-jerk immediate refusal to acknowledge anything that seems to be a god or deity. Often the being one might call a god or a deity is no more than the personification of a concept. This was a necessity for telling stories to carry the religious ceremonies from northern and western europe to the Indus valley by the aryans. Instead of saying "Jaeed crossed the great river and ate some fruit to quell his hunger" the story-teller would say "Jaeed snuck past the sleeping river and slayed the dragon Ungar - who would still arise the next evening". This is where most of the "gods" of the vedas come from. It was a necessity to embellish stories as memory aids until sanskrit was developed to document the same. Thats not the case in every instance ... but it is for many.

When did you realize you were old?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 16, 2018:

I woke up with a sleep injury. HOW do you injure yourself sleeping???

Dog or cat?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 16, 2018:

Doggy

Atheism and psychedelics

JeffMesser comments on Mar 16, 2018:

First of all shrooms are the safest of all drugs of nature. Safer than marijuana even. And I have most certainly heard that their use is beneficial for many reasons mentally. My experience with them was brief and nondescript - but also in the 80's. So I plan on retracing that route soon.

I have learned that rejection is just another lesson in life.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 15, 2018:

The Buddha taught that while we wish to be rid of suffering, that suffering also guides and motivates us. The way to truly be rid of it is to seek being rid of all attachment.

I am somewhere left of Marx and Leinien in my politics.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 15, 2018:

I believe in socialism but not scientific socialism. I am very tired of socialism being used as a bad word when we use socialist policies in this country daily and have for hundreds of years.

This last weekend I went back home to bury a very close family friend.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Meh. funerals are for the people who are still here. if it's YOU who needs to speak out about what your friend meant to you then I'd suggest a group or a donation to charity or an editorial letter. Let her grieving family find whatever comfort they may in the religion of their choosing. thats the best karma anyway man.

A Bunch of Religious People Think Stephen Hawking Is Currently Burning in Hell – Friendly Atheist

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

The ability to move beyond this infantile need for the security of a "god" figure is part of the hurdle set we must negotiate to evolve. just pity those who cannot do so yet.

Atheists can 'go to hell,' says Sedgwick County commissioner | The Wichita Eagle

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Meh. since I genuninely don't believe in hell that really doesnt matter much to me. I am past the militancy phase of all this. There's no conflict if you don't care enough to engage.

What do you think of parody or mock religions? Have you or would you join one?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I did dudeism and fsm. It was just a joke. Would I ever? I am always up to conversing religious fundamentals with others. I think most of them come from the same source anyway - man, not myth. I am up to hearing new notions if any exist. Ive heard some good stuff.

How does having power change a person? Does it corrupt?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

It corrupts if they want it. those that eschew it are the least likely to abuse it.

A good, short read that this community reminded me of and one that I would share with anyone who ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

There is a biological component to empathy and the golden rule. as such their moral code is in their DNA.

Amen...Do you say it?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

If I'm pretending to be a churchie or am telling a joke I will say it. otherwise no way.

What's the one thing you tried but will never do again?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

2 women. I just can't do it now.

AdvIce to polItIcIans from above

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Tots and pears

Would you allow your child to be given a christian baptism because it is important to your partner's...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Yeah. it won't hurt anything.

Why would you ask?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I hear that crap all the time too. It's a way for them to straddle the fence without committing. I consider it to be cowardice by those who can't get past pascal's wager.

Why do we label everything?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

It's how our mind works. it's not necessarily a conscious decision.

Re: The National Student Walkout I am truly heartened to see so many thousands of kids exercising...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

The ones who walked out for a friendly 17 minutes that was agreed upon by their schools get NO support from me. Thats pathetic. You don't ask for permission to demonstrate - thats the whole point. It's supposed to cause problems and not be agreed upon by the man. pansies.

Unavailable posts?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Thanks guys. I was worried it was just me!

I recently heard that the Koch brothers (with a big assist from Pence) are trying to call for a ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Meh. sounds like more knee-jerking.

Pope's Comments - A Reality Check There are a lot of people, including some here, who quote ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I don't refer to him as some paragon of progressiveness ... but ANY move towards greater inclusion is going to receive my praise. It doesn't all happen at once. It's incremental. Like Finlandization. Don't poo poo anything short of perfection.

What's the best live performance you've ever seen?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Back in the 80's I saw the Violent Femmes at the Bowery in OKC. It was after they put out their first album. A friend and I hung out with them a bit after and I met Gordon. I was hooked. They were excellent and I saw them many times after that.

What are your best comebacks/quips when someone asks a question or makes a statement that is just a ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I don't put any weight into things people say about me. It makes these responses unnecessary.

I struggle to find my place on earth, my purpose for being.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I don't believe in any god. I do believe that all this god talk is nothing more than a personification of the universe. Thus, god is everything and everything is god. blah blah blah. The biggest problem we as humans have is understanding things because of our limitations regarding linear time. I consider this our barrier to get over. How? Evolve past beings who live in 3D and perceive in 2. The next dimensional barrier will allow us to shift between time frames and live in any one of them once we overcome it. We will also perceive things in 3D thus we see the whole at once (tesseract) vice a 2D representation with cues for the 3rd. This will allow us to actually perceive our end purpose or goal - albeit admittedly when such a perception is no longer necessary. So I consider it our goal to strive towards that evolution. IF we are to ever be the creatures that meet it we must get past all these petty problems that impede current progress. The base of these is insecurity and fear over differences - which is cured by education and homogenization. Thus I spend MY life trying to promote those. In me, the people around me, my progeny, while also NOT contributing to a barrier to these things. We have eons of development and advancement to go. All we can do is be like ants and extend a bridge with our lives for all the others.

With or without music during sex?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

My ex always wanted some Prince or some such. Then she told me to put on some sex music once so I put this on ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHmskwqCCQ

What's the best live performance you've ever seen?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Every time my ex said "I love you". lying hag.

As an atheist, I think Homosexuality should not come into mainstream. What's your take ?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Why are you trying to press your morals here? What are your morals even based on if you are on an agnostic/atheist site? Why does it have to be normal or not? What if it's purely choice?? I find this whole discussion deplorable. If I want to sleep with men, women, or donkeys it's none of your business unless I am hurting you. Leave Frank N. Furter alone.

Test your social intelligence

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I got a rock. 20.

As an aspiring filmmaker, if I had to pick one thing that is most difficult about this career path ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I dig the stories of the little filmmakers who tied a shoe-string budget together with loans and credit cards to make a really solid film. Watch Robert Townsend's "Hollywood Shuffle". Now check out how big all those names are of the people he rounded up for that film. Also "Amazon Women on the Moon" with Donald "No Soul" Simmons.

Is what you do professionally now, what you wanted to do when you were growing up?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Wanted to be a lawyer in high school. Sidetracked in the military for a bit as a nuclear engineer, then off to law school. Now a lawyer but my whole line of reasoning has changed. Then I wanted it to do trials ... now I use it to help others.

"the Lifestyle", polyamory, hedonism, promiscuity: distinctions? And... GO!

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Asexual

Why do people hide their feeling/emotion? How do you let emotion out?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Insecurity. they feel insecure so they tend not to let others in for fear they will be harmed.

As atheists, how do you feel about fidelity, within a marriage or a long-term relationship?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Fidelity is a matter of respecting your partner and has nothing to do with beliefs

What makes a person "intelligent?"

JeffMesser comments on Mar 13, 2018:

You know a bunch of cool stuff that's interesting to talk about while high

Petition for a Billy Graham Federal Holiday

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Yet another horrible idea from a country full of dumbasses.

What is the end goal of human existence in your opinion?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

To shred the drape of these mortal coils that bind me thus turning me loose upon time

Happiness

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Ha! she said -piness

Happiness

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Ha! she said -piness

What was the worst sacreligious joke you’ve made? & how did people react?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

This one

Favorite atheist activist/YouTuber?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Atheist is a transitory stage. if you remain there then you're not growing.

My fellow American atheists, how do you see Europe ?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

By rail usually.

Do you want to get married? (No, that’s not a proposal. &128541) And why or why not?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

No. I am old and set in my ways. Plus I learned my lesson from one marriage already.

I have seen SO MANY posts on social media from people asking for thoughts, prayers, etc.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I step back and gain perspective.

Can friends become lover?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 12, 2018:

I guess they can if they embrace and are then run over by a steamroller so they are squished into one

What are your best coping strategies for dealing with death?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Me = consciousness + this body and memories and mind and expeirnces and influences (Kauva). When this body passes parts of it will still carry on. Memories of it and influences (karmic resultants). Consciousness will still be around as it is always around. The "Kauva" vessel and filter will will just no longer be used by it.

March Madness is here. Are you going to watch the NCAA tournament and which team are you cheering?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Of course. the ncaa tournament is the greatest event in sports. my normal team to root for is OU (Univ of Oklahoma) but I don't think I could stand to watch them even if they make it so I will be cheering for all the Big-12 teams.

If you could construct your own set of "Commandments" for humankind, what would they be?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

1. some variation of the golden rule 2, it's not all about you

A good read as to the history of god worship by human kind.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Blech.

During a movie, do you root more for the villain or the good guy?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Always for the good guy except in certain movies where he is a bungling oaf and the hero is the bad guy.

Who's got a religious name?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

My name "Kauva Aatma" means spirit of the crow.

I'm wondering if there is a causal relationship between the prevalence of effeminate images of Jesus...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

No, but there might be a casual relationship between them.

Just finished this book! Great read! Only problem is it will never be read by its intended audience.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

If it doesn't have a cat with a hat then I want nothing to do with it 02-6134

Spring time in PNW, what kind of activities do you like to do?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

The eating of the salmon. thats the only purpose of the nw. better have some fresh wild salmon.

If you were being sent off to an isolated island with 3 other people, who would you pick to go with ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

George Carlin, Buddha, and Mitch Hedberg

Do believe we live in a culture that promotes fear?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I don't believe in some nefarious scheme on behalf of the media. They are a business as much as a service and they're appealing to a common interest among humans - insecurities. We are a very insecure species. Perhaps because of our relative helplessness at birth. And this is expressed in the keen cognizance and fear we exhibit when it comes to things that are different. We aren't just inherently fearful of things that are different - we are downright terrified of them. Until we establish some basis of security we are a quivering, crying mess. The few sensations we have encountered to date (as newborns) form the initial security we can find thru repetitiveness. We desire to be warm, snug, and listening to a heartbeat. The things we feel in the womb that are countered by swadling and heat and soothing/holding of another. This is why that bonding with your mother is so important. You persist through your entire life building upon the foundation of security you reaceived there - whether it was a good one or a bad one. It affects you dramatically. Of course some do confuse this by taking advantage of the insecurity to do their evil bidding. Others, however, just appeal to it. If it wasn't there to start that itself could be considered bad. But it's preexisting. So they'd hafta take it a bad direction to start drawing such criticism.

How else do you break societal conventions, besides being agnostic?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Simple living no materiality hermit cave dweller (of sorts) shun crowds stay high meditate often

What do you do when your child does something that makes you resentful?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I boss them around a little bit and make up a bullshit chore to exert my dominance.

What would you ask for, if you knew the answer was yes?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Perfect thought

When I first realized I was an atheist and began talking about it on Facebook, Many religious ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I live for those confrontations even still.

How do you react when people say “ I’m praying for you “ ?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 9, 2018:

It useta make me mad. I think thats a phase that agnostics/atheists/antitheists go through. Borne out of frustration more than anything else. "oh really? pray for me?? take THAT religion". But later we figure it's just kinda silly. Thats like Breakin up with your ex or something. I just thank them for the thought even if it was pretty hollow and self-serving. I just don't say the hollow and subserving part out loud. I can dwell on the fact that they wished me something that they considered positive which is cool and they can believe they made attempts or advances in converting the heathen. Doesnt hurt me a bit. They can believe whatever crap they want - just examine their belief system! It can be a win/win.

How are you handling your Facebook page?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Oh yeah. I like to be on the edge of controversy so I spilled it all. step by step as I went from agnostic to atheist to anti-theist.

Who are your people?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Stoner-tolerant moviephile animal lovers who are on the left - although I don't support abortion or the DP. jobs-wise they span the gamut of society. I can't handle the wealthy peeps though. Wealth and materiality turn me sour.

Humor

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Are you kidding? I laughed about this one for days https://www.theonion.com/new-study-shows-progress-made-by-broads-1819563911

Has anyone ever had an encounter with a celebrity?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

- I and a friend were honorary "guides" for Lee Majors at the Grand National Quail hunt in Enid back when I was in like 4th grade. So old Steve Austin himself shoots a deer out of season and offers my friend and I $50 apiece to remain silent. We took his money and turned him in anyway because he was a dick. A few years later he tried to "pick up" my 15yo soon to be and later ex wife in a club called the 300 inside a bowling alley. She was in there getting quarters for a video game. - Ate breakfast with Dub Taylor at the cafe in Hennessy, OK. - met Dale Robertson (a 50's - 60's actor) a few times as he was my step grandma's old boyfriend from Harrah - a flamingo bit me on the behind in a Cannes Hotel lobby and when I jumped away I ran into Ben Gazzara. - been around and spoken to Toby Keith a few times as we both had kids playing T-ball at Buck Thomas (12th Street) park in Moore, OK. There's a few more but they're mostly sports and walking by Shirley McClain and Linda Evans in Cannes while noticing their horri personal hygiene out loud.

Have you ever witness any further extreme cults?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Pentecostals. by far. it's like some voodoo movie scene from a james bond flick.

Unless something gets added last minute, all my reservations for 2018 are booked! We will be in St ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Thats a nice, varied travel log. grats!!

Kentucky Governor Calls Kim Davis An Inspiration ‘To The Children Of America’

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Your state is crazy girlfriend!

Is he just not into me?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Well, you know @SonderOpia ... you ARE a Texan. And you are Euless. Maybe he really needs Eu? I don't know why it might all be about Eu. but it's possible so stop being so selfish and start thinking about Eu. However, I wouldnt call him and ask "Is it me or is it ... Eu?" because that might get confusing. Of course your emotions are at stake but maybe it's just that he truly hates Eu and you're just too convenient for him given your proximity. Maybe he had a bad experience with Eu and his guilt is overwhelming. At this point I am pretty sure it has something to do with Eu.

Do you believe in free will?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Do I believe in free will? I want to but no one will let me. I never get to do anything fun!

Male circumcision. Valid medical procedure or abuse? Discuss

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Well I tried to raise a stern objection to the procedure. I mean, I cried and kicked. What else wa a baby to do? I woke up a day later and it was gone!! Then someone shoved a boobie in my mouth and I forgot about all the pain. The shame lives on forever or until I find another boobie.

Would anyone care to share thier all time favorite cartoon or funny picture?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

This one has always been y favorite

Anybody else having trouble clicking on the "thumbs up" buttons???

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I am having trouble patting my head and rubbing my tummy.

Does anyone know of a good candidate for the next president?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Mark Ferrell the San Francisco mayor.

What's your mood right now?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Ye feelin' a bit randy miss?

Howard Zinn was a game changer for me understanding history.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Yes. by all means yes. you should always make sure they hear about Philadelphia's bar "problem" yet notate the lack of racism and sexism and agism and all the other isms inside the bar compared to one foot outside its' doors.

Is morality based in nature or nurture?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Empathy comes from projection so lacking empathy is either a biological condition or a learned behavior. that period where kids stop killing animals and bugs (like 3 or 4) is when it appears. I have heard of sociopathic behavior being treated pharmacologically as well as through use of therapy. saying it's biblical or whatever is horsehockey.

Is the Dunning Kruger effect real?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Of course it's real. 75% of the right suffers from it.

What should men or women do to make themselves better human beings?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Eat more bacon

What should men or women do to make themselves better human beings?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Damyata datta dayadhvam exercise control, give of yourself first, and show compassion

Lots of friends. Or, just a few? What suits you?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I dig a few friends with morally casual attitudes.

How fear of communism and fans of Hitler helped to create Billy Graham. [patheos.com]

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Good article thanks!

I really liked this post.. had to share.. pretty much sums it up for me anyway.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I did it for all the hot chicks

If we are all supposedly created in God's image, wouldn't that mean God is everyone, every race, ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

The Lord is enshrined in the hearts of all. The Lord is the supreme reality. Rejoice in him through renunciation. Covet nothing for all belongs to the Lord. Thus working may you live 100 years. Thus alone will you work in real freedom. - Isha Upanishad

Conservatives Are Whining Because No One Wants to Date Them - VICE

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Well if they wanna be so business-like then they need to offer better services if no one wants to use them now. fresh coat of paint, new clothes, better education, more progressive ...

Online safety.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I really don't care if someone finds me. Maybe they'll be nice and bring me a present. I had a stalker on my doorstep one morning and it ended up allowing me to help a poor lady who needed some attention. She says it saved her life. Now I keep financial stuff off there. If they steal my SSN and try to start credit cards in my name they'll be in for a big surprise. If they make contracts in my name then the same or even more the same to any collector trying to squeeze me for a dime. I am pretty much judgment proof and impervious to the claims of exorbitant atty fees. If they want to kill me then they just put me out of my misery. I'm like that propane guy's (Hank Hill) son Bobby. Fat, old guy without anything to lose or gain. It might be fun!

If you had an unlimited supply of money how would you spend it?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

If it was unlimited I'd just pay for everything for everyone.

Would you accept a job or position within a company that was built around religious beliefs?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

I just can't. As a recovering anti-theist I am still in the "nails on a chalkboard" phase of disliking anything having to do with religion. I am trying to get over my intense dislike (only now can I not say hate) but that would be too much.

Addicts. Let me ask you guys about addicts. Drug addicts in particular. How do you view them?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

Addiction is psychological long before it is physical. Treating the particular addiction itself is merely addressing a symptom. I'm not a fan of 12 step programs of any type because they often merely substitute addictive behaviors and rarely address the cause BUT having a group to interact with over the problem is often very therapeutic. The simple act of accepting help and support from others makes one open to actual change. I feel for those who are addicted and try to guide them towards a secular group setting.

I have to do this again, just because it is weighing on my mind after a conversation I had a bit ...

JeffMesser comments on Mar 6, 2018:

You're 100% correct IMO. The step-dad I grew up with was ex-army and very much a gun nut. I've been shooting since I was 6 and I have 3 shotguns within 20 feet of me as I type this and no other type of gun. With my shotguns I can hunt, defend, and have fun. I've never understood the gun nut mentality. I find it borne of paranoia and further insecurity.

Why did you get married?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 5, 2018:

I knocked up some old gal.

Ken Ham is set to do a speaking engagement at the University of Central Oklahoma this spring.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 5, 2018:

They reinvented him after the cancelation fiasco. The UCO President saud the reasoning was to teach the students "freedom of speech" and be able to listen to thoughts they don't share with tolerance. I agree with you. He's an idiot. UCO invited him because this is the heart of churchie land.

So, The Shape of Water won.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 5, 2018:

I was able to see all of the so-called "best pictures" this last year. I thought Ladybird and Get Out were the best. 3BB's was good until Woody died and then it kinda lingered. Phantom Thread was so boring I could hardly move as was that lame Call me by your name. Not sure the fascination over Del Toro's movie.

Does anyone else have a favorite "famous" atheist?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 5, 2018:

George carlin

What are some social etiquette rules everyone should know and follow?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 5, 2018:

1. the Lord loves a workin' man 2. don't trust whitey 3. see a Dr. and get rid of it

Curious about y'alls opinions on the hive mind/collective consciousness theory.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 5, 2018:

This is my basis for it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eakKfY5aHmY

Because of a varied schedue, does anyone else find it difficult to meet people?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Yes. my extensive schedule of TV watching and internet exploring and high getting curtails my opportunities to meet others.

Do you date traditionally?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 4, 2018:

What do you mean traditionally? missionary position??

What's a strange food habit you have?

JeffMesser comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Peanut butter on my pancakes? loving to eat a can of popeye spinach?

The invading Christians labeled the indigenous people as heathens.

JeffMesser comments on Mar 4, 2018:

Which is why I am so amazed that xtians rail on muslims.