Moral Compass

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

Approaching a decision, ask myself 'what's the right thing to do?' Then I do it. Sounds good, but sometimes I don't 'do the right thing.' THEN I feel guilty about it and upbraid myself for being, among other things, a hypocrite. That feels bad. It humbles me to realize I'm often selfish and self-serving despite my lofty ideals. Sometimes the RIGHT thing objectively is not the right thing individually. I TRY to do what is objectively right. The Golden Rule is a good guide to figure out what that is.

Moral Compass

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

Natural Law, which to me is distilled into one 'law:' treat others the way you'd like to be treated.

Communism

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

I'll take a poll: Anybody who answers 'yes' to that silly question is (blank).

25th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing Here is a story that now just sits in the recesses ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

Why would I want my memory jarred? Tim's mind was so messed up they could have made casserole out of it. The scary thing is, there's plenty more like him out there and the only reason they're quiet for now is 'their guy' is in the Oval Office. These gun nuts/survivalists/racists/so-called 'patriots' and 'Christian soldiers' are an absolute disgrace to our country.

Should I stay calm (which I’m not doing very well) when my supervisor tells me to have a blessed ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

I wouldn't worry about it.

Once upon a time, "life" was defined as the ability to replicate, but no longer.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

Your point?

A piece from the Obama era but also helps explain what led up to Trump.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

I couldn't agree with you more about everything you said, EXCEPT there is a dramatic difference between the two political parties, in my opinion. The path out of this is still (for how long?) there, IF people would VOTE. Eventually even that way out will be blocked. The door is still open, but it's closing. The motivation of the super-rich are the usual ones, with I think some modern wrinkles: *Unlimited wealth and power of course. *World domination through absolute control of the emergent world government, *Depopulation through sterilization, designer diseases, and other means, *Quasi-immortal life by (long-term) development of androids into which they can download their consciousnesses and/or (medium-term) transplant their brains, and/or (short-term) extreme life extension, *Creation of a 'super race' through eugenics and genetic engineering. *Etc. These are not necessarily unworthy goals, but the danger is these super-elite trillionaires may become insane with the egomania absolute power confers, with unforeseen consequences. They should be slowed down as much as possible. Stopping them? Assuming that'd be a good thing, too late. This is why the Republicans should be stopped. They are the fast track, so to speak, to the super-elites' goals. The Democrats, ironically, are the countervailing force, because they represent ordinary, workaday people with no transcendent, god-like capabilities, no world-scale ambitions, no overreaching historically game-changing agendas, and no runaway meglamania--a pandemic disease of people with absolute power. There MUST be a brake on what may be a GOOD thing if democratically determined.

In the absence of theism what are the big questions in life you contemplate?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

I'm very interested in Panpsychism and the nature of consciousness, favoring the idea it is possessed by every particle of matter, from barely-conscious quarks to partially-conscious humans, to nearly fully-conscious beings on possible higher planes or dimensions. A nearly superstition-free agnostic, I'm open to all new information of which I become aware. On free will, right now I think I have it, given my limitations. If you mean, VERSUS ' 'predeterminalism,' that's an old Catholic fiction and presupposes an all-knowing 'god' who can tell the future. Sorry. Short of string theory ideas about non-linear time (bizarre), free will is my default position. I've a million interests...another is the emerging world government nobody will see coming until it's here. That'll be a great leap forward.

🎃🍟🍎 Do you believe in meatless Monday's?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

I eat organic, cage-free, free range eggs, and yogurt and nonfat dry milk from cruelty-free sources. And maybe a little fish. Works for me. People who eat meat, chicken, etc. from agribusiness factory farms are Neandrathals. Of course the practice should be stamped out through education and public policy. I think it'll eventually happen as our technology develops. Never heard of Meatless Mondays, but sure, why not?

What are atheists for?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

I agree atheism can have a corrective effect, particularly now. Today's dominant religions have become outmoded, obsolete, archaic, in other words no longer relevant to the state of human knowledge. Atheism is the extreme reaction. It challenges each religions core beliefs, and once the preponderence of the evidence reaches a tipping point, I think two things happen almost simultaneously: the dominant religions fight back, defend themselves, and try to adapt (ultimately unsuccessfully), and NEW paradigms begin to slowly but surely develop to replace them. This is where Agnosticism could play a transitional role, as old-school religions are replaced by new forms performing the same function: analyzing ourselves and our universe and explaining our presence and our purpose. Of course, atheists would say we HAVE no purpose other than to be born, live, procreate, and die. Agnosticists, on the other hand, think there's possibly much more to it than that, and given the apparent need innate in human beings, search for more effective ways to discover what that is. Obviously yesterday's 'holy books' are inadequate. I'd argue raw scientific data is also, while a superior foundation compared to centuries-old fables, an incomplete picture, given all we either know or suspect. This is because with each new step up in sophistication, new questions are raised. When we learned the Earth revolves around the sun, that realization opened up the door to a brand new set of inquiries. And so on with each new discovery. So this is why I believe while atheism can serve a useful role, it is Agnosticism which is more suitable to channeling our intellectual energies in the most useful directions.

I see how many people die for no rational reason.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 19, 2020:

Animals die, plants die, everything that lives dies. So what? We are more like a cancer than a virus, in that like cancer cells, our growth is out of control, and like them we will kill the host body (Earth) if we do not bring this unchecked multiplication back UNDER control. That's why human beings will perish if the root problems causing this growth are not taken seriously, diagnosed, and confronted head on: competing religions, ideologies, the accompanying distractions preventing cooperation, and perhaps even the resulting war, pestilence, disease,scarcity of resources and economic strains. It is inevitable. If we don't deal adequately with this, it will eventually, slowly but surely, overwhelm the human race and destroy us. This is why a world government, I think, will happen sooner rather than later. It will be the only path to survival. All the technology is now in place to not only make it possible, but inevitable.

Let's discuss censorship.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

Population SHOULD be controlled! Against censorship. Usually.

Oh dear, I thought I had seen it all, but then I found "6 Ways Is A Science-Stopper" at ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

"If the universe produced mathematics, it would have no reason to adhere to the laws of mathematics." What? I stopped right there. First, who says mathematics was "produced" at all? From an Agnostic perspective, this seems questionable. What if the universe itself is god? The Big Bounce (not the Big Bang) theory has it the universe has ALWAYS existed and goes through eternal cycles of life, death and rebirth... If that's true, the universe, including mathematics, logic, physics, etc., was never "produced" (created), but instead has ALWAYS been here, along with all it's aspects and constituent parts. IF so, the validity of his entire six-parter is built on a faulty foundational premise. Suppose for a second, god is 'universal consciousness,' flowing through matter and energy. Since matter and energy are actually two forms of the same thing, and are the basic essence of, well, everything, all the "laws" the author speaks of could've 'just been there.' In other words, 'God' wouldn't have had to 'create' energy and matter because god IS energy and matter, according to this logic. They say god has always existed, right? And they also say energy can neither be created or destroyed? There you go.

This is the story of the Barn and Grill Restaurant in my area.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

Maybe they committed suicide to go to heaven to be with son and girlfriend. OR: abducted by aliens.

Is that what we hear form the corporate moguls every generation?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

Nine billion ~ one billion by 2050!

This is what anarchy looks like. Should we be concerned?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

What's the catch?

Is this the USA Reality.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

It'd be great if government policy was to ELIMINATE as many jobs as possible through automation. Some jobs are not expendable of course, but maybe 50% would be a good intermediate goal. The unemployed would have an enviable life, but not as good as the employed, so employment would still be the aspiration of many.

Is there anyone else who wishes they could mocve from america to a sane, intelligent, progrsssive ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

No. I just wish liberals would VOTE. Always wanted to check out Perth, Australia, though.

Why is the Satanic Temple officially recognised as a tax-exempt religious organisation.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

Churches subsidized by state is (or should be) unconstitutional. Period.

Ok, so here goes agnosticism versus atheism 101 gnostic has to do with knowledge Theism has ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 18, 2020:

Wrong. There is NO SUCH THING as an "agnostic atheist," as has been pointed out many times. This is at the crux of the misunderstanding many atheists have about the difference. What they are really alluding to is the difference between a 'strong' atheist and a 'weak' atheist, since both require a level of BELIEF in his or her position. In that sense, atheists and theists are two sides of the same coin. Agnosticists do not HAVE a belief system, so it's not possible to BELIEVE god does not exist, however strongly or weakly, AND at the same time have no belief one way or the other. OPINIONS, YES, BELIEFS, NO. I know a lot of atheists resist that fact, but it's a crucial distinction. Because an atheist assumes 'god' does not exist, in every argument he or she is the 'con,' whereas an Agnosticist could take either side. The confusion arises because in a discussion with an Atheist, an Agnosticist MUST take the relatively 'pro' position by default, or else cede the point. If he cedes the point, there is usually little or no discussion. It is only when the two disagree an argument ensues, so because arguments are much more visible and audible, the false impression is given Agnosticists are more 'spiritual,' i.e. quasi- religious, or a 'weak' theist. This is a false impression. One could make the argument a 'weak' atheist is really an Agnosticist, but that would also be wrong, for the above reasons. The other--one might say more basic-- error is in one's DEFINITION of 'god.' If by the word one means a personal, caring, self-aware entity who created not only hell but evil in general, then lots of Agnosticists are, in that very narrow sense, atheists, myself included. This because BY DEFINITION this kind of 'god' cannot exist. (A benevolent, infinitely 'good' god who nevertheless created hell/evil is a self-contradiction. It cannot be true.) If one wants to postulate an evil god, one is a Satanist. If one wants to believe in both, one is an Abrahamic theist. (A 'good' god who didn't create hell but DID create evil? Hmmm...maybe.) If by the word one means an impersonal, indifferent, 'universal consciousness' of some sort, many agnosticists are open to speculation, including about an all-encompassing 'neo-deism.' NOT BELIEF. Do you now see the difference? We are often arguing about variously different things.

Why do men like long hair on women?.....(.or men).

Storm1752 comments on Apr 17, 2020:

Why do women like short hair (and no facial hair) on men? They just do.

It seems like with so many different beliefs and religions in the world it would be impractical if ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 17, 2020:

I personally doubt sincerely any possible REAL god DOES anything at all. IT just is.

This is my opinion.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 17, 2020:

I don't believe IN anything, but my OPINION is yes there is an afterlife, and yes a system of reward and punishment would seem to be in place. I think morality and ethics spring from 'natural law' (look it up) and are innate in most people. I don't consider my self 'insecure,' just think 'belief' is inappropriate when it comes to such matters. On what do you base your "beliefs?" If nothing concrete and substantial, they are more appropriately called OPINIONS. Yes I have MANY opinions. They sometimes change from one moment to the next. I have no rigid core 'beliefs' to which I cling and defend. I don't attack others' opinions unless they are doctrinaire and inviolate. This is hubris and often hypocritical...THEIR opinions are unquestionably true, mine are suspect. I object to that attitude.

Why did 'god' create Atheists (or Agnostics, or Secular Humanists)

Storm1752 comments on Apr 17, 2020:

I'm not an atheist. As an agnostic I do think there may be a system of reward and punishment based on Natural Law, and I'm convinced this system DOES sometimes compel me to perform acts of kindness. But mostly I think Natural Law itself is instinctive and innate, not learned.

Which religion and culture do you dispise the most and which do you "like " the most? Tell me why.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 17, 2020:

Islam for all the obvious reasons. Christianity a distant second. Buddhism goes way back and seems the most sophisticated.

Do you agree?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

If everybody looked like THIS Adam and (especially) Eve, shame would've never been invented.

Coronavirus & Single Scaries: I Just Want A Husband Right Now .

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

I've wanted and needed a partner since my last one died about four years ago. Doesn't matter. No one in sight. The song says, you can't always get what you want, but it then lies because sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you find you don't get what you need, either. You just exist. Which is better than NOT existing, most days.

Would you want to move to or live in a country, State, or society that is basically the same as your...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

It's a great idea. Sign me up. That is, ORGANIZED RELIGION would be banned, right? People can still talk about whatever they want? Is 'spiritualism' allowed? Card tricks? Magicians? Where do we draw the line?

Is there a meaning to life and if there is, does it even matter?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

No. Living itself isn't good enough. Is it for you? Maybe some atheists feel that way. Or maybe they're just kidding themselves. I've never gazed at my navel, btw.

The two biggest challenges that I have encountered in dating are women who smoke and women are too ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

I couldn't buy a date so can hardly afford being too picky, but a drunk smoker would be an absolute no. (P.S. Notice how many responses from women. They love telling anyone who'll listen who they won't date and why.)

I have a tendency to delete any post I make that hasn't gotten any replies within a few hours.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Say something about Atheists versus Agnostics. Always works.

I'd like to recommend my Senator, Jim Inhofe be the 1st to go.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Any Republican, but Imhofe is one of the biggest jerks alive.

Well if this isn't a fine case of karmic retribution, I do not know what is.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Karma could be 'natural law' in action.

Do you think Biden stands a chance of winning the election?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Bodem will be adequate.

What if ALL drugs were legal?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 15, 2020:

Spend the trillions wasted on the Drug War on research into developing clean, beneficial drugs which not only deliver the desired designer high, but are also good for you physiologically, psychologically, and emotionally, with no negative side effects. This is the obvious solution.

One might say that there is an air of intellectual superiority about enthusiastic libertarians, ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Not sure, but I don't think so. I'm a democratic socialist liberal, and the laissez-faire capitalism they espouse amounts to an economic darwinism which is like the worst idea ever. It's a main reason I'm so fervently anti-libertarian- conservative-Republican. So liberalism is an economic model as well as a social one. I can't see a reproachment between the two---they're exact opposites.

Do you think if someone, who has committed a heinous crime, should be given a chance for forgiveness...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Yes of course, they should be released. They were high on drugs and being manipulated and pressured into it by a maniac. The worst day of their lives was the day they met Charlie Manson.

I DECLARE I will choose reason over faith! I will focus on what can be demonstrated to be true.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Yeah? So? You feeling all right?

As US Consigns Iranians to Death, Corporate Media Look the Other Way | FAIR

Storm1752 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

I just feel bad for the people, most of whom don't deserve this, especially considering it's our fault the current regime is in power in the first place. If we hadn't arranged a coup in 1953, and installed the Shah, the clerics wouldn't have been able to take advantage of the ensuing revolution to take power. Then we take this blueprint to South America (El Salvador, Honduras, et. al.) and brutally suppress civil rights there so we can have cheap bananas. A Republican brainstorm, of course. And don't forget the 'Contras!'

There is a reason you have that sinking feeling.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

I wish I could laugh.

If we have it his way.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Easter and Christmas are the only days they are (unless it's a 'mega-church;' no such luck).

Neccesity is the mother

Storm1752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

Can the virus be spread through the nipples or vagina? I didn't know that...

While I was out trail walking this afternoon I was contemplating a statement attributed to Richard ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

You mean, 'If you think you understand 'god', (or the lack thereof), you do not understand it?'

It still amazes me that Americans who spend so much time and energy on politics do not understand ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

The "youth" don't vote, usually, so it doesn't matter. I can never get over this inference Biden has to "earn" their vote. Like Obama "earned" the black vote? Like Hillary "earned" the female vote? Are they expecting Biden to become someone else to kiss up to them? Voting is a right AND a privilege. That so many Americans have sat on their hands and not even bothered to vote while this criminal, unconstitutional, reactionary travesty has unfolded before our eyes is absolutely disgraceful. Conservatives are NOT the majority, yet they rule the United States with an iron fist. Biden is the least of the "youth's" problems. Republicans have been close in the recent past to absolute majorities on all federal, state, and municipal levels, in the judiciary and Congress. The "youth" and everybody else will look on in horror at what happens if that ever really comes to pass. They will consolidate and cement that dominance into place, even more so than they have already done. Then they will institute a faux-theocracy while the REAL powers-that-be dismantle the New Deal and eventually reveal themselves as the ultra-rich ruling elite they are. This neo-aristocratic oligarchy will put an end to pluralism, upward mobility, and representative democracy. Don't think so? Fine. Don't vote. Sit around and wait for some politician to come along and "earn" your vote.

Legal sort of question, Americans - is the VP's action in banning experts from certain news networks...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 10, 2020:

The only good thing about impeachment failing to remove Trump is: Mike Pence is INFINITELY worse!

I think that humans evolved, with the instinct to colonise, so we can one day, leave this world to ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 10, 2020:

It seems inevitable. We've little capability at present, but we're already talking about colonies on Mars! We'd get bored staying put on boring old Earth once we have the knowledge and technology to explore.

I suppose that by now, just about everyone on the planet is aware of the COVID 19 Novel Coronavirus ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 10, 2020:

There are only TWO possible rational answers to this very common question: 1) 'God' doesn't exist, or 2) 'God' is not a personal entity, but an impersonal force. The first answer is self-explanatory. The second admits the circumstantial evidence does not allow for an individual, identifiable entity separate from the rest of, or outside, the universe. Any 'god' who is capable of answering prayer, is all-loving, all-caring., etc., cannot exist. If 'god' DOES exist, on the other hand, it'd require a different definition altogether. It'd have to be impersonal and not have a separate identity. Then why call it 'god' in the first place? Because it would explain the origins of matter and energy, in other words of existence itself. For instance, how was the universe created? One theory (the 'Big Bounce') says it has ALWAYS existed--which agrees with the law which insists matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed. It also does away with the conundrum, if 'god' created the universe, who created 'god?' So, little by little, the 'mysteries' might theoretically be cleared up until there ARE no more mysteries. Does that mean no 'god?' What if 'god' meant 'universal consciousness' in Neo-Deist terms, or 'everything' in the language of Panpsychism? And what if that denoted something far more profound than an empty, meaningless phrase, but through advanced technology is revealed to be a real interconnectedness of all things, which together might add up to a 'cosmic intelligence,' one which would explain such things as ESP, psychics, other dimensions, the 'space-time continuum,' pre-Ice Age civilizations and extraterrestials, reincarnation, the 'afterlife,' ghosts, paranormal activity in general, and ALL other phenomena about which we at present have no choice but to either say 'I don't know,' or flatly deny altogether? (Most Agnostics might take the former route, most atheists the latter, which is yet another way they can be differentiated.) In short, what if it explained EVERYTHING? Impossible you say? Maybe. Maybe not. But it certainly seems scientists all over the world are delving into every aspect of 'reality,' looking for answers; based on what we've seen so far, I wouldn't bet against them. There is SO MUCH we have yet to learn before we can make blanket statements claiming to contain the absolute truth.

“The wise man regulates his conduct by the theories both of religion and science.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 10, 2020:

How do religious "theories" apply? Why do we need theories if we have Natural Law as the sole arbiter, ideally, of moral conduct? Religious doctrines may be seen as distorted codifications of this innate sense of right and wrong, in my opinion. They are apparently describing right moral conduct for those who need it spelled out. Art form? Maybe, in the sense music, or poetry, etc., can elicit or reinforce certain feelings,convictions and profound thoughts, so too can religious or scientific prose.

Being as it is Easter for the Xians, I had some thoughts for your consideration.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 10, 2020:

How childish. Does that mean if we blame a political party (let's call them 'Republicans') for policies we consider bad, we're just scapegoating? How so? If they favor policies, for instance, injurious to the environment, are we just displacing blame belonging elsewhere? How can you tell, then, the difference between scapegoating, and assigning blame where it belongs?

One of the “frames” in Politics is the scapegoat frame although I do not believe George Lakoff ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

I think you've been spending too much time alone. Trump didn't successfully scapegoat Obama, the "vast right-wing conspiracy" suppressed the vote, brainwashed the religious, gerryrigged congressional districts, and if anything scapegoated an entire political party and ideology with obvious, tried-and-true smear tactics. Trump was somehow the beneficiary of all this deceit and trickery, but it could've been any Republican nominee. So to personify this entire conspiracy as the work of a single buffoonish man is simplistic, to say the least. It is a faux-MOVEMENT spearheaded by a fascist oligarchy of super-rich elites, using the gullibility and simple-mindedness of large minority of voters, bent on achieving world domination. What ELSE could be their goal? I think they'll ultimately fail, but they're giving it their best shot. Reducing it to a cartoonish war between Trump and ANYBODY gives him far too much credit. BUT, is he himself a member of this cabal? Probably not, but maybe now I'm giving him far too LITTLE credit.

States Introduce Bills to Ban Marriage Equality to Get It Back in Front of SCOTUS

Storm1752 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

THESE are the things we should be focused on, not the clown-in-chief.

What did you think about Abraham's response to God's little test reported in Genesis 22?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

I'm sure you're employing satiric sarcasm to mock the Jews of that time period, not actually asking a serious question. But okay, the rabbis and political leaders wanted unquestioned obedience from their people. And this obedience would be rewarded. After all, 'god' stopped him, right, and then presumably showered him with prosperity and a long life? Let's hope so!

Today was Reap the Rewards of Eight years' Worth of Drinking.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

You sound gloriously drunk!

Like I said, by picking Biden, Democrats are kissing their future goodbye. [yahoo.com]

Storm1752 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

I agree Democrats keep passing over their dynamic ideological center, which practically demands a new generation of leadership. Biden is the last of the old guard. After him the party will have no choice but to pivot to the likes of Warren, Castro, and particularly California Gov. Gavin Newsome, and others. Definitely somebody from outside the Beltway needs to step up! Can Sanders stage a miraculous comeback? I hope so, partly because I fear 'Uncle Joe' is suffering early signs of dementia, partly because the Pubs eat guys like Biden for breakfast. Dems are too used to losing. They're intimidated. When are they going to learn people like OUTSIDERS as presidents? When was the last time a Congressman was voted in (except for Bush, a qualified exception)? I hope Joe wins if nominated. He'd be a great President. Trump is a disgraceful failure. (But listen to right-wing media and he's the second coming of Ronald Reagan (himself a disgraceful failure gussied up to be a historical success). I think Biden will win if nominated. The revolution will have to wait.

Does anyone else find this disturbing? [politico.com]

Storm1752 comments on Apr 9, 2020:

Most if not all Republicans, conservatives, evangelicals, you name it, resort to claiming all attacks on any one them, including Trump, are ad hominem slander jobs, not attacks on their political stances on ISSUES. Implying nefarious motives, they profess innocence, impugn their detractors as power-hungry socialists who will stop at nothing to topple their righteous hegemony. This is the exact opposite of the truth. Take the health-care 'debate:' Obama's proposal was a REPUBLICAN one, yet it was unananimously opposed as a socialist takeover of the health industry. Why? Pubs wanted to deny Obama a game-changing victory, which would have transformed the face of the industry and immeasurably improved health care. As it is, it limps along on life-support. Now, supposedly Dems are "weaponizing" the Coronavirus to hurt Trump, NOT criticizing the president of Liberty University (and other evangelicals) for sticking to New Testament magical thinking instead of admitting calls to partake of the 'gifts of the Holy Spirit' are basically nonsense and the dictates of reality (science) should and must prevail. This shouldn't be surprising to anyone reading this. They do it all the time.

Hello, I've been MIA for some time but today i needed to be on here.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 8, 2020:

I understand. It:s infuriating.

Looking at some of my post.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 8, 2020:

You MUST have offended me at some point, but I went back over some of your comments and posts and see nothing at all to object to. That in itself makes me think you're harboring some extremely dangerous thoughts, and are over- compensating by being bland and non-controversial. I would seek help immediately.

This is old news, but it's just too funny.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

It's been so long since I've listened to AM Radio, and this is why .. Truly scary they get away with it. If those people knew how truly repulsive they are, they'd stop. But they live in an 'evil' echo chamber of horrors. Disgusting.

Florida's coronavirus stay-at-home order doesn't bar churches from holding services - AOL News

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

If this doesn't prove large swaths of the 'New Testament' are full of sh*t, nothing does.

Taking a wider view, it's clear that different cultures at different times invent whatever gods they...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

We need a science-based 'religion' to supplant them all. Because of modern media, it'd have to be science-based or it'd be exposed instantly.

Here’s my conundrum about Easter and Passover.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

Jesus never existed so it's irrelevant.

What is your opinion of private citizens owning firearms.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

I realize it's a constitutional right, so there's only so much which can be done, even less we're actually going to do, thanks to the NRA and the gun industry. That's just the way it is, unless people vote in other politicians. Will that happen? Eventually, yes.

Anyone interested in having a philosophical conversation

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

Sure. Go ahead.

What are the only things of which you are completely certain? E.g. That you think

Storm1752 comments on Apr 7, 2020:

Nothing. Besides the obvious, of course: the sky is blue, etc.

Why do you see very few Atheist conservatives?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 5, 2020:

Like what issues? The ones conservatives have co-opted and convinced everyone they invented (like the capitalist system, a balanced budget, etc.)? Like it's probably better if abortions don't happen? Like guns are useful in the right hands? What exactly are these right-leaning issues? I think you'll find the left is right on them as well. Go ahead: WHAT issues?

I wrote a poem.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 5, 2020:

Cool! You ought to show it to a heavy metal or 'death metal' band. It really is well-written.

Very interesting article from a conservative news outlet.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 5, 2020:

Who are you kidding? "Real" Republicans are MUCH worse than Trump! He's just a circus Barker, a clown, a buffoon; REAL Republicans mean business! They want ALL their money, plus YOUR 'soul' as well. They want to rule the world, force you to worship Jesus, make women slaves again, and keep all of us on the wrong side of the tracks. Among many other unpleasant things. Trump is just a distracting sideshow compared to them!

For all those going a bit stir crazy self isolating, I have two words for you. Julian Assange

Storm1752 comments on Apr 5, 2020:

This is Recluse Paradise. The whole WORLD are recluses now!

I can't lie this lockdown isolation is tough.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

If you both got tested first.

I 100% support Mr.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

You're an idiot. Forgive me for saying that. I don't know what came over me. But think what an infinitely better world it would be if: Al Gore won in 2000. Kerry had won in 2004. Hillary had won in 2016. (Add to that if Dems had controlled both houses of Congress those years.) WHY didn't they win? Because Dems stayed home or crossed over. And there you sit saying the exact same thing this time around? Ubelievable. Simply incredible.

‪SCARY SHIT!‬

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

Never heard of him. Don't care who he's screwing.

The older I get the more convinced I become that the insanity in the human race is the norm rather ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

Including you?

Is Christianity worse than nihilism?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

I think Christianity and Atheism are both nihilistic, but more obviously atheism. I dislike both, more so Christianity, because it disguises it's nihilism behind an Armaggedon-ish veil: THIS world will be destroyed, and from the ashes will be born a new world. Thanks a lot. Atheism is more directly and starkly nihilistic. It's all meaningless and adds up to nothing, period. Pick your poison, I guess. Agnosticism, on the other hand, leaves open the possibility there MAY be a point to it all. WHAT that might be is, of course, unknown.

Hi there Americans Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are deists.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

No, I don't think so, because the kind of 'god' they supposed was never a PERSONAL deity, and never defined as an entity which answered prayers, etc., But rather was usually a pantheistic ideal, encompassing everything. It was more an agnostic "something," rather than magnified into a single point apart from everything else.

Why all the hate?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

I think it's mostly atheists filled with hate. Agnostics are mostly indifferent.

I am a man of modest means.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 4, 2020:

Except for the immense wealth OF this country, would you have what you have? Isn't the extent of your 'wealth' derived from this overall wealth? In other words, if this was a poorer country, wouldn't YOU be poorer as well? I think most people on this planet should be richer. It's only because some people hoard their wealth most people have so little. If we had a more socialistic system that wouldn't be the case. But to say wealth itself is the problem, I think, misses the mark.

The Complicated New World of Voyeurism Interesting article about something to do while quarantined ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 3, 2020:

Porn is a form of voyeurism

Does anyone else notice the cabin fever that's revealing itself in some of these posts?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 3, 2020:

I haven't noticed.

Trump invoked the DPA 'hundreds of thousands of times' in his presidency before forcing GM to make ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 3, 2020:

What's the DPA?

I want to know where I can get some of these remote controlled, robotic, demonic, miniature rats.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 3, 2020:

You mean like the ones in the movie, Minority Report? Or were they spiders?

What do you all think of the Illuminati?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 3, 2020:

I have an Illuminati symbol around my neck. I bought it online It's a society interested in world government, a new world order, an end to war and agression, an end to religion, world peace, personal wealth and well being, an end to borders, etc. I agree with most if not all of their principles and goals.

HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED THE CUCKBOI? [melmagazine.com]

Storm1752 comments on Apr 1, 2020:

Philip, are you a cuckboi by the very fact you're outing cuckbois, and are therefore a self-loathing hypocrite? By any chance?

Forget about toilet paper, it's time to hoard more essential things .. [melmagazine.com]

Storm1752 comments on Mar 31, 2020:

Why toilet paper? Bowl water works better. Toys? My hand works fine.

spread agnosticism

Storm1752 comments on Mar 31, 2020:

Agnosticism is just being honest with oneself and, unlike atheism, it allows one to freely speculate because although one cannot claim knowledge, one cannot rule OUT a lot of things, either.

Like probably a lot of voters, I'm new to politics.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 31, 2020:

Yes, very much so.

A Zombie Plague

Storm1752 comments on Mar 31, 2020:

I LIKE zombies, personally. They're charmingly pathetic; ugly, drag themselves around, are incredibly stupid, very slow. You can outrun them easily, feel sorry for them, hope you can figure out a cure. Poor, hopeless victims. I never bought they're THAT dangerous, just overly ravenous of human blood, yes, but not really HOSTILE to anybody, can't help themselves. Not to mention the very idea of such creatures is completely ridiculous, of course.

[m.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 30, 2020:

We need a woman president. And another one after that.

This could be happening.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 30, 2020:

Why would any Trump-hater want him to be removed from office? It's the REPUBLICAN PARTY which should be removed from THE office. And every other office they now occupy.

The windows and dishes are dirty, please clean it for me bad boy!

Storm1752 comments on Mar 28, 2020:

"You mean clean THEM for you, don't you?" I look you over. Not bad. "And if I do, do you promise to wash MINE when you come over to my place?" I smile at your quizzical expression. "Don't worry," I say, "I'm clean as a whistle. It's my mind which gets a little cluttered at times...that's why I live such an organized life. If I don't, I get hopelessly confused. Just about anything out of place knocks my sense of order out of kilter." Like you, I think. I'm not used to the way you're looking at me! And I'm positive if I say anything the least bit suggestive you'll turn me down flat. And the way you're dressed! Just carelessly enough to hint at an 'easy' way about you, but prim enough to dismiss such improper thoughts. I feel a sudden urge to flee, as if from a dangerously compromising situation. But I remain, and stare helplessly at my feet, desperately hoping for any kind of reassurance, which might allow me a graceful withdrawal, at the same time certain no such balm was forthcoming. A brief image of your body, what it must look like shorn of clothes, comes to mind. I quickly dismiss it from my imagination.

Why I Am Not A Christian [academia.edu]

Storm1752 comments on Mar 27, 2020:

I'm not a Christian because in all likelihood Christ was not an actual historical person.

If there ie a God then why are people dying like this? Is it because God wants to meet you?!

Storm1752 comments on Mar 27, 2020:

God is not a personal entity who cares about such things.

Progressives

Storm1752 comments on Mar 27, 2020:

I'm agnostic, but I'm progressive because I'm for the clear-eyed working people not blinded by propaganda. Religionists are forced to be Republicans because they're anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti-science, anti-21st Century in general.

i don't think i'm alone in thinking that guys really should not be doing much of the dirty talking.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 27, 2020:

Yes but girls never contribute anything.

If any of our agnostic friends happens to be experiencing a crisis, let me know.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 26, 2020:

But I don't know if I'm having a crisis.

athiest and agnostic?

Storm1752 comments on Mar 26, 2020:

I don't understand the question. Could you flesh it out a bit? Anyway I'm atheist about a personal Abrahamic god, but agnostic about the potential (probable?) Explanation for existence itself. After all, there MUST be an explanation, right? But what is it? Do YOU know? Does ANYBODY know? I didn't think so. So when somebody asks me if 'god' exists, what am I SUPPOSED to say?!?

My bet is that it is no coincidence that the Roman Empire fell not to long after it was ...

Storm1752 comments on Mar 26, 2020:

You mean the WESTERN Roman Empire. The Eastern part of it survived another 1000 years.

i guess I should be feeling bad about this one,,,, but I dont...

Storm1752 comments on Mar 26, 2020:

You should feel guilty...who the freak are YOU?

[youtube.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 24, 2020:

Dan Patrick should volunteer first Then I'll think about it.

I'd like to make an analogy to dead religions and the Jesus story.

Storm1752 comments on Mar 24, 2020:

If it was a virus, it was the opposite of the Coronavirus. The Flavian Romans very likely incubated it in a lab (invented it to replace radical Judaism), spread it via their 'mass media,' and worked diligently to eliminate competing religions, including their own, which was so closely identified with the old Caesarian regime. It couldn't have possibly failed to take root and spread like wildfire throughout the Empire.

Today is march 23rd - Atheist International Day. Happy Atheist day to everyone

Storm1752 comments on Mar 23, 2020:

Is there Agnostics International Day?