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When religious people demand that I respect their beliefs because it is their god given right to be ...
Heraclitus comments on May 7, 2018:
Respecting someone's religion and respecting their prejudices against you are not the same thing. Prejudice means to pre-judge (before knowing the facts), and they are pre-judging you to hell. (Gee, I thought only God had the right to judge someone to hell.)
Unfortunately, religion is often a ...
Surfpirate replies on May 7, 2018:
When one considers that all gods are figments of the limited imaginations of gullible people then it really means that they are damning me to their imaginary hell but they just don't have the guts to do it to my face without using a proxy. I don't respect religions and I won't even consider it until they stop being one of the major sources of suffering and hatred on this planet.
Heraclitus comments on May 7, 2018:
Respecting someone's religion and respecting their prejudices against you are not the same thing. Prejudice means to pre-judge (before knowing the facts), and they are pre-judging you to hell. (Gee, I thought only God had the right to judge someone to hell.)
Unfortunately, religion is often a ...
Surfpirate replies on May 7, 2018:
When one considers that all gods are figments of the limited imaginations of gullible people then it really means that they are damning me to their imaginary hell but they just don't have the guts to do it to my face without using a proxy. I don't respect religions and I won't even consider it until they stop being one of the major sources of suffering and hatred on this planet.
05.
Surfpirate comments on May 6, 2018:
I understand your anger and from my own experience I can tell you that at some point you have to set that down because it's not your burden to carry. We have free will, we make decisions and there are results that occur from those decisions, that's all there is to it.
My older brother was given 10...
Surfpirate replies on May 6, 2018:
The best part of it all is that I moved back to Canada at the behest of my family and I was told I needed to be there for my mother who is in her 80's. Part of the reason I have lived abroad for decades is because I hate the Canadian winters but I came back to support my family. They ostracized me instead, felt I was too much of a threat to them and their pecking order in the family - my older brother died and I saw him twice in the year I was back before he died, my younger brother and I no longer speak since he threatened myself and my wife, my sister I haven't spoken to in over a year. To thine own self be true.
Surfpirate comments on May 6, 2018:
I understand your anger and from my own experience I can tell you that at some point you have to set that down because it's not your burden to carry. We have free will, we make decisions and there are results that occur from those decisions, that's all there is to it.
My older brother was given 10...
Surfpirate replies on May 6, 2018:
The best part of it all is that I moved back to Canada at the behest of my family and I was told I needed to be there for my mother who is in her 80's. Part of the reason I have lived abroad for decades is because I hate the Canadian winters but I came back to support my family. They ostracized me instead, felt I was too much of a threat to them and their pecking order in the family - my older brother died and I saw him twice in the year I was back before he died, my younger brother and I no longer speak since he threatened myself and my wife, my sister I haven't spoken to in over a year. To thine own self be true.
It's a bank holiday weekend I'm off work and my toilet has sprung a leak! Typical, now waiting for ...
Surfpirate comments on May 5, 2018:
Where exactly is the leak? I'm a master builder (no not masterbaiter that's fishing) and it may be a simple fix. It could be that the fitting is leaking at the thread or that the valve is stuck which is also an easy fix. Plumbing is pretty straight forward and simple to work on most of the time....
Surfpirate replies on May 5, 2018:
@Josephine that's a wax seal and sometimes it will leak if the bolts on either side of the base of the toilet have come loose, other times it has just failed and needs to be replaced. Check to see if the nuts have come loose and snug them down with an adjustable spanner but not too tight or you could break the porcelain. If that doesn't work then the wax seal needs to be change and you should leave it to the plumber.
Surfpirate comments on May 5, 2018:
Where exactly is the leak? I'm a master builder (no not masterbaiter that's fishing) and it may be a simple fix. It could be that the fitting is leaking at the thread or that the valve is stuck which is also an easy fix. Plumbing is pretty straight forward and simple to work on most of the time....
Surfpirate replies on May 5, 2018:
@Josephine that's a wax seal and sometimes it will leak if the bolts on either side of the base of the toilet have come loose, other times it has just failed and needs to be replaced. Check to see if the nuts have come loose and snug them down with an adjustable spanner but not too tight or you could break the porcelain. If that doesn't work then the wax seal needs to be change and you should leave it to the plumber.
Still Waiting.
birdingnut comments on May 5, 2018:
Not sure it matters..he lies so much that the shocker would be if he ever said anything that was true.
Surfpirate replies on May 5, 2018:
That orange orang is capable of a lot of things but telling the truth isn't one of those things. :D
birdingnut comments on May 5, 2018:
Not sure it matters..he lies so much that the shocker would be if he ever said anything that was true.
Surfpirate replies on May 5, 2018:
That orange orang is capable of a lot of things but telling the truth isn't one of those things. :D
Tax Refund Scam
It's that time of year again and many people are waiting on their tax refund cheque...
rakuman comments on May 4, 2018:
I get emails like that purporting to come from the Inland Revenue at random times through the year, they dont offer as much as some of those nice Nigerian chaps, but I still ignore them.
Surfpirate replies on May 4, 2018:
True that, the Nigerians are much more generous with their offers, maybe because they are orphans trying to free up their inheritance? ;)
rakuman comments on May 4, 2018:
I get emails like that purporting to come from the Inland Revenue at random times through the year, they dont offer as much as some of those nice Nigerian chaps, but I still ignore them.
Surfpirate replies on May 4, 2018:
True that, the Nigerians are much more generous with their offers, maybe because they are orphans trying to free up their inheritance? ;)
A while ago I mentioned to a friend of mine who is a church goer that I was a member of several ...
Surfpirate comments on May 2, 2018:
Surfpirate is an old handle from my underwater treasure hunting days but it is tied to my FB account and that is how it turned up as my Alias on this group, My real name is Eric.
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
@LucyLoohoo are you sure you're no more than two or perhaps just young at heart? :)
Surfpirate comments on May 2, 2018:
Surfpirate is an old handle from my underwater treasure hunting days but it is tied to my FB account and that is how it turned up as my Alias on this group, My real name is Eric.
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
@LucyLoohoo are you sure you're no more than two or perhaps just young at heart? :)
I thought it wise to share this important information with you.
Amisja comments on May 3, 2018:
Whats mathing?
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
The guy can't accomplish spelling so mathing is completely out of his league. :D
Amisja comments on May 3, 2018:
Whats mathing?
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
The guy can't accomplish spelling so mathing is completely out of his league. :D
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
Pearls2018 comments on May 3, 2018:
Did the results of your test give you all the details you desired?
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
My father was adopted back in 1929 so that side of my family is a bit of a black hole, records have long since been destroyed so DNA is my only shot at uncovering info on my father's side of my genetic make up. I'm in touch with a woman in Alberta as a result of this DNA test and I am sorting through that info to confirm that she is on my paternal side, time will tell. I expect more data will be forthcoming as the genetic data base grows, at the moment I would give it an 8 out of 10 score.
Pearls2018 comments on May 3, 2018:
Did the results of your test give you all the details you desired?
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
My father was adopted back in 1929 so that side of my family is a bit of a black hole, records have long since been destroyed so DNA is my only shot at uncovering info on my father's side of my genetic make up. I'm in touch with a woman in Alberta as a result of this DNA test and I am sorting through that info to confirm that she is on my paternal side, time will tell. I expect more data will be forthcoming as the genetic data base grows, at the moment I would give it an 8 out of 10 score.
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
PickledRick comments on May 3, 2018:
Really didn't tell me anything I already know.
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
True, it's not the be all and end all but I did find it gave me some info that I wasn't sure about and it dispelled a theory that there was a native component in my background, most of the older Canadian families have some native in their background just because there were about 10 white men for every white woman back in the 1700's. Some of my relatives have very dark hair, dark complexion and dark eyes with native features but apparently that is just coincidental if the DNA search is accurate.
PickledRick comments on May 3, 2018:
Really didn't tell me anything I already know.
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
True, it's not the be all and end all but I did find it gave me some info that I wasn't sure about and it dispelled a theory that there was a native component in my background, most of the older Canadian families have some native in their background just because there were about 10 white men for every white woman back in the 1700's. Some of my relatives have very dark hair, dark complexion and dark eyes with native features but apparently that is just coincidental if the DNA search is accurate.
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
GenesRUs comments on May 3, 2018:
This is a great article that summarizes this type of testing and how variable it is. http://now.tufts.edu/articles/pulling-back-curtain-dna-ancestry-tests
Hope this helps!
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
I agree completely, the data base is small and will probably become more accurate over time as the base grows. For $249 CAN I don't expect a detailed analysis but I would like to get some information on my father's genetic history because he was adopted at birth and the files were sealed and now destroyed which leaves me with a black hole on one side of my family tree. Good info and it takes away the magic wand effect that genetics has on some people, although 3 years studying Life Sciences at U of Guelph allowed me to go into this with open eyes. Thanks for sharing this info and I like your forum name too.
GenesRUs comments on May 3, 2018:
This is a great article that summarizes this type of testing and how variable it is. http://now.tufts.edu/articles/pulling-back-curtain-dna-ancestry-tests
Hope this helps!
Surfpirate replies on May 3, 2018:
I agree completely, the data base is small and will probably become more accurate over time as the base grows. For $249 CAN I don't expect a detailed analysis but I would like to get some information on my father's genetic history because he was adopted at birth and the files were sealed and now destroyed which leaves me with a black hole on one side of my family tree. Good info and it takes away the magic wand effect that genetics has on some people, although 3 years studying Life Sciences at U of Guelph allowed me to go into this with open eyes. Thanks for sharing this info and I like your forum name too.
I had the second stage of a job interview today.
Surfpirate comments on May 2, 2018:
Does somebody have to die or can they just be turned into a zombie? ;)
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@btroje Seems to me like the waste of a perfectly good black rooster if you aren't at least going to get a zombie out of the deal. Just sayin. :)
Surfpirate comments on May 2, 2018:
Does somebody have to die or can they just be turned into a zombie? ;)
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@btroje Seems to me like the waste of a perfectly good black rooster if you aren't at least going to get a zombie out of the deal. Just sayin. :)
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Terrbeargraphix comments on May 2, 2018:
On another note, if I recall correctly (I may incorrect) while taking a religion class in college a few years ago that the Catholic Church had banned the practice of celebrating birthdays for a time because the reigning pope was adamantly against birthday celebrations for it having been related to ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
That's a fact and some of the Protestant sects were against Birthdays for the same pagan religious roots of the celebration, going back to Artemis for the Greeks and the Romans and Egyptians had a similar religious connection with Birthdays as well. Everything comes from somewhere, there is nothing new under the sun just variations on a theme.
Terrbeargraphix comments on May 2, 2018:
On another note, if I recall correctly (I may incorrect) while taking a religion class in college a few years ago that the Catholic Church had banned the practice of celebrating birthdays for a time because the reigning pope was adamantly against birthday celebrations for it having been related to ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
That's a fact and some of the Protestant sects were against Birthdays for the same pagan religious roots of the celebration, going back to Artemis for the Greeks and the Romans and Egyptians had a similar religious connection with Birthdays as well. Everything comes from somewhere, there is nothing new under the sun just variations on a theme.
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
Davesnothere comments on May 2, 2018:
I was going to do this, but then I saw this . . .
"we’re guessing that when you signed up for Ancestry or 23andMe, you probably didn’t read the fine print to find out what, exactly, those companies plan to do with your data. We can’t blame you—they’re long, boring polices written in ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@Davesnothere 2nd nature or I'd be dead long before now. :)
Davesnothere comments on May 2, 2018:
I was going to do this, but then I saw this . . .
"we’re guessing that when you signed up for Ancestry or 23andMe, you probably didn’t read the fine print to find out what, exactly, those companies plan to do with your data. We can’t blame you—they’re long, boring polices written in ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@Davesnothere 2nd nature or I'd be dead long before now. :)
A while ago I mentioned to a friend of mine who is a church goer that I was a member of several ...
Piece2YourPuzzle comments on May 2, 2018:
Only when I change into my cape.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Love it! :D
Piece2YourPuzzle comments on May 2, 2018:
Only when I change into my cape.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Love it! :D
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
memorylikeasieve comments on May 2, 2018:
I did a 23 and Me as well. Turned out I have zero Scandinavian or Russian despite what others thought. I'm mostly 'British/Irish' and some 'largely Western European' which, I think, is genetics-ese for 'I dunno, white?'
I'm adopted and it was a closed adoption, as was standard for 1974, so ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I understand,my dad was adopted back in 1930 and there is no history to trace so DNA is all I have to work with as far as his half of my genetic make up. My father has rather Jewish features so many of my Jewish friends would always joke with me that I was one of them, sometimes only half jokingly. Turns out the DNA says no way to Ashkenazi connection, some old friends will be disappointed. ;)
memorylikeasieve comments on May 2, 2018:
I did a 23 and Me as well. Turned out I have zero Scandinavian or Russian despite what others thought. I'm mostly 'British/Irish' and some 'largely Western European' which, I think, is genetics-ese for 'I dunno, white?'
I'm adopted and it was a closed adoption, as was standard for 1974, so ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I understand,my dad was adopted back in 1930 and there is no history to trace so DNA is all I have to work with as far as his half of my genetic make up. My father has rather Jewish features so many of my Jewish friends would always joke with me that I was one of them, sometimes only half jokingly. Turns out the DNA says no way to Ashkenazi connection, some old friends will be disappointed. ;)
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
Davesnothere comments on May 2, 2018:
I was going to do this, but then I saw this . . .
"we’re guessing that when you signed up for Ancestry or 23andMe, you probably didn’t read the fine print to find out what, exactly, those companies plan to do with your data. We can’t blame you—they’re long, boring polices written in ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@Davesnothere true, that would be a concern if I were an American with all those HMO's and crooked health insurance companies. Fortunately I have no predispositions and even if I did it wouldn't matter as a Canadian but I can appreciate your concern.
Davesnothere comments on May 2, 2018:
I was going to do this, but then I saw this . . .
"we’re guessing that when you signed up for Ancestry or 23andMe, you probably didn’t read the fine print to find out what, exactly, those companies plan to do with your data. We can’t blame you—they’re long, boring polices written in ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@Davesnothere true, that would be a concern if I were an American with all those HMO's and crooked health insurance companies. Fortunately I have no predispositions and even if I did it wouldn't matter as a Canadian but I can appreciate your concern.
Does anybody else have unique, interesting or strange hobbies?
DerekD comments on May 2, 2018:
Aside from my 'normal' hobbies (writing, painting, etc) I also am teaching myself how to cast items in Pewter.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@DerekD shows what I know, my hobby of treasure diving the pewter all has lead but then the pewter is all very old.
DerekD comments on May 2, 2018:
Aside from my 'normal' hobbies (writing, painting, etc) I also am teaching myself how to cast items in Pewter.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
@DerekD shows what I know, my hobby of treasure diving the pewter all has lead but then the pewter is all very old.
Hello and thank you for having me as a new member of this group.
Petter comments on May 2, 2018:
Story of my life - literally!
I've been writing my autobiography in fits and starts for some 20 years! At this rate, by the time I finish it I'll be breaking world records for longevity!
I also love writing poetry, but that too happens in fits and starts.
I started writing a pantomime in rhyming...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Some of us just like the thrill of being under pressure and need it to perform at our peak, that's what I keep telling myself anyway. :D
Petter comments on May 2, 2018:
Story of my life - literally!
I've been writing my autobiography in fits and starts for some 20 years! At this rate, by the time I finish it I'll be breaking world records for longevity!
I also love writing poetry, but that too happens in fits and starts.
I started writing a pantomime in rhyming...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Some of us just like the thrill of being under pressure and need it to perform at our peak, that's what I keep telling myself anyway. :D
Does anybody else have unique, interesting or strange hobbies?
ErichZannIII comments on May 2, 2018:
Boffing. I like fighting with foam weapons, and Pathfinder.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Is this a Society for Creative Anachronisms related sport? I've seen those guys enjoying just whacking the shit out of each other with dulled swords, very medieval but it looks like a lot of fun. I used to be into sword fencing with sabre and epee, you just gut welts from the sabre and dot bruises from the epee.
ErichZannIII comments on May 2, 2018:
Boffing. I like fighting with foam weapons, and Pathfinder.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Is this a Society for Creative Anachronisms related sport? I've seen those guys enjoying just whacking the shit out of each other with dulled swords, very medieval but it looks like a lot of fun. I used to be into sword fencing with sabre and epee, you just gut welts from the sabre and dot bruises from the epee.
Does anybody else have unique, interesting or strange hobbies?
Kokovoko1 comments on May 2, 2018:
I drive ponies competitively. The sport is called combined driving!
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I've actually seen videos of that hobby and it is really neat.
Kokovoko1 comments on May 2, 2018:
I drive ponies competitively. The sport is called combined driving!
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I've actually seen videos of that hobby and it is really neat.
Does anybody else have unique, interesting or strange hobbies?
DerekD comments on May 2, 2018:
Aside from my 'normal' hobbies (writing, painting, etc) I also am teaching myself how to cast items in Pewter.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Sweet, just remember to mind those lead fumes. ;)
DerekD comments on May 2, 2018:
Aside from my 'normal' hobbies (writing, painting, etc) I also am teaching myself how to cast items in Pewter.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Sweet, just remember to mind those lead fumes. ;)
Does anybody else have unique, interesting or strange hobbies?
damonca comments on May 2, 2018:
Don't know if I'd call it "special" but I've gotten some weird looks - I volunteer to photograph headstones for the website findagrave.com. It's like a macabre scavenger hunt; I find it very relaxing. I also index records for Family Search.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Gravestone Photography qualifies as unique in my books. Very Cool! (y)
damonca comments on May 2, 2018:
Don't know if I'd call it "special" but I've gotten some weird looks - I volunteer to photograph headstones for the website findagrave.com. It's like a macabre scavenger hunt; I find it very relaxing. I also index records for Family Search.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Gravestone Photography qualifies as unique in my books. Very Cool! (y)
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
Davesnothere comments on May 2, 2018:
I was going to do this, but then I saw this . . .
"we’re guessing that when you signed up for Ancestry or 23andMe, you probably didn’t read the fine print to find out what, exactly, those companies plan to do with your data. We can’t blame you—they’re long, boring polices written in ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
No problem, I read the fine print because I generally do since that was part of my job before I retired. I know what I was giving up and I know how easy it would be to take this information without my consent as well. No illusions about living in a totally free utopia but it was a good deal for me. There are restrictions on what can be done with the DNA and if it can be kept, I crossed out some of those clauses because I wasn't comfortable with them.
Davesnothere comments on May 2, 2018:
I was going to do this, but then I saw this . . .
"we’re guessing that when you signed up for Ancestry or 23andMe, you probably didn’t read the fine print to find out what, exactly, those companies plan to do with your data. We can’t blame you—they’re long, boring polices written in ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
No problem, I read the fine print because I generally do since that was part of my job before I retired. I know what I was giving up and I know how easy it would be to take this information without my consent as well. No illusions about living in a totally free utopia but it was a good deal for me. There are restrictions on what can be done with the DNA and if it can be kept, I crossed out some of those clauses because I wasn't comfortable with them.
23and Me DNA test results just came in and I was surprised to find that there is no Native blood in ...
TiberiusGracchus comments on May 2, 2018:
Yes. Way less Irish than I thought I was, rendering this clover tattooed to my arm pointless. Even worse it came back 42% Great Britain....so....that clover really has no place on my 5% Irish skin.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Blimey your a Limey. :D Well in the end you are who you are and that's all that matters. (y)
TiberiusGracchus comments on May 2, 2018:
Yes. Way less Irish than I thought I was, rendering this clover tattooed to my arm pointless. Even worse it came back 42% Great Britain....so....that clover really has no place on my 5% Irish skin.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Blimey your a Limey. :D Well in the end you are who you are and that's all that matters. (y)
Homeopathic and natural remedies aren’t the same thing—and only one of them is total nonsense | ...
sassygirl3869 comments on May 2, 2018:
Why on earth did they not talk about marijuana which has many health benefits.. Medical cannabis can improve your immune system according to literature I received at the Cannabis Bank I now attend.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I'm sure that they will talk about marijuana in the future but only after Big Pharma and the Liquor and Tobacco industries get their hooks into it so they can corner all the profits.
sassygirl3869 comments on May 2, 2018:
Why on earth did they not talk about marijuana which has many health benefits.. Medical cannabis can improve your immune system according to literature I received at the Cannabis Bank I now attend.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I'm sure that they will talk about marijuana in the future but only after Big Pharma and the Liquor and Tobacco industries get their hooks into it so they can corner all the profits.
Who have worked for Camp Quest?
Donotbelieve comments on Apr 29, 2018:
I've been a camp counselor for the boy scouts and the girl scouts.
I would like to learn more, please.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I was a Scouter myself, the kids were terrific and I taught them a lot but the politics were awful. It got so bad that I finally left the Scout movement altogether but this might be interesting.
Donotbelieve comments on Apr 29, 2018:
I've been a camp counselor for the boy scouts and the girl scouts.
I would like to learn more, please.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I was a Scouter myself, the kids were terrific and I taught them a lot but the politics were awful. It got so bad that I finally left the Scout movement altogether but this might be interesting.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
ballou comments on May 2, 2018:
I don't see how celebrating birthdays has anything to do with religion. It's very secular.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
So I am told by many people and that's all I have to say about that. If you want to do a google search on birthdays and religion then that's your business.
ballou comments on May 2, 2018:
I don't see how celebrating birthdays has anything to do with religion. It's very secular.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
So I am told by many people and that's all I have to say about that. If you want to do a google search on birthdays and religion then that's your business.
A while ago I mentioned to a friend of mine who is a church goer that I was a member of several ...
DaleWesolowski comments on May 2, 2018:
I use my name,to me it makes sense.
(Reformed Druid)
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I don't think I ever met a druid, reformed or otherwise - plenty of Wiccans and even a few shaman but Druids - zero until now.
DaleWesolowski comments on May 2, 2018:
I use my name,to me it makes sense.
(Reformed Druid)
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I don't think I ever met a druid, reformed or otherwise - plenty of Wiccans and even a few shaman but Druids - zero until now.
Does anybody else have unique, interesting or strange hobbies?
LetzGetReal comments on May 2, 2018:
I am only a cold water mermaid ~ who likes to challenge herself in distance and in low temperatures. One day, I may opt to get a wet suit. For now, I use layers of spandex, keeping a layer of water next to my skin which keeps me a wee bit insulated in the water- plus from too much sun after ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
BRR! I spent many years living in the tropics and even though I am a Canuck I don't go in water that is cooler than 70 F without a wetsuit anymore, spoiled am I. :D
LetzGetReal comments on May 2, 2018:
I am only a cold water mermaid ~ who likes to challenge herself in distance and in low temperatures. One day, I may opt to get a wet suit. For now, I use layers of spandex, keeping a layer of water next to my skin which keeps me a wee bit insulated in the water- plus from too much sun after ...
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
BRR! I spent many years living in the tropics and even though I am a Canuck I don't go in water that is cooler than 70 F without a wetsuit anymore, spoiled am I. :D
A while ago I mentioned to a friend of mine who is a church goer that I was a member of several ...
catlady5 comments on May 2, 2018:
I don't hide my atheism. My user name, Catlady5, is because I'm a crazy cat lady (Only three, not a cat hoarder.LOL!). My real name is Janet Neihart. It's not like we need to be Atheist Anonymous.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I guess there must be at least a Catlady1, 2, 3, and 4 ahead of you and probably a Catlady 6, 7,8,9 and?????. :) To be honest I would say that three cats just makes you a pet owner.
catlady5 comments on May 2, 2018:
I don't hide my atheism. My user name, Catlady5, is because I'm a crazy cat lady (Only three, not a cat hoarder.LOL!). My real name is Janet Neihart. It's not like we need to be Atheist Anonymous.
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
I guess there must be at least a Catlady1, 2, 3, and 4 ahead of you and probably a Catlady 6, 7,8,9 and?????. :) To be honest I would say that three cats just makes you a pet owner.
President Trump has made 3,001 false or misleading claims so far - The Washington Post
njoy_life_2 comments on May 1, 2018:
I like this, yes...
But, lol, he IS **ASTONISHINGLY bad** at his lies!
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Trying to make up for a lack of quality by focusing on quantity?
njoy_life_2 comments on May 1, 2018:
I like this, yes...
But, lol, he IS **ASTONISHINGLY bad** at his lies!
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Trying to make up for a lack of quality by focusing on quantity?
Nine important facts to remember as we grow older:
Number 9 - Death is the number 1 killer in the...
Lukian comments on May 1, 2018:
Good list! It would have been great if it was gender neutral. Now we have to find a 10th fact that is aimed towards women but I won't even attempt to propose one. haha!
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Or just delete #6 and title it 8 important facts. :)
Lukian comments on May 1, 2018:
Good list! It would have been great if it was gender neutral. Now we have to find a 10th fact that is aimed towards women but I won't even attempt to propose one. haha!
Surfpirate replies on May 2, 2018:
Or just delete #6 and title it 8 important facts. :)
It is amazing how even on this site some believe their opinions are the only ones that count ?
atheist comments on May 1, 2018:
Just b/c I advocate my position passionately doesn't mean that I don't consider other opinions! But If I disagree then I'll let you know, in a nice but passive aggressive way! lol :) Others are not so kind! And that's final! ;)
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
Hard to compete with passive aggressiveness in a Canadian. ;) Although it's easier to acknowledge other peoples conflicting opinions if you grew up in the Canadian salad bowl instead of the American melting pot. I can accept other peoples opinions, even when they are wrong but less so when they are just ill informed. Not much to be learned in an echo chamber.
atheist comments on May 1, 2018:
Just b/c I advocate my position passionately doesn't mean that I don't consider other opinions! But If I disagree then I'll let you know, in a nice but passive aggressive way! lol :) Others are not so kind! And that's final! ;)
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
Hard to compete with passive aggressiveness in a Canadian. ;) Although it's easier to acknowledge other peoples conflicting opinions if you grew up in the Canadian salad bowl instead of the American melting pot. I can accept other peoples opinions, even when they are wrong but less so when they are just ill informed. Not much to be learned in an echo chamber.
Is it OK to be racist against white people?
MollyBell comments on May 1, 2018:
Not possible. There is no racism against white people, period. That's my opinion.
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
@MollyBell No worries, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
MollyBell comments on May 1, 2018:
Not possible. There is no racism against white people, period. That's my opinion.
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
@MollyBell No worries, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
Is it OK to be racist against white people?
MollyBell comments on May 1, 2018:
Not possible. There is no racism against white people, period. That's my opinion.
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
You may have to look a little further afield than your own backyard but I can assure you that there is plenty of racism against people, racism has no colour limitations.
MollyBell comments on May 1, 2018:
Not possible. There is no racism against white people, period. That's my opinion.
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
You may have to look a little further afield than your own backyard but I can assure you that there is plenty of racism against people, racism has no colour limitations.
Street Epistemology: Friendly Questioning of Beliefs | Canadian Atheist
Davesnothere comments on May 1, 2018:
In Se the idea is to use the Socratic method to get the person to ask themselves the hard questions, to ponder why they believe the things they believe.
SURPRISE!
Most do not know and have not really thought about it.
It is not about moving fence sitters or converting anyone, it is about ...
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
Wouldn't encouraging critical thought in people who are mired in blind belief but still able to k critically be moving fence sitters and encouraging free king?
Davesnothere comments on May 1, 2018:
In Se the idea is to use the Socratic method to get the person to ask themselves the hard questions, to ponder why they believe the things they believe.
SURPRISE!
Most do not know and have not really thought about it.
It is not about moving fence sitters or converting anyone, it is about ...
Surfpirate replies on May 1, 2018:
Wouldn't encouraging critical thought in people who are mired in blind belief but still able to k critically be moving fence sitters and encouraging free king?
When the Conquistadors arrived in the New World and witnessed human sacrifice, they stopped it.
MattHardy comments on Apr 30, 2018:
Also most conquerors try to assimilate or stamp out any completing power structure, especially competing religions.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
True that, you see the older and larger churches in South America are built on the foundations of the old Inca Temples, the altars are often in the same place and the hitching posts of the sun are there but with the hitching point smashed. My god's bigger than you god indoctrination.
MattHardy comments on Apr 30, 2018:
Also most conquerors try to assimilate or stamp out any completing power structure, especially competing religions.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
True that, you see the older and larger churches in South America are built on the foundations of the old Inca Temples, the altars are often in the same place and the hitching posts of the sun are there but with the hitching point smashed. My god's bigger than you god indoctrination.
Give me your best example of catfishing please
IamNobody comments on Apr 30, 2018:
I've read all comments available at the time of this posting. It really got me thinking..... My identity here is clearly bogus, in other words, I am NOT trying to pretend to be someone else, I genuinely want to be NOBODY, that's very much intended that way and that's not like the best kept secret ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
And to think that all this time I thought you were one of the Faceless Men from Davos on GoT,
IamNobody comments on Apr 30, 2018:
I've read all comments available at the time of this posting. It really got me thinking..... My identity here is clearly bogus, in other words, I am NOT trying to pretend to be someone else, I genuinely want to be NOBODY, that's very much intended that way and that's not like the best kept secret ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
And to think that all this time I thought you were one of the Faceless Men from Davos on GoT,
Is a democrat who is a centrist also a leftist or socialist ?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Speaking as a Canadian, I doubt that any of the social democratic countries in the western world would recognize any Americans as Socialists. Bernie Sanders is what is called a red conservative in Canada. Fear not Americans, you are safe from becoming Socialists under your current system of ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
@Angelface Yes they've been talking about it for a long time but that's the Coasties for you. I lived on Vancouver Island for 5 years and there were always people willing to make the case for separating not just from Canada but from BC as well, at the very least the idea of being their own province since they are many times bigger than Prince Edward Island and it has province status.
Just how much Alaskans have in common with Vancouverites is subject to debate.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Speaking as a Canadian, I doubt that any of the social democratic countries in the western world would recognize any Americans as Socialists. Bernie Sanders is what is called a red conservative in Canada. Fear not Americans, you are safe from becoming Socialists under your current system of ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
@Angelface Yes they've been talking about it for a long time but that's the Coasties for you. I lived on Vancouver Island for 5 years and there were always people willing to make the case for separating not just from Canada but from BC as well, at the very least the idea of being their own province since they are many times bigger than Prince Edward Island and it has province status.
Just how much Alaskans have in common with Vancouverites is subject to debate.
"When the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, New York recently released a list of priests credibly accused...
nicknotes comments on Apr 30, 2018:
I think over centuries the Roman Catholic Church became a safe haven for homosexuals and pedophiles.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
I think they have been running the show in the Roman Catholic Church for a very long time.
nicknotes comments on Apr 30, 2018:
I think over centuries the Roman Catholic Church became a safe haven for homosexuals and pedophiles.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
I think they have been running the show in the Roman Catholic Church for a very long time.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
MollyBell comments on Apr 30, 2018:
It tickles me when people forget my birthday, which is quite close to Christmas, in which they're all wrapped up in. My mom will probably call me.
I'm gonna set my age back this year. Not sure where to, but I'm changing that fkn number. ?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
Hey, why not just change your birthday to sometime in August and tell everyone you're 47 years old? It's all good and you could pull it off, tweak the wardrobe with some age inappropriate stuff and maybe a shot of botox just to confuse everyone even further; have some fun with it but don't tell your mom cause she's still going to be calling you in December. ;)
MollyBell comments on Apr 30, 2018:
It tickles me when people forget my birthday, which is quite close to Christmas, in which they're all wrapped up in. My mom will probably call me.
I'm gonna set my age back this year. Not sure where to, but I'm changing that fkn number. ?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
Hey, why not just change your birthday to sometime in August and tell everyone you're 47 years old? It's all good and you could pull it off, tweak the wardrobe with some age inappropriate stuff and maybe a shot of botox just to confuse everyone even further; have some fun with it but don't tell your mom cause she's still going to be calling you in December. ;)
Is a democrat who is a centrist also a leftist or socialist ?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Speaking as a Canadian, I doubt that any of the social democratic countries in the western world would recognize any Americans as Socialists. Bernie Sanders is what is called a red conservative in Canada. Fear not Americans, you are safe from becoming Socialists under your current system of ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
@Angelface And you share a border with British Columbia, the most socialist province of all. Seems to me the Green Party is running things in that province and have shut down the pipeline for now at least, who knows, they might even go their own way.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Speaking as a Canadian, I doubt that any of the social democratic countries in the western world would recognize any Americans as Socialists. Bernie Sanders is what is called a red conservative in Canada. Fear not Americans, you are safe from becoming Socialists under your current system of ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
@Angelface And you share a border with British Columbia, the most socialist province of all. Seems to me the Green Party is running things in that province and have shut down the pipeline for now at least, who knows, they might even go their own way.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
NormCastle comments on Apr 30, 2018:
Since I only go to funerals, and even at that NOT EVERYONE...only those I have had sex with when they were alive...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
Sounds like the screwing you get for the screwing you got. ;)
NormCastle comments on Apr 30, 2018:
Since I only go to funerals, and even at that NOT EVERYONE...only those I have had sex with when they were alive...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 30, 2018:
Sounds like the screwing you get for the screwing you got. ;)
Intolerance
How can we be different if we don't respect the beliefs of others?
AMGT comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Show me evidence for a group of atheists that have become like Isis.
Show me a time when enabling factually false, divisive world views didn’t work to thwart progress and unity.
I cannot respect a belief that is bereft of supporting evidence or sound logic, nor should I.
This does not make ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
Let the Atheist Jihad begin! lol nobody would show up
AMGT comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Show me evidence for a group of atheists that have become like Isis.
Show me a time when enabling factually false, divisive world views didn’t work to thwart progress and unity.
I cannot respect a belief that is bereft of supporting evidence or sound logic, nor should I.
This does not make ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
Let the Atheist Jihad begin! lol nobody would show up
I received an interview offer today.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I'm a builder with more than 30 years of experience and if the client is a preacher I avoid the project, too much hassle dealing with someone who expects to get special priviliges because they have a personal relationship with an imaginary friend. Their imaginary friend always backs them up ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
@gigihein I didn't say that I dislike all snakes, I just don't pet the poisonous ones. Having learned from experience I don't bet the long shots and I don't draw to inside straights either.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 22, 2018:
I'm a builder with more than 30 years of experience and if the client is a preacher I avoid the project, too much hassle dealing with someone who expects to get special priviliges because they have a personal relationship with an imaginary friend. Their imaginary friend always backs them up ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
@gigihein I didn't say that I dislike all snakes, I just don't pet the poisonous ones. Having learned from experience I don't bet the long shots and I don't draw to inside straights either.
What's your opinion of assisted suicide?
Ellatynemouth comments on Apr 29, 2018:
It's badly needed. I suspect the rich have been enjoying this essential humanity for a long time and I imagine the instruction to go ahead would come in the form of a nod or a wink and the family doctor, who's also a family friend would understand and act.
I wonder if that's why, when famous ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
I recall an elderly doctor I knew being very upset when he realized after assisting a colleague with their passing that he now was the sole survivor of the friends who had made this agreement with each other when they had graduated decades earlier. Who would do the deed for him he wondered aloud. Of course it has always existed as an option for the wealthy and the connected, the rest suffer in agony to put a good face on the belief that it doesn't happen.
Ellatynemouth comments on Apr 29, 2018:
It's badly needed. I suspect the rich have been enjoying this essential humanity for a long time and I imagine the instruction to go ahead would come in the form of a nod or a wink and the family doctor, who's also a family friend would understand and act.
I wonder if that's why, when famous ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
I recall an elderly doctor I knew being very upset when he realized after assisting a colleague with their passing that he now was the sole survivor of the friends who had made this agreement with each other when they had graduated decades earlier. Who would do the deed for him he wondered aloud. Of course it has always existed as an option for the wealthy and the connected, the rest suffer in agony to put a good face on the belief that it doesn't happen.
What's your opinion of assisted suicide?
BucketlistBob comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Best ive seen is from a movie called solient green. Hope i spelled it right. People just went to this place and got to see how it use to be on a big movie sceen and they went to sleep. Died.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
@BucketlistBob True, but why the colour green? Why not soylent pink day or soylent red day? Reminds me too much of green eggs and ham. :D
BucketlistBob comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Best ive seen is from a movie called solient green. Hope i spelled it right. People just went to this place and got to see how it use to be on a big movie sceen and they went to sleep. Died.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
@BucketlistBob True, but why the colour green? Why not soylent pink day or soylent red day? Reminds me too much of green eggs and ham. :D
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
Bierbasstard comments on Apr 25, 2018:
She's just deflecting blame.
Responsible gun owners utilize more than basic safety measures.
Start holding the owners criminally and financially responsible when they store their guns improperly and something like this happens.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
If irresponsible gun owners were held criminally and civilly responsible because of their lack of care in securing their guns then wouldn't the NRA and the gun manufacturers fight that on the basis that it would be a form of gun control. People wouldn't want to risk having a gun if they could get 5 to 10 and be wiped out financially for endangering the public by leaving it on the night table where little Johnny can blow his friend's brains out with when they use it to play cops and robbers.
Bierbasstard comments on Apr 25, 2018:
She's just deflecting blame.
Responsible gun owners utilize more than basic safety measures.
Start holding the owners criminally and financially responsible when they store their guns improperly and something like this happens.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
If irresponsible gun owners were held criminally and civilly responsible because of their lack of care in securing their guns then wouldn't the NRA and the gun manufacturers fight that on the basis that it would be a form of gun control. People wouldn't want to risk having a gun if they could get 5 to 10 and be wiped out financially for endangering the public by leaving it on the night table where little Johnny can blow his friend's brains out with when they use it to play cops and robbers.
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
btroje comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Will there be guns in heaven?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
Yep but they'll be imaginary like everything else in heaven.
btroje comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Will there be guns in heaven?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
Yep but they'll be imaginary like everything else in heaven.
What's your opinion of assisted suicide?
BucketlistBob comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Best ive seen is from a movie called solient green. Hope i spelled it right. People just went to this place and got to see how it use to be on a big movie sceen and they went to sleep. Died.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
I thought that was terrific except for the part where they take the corpses and process them into crackers for people to eat on soylent green day. :D
BucketlistBob comments on Apr 29, 2018:
Best ive seen is from a movie called solient green. Hope i spelled it right. People just went to this place and got to see how it use to be on a big movie sceen and they went to sleep. Died.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 29, 2018:
I thought that was terrific except for the part where they take the corpses and process them into crackers for people to eat on soylent green day. :D
Bullies.
LadyAlyxandrea comments on Apr 28, 2018:
In middle school, when I was coming into myself, I was bullied so much that I started bullying them first. I was so sick of everyone that I started acting like a bad person. Eventually I stopped doing that, but I was still bullied profusely. I ended up dropping out of high school and going to the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
@LadyAlyxandrea General education is only good for average students and barely prepares a person for life. If a person is in any way different then the general system will only knock them down. I had friends who were too smart for the system and they would be done with their studies before lunch and then get high for the rest of the day, just coast through the day. I knew really creative students that just went through the motions in class, their real education was after class, school just got in the way. The social side of regular school is even worse, they just want you to conform. So if people don't understand alternative education its because they aren't cut out for it and they debase anything they don't understand. Their problem and not mine - or yours for that matter.
LadyAlyxandrea comments on Apr 28, 2018:
In middle school, when I was coming into myself, I was bullied so much that I started bullying them first. I was so sick of everyone that I started acting like a bad person. Eventually I stopped doing that, but I was still bullied profusely. I ended up dropping out of high school and going to the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
@LadyAlyxandrea General education is only good for average students and barely prepares a person for life. If a person is in any way different then the general system will only knock them down. I had friends who were too smart for the system and they would be done with their studies before lunch and then get high for the rest of the day, just coast through the day. I knew really creative students that just went through the motions in class, their real education was after class, school just got in the way. The social side of regular school is even worse, they just want you to conform. So if people don't understand alternative education its because they aren't cut out for it and they debase anything they don't understand. Their problem and not mine - or yours for that matter.
Bullies.
LadyAlyxandrea comments on Apr 28, 2018:
In middle school, when I was coming into myself, I was bullied so much that I started bullying them first. I was so sick of everyone that I started acting like a bad person. Eventually I stopped doing that, but I was still bullied profusely. I ended up dropping out of high school and going to the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
I went to an alternative high school as well, best thing ever but I had to fight tooth and nail to get there as the regular system didn't want to lose me, thought it was a brain drain on the regular system. It was, the alternative school was full of the artistic people and the intellectuals, they used to call us back to help them with their theatre productions and for the academic contests. Same asshole bullies were still there, they still hated us but they couldn't lift a finger. :D
LadyAlyxandrea comments on Apr 28, 2018:
In middle school, when I was coming into myself, I was bullied so much that I started bullying them first. I was so sick of everyone that I started acting like a bad person. Eventually I stopped doing that, but I was still bullied profusely. I ended up dropping out of high school and going to the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
I went to an alternative high school as well, best thing ever but I had to fight tooth and nail to get there as the regular system didn't want to lose me, thought it was a brain drain on the regular system. It was, the alternative school was full of the artistic people and the intellectuals, they used to call us back to help them with their theatre productions and for the academic contests. Same asshole bullies were still there, they still hated us but they couldn't lift a finger. :D
Bullies.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
I bought a few acres on an island a couple of years ago and I built a house on it, the problem is with a right of way across one corner of my property that services a group of 13 houses about a kilometer away on the other side of the island. The people who live down the road used to use my driveway...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
Would you be surprised to hear that the ringleaders were all member of the local fundamentalist christian church? :D
Surfpirate comments on Apr 28, 2018:
I bought a few acres on an island a couple of years ago and I built a house on it, the problem is with a right of way across one corner of my property that services a group of 13 houses about a kilometer away on the other side of the island. The people who live down the road used to use my driveway...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
Would you be surprised to hear that the ringleaders were all member of the local fundamentalist christian church? :D
Bullies.
bigpawbullets comments on Apr 28, 2018:
"Hit first, hit hard, hit often" --- Jack Reacher ---
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
Bullies usually have a henchman or two, always fake like you are going for one of them first, then when the bully moves in for the sucker punch you can usually catch him in the throat or the solar plexus, the nose is good too but anything down the centerline works well. Then hit him again, a kick in the head or the face usually works and keeps you on your feet, the henchmen usually run.
bigpawbullets comments on Apr 28, 2018:
"Hit first, hit hard, hit often" --- Jack Reacher ---
Surfpirate replies on Apr 28, 2018:
Bullies usually have a henchman or two, always fake like you are going for one of them first, then when the bully moves in for the sucker punch you can usually catch him in the throat or the solar plexus, the nose is good too but anything down the centerline works well. Then hit him again, a kick in the head or the face usually works and keeps you on your feet, the henchmen usually run.
Anyone with thoughts on the idea of a basic universal income for all?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I believe that a shift to basic universal income would take a radical shift in the world view for Americans who have been programmed since birth to believe that capitalism is one of the great pillars of civilization, along with democracy. This is rather ironic considering that the American system ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
@McVinegar No they aren't but then they were never designed to work for humanities' benefit but the benefit of the rulers/owners/elites.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I believe that a shift to basic universal income would take a radical shift in the world view for Americans who have been programmed since birth to believe that capitalism is one of the great pillars of civilization, along with democracy. This is rather ironic considering that the American system ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
@McVinegar No they aren't but then they were never designed to work for humanities' benefit but the benefit of the rulers/owners/elites.
If religion is truly the opium of the people then perhaps it explains why religious people poll as ...
xyz123 comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It's opiate, not opium. Karl Marx quote "religion is the opiate of the masses". This is more in reference to the somnambulant public. Governments encourage activities that keep the masses in place or quiet. The more divisive the more the masses won't revolt. Religion is a huge aid in keeping the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Hey look, we're both right :)
"Religion is the opium of the people" is one of the most frequently paraphrased statements of German philosopher and economist Karl Marx. It was translated from the German original, "Die Religion ... ist das Opium des Volkes" and is often rendered as "religion... is the opiate of the masses."
xyz123 comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It's opiate, not opium. Karl Marx quote "religion is the opiate of the masses". This is more in reference to the somnambulant public. Governments encourage activities that keep the masses in place or quiet. The more divisive the more the masses won't revolt. Religion is a huge aid in keeping the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Hey look, we're both right :)
"Religion is the opium of the people" is one of the most frequently paraphrased statements of German philosopher and economist Karl Marx. It was translated from the German original, "Die Religion ... ist das Opium des Volkes" and is often rendered as "religion... is the opiate of the masses."
If religion is truly the opium of the people then perhaps it explains why religious people poll as ...
xyz123 comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It's opiate, not opium. Karl Marx quote "religion is the opiate of the masses". This is more in reference to the somnambulant public. Governments encourage activities that keep the masses in place or quiet. The more divisive the more the masses won't revolt. Religion is a huge aid in keeping the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
That's wonderful but are you happier than a religious person or less so?
xyz123 comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It's opiate, not opium. Karl Marx quote "religion is the opiate of the masses". This is more in reference to the somnambulant public. Governments encourage activities that keep the masses in place or quiet. The more divisive the more the masses won't revolt. Religion is a huge aid in keeping the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
That's wonderful but are you happier than a religious person or less so?
Have you ever had someone ask you what religion you were raised in as a child before you became an ...
marga comments on Apr 27, 2018:
No, religion and religious types have never been a big problem for me.
My last boss, who knew I wasn't religious, had a good laugh once: Someone in a library had misfiled a Bible, in the fiction section. He thought that was hilarious.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Misfiled or filed correctly? ;)
marga comments on Apr 27, 2018:
No, religion and religious types have never been a big problem for me.
My last boss, who knew I wasn't religious, had a good laugh once: Someone in a library had misfiled a Bible, in the fiction section. He thought that was hilarious.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Misfiled or filed correctly? ;)
Have you ever had someone ask you what religion you were raised in as a child before you became an ...
calgary comments on Apr 27, 2018:
I have been lucky in that respect. Was raised in a very non-religious house hold. Flirted a bit with "christian insanity. Used to read the gideon bible when I was on the road and holed up in motels. That woke me up. Have been an atheist ever since. What angers me or maybe I should say saddens me is ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Perhaps you have uncovered the underlying motive of the Gideons, they are distributing bibles so that more people will read them and become Atheists. :)
calgary comments on Apr 27, 2018:
I have been lucky in that respect. Was raised in a very non-religious house hold. Flirted a bit with "christian insanity. Used to read the gideon bible when I was on the road and holed up in motels. That woke me up. Have been an atheist ever since. What angers me or maybe I should say saddens me is ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Perhaps you have uncovered the underlying motive of the Gideons, they are distributing bibles so that more people will read them and become Atheists. :)
Do Muslims Jews and other religions hate and despise Christians as much as Christians hate them?
VAL3941 comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Generally in South Africa religions are tolerant of each other through their common bond of being religious. atheists are the satan in their midst.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Doesn't it feel good to be a unifying force? :D
VAL3941 comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Generally in South Africa religions are tolerant of each other through their common bond of being religious. atheists are the satan in their midst.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
Doesn't it feel good to be a unifying force? :D
Have you ever had someone ask you what religion you were raised in as a child before you became an ...
gloriadeb comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Why is it wrong to say that is your background?
I guess it's how you interpret the word.
My background is my history and I'm OK with acknowledging my background/history.
The fact that it IS my background is a strong point in the discussion.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
If it was just a historic account then I would have no issue but they then try to ascribe what they think are JW belief systems to me as though I believe any of that hog wash. Particularly annoying when they get on about blood transfusions etc., even as a small child I could see that such things made no sense and they usually get it wrong in any case.
gloriadeb comments on Apr 27, 2018:
Why is it wrong to say that is your background?
I guess it's how you interpret the word.
My background is my history and I'm OK with acknowledging my background/history.
The fact that it IS my background is a strong point in the discussion.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
If it was just a historic account then I would have no issue but they then try to ascribe what they think are JW belief systems to me as though I believe any of that hog wash. Particularly annoying when they get on about blood transfusions etc., even as a small child I could see that such things made no sense and they usually get it wrong in any case.
Have you ever had someone ask you what religion you were raised in as a child before you became an ...
LenHazell53 comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It's not new.
I know people who still insist on calling Hitler a lapsed Catholic, still a Catholic, just a very bad Catholic.
True the bastard was raised a Catholic, and made deals with Pope Pius XII to have Church Cannon Law imposed via the Reich Concordant, but Hitler had been a member of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
I suppose that's the interesting thing with the JW's, you have to reach the age of 13 before you can choose to be baptized and since I chose against that as soon as I reached what they consider the age of majority they do not accept me as a JW at all, it is if I never went to their Kingdom Hall twice a week and knocked on peoples doors on the weekend trying to peddle their lies for them. So the JW's agree with my position but many other christians do not, how ironic.
LenHazell53 comments on Apr 27, 2018:
It's not new.
I know people who still insist on calling Hitler a lapsed Catholic, still a Catholic, just a very bad Catholic.
True the bastard was raised a Catholic, and made deals with Pope Pius XII to have Church Cannon Law imposed via the Reich Concordant, but Hitler had been a member of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
I suppose that's the interesting thing with the JW's, you have to reach the age of 13 before you can choose to be baptized and since I chose against that as soon as I reached what they consider the age of majority they do not accept me as a JW at all, it is if I never went to their Kingdom Hall twice a week and knocked on peoples doors on the weekend trying to peddle their lies for them. So the JW's agree with my position but many other christians do not, how ironic.
Have you ever had someone ask you what religion you were raised in as a child before you became an ...
mordant comments on Apr 27, 2018:
To many believers, their theism is merely cultural. It is their tribe, not so much their belief system.
If this is a fundamentalist on the other hand it may be that they just are trying to relieve their own cognitive dissonance. But in my experience they are happy to allow you to be an atheist, ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
I'd much rather be demonized for my own Atheists beliefs than to be saddled with the cult beliefs that were never mine to choose in the first place and that I formally rejected at the age of 13 when I was allowed to do so under the cult doctrine.
mordant comments on Apr 27, 2018:
To many believers, their theism is merely cultural. It is their tribe, not so much their belief system.
If this is a fundamentalist on the other hand it may be that they just are trying to relieve their own cognitive dissonance. But in my experience they are happy to allow you to be an atheist, ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 27, 2018:
I'd much rather be demonized for my own Atheists beliefs than to be saddled with the cult beliefs that were never mine to choose in the first place and that I formally rejected at the age of 13 when I was allowed to do so under the cult doctrine.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@Mea I did enjoy my day, the sushi was amazing, I connected with friends on several continents and even though the play we went to was amateur it was still fun. Same time next year and no cake or candles then either. :)
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@Mea I did enjoy my day, the sushi was amazing, I connected with friends on several continents and even though the play we went to was amateur it was still fun. Same time next year and no cake or candles then either. :)
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Palindromeman comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I've had too many birthdays. 50 of them. I still like them, but I'm in changed circumstances now and fewer people to share them with. I'll see what 51 looks like.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
51 puts you on the edge of the curve that may lead to medical technology extending your life 3 fold. Exciting times.
Palindromeman comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I've had too many birthdays. 50 of them. I still like them, but I'm in changed circumstances now and fewer people to share them with. I'll see what 51 looks like.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
51 puts you on the edge of the curve that may lead to medical technology extending your life 3 fold. Exciting times.
Why are atheists not willing to form a coalition?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I pity the shepherd in charge of a flock composed completely of black sheep. :D
I have spent a fair amount of time considering the subject and found that it is a nonstarter because Atheists are by definition, free thinkers, individualists and nonconformists. How do you put together such a group ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@kirkz You cut to the heart of the matter, sometimes the answer when confronted with an attack is not to fight or to flee but to simply stand firm. It's perhaps the hardest thing to do in the face of adversity, fighting takes little thought and fleeing only require fleetness of foot. To stoically resist oppression is perhaps the greatest power as Gandhi and Martin Luther King proved quite eloquently.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I pity the shepherd in charge of a flock composed completely of black sheep. :D
I have spent a fair amount of time considering the subject and found that it is a nonstarter because Atheists are by definition, free thinkers, individualists and nonconformists. How do you put together such a group ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@kirkz You cut to the heart of the matter, sometimes the answer when confronted with an attack is not to fight or to flee but to simply stand firm. It's perhaps the hardest thing to do in the face of adversity, fighting takes little thought and fleeing only require fleetness of foot. To stoically resist oppression is perhaps the greatest power as Gandhi and Martin Luther King proved quite eloquently.
Christian Whose Rapture Prediction Failed Now Says It’ll Happen Later This Year – Friendly ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@UngodYes, the little water bears will live on no matter what as would some of the deep subterranean life forms and certain bacteria, plus we should never underestimate the ignoble cockroach. Anything bigger than a squirrel would probably be in for a very rough ride, although Mother Earth wouldn't care a bit.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@UngodYes, the little water bears will live on no matter what as would some of the deep subterranean life forms and certain bacteria, plus we should never underestimate the ignoble cockroach. Anything bigger than a squirrel would probably be in for a very rough ride, although Mother Earth wouldn't care a bit.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
realneal54 comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I don't enter churches. If I did I would be watching for the roof to cave in :-)
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
I used to wonder the same but then I realized the priest and the pastors were walking through the doorways and if it didn't collapse under the weight of their sins then it surely wouldn't collapse under my atheism. :D
realneal54 comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I don't enter churches. If I did I would be watching for the roof to cave in :-)
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
I used to wonder the same but then I realized the priest and the pastors were walking through the doorways and if it didn't collapse under the weight of their sins then it surely wouldn't collapse under my atheism. :D
How do you feel when you enter a church?
Lincster45 comments on Apr 25, 2018:
A few years ago my wife and I went on a Danube River Cruise, every day it seemed we visited another cathedral, yes the construction and architecture were awesome.
But, by the end of the cruise we were calling it the ADC tour, ADC = Anorher Damned Cathedral
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
Castles and Cathedrals, there's only so much of that a person can take. :D
Lincster45 comments on Apr 25, 2018:
A few years ago my wife and I went on a Danube River Cruise, every day it seemed we visited another cathedral, yes the construction and architecture were awesome.
But, by the end of the cruise we were calling it the ADC tour, ADC = Anorher Damned Cathedral
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
Castles and Cathedrals, there's only so much of that a person can take. :D
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll Names have meanings, mine means king or ruler, doesn't mean I am one. Name days are just a variation on birth days. Enjoy yours.
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll Names have meanings, mine means king or ruler, doesn't mean I am one. Name days are just a variation on birth days. Enjoy yours.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
GoldenDoll comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I was born. Which was a billion to one chance. So I have a birthday. And I celebrate that fact.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll Not at all, 3 years studying life sciences makes me well aware of how many ovum are in play but that's only half of the equation and there are millions on the other side, don't overestimate the female part.
GoldenDoll comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I was born. Which was a billion to one chance. So I have a birthday. And I celebrate that fact.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll Not at all, 3 years studying life sciences makes me well aware of how many ovum are in play but that's only half of the equation and there are millions on the other side, don't overestimate the female part.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@Mea I'm off to my favourite Sushi restaurant shortly and my wife and I will go to see a play after that. I'm not against celebrating the beginning of my own personal year, I just don't want all the religious trappings that are attached to it. My issues isn't with the event but the ritual and the religious connection that goes with it. Wishing you a happy birthday in advance. Cheers
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@Mea I'm off to my favourite Sushi restaurant shortly and my wife and I will go to see a play after that. I'm not against celebrating the beginning of my own personal year, I just don't want all the religious trappings that are attached to it. My issues isn't with the event but the ritual and the religious connection that goes with it. Wishing you a happy birthday in advance. Cheers
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
mt49er comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Your birth date is dependent upon which religious calendar you're looking at.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
I never thought about it like that but very true.
mt49er comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Your birth date is dependent upon which religious calendar you're looking at.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
I never thought about it like that but very true.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Anniemae comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I love celebrating my Birthday! Give it a try!!!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll I'm happy to be alive every day, each morning that I wake up is a pleasant surprise. Religions are very much about death and I have no desire to rush towards that endless nothingness, it can come in it's own good time.
Anniemae comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I love celebrating my Birthday! Give it a try!!!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll I'm happy to be alive every day, each morning that I wake up is a pleasant surprise. Religions are very much about death and I have no desire to rush towards that endless nothingness, it can come in it's own good time.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
GoldenDoll comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I was born. Which was a billion to one chance. So I have a birthday. And I celebrate that fact.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
A billion to one? There are millions of sperm in each ejaculation and humans spend their lives humping like bunnies so it was a pretty much a given that you would be born or someone just like you. I think we over emphasize our importance but I don't have an issue with celebrating our existence. All I am say is that the ritual is religious in nature and that is a bit silly for an atheist. Besides, it's my birthday today so I get to say what I want. lol ;)
GoldenDoll comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I was born. Which was a billion to one chance. So I have a birthday. And I celebrate that fact.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
A billion to one? There are millions of sperm in each ejaculation and humans spend their lives humping like bunnies so it was a pretty much a given that you would be born or someone just like you. I think we over emphasize our importance but I don't have an issue with celebrating our existence. All I am say is that the ritual is religious in nature and that is a bit silly for an atheist. Besides, it's my birthday today so I get to say what I want. lol ;)
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll Horsefeathers?? Thanks for posting that, a nice birthday present for me. Birthdays and Namedays are religious and always have been, the same as saints days and days honouring the gods. Where did you think they came from?
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@GoldenDoll Horsefeathers?? Thanks for posting that, a nice birthday present for me. Birthdays and Namedays are religious and always have been, the same as saints days and days honouring the gods. Where did you think they came from?
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Jones_HF comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Dude, I feel like not celebrating your kids birthday is a form of child abuse.
Christmas, Easter, birthdays? Fuck Jehovah witnesses
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
Fair enough and to each their own. I can confirm that I felt very left out as a child, especially when it came time for birthdays and Christmas, I am certainly not advocating that people who grew up with those rituals should abandon them. What I do find odd is people who identify as Atheists but still engage in religious traditions and rituals like Christmas, Easter and quite frankly Birthdays.
FYI - the JW's have some seriously hot women, disproportionately so for some reason, don't ask me why. A shame that I couldn't get past the religious dogma and oppressive mindset. If you don't know something then you don't miss it. You probably don't feel less of a man because you haven't killed a lion with a spear single handedly like a Masai do you?
Jones_HF comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Dude, I feel like not celebrating your kids birthday is a form of child abuse.
Christmas, Easter, birthdays? Fuck Jehovah witnesses
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
Fair enough and to each their own. I can confirm that I felt very left out as a child, especially when it came time for birthdays and Christmas, I am certainly not advocating that people who grew up with those rituals should abandon them. What I do find odd is people who identify as Atheists but still engage in religious traditions and rituals like Christmas, Easter and quite frankly Birthdays.
FYI - the JW's have some seriously hot women, disproportionately so for some reason, don't ask me why. A shame that I couldn't get past the religious dogma and oppressive mindset. If you don't know something then you don't miss it. You probably don't feel less of a man because you haven't killed a lion with a spear single handedly like a Masai do you?
I don't expect pro gun people to believe me, but the NRA is lying to you.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Americans and Gun Laws, let the games begin. A gun is a tool and some guns are useful in controlling varmints or hunting for wild meat - handguns do not fall within that definition unless you want to hunt other humans for food. Other than that it's about killing people, statistically speaking it ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@indirect76 The only time I ever considered getting a gun for personal protection was the period I spent several years living in the US of A. It's a gun oriented society and I would never want to bring a knife to a gun fight. That said I have live in places like Bermuda where guns are highly prohibited, virtually nobody has one, even the local gangs only had access to one handgun that could be rented if you had the right connections. My American employees would often feel naked without 'their gun' when they first came to Bermuda but I would explain to them that nobody else had a gun either so they were perfectly safe considering they were much bigger than most Bermudians and better equipped to defend themselves physically.
The USA is not the whole world and it's rules don't apply everywhere.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Americans and Gun Laws, let the games begin. A gun is a tool and some guns are useful in controlling varmints or hunting for wild meat - handguns do not fall within that definition unless you want to hunt other humans for food. Other than that it's about killing people, statistically speaking it ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@indirect76 The only time I ever considered getting a gun for personal protection was the period I spent several years living in the US of A. It's a gun oriented society and I would never want to bring a knife to a gun fight. That said I have live in places like Bermuda where guns are highly prohibited, virtually nobody has one, even the local gangs only had access to one handgun that could be rented if you had the right connections. My American employees would often feel naked without 'their gun' when they first came to Bermuda but I would explain to them that nobody else had a gun either so they were perfectly safe considering they were much bigger than most Bermudians and better equipped to defend themselves physically.
The USA is not the whole world and it's rules don't apply everywhere.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Anniemae comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I love celebrating my Birthday! Give it a try!!!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
I guess it is just the whole cake and candles celebration thing that I don't understand. I have done it because of the people in my life that it has a great deal of meaning to because of their upbringing but to me it is a lot like Christmas or Baptisms, I find myself on the outside looking in because I have no frame of reference. I enjoy a party so that part is fun but the rituals around the event are quite foreign to me.
Anniemae comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I love celebrating my Birthday! Give it a try!!!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
I guess it is just the whole cake and candles celebration thing that I don't understand. I have done it because of the people in my life that it has a great deal of meaning to because of their upbringing but to me it is a lot like Christmas or Baptisms, I find myself on the outside looking in because I have no frame of reference. I enjoy a party so that part is fun but the rituals around the event are quite foreign to me.
Do birthdays make any sense if you are an Atheist?
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
Probably because birthdays and name days are religious in nature and I'm not religious.
I mark the time as my own personal year but not anymore than that, perhaps it would mean more if I had a deep rooting in the idea from childhood but I just don't have that personal history.
Mea comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Why wouldn't they make sense?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
Probably because birthdays and name days are religious in nature and I'm not religious.
I mark the time as my own personal year but not anymore than that, perhaps it would mean more if I had a deep rooting in the idea from childhood but I just don't have that personal history.
This is what becoming an Atheist and shrugging off the constraints of religion felt like to me.
Rhetoric comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Reminds me a bit of Jonathan Livingston Seagull https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8COt1n3jDqA except that here the creature letting go is irrationally celebrated, instead of reviled.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
It's a direct quote from Rich Bach's 'Illusions, the adventures of a reluctant messiah'
Rhetoric comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Reminds me a bit of Jonathan Livingston Seagull https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8COt1n3jDqA except that here the creature letting go is irrationally celebrated, instead of reviled.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
It's a direct quote from Rich Bach's 'Illusions, the adventures of a reluctant messiah'
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm so DAMNED tired of people blaming the lack of religion in public schools for every horrific thing which happens!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@LucyLoohoo The Catholic church has been a haven for homosexuals for centuries even though it preached against homosexuality, hypocritical but at least it gave shelter to the people it preached against. The abuse of children is a whole other matter and the abuse of women is equally vile. I am at a loss to find anything good coming from religion.
LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm so DAMNED tired of people blaming the lack of religion in public schools for every horrific thing which happens!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@LucyLoohoo The Catholic church has been a haven for homosexuals for centuries even though it preached against homosexuality, hypocritical but at least it gave shelter to the people it preached against. The abuse of children is a whole other matter and the abuse of women is equally vile. I am at a loss to find anything good coming from religion.
Why are atheists not willing to form a coalition?
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I pity the shepherd in charge of a flock composed completely of black sheep. :D
I have spent a fair amount of time considering the subject and found that it is a nonstarter because Atheists are by definition, free thinkers, individualists and nonconformists. How do you put together such a group ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@kirkz Thank you for saying so. I wish I could figure out a more amicable solution to being an Atheist but I've yet to come up with one. Hope springs eternal however.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 26, 2018:
I pity the shepherd in charge of a flock composed completely of black sheep. :D
I have spent a fair amount of time considering the subject and found that it is a nonstarter because Atheists are by definition, free thinkers, individualists and nonconformists. How do you put together such a group ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@kirkz Thank you for saying so. I wish I could figure out a more amicable solution to being an Atheist but I've yet to come up with one. Hope springs eternal however.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
HeraTera comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Depends on the church. I grew up with the church so no sense of discomfort for me now. As a child I used to dread spending half my day sitting there. Some structures can inspire a sense of awe, such as cathedrals. If my life is particularly turbulent I can feel a sense of peace going there ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@HeraTera My mother was a JW and my father was a Baptist - the lesson I learned from religion was that you had to trust but verify everything and stick to the convictions you derived from those acid tests. To me, walking into a church is like a sane person walking into an insane asylum. Others may have a better experience, I certainly hope they do.
HeraTera comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Depends on the church. I grew up with the church so no sense of discomfort for me now. As a child I used to dread spending half my day sitting there. Some structures can inspire a sense of awe, such as cathedrals. If my life is particularly turbulent I can feel a sense of peace going there ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@HeraTera My mother was a JW and my father was a Baptist - the lesson I learned from religion was that you had to trust but verify everything and stick to the convictions you derived from those acid tests. To me, walking into a church is like a sane person walking into an insane asylum. Others may have a better experience, I certainly hope they do.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
Shelton comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Being that I was raised in the church there is no discomfort.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
The time I spent in church is a child is the root of my atheism and my anti-theism. It makes me wonder why you don't feel discomfort in a church when you have obviously seen through the lie or you would still be a believer. Do you never just want to shake these people in an attempt to wake them out of their torpor?
Shelton comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Being that I was raised in the church there is no discomfort.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
The time I spent in church is a child is the root of my atheism and my anti-theism. It makes me wonder why you don't feel discomfort in a church when you have obviously seen through the lie or you would still be a believer. Do you never just want to shake these people in an attempt to wake them out of their torpor?
How do you feel when you enter a church?
HeraTera comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Depends on the church. I grew up with the church so no sense of discomfort for me now. As a child I used to dread spending half my day sitting there. Some structures can inspire a sense of awe, such as cathedrals. If my life is particularly turbulent I can feel a sense of peace going there ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
It's interesting to me that some people feel comfortable in a church because they grew up in one as this is exactly the source of my discomfort. We're all the same and we're all different I guess.
HeraTera comments on Apr 26, 2018:
Depends on the church. I grew up with the church so no sense of discomfort for me now. As a child I used to dread spending half my day sitting there. Some structures can inspire a sense of awe, such as cathedrals. If my life is particularly turbulent I can feel a sense of peace going there ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
It's interesting to me that some people feel comfortable in a church because they grew up in one as this is exactly the source of my discomfort. We're all the same and we're all different I guess.
Christian Whose Rapture Prediction Failed Now Says It’ll Happen Later This Year – Friendly ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@Ungod Agreed, a nuclear winter would knock out all of the higher order creatures but the spark would still be left and from that another crop of higher order creatures would grow. I should have been more clear.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 26, 2018:
@Ungod Agreed, a nuclear winter would knock out all of the higher order creatures but the spark would still be left and from that another crop of higher order creatures would grow. I should have been more clear.
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
KKGator comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Pardon my language (or don't-doesn't matter), but that stupid C U Next Tuesday can kiss my dimpled white ass. Her son is a murderer, and she's partially responsible. She didn't see to it that he got the mental health assistance he so desperately needed, and she didn't stop her idiot husband from ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
@KKGator Definitely a through the looking glass kind of reality. Off with their heads. :D
KKGator comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Pardon my language (or don't-doesn't matter), but that stupid C U Next Tuesday can kiss my dimpled white ass. Her son is a murderer, and she's partially responsible. She didn't see to it that he got the mental health assistance he so desperately needed, and she didn't stop her idiot husband from ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
@KKGator Definitely a through the looking glass kind of reality. Off with their heads. :D
These people are responding to the existence of atheists.
Nottheonlyone comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I refuse to live in fear.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Christians are followers and followers are cowards, so long as they don't assemble in large groups. Mobs are scary but the rest is just a bunch of hot air and bullshit. :)
Nottheonlyone comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I refuse to live in fear.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Christians are followers and followers are cowards, so long as they don't assemble in large groups. Mobs are scary but the rest is just a bunch of hot air and bullshit. :)
These people are responding to the existence of atheists.
nicknotes comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I wonder if they realize that Atheists shoot back.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Yep, a plastic bullet to the nut sack - it won't kill them but it should stop them from breeding. :D
nicknotes comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I wonder if they realize that Atheists shoot back.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Yep, a plastic bullet to the nut sack - it won't kill them but it should stop them from breeding. :D
What clicked for you when you realized religion was bullshit?
DarrellBurnett comments on Apr 25, 2018:
The catalyst for me, the beginning of a road to Agnostic-Atheism, was after I found out (at the age of 11) that I had been born out of wedlock. As a church choir boy, I was sat in church reading the bible and I read Deuteronomy 23:2 "A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
That's quite the deal breaker and you better not be caught going to Red Lobster for the Shrimp special, God hates shrimp too, fucking outside of wedlock not as much as he hates shrimp but still not good. ;)
DarrellBurnett comments on Apr 25, 2018:
The catalyst for me, the beginning of a road to Agnostic-Atheism, was after I found out (at the age of 11) that I had been born out of wedlock. As a church choir boy, I was sat in church reading the bible and I read Deuteronomy 23:2 "A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
That's quite the deal breaker and you better not be caught going to Red Lobster for the Shrimp special, God hates shrimp too, fucking outside of wedlock not as much as he hates shrimp but still not good. ;)
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
JeremyHMiller1 comments on Apr 25, 2018:
How does that work exactly?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Not very well apparently. ;)
JeremyHMiller1 comments on Apr 25, 2018:
How does that work exactly?
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Not very well apparently. ;)
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
KKGator comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Pardon my language (or don't-doesn't matter), but that stupid C U Next Tuesday can kiss my dimpled white ass. Her son is a murderer, and she's partially responsible. She didn't see to it that he got the mental health assistance he so desperately needed, and she didn't stop her idiot husband from ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
The dad should definitely be held responsible because he aided and abetted. The mom failed supply proper care but since he is no longer a minor she won't face any charges. Many christian sects deny the existence of mental illness, blaming it on sin or demonic possession, all very medieval and it explains why so many don't get the help they need with their mental health.
KKGator comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Pardon my language (or don't-doesn't matter), but that stupid C U Next Tuesday can kiss my dimpled white ass. Her son is a murderer, and she's partially responsible. She didn't see to it that he got the mental health assistance he so desperately needed, and she didn't stop her idiot husband from ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
The dad should definitely be held responsible because he aided and abetted. The mom failed supply proper care but since he is no longer a minor she won't face any charges. Many christian sects deny the existence of mental illness, blaming it on sin or demonic possession, all very medieval and it explains why so many don't get the help they need with their mental health.
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
Karenl comments on Apr 25, 2018:
so what about the church shootings? These people want someone else to fix the problem without giving any of their time or heaven forbid their gun rights.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
No doubt some wit will suggest it was the wrong church, oops, did I just say that. :D
Karenl comments on Apr 25, 2018:
so what about the church shootings? These people want someone else to fix the problem without giving any of their time or heaven forbid their gun rights.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
No doubt some wit will suggest it was the wrong church, oops, did I just say that. :D
Christian Whose Rapture Prediction Failed Now Says It’ll Happen Later This Year – Friendly ...
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
@RedskyRiver Exactly my thoughts as well, even if we puny humans burn the planet to a cinder with nuclear weapons and exterminate all life, the planet will live on. We think in such tiny timelines at are nothing on a planetary scale.
Surfpirate comments on Apr 25, 2018:
If at first you don't succeed with your predictions, just broaden your parameters. Even a broken clock is right twice a day and a weatherman can be wrong about his prediction of rain today but eventually it will rain. We may have to wait a lot longer than sometime this year for the end of the ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
@RedskyRiver Exactly my thoughts as well, even if we puny humans burn the planet to a cinder with nuclear weapons and exterminate all life, the planet will live on. We think in such tiny timelines at are nothing on a planetary scale.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
Qualia comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I feel like I wonder how it could be repurposed for a living space. LMAO /always stalking churches for sale. Sadly most of the really great ones are in the middle of fucking nowhere
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
True enough, the good ones are snapped up fast and usually well in advance.
Qualia comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I feel like I wonder how it could be repurposed for a living space. LMAO /always stalking churches for sale. Sadly most of the really great ones are in the middle of fucking nowhere
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
True enough, the good ones are snapped up fast and usually well in advance.
How do you feel when you enter a church?
NormCastle comments on Apr 25, 2018:
The only time even consider entering a church building is because a family member or friend has died that that is the site of the service.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Yeah, I hate that too.
NormCastle comments on Apr 25, 2018:
The only time even consider entering a church building is because a family member or friend has died that that is the site of the service.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
Yeah, I hate that too.
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
AmelieMatisse comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Interesting how she is blaming lack of prayer in school rather than saying a word about family environment. And wondering if mom and dad ever tried to get him mental health help. I certainly hope dad goes to jail for returning the guns to Travis. Which for me gives rise to another issue. Why does ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
My brother's wife committed suicide with her rifle and the RCMP returned the gun to my brother who has mental health issues and had wanted to commit suicide after her death. I spoke with the officer about this and he said that he had no choice in the matter, the law is the law and this is in Canada where we have tougher gun laws.
AmelieMatisse comments on Apr 25, 2018:
Interesting how she is blaming lack of prayer in school rather than saying a word about family environment. And wondering if mom and dad ever tried to get him mental health help. I certainly hope dad goes to jail for returning the guns to Travis. Which for me gives rise to another issue. Why does ...
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
My brother's wife committed suicide with her rifle and the RCMP returned the gun to my brother who has mental health issues and had wanted to commit suicide after her death. I spoke with the officer about this and he said that he had no choice in the matter, the law is the law and this is in Canada where we have tougher gun laws.
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm so DAMNED tired of people blaming the lack of religion in public schools for every horrific thing which happens!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
When one looks at the horrific things done in the name of religion it's ironic that some people still think that it is the solution and not the problem.
LucyLoohoo comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm so DAMNED tired of people blaming the lack of religion in public schools for every horrific thing which happens!
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
When one looks at the horrific things done in the name of religion it's ironic that some people still think that it is the solution and not the problem.
Waffle House Killer’s Mother: Schools Without Prayer Cause Mass Shootings – Friendly Atheist
jeffy comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm thinking Mom and Dad should go to jail too. Didn't Dad give him back his guns? MAGA! What a nice Trump family.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
The Dad did give back the guns after he promised the police that he wouldn't. No doubt that the NRA will back him up so he escapes justice.
jeffy comments on Apr 25, 2018:
I'm thinking Mom and Dad should go to jail too. Didn't Dad give him back his guns? MAGA! What a nice Trump family.
Surfpirate replies on Apr 25, 2018:
The Dad did give back the guns after he promised the police that he wouldn't. No doubt that the NRA will back him up so he escapes justice.
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Atheist
Here for community - BirthdayApril 26
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