While on vacation, I learned that religious propaganda is far more outrageous than I had thought.

ToakReon comments on Jun 2, 2018:

Dellusional idiocy at its finest ... ?

So — what do you think Humanity's future will be?

ToakReon comments on Jun 2, 2018:

I think the most likely future of the Earth will be a future without humanity. I genuinely believe the human race will wipe itself out, quite possibly taking a vast number of other creature types with us, then the Earth will breathe a huge sigh of relief and start the evolution process again from whatever we happen to leave alive.

Are we heading into a mure puritanical time?

ToakReon comments on Jun 2, 2018:

I think there are lots of factors involved. One is 'promote what is safe' rather than 'promote what breaks the rules'. Another is 'fashion' - society goes through periods of reaction to what has gone before. At the moment we seem to be going through an unimaginative period.

MEN ONLY: What is your race/ethnic origin?

ToakReon comments on Jun 1, 2018:

What is the purpose of this 'poll'?

Why doesn't god intervene when innocent children are being raped or starved?

ToakReon comments on Jun 1, 2018:

God doesn't intervene when innocent children are being raped and starved for the very best reason - he isn't there. Trying to go down the 'Oh yes - but what if he WAS there ...?' route is like 'How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?' A fundamentally unanswerable question.

Are you cheating if you are open to your partner about your other relationship(s)?

ToakReon comments on Jun 1, 2018:

I think cheating is a matter of betrayal of trust. You have a relationship that both parties knew was open, and both parties are happy to be open, then tell then the truth and you're not cheating - but honesty means nothing if your parner is expecting monogamy. It's just like saying 'do I stop being a thief if I'm honest about the fact that I steal?' It's betrayal of reasonable expectation that makes you a cheat - not whether you 'come clean'.

Baptist Church Removing Jesus Statue

ToakReon comments on May 31, 2018:

Right action, wrong motivation. If it was 'Get rid of Jesus because he doesn't exist' I'd say "Go baptists!"

Does anyone think we will live in a post-religious society?

ToakReon comments on May 31, 2018:

No - but we can hope.

Casual relationship

ToakReon comments on May 31, 2018:

I would call that a temporary position which will either evolve into a committed relationship or end/become un-monogamous in time. It's a 'lets give this a go and see where we wind up' position, but not stable in its current form.

Ok, be sensitive because I am talking about someone I love very much.

ToakReon comments on May 30, 2018:

I lost my father in 2012, and my mother in 2016. They remain with me in my memories. They remain with me in my affections. They remain with me in my gratitude. The sorrow is great, but somehow the good memories last last longer than the regrets - so as time passes the pain is replaced by the joy of having shared your life with someone wonderful.

Do you find it offensive when theist think without a belief in god/gods, it’s impossible to have ...

ToakReon comments on May 30, 2018:

Not really. Theists believe there's a great, invisible sky-fairy who watches you masturbate, listens to your thoughts, sends you to eternal torment in the fire-pits of hell, and sends hurricanes to 'punish' homosexuals. In short they have such a poor grasp of reality that such a person saying I can have no morals is like being insulted by a gerbil - it means absolutely nothing.

Hey folks, this is my latest painting.

ToakReon comments on May 30, 2018:

An artwork to grace any wall ... Delightful.

Arizona state education standards see evolution deleted | Ars Technica

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

*sigh*

Hey there, I have been an atheist since forever, no religion growing up to speak of.

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

Then those 'lots of guys' don't deserve you, Joan.

Religion and kids

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

Banding chers?

QUOTE CODE FIXED!!!!! HEAR YE, HEATHENS!!!! ADMIN, PBUH, just fixed the code for quote offset!!!...

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

I must try this ... four spaces then quote? So hopefully this will be in its own, little box. And this won't be.

Do you ever think about the fact that you will die, soon be forgotten and all evidence you ever ...

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

No, not really. Dying happens to everyone. Being forgotton can be delayed a bit - after all, Julius Caeser's managed it for a couple of thousant years. So has Noah, and he didn't exist, and is remembered for building a boat he never built.

What mythical creature do you think would be best to eat and why?

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

God - for FUCK'S SAKE someone eat him. Please!

So it's a scientific fact that the moon effects the oceans on the entire planet; i.

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

It has damn all affect. When the moon is directly overhead its gravitational attraction would make a 100Kg person seem half a gram lighter, and when its on the opposite side of the Earth half a gram heavier. Take something and drop it. The moon has no significant effect on how quickly it drops, or in which direction. Does it angle sideways if the moon is on the horizon? No, it doesn't.

The most important question you've been asked today

ToakReon comments on May 28, 2018:

Simpsons - how can you not 'go yellow'?

I found love on Agnostic.

ToakReon comments on May 26, 2018:

Congratulations to the pair of you ... Happy Heathens!

Can pets be "bad",Or are there just bad owners?

ToakReon comments on May 26, 2018:

Pets can be psycopathic monsters just as humans can - but it's RARE to find a naturally evil dog, most nasty dogs are made nasty by people.

Are priests capable of molesting children demonstrating their own lack of belief in eternal ...

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

I doubt they even carefully consider the matter.

Why is there so much anger here?

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

I actually see less anger here than there should be. Religion is justifying abuse, judgementalism, mysoginy, racism and inciting violence - and we damn well *should* be angry about that ... yet what I see here is remarkably chilled.

How do you quickly debunk Bible Claims?

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

By reading the sodding bible.

Just hearing this woman’s name makes me sick. [patheos.com]

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

DeVos *vomit*

Why is it so difficult for the public to take good care of public spaces?

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

It only takes 1% of a population to be obnoxious, crap-dropping cunts for things to look bad.

Do you want to "evangelize" chistian family and friends?

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

No. I have a deeply religious sister (a local church preacher) and neither of us speaks to the other about religion or faith.

Demon possession? What’s your opinion on it?

ToakReon comments on May 22, 2018:

How can we be possessed by something that doesn't exist? It's imagination. Self-induced delusion.

How should I cook these chicken wings?

ToakReon comments on May 21, 2018:

Heat would be good.

Should Kelly Sadler-White House Aide-Be Fired For John McCain Insults?

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

If was an obnoxious thing to say - however everyone can make the odd stupid and objectional remark. Is this remark typical of Kelly Saddler's normal attitude? If so she should certainly go. Or is this truly a one-off, out of character? My suspicion is the the first of those two options is the true one - but I base that on my natural loathing and mistrust of all associated with Trump and the current Whitehouse. I don't actually KNOW.

The wedding?

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

I managed to avoid the wedding - but then pictures of 'the kiss' were on the front of every newspaper in a shop I went into.

Christopher Hitchens Greatest Speech - YouTube

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

Christopher Hitchins will be sadly missed. A man of great honesty, and a voice of reason.

Surely everyone understands. Surely.

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

Depressing, isn't it?

Which one of these explains our universe better; Religion or Science? And Why?

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

This is a question that actually needs asking? Science - knowledge based on observation, measurement, critical assessment of evidence, which can (and is) challenged when new evidence is discovered. Religion - the musings of bronze-age goat herders who weren't even aware the earth orbited the sun, or that penguins existed.

Does anyone else talk aloud to themselves?

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

Absolutely. I regularly address my thoughts to the most intelligent person around.

This could be interesting.

ToakReon comments on May 20, 2018:

Aiillmw

Why are you on this site?

ToakReon comments on May 18, 2018:

Because I am, by nature, an argumentative sod.

Why is the 2nd the brightest star in here?

ToakReon comments on May 18, 2018:

I suspect pure randomness has a part to play - and that the order of colours was not considered greatly important when they were chosen

Finish This Statement: "I Remember"

ToakReon comments on May 18, 2018:

I remember ... less than I used to remember before I became an old codger with a bad memory.

Noah's Ark, Kangaroos and Australia

ToakReon comments on May 17, 2018:

And sloths from South America (presumably hitching a lift across the Atlantic on a whale - twice, once each way). And penguins. And polar bears (they must have caused a stir when walking through Palestine). And ... and ...

Does anyone else think this tree looks like the scream mask?

ToakReon comments on May 17, 2018:

Does anyone else think this tree looks like a scream mask? Er ... no. Not really.

Is it correct for the US to block a UN vote for an investigation into the murders and maimings of ...

ToakReon comments on May 16, 2018:

If the US does so it tells the world about the US - a nation that doesn't want an investigation into people dying in large numbers, because palestinians don't matter but Israel has a lot of influence in the US.

As an atheist what do you want done with your remains when you die?

ToakReon comments on May 16, 2018:

I totally couldnt care what happens to my body after I'm dead. I'm DEAD so it doesn't matter to me. If it can, in some way, do good (medical research, organ donation, etc) then, I guess, it would be better if it did so. Other than that, feed it to stray dogs - at least they'll get a meal out of it.

At what age do you start to feel "old"?

ToakReon comments on May 16, 2018:

50? Damn, I wish I was still 50!

I've had a couple of people ask me if I've read "Men Are from Mars Women Are from Venus".

ToakReon comments on May 16, 2018:

I have read it - long ago. Can't remember a great deal, other than the feeling that I wasn't greatly impressed. I can't even remember what failed to impress me!

Music/songs

ToakReon comments on May 13, 2018:

Yes, as it happens - and I don't really know why. The second movement of Dmitry Shostakovich's 2nd piano concerto. Yes - it's a lovely slow movement, but I find myself more effected by it than I should be.

If a stranger approached you to have a friendly chat about your god position, what would go on in ...

ToakReon comments on May 13, 2018:

I would be 'up front' about my atheism. If they were reasonable I'd probably suggest they were going to get nowhere and bring the conversation to a close in as pleasent a manner as possible. If they were and arse, I'd go 'full on confrontational atheist'. If they happened to be interesting in some way I might engage in gentler debate to find out more about them.

Dear fellow Atheist guys and gals, if I suggested meet, greet, walk and talk in Ringwood, NJ's ...

ToakReon comments on May 13, 2018:

I wish I could - but flying across the Atlantic would be a bit of hassle ... ?

How open should we be about our atheism at work.

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

In bible-belt America, certainly as a teacher in a school, I don't blame you AT ALL for keeping quiet. I'm not in the bible belt myself -indeed I've never even visited - but from what I've heard, being an 'openly atheistic teacher' could cause instant, and possibly terminal, damage to your career. It's disgusting that it is so, but in the circumstance you have to look out for yourself.

Is God a Replacement for our Dad?

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

No - god isn't a replacement for my dad. My dad was a noble, honest and just man - not a howling, psychopathic, misogynistic, homophobic mass-murderer like god.

Sign at a local church........ WTF?

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

The lord is going to come - so you must be ready. After all, he'll be most upset (and send you to hell) if you don't swallow.

So who else has Christian friends, who are more than non-judgmental, even defend you against a ...

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

Good for her.

Do most men really like large breasts?

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

Not me. Moderation in breast size is best. Now LEGS - that's a different matter. Loooooooooong and shapely!

I was watching a documentary about tattoos and society's reaction to people who took it to the ...

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

No.

At which level would you be willing to date someone?

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

Wrong question, I think. It's not a matter of religion - of what goes on in the privacy of their heads - but of what they DO. If they're judgemental, bigotted, insist on indoctrinating children, homophobic, etc. then they are un-datable. If they're just, fair, decent and kind, then the fact they're batshit crazy is far more tollerable.

Americans - How corrupt is your government? If at all!

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

At the moment? Pretty bloody corrupt.

One of my co-workers (she's Catholic) commented during lunch that those that do not have faith have ...

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

Does your dog believe in god? Doesn't stop him being loving, loyal and the finest of friends, does it?

People say,there's racism in US, but No body can say in public that "I am a proud racist".

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

Maybe no-one can say in public "I am a proud racist" - but the KKK don't seem very woried about publicity any more.

Do you care if you are remembered when you die?

ToakReon comments on May 12, 2018:

Why should I care? I'll be dead.

1. Should religion be allowed?

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

Simply banning religion will, I believe, achieve nothing. We need to fight the delusion on which it's based.

Have you ever just been so fed up with society that you have considered moving off the grid and ...

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

Yes - but too addicted to coffee

The Irreligious Now Outnumber White Evangelicals in America

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

Hence the desperation. If evangelical christianity cannot 'grab power' through Trump NOW, then it's lost its last chance - it will vanish into the obscurity it so richly deserves. That's why THIS fight against an 'evangelical christianity supported' President is so important. This is it - the final battle, and the only one that has to be won.

Not sure where to post this - religion or politics?

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

I think it's pretty common in 'money grabbing' brands of faith. "Fuck the poor - they're inferior beings, which is why god hasn't blessed them with wealth. Don't give money to them - give it to ME, because I am a man of god and therefore worth more."

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands! Happy Friday Eve, Jeans Day, and Pay Day! Woohooo!...

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

"If you're happy, and you know it, clap your hands ..." Well, that's a simple test. Happy? Yes. Know I'm happy? Yes. Two out of two - so clap hands. *Clap! Clap!* "... If you're happy, and you know it, clap your hands ..." The same as above, so the same result. *Clap! Clap!* "... If you're happy, and you know it, and you really want to show it, "If you're happy, and you know it, clap your hands!" Hang fire! What the hell is this extra 'and you really want to show it' clause that suddenly appeared in the THIRD LINE? What if you're happy, and you know it, but you couldn't give a fuck about showing it? Should you then clap, or not? I would say no - but you've already been conned into clapping TWICE by false pretenses, this extra clause having been ignored the first two times. This song is a CON and a FRAUD!

My dog Puck died today.

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

I'm really sorry for you - it hurts like hell to lose a loved dog.

Positive Thinking: A New Secular Religion?

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

Not ALL delusionals are RELIGIOUSLY delusional - but all delusionals lack rationality. What religion does is actively promote delusional irrationality for its own benefit - and by doing so, it does great harm. What we need is more rational thought, based on real and demonstrable evidence. This will weaken religion (which is good) and also weaken others who exploit delusion (also good).

I think there should be a presidential executive order decreeing "no more executive orders".

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

Perhaps an ammendment to the Constitution. "We, the people, declare that all Presidential executive orders MUST be signed with a pen containing a single gram of pure nitro-glycerine, so that any time the President signs one, there is a meaningful risk the pen will explode, destroying his hand. We believe this rule would discourage the President from the casual issuing of such executive orders, for the good of the people."

Which is more useful, intelligence or wisdom?

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

Different concepts. One useful in certain circumstances, the other useful in different circumstances - rarely do they both apply to the same issue. So it's like asking "Which is more useful, a hammer or a paint brush?" Sorta depends whether you're applying paint or knocking in a nail, doesn't it?

When I was a teenager, I'd occasionally go to a youth group with a friend of mine.

ToakReon comments on May 11, 2018:

YOU SHALL BURN IN THE FIRE-PITS OF HELL, WHILE DEMONS WATCH AND LAUGH! Stage one - scare the fuck out of people, because if you can get them scared enough they'll crawl to your feet pleading "Please save me!" and then you have them on your leash for life. Stage two - tell them they're sinners and unworthy, because if you can destroy any trust they have in themselves and their own judgement, then even if questions about their faith DO occur, they won't trust themselves enough to pursue them. Stage three - well, once you've got them scared, leashed and humbled, you can do anything you want with them. They are truly the sheep in your flock, quiet and compliant - they'll even bring their own children to you, so you can do to the next generation what you did to them For an atheist, looking in from the outside, it is vile, foul and vomit-inducing.

I just sat down in a United Airlines plane headed from DC to Newark, NJ.

ToakReon comments on May 4, 2018:

"Oh - hello there. A man of god, I see! Forgive me, but I'm curious - have you always been a delusional fuckwit, wallowing in your fairy tales of a psychopathic and murderous god; or is this a form of brainless, self-decepton that you achieved by dint of great effort later in life?" And no ... I'm not serious!

Pick up lines. Let me hear your best and most cheesy pick up lines.

ToakReon comments on May 4, 2018:

A bit long, but:- "Excuse me, Miss. I'm doing a survey about cheesy pick-up lines. I was wondering which of the following three examples would be most likely to work for you. "1. What's a nice girl like you doing in a dump like this? "2. If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me? "and 3. Excuse me, Miss. I'm doing a survey about cheesy pick-up lines ..."

Affairs. Have you been accused of having affairs while in a relationship?

ToakReon comments on May 4, 2018:

Yes - I have been accused. No - I was not guilty. Looking back at that moment - I regret my innocence. The girl was a bitch, and having a fling would have been a damn sight more enjoyable than remaining with her.

Sometimes I wish I were a dog. True or False?

ToakReon comments on May 4, 2018:

I voted yes - but I suspect I shall remain an annoying, grumpy old man.

Hi guys, I've been feeling really down lately.

ToakReon comments on May 4, 2018:

Here are a few - hope you find them entertaining.

Excluding religion, what are some of the other forms of bullshit that you are growing tired of?

ToakReon comments on May 2, 2018:

Conspiracy theories and other assorted bullshit are EVERYWHERE. From religion, through JFK assassination and faked moon landings, to 9-11. It just keeps happening.

Bottom line: Prominent Southern Baptist leader Paige Patterson tells women being abused by their ...

ToakReon comments on May 2, 2018:

Women as the property of men. No. If someone is abusing you, then 'god' saying you should stay with them and submit to them is god (or, more accurately, those who believe in them) supporting the abuse.

Religious friends keep sending me religious text?

ToakReon comments on May 2, 2018:

I would probably be a little blunt:- "So Jesus loves me, does he? "Bit difficult that, due to him not existing except in the minds of delusional christians. So Jesus loves me precicely as much as you are, yourself, loved by the equally non-existent giant, emerald-green fairy at the bottom of my garden. "Do you really want to exchange fairy tales?"

Does anyone have advice for a person that's been an atheist less than 3 months?

ToakReon comments on May 2, 2018:

Just enjoy it. You're free. Enjoy being able to think, to question, to be yourself.

Hi every one

ToakReon comments on Apr 29, 2018:

Hiya ... Hope you have a great time among the heathens.

Would you date a disabled person?

ToakReon comments on Apr 29, 2018:

It would depend on the nature of the disability. If, for example, the lady suffered from 'evangelical Trump devotion' then that would be an absolute deal breaker.

I love spiders.

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

What a gorgeous little chap! (or lass, of course - can't tell the gender of spiders!)

What is your favourite word and why?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Oh - and I also like:- TMESIS: (noun) A form of expression where a word is divided and another word is placed in the middle for emphasis (examples - 'Abso-fucking-lutely!' and 'Sen-bloody-sational!' ) It is the only word in the English language that begins 'tm'

What is your favourite word and why?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

I love many words, one of my favourites is:- MELLIFLUOUS: (adjective) Of a sound, pleasingly smooth and musical to the ear (example - 'Her voice was soft and mellifluous, in every way a delight to hear' )

How do you handle people who tell you that they will keep praying for you?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

If they're being 'aggressively religious' then I feel they have, themselves, almost 'declared war' - in that circumstance I don't feel THEIR feelings deserve to be 'protected'. How I respond will depend on me, and how I want to respond. If, however, they are NOT being 'aggressive' then I don't have any desire to cause them distress.

Just curious: If we in this organization were told the Constitution is being re-written and we at ...

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

It is a principle that no question of gender, no colour of skin or eye, no shape of face or body, no belief in god or none, no sexual inclination or political allegence, is fundamental to the value of a person. A person's value shall, instead, be judged purely upon their just and unbiased desire to have a positive effect on the lives and happiness of their fellow people.

IF you found out a CEO was very open about being religious, but explicitly said that they wouldn't ...

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

I don't give a damn what people BELIEVE - just how they BEHAVE. Now admittedly, I think it would be better for them and their children if their minds were rational rather than delusional - but the bottom line is that as long as they don't act unjustly and unfairly then their religion is almost immaterial.

What do you do when an event you're at is opened with a prayer or grace?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Stand tall. Eyes open. Head held high. In silence.

Why does the three abrahamIc sects and Its dogmas dIffers so much?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

All three use myth about a non-existent 'sky fairy' to promote self-importance, religious judgementalism, bigotry, indoctrination of children and injustice. Yes, there are differences, but it's basically bullshit vs. horseshit vs. hipposhit.

Kanye West has really stirred the pot xD

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

No, Kanye West hasn't stirred the pot. He's just expressed his views. I happen not to agree with him, but heck - his views are his.

Should I get rid of my Xtian bed?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

It's a bed. Assuming it's in good condition, the religion of whoever owned it means nothing. Don't let religion gain power over you through some sort of superstition.

Is "spiritual" also religious?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

I use the terms 'theist' and 'deist' Theists believe in a supernatural being who is interactive in the day-to-day running of existence - answering prayers, sending hurricanes, performing miracles, and so on. Deists believe in a supernatural being who is not interactive in the day-to-day running of existence - a 'spirit of the universe', or so on. I would say both are 'religious', but in different ways.

Just found out my last surviving kitty soul mate has incurable stomach cancer.

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Oh hell - it's really heartbreaking, isn't it? Try to remember the good times, and what you shared. How he made your life a better place, and you made his life a better place in return.

CHANGING YOUR OPINION Sometimes it's hard to change your opinion of a performer, celebrity or ...

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Separation. Being talented and funny is not inconsistent with being a vile sexual abuser. Bill Crosby was both. The fact that we have just learned he was the second doesn't change the fact that we already knew he was the first. Another example was the classical composer Richard Wagner - the 'original NAZI' (though the term wasn't in use in his time), ferociously anti-semitic and thoroughly obnoxious. That doesn't, however, make the 'Ride of the Valkirie' any less spectacular.

A research project: What caused your shift away from religion?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Nothing. I never had a religion to shift from.

If you could travel back in time and alter any one historical event, what would it be?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

I would go back and stop the evolution of apes into humans. Honestly, I believe the earth would be a better place if there were no humans on it.

Just curious.... Why do so many people take a picture of themself in a car?

ToakReon comments on Apr 28, 2018:

Because the current trend is for people to take pictures if themselves everywhere. This is a 'selfie society' so why should the car be exempt?

What are some of the things you use Alexa or OK Google for?

ToakReon comments on Apr 27, 2018:

As a calculator. 'Alexa - what is the square root of one hundred and seventy-four point seven three two?' Answer - 13.218 (and a bit)

Is it hypocritical for me, as an atheist, to celebrate religious holidays?

ToakReon comments on Apr 16, 2018:

It depends how you celebrate. If your celebration is a 'religious celebration' then why would you as an atheist? Yet if you're just 'enjoying a day off' then how is that hypocritical? Do you need less time off than religious folk?

When faced with a life or death decision which option do you think would be the most beneficial & ...

ToakReon comments on Apr 6, 2018:

I think science has it. Scientific method gives you the best chance of analising whatever is placing you at risk, understanding the cause, and devising a strategy to counter that effect. Bottom of the three comes religion. The sky fairy will do exactly what the sky fairy always does. Nothing.