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What gives your life meaning? Why keep going? (just curious)
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
My particular life might not have that much meaning but we are all a part of something of staggering proportions and infinite value.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
My particular life might not have that much meaning but we are all a part of something of staggering proportions and infinite value.
War has one distinct and practical use.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
You’ll be safe on your island and have fish to eat aye?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
You’ll be safe on your island and have fish to eat aye?
When religion conflicts with science it holds no credibility.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
“Bottom line (argument) that the human brain is more than chemical interactions. But my friend did a lot of drugs back in the hippie days.”
What I would say is that I lean toward thinking that conscious awareness is more than chemical interactions in the brain. And I was never a hippie and didn’t do drugs.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
“Bottom line (argument) that the human brain is more than chemical interactions. But my friend did a lot of drugs back in the hippie days.”
What I would say is that I lean toward thinking that conscious awareness is more than chemical interactions in the brain. And I was never a hippie and didn’t do drugs.
Not A True Atheist -- We mostly see this with Xtians, saying "you're not really atheist, you're just...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
Before that recent poll by lerlo I’d never heard such a statement. It sounds like a crude attempt to psychoanalyze. We should debate a person based on their assertions and avoid trying to divine their hidden subconscious motivations. Even a professional psychiatrist would need to back up such opinions by citing scientific studies.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 27, 2019:
Before that recent poll by lerlo I’d never heard such a statement. It sounds like a crude attempt to psychoanalyze. We should debate a person based on their assertions and avoid trying to divine their hidden subconscious motivations. Even a professional psychiatrist would need to back up such opinions by citing scientific studies.
Interesting article about problems with the mindfulness trend, but I'm not sure I completely agree, ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 26, 2019:
Meditation was developed long before Buddhism came on the scene. The author doesn’t seem to acknowledge that fact. There are many many yoga schools, each with its peculiar meditation techniques, but all based on the same principle of learning to still the mind. You can dress meditation in various different clothing but at heart it is all the same.
The Bhagavad-Gita tells how to meditate, and it is very simple. There’s nothing about sitting in the lotus position on a tiger skin, facing east, doing visualization or performing weird movements. Just fix yourself a seat of the proper height in a quiet place and go there every day at the same time. By blanking the mind one gains control of unruly thoughts.
In my opinion, meditation is nothing but a simple technique that will clear your mind and help you concentrate and contemplate. You still have to think, analyze, plan, organize and live your life.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 26, 2019:
Meditation was developed long before Buddhism came on the scene. The author doesn’t seem to acknowledge that fact. There are many many yoga schools, each with its peculiar meditation techniques, but all based on the same principle of learning to still the mind. You can dress meditation in various different clothing but at heart it is all the same.
The Bhagavad-Gita tells how to meditate, and it is very simple. There’s nothing about sitting in the lotus position on a tiger skin, facing east, doing visualization or performing weird movements. Just fix yourself a seat of the proper height in a quiet place and go there every day at the same time. By blanking the mind one gains control of unruly thoughts.
In my opinion, meditation is nothing but a simple technique that will clear your mind and help you concentrate and contemplate. You still have to think, analyze, plan, organize and live your life.
‘Science does not try to undermine religion – religion is simply irrelevant to science’
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 26, 2019:
I like Reville’s assessment.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/science-would-be-well-advised-to-avoid-picking-fights-with-religion-1.3884880?mode=amp
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 26, 2019:
I like Reville’s assessment.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/science-would-be-well-advised-to-avoid-picking-fights-with-religion-1.3884880?mode=amp
Your happiness is my misfortune - that is the logic of tribal thinking.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 26, 2019:
It is an example of dualistic thinking at its worst. Happiness and misfortune are in different categories altogether. Happiness is the default, universal state. To achieve the sensation of misfortune a person has to go through mental contortions, continually feeding untrue thoughts into his subconscious mind.
It takes hard work and determination to achieve unhappiness, and it begins with the belief that you are guilty and need to be punished or the fear that your tribe is under attack or is going to be absorbed by others.
Maybe there’s survival value to a tribe in the whipping up of fear, anger, outrage, etc. For society at large though it would be more beneficial to identify mainly with the larger group—the state, the nation, the world, and to foster unity and peace.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 26, 2019:
It is an example of dualistic thinking at its worst. Happiness and misfortune are in different categories altogether. Happiness is the default, universal state. To achieve the sensation of misfortune a person has to go through mental contortions, continually feeding untrue thoughts into his subconscious mind.
It takes hard work and determination to achieve unhappiness, and it begins with the belief that you are guilty and need to be punished or the fear that your tribe is under attack or is going to be absorbed by others.
Maybe there’s survival value to a tribe in the whipping up of fear, anger, outrage, etc. For society at large though it would be more beneficial to identify mainly with the larger group—the state, the nation, the world, and to foster unity and peace.
The Great Reckoning
From a vantage point in the not-too-distant future Andrew J.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 25, 2019:
“...and their tool the main stream media as collaborators in an agenda of perception management and false narratives engaged towards keeping us entrapped in a failing capitalist system to benefit the ruling class of the Westernized world.”
I think your campaign is based on a false narrative spread by the news media, that world conditions are getting worse and that they are at a breaking point. In actual fact we are at the cusp of world-wide well-being. Things have never been better, and they continue to improve. IMO a lot of that improvement has been driven by free trade in a world economy.
Here’s a very well-documented article that backs this up.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/the-big-idea/2016/12/23/14062168/history-global-conditions-charts-life-span-poverty
I agree that politicians in both parties have lost their way. Vote Libertarian!
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 25, 2019:
“...and their tool the main stream media as collaborators in an agenda of perception management and false narratives engaged towards keeping us entrapped in a failing capitalist system to benefit the ruling class of the Westernized world.”
I think your campaign is based on a false narrative spread by the news media, that world conditions are getting worse and that they are at a breaking point. In actual fact we are at the cusp of world-wide well-being. Things have never been better, and they continue to improve. IMO a lot of that improvement has been driven by free trade in a world economy.
Here’s a very well-documented article that backs this up.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/the-big-idea/2016/12/23/14062168/history-global-conditions-charts-life-span-poverty
I agree that politicians in both parties have lost their way. Vote Libertarian!
Generally, as perhaps too often said before, I'm a broad church skeptic, and have little interest in...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 25, 2019:
There are various kinds of religions and some of them really are very beneficial IMO. All religions must serve some purpose or other to their members or they wouldn’t exist.
Good point about the snobbery. I do not agree with the doctrines of traditional Christianity, and I do feel a bit superior in that regard. Maybe you are talking about me. I hope that visceral loathing of yours doesn’t turn to violence against me. :-(
That same snobbery element is, oh, so evident in politics as well as religion. We almost have to judge the opinions and thinking of others, but logically we have no basis to judge people’s characters, except to judge them as good.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 25, 2019:
There are various kinds of religions and some of them really are very beneficial IMO. All religions must serve some purpose or other to their members or they wouldn’t exist.
Good point about the snobbery. I do not agree with the doctrines of traditional Christianity, and I do feel a bit superior in that regard. Maybe you are talking about me. I hope that visceral loathing of yours doesn’t turn to violence against me. :-(
That same snobbery element is, oh, so evident in politics as well as religion. We almost have to judge the opinions and thinking of others, but logically we have no basis to judge people’s characters, except to judge them as good.
Religions: Mutualists, commensals or parasites?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 24, 2019:
For the virus analogy to hold up you would have to think of the host and the virus as being distinct from each other, like two separate organisms. I’m not sure if that is correct because religion is a behavior pattern exhibited by most societies. They are so enmeshed as to be inseparable.
You could make that same analogy about a number of human institutions: law, education, banking, commerce , art, etc. In each case it doesn’t seem like a very good analogy IMO.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 24, 2019:
For the virus analogy to hold up you would have to think of the host and the virus as being distinct from each other, like two separate organisms. I’m not sure if that is correct because religion is a behavior pattern exhibited by most societies. They are so enmeshed as to be inseparable.
You could make that same analogy about a number of human institutions: law, education, banking, commerce , art, etc. In each case it doesn’t seem like a very good analogy IMO.
I feel guilty.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
Find a better church.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
Find a better church.
'BLAME' Is it ever useful?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
I think parents invented guilt. There’s actual guilt that has to be somehow dealt with and there’s the feeling of guilt where we are punishing our own selves, often irrationally.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
I think parents invented guilt. There’s actual guilt that has to be somehow dealt with and there’s the feeling of guilt where we are punishing our own selves, often irrationally.
For the last time, don't ask a stranger "What are you?"
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
I am an ethnic Cracker.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
I am an ethnic Cracker.
Cosmicflows-3: Cosmography of the Local Void - YouTube
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
This is fascinating. I didn’t know that the cosmos had been mapped to such an extent. I don’t understand the interest in voids. Even the voids vary in density, so they are only relative voids. Anyway, I am proud to be a member of the local void.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 23, 2019:
This is fascinating. I didn’t know that the cosmos had been mapped to such an extent. I don’t understand the interest in voids. Even the voids vary in density, so they are only relative voids. Anyway, I am proud to be a member of the local void.
With atheists, Bruce pickets a Texas church that hates gay people.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
The part on the sign about stoning the LAST pastor has to do with his being found to have hired prostitutes. Truly a sleazy “church”, if that is the right term for this disgusting group.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
The part on the sign about stoning the LAST pastor has to do with his being found to have hired prostitutes. Truly a sleazy “church”, if that is the right term for this disgusting group.
With atheists, Bruce pickets a Texas church that hates gay people.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
For the record, The Southern Baptist Convention has clearly worded resolutions that call for love and tolerance for all people. Baptists do think that homosexuality is a sin, but according to them sins are not to be judged by man but by God,
“RESOLVED, That we call on Southern Baptist churches to call sinners to repentance while ministering, encouraging, fostering hospitality, and extending Christlike love toward those brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction.”[last paragraph of resolution this year]
I don’t know how you can call anyone to repentance without making a judgment, but whatever. As an ex-Baptist it’s not my problem.
The Stefast Baptist Church is not a member of the SBC. It is part of a very small fringe hate group. Do not judge all Baptists by this one preacher.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
For the record, The Southern Baptist Convention has clearly worded resolutions that call for love and tolerance for all people. Baptists do think that homosexuality is a sin, but according to them sins are not to be judged by man but by God,
“RESOLVED, That we call on Southern Baptist churches to call sinners to repentance while ministering, encouraging, fostering hospitality, and extending Christlike love toward those brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction.”[last paragraph of resolution this year]
I don’t know how you can call anyone to repentance without making a judgment, but whatever. As an ex-Baptist it’s not my problem.
The Stefast Baptist Church is not a member of the SBC. It is part of a very small fringe hate group. Do not judge all Baptists by this one preacher.
Why I left christianity video
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
It a good video—thanks for sharing. It resonates with me.
If anybody tells me I have to believe something I am put on alert. Present something that’s believable and belief will follow spontaneously. As I have said, religion is not about belief or faith.
That’s the trouble with traditional Christianity: trying to coerce people into belief using fear and guilt. That and trying to worm one’s way into heaven—it’s disgusting.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
It a good video—thanks for sharing. It resonates with me.
If anybody tells me I have to believe something I am put on alert. Present something that’s believable and belief will follow spontaneously. As I have said, religion is not about belief or faith.
That’s the trouble with traditional Christianity: trying to coerce people into belief using fear and guilt. That and trying to worm one’s way into heaven—it’s disgusting.
How Much Do We Know about the Prime Minister of Pakistan?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
Thanks for this information. I hope the meeting goes well.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
Thanks for this information. I hope the meeting goes well.
I have a question for the people that are 100% certain that no gods exist. How are you THAT certain?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
I agree with you except that negative assertions are as easily proven as positive ones. All proofs are based on assumptions and definitions however. How do you define God?
It should not be a matter of proof or disproof. The job at hand is to find out whether or not something exists. Before we begin we need to decide what is a “thing” and what “existence” means. According to modern physics those are not easy decisions.
My brain is tired already—I quit. I don’t even know what I am myself.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
I agree with you except that negative assertions are as easily proven as positive ones. All proofs are based on assumptions and definitions however. How do you define God?
It should not be a matter of proof or disproof. The job at hand is to find out whether or not something exists. Before we begin we need to decide what is a “thing” and what “existence” means. According to modern physics those are not easy decisions.
My brain is tired already—I quit. I don’t even know what I am myself.
Expect nothing and you'll always be surprised.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
When I started my business, my goal was not to become wealthy, and I succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
When I started my business, my goal was not to become wealthy, and I succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. :-)
Did you believe in ghosts ?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
I neither believe nor disbelieve, but my mind is open. If ghosts exist they are not magical or supernatural but simply not understood.
I was told of a ghost experience by credible people, and there is corroborating evidence. There are things about nature that are not understood—hell, nothing is truly understood on a deep level.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
I neither believe nor disbelieve, but my mind is open. If ghosts exist they are not magical or supernatural but simply not understood.
I was told of a ghost experience by credible people, and there is corroborating evidence. There are things about nature that are not understood—hell, nothing is truly understood on a deep level.
The god of the gaps will never die, so long as personal subjectivity prevails.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
“God of the gaps” is a ridiculous concept invented by atheists in their never-ending quest to disparage the religious. Religion does not attempt to explain reality. Religion is about awareness, appreciation and reverence.
If atheism is simply the withholding of belief and there is no “burden of proof”, then why the frantic campaign to disprove?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
“God of the gaps” is a ridiculous concept invented by atheists in their never-ending quest to disparage the religious. Religion does not attempt to explain reality. Religion is about awareness, appreciation and reverence.
If atheism is simply the withholding of belief and there is no “burden of proof”, then why the frantic campaign to disprove?
The god of the gaps will never die, so long as personal subjectivity prevails.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
Anyone alive is living with the mysterious. Whether or not they are facing mystery.depends on their honesty and courage.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
Anyone alive is living with the mysterious. Whether or not they are facing mystery.depends on their honesty and courage.
Secular Churches Rethink Their Sales Pitch - The Atlantic
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
If I were younger and forced to live in a city I’d join a soccer club, a bicycle club, and some sort of philosophical discussion group. Taking college courses can be very rewarding and provides social contact. I think that to mean much social contact has to be incidental to the main interest.
Being a non-believer is not enough to draw people together. Actually believing is not what holds churches together either. Some churches require no belief and do not stress belief. What holds them together is awareness, appreciation, and reverence. Sharing those things, they then engage in artistic expressions such as rituals, ceremonies, prayers, meditation, etc.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 22, 2019:
If I were younger and forced to live in a city I’d join a soccer club, a bicycle club, and some sort of philosophical discussion group. Taking college courses can be very rewarding and provides social contact. I think that to mean much social contact has to be incidental to the main interest.
Being a non-believer is not enough to draw people together. Actually believing is not what holds churches together either. Some churches require no belief and do not stress belief. What holds them together is awareness, appreciation, and reverence. Sharing those things, they then engage in artistic expressions such as rituals, ceremonies, prayers, meditation, etc.
Open Letter: To my Trump-supporting family. - My Daughter's Army
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
It’s that falling sky mentality whipped up by the news media. Boring stuff.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
It’s that falling sky mentality whipped up by the news media. Boring stuff.
Religion has been credited with creating trust in our prehistoric human societies, eventually ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
I doubt if the prehistoric tribes knew they were doing religion, and I’m not sure if what we call religion had much to do with morality. Wolf packs have morality and as far as I know they are not religious. I think the tribal elders had more to say about what behavior was acceptable than the medicine man.
We moderns have grouped together a collection of artistic expressions and labeled that as religion, but for them it was just life.
I think the large organizations that we call religions do serve to keep some people on course and out of trouble, but not everyone needs that kind of religion. A person who is sophisticated enough to have turned away from organized religion is sophisticated enough to figure out her own moral code.
“We” can not excise anything. Each person can set a good example and extend respect to all people. That means respecting their religious opinions. In that atheists are simply withholding belief and have no so called burden of proof, why would they take it upon themselves to excise parts from religions?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
I doubt if the prehistoric tribes knew they were doing religion, and I’m not sure if what we call religion had much to do with morality. Wolf packs have morality and as far as I know they are not religious. I think the tribal elders had more to say about what behavior was acceptable than the medicine man.
We moderns have grouped together a collection of artistic expressions and labeled that as religion, but for them it was just life.
I think the large organizations that we call religions do serve to keep some people on course and out of trouble, but not everyone needs that kind of religion. A person who is sophisticated enough to have turned away from organized religion is sophisticated enough to figure out her own moral code.
“We” can not excise anything. Each person can set a good example and extend respect to all people. That means respecting their religious opinions. In that atheists are simply withholding belief and have no so called burden of proof, why would they take it upon themselves to excise parts from religions?
Food For Thought:
You are a pensioner.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
I’d go to a feed store and buy a sack of wheat.
I’d cut costs—move into a tent if necessary.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
I’d go to a feed store and buy a sack of wheat.
I’d cut costs—move into a tent if necessary.
When did I start to hate summer?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
I live and breath for the end of summer. I count the days, one by one, and calculate the percentage left. But I am down on the coastal plain where 95F and 95% humidity is common.
I think age has a lot to do with the intolerance for heat and cold. As a boy I used to pick cotton all day in the summer and we never knocked off because of the heat. Our clothes were drenched in sweat from morning to night. There was no air conditioning and in the morning the sheet where we had lain asleep was wet. Yet I don’t remember those years as being intolerable.
On the positive side we have a lot of good vegetables from the garden in summer, but most of those are over at this time.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 21, 2019:
I live and breath for the end of summer. I count the days, one by one, and calculate the percentage left. But I am down on the coastal plain where 95F and 95% humidity is common.
I think age has a lot to do with the intolerance for heat and cold. As a boy I used to pick cotton all day in the summer and we never knocked off because of the heat. Our clothes were drenched in sweat from morning to night. There was no air conditioning and in the morning the sheet where we had lain asleep was wet. Yet I don’t remember those years as being intolerable.
On the positive side we have a lot of good vegetables from the garden in summer, but most of those are over at this time.
What do you think the world be like with out religion?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
All you have to do to find out is visit North Korea.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
All you have to do to find out is visit North Korea.
IS MONSANTO SATAN?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
“This is why believing in Satan is so dangerous—and so tempting: If he really exists, we can protect our most deeply held beliefs by blaming any opposition on the work of a great deceiver. There is no need for dialogue. In fact, dialogue is inadvisable, because the deceiver is so powerful that any contact risks corruption. Best to avoid it entirely, lest you end up like Bill Nye, the Science Guy, who changed his mind on GMOs after visiting Monsanto.”
Is Trump satan in some circles?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
“This is why believing in Satan is so dangerous—and so tempting: If he really exists, we can protect our most deeply held beliefs by blaming any opposition on the work of a great deceiver. There is no need for dialogue. In fact, dialogue is inadvisable, because the deceiver is so powerful that any contact risks corruption. Best to avoid it entirely, lest you end up like Bill Nye, the Science Guy, who changed his mind on GMOs after visiting Monsanto.”
Is Trump satan in some circles?
God is great only when you're dumb...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
Depends on your concept of God.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
Depends on your concept of God.
Remembering dreams only occurs if you wake immediately after or during a dream.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
I fly all the time in my dreams, sometimes with the help of artificial wings, sometimes in small airplanes. Also sometimes I can jump up to amazing heights. When running I can leap forward and skim along the ground for a hundred feet or so.
Maybe it’s just collective memory from man’s early stages of development when we lived in trees. I see no religious overtones.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
I fly all the time in my dreams, sometimes with the help of artificial wings, sometimes in small airplanes. Also sometimes I can jump up to amazing heights. When running I can leap forward and skim along the ground for a hundred feet or so.
Maybe it’s just collective memory from man’s early stages of development when we lived in trees. I see no religious overtones.
Maybe the most common misconception about religion (common among many atheists, that is) is that ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
Excellent post Matias. I am in full agreement.
I’m told over and over that atheism is simply the “withholding of belief” and that atheists have no “burden of proof”, whatever that is supposed to mean.
Why then do Dawkins, Sam Harris and fans wage such vigorous verbal warfare against religion in all its forms? One is almost led to believe that they are insecure in their non-belief.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 19, 2019:
Excellent post Matias. I am in full agreement.
I’m told over and over that atheism is simply the “withholding of belief” and that atheists have no “burden of proof”, whatever that is supposed to mean.
Why then do Dawkins, Sam Harris and fans wage such vigorous verbal warfare against religion in all its forms? One is almost led to believe that they are insecure in their non-belief.
Good on them.
Perhaps atheists and agnostics could do likewise!
[independent.co.uk]
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
Where were those priests and nuns during the Obama administration? There’s hardly any difference in immigration policies under Trump. The only difference is that the Big T has a bigger mouth.
On a related subject, Obama ran the first time in opposition to gay marriage. Where were all the hate mongers and demonizers with their yowling and howling back then?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
Where were those priests and nuns during the Obama administration? There’s hardly any difference in immigration policies under Trump. The only difference is that the Big T has a bigger mouth.
On a related subject, Obama ran the first time in opposition to gay marriage. Where were all the hate mongers and demonizers with their yowling and howling back then?
U.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
We would be well off without a congressional chaplain, however, if you read the whole prayer you can see that the word “spirit” is not used to mean an evil supernatural being. Rather it refers to a level of thought, as in the “spirit” of science, etc.
All those Democrats could cast out the chaplain couldn’t they? The fact is that most of them are evangelicals and multimillionaires and are fully on board with religion.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
We would be well off without a congressional chaplain, however, if you read the whole prayer you can see that the word “spirit” is not used to mean an evil supernatural being. Rather it refers to a level of thought, as in the “spirit” of science, etc.
All those Democrats could cast out the chaplain couldn’t they? The fact is that most of them are evangelicals and multimillionaires and are fully on board with religion.
Most Obese states are known for.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
No one should feel superior because his state has only a 23% obesity rate. 23% is way too high also.
The only question should be how can we lose all that weight. It’s an individual problem and only individuals can solve their problem.
This constant ranking of states is somewhat misleading. You can find a great variety of attributes within the states and within cities.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
No one should feel superior because his state has only a 23% obesity rate. 23% is way too high also.
The only question should be how can we lose all that weight. It’s an individual problem and only individuals can solve their problem.
This constant ranking of states is somewhat misleading. You can find a great variety of attributes within the states and within cities.
In the beginning God told Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, and Evangelicals have ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
It was the tree of the knowledge of good vs. evil, in other words it was dualistic thinking that brought all their troubles. Everything is good by default but they went and allowed the concept of evil into their thinking and there’s been the sensation of fear and unhappiness ever since.
It was Eve’s fault, damn it.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 18, 2019:
It was the tree of the knowledge of good vs. evil, in other words it was dualistic thinking that brought all their troubles. Everything is good by default but they went and allowed the concept of evil into their thinking and there’s been the sensation of fear and unhappiness ever since.
It was Eve’s fault, damn it.
I know this has been said in similar ways many times, but had to respond to a Christian proselytizer...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
You nailed it. Very well said.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
You nailed it. Very well said.
Does anyone here worry or care about the ripples their actions make, or are you more of a boulder ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
I try to live a good life but there will always be mistakes. I try not to worry about those mistakes and to go with the flow
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
I try to live a good life but there will always be mistakes. I try not to worry about those mistakes and to go with the flow
For you, what makes a place homey?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
An air conditioner.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
An air conditioner.
What is it that makes holy water holy.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
All water is holy. Everything is holy.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
All water is holy. Everything is holy.
I am not an atheist.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
Way too much energy is expended arguing about belief. If someone tells you something that seems untrue, of course you have no choice but to disbelieve, but belief and disbelief are nothing but personal value judgments, emotions of no universal significance.
There’s no such thing as an airtight proof because all logical systems are based on assumptions and definitions. Ultimately we base our judgments on intuitive, gut feelings. It is inevitable that different people will have different feelings and opinions. It is just a characteristic of human nature—no need to divide up into groups and attack each other.
To ask whether God exists is to ask a question about ultimate reality beyond our human sense-world, which is only symbolic. Questions framed from the human perspective might have no meaning from a cosmic perspective. For example, the meaning of existence is not understood. Modern physics says there are no “things”. Particles of matter are events, not things. In our everyday way of thinking things exist over time, but according to physics time is an illusion.
No one understands conscious awareness which frames our every experience, but somehow our consciousness has to be figured into the God question. Reality is a profound mystery, and for me the most rational response is not belief or disbelief but utter bewilderment.
I have said the same thing here over and over. Perhaps it is time to withdraw.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 17, 2019:
Way too much energy is expended arguing about belief. If someone tells you something that seems untrue, of course you have no choice but to disbelieve, but belief and disbelief are nothing but personal value judgments, emotions of no universal significance.
There’s no such thing as an airtight proof because all logical systems are based on assumptions and definitions. Ultimately we base our judgments on intuitive, gut feelings. It is inevitable that different people will have different feelings and opinions. It is just a characteristic of human nature—no need to divide up into groups and attack each other.
To ask whether God exists is to ask a question about ultimate reality beyond our human sense-world, which is only symbolic. Questions framed from the human perspective might have no meaning from a cosmic perspective. For example, the meaning of existence is not understood. Modern physics says there are no “things”. Particles of matter are events, not things. In our everyday way of thinking things exist over time, but according to physics time is an illusion.
No one understands conscious awareness which frames our every experience, but somehow our consciousness has to be figured into the God question. Reality is a profound mystery, and for me the most rational response is not belief or disbelief but utter bewilderment.
I have said the same thing here over and over. Perhaps it is time to withdraw.
Where do myths come from?
[facebook.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
Very interesting video. I admire Campbell but in this case I don’t understand what myth has to do with the woman’s dream. As an expression of unconscious knowledge, yes, but is that myth? Maybe someone can help me here.
I think of storytelling as an art form, and storytelling must have been very important to ancient tribes before there was written language. A person might create an elaborate story simply to entertain and amuse his fellow tribesmen. As a form of art the story would be an expression of thoughts and emotions deemed valuable and worthy of preservation. I envision children around the fire becoming very excited by the stories, and of course some of them would take the stories as truth. I can see that the stories would spring from the unconscious, but it would take generations of retelling for them to become part of the tribe’s culture of myths.
I wonder if what we think of as religion is really a collection of artistic expressions springing from the unconscious. Artistic expressions are not usually intended as an explanation for nature, and belief or disbelief should not apply. When we experience a work of art, the object is to be stirred on a deep level—to resonate mentally and emotionally.
If someone wants you to believe or disbelieve a work of art they are missing the true meaning and seeing only superficial mechanisms.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
Very interesting video. I admire Campbell but in this case I don’t understand what myth has to do with the woman’s dream. As an expression of unconscious knowledge, yes, but is that myth? Maybe someone can help me here.
I think of storytelling as an art form, and storytelling must have been very important to ancient tribes before there was written language. A person might create an elaborate story simply to entertain and amuse his fellow tribesmen. As a form of art the story would be an expression of thoughts and emotions deemed valuable and worthy of preservation. I envision children around the fire becoming very excited by the stories, and of course some of them would take the stories as truth. I can see that the stories would spring from the unconscious, but it would take generations of retelling for them to become part of the tribe’s culture of myths.
I wonder if what we think of as religion is really a collection of artistic expressions springing from the unconscious. Artistic expressions are not usually intended as an explanation for nature, and belief or disbelief should not apply. When we experience a work of art, the object is to be stirred on a deep level—to resonate mentally and emotionally.
If someone wants you to believe or disbelieve a work of art they are missing the true meaning and seeing only superficial mechanisms.
Technology may seem to be the enemy cz it continuously and successfuly replaces humans.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
I fully agree. If viewed from an overall perspective having to do work is a liability, not an asset.
The only problem to be overcome is the distribution of goods and services so that each person has at least a subsistence income. That could be achieved through state capitalism such as is enjoyed by Norway, and also China to some degree.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
I fully agree. If viewed from an overall perspective having to do work is a liability, not an asset.
The only problem to be overcome is the distribution of goods and services so that each person has at least a subsistence income. That could be achieved through state capitalism such as is enjoyed by Norway, and also China to some degree.
Religion is the most hideous invention in the history of Mankind.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
“This is what children do, and if they do not grow out of it, they will become schizophrenic”
A false statement. A cousin of mine died in his nineties and he was very religious for his whole life. Never once was he schizophrenic. It only takes one case to disprove a general statement like you have made.
He was also a business owner and was not docile and easily used by “the capitalist managers”.
Such sweeping claims need to be backed up with scientific studies. Do you have sources?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
“This is what children do, and if they do not grow out of it, they will become schizophrenic”
A false statement. A cousin of mine died in his nineties and he was very religious for his whole life. Never once was he schizophrenic. It only takes one case to disprove a general statement like you have made.
He was also a business owner and was not docile and easily used by “the capitalist managers”.
Such sweeping claims need to be backed up with scientific studies. Do you have sources?
Damn clever those French!
[google.com.au]
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
I’d feel very vulnerable hovering above a battlefield on that thing. $25K price, 10 minute flight time, hmm...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 16, 2019:
I’d feel very vulnerable hovering above a battlefield on that thing. $25K price, 10 minute flight time, hmm...
What do atheist/agnostic authors tell you that you don’t know already?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 13, 2019:
The premises presented by most churches are obviously based on myth, allegory, imagination and outright lies. Once a person clearly understands that, reading about that fact over and over is boring and unproductive.
Rather than be a party to a negative campaign against religion, I’d much prefer to read about science, spirituality, the arts—positive and uplifting things.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 13, 2019:
The premises presented by most churches are obviously based on myth, allegory, imagination and outright lies. Once a person clearly understands that, reading about that fact over and over is boring and unproductive.
Rather than be a party to a negative campaign against religion, I’d much prefer to read about science, spirituality, the arts—positive and uplifting things.
There are basically two types of agnosticism:
the first one takes place and participates in the ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 13, 2019:
I try to stay out of the debate but it is not because of laziness. I sincerely think that it is futile to debate about a higher level of reality that can not be understood or known.
The debate is over existence, right? Our human concept of existence involves sustenance over time, but time is nothing but an illusion according to modern physics. Clearly we do not even know what it means to exist. We do not understand our own existence—how can we have an intelligent discussion about the existence of this God figure?
It is perfectly reasonable to point out the mythical nature of old scriptures, to disbelieve the many far-fetched tales of the Bible, to ridicule the idea of hell. But when it comes to ultimate reality beyond the sense world we are totally in the dark and to pretend otherwise demonstrates a lack of basic awareness.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 13, 2019:
I try to stay out of the debate but it is not because of laziness. I sincerely think that it is futile to debate about a higher level of reality that can not be understood or known.
The debate is over existence, right? Our human concept of existence involves sustenance over time, but time is nothing but an illusion according to modern physics. Clearly we do not even know what it means to exist. We do not understand our own existence—how can we have an intelligent discussion about the existence of this God figure?
It is perfectly reasonable to point out the mythical nature of old scriptures, to disbelieve the many far-fetched tales of the Bible, to ridicule the idea of hell. But when it comes to ultimate reality beyond the sense world we are totally in the dark and to pretend otherwise demonstrates a lack of basic awareness.
Anyone see Ultra Spiritual JP's recent video on how to be an atheist?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 13, 2019:
https://youtu.be/DS1icEssOUM
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 13, 2019:
https://youtu.be/DS1icEssOUM
We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 12, 2019:
Mount Fuji has been painted many times but none of those paintings are real. Even if I made my own painting it would be only an artistic expression—just a symbol.
I don’t “believe” any of those paintings. Belief or disbelief are not appropriate.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 12, 2019:
Mount Fuji has been painted many times but none of those paintings are real. Even if I made my own painting it would be only an artistic expression—just a symbol.
I don’t “believe” any of those paintings. Belief or disbelief are not appropriate.
Regarding baby atheists
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 12, 2019:
It is not some grand intellectual achievement to become an atheist. It does take personal courage to turn away from mythical fundamentalist dogmas but that should just be the first step in growing toward deep awareness and appreciation for reality.
Stewing in anger and grievances is like being stuck in a swamp.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 12, 2019:
It is not some grand intellectual achievement to become an atheist. It does take personal courage to turn away from mythical fundamentalist dogmas but that should just be the first step in growing toward deep awareness and appreciation for reality.
Stewing in anger and grievances is like being stuck in a swamp.
BBC - Future - Do humans have a ‘religion instinct’?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 11, 2019:
Yes they do. This is a very good article—thanks for posting.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 11, 2019:
Yes they do. This is a very good article—thanks for posting.
Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says - Scientific ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 11, 2019:
I have the utmost respect and admiration for Marcelo Gleiser, and that is based on his deep awareness and reverence for the dazzling, mysterious reality in which we find ourselves. I am on board with his views 100%.
All this argument about belief vs. disbelief entirely misses the point. The concept of belief/disbelief has no meaning if you don’t know anything. Gleiser puts it like this: “It’s a declaration [atheism]. But in science we don’t really do declarations. We say, “Okay, you can have a hypothesis, you have to have some evidence against or for that.” Gleiser clearly recognizes the limits of science, and he knows that in the face of the staggering implications of the mystery of existence belief and disbelief are not appropriate.
If you previously believed in old religious myths it makes perfect sense to say that you are now an atheist and do not believe those myths. But you have no basis for denying ultimate reality beyond the world of our superficial space/time/matter model of the senses. Because some people have wrongly described something, that does not mean the thing doesn’t exist.
Our very notion of existence is sham from the start, and that is science, not woo. It certainly seems presumptuous to me for us to be making claims about existence when we have no idea of who or what we ourselves are.
Must have something to do with conscious awareness, itself a profound mystery.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 11, 2019:
I have the utmost respect and admiration for Marcelo Gleiser, and that is based on his deep awareness and reverence for the dazzling, mysterious reality in which we find ourselves. I am on board with his views 100%.
All this argument about belief vs. disbelief entirely misses the point. The concept of belief/disbelief has no meaning if you don’t know anything. Gleiser puts it like this: “It’s a declaration [atheism]. But in science we don’t really do declarations. We say, “Okay, you can have a hypothesis, you have to have some evidence against or for that.” Gleiser clearly recognizes the limits of science, and he knows that in the face of the staggering implications of the mystery of existence belief and disbelief are not appropriate.
If you previously believed in old religious myths it makes perfect sense to say that you are now an atheist and do not believe those myths. But you have no basis for denying ultimate reality beyond the world of our superficial space/time/matter model of the senses. Because some people have wrongly described something, that does not mean the thing doesn’t exist.
Our very notion of existence is sham from the start, and that is science, not woo. It certainly seems presumptuous to me for us to be making claims about existence when we have no idea of who or what we ourselves are.
Must have something to do with conscious awareness, itself a profound mystery.
My mind seems bogged down of late.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
You sound like a strong and rational person who can ride out sorrow, persist and find happiness.
When I was suffering, the book “Help Yourself to Happiness” by Maxie Maultsby was a life-saver, lifting me out of depression. Actually you don’t sound depressed.
You don’t have to fall back into your old religious habits if you don’t want to. There are spiritually oriented groups such as new thought churches, etc. that might suit you better.
Just stay alive and try to enjoy the miracle of each passing moment of conscious awareness.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
You sound like a strong and rational person who can ride out sorrow, persist and find happiness.
When I was suffering, the book “Help Yourself to Happiness” by Maxie Maultsby was a life-saver, lifting me out of depression. Actually you don’t sound depressed.
You don’t have to fall back into your old religious habits if you don’t want to. There are spiritually oriented groups such as new thought churches, etc. that might suit you better.
Just stay alive and try to enjoy the miracle of each passing moment of conscious awareness.
Andrew Yang Thinks It’s “Ridiculous” How Some People Believe Atheists Are Less Moral ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
Those who say they are atheists tend to be well-educated professional people of high moral standards. But within the larger group of non-believers you will find masses of uncaring, selfish people prone to criminal activities and immorality in general.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4384046/amp
There are varying degrees of religiosity. Possibly half of those who claim some form of religion are not actual practitioners. Among the seriously religious—those who devote time to prayer, study and meditation, I suspect that the crime rate is very low and that they are indeed more morally inclined.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
Those who say they are atheists tend to be well-educated professional people of high moral standards. But within the larger group of non-believers you will find masses of uncaring, selfish people prone to criminal activities and immorality in general.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4384046/amp
There are varying degrees of religiosity. Possibly half of those who claim some form of religion are not actual practitioners. Among the seriously religious—those who devote time to prayer, study and meditation, I suspect that the crime rate is very low and that they are indeed more morally inclined.
Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says - Scientific ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
Excellent Excellent interview!
Marcelo Gleiser Is one heck of a gutsy, intelligent physicist with deep awareness and reverence for the mysteries of reality. I once engaged with him on the Atlantic Monthly forum. Yes, he has the humility to actually exchange remarks with a nondescript stranger like myself. I was prompted to order one of his books, “The Limits of Science” or something like that. I am very happy that he is being honored and rewarded.
I am not anti-atheist in general. Though I don’t call myself an atheist I much prefer talking with atheists than trying to deal with strident religious fanatics of the fundamentalist persuasion. I hope many here will read this exciting and mind-expanding interview, atheist or not.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
Excellent Excellent interview!
Marcelo Gleiser Is one heck of a gutsy, intelligent physicist with deep awareness and reverence for the mysteries of reality. I once engaged with him on the Atlantic Monthly forum. Yes, he has the humility to actually exchange remarks with a nondescript stranger like myself. I was prompted to order one of his books, “The Limits of Science” or something like that. I am very happy that he is being honored and rewarded.
I am not anti-atheist in general. Though I don’t call myself an atheist I much prefer talking with atheists than trying to deal with strident religious fanatics of the fundamentalist persuasion. I hope many here will read this exciting and mind-expanding interview, atheist or not.
Why do so many people today want to be unique and special?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
Each person really is unique and special. No one needs to strive for uniqueness. We should just be ourselves and go with the flow.
It’s a sort of paradox because besides being unique we are at heart all the same thing. According to the book “Rethinking Madness”, tension caused by these two polarities often triggers extreme fear, unhappiness and even schizophrenia.
There is a balance between the two extremes. It’s not a perfect balance but we can learn to move back and forth somewhere between extreme individualism and total dissolution of self.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 10, 2019:
Each person really is unique and special. No one needs to strive for uniqueness. We should just be ourselves and go with the flow.
It’s a sort of paradox because besides being unique we are at heart all the same thing. According to the book “Rethinking Madness”, tension caused by these two polarities often triggers extreme fear, unhappiness and even schizophrenia.
There is a balance between the two extremes. It’s not a perfect balance but we can learn to move back and forth somewhere between extreme individualism and total dissolution of self.
Peterson thinks we got our ethics from our Judeo-Christian heritage.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 9, 2019:
I agree with you absolutely, and based on what you say I will not ruffle my serenity and waste time in watching the video.
Our so-called Judeo-Christian heritage is skin deep. I myself have been alive for a twentieth of the time since Christianity was established in Northern Europe.
Our human values are rooted in millions of years of evolution.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 9, 2019:
I agree with you absolutely, and based on what you say I will not ruffle my serenity and waste time in watching the video.
Our so-called Judeo-Christian heritage is skin deep. I myself have been alive for a twentieth of the time since Christianity was established in Northern Europe.
Our human values are rooted in millions of years of evolution.
"Religious delusion was found in 2007 to strongly correlate with "temporolimbic overactivity”, a ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 8, 2019:
It’s true that religious themes are common subjects of psychoses, but I doubt if a person can infer then that religion itself is a psychosis. People have psychoses about various subjects. John Nash, for example, once thought that he had been selected to be king of the world. You can not understand from that fact that all monarchy is just a delusion.
For anyone actually interested in a serious way in the connection between schizophrenia and spirituality, the book “Rethinking Madness” presents some deep insights.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 8, 2019:
It’s true that religious themes are common subjects of psychoses, but I doubt if a person can infer then that religion itself is a psychosis. People have psychoses about various subjects. John Nash, for example, once thought that he had been selected to be king of the world. You can not understand from that fact that all monarchy is just a delusion.
For anyone actually interested in a serious way in the connection between schizophrenia and spirituality, the book “Rethinking Madness” presents some deep insights.
Heaven and Hell are a state of minds.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 8, 2019:
Hell is a state of mind and that state can be modified.
Heaven is every second of consciously aware existence.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 8, 2019:
Hell is a state of mind and that state can be modified.
Heaven is every second of consciously aware existence.
Are we the masters of our lives?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 7, 2019:
Maybe our bodies are nothing but dumb robots with no true free will and no conscious awareness. That idea would fit with what Matias is saying here. Since robots have no self awareness, all their decisions are determined by programming. Even if they made a decision based on a random number generator that decision would not have been willfully made, although it might appear that way.
I am led to suspect that our true identities are not our bodies, and that collective intelligence, universal awareness, or whatever is active behind the scenes. “Behind the scenes” there is ultimate reality, the real McCoy—not just our illusory human perspective based on symbols.
There is no proof for the idea but IMO it is something well worth thinking about.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 7, 2019:
Maybe our bodies are nothing but dumb robots with no true free will and no conscious awareness. That idea would fit with what Matias is saying here. Since robots have no self awareness, all their decisions are determined by programming. Even if they made a decision based on a random number generator that decision would not have been willfully made, although it might appear that way.
I am led to suspect that our true identities are not our bodies, and that collective intelligence, universal awareness, or whatever is active behind the scenes. “Behind the scenes” there is ultimate reality, the real McCoy—not just our illusory human perspective based on symbols.
There is no proof for the idea but IMO it is something well worth thinking about.
Permethrin spray repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes and 39 other biting insects
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 7, 2019:
I wonder if it would work on red bugs, aka chiggers.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 7, 2019:
I wonder if it would work on red bugs, aka chiggers.
I know this may sound trite, but people’s experiences are more useful to others than quotes and ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 7, 2019:
Can you back that up please?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 7, 2019:
Can you back that up please?
Can we hope to achieve a more equal society?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 5, 2019:
Each person must be treated equally under the law and be provided with equal public services. Outside of that everyone is both unequal and equal. I think we are all equal in a fundamental way because our true identity is collective, pervasive and universal.
In our bodily existence however there is no equality, nor should there be. There are many ways of rating people but no universal standard. For every handicap there is an advantage. Each person is the culmination of a long line of survivors, so we should not be judgmental.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 5, 2019:
Each person must be treated equally under the law and be provided with equal public services. Outside of that everyone is both unequal and equal. I think we are all equal in a fundamental way because our true identity is collective, pervasive and universal.
In our bodily existence however there is no equality, nor should there be. There are many ways of rating people but no universal standard. For every handicap there is an advantage. Each person is the culmination of a long line of survivors, so we should not be judgmental.
Alabama prosecutor drops charges against woman who lost fetus after being shot
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 4, 2019:
The District Attorney in this case is a Black woman. Lynneice Washington. From al.com:
Speaking publicly for the first time at a weekend event, Washington delivered passionate remarks before a predominantly black audience saying “I am a black woman in black skin. So, don’t tell me how I don’t appreciate the sensitivity of a woman and the rights of women.”
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/07/marshae-jones-will-not-be-tried-for-manslaughter-in-unborn-babys-death-da-says.html%3foutputType=amp
She has other interesting remarks about the grand jury decision also.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 4, 2019:
The District Attorney in this case is a Black woman. Lynneice Washington. From al.com:
Speaking publicly for the first time at a weekend event, Washington delivered passionate remarks before a predominantly black audience saying “I am a black woman in black skin. So, don’t tell me how I don’t appreciate the sensitivity of a woman and the rights of women.”
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/07/marshae-jones-will-not-be-tried-for-manslaughter-in-unborn-babys-death-da-says.html%3foutputType=amp
She has other interesting remarks about the grand jury decision also.
I am a 100% skeptic about all things supernatural! Do any of you hold on to any supernatural ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 3, 2019:
Some strange, weird things do happen, in fact our very existence seems strange and weird to me. Everything is part of nature, even things we can’t understand. To label a phenomenon as “supernatural” is an empty gesture and explains nothing. “Mysterious” would be better IMO.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 3, 2019:
Some strange, weird things do happen, in fact our very existence seems strange and weird to me. Everything is part of nature, even things we can’t understand. To label a phenomenon as “supernatural” is an empty gesture and explains nothing. “Mysterious” would be better IMO.
Social Class and the Stubbornness of Family Myths: How Nonbeliever and Pagan Parents Cope with ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 2, 2019:
In my opinion this study is based on some incorrect assumptions. First, the so called Bible Belt is only a few percentage points more religious than the rest of the country. Why would you zero in on the South with your study and ignore proselytizing that occurs in other sections? There’s the fact that the South has a higher percentage of evangelicals, yes, but by no means do all of them live in the South. Most live in other places. But why focus on evangelicals in the first place? Catholics, for example, also proselytize. I’m led to think McClure has a personal agenda.
There’s that untrue statement that the evangelical movement began in the South at the end of the Civil War. The most recent evangelical movement began in Britain and spread worldwide. In this country the movement began in New England, and it was well before the Civil War.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism
The trappings of a scientific study are there but alarm bells are going off in my mind. I don’t see much of an analysis of how this alleged coping is done, just repetition after repetition of the grievances. Only a tiny percentage of people say they’re Pagan, yet a huge portion of the study is devoted to Pagans. Could Amy L. McClure be a Pagan?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 2, 2019:
In my opinion this study is based on some incorrect assumptions. First, the so called Bible Belt is only a few percentage points more religious than the rest of the country. Why would you zero in on the South with your study and ignore proselytizing that occurs in other sections? There’s the fact that the South has a higher percentage of evangelicals, yes, but by no means do all of them live in the South. Most live in other places. But why focus on evangelicals in the first place? Catholics, for example, also proselytize. I’m led to think McClure has a personal agenda.
There’s that untrue statement that the evangelical movement began in the South at the end of the Civil War. The most recent evangelical movement began in Britain and spread worldwide. In this country the movement began in New England, and it was well before the Civil War.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism
The trappings of a scientific study are there but alarm bells are going off in my mind. I don’t see much of an analysis of how this alleged coping is done, just repetition after repetition of the grievances. Only a tiny percentage of people say they’re Pagan, yet a huge portion of the study is devoted to Pagans. Could Amy L. McClure be a Pagan?
if there is not God, I would like to know where did everything come from?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 2, 2019:
Trouble is that saying God did it is no explanation at all. If you are thinking of God as an object outside ourselves who creates things, you then have the question of where God came from.
Questions about time and creation are based on our shallow, illusory perception of reality as matter moving in space and time. From a cosmic perspective such questions are meaningless. The very concept of existence in its standard definition is not meaningful.
You are exhibiting courage and honesty by setting forth such a question. See “Reality is not What it Seems “ by Carlos Rovelli”.
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 2, 2019:
Trouble is that saying God did it is no explanation at all. If you are thinking of God as an object outside ourselves who creates things, you then have the question of where God came from.
Questions about time and creation are based on our shallow, illusory perception of reality as matter moving in space and time. From a cosmic perspective such questions are meaningless. The very concept of existence in its standard definition is not meaningful.
You are exhibiting courage and honesty by setting forth such a question. See “Reality is not What it Seems “ by Carlos Rovelli”.
Have you ever changed your opinion about an important issue because of a better argument ?
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 2, 2019:
I had to modify my opinion on sex changes after I was dealt a scathing verbal attack and provided with links to scientific studies showing that a few people are born with characteristics of both genders. Their chromosomes are not clearly XX or XY.
Everyone else is clearly male or female and no true change is possible.
I have also decided that I oppose the death penalty. It was after hearing various arguments, but I had no strong feelings on the subject to begin with
WilliamFleming comments on Jul 2, 2019:
I had to modify my opinion on sex changes after I was dealt a scathing verbal attack and provided with links to scientific studies showing that a few people are born with characteristics of both genders. Their chromosomes are not clearly XX or XY.
Everyone else is clearly male or female and no true change is possible.
I have also decided that I oppose the death penalty. It was after hearing various arguments, but I had no strong feelings on the subject to begin with
A "perfect world" is theoretically possible, is it not?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 29, 2019:
Reality already is perfect. Whatever happens happens under natural laws that are neither good nor bad. We humans might assign value judgments but those are artificial. Some judgments are probably necessary for survival, but if you constantly view the world as fearful, ugly and evil you will wallow unnecessarily in fear, anger and unhappiness.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 29, 2019:
Reality already is perfect. Whatever happens happens under natural laws that are neither good nor bad. We humans might assign value judgments but those are artificial. Some judgments are probably necessary for survival, but if you constantly view the world as fearful, ugly and evil you will wallow unnecessarily in fear, anger and unhappiness.
Maybe I'm looking for the impossible.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
IMO your lack of understanding is totally rational. My college training in biology is limited to a single class in botany where evolution was presented as a cut and dried, fully understood theory, not subject to further arguments. The DNA molecule had recently been discovered and biologists were brimming with confidence. It was all a simple matter of random mutations in the DNA strands followed by natural selection. I swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.
About fifteen years ago I read “What Darwin Got Wrong”, a book which challenges that simplistic view of evolution, and which is backed by hard evidence. Since then the topic of epigenetics has crept out of the closet and is occasionally brought out from under the rug, even in polite company.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2010/mar/19/evolution-darwin-natural-selection-genes-wrong
IMO life is a profound mystery and anyone who claims to fully understand it is blowing smoke. The idea of intelligent design is certainly a possibility and should not be rejected out of hand. Breeders direct the course of evolution all the time. Isn’t that intelligent design? The concept of Universal Consciousness, entertained by various physicists, fits the intelligent design idea well. Those physicists were not talking about some magical, supernatural thing, but a real part of nature not yet understood by humans.
Not only is evolution a confusing mystery. All of reality is an overwhelming mystery, a miracle of the first order. The only rational response that I can see is one of deep awe, appreciation and reverence.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
IMO your lack of understanding is totally rational. My college training in biology is limited to a single class in botany where evolution was presented as a cut and dried, fully understood theory, not subject to further arguments. The DNA molecule had recently been discovered and biologists were brimming with confidence. It was all a simple matter of random mutations in the DNA strands followed by natural selection. I swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.
About fifteen years ago I read “What Darwin Got Wrong”, a book which challenges that simplistic view of evolution, and which is backed by hard evidence. Since then the topic of epigenetics has crept out of the closet and is occasionally brought out from under the rug, even in polite company.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2010/mar/19/evolution-darwin-natural-selection-genes-wrong
IMO life is a profound mystery and anyone who claims to fully understand it is blowing smoke. The idea of intelligent design is certainly a possibility and should not be rejected out of hand. Breeders direct the course of evolution all the time. Isn’t that intelligent design? The concept of Universal Consciousness, entertained by various physicists, fits the intelligent design idea well. Those physicists were not talking about some magical, supernatural thing, but a real part of nature not yet understood by humans.
Not only is evolution a confusing mystery. All of reality is an overwhelming mystery, a miracle of the first order. The only rational response that I can see is one of deep awe, appreciation and reverence.
Kamala Harris Takes Center Stage at Chaotic Democratic Debate
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
Harris appears to be an astute, capable person, but with not much Black African ancestry. As a politician though she can be expected to play that smidgen to the hilt. I’m surprised that she was relegated to a segregated Black school as a child in California.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
Harris appears to be an astute, capable person, but with not much Black African ancestry. As a politician though she can be expected to play that smidgen to the hilt. I’m surprised that she was relegated to a segregated Black school as a child in California.
The country cannot rely on states to legislate themselves when it come to Civil Rights.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
IMO it is not a matter of reliance on the states. Our civil rights are enshrined in the US constitution and states can not legally circumvent the constitution. I’m not convinced that politicians at the national level are more benevolent than those at the state level and can be better relied upon.
It helps to a degree to make laws, but for real progress we need awareness—awareness of the inherent dignity, beauty and value of every person. Focusing on sectionalism will get us nowhere. For that matter, screaming at other people about their racism will not make them change.
It’s a personal thing. Lead by example. It’s not about Florida, Georgia or New Mexico.
https://www.google.com/search?q=racism+in+new+mexico&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us=safari#ip=1
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
IMO it is not a matter of reliance on the states. Our civil rights are enshrined in the US constitution and states can not legally circumvent the constitution. I’m not convinced that politicians at the national level are more benevolent than those at the state level and can be better relied upon.
It helps to a degree to make laws, but for real progress we need awareness—awareness of the inherent dignity, beauty and value of every person. Focusing on sectionalism will get us nowhere. For that matter, screaming at other people about their racism will not make them change.
It’s a personal thing. Lead by example. It’s not about Florida, Georgia or New Mexico.
https://www.google.com/search?q=racism+in+new+mexico&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us=safari#ip=1
Christianity is a fraud religion since it is based on two events that never happened; a virgin birth...
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
It is easy to see that the dogmas of Christianity as propagated by Churches are false or mythical in nature and should not be taken literally—there’s no need to wallow in the fact, to say it over and over, because almost all discerning people agree. Even Jesus himself is reported to have said that he was not a lord but a brother. Apparently Jesus was not a Christian.
The actual teachings of Jesus as written have merit IMO. Even if Jesus never existed, someone wrote those parables and sermons and there is no harm in looking at them.
When presented with the staggering implications of the mystery of existence, the appropriate response is not belief or disbelief in some dogma or other. An aware person is smitten with a sense of deep awe, appreciation and reverence. His holy scripture is nature itself.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 28, 2019:
It is easy to see that the dogmas of Christianity as propagated by Churches are false or mythical in nature and should not be taken literally—there’s no need to wallow in the fact, to say it over and over, because almost all discerning people agree. Even Jesus himself is reported to have said that he was not a lord but a brother. Apparently Jesus was not a Christian.
The actual teachings of Jesus as written have merit IMO. Even if Jesus never existed, someone wrote those parables and sermons and there is no harm in looking at them.
When presented with the staggering implications of the mystery of existence, the appropriate response is not belief or disbelief in some dogma or other. An aware person is smitten with a sense of deep awe, appreciation and reverence. His holy scripture is nature itself.
If a rude older person’s rudeness can be justified by being old how old do we have to be before we...
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 26, 2019:
Blunt statements are not necessarily rude. As I become older I am less timid and deferring because I have little to lose at this point.
So far as actual rudeness, age is no excuse. It doesn’t take much brains just to stay above ground, and being above ground is nothing to crow about or to feel superior over.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 26, 2019:
Blunt statements are not necessarily rude. As I become older I am less timid and deferring because I have little to lose at this point.
So far as actual rudeness, age is no excuse. It doesn’t take much brains just to stay above ground, and being above ground is nothing to crow about or to feel superior over.
Is the universe infinite?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 25, 2019:
According to quantum gravity theory space is not the smooth infinite expanse that we think. Space consists of a finite number of granules of planck length size. Whenever we formulate questions involving distance or location we are basing our questions on our limited way of perceiving reality, the model of matter moving through space and time. Such questions are meaningless and have no answers at the cosmic level.
It’s very intriguing and puzzling. No one understands ultimate reality beyond the senses.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 25, 2019:
According to quantum gravity theory space is not the smooth infinite expanse that we think. Space consists of a finite number of granules of planck length size. Whenever we formulate questions involving distance or location we are basing our questions on our limited way of perceiving reality, the model of matter moving through space and time. Such questions are meaningless and have no answers at the cosmic level.
It’s very intriguing and puzzling. No one understands ultimate reality beyond the senses.
At Long Last, Greece Will Finally Get Rid of Its Blasphemy Laws | Hemant Mehta | Friendly Atheist | ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Great! Now if Massachusetts would follow suit I’d breath a lot easier.
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section36
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Great! Now if Massachusetts would follow suit I’d breath a lot easier.
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section36
Two things you could not live without
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 24, 2019:
Conscious awareness. Without consciousness my body might live but it wouldn’t be me.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 24, 2019:
Conscious awareness. Without consciousness my body might live but it wouldn’t be me.
Find the constant (.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
Here’s one for you:
A 12 foot ladder is leaning against a wall and is pushed against a 4 foot cubic box, touching it along one edge. The floor is level, wall vertical.
How high up the wall does the ladder extend?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
Here’s one for you:
A 12 foot ladder is leaning against a wall and is pushed against a 4 foot cubic box, touching it along one edge. The floor is level, wall vertical.
How high up the wall does the ladder extend?
Find the constant (.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
I get C=1.09144
First number in sequence is 0.6180
Last number in sequence is 1.6180
Nice problem.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
I get C=1.09144
First number in sequence is 0.6180
Last number in sequence is 1.6180
Nice problem.
From your personal experience, are some people simply not wired (say, neurologically or ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
I don’t think belief or disbelief are very important, and those words are not a good way to describe a person.
There are many ideas and concepts that we think about and discuss, ideas very worthy but probably not provable. We might lean toward belief or disbelief without knowing for sure.
If someone leans toward belief in some phenomenon and we lean toward disbelief, it is tempting to dismiss their views by saying that they were born with genetic traits that cause them to believe. That way we don’t have to actually address the issue.
Very often people who profess disbelief in religion have their own set of questionable and unproven beliefs in other things.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
I don’t think belief or disbelief are very important, and those words are not a good way to describe a person.
There are many ideas and concepts that we think about and discuss, ideas very worthy but probably not provable. We might lean toward belief or disbelief without knowing for sure.
If someone leans toward belief in some phenomenon and we lean toward disbelief, it is tempting to dismiss their views by saying that they were born with genetic traits that cause them to believe. That way we don’t have to actually address the issue.
Very often people who profess disbelief in religion have their own set of questionable and unproven beliefs in other things.
What do you think about Deism?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
“Deism is the belief in a supreme being, who remains unknowable and untouchable”
The concept is appealing in a certain way, but is tainted by mankind’s unavoidable self-centered presumptions.
“Belief in” presumes that we humans are capable of determining the truth about reality and thus should form beliefs. The idea seems to be that we are the drivers, forging ahead with our science, destined to learn and understand everything that is. Deism meshed well with nineteenth century science—with determinism, materialism, with reductionism. Since then science has brought us face to face with a startling fact:: reality is not the way it seems and our most basic perception of reality is illusion.
The notion that there is a “supreme being” is itself a rather presumptuous idea. Being in what sense? We fancy that we know what it means to exist. We see trees and houses and planets and live as though those objects of our senses were “real things”. We have that built-in mental model of matter moving through space and time, and we try to stamp all of reality with our artificial organizational system. There are no “things”.
To label the supposed being as “supreme” means that we are treating the thing as an object, outside and beyond ourselves, “unknowable and untouchable”. The unstated assumption is that our own existence is known and understood. The unnerving fact is that we don’t actually know who or what we are. We seem to have conscious awareness and free will but are totally baffled as to what that means.
A bafflist, that’s what I am.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 23, 2019:
“Deism is the belief in a supreme being, who remains unknowable and untouchable”
The concept is appealing in a certain way, but is tainted by mankind’s unavoidable self-centered presumptions.
“Belief in” presumes that we humans are capable of determining the truth about reality and thus should form beliefs. The idea seems to be that we are the drivers, forging ahead with our science, destined to learn and understand everything that is. Deism meshed well with nineteenth century science—with determinism, materialism, with reductionism. Since then science has brought us face to face with a startling fact:: reality is not the way it seems and our most basic perception of reality is illusion.
The notion that there is a “supreme being” is itself a rather presumptuous idea. Being in what sense? We fancy that we know what it means to exist. We see trees and houses and planets and live as though those objects of our senses were “real things”. We have that built-in mental model of matter moving through space and time, and we try to stamp all of reality with our artificial organizational system. There are no “things”.
To label the supposed being as “supreme” means that we are treating the thing as an object, outside and beyond ourselves, “unknowable and untouchable”. The unstated assumption is that our own existence is known and understood. The unnerving fact is that we don’t actually know who or what we are. We seem to have conscious awareness and free will but are totally baffled as to what that means.
A bafflist, that’s what I am.
Two Questions??
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 22, 2019:
Buried the dog with honors.
If time and energy permit I hope to perform a dramatic and joyful self-cremation, thereby depriving the funeral industry of their insane fees—also the medical mafia. It’ll also be a slap in the face to our bureaucratic overlords.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 22, 2019:
Buried the dog with honors.
If time and energy permit I hope to perform a dramatic and joyful self-cremation, thereby depriving the funeral industry of their insane fees—also the medical mafia. It’ll also be a slap in the face to our bureaucratic overlords.
Have you ever had anything that could be termed miraculous happen to you?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 22, 2019:
I’m with you on this. There’s something going on here and it can not be explained in ordinary terms.
Every second of conscious awareness is a profound miracle.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 22, 2019:
I’m with you on this. There’s something going on here and it can not be explained in ordinary terms.
Every second of conscious awareness is a profound miracle.
[youtu.be]
This is an intetesting take on religion.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 22, 2019:
98% of people saved by life guards are poor swimmers. This proves beyond doubt that life guards cause poor swimming and we need to eliminate life guards.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 22, 2019:
98% of people saved by life guards are poor swimmers. This proves beyond doubt that life guards cause poor swimming and we need to eliminate life guards.
Have any of you tried vedantism?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 21, 2019:
I have not made detailed studies of advaita or other schools of Hindu thought but I have read some of the Upanishads several times and I have read the Bhagavad Gita several times. The basic ideas of advaita appeal to me very much on an intuitive level. Atman, our true and higher self is one with Brahman, Ultimate Reality. The physical universe of our perception is illusion. Through meditation we experience pure consciousness which is our true self.
Under the concept of Moksha we should not strive for happiness in the afterlife. If we become aware of our identity as Brahman we will be in heaven in this life and forever.
Those ideas come forth in the Transcendental Movement in the US and they are expressed in New Thought religions. When physicists speak of Universal Consciousness I think they are talking about advaita.
Yes, it’s interesting and amazing that people thousands of years ago had such a sophisticated philosophy and were thinking about the deep questions of existence. According to the Wikipedia article the founders of the advaita school did not consider advaita to be religion, but philosophical insight, and I see it that way also. There’s meat there that also feeds scientific inquiry.
“I go into the Upanishads to ask questions.”
Niels Bohr
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 21, 2019:
I have not made detailed studies of advaita or other schools of Hindu thought but I have read some of the Upanishads several times and I have read the Bhagavad Gita several times. The basic ideas of advaita appeal to me very much on an intuitive level. Atman, our true and higher self is one with Brahman, Ultimate Reality. The physical universe of our perception is illusion. Through meditation we experience pure consciousness which is our true self.
Under the concept of Moksha we should not strive for happiness in the afterlife. If we become aware of our identity as Brahman we will be in heaven in this life and forever.
Those ideas come forth in the Transcendental Movement in the US and they are expressed in New Thought religions. When physicists speak of Universal Consciousness I think they are talking about advaita.
Yes, it’s interesting and amazing that people thousands of years ago had such a sophisticated philosophy and were thinking about the deep questions of existence. According to the Wikipedia article the founders of the advaita school did not consider advaita to be religion, but philosophical insight, and I see it that way also. There’s meat there that also feeds scientific inquiry.
“I go into the Upanishads to ask questions.”
Niels Bohr
Atheists consider religion to be a mental disease which in turn makes them believe religious people ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
Great insight!
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
Great insight!
Supreme Court Cross Case: Memorial Can Stand On Public Land : NPR
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
IMO it was a reasonable decision. There are no limits to where this might have gone if the cross had been ordered down.
Consider public libraries. Within those libraries are books of art that show churches with crosses. Would you order that those books be destroyed? Also there are many religious books in the libraries, books that actively advocate for particular religions. What about all the books that just mention a particular religion?
The critical factor here is that the government is not maintaining the library books for the purpose of establishing a religion, and the State of Maryland is not maintaining a concrete cross for the purpose of establishing a religion.
If you are troubled by the sight of a symbol perhaps you are insecure in your atheism and need to do further contemplation.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
IMO it was a reasonable decision. There are no limits to where this might have gone if the cross had been ordered down.
Consider public libraries. Within those libraries are books of art that show churches with crosses. Would you order that those books be destroyed? Also there are many religious books in the libraries, books that actively advocate for particular religions. What about all the books that just mention a particular religion?
The critical factor here is that the government is not maintaining the library books for the purpose of establishing a religion, and the State of Maryland is not maintaining a concrete cross for the purpose of establishing a religion.
If you are troubled by the sight of a symbol perhaps you are insecure in your atheism and need to do further contemplation.
Supreme Court Cross Case: Memorial Can Stand On Public Land : NPR
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
It’s a small matter, not worth a lot of emotional energy.
If someone wants to put up some symbol I don’t care as long as they don’t try to make me kneel and vow allegiance or coerce me into belief.
The crucifixion and resurrection, even if they happened as claimed, are totally meaningless and trivial. What is the miracle is that any of us exist at all.
That is worth emotional energy!
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
It’s a small matter, not worth a lot of emotional energy.
If someone wants to put up some symbol I don’t care as long as they don’t try to make me kneel and vow allegiance or coerce me into belief.
The crucifixion and resurrection, even if they happened as claimed, are totally meaningless and trivial. What is the miracle is that any of us exist at all.
That is worth emotional energy!
Atheism in America: misunderstandings, explained - Vox
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
“The government cannot promote atheism over religion, that’s true. But that doesn’t mean the government cannot do things in public schools and elsewhere that happen to be inconsistent with what some religious people believe.” (quote from article)
In all my school years in Alabama not once did I experience a teacher trying to promote a religious point of view in a classroom.
But I took a course in the philosophy of religion once, and the professor was a radical, zealous atheist who used almost all the class time to preach his opinion in a very emotional way. The guy would not listen to any dissenting opinion, cutting you off in mid sentence with a barrage of invective. Needless to say, we students learned very little about the philosophy of religion.
In my experience, schools are heavily invested in promoting, not so much atheism, but a shallow materialistic world view based on scientism. Of course if you believe that reality consists only of matter moving in space and time, you are also an atheist by default, but that gets swept under the rug.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
“The government cannot promote atheism over religion, that’s true. But that doesn’t mean the government cannot do things in public schools and elsewhere that happen to be inconsistent with what some religious people believe.” (quote from article)
In all my school years in Alabama not once did I experience a teacher trying to promote a religious point of view in a classroom.
But I took a course in the philosophy of religion once, and the professor was a radical, zealous atheist who used almost all the class time to preach his opinion in a very emotional way. The guy would not listen to any dissenting opinion, cutting you off in mid sentence with a barrage of invective. Needless to say, we students learned very little about the philosophy of religion.
In my experience, schools are heavily invested in promoting, not so much atheism, but a shallow materialistic world view based on scientism. Of course if you believe that reality consists only of matter moving in space and time, you are also an atheist by default, but that gets swept under the rug.
Here is a simple and sensible immigration plan to address the following problems of illegal ...
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
You seem to be the first person on this forum to even acknowledge that there might be an immigration problem, and you have set forth some reasonable suggestions.
Congratulations!
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 20, 2019:
You seem to be the first person on this forum to even acknowledge that there might be an immigration problem, and you have set forth some reasonable suggestions.
Congratulations!
A question I have pondering upon for some time.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 19, 2019:
Yes, it is life that has meaning, but not just having a body with vital signs. What is meaningful is conscious awareness of the unfathomable miracle of nature all around us and in us. Individual bodies come and go but the continuum of conscious life goes forward. Our true identity is that continuum.
I’m sorry for your traumatic loss. You seem like a strong person who can ride out sorrow. Best wishes to you.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 19, 2019:
Yes, it is life that has meaning, but not just having a body with vital signs. What is meaningful is conscious awareness of the unfathomable miracle of nature all around us and in us. Individual bodies come and go but the continuum of conscious life goes forward. Our true identity is that continuum.
I’m sorry for your traumatic loss. You seem like a strong person who can ride out sorrow. Best wishes to you.
Can Humanism Overcome Hate? - TheHumanist.com
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
Humans can overcome hate by turning away from negative, untrue thoughts.
Looking at the world as a place of hatred is an untrue thought. Thinking that you are in a position of moral and intellectual superiority and that it is your duty to attack and banish hate—that is also an untrue thought. By constantly judging your fellow humans to be hateful, ignorant, immoral, etc. you do nothing but perpetuate hatred. Stop thinking that kind of stuff and all that will be left is peace, serenity and love.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
Humans can overcome hate by turning away from negative, untrue thoughts.
Looking at the world as a place of hatred is an untrue thought. Thinking that you are in a position of moral and intellectual superiority and that it is your duty to attack and banish hate—that is also an untrue thought. By constantly judging your fellow humans to be hateful, ignorant, immoral, etc. you do nothing but perpetuate hatred. Stop thinking that kind of stuff and all that will be left is peace, serenity and love.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Kyle Kashuv Deserves Forgiveness, Say Conservatives - The Atlantic
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
It would depend on the context in which he wrote the offensive word. That word is in common usage in some circles, and is not necessarily derogatory.
There are many labels that might be construed as offensive to various groups, but just to write down such a word as a boy should not ruin a man’s life.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
It would depend on the context in which he wrote the offensive word. That word is in common usage in some circles, and is not necessarily derogatory.
There are many labels that might be construed as offensive to various groups, but just to write down such a word as a boy should not ruin a man’s life.
Have you ever heard about the lynching of a woman in Kabul, Afghanistan which took place in 2015?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
Too painful to watch. I’d be careful about forming a hatred for conservatism based on this atrocity.
This is not about conservatism any more than Stalin’s purges were about liberalism.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
Too painful to watch. I’d be careful about forming a hatred for conservatism based on this atrocity.
This is not about conservatism any more than Stalin’s purges were about liberalism.
Should we all become teetotalers because there are alcoholics?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
I agree.
Religion must serve some purpose to humanity or it wouldn’t exist. Religion seems to keep some people from leading trashy lifestyles, and that alone justifies its existence, even fundamentalism.
It seems more rational to me to observe the world without judgment and try to understand why things are as they are than to wage a campaign of reform. Of course those campaigns are part of the world also and have their purposes at times if conducted in an intelligent and benevolent way.
Radical cries to do away with religion or capitalism or whatever—that’s the kind of mindless mentality that scares me.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 18, 2019:
I agree.
Religion must serve some purpose to humanity or it wouldn’t exist. Religion seems to keep some people from leading trashy lifestyles, and that alone justifies its existence, even fundamentalism.
It seems more rational to me to observe the world without judgment and try to understand why things are as they are than to wage a campaign of reform. Of course those campaigns are part of the world also and have their purposes at times if conducted in an intelligent and benevolent way.
Radical cries to do away with religion or capitalism or whatever—that’s the kind of mindless mentality that scares me.
Don’t know why the idea of humans still evolving is such a surprise!
[independent.co.uk]
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
Interesting article—thanks.
It has become very clear that mutations and natural selection alone cannot explain evolution. What we learned in school was wrong. Something mysterious is at play.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
Interesting article—thanks.
It has become very clear that mutations and natural selection alone cannot explain evolution. What we learned in school was wrong. Something mysterious is at play.
How and when did you lose your religion?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
I am a born skeptic—didn’t believe what was said in church. So as not to rock the boat I pretended to be a Baptist throughout adolescence. After that I decided that religion is not something written down in some holy book that you have to believe. Rather it is a state of deep awareness, awe, and reverence that you carry in your heart.
I still have my religion.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
I am a born skeptic—didn’t believe what was said in church. So as not to rock the boat I pretended to be a Baptist throughout adolescence. After that I decided that religion is not something written down in some holy book that you have to believe. Rather it is a state of deep awareness, awe, and reverence that you carry in your heart.
I still have my religion.
The American Legion v. American Humanist Association
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
With little expense it could be turned into a diamond shaped thing with no symbolism. Or it’d be a great post for a big bronze plaque.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
With little expense it could be turned into a diamond shaped thing with no symbolism. Or it’d be a great post for a big bronze plaque.
"You shouldn't do that" is a challenge. Is "Watch me" your response?
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
I can fully understand your sassy stubbornness. It’s amazing what a person can do if they just try. Sure, there’s danger, but there’s danger in existence. It’s all in what you’re comfortable with.
I had some younger guys order me not to climb my own ladder because they thought I was too old. As they were driving away I was climbing. I recently pressure washed my entire A-frame roof off a 32’ ladder.
WilliamFleming comments on Jun 17, 2019:
I can fully understand your sassy stubbornness. It’s amazing what a person can do if they just try. Sure, there’s danger, but there’s danger in existence. It’s all in what you’re comfortable with.
I had some younger guys order me not to climb my own ladder because they thought I was too old. As they were driving away I was climbing. I recently pressure washed my entire A-frame roof off a 32’ ladder.
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