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Was Jesus a real person?
Rugglesby comments on Dec 28, 2017:
Enter the skeptic! Kernal of truth possibly, Jesus being a very common name back then. Virgin birth = no. Walk on water = no, Raising the dead = no, Rising from he dead = no Son of God = no So it would depend on how much of Jesus of the Bible we are considering. I believe the whole Jesus ...
bbyrd009 replies on May 3, 2018:
@Rugglesby possibly, but my objection there would be that in that world magic is forwarded as being real, whereas 'miracles' in the Bible are not meant to be taken literally except by the blind, as is explained in other passages.
Was Jesus a real person?
Rugglesby comments on Dec 28, 2017:
Enter the skeptic! Kernal of truth possibly, Jesus being a very common name back then. Virgin birth = no. Walk on water = no, Raising the dead = no, Rising from he dead = no Son of God = no So it would depend on how much of Jesus of the Bible we are considering. I believe the whole Jesus ...
bbyrd009 replies on May 2, 2018:
@Rugglesby "So we have to take the bible on face value as written" um, sounds like what a preacher would say, wadr. The symbology is not impenetrable, and there is no wool to be got from the Lamb, etc. If it conflicts with reality, then toss it tho, bam. But it describes reality perfectly, as long as you get the right interpreter, ok?
Was Jesus a real person?
Rugglesby comments on Dec 28, 2017:
Enter the skeptic! Kernal of truth possibly, Jesus being a very common name back then. Virgin birth = no. Walk on water = no, Raising the dead = no, Rising from he dead = no Son of God = no So it would depend on how much of Jesus of the Bible we are considering. I believe the whole Jesus ...
bbyrd009 replies on May 2, 2018:
nice :) i suggest that the Bible agrees with you--believe it or not--and those events have better interpretations than the literal ones
Was Jesus a real person?
Geoff comments on Dec 29, 2017:
I am beginning to have my doubts, whether he is or not, the myths around him are so tenuous the he may as well be made up.
bbyrd009 replies on May 2, 2018:
"*where the body is, there the vultures will gather*."
Was Jesus a real person?
El-loco comments on Jan 2, 2018:
I am prepared to believe that there was a historical person who started the Christian religion. We can't know, probably, so that seems like a reasonable line to take. Ofc it may have been a conspiracy. but I would have to believe in the conspiracy. So yes. Probably. Was there a Mohammed who ...
bbyrd009 replies on May 2, 2018:
And how could Muhammad say "Jesus did not die," and "Follow Christ or be doomed," in the same Book?
When arguing with a faither (a deeply religious person), against the precepts of their religion, ...
JacarC comments on Apr 30, 2018:
The true dimensions of the ark are: a sphere with an 8 thousand mile diameter.
bbyrd009 replies on May 1, 2018:
"Noah marks the level of complexity (or synchronicity) at which human behavior becomes distinct from animal behavior. Hence Jesus could say that "they knew not until the flood came" (Matthew 24:39), and on several occasions, people who take leave of the quality that defines homo sapiens are equated with animals (Psalm 73:22, Ecclesiastes 3:18, 2 Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10). Still, the "sons of Noah" people the whole earth (Genesis 9:19)..." http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hebrew.html#.WujFXojwaUl agrees with you i guess
When arguing with a faither (a deeply religious person), against the precepts of their religion, ...
JacarC comments on Apr 30, 2018:
The true dimensions of the ark are: a sphere with an 8 thousand mile diameter.
bbyrd009 replies on May 1, 2018:
that is a good one imo; another is to put yourself in Noah's place, and the "animals" become your philosophies, your closely held beliefs, whatever. Some clean, some not.
When arguing with a faither (a deeply religious person), against the precepts of their religion, ...
DavidLaDeau comments on Apr 30, 2018:
I don't know but I will tell you this. I bounce my best arguments off my close family. They are extremely religious and no matter what I say they usually have to have the last word of something like I didn't come from a monkey even though I have spent the last ten minutes explaining that we are apes...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 30, 2018:
"they usually have to have the last word" is really the point i guess huh you might point out that @ *dust of the earth,* a different word for *dust* is used, but they can't hear you anyway imo *the dust of the earth*
What are your thoughts on Faith?
bbyrd009 comments on Apr 20, 2018:
it is easy to dismiss Abrahams's "faith" and hence dismiss the Bible without realizing that the Bible plainly shows Abraham having so little "faith" that he went and slept with Hagar. Iow a conundrum is deliberately introduced that is not an accident, yet a religious person would never even ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 28, 2018:
@Athos i would go with "mythological" there, somewhat different i guess. but yes. fwiw "the Oaks of Mamre" = "inferior school of thought" believe it or not "oaks" are...not good iow
What are your thoughts on Faith?
bbyrd009 comments on Apr 20, 2018:
it is easy to dismiss Abrahams's "faith" and hence dismiss the Bible without realizing that the Bible plainly shows Abraham having so little "faith" that he went and slept with Hagar. Iow a conundrum is deliberately introduced that is not an accident, yet a religious person would never even ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 20, 2018:
@KingofHarts but fwiw i would abandon the religious interp entirely, and examine the passage as mythology. Don't think of Abe and Isaac as individual people iow
What are your thoughts on Faith?
bbyrd009 comments on Apr 20, 2018:
it is easy to dismiss Abrahams's "faith" and hence dismiss the Bible without realizing that the Bible plainly shows Abraham having so little "faith" that he went and slept with Hagar. Iow a conundrum is deliberately introduced that is not an accident, yet a religious person would never even ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 20, 2018:
@KingofHarts well i would read that in the context of his peers offering their children to Molech, and understand that sacrificing Isaac was never going to be asked; and even sacrificing the ram is condemned elsewhere. "*I desire mercy, not sacrifice*."
What are your thoughts on Faith?
egeste comments on Apr 20, 2018:
My definition of faith is to believe in something without evidence, or despite evidence to the contrary. Faith is the antithesis of objectivity.
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 20, 2018:
i would urge you to reflect on your willingness to fly on a plane, say, in relation to these concepts. Faith might more reasonably be the antithesis of subjectivity iow
Similar events leading up to the Second Coming: Torahic Law in oil-based capitalism's hand: When ...
andygee comments on Apr 20, 2018:
A little clarification please? Is there any capitalistic country that forbids grabbing the dam when the eggs are taken from the nest? Any requirements for wearing fringed garments? Is there a link from Torah law to statistical chromodynamics?
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 20, 2018:
not meaning to be cagey @ "tassels," it's just that i am not entirely clear on the symbology myself! Suffice it to say that they stand for something more than the thing that used to hang from a "garment." http://www.abarim-publications.com/Dictionary/ts/ts-w-tsfin.html#.Wtoo14jwaUk
Similar events leading up to the Second Coming: Torahic Law in oil-based capitalism's hand: When ...
andygee comments on Apr 20, 2018:
A little clarification please? Is there any capitalistic country that forbids grabbing the dam when the eggs are taken from the nest? Any requirements for wearing fringed garments? Is there a link from Torah law to statistical chromodynamics?
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 20, 2018:
i'd have to ask you to rephrase your first Q; for the second, imo the symbology of "fringed garments" should be revealed, and you might note that Scripture condemns these in other places, "the enlarging of phylacteries" i think. Ya, Matt 23:5, "*They do everything to be observed by others: They enlarge their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels*" (which still does not reveal the symbology of 'tassel'). For the third, i would refer you to Abarim's http://www.abarim-publications.com/QuantumMechanicsIntroduction.html#.Wtom8IjwaUk "Quantum mechanics for beginners," where i'm pretty sure the "link" will clarify, at least in a more general sense.
How do you decide whether it's worth arguing with a religious person?
Coldo comments on Apr 20, 2018:
Never argue over religion, politics.It's all bullshit.
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 20, 2018:
"passing away"
What question have you asked a Christian during a debate that ended the conversation?
WalterWhite comments on Apr 11, 2018:
Lately it has been what does your religion offer me in any real way that is better than living my Life by love, truth, and peace as I do. Oddly, they can't find a decent answer and usually go off on other tangents. Also, I sometimes ask them if it makes sense that an Omnipotent Being would ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 15, 2018:
@Silverwhisper "believers" are encouraged to compare themselves to Jacob, right, not even realizing that Esau, Edom (Adam) gives up his birthright to a guy who literally put on "sheep's clothing" to fool his dad, lol. The Bible makes fun of the religious, in plain sight
What question have you asked a Christian during a debate that ended the conversation?
WalterWhite comments on Apr 11, 2018:
Lately it has been what does your religion offer me in any real way that is better than living my Life by love, truth, and peace as I do. Oddly, they can't find a decent answer and usually go off on other tangents. Also, I sometimes ask them if it makes sense that an Omnipotent Being would ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 14, 2018:
@Silverwhisper ah i don't pay much attn to that to me Logos = Information
What question have you asked a Christian during a debate that ended the conversation?
WalterWhite comments on Apr 11, 2018:
Lately it has been what does your religion offer me in any real way that is better than living my Life by love, truth, and peace as I do. Oddly, they can't find a decent answer and usually go off on other tangents. Also, I sometimes ask them if it makes sense that an Omnipotent Being would ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 13, 2018:
"the best way to give an important message to his beloved children was not to do it instantly directly and clearly to all people." Unfortunately telling ppl truth is pointless, as they cannot then own it
What is your response when people threaten you with religious punishments? (i.e. Hell/Jahannam)
Donna comments on Sep 29, 2017:
THe Church came calling here the other night. Asked if they could come in. I laughed. I said "You, want to come inside of MY house? Ok, this should be interesting." I led them to my table. There were 3 of them. They asked if I believed that the bible was the inerrant word of God, and I reminded ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 13, 2018:
you sound just like these guys! http://www.abarim-publications.com/index.html#.WtDRPIjwaUk
What question have you asked a Christian during a debate that ended the conversation?
VictoriaNotes comments on Apr 11, 2018:
I've definitely had believers respond in that way. When I was questioning before deconversion, pastors would quote scripture such as not leaning on my own understanding or that god's ways are higher than mine. But, what stumps them is when I present evidence of neurological disorders that cause ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 11, 2018:
@VictoriaNotes ha so then see how religion is the perfect marker for people that should be avoided at all costs :)
What question have you asked a Christian during a debate that ended the conversation?
VictoriaNotes comments on Apr 11, 2018:
I've definitely had believers respond in that way. When I was questioning before deconversion, pastors would quote scripture such as not leaning on my own understanding or that god's ways are higher than mine. But, what stumps them is when I present evidence of neurological disorders that cause ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 11, 2018:
@VictoriaNotes that is a pop belief, true, but i suggest that it is not true, in the sense that the Bible is not even trying to be a historical reference, as most ppl approach it. The "mistakes" are intentionally installed to defeat logic and indicate deeper truth, as pointless as that might seem at first. Strictly about human nature, taking illogical human nature into account, iow; mythology laid loosely on a historical framework, meant to fall apart under close examination. "Jesus of Nazareth" should be interpreted "John Doe, from Nowhere." Jesus plainly "hid from" Two Greeks who came to "worship Him," etc. It is Dao, taken to an art form; interactive, and thus much more revealing
What question have you asked a Christian during a debate that ended the conversation?
VictoriaNotes comments on Apr 11, 2018:
I've definitely had believers respond in that way. When I was questioning before deconversion, pastors would quote scripture such as not leaning on my own understanding or that god's ways are higher than mine. But, what stumps them is when I present evidence of neurological disorders that cause ...
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 11, 2018:
nice. you gotta see tho that say John the Baptist, while presented religiously, was actually committing open acts of sedition by "baptizing ppl in the Jordan," in a theocracy? A big fat FU to the man, basically. Just bc that pastor was religious does not mean that the Bible condones religion, fwiw; the Bible even describes him as a "savage wolf."
Do you have some book recommendations on cognitive biases and how to improve rationality?
bbyrd009 comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Best of luck, but see that you might be seeking less rationality, not more for that. Biases come from being rational, in a sense
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 7, 2018:
@OtisJesser none that would match spending a year with some easterners lol. Tao stuff maybe? this is a good intro to the concept--Valences of the Dialectic, Fredric Jameson--but it is dry in places, and spends too much time on the Hegelian dialectic imo. Actually the Bible is the highest work for this, but the symbolism has to be understood, Adam and Eve should be interpreted as "you," Cain and Abel are also "you," like that. "Seen and not seen" iow.
Do you have some book recommendations on cognitive biases and how to improve rationality?
bbyrd009 comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Best of luck, but see that you might be seeking less rationality, not more for that. Biases come from being rational, in a sense
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 6, 2018:
@OtisJesser with the added caveat that logic also produces the "Hegelian Dialectic" (an implied winner and loser; the dialectic that we all understand and internalize quite early; "go team") that is different from "eastern dialectic."
Do you have some book recommendations on cognitive biases and how to improve rationality?
bbyrd009 comments on Apr 4, 2018:
Best of luck, but see that you might be seeking less rationality, not more for that. Biases come from being rational, in a sense
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 6, 2018:
@OtisJesser hmm, kinda hard in this venue, but a nutritionist would naturally have a bias toward, say, "eat your vegetables," that to an Eskimo would be complete nonsense, right. So perspective plays a big part in this. Biases are not bad, of course, they are even essential, but they are also situation-specific. So imo you are really asking the best way to "think," and for whatever reason i am led to point out that a Westerner has a strikingly different thought process from an Easterner, the difference usually being described as "logical v dialectal" reasoning... "...Dialectical reasoning is actually opposed to formal logic in many ways. Western Logic Versus Eastern Dialecticism Aristotle placed at the foundations of logical thought the following three propositions. 1. Identity: A = A. Whatever is, is. A is itself and not some other thing. 2. Noncontradiction: A and not A can't both be the case. Nothing can both be and not be. A proposition and its opposite can't both be true. 3. Excluded middle: Everything must either be or not be. A or not A can be true but not something in between. Modern Westerners accept these propositions (but Easterners do not)... ...three principles underlie Eastern dialecticism. Notice I didn't say "propositions..." the term "proposition" has much too formal a ring for what is a generalized stance toward the world rather than a set of ironclad rules. 1. Principle of change: Reality is a process of change. What is currently true will shortly be false. 2. Principle of contradiction: Contradiction is the dynamic underlying change. Because change is constant, contradiction is constant. 3. Principle of relationships (or holism): The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Parts are meaningful only in relation to the whole... These principles are intimately linked... The principles also imply another important tenet of Eastern thought, which is the insistence on finding the "middle way" between extreme propositions... ...and Talmudic scholars developed it over the next two millennia and more..." "Mindware" Richard E. Nisbett, pp. 224-5
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 29, 2018:
In a sense it is, ya. The Bible will even tell us that "God" does not want worship sacrifices--which are not necessarily dead animals--but "mercy."
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 4, 2018:
@atheist ok, the Bible is not the Word anyway, as It will tell us, and if you hate Christians so much then why be informed by them on the Bible anyway? Doesn't the Bible agree with you that they are mostly "twice the sons of hell as" their teachers are? And they have "seven worse spirits?" Then why are you accepting their definitions, which are a lie?
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
5082gregory comments on Mar 29, 2018:
There are gods of everything. The god of the sun, the god of thunder, the god of french fries.
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 4, 2018:
@atheist ah well they are looking for miracles, instead of the look in a 2 year old's eyes at a bus driver, i guess :)
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
5082gregory comments on Mar 29, 2018:
There are gods of everything. The god of the sun, the god of thunder, the god of french fries.
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 1, 2018:
@atheist these are even acknowledged in the Bible, and we are called to "be like gods" too
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 29, 2018:
In a sense it is, ya. The Bible will even tell us that "God" does not want worship sacrifices--which are not necessarily dead animals--but "mercy."
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 1, 2018:
@atheist "Paul says we are saved by faith apart from works" could = "i would starve to death in the presence of oysters, if i did not believe you when you told me that even though you hate oysters, they are edible (iow refused to actually show me) "James says faith without works is dead" might = "if you trust that oysters will keep you from starving, and your whole village is starving, then why would you refuse to take them some oysters?" But pls note that i am simplifying here ok. Surely better examples, etc
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 29, 2018:
In a sense it is, ya. The Bible will even tell us that "God" does not want worship sacrifices--which are not necessarily dead animals--but "mercy."
bbyrd009 replies on Apr 1, 2018:
@atheist "Why not everything?" ha well you might not hate some things that God might simply due to lack of maturity, say. "Does god hate killing, slavery or rape? Not according to the record!" i understand why you say this, and all i can say is that the contexts for these can easily be misrepresented. Yes, God surely hates all of those things. You know borrowing money at a high rate of interest is "bad," but you might do it anyway, right. Just bc the Bible deals with controversial subjects does not necessarily mean "God approves" anyway. "Paul says we are saved by faith apart from works & James says faith without works is dead! Which is it?" to this i would say that their definition of "saved" took consideration of "Understand I AM," and that they had no intention nor desire to postulate some "heaven" in an imaginary afterlife (Mithraism, cult of Sol Invictus), ok, like the religious do now. http://www.abarim-publications.com/DictionaryG/p/p-e-i-th-om.html#.WsEWFYjwaUk is likely a much better perspective of their understanding of "faith," fwiw. "Beliefs" do not make the grade iow, and, contrary to what most ppl..."believe," lol, the Bible puts no stock in "beliefs." Also, "works" is a really gummed-up term now, too.
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 29, 2018:
In a sense it is, ya. The Bible will even tell us that "God" does not want worship sacrifices--which are not necessarily dead animals--but "mercy."
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 31, 2018:
@atheist the point being that one should not suppose that since religion has been given the field of the Bible that means they are qualified to read it, or interpret it, etc., and there are even passages that outline this, too. God pretty much hates what you hate, whether you call yourself an atheist or not is irrelevant, it is what one does (mercy) that matters to God, not what one says they believe (sacrifices)
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 29, 2018:
In a sense it is, ya. The Bible will even tell us that "God" does not want worship sacrifices--which are not necessarily dead animals--but "mercy."
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 30, 2018:
@atheist :rolleyes ok ty
What are your reasons why life is not just about winning and losing?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 29, 2018:
An implied winner and loser descends from logic, and it is called the Hegelian Dialectic. As opposed to the Eastern Dialectic in which Torah was written; a completelty diff animal: "...three principles underlie Eastern dialecticism. Notice I didn't say 'propositions...' the term 'proposition' has ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 30, 2018:
@SamL ya i really have no idea tbh; sounded good :)
The "god of philosophers." A distant or unknowable god is the same as no god?
Kojaksmom comments on Mar 29, 2018:
An unknowable or distant God is very similar to what agnosticism is all about. So yes ,I do believe it's the same thing as a belief in no God. It is the rejection of the Living God of the Christian and most other abrahamic traditions
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 29, 2018:
so you say, but the Bible forwards "the Unknown God" over gods that are known, and even acknowledged (and have all already fallen)
If religious people 100% believed their doctrines, would they have any fear of death?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 28, 2018:
Exactly :) God hates religion as much as we do, any number of passages could be Quoted for this
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 29, 2018:
@Leafhead i'd like to suggest that the Bible as a collection of mythologies that capsulate Man's Collected Wisdom does also, regardless of one's opinion about a literal God, which i gotta agree can be detrimental too. My point up there was that even the Bible condemns religion, yet we allow our symbolism of the Bible to be interpreted for us by the religious; or "the blind" in Bible speak.
If religious people 100% believed their doctrines, would they have any fear of death?
Robotbuilder comments on Mar 28, 2018:
That kind of reminds me of a speaker I heard at a McChurch. "If you really believed in Jesus, you would go door to door telling people the good news..." She was trying to exhort everyone to evangelize. But, ironically, she just answered her own question. Do, do they really deep down believe?...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 28, 2018:
"If you really believed in Jesus, you would go door to door telling people the good news..." there are even verses condemning this practice
Why do people say, "I have been to every corner of the world", when the earth is round?
LadyAlyxandrea comments on Mar 27, 2018:
How did Adam and eve's sons marry women from the land of nod if Adam and eve were the only ones on earth to populate it? Were Adam and eve's sons wives aliens?
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 27, 2018:
ha, logic doesn't work too good there, huh? :)
Do you read the bible to get knowledge about it, and to be able to understand why it is fiction?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 14, 2018:
Paul writes, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception...(Colossians 2:8)," which is exactly what the Scientific Method was intended to do. Faith is not the bold trust in things that make no sense. It's not the religious platform after the understanding of the ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 26, 2018:
@Kajabla1961 "If the observer feels aversion to this change, the observation will lead to fear, but if the observer trusts the force, he will feel awe. This distinction may seem rather trifle but it really isn't. When the Word of the Lord appeared to Abram and said: "Do not fear (אל־תירא); I am a shield to you," He basically said that Abram should neither fear nor revere Him. The command אל־תירא is the single most repeated command in the Bible (more than fifty times in the Old Testament alone), and it doesn't only state that we should have no fear, it also states that we should not revere." i mean whaddya want here :)
Do you read the bible to get knowledge about it, and to be able to understand why it is fiction?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 14, 2018:
Paul writes, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception...(Colossians 2:8)," which is exactly what the Scientific Method was intended to do. Faith is not the bold trust in things that make no sense. It's not the religious platform after the understanding of the ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 26, 2018:
@Kajabla1961 "By the time the Hebrews had a say in it, the name Jerusalem had been long established. Most likely, the original name, that sounded something like Urusalimum or Ursalimmu, meant Foundation Of Salem, the latter being a known Ugaritic god. .." i don't see them pulling any punches here
Do you read the bible to get knowledge about it, and to be able to understand why it is fiction?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 14, 2018:
Paul writes, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception...(Colossians 2:8)," which is exactly what the Scientific Method was intended to do. Faith is not the bold trust in things that make no sense. It's not the religious platform after the understanding of the ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 26, 2018:
@Kajabla1961 well, not sure what to say there, you sound just like them to me. I mean i could literally quote Abarim saying what you just said. You might search "Jesus of Nazareth = 'John Doe, from Nowhere'" third link after the ads and youtube ones. Iow the sun was never halted, or run backwards, yadayada.
Do you read the bible to get knowledge about it, and to be able to understand why it is fiction?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 14, 2018:
Paul writes, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception...(Colossians 2:8)," which is exactly what the Scientific Method was intended to do. Faith is not the bold trust in things that make no sense. It's not the religious platform after the understanding of the ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 24, 2018:
@Kajabla1961 well, you are basically agreeing with them, so i'm not sure where the disconnect is occurring here. you are aware that Abarim are *encouraging* the Scientific Method there, right? And suggesting abandoning the religious definition of "faith?"
Do you read the bible to get knowledge about it, and to be able to understand why it is fiction?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 12, 2018:
The Bible roundly and repeatedly condemns religion, and is really man's best attempt to encode timeless truths about how the universe works in symbolic forms that are way older than the Bible itself. Who disagrees with 'love your neighbor?'
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 14, 2018:
@Freedompath "Jesus of Nazareth" = "John Doe, from Nowhere" in a kind of code, that religious people (the blind) will not acknowledge, and etc
Do you read the bible to get knowledge about it, and to be able to understand why it is fiction?
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 12, 2018:
The Bible roundly and repeatedly condemns religion, and is really man's best attempt to encode timeless truths about how the universe works in symbolic forms that are way older than the Bible itself. Who disagrees with 'love your neighbor?'
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 14, 2018:
@Sarahroo29 @Freedompath ah well that is in there too, see, that "strong men" would try and use God to make people religious, or believe in some "place" called heaven, none of which can be quoted. Note that the OT ends with all of the religious people being deported, etc. Let freaks interpret for you, imo http://www.abarim-publications.com/index.html#.WqmJ6ejwaUk :)
How to Ditch the News Feed Algorithm and Take Back Facebook
bbyrd009 comments on Mar 9, 2018:
Google+ is better for news aggregation anyway imo
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 10, 2018:
@William_Mary ha ya, they were mostly aggregated in Dank Memes, seemed like, so i just avoided DM. But now it shut down, and they leaked out all over the meme community, so you do still have to prune as necessary, ya.
" Still, social polarization in its broadest sense is the last bastion of Platonic fiat-theory.
mordant comments on Mar 9, 2018:
Speaking only for myself, I do not "disbelieve out of opposite sentements" to reverence or obedience. I disbelieve because there is not just insufficient evidence for religious faith, but none what-so-fucking-ever. Nor am I unable to recognize that there is some incidental value to the things I ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 9, 2018:
"Paul writes that all writing is god-breathed. With this he obviously means all writing — such as the extra-Biblical legend of Jannes and Jambres, which he mentions a few verses prior — and not only so-called sacred writings, let alone the Bible the way we have it simply because much of it hadn't been produced at the time of Paul's writing. In other words: if you can convey the gospel by referring to Shakespeare, Star Trek or Masha and the Bear, by all means don't hold back." ibid, wherein "gospel" is defined quite differently also. "GOOD NEWS! If you do ezackly as i say you won't burn forever!" lol, nah
" Still, social polarization in its broadest sense is the last bastion of Platonic fiat-theory.
mordant comments on Mar 9, 2018:
Speaking only for myself, I do not "disbelieve out of opposite sentements" to reverence or obedience. I disbelieve because there is not just insufficient evidence for religious faith, but none what-so-fucking-ever. Nor am I unable to recognize that there is some incidental value to the things I ...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 9, 2018:
this guy totally agrees, trust me: "All this has certainly nothing to do with church buildings or marble statues or religions of any sort (REVELATION 21:22). In fact, the heroes of both the Old and the New Testaments have much more in common with post-Renaissance scientists (1 Kings 4:33-34) than with post-Renaissance clergy, and unanimously abhorred religious regalia and ritualistic vanity. The Roman imperial machine required its subjects to pay homage to the deified state and its Caesar, and true truth-seekers didn't feel like doing so...From our secondary verb ??????? (theaomai) comes the noun ?????? (theoros), literally meaning an observer or observed one. This extra-Biblical word became used to denote an envoy sent to divine kings or to oracles or to show up at functions in stead of someone represented. From this noun in turn comes the familiar verb ?????? (theoreo), meaning to gaze intently in order to get all the details (MARK 15:47, LUKE 14:29), and from that verb comes the even more familiar noun ?????? (theoria), meaning a viewing or sight (LUKE 23:48). Quite fittingly, this noun is the origin of our English word "theory" or — dare we say it? — "goddery". Theory is literally god-business..." http://www.abarim-publications.com/DictionaryG/th/th-e-o-sfin.html#.WqNIHujwaUm
Do you ever feel alone.
heffenwoozle comments on Mar 5, 2018:
I rarely feel alone when by myself, but always feel alone in a group, so I just do solitary things now, and am content...
bbyrd009 replies on Mar 6, 2018:
you rarely feel alone when by yourself?
Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?
Donotbelieve comments on Feb 19, 2018:
I was more fearful prior to becoming an atheist. Now, I have no fear. I think a lot of the fear comes from the judgement after death aspect.
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 22, 2018:
@Donotbelieve mmmkay, but i'm telling you these guys are freaks lol. it would be a shame to discard the collected wisdom of man just bc the religious appropriate it wrong; It's even in There. The religious are those with a "strange gospel." on and on.
Would you be a better god than the god of the bible? If so - how?
Charlene comments on Feb 22, 2018:
Nah..I'd suck at it cause I spend alot of time thinking about my boobs..
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 22, 2018:
pretty sure God has no probs with that lol
Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?
Donotbelieve comments on Feb 19, 2018:
I was more fearful prior to becoming an atheist. Now, I have no fear. I think a lot of the fear comes from the judgement after death aspect.
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 21, 2018:
@Donotbelieve "For many centuries, powerful people have used the gospel to scare people into submission (Matthew 11:12); the same people who made us believe that cigarettes are healthy, who started every war of the last two hundred years, who turned our cities into traffic jams, and who addicted humanity to the hydrocarbons that are now killing our planet. If there's money in it, it's probably getting lied about. The Christian Industrial Complex uses and abuses the key phrases of the Greatest Story ever told and turns it into the Greatest Story ever sold. And we're dumb enough to have bought it for centuries..." http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Christian.html#.Wo3YpKinGUl can't help thinking you'd prolly like this guy :)
Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?
Donotbelieve comments on Feb 19, 2018:
I was more fearful prior to becoming an atheist. Now, I have no fear. I think a lot of the fear comes from the judgement after death aspect.
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 21, 2018:
@Donotbelieve yes, but being trained to think logically, rather than dialectically--the pov from which all Scripture (knowledge) is written--and studying under a logical thinker, basically turns the Bible into hash imo. Not saying that study was useless, but that there is a whole other convo going on underneath. Paul never said "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," and etc, although a logical reader would quote him as saying that.
Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?
Donotbelieve comments on Feb 19, 2018:
I was more fearful prior to becoming an atheist. Now, I have no fear. I think a lot of the fear comes from the judgement after death aspect.
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 20, 2018:
@Donotbelieve ha well while i don't blame you, to me that is also a shame. Fwiw there are non-religious ways to understand It, and imo letting religious ppl block your access is kind of a crime. The religious are roundly and repeatedly condemned in the Bible
Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?
Donotbelieve comments on Feb 19, 2018:
I was more fearful prior to becoming an atheist. Now, I have no fear. I think a lot of the fear comes from the judgement after death aspect.
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 19, 2018:
when the Bible clearly states "the dead know nothing."
Today - as every monday - I am fasting.
bbyrd009 comments on Feb 5, 2018:
we are vastly disconnected from our primary connection to all other life, and particularly other humans, now; our gut bacteria, but you prolly already know that if you are fasting i guess lol. Best way going to kill candida! Breaking fast with cultured foods is surely good, to establish a healthy, ...
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 6, 2018:
@Stevil brining also develops some probiotics, i guess, but it is better to culture them with lactobacillus. Does take a bit longer though
Today - as every monday - I am fasting.
bbyrd009 comments on Feb 5, 2018:
we are vastly disconnected from our primary connection to all other life, and particularly other humans, now; our gut bacteria, but you prolly already know that if you are fasting i guess lol. Best way going to kill candida! Breaking fast with cultured foods is surely good, to establish a healthy, ...
bbyrd009 replies on Feb 5, 2018:
@Stevil ya, and cultured pickles, who can even find them?
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 28, 2018:
Imo the prob comes when we try to agree on the definitions of "real," and even "being." I was raised to believe all of the "other" gods were "not real," and I am slowly coming to see that they were all as "real" to their contemporaries as God is to us. I say "us" even though my "sureness that ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 31, 2018:
@resserts "see, his perception of "real" will trump ours here"
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
EricTrommater comments on Jan 28, 2018:
I'm 100% sure myself, however I'm open minded when it comes to people who have observed the same facts I have and come to a different conclusion.
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 31, 2018:
@EricTrommater "one of these things is not like the other..." lol i mean c'mon bro, that's the dumbest thing you ever heard, but you respect my interpretation lol, what's itgonnabe
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
EricTrommater comments on Jan 28, 2018:
I'm 100% sure myself, however I'm open minded when it comes to people who have observed the same facts I have and come to a different conclusion.
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 29, 2018:
@EricTrommater a point being that you cannot be both 100% sure of something, and also open to other interpretations lol
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 28, 2018:
Imo the prob comes when we try to agree on the definitions of "real," and even "being." I was raised to believe all of the "other" gods were "not real," and I am slowly coming to see that they were all as "real" to their contemporaries as God is to us. I say "us" even though my "sureness that ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 29, 2018:
@resserts "So, in terms of "God," it exists as a word and a vague collection of concepts that's held great sway over society, but that says nothing about whether God — the entity — exists." Hence why the Good Samaritan--who would not want to have anything to do with the Priest's nor the Levite's "God"--is nonetheless forwarded as a model to follow; "go and do likewise," while religionists are condemned at every turn
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 28, 2018:
Imo the prob comes when we try to agree on the definitions of "real," and even "being." I was raised to believe all of the "other" gods were "not real," and I am slowly coming to see that they were all as "real" to their contemporaries as God is to us. I say "us" even though my "sureness that ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 29, 2018:
@resserts "It just seems that anything can be justified or validated by that method" i agree; hence the importance of "witnesses" "and I don't agree that words or concepts illustrate or manifest the existence of what they describe." yet having a convo even 20 years ago about going to Mars would have been pointless, but today it is being manifest as we speak it, essentially, yes? Enough witnesses agreeing to the pov is what will cause it to manifest. One guy saying "we can go to Mars" = "nutcase." "Just because an idea has influence doesn't mean that what is described by the idea exists or is true or has merit. We could just as easily say that white supremacy is real because it exists in a lot of people's minds, so they've created white supremacy. " well imo a black person would argue that White Supremacy is very real, i guess, right. Where did it come from, if not a bunch of ppl agreeing that it was true? "But does that mean that what they believe is real? Does it really mean that dark-skinned people are inherently inferior? Of course not." unfortunately to the dead black guy hanging from Jim Crow, these distinctions are irrelevant tho, see, his perception of "real" will trump ours here
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
EricTrommater comments on Jan 28, 2018:
I'm 100% sure myself, however I'm open minded when it comes to people who have observed the same facts I have and come to a different conclusion.
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 28, 2018:
100% sure is *oracle*, fwiw i'd stick with 99.9 lol
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
Funandfondles comments on Jan 28, 2018:
I put the same thing down. Nothing is 100% except real things. I think to say your 100% on somthing that is unprovable is like saying you believe in god but you know he’s not real because you killed him kind of thing, or saying you know everything there is to know. No absolutes to things that are ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 28, 2018:
an exercise i currently enjoy--bc i am evil lol--is telling Fundies that they cannot state a single absolute truth from the Bible, and trust me, they cannot. Or rather don't trust me, and try lol, but i'm pretty sure i'm agreeing with you here already, right? There was a girl doing it this morning, i end up having to console them lol
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 28, 2018:
Imo the prob comes when we try to agree on the definitions of "real," and even "being." I was raised to believe all of the "other" gods were "not real," and I am slowly coming to see that they were all as "real" to their contemporaries as God is to us. I say "us" even though my "sureness that ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 28, 2018:
@resserts if a concept is so nebulous that only one person believes it, it essentially dies, and concepts that are shared live, in a sense
As to the question "How sure are you that there is no god?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 28, 2018:
Imo the prob comes when we try to agree on the definitions of "real," and even "being." I was raised to believe all of the "other" gods were "not real," and I am slowly coming to see that they were all as "real" to their contemporaries as God is to us. I say "us" even though my "sureness that ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 28, 2018:
@resserts my reply there would be that concepts *are* creations, that gain more validity the more ppl "believe" in them. Or to put it another way, i perceive as much overlap and disparity in any mutual def of "multiverse" as i do @ "God," and for whatever reason i am led to insert in here that you "create" a spirit just by walking into a room, that the others in the room could even describe with words; apropos of nothing i guess, sorry lol. that we might be at odds in any understanding describes our lack of understanding of each other, iow, not the failure of any creation. Or iow i, who believe there is a Creative Force, can agree with you on some level that there is no God such as has been (overly) defined, and the Bible even states that God cannot be known, "Unknown God." but i have to be able to *hear* you, to agree with you; i cannot agree with you by insisting that you agree with me; or at least i might gain some sycophants that way--mindless followers--but it won't work with anyone rationally. John the Baptist is considered by us to be some religious Jesus Freak, see, but really baptising ppl in the Jordan River is tantamount to *sedition*, in a Theocracy, right? The Bible is a collection of Man's Wisdom, written in the Eastern Dialectic, which logic cannot penetrate imo, hence why the Bible, which roundly condemns religion at every turn, is nonetheless appropriated by the religious.
Well, it finally happened.
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 26, 2018:
be immune :D you know that germx stuff destroys immunity right
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 27, 2018:
@EllenDale when a friend of mine is sick, i make it a point to let them breathe on me lol. Can't remember the last time i was sick
Trump's latest executive order shatters Johnson Amendment.
Crimson67 comments on Jan 23, 2018:
If the Johnson amendment is null and void then churches should no longer be tax exempt.
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 23, 2018:
ha, black ppl should have equal rights too, ya
What is the best bible rebuttal for John 3:16?
Knitfreak comments on Jan 22, 2018:
Sadly that verse does not take into consideration that anyone who denies the existence of the holy spook cannot live an eternal life. They're damned and that is to my knowledge the only unforgivable offense in the bible. I send that to people who push religion at me and then tell them "THERE IS NO ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 23, 2018:
@Ad4hubby hmm, not a fan of what? The Bible states "what you bless there is blessed here, and what you curse there is cursed here," although i dunno if that is relevant to your point there or not. But i do think it indicates a Book that many ppl never even come to know. Fwiw i wouldn't be letting believers define the Spirit for me, either. ps keep that pitcher up and you won't be single for long lol :D hey, Mi, i have a grow in Monroe, cool
What is the best bible rebuttal for John 3:16?
Knitfreak comments on Jan 22, 2018:
Sadly that verse does not take into consideration that anyone who denies the existence of the holy spook cannot live an eternal life. They're damned and that is to my knowledge the only unforgivable offense in the bible. I send that to people who push religion at me and then tell them "THERE IS NO ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 22, 2018:
@Ad4hubby well let's admit that one can lie, only they will become known for lying. And certainly from a different perspective what one says is important, and even a tool that one can use to determine the truth of a matter; but now we are discussing professions rather than confessions, in a sense. Or that might be put better, but see that we are now talking about a diff aspect of "what comes out of your mouth." As to your last point, the Bible roundly condemns those who say, but do not do, and believe it or not accepts ppl like you that might evince no belief in God, yet do the right thing. No believer is told to sway the Good Samaritan's belief system to their own, see, but rather to "go and do likewise." i at least suggest that God could not care less what someone's belief system is, as long as they understand "works meet for repentance," which is a terrible way to say "people who are big enough to admit when they are wrong, and seek to make it right." Pretty sure i can back that up, anyway lol
What is the best bible rebuttal for John 3:16?
Knitfreak comments on Jan 22, 2018:
Sadly that verse does not take into consideration that anyone who denies the existence of the holy spook cannot live an eternal life. They're damned and that is to my knowledge the only unforgivable offense in the bible. I send that to people who push religion at me and then tell them "THERE IS NO ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 22, 2018:
@Ad4hubby ok, no problem, then "whatever comes out of our mouth is irrelevant, our actions are what matter to other people." Which btw is allowed for in the Bible, and believe it or not it is the religious that the Bible pokes the most fun at, imo
What is the best bible rebuttal for John 3:16?
Knitfreak comments on Jan 22, 2018:
Sadly that verse does not take into consideration that anyone who denies the existence of the holy spook cannot live an eternal life. They're damned and that is to my knowledge the only unforgivable offense in the bible. I send that to people who push religion at me and then tell them "THERE IS NO ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 22, 2018:
The Good Samaritan, and the First of the Two Sons both seem to rebut this pov, wadr. What comes out of our mouth is irrelevant, our actions are what matters to God
What is the best bible rebuttal for John 3:16?
AxeElf comments on Jan 22, 2018:
I'm not sure what you're trying to rebut, but if it is the idea that "whosoever" can be saved if they want to be, John 6:44 and John 6:65 make it pretty clear that the choice is God's, and not whosoever's. "No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and ...
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 22, 2018:
imo that should be understood in the context of "change your mind," iow the fact that no one comes unless God draws them is really not relevant to a human pov; anyone can change their minds, unless they cannot change their minds, would be another way to put that iow
Where did Noah keep all the freshwater fish?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 21, 2018:
ha wadr that is thinking literally, like a Christian tries to approach the Bible, iow. Noah is not history, but symbolism imo
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 22, 2018:
@icolan "it's all waves" iow. Degeneration, Death, a Remnant survive, and bring evil or ego (the raven) with them on the next wave, like that maybe
Where did Noah keep all the freshwater fish?
bbyrd009 comments on Jan 21, 2018:
ha wadr that is thinking literally, like a Christian tries to approach the Bible, iow. Noah is not history, but symbolism imo
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 21, 2018:
@icolan boy, i haven't really ever gotten a clear understanding of Noah tbh. The cyclic nature of reality, maybe? stated elsewhere directly in the Bible, nothing new under the sun, etc. The raven that Noah realeased, that did not return, was more central to the story in antiquity i guess. The Christian version is pretty watered down
Noah's Ark (part 1 of 2) - YouTube
HeathenFarmer comments on Jan 10, 2018:
Problems, problems, problems and people buy into this as fact too, funny.
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 10, 2018:
yes, it was never meant to be anything other than a useful mythology imo
What is the non-theist replacement for "I'll pray for you?"
bbyrd009 comments on Dec 27, 2017:
"pray" actually meant "wish" when the English Bible was translated, and this is reflected in the original
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 5, 2018:
@silvereyes pretty much everything that any Christian ever told us about the Bible is crap, lol
What is the non-theist replacement for "I'll pray for you?"
bbyrd009 comments on Dec 27, 2017:
"pray" actually meant "wish" when the English Bible was translated, and this is reflected in the original
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 5, 2018:
@silvereyes euchomai: to pray Original Word: ??????? Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: euchomai Phonetic Spelling: (yoo'-khom-ahee) Short Definition: I pray, wish Definition: I pray, wish.
How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?
bbyrd009 comments on Dec 27, 2017:
why would you be talking to one anyway?
bbyrd009 replies on Jan 1, 2018:
@Neraven well, my meaning was why would you be talking in areas where you can only disagree, especially to a friend?
If you've been baptised are you always Christian?
bbyrd009 comments on Dec 22, 2017:
ha no, of course not, God hates religion, the OT is basically a Book about the failure of religion, the Good Samaritan (Samaritans were perceived as...oh, Muslims are by most Christians today) is held up as an example to follow, and etc. Ppl going around saying "i'm saved" and proselytizing don't ...
bbyrd009 replies on Dec 27, 2017:
@DragonDust unbaptising ceremonies lol. Baptism is IRL, birth is a baptism, at least until the wolves get done with it, ya. Course they never bothered inventing a ritual for baptism of fire, huh
Recognize the Fallacy of Death Centric Western Christian Models [bbyrd009.blogspot.com]
MrLizard comments on Dec 19, 2017:
I'd never known this. very interesting. Since religion is a human creation of the more educated used to control the less educated, of course they're going to use the strategies that seem most effective. Death is scary, make people fear what happens after death and we'll have control.
bbyrd009 replies on Dec 19, 2017:
God never condemned Adam, see; He asked him "Who told you that you were naked?" instead
Recognize the Fallacy of Death Centric Western Christian Models [bbyrd009.blogspot.com]
MrLizard comments on Dec 19, 2017:
I'd never known this. very interesting. Since religion is a human creation of the more educated used to control the less educated, of course they're going to use the strategies that seem most effective. Death is scary, make people fear what happens after death and we'll have control.
bbyrd009 replies on Dec 19, 2017:
Logic can easily be characterized as the domain of the educated, i guess, ya. Imo this is how the Bible is "hidden from the wise."
Recognize the Fallacy of Death Centric Western Christian Models [bbyrd009.blogspot.com]
Natnael comments on Dec 19, 2017:
To add to the article, it is indeed prevalent in western Christian doctrines, however perceived control in the afterlife, has been a key driving force for Christianity for dominance in this existence. All of the Abrahamic religions use judgment and punishment in the afterlife to manipulate and ...
bbyrd009 replies on Dec 19, 2017:
i guess mostly in Christianity, ya; Jews do not seem to hold the same pov @ Gehenna or Afterlife; but of course Israel (the country) is a satellite of Christianity, so it is still implied from that direction, ya
Greetings seasonal and otherwise "Creation is continuous, and never stops" try 300% :)
BucketlistBob comments on Dec 18, 2017:
Oh oh...lol.
bbyrd009 replies on Dec 18, 2017:
lol

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