Isn't it all just Brainwashing?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 18, 2018:

Us v Them mentality and fear ot the other.

Marriage Question follow-up.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I recommend getting ordained in The Church of the Latter Day Dude. http://dudeism.com/ordination/

Word mispronunciation

jlynn37 comments on Apr 18, 2018:

No word pronuncement drives me "insane" or even bothers me at all. Irregardless is just a noticeable misuse of a word that immediately comes to mind, but meh.

Are you all ready for April 23rd??? And you thought TAX DAY was stressful. :P [patheos.com]

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Tax day is not stressful for me and neither is a non-event day.

Would you rather be crazy rich or deeply in love?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I have no desire for either. I am financially secure and have never desired wealth. I want to love and be loved, and I enjoy both, but I do not want to be "in love".

COMMUNICATING A THREAT: How many of us grew up under the teachings of heaven and hell?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Since god is the one and only to make the decision who goes to heaven or hell, I would imagine nothing pisses it off as much as humans trying to make that judgement call for him. It is like saying " Step aside god, you are not needed here. I'll make this judgement call."

Today is a rare day for me.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

It's a rare day for me when I want to be around other people. I am retired but I prefer to just stay home most every day and listen to music.

Does this point of view seem rational? does it offend you?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

This has always been my go to phrase when anyone attempts to tell me how I should live my life. "I do my thing and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, And you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful. If not, it can't be helped." (Fritz Perls, "Gestalt Therapy Verbatim", 1969) A shorter version is "You do you and I do me" and I add "strive to do/cause no harm."

For those actively looking for a companion/more where did you find your success?:

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I have had success on dating sites and completely random/unexpected situations just about anywhere.

Why might a man and a woman who are: 1.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Life's a bitch.

What Are the Psychological Effects of Losing Your Religion? [neurosciencenews.com]

jlynn37 comments on Apr 16, 2018:

I have found none.

What can I do to be a better representative of atheists?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 16, 2018:

In my opinion, just live a life of humanist principles and do/cause no harm.

Atheist perspective: Becoming atheist does not mean you have to change everything about you – ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Becoming A-theist simply means that you now reject the belief in the existance of god(s), nothing more and you can (and most likely will) remain the person you always have been. It will surely make a difference in how you view the world and reality, IMHO.

I just sneezed at work and a few people replied bless you, which I say as well when someone sneezes.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 16, 2018:

This has been asked before and my response is "skat there".

I've often wondered if christians realize the difference between the actual philosophy of ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Very few, if any, christians follow the christian idea of anything.

Lately, I’ve been feeling really lost.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

You seem to be going in the right direction for who you are and want to become. I wish you well and success in finding what you are searching for here and in your life.

Atheism isn’t a culture as any atheist can tell you.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Of course their could be a culture developed based on atheism and probably is today. China comes to mind. There are organizations in the USA and around the world that are A-theistic and more coming online all the time. The only thing necessary for there to be an A-theistic organization is that there is a non-belief in a god(s). Seek out a Universal Univeralist church in your area or other A-theistic communities in your area.

Just got rejected because I'm an atheist.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

More than once.

So, there is a dog park close to me and I take my little dog to the park almost every day so she can...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Tell her exactly what you just said. "I would like to go to the dog park and socialise without being harnessed" and you are harrasing me.

I wonder if animals have an actual sense of right and wrong.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Why are people always wanting/needing to humanize all animal life?

"Friends with benefits"

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Is what I prefer and seek. At my age, mostly just a cuddle buddy but could work something out for more if both agreed.

I was just looking at the Patheos site (which I am always a bit suspicious of) and in their ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

The Catholic church is the largest hospital owner in the USA. Other denominations own and run hospitals and there are many private ones.The Veterans Hospitals are the only one that is run by the government (to the best of my knowledge).

How often have you said , "GHA"! It's time to purge all these thousands of notices ?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Clarify "GHA" please.

I just spent the last 2 weeks with a friend who is getting cancer treatments in Seattle.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Rural, lakeside living for me.

Welp, I moved up to Santa Clarita, live about 2 miles from six flags.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

I wish you well and success in finding what you are searching for here and in your life.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in life?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

This is the only life you will ever have. You can live it one of two ways. The way you want to live it or the way someone else wants you to live it. The choice is entirely yours. Live it the way YOU want to live it and do/cause no harm.

If you are born in Iran,then you most likely will be a Shiite Muslim.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

Here is a question I pose to theists of any stripe and any denomination. I'll use Catholicism in this example. You maintain that you are Catholic and believe completely in the Catholic Church as the one true church. If you were born in a Jehovah's Witness house hold, all your family members were Jehovah's Witness, you were totally indoctrinated in the Jehovah's Witness dogma, you never heard anything about any other dogma or denomination, you spent your entire life under the influence of the Jehovah's Witness dogma, do you think you would be a Catholic right now or a Jehovah's Witness? Hopefully it might get them to thinking as to why and what they believe.

Do you ever look at the random pics of strangers and wonder if they are sociopaths?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Why would anyone think that, or it would even enter someones mind, just by looking at a random photo of a stranger?

Fighting in the middle East will continue as long as the religions hate each other because of the ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Agree but it is not limited to the Middle East.

Anyone want to recommend a good (and hopefully cheap) downloadable tax program?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Are you not eligible for using a free online program like TaxAct.com? There are several for free use.

Are people changing, or am I?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Probably both and that is OK.

Syrian conflict sparked a thought, would we the human race still fight and kill each other if no ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Us vs Them mentality is inherent in humanity.

Long but thought-provoking "If your country won’t even resource the wars with what its own ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

It is amazing that people can not grasp this undertanding.

Animal Ethics

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

What happens to me after I die and no longer exists has no meaning to me at all, will have no affect on me at all, so do with me as you see fit and please.

Was There a Civilization On Earth Before Humans? - The Atlantic.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I don't think any evidence, facts or data has ever been found to support this.

I watch a little of the fireworks coverage last night, and as I watched, it occurred to me that I've...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I just posted this in another OP but it applies here as well. Everything we, in the west, know about what is going on in Syria and what Assad has/is doing is obtained through the western media. I am not saying that it is not true, but I am a skeptic, I have little trust in the media, no trust at all in this Trumpian government and I tend to believe a lot of it is propaganda. IMHO

Air strikes on Syrian regime in retaliation for chemical weapon use.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

Everything we, in the west, know about what is going on in Syria and what Assad has/is doing is obtained through the western media. I am not saying that it is not true, but I am a skeptic, I have little trust in the media, no trust at all in this Trumpian government and I tend to believe a lot of it is propaganda. IMHO

My parents send me good morning text every other day.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Why don't you respond with some secular comments that are not too offending or condecending? eg. Enjoy this glorious day that nature has given us.

With mind reading technology improving, how confident are you that Big Brother won't haul you in for...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

I am 80 years old and am not too concerned that I will be around to witness or deal with it.

Let me try this again.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Whatever happens.

How do you get tasks accomplished?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Either by doing them or paying someone else to do them. I would be interested in knowing of other ways.

I have some good news.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Enjoy your time off and have some fun.

So now that private companies are starting to put stuff in space howling do you think it will be ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

You've been watching too many mad scientists movies.

Pet Peeve It seems everyday is "National (fill in the blank) Day.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Why does it bother you? You are under no obligations in any way.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" I come back to this quote from ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Welcome to life on planet and that is what life is all about. Enjoy your stay while you can.

Is it ever reasonable for a healthy but unhappy adult to commit suicide?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

That is for the individual to say.

So.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

Welcome to life on planet earth.

Comments please.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

When I go my divorce 50 years ago, I was certain that I no longer wanted to be married and certainly did not want more children. I had a vascetomy to take care of the child issue. I have been a hedonist and very active sexually all my life and there is nothing I enjoy more than sex. I made the decision that I would not elliminate any woman from the possibilty of a sexual encounter. I shared sexual experiences with many married woman and none desired to leave their husbands and maintained they loved them, they only wanted to have an extramartial relationship and I was the perfect man for that. To the best of my knowledge, the affairs we enjoyed was not responsible for any marriage failures and everyone was a winner. IMHO

What's your favorite charity?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

I make a monthly contribution to Doctors Without Borders and Foundation Beyone Belief.

How much do you?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

It totally depends on what I buy.

“To talk of immaterial existences is to talk of nothings.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

What is important to recognize when mentioning things the we can not see but do exist (eg energy), is that we have evidence of their existance. We can gather evidence, facts and data to demonstrate their existance. If there are things that are claimed to exist, but no evidence, facts and data exists to support their existance, then they do not exist until some evidence, facts and data can be presented. IMHO

What's up with reality?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

One can create their own reality to suit their needs. Of course, not the best way to approach life. IMHO

Footprints

jlynn37 comments on Apr 12, 2018:

I use cloth bags when I go shopping and when I have to accept plastic, I use them for my trash and garbage bags.

Put on your hip boots, it's getting deep! He blames the sixties.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 12, 2018:

If are going to talk politics and religion, all the politicians need is for the religious to vote and the rest not to remain in power.

Do you collect anything?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 11, 2018:

I collect EVERYTHING. To my misfortune.

Why I am an Agnostic but not an Atheist.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 11, 2018:

I am a skeptic. If there is no evidence, facts or data to support a claim (and god(s) are just claims) then that claim is rejected until and if some evidence, facts or data is produced to support the claim. It is ALWAYS the responsibility of anyone making a claim to present evidence, facts and data to support their claim. Hitchen's razor applies, any claim presented without evidence can be dismissed without evidence. IMHO

What are my fellow atheists views on charity and assisting the poor?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 11, 2018:

I contribute monthly to Doctors Without Borders and Foundtion Beyond Belief.

Does it matter how a gift is wrapped or is it only the gift that matters?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Doesn't matter to me and I don't give gifts, I give cash.

Where do agnostics go when they die?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

As an A-theist, I say no one goes anywhere, we just cease to exist.

What's the one thing you can't live without?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Air, water, food and yo sweet ass.

Being single

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

I would not give up my single lifestyle, my being free to do as I please, to spend time with anyone I please, for anything.

Rules to live by: 1.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

I agree with all of these.

For generations, community groups like the Boy Scouts of America have been open and vocal about only...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Atheism and anything having to do with Atheism is not, and may never be, received with any positivity by the general public.

Would you love me if I sprayed you with pheromones and rose water showered you in gardenia ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Of course I would still love you. I would think you are really wierd however. Why would anything you stated have any affect on my love for you?

This website compared to the Facebook site?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

I use Facebook exclusively to keep in touch with my extended family and am a member of a few likeminded groups. This site is more for communicating with particular persons of likeminded world views.

What do you think people mean when they say they are spiritual, not religious?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Spiritual implies a "spirit" or supernatural domain, which is no different than what religionists believe. IMHO

Skeptics say, “Stop thinking god did it.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Were it that simple.

This has probably been asked a lot but here goes... Do you ever feel shame for being an atheist?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

There is very little, if anything, that one can do to change this situation and theists attitudes toward non-believers. It is just what we, as A-theist, have to learn to live with and accept. Thankfully there are places like Agnostic.com that are available to us and more becoming available all the time, especially on the internet. I wish you well and success in what you are searching for here and in your life.

Dating: what's your ideal age range? How important is age?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

Since I am only interested in friendship (not love, not sex, not relationship), I am open for friends of any age over the legal limit. I can dance with an 18 year old equally as well as with an 80 year old (maybe better). I require the legal limit because one never knows what can happen in a friendship?

What to do now? Blind-date

jlynn37 comments on Apr 9, 2018:

Just meet for coffee and conversation and see how it goes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Texas Bill Prohibiting Male Masturbation Moves Closer To Becoming Law

jlynn37 comments on Apr 9, 2018:

This is just a bill in retalliation for all the bills passed restricting women of their right to autonomy.

This is an important anniversary for me.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 9, 2018:

It is good to hear that you are once again "fully functional". Continue on with living as it makes you happy in a fullfilling life.

Can I be a Catholic Atheist?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 9, 2018:

You can be whatever you choose to be. In my opinion, as an A-theist, you will not be a Catholic but will only be participating in what Catholics do but you can call yourself anything you want. It is YOUR life so live it the way that makes you happy, just strive to do or cause no harm.

Do you stand for the anthem?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 9, 2018:

Nationalism and theism are two sides of the same coin. Both are tribalism and us vs them mentality. IMHO

Cuddle buddy

jlynn37 comments on Apr 8, 2018:

I would consider it if someone was close by.

It is true, being overly clean can actually be bad for your health and your kids health.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 8, 2018:

I do not know how factual it is, but I have read in medical articles that being too sterile and germ free makes our immune system lazy and subject to easier infections.

Never have I Ever.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 8, 2018:

Never skydived or bungy jumped.

When will I stop thinking about him?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 8, 2018:

Most likely when he is replaced by another, and that depends a lot on you but it WILL happen eventually.

If you could tell a person who tries to convert you to their religion one thing about why you ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 8, 2018:

I need evidence, facts and data to accept any unsubstantiated claim that anyone makes.

Do animals have "souls"

jlynn37 comments on Apr 8, 2018:

Nothing has a "soul". At least in the religious sense. IMHO

I'm curious how others feel when they see (or hear about) families with children visiting ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 7, 2018:

There is nothing wrong or bad with the natural, nude body.

How do you watch your shows?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 7, 2018:

I watch YouTube videos almost exclusively on my TV and only at night before going to bed.

How has this site affected either your beliefs, or your relationship to your beliefs?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 7, 2018:

No affect but lots of enjoyment.

Why this need to pass on our genes?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 6, 2018:

How else will the species be continued?

I don't believe my life has purpose, per se.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 6, 2018:

I agree.

For all those grammer poilce that are so anal about everything and just downright pain in the ass.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 6, 2018:

Irregardless.

Is the grass greener on the other side? What if???

jlynn37 comments on Apr 6, 2018:

Sometimes but not always and looks can be deceiving

Here's how my morning started.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 6, 2018:

You will never get your respect from the mainstream religious communities. You (and I) are considered an abomination and not worthy of life.

The only things I like about religion are the art and architecture.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 6, 2018:

Do you ever see the exploitation of the masses by the royalty, clergy, aristocrats and elitists to construct these monoliths?

Does it make you angry when someone gives all the credit to god for healing the ailing instead of ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

No, it has no affect on me other than my seeing them as idiots.

Does anyone else think that the very pillars of religion like original sin, universal forgiveness, ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

That is why theists can sin as much as they want in any manner they choose and will just say that god has forgiven them and they get a standing ovation, whereas a non-believer has no one to forgive them and can never be forgiven so is condemed by the theists outright and forever, unless they accept the proper diety to forgive them of course.

What are some of the things professing christians have done to irritate you and why did you find it ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

The complete hypocracy that they all exhibit.

So.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

Good luck with that.

To many folks on here faith is a dirty word.

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

You do you and I do me and strive to do/cause no harm. I have no problems with that and consider it the best way to live.

Have you ever pirated movies, music, software or books through downloading or illegal streaming ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

I have always done that and still do when I want too.

Anybody have a thought or belief on what, if anything, came before the Big bang?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

There are some question that simply can not be completely answered even though the questions are continually being asked. Fortunately this particular question has little to no impact on daily living. IMHO

Does an non-theist view or appreciate love in a different manner than religious people?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

Obviously so as theists relate everything by god and non-theists have no god to relate anything.

If we found the cure for aging, healthy youthful life extension, how would different segments of ...

jlynn37 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

I would not participate. I expect to die one day and will most likely want too eventually (but not today). Your milage may vary.

Do you love to hike?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

I enjoy camping and I spend my days at the campground hiking trails every day before noon and again after 4pm. I used to hike 10-15 miles a day camping now down to just 2-3 miles per day (thus proving that age is more than just a number). I do take a walk every day in my neighborhood.

How about a childhood photo?

jlynn37 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

One about 6th grade, one 8th grade, 17, 40.