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WHY THE SOUL CAN'T BE REAL -
This has always been a thing with me, the claim that in the ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 15, 2018:
If one accepts evolution while adhering to the notion of a soul (as the Catholic Church has done), one must ask, at what point in our evolutionary development did this so-called ‘eternal soul’ evolve? Did earlier hominids have souls? Are the souls of *Australopithecus afarensis* (Lucy) still wandering the African plains, 3 million years after their deaths? Or, if souls were evolved, did earlier attempts fail and fall short, only living a few moments after the death of the host?
If human beings were to have souls, they most certainly would be a natural (as opposed to miraculous) phenomenon. That is, unless one believes in supernatural interference. If souls are natural, then they would necessarily be composed of matter and/or energy, and thus measurable. To date, I have yet to see any data on the composition, structure, mass, weight, newtons or joules of a soul.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 15, 2018:
If one accepts evolution while adhering to the notion of a soul (as the Catholic Church has done), one must ask, at what point in our evolutionary development did this so-called ‘eternal soul’ evolve? Did earlier hominids have souls? Are the souls of *Australopithecus afarensis* (Lucy) still wandering the African plains, 3 million years after their deaths? Or, if souls were evolved, did earlier attempts fail and fall short, only living a few moments after the death of the host?
If human beings were to have souls, they most certainly would be a natural (as opposed to miraculous) phenomenon. That is, unless one believes in supernatural interference. If souls are natural, then they would necessarily be composed of matter and/or energy, and thus measurable. To date, I have yet to see any data on the composition, structure, mass, weight, newtons or joules of a soul.
At school today the teacher said no one was perfect.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 15, 2018:
If one takes the time to read the Bible, one finds numerous 'divine' imperfections. The word perfect is like the word infinity--easy to say, and even to contemplate, but impossible to demonstrate.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 15, 2018:
If one takes the time to read the Bible, one finds numerous 'divine' imperfections. The word perfect is like the word infinity--easy to say, and even to contemplate, but impossible to demonstrate.
One of the most powerful and empowering realizations I have ever had: life is meaningless.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Nihilism, the final frontier?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Nihilism, the final frontier?
So, let me get this straight. Satan incites God to act without reason?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 14, 2018:
There can be no book that is more absurd, immoral and ridiculous than that of Job! The almighty and his nemesis engage in a wager over Job’s loyalty, and the pawns are Job’s children, servants and livestock, all of which are destroyed as part of the ‘test.’ And then come chapters upon chapters of pointless conversation, culminating in the Lord’s boasting about his creation, including the fire-breathing Leviathan! (Newsflash, God: Fire breathing dragons never existed!)
And so as a reward for not being critical of God during his misfortune, Job’s boils are healed and he gets a lot richer than he was before, including being blessed with another 7 sons and 3 daughters! Would the faithful followers of the so-called 'Good Book' have us believe that our children are replaceable? The ones we love and raise are, as it were, interchangeable?
But the most absurd part of all is this: The almighty is said to be omniscient, and so he knew how Job would react to the loss of his family, servants and livestock long before he allowed (even dared) Satan (who is also quite aware of God’s omniscience) to have at it! Is there any passage of the Bible more sublimely evil than this? And yet, we are told by the religionist that the Bible, including this book, is the inspired word of God! Some even believe that this event—the fable of Job—actually happened!
The most just outcome here would be for God and Satan to get their just reward. They should be punished like the characters Mortimer and Randolph Duke, who made a $1 bet in a game of ‘fuckery,’ in the movie Trading Places!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 14, 2018:
There can be no book that is more absurd, immoral and ridiculous than that of Job! The almighty and his nemesis engage in a wager over Job’s loyalty, and the pawns are Job’s children, servants and livestock, all of which are destroyed as part of the ‘test.’ And then come chapters upon chapters of pointless conversation, culminating in the Lord’s boasting about his creation, including the fire-breathing Leviathan! (Newsflash, God: Fire breathing dragons never existed!)
And so as a reward for not being critical of God during his misfortune, Job’s boils are healed and he gets a lot richer than he was before, including being blessed with another 7 sons and 3 daughters! Would the faithful followers of the so-called 'Good Book' have us believe that our children are replaceable? The ones we love and raise are, as it were, interchangeable?
But the most absurd part of all is this: The almighty is said to be omniscient, and so he knew how Job would react to the loss of his family, servants and livestock long before he allowed (even dared) Satan (who is also quite aware of God’s omniscience) to have at it! Is there any passage of the Bible more sublimely evil than this? And yet, we are told by the religionist that the Bible, including this book, is the inspired word of God! Some even believe that this event—the fable of Job—actually happened!
The most just outcome here would be for God and Satan to get their just reward. They should be punished like the characters Mortimer and Randolph Duke, who made a $1 bet in a game of ‘fuckery,’ in the movie Trading Places!
Another chapter on,
"being embarrassed to be an American lately ..."
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Donald Trump as Jesus Christ? No wonder I'm an atheist!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 14, 2018:
Donald Trump as Jesus Christ? No wonder I'm an atheist!
If a machine is programmed to have thoughts, emotion and critical thinking, plus self awareness, ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to a robot (Sofia) last year. Soon, AI will be designing its own neural networks to meet requirements it has established. The singularity is coming whether we want it to or not. There will come a time, probably in our lifetimes, when AI, having already surpassed human beings in processing capacity, becomes self aware. Try getting the nations of the world to consider agreeing to hold back. It's a global competition, and if it's not the US, it's China or Russia or Singapore or Japan or Korea or Germany or Finland, etc.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to a robot (Sofia) last year. Soon, AI will be designing its own neural networks to meet requirements it has established. The singularity is coming whether we want it to or not. There will come a time, probably in our lifetimes, when AI, having already surpassed human beings in processing capacity, becomes self aware. Try getting the nations of the world to consider agreeing to hold back. It's a global competition, and if it's not the US, it's China or Russia or Singapore or Japan or Korea or Germany or Finland, etc.
An acquaintance of mine who is aware I am not a believer, keeps inviting me church functions like ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
There's always a 'more diplomatic way' but here you have someone who you've identified as 'an acquaintance' as opposed to a friend, who knows your belief system, but continues to ask you to join her, and when you reach your limit of having to decline, are accused of 'insulting' her belief system. It seems to me that most believers, of whom I was once a member, never once consider how 'insulting' that their repeated solicitations and even proselytizing very often is to the uninterested nonbeliever.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
There's always a 'more diplomatic way' but here you have someone who you've identified as 'an acquaintance' as opposed to a friend, who knows your belief system, but continues to ask you to join her, and when you reach your limit of having to decline, are accused of 'insulting' her belief system. It seems to me that most believers, of whom I was once a member, never once consider how 'insulting' that their repeated solicitations and even proselytizing very often is to the uninterested nonbeliever.
Can someone please explain/confirm?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Misleading indeed! This is what it actually looked like (2nd image):
https://www.space.com/41321-blood-moon-mars-opposition-2018-photos.html
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Misleading indeed! This is what it actually looked like (2nd image):
https://www.space.com/41321-blood-moon-mars-opposition-2018-photos.html
Atheist Business Owner in The Bible Belt
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Are you a monopoly? Without customers you don't have a business, and if there's one way to lose customers, it's taking a political stance, which in your case, would be seen as anti-religious, if made public. There's really nothing about selling or fixing computers that requires a religious litmus test, in theory, of course.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Are you a monopoly? Without customers you don't have a business, and if there's one way to lose customers, it's taking a political stance, which in your case, would be seen as anti-religious, if made public. There's really nothing about selling or fixing computers that requires a religious litmus test, in theory, of course.
I just heard the term apatheist.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Apatheism? Sounds like some Unitarian Universalists I know. As a nullifidian I prefer not to get stuck on the debate over the existence or attributes of a god or gods (any of them, past or present), but rather the rejection of religion and faith.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Apatheism? Sounds like some Unitarian Universalists I know. As a nullifidian I prefer not to get stuck on the debate over the existence or attributes of a god or gods (any of them, past or present), but rather the rejection of religion and faith.
Sometimes two seemingly contradictory views could still be true, or at least more context is needed.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Six or nine? It's all a matter of orientation, indeed! ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 13, 2018:
Six or nine? It's all a matter of orientation, indeed! ;-)
The Parker Solar probe.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
And as it slingshots around the sun, its chronometer will start counting backwards. ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
And as it slingshots around the sun, its chronometer will start counting backwards. ;-)
Where do your facts come from? How do you discuss politics if you can't trust sources?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
The disciplines of math and science are agnostic and apolitical. Likewise, facts are statements that reflect reality. As Senator Patrick Moynihan so famously noted, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but they are not entitled to their own facts."
If a person with whom we seek a conversation subscribes to their own reality or 'alternative facts,' they cannot be reasoned with. Those who reject the authority of the consensus of experts in favor of pet theories or their favorite talk show host have, in essence, abandoned reason. And as my avatar wisely observed when addressing General Sir William Howe, "To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture."
Thomas Paine 1778
There may come a time when engagement is no longer productive, particularly if one's counterpart appears unwilling to empathize or consider alternatives. And we all know what comes after negotiations fail.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
The disciplines of math and science are agnostic and apolitical. Likewise, facts are statements that reflect reality. As Senator Patrick Moynihan so famously noted, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but they are not entitled to their own facts."
If a person with whom we seek a conversation subscribes to their own reality or 'alternative facts,' they cannot be reasoned with. Those who reject the authority of the consensus of experts in favor of pet theories or their favorite talk show host have, in essence, abandoned reason. And as my avatar wisely observed when addressing General Sir William Howe, "To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture."
Thomas Paine 1778
There may come a time when engagement is no longer productive, particularly if one's counterpart appears unwilling to empathize or consider alternatives. And we all know what comes after negotiations fail.
I'm looking for thoughts, opinions, and commentary on the following statement made by a believer: ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
The problem of evil is unsolvable, and it is what first led me to my eventual unbelief. It has nothing to do with me, but I couldn't (and still can't) fathom how an omnipotent and benevolent entity could allow the merciless and unwarranted suffering of small children, whether at the hand of nature or other human beings. After hours of conversation with my pastor, it came down to the tired alibi, 'God works in mysterious ways.' Fuck that shit!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
The problem of evil is unsolvable, and it is what first led me to my eventual unbelief. It has nothing to do with me, but I couldn't (and still can't) fathom how an omnipotent and benevolent entity could allow the merciless and unwarranted suffering of small children, whether at the hand of nature or other human beings. After hours of conversation with my pastor, it came down to the tired alibi, 'God works in mysterious ways.' Fuck that shit!
Is chivalry SEXIST???
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
Having been raised by my mother (my father took off when I was 4) and with two sisters and an involved grandmother, my training in the treatment of the opposite sex was female-centric, and included what might be called 'chivalric' traditions. And at the risk of appearing boastful, my upbringing of putting women first appears to have influenced my romantic life, when it comes to instigation and satisfaction.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
Having been raised by my mother (my father took off when I was 4) and with two sisters and an involved grandmother, my training in the treatment of the opposite sex was female-centric, and included what might be called 'chivalric' traditions. And at the risk of appearing boastful, my upbringing of putting women first appears to have influenced my romantic life, when it comes to instigation and satisfaction.
Tokyo medical school admits changing results to exclude women
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
Consider this: In Japan and the US, as well as many other democratic nations, women outnumber men. With a single vote, they have the power to change the status quo, and yet women in these two countries and elsewhere continue to endure discrimination! This is nothing less than male apartheid! For decades I have supported and voted for women’s rights—in college I even campaigned for the ERA. But we need the majority to step up and vote for their self-interest. We need more women voters to turn the tide. I can’t imagine men tolerating this treatment for very long!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 10, 2018:
Consider this: In Japan and the US, as well as many other democratic nations, women outnumber men. With a single vote, they have the power to change the status quo, and yet women in these two countries and elsewhere continue to endure discrimination! This is nothing less than male apartheid! For decades I have supported and voted for women’s rights—in college I even campaigned for the ERA. But we need the majority to step up and vote for their self-interest. We need more women voters to turn the tide. I can’t imagine men tolerating this treatment for very long!
I believe in fluid truth.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Truth is, in fact, fluid. When I was younger, it was accepted as scientific fact that Pluto was our 9th planet. We may fancy the notion that ‘absolute truths’ exist, with or without humankind’s awareness of them, and this may be the case. But as we have no other means to observe and describe the universe and the phenomena by which we are surrounded, we simply have to concede that our factual knowledge is forever subject to new information, and thus, may very well change. The philosopher of science, Karl Popper, noted that "all knowledge is provisional, temporary, capable of transition at any moment." This would, by necessity, include that which we call 'facts.'
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Truth is, in fact, fluid. When I was younger, it was accepted as scientific fact that Pluto was our 9th planet. We may fancy the notion that ‘absolute truths’ exist, with or without humankind’s awareness of them, and this may be the case. But as we have no other means to observe and describe the universe and the phenomena by which we are surrounded, we simply have to concede that our factual knowledge is forever subject to new information, and thus, may very well change. The philosopher of science, Karl Popper, noted that "all knowledge is provisional, temporary, capable of transition at any moment." This would, by necessity, include that which we call 'facts.'
Has anyone ever noticed that most atheist and agnostics know more about the Bible than most ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
It was my last and final reading of the Bible that convinced me that the entire narrative was concocted. I was brought up in a religious (school / church / social) community, where we memorized Bible verses and entire chapters, and could rattle off the names of the 66 books of the (Protestant) Bible by the 2nd grade. And yet, what a relief it was to finally arrive at the logical conclusion that the entire thing is a crock of shit—works of fiction nowhere near as good as Homer.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
It was my last and final reading of the Bible that convinced me that the entire narrative was concocted. I was brought up in a religious (school / church / social) community, where we memorized Bible verses and entire chapters, and could rattle off the names of the 66 books of the (Protestant) Bible by the 2nd grade. And yet, what a relief it was to finally arrive at the logical conclusion that the entire thing is a crock of shit—works of fiction nowhere near as good as Homer.
Ghosts do you believe or not?
Have you had any ghostly, spiritual experiences?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
If there were ghosts, they would necessarily have physical properties and descriptions. In other words, they are a natural phenomenon, not 'beyond' nature or supernatural, whatever that is supposed to mean. In the absence of descriptive evidence, I remain a skeptic.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
If there were ghosts, they would necessarily have physical properties and descriptions. In other words, they are a natural phenomenon, not 'beyond' nature or supernatural, whatever that is supposed to mean. In the absence of descriptive evidence, I remain a skeptic.
Space, Time, and Matter.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"Space, Time, and Matter. Are all one."
According to whom?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"Space, Time, and Matter. Are all one."
According to whom?
Michigan father's jaw drops in court as he learns he could face life in prison for starvation death ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
If the story in the NY Daily News can be taken as accurate (which is always a precarious position for this publication), to call this person a 'father' is a complement the man appears not to deserve.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
If the story in the NY Daily News can be taken as accurate (which is always a precarious position for this publication), to call this person a 'father' is a complement the man appears not to deserve.
This is what I think!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Indeed! As my avatar so beautifully stated:
"I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish church, by the Roman church, by the Greek church, by the Turkish church, by the Protestant church, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church."
"The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."
Thomas Paine
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Indeed! As my avatar so beautifully stated:
"I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish church, by the Roman church, by the Greek church, by the Turkish church, by the Protestant church, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church."
"The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."
Thomas Paine
Here's what happens when religious teachings become immoral
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"Religions often treat faith or even religious certitude as a virtue."
Not merely religions, but society as a whole seems to accept, if not promote, religious faith. Even Wolf Blitzer needed to be reminded that surviving a tornado is not the result of faith in a higher power!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RjXHXIVL9g
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"Religions often treat faith or even religious certitude as a virtue."
Not merely religions, but society as a whole seems to accept, if not promote, religious faith. Even Wolf Blitzer needed to be reminded that surviving a tornado is not the result of faith in a higher power!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RjXHXIVL9g
Don’t know exactly what’s going on here.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"Don’t know exactly what’s going on here."
What do you suspect is going on?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"Don’t know exactly what’s going on here."
What do you suspect is going on?
The creation of life
Because Earth had a gaseous atmosphere.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Too much flatulence here...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Too much flatulence here...
Ever notice something funny about the First Commandment?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
That the Old Testament recognized the existence of other gods there can be no doubt. The story of Elijah's 'cook off' against the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 is but one example.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
That the Old Testament recognized the existence of other gods there can be no doubt. The story of Elijah's 'cook off' against the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 is but one example.
Christianity is the religion of family values?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Similarly, this 'family-first' gem from the so-called 'prince of peace' is found in Matthew:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Matthew 10:34-37 (NIV)
Better that he never existed, than to be credited with such a heinous, vile and egotistical statement. What sane person would insist on forcing the abandonment of family in this manner? Of such values are the most evil of dictators made! ’Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ my ass!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Similarly, this 'family-first' gem from the so-called 'prince of peace' is found in Matthew:
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Matthew 10:34-37 (NIV)
Better that he never existed, than to be credited with such a heinous, vile and egotistical statement. What sane person would insist on forcing the abandonment of family in this manner? Of such values are the most evil of dictators made! ’Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ my ass!
I don't understand the metaphor.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
What metaphor?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
What metaphor?
Howdy from a guy who got his first college degree from a Lutheran college.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Howdy back from a guy who spent 16 years (elementary-secondary-college) in the same Christian educational system. Which Bible passage disturbs you the most? Personally, I was galled by the notion of a divine manipulator and the ramifications for predestination as found in Paul's philosophy.
"It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9:16-21 (NIV)
It seems we're just lumps of clay to be used and abused by the almighty potter! What a crock of shit!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
Howdy back from a guy who spent 16 years (elementary-secondary-college) in the same Christian educational system. Which Bible passage disturbs you the most? Personally, I was galled by the notion of a divine manipulator and the ramifications for predestination as found in Paul's philosophy.
"It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9:16-21 (NIV)
It seems we're just lumps of clay to be used and abused by the almighty potter! What a crock of shit!
God but not man's religion?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"I get "god shots" at times in my life that anyone else would explain them supernatural but I blow it off as coincidence."
Can you explain what you mean here? You've lost me on this one. Thanks.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 9, 2018:
"I get "god shots" at times in my life that anyone else would explain them supernatural but I blow it off as coincidence."
Can you explain what you mean here? You've lost me on this one. Thanks.
I'm new here and really enjoying it.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
The problem of overpopulation is, in my opinion, overblown. The population is certain to level off. I tend to agree with Hans Rosling's research on the topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LyzBoHo5EI
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
The problem of overpopulation is, in my opinion, overblown. The population is certain to level off. I tend to agree with Hans Rosling's research on the topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LyzBoHo5EI
Why are Jews and Moslems granted much more deference (given a free pass) than Xtians in the U.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
I believe it's safe to say that the critics of Sam Harris would disagree with your premise. In any case, the focus should be on the belief, not the believer. I would rephrase the question, using Judaism, Islam and Christianity in place of the personalized approach you've chosen to take. That having been said, the negative impact of Christianity on our courts, laws and even school curriculums warrants highly focused fire, in my opinion.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
I believe it's safe to say that the critics of Sam Harris would disagree with your premise. In any case, the focus should be on the belief, not the believer. I would rephrase the question, using Judaism, Islam and Christianity in place of the personalized approach you've chosen to take. That having been said, the negative impact of Christianity on our courts, laws and even school curriculums warrants highly focused fire, in my opinion.
Do you think most church goers are really "believers"?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
Depends on the church. The mega churches and participatory congregations with their obligatory 'Amens!' seem more 'committed' than the laodicean mainstream.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
Depends on the church. The mega churches and participatory congregations with their obligatory 'Amens!' seem more 'committed' than the laodicean mainstream.
Love this guy. He is spot on.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
Sadly, the effects that Neil is referring to are felt regionally as, alas, the United States is not one nation, but 50 nation states, each with their own government and set of priorities.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 8, 2018:
Sadly, the effects that Neil is referring to are felt regionally as, alas, the United States is not one nation, but 50 nation states, each with their own government and set of priorities.
Who's into debating with religious people?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
These people are exceedingly disingenuous and irrational. They are not really apologists, as they believe they don’t need to appeal to reason or defend the faith. It is, after all, self-evident that God (as described in the Bible) exists. God is the judge and jury, so there’s really no need to prove anything. This is not apologetics!
The followers of Cornelius Van Til—people like Sye Ten Bruggencate and Eric Hovind, to name two—always like to fall back on the question, ‘well how do you know you’re not a brain in a vat?’ At this point, it’s probably better to stop, and back away slowly, and never try to argue with them again.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
These people are exceedingly disingenuous and irrational. They are not really apologists, as they believe they don’t need to appeal to reason or defend the faith. It is, after all, self-evident that God (as described in the Bible) exists. God is the judge and jury, so there’s really no need to prove anything. This is not apologetics!
The followers of Cornelius Van Til—people like Sye Ten Bruggencate and Eric Hovind, to name two—always like to fall back on the question, ‘well how do you know you’re not a brain in a vat?’ At this point, it’s probably better to stop, and back away slowly, and never try to argue with them again.
Defenestration is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
When I toured Prague, a few years back, I was surprised to learn that the practice, as named, began there.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
When I toured Prague, a few years back, I was surprised to learn that the practice, as named, began there.
SAPIOSEXUAL: sa-pi-o-sex-u-al.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
I wasn't aware of this term until a few years ago. But I've always been drawn to members of the opposite sex who are educated, well-read and can whip me in word puzzles and games of strategy, beginning with chess. Without meaningful dialogue and intelligent conversation, what have we got to build on?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
I wasn't aware of this term until a few years ago. But I've always been drawn to members of the opposite sex who are educated, well-read and can whip me in word puzzles and games of strategy, beginning with chess. Without meaningful dialogue and intelligent conversation, what have we got to build on?
Spoonerism: my other favorite word, and means, "a verbal error in which a speaker accidentally ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
My grandfather brought me up on spoonerisms, and so my children, hess their blearts, were likewise 'favored.' Problem was, my grandfather sometimes failed to recognize his 'reversals' which could be embarrassing. Like the time he was giving a talk in his church about his WWII service when he was stationed in Gew Nuinea. Reminds me of the namesake, the Rev. Spooner, who also failed to recognize his slip ups, as in, "our Lord is a shoving leopard" (or at least, that's what the congregation heard).
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
My grandfather brought me up on spoonerisms, and so my children, hess their blearts, were likewise 'favored.' Problem was, my grandfather sometimes failed to recognize his 'reversals' which could be embarrassing. Like the time he was giving a talk in his church about his WWII service when he was stationed in Gew Nuinea. Reminds me of the namesake, the Rev. Spooner, who also failed to recognize his slip ups, as in, "our Lord is a shoving leopard" (or at least, that's what the congregation heard).
I never gave tithe when I was little.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
Malachi 3:10 and the story of the widow's mite were always used as pressure tactics.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
Malachi 3:10 and the story of the widow's mite were always used as pressure tactics.
Anybody previously religious? Which book or idea broke the camels back for you?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
No single book, but I began doubting and reading around the age of 50. Robert Green Ingersoll's lectures had a profound influence. I recommend listening to Mike Earl's readings of a sampling of Ingersoll's lectures (http://reasonworks.com), beginning with *Individuality*, my personal favorite.
The critical idea that I could never move past was the problem of evil. I went back and forth with my pastor on this one, and he finally admitted that 'one cannot fully understand God's plan, but one just has to have faith.' Well, that was a deal breaker for me, as I was beginning to understand that faith was not only a poor strategy, but is, in fact, a flaw in our reasoning that society has elevated to a virtue.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
No single book, but I began doubting and reading around the age of 50. Robert Green Ingersoll's lectures had a profound influence. I recommend listening to Mike Earl's readings of a sampling of Ingersoll's lectures (http://reasonworks.com), beginning with *Individuality*, my personal favorite.
The critical idea that I could never move past was the problem of evil. I went back and forth with my pastor on this one, and he finally admitted that 'one cannot fully understand God's plan, but one just has to have faith.' Well, that was a deal breaker for me, as I was beginning to understand that faith was not only a poor strategy, but is, in fact, a flaw in our reasoning that society has elevated to a virtue.
I'm heading out to Joshua Tree National Park on Friday, August 10th, with my son (13 yrs old) to ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
Alas, I'm too far north, but an acquaintance has a sweet set up out there ... check out his awesome astrophotography! @gibsonpics
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 7, 2018:
Alas, I'm too far north, but an acquaintance has a sweet set up out there ... check out his awesome astrophotography! @gibsonpics
Paleo-Economics Shaped Us Morally - Evonomics
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
Thank you for sharing this bulletized, easily followed article, with which I tend to agree. Peace.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
Thank you for sharing this bulletized, easily followed article, with which I tend to agree. Peace.
Trinidad and Tobago's religious leaders call on government to uphold anti-LGBT laws - Religion News ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
Inclusion of a minority by a majority has always been viewed as ‘threatening.’ It is in the nature of an imperialist to marginalize diverse and contrasting cultures, groups and persons. Religion is an imperialist organization. Thus, much like the frog who learned the fatal lesson when choosing to carry the scorpion on its back when crossing the river, the people must recognize that the church cannot change its true nature. The church, like the scorpion, would prefer to drown with the frog, than to allow both to make it to the other side. Inclusion is akin to surrender, and leads to eventual oblivion.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
Inclusion of a minority by a majority has always been viewed as ‘threatening.’ It is in the nature of an imperialist to marginalize diverse and contrasting cultures, groups and persons. Religion is an imperialist organization. Thus, much like the frog who learned the fatal lesson when choosing to carry the scorpion on its back when crossing the river, the people must recognize that the church cannot change its true nature. The church, like the scorpion, would prefer to drown with the frog, than to allow both to make it to the other side. Inclusion is akin to surrender, and leads to eventual oblivion.
Love Is creative forgiving and caring slow to give up, quick to come to the aid of a lost soul.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
After 37 years of marriage, with the inevitable highs and lows, I most certainly agree. She's more incredible than ever, and the only one I lock eyes with, in that unique way, whether at a party or dinner alone. Love muscles are all about improvements in connection, conversation and attention.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
After 37 years of marriage, with the inevitable highs and lows, I most certainly agree. She's more incredible than ever, and the only one I lock eyes with, in that unique way, whether at a party or dinner alone. Love muscles are all about improvements in connection, conversation and attention.
This is an interesting ensemble:
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
Billiard balls, following the break shot. ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
Billiard balls, following the break shot. ;-)
I've said many times that the conspiracy nut jobs need a beating.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
I feel exactly the same as Buzz Aldrin. I couldn't believe the lunacy of the flat Earther that I got into it with on this very site! After spending much of my career in satellite operations and space launch, to have someone attack the science behind my career was, well, beyond the pale.
These misguided people evidently need to be recognized. They are not content to keep their idiotic notions to themselves, and they long for attention. So let those of us who remain grounded give them the attention they deserve, by ignoring them. And let us justifiably classify them as deranged, or, at the very least, mentally impaired.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
I feel exactly the same as Buzz Aldrin. I couldn't believe the lunacy of the flat Earther that I got into it with on this very site! After spending much of my career in satellite operations and space launch, to have someone attack the science behind my career was, well, beyond the pale.
These misguided people evidently need to be recognized. They are not content to keep their idiotic notions to themselves, and they long for attention. So let those of us who remain grounded give them the attention they deserve, by ignoring them. And let us justifiably classify them as deranged, or, at the very least, mentally impaired.
May i ask you all something why is elon musk getting hate from the left i am a liberal myself and i ...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
When has a billionaire NOT been criticized by the left?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 6, 2018:
When has a billionaire NOT been criticized by the left?
What decade do you think put out the best music? You can break it up genre if you want
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
As an avid fan of Prog Rock, definitely the 70's ... Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Genesis, Rush, Focus, Jethro Tull, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Supertramp, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Kansas, Yes, Camel, Triumvirat, Styx, Starcastle, Alan Parsons Project, etc.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
As an avid fan of Prog Rock, definitely the 70's ... Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Genesis, Rush, Focus, Jethro Tull, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Supertramp, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Kansas, Yes, Camel, Triumvirat, Styx, Starcastle, Alan Parsons Project, etc.
Have you ever seen a movie so bad, it was laughable and pure comedy?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
Irwin Allen's 'The Swarm.'
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
Irwin Allen's 'The Swarm.'
I know that a lot of people don't care about celebrities, some people do.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
There is a universe of difference between being 'celebrated' for one's unique, or at least rare, talents or skills, and being famous for nothing other than being famous. I think most of us could recognize the difference between celebrity that is earned and celebrity that is conferred without merit. The Hall of Fame athlete, the award winning actor, writer or musician and the Nobel laureate do not occupy the same plane as people such as Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian or even Donald Trump, prior to his election. Either way, regardless of their celebrity status, their shit stinks and, when wearing them, they put their pants on one leg at time.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
There is a universe of difference between being 'celebrated' for one's unique, or at least rare, talents or skills, and being famous for nothing other than being famous. I think most of us could recognize the difference between celebrity that is earned and celebrity that is conferred without merit. The Hall of Fame athlete, the award winning actor, writer or musician and the Nobel laureate do not occupy the same plane as people such as Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian or even Donald Trump, prior to his election. Either way, regardless of their celebrity status, their shit stinks and, when wearing them, they put their pants on one leg at time.
Virginia State Senator in Rare Support by Politician for Assange
[consortiumnews.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
That a Republican politician would support Assange and WikiLeaks, whose publication of the hacked Democratic National Committee emails and other documents contributed to Hillary Clinton's failed election bid, comes as no surprise. What really should be the man's career ender is not his public support of Assange, but his unhinged conspiratorial outlook, in his own somewhat ironic words:
"Before Assange, those who 'broke the code' and detected the Deep State’s patterns of misbehavior were labeled 'conspiracy theorists' or worse. But with the advent of WikiLeaks, original, unchallenged source documents have proven our arguments, and revealed the truth to citizens."
Yet another Alex Jones / Rush Limbaugh / Sean Hannity / Michael Savage / Edward Snowden apostle--a believer in the 'Deep State.' The ultimate conspiracy! The people of Virginia deserve better ... throw him out on his keister!
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
That a Republican politician would support Assange and WikiLeaks, whose publication of the hacked Democratic National Committee emails and other documents contributed to Hillary Clinton's failed election bid, comes as no surprise. What really should be the man's career ender is not his public support of Assange, but his unhinged conspiratorial outlook, in his own somewhat ironic words:
"Before Assange, those who 'broke the code' and detected the Deep State’s patterns of misbehavior were labeled 'conspiracy theorists' or worse. But with the advent of WikiLeaks, original, unchallenged source documents have proven our arguments, and revealed the truth to citizens."
Yet another Alex Jones / Rush Limbaugh / Sean Hannity / Michael Savage / Edward Snowden apostle--a believer in the 'Deep State.' The ultimate conspiracy! The people of Virginia deserve better ... throw him out on his keister!
Are you smarter than a Christian?
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
One's lack of belief does not, on its own, make one smarter. However, there is a clear association between educational level, which is one measurement of intellectual aptitude, and a commitment to secular, nonreligious values. In other words, in addition to personal freedoms, economic security, and an appreciation of diversity, education is one of the most important factors predicting, on a societal level, unbelief.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 2, 2018:
One's lack of belief does not, on its own, make one smarter. However, there is a clear association between educational level, which is one measurement of intellectual aptitude, and a commitment to secular, nonreligious values. In other words, in addition to personal freedoms, economic security, and an appreciation of diversity, education is one of the most important factors predicting, on a societal level, unbelief.
I am concerned about the future of artificial intelligence elon musk is concerned too so was stephen...
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 1, 2018:
Recent examples of AI conversations are potentially troubling. Even if taken as humor, the subject matter has been, on occasion, quite dark.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 1, 2018:
Recent examples of AI conversations are potentially troubling. Even if taken as humor, the subject matter has been, on occasion, quite dark.
I would like to apologize to everyone.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 1, 2018:
Been angry myself ... didn't see what you're referring to, but respect your integrity. Peace.
p-nullifidian comments on Aug 1, 2018:
Been angry myself ... didn't see what you're referring to, but respect your integrity. Peace.
Religion is so peaceful, Amen, Tudor Execution - Burnt at the stake, [youtu.be]
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
When when considers the frequency with which such executions were conducted, not to mention other forms of torture, in the name of the Lord, one wonders on what moral authority a church--any church--claims to make pronouncements today.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
When when considers the frequency with which such executions were conducted, not to mention other forms of torture, in the name of the Lord, one wonders on what moral authority a church--any church--claims to make pronouncements today.
Christian Zionism: The New Heresy that Undermines Middle East Peace – Middle East Monitor
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
This is ancient news. I've been hearing this all my life. Many Christians believe in a kinship of sorts with Israel, and (the New) Jerusalem is going to be their capital at the Second Coming of Christ.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
This is ancient news. I've been hearing this all my life. Many Christians believe in a kinship of sorts with Israel, and (the New) Jerusalem is going to be their capital at the Second Coming of Christ.
I just read that I have Trump Derangement Syndrome.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Knew what he was about since the '80's, never watched the Apprentice and considered him a pompous, vulgar and egotistical charlatan. But that was just me... I guess.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Knew what he was about since the '80's, never watched the Apprentice and considered him a pompous, vulgar and egotistical charlatan. But that was just me... I guess.
If you could ask someone a question from the year 3000, what would you ask ?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
In the interest of proving that they were from the future, I'd ask what the winning numbers for tonight's lottery are. First things first, after all ... one can never be too safe. ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
In the interest of proving that they were from the future, I'd ask what the winning numbers for tonight's lottery are. First things first, after all ... one can never be too safe. ;-)
Once you throw religion into the mix, it's easy to lose sight of reality.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Much like the Talosians from Star Trek, or Steve Jobs, religion employs a reality distortion field.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Much like the Talosians from Star Trek, or Steve Jobs, religion employs a reality distortion field.
Jeff Sessions announces new religious liberty task force to combat “dangerous” secularism - Vox
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Sessions, just like his boss, is a tool of Christian extremism, and this is part of a greater agenda. As Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, himself a Baptist minister noted:
"In reality, these arguments boil down to one thing: discrimination. It is not enough for Christian nationalists to freely exercise their vision of a good life. In the name of 'liberty,' they want the right to discriminate against those with whom they disagree."
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/jeff-sessions-religious-liberty-task-force-part-dangerous-christian-nationalist-ncna895941
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Sessions, just like his boss, is a tool of Christian extremism, and this is part of a greater agenda. As Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, himself a Baptist minister noted:
"In reality, these arguments boil down to one thing: discrimination. It is not enough for Christian nationalists to freely exercise their vision of a good life. In the name of 'liberty,' they want the right to discriminate against those with whom they disagree."
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/jeff-sessions-religious-liberty-task-force-part-dangerous-christian-nationalist-ncna895941
How many of you have gone through a tornado or earthquake?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
As a native to the Bay Area, and having experienced dozens of tremors in my lifetime, one tends to develop an internal Richter Scale of sorts. I can't tell you how many times my wife and I have been awakened by an earthquake, and guessed at the magnitude. "Well, if the epicenter was close [our house is less than a mile from the San Andreas fault] that was probably a 3 to 3.5, but if the epicenter was more than 50 miles away, that was a major quake, say, between 5 and 6!" In California, that's just how we roll. :-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
As a native to the Bay Area, and having experienced dozens of tremors in my lifetime, one tends to develop an internal Richter Scale of sorts. I can't tell you how many times my wife and I have been awakened by an earthquake, and guessed at the magnitude. "Well, if the epicenter was close [our house is less than a mile from the San Andreas fault] that was probably a 3 to 3.5, but if the epicenter was more than 50 miles away, that was a major quake, say, between 5 and 6!" In California, that's just how we roll. :-)
Joe Biden’s niece dodges jail after $100K credit card scam
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Wait, seriously? You're linking to the New York Post? What's next, the National Enquirer?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Wait, seriously? You're linking to the New York Post? What's next, the National Enquirer?
New Atheism, Worse Than You Think
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
I completely disagree with the article, which is outdated and off the mark, in my opinion. The label ‘Islamophobia’ is a fabrication, designed to conflate racial or ethnic hatred with a legitimate scorn, if not loathing, of the concepts, doctrines, practices and dogmas of the Islamic faith. With every fiber in my being, I despise Islam, almost as much as I do Christianity.
And while the so-called Four Horsemen are the most well-known, if not infamous, atheists, I have read and listened to so many more, including Voltaire, David Hume, Thomas Paine, Robert Ingersoll, Bertrand Russell, Steven Weinberg, Richard Feynman, Carl Sagan, Susan Jacoby, Jerry Coyne, Sean Carroll, Alain de Botton, not to mention the comedic personalities of George Carlin, John Cleese, Steven Fry, Ricky Gervais, Bill Maher (i.e., the Islamobphobe) and Jim Jeffries. Attacking the so-called ‘New Atheists’ is a waste of energy, and the premise of atheism being akin to a religion is preposterous.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
I completely disagree with the article, which is outdated and off the mark, in my opinion. The label ‘Islamophobia’ is a fabrication, designed to conflate racial or ethnic hatred with a legitimate scorn, if not loathing, of the concepts, doctrines, practices and dogmas of the Islamic faith. With every fiber in my being, I despise Islam, almost as much as I do Christianity.
And while the so-called Four Horsemen are the most well-known, if not infamous, atheists, I have read and listened to so many more, including Voltaire, David Hume, Thomas Paine, Robert Ingersoll, Bertrand Russell, Steven Weinberg, Richard Feynman, Carl Sagan, Susan Jacoby, Jerry Coyne, Sean Carroll, Alain de Botton, not to mention the comedic personalities of George Carlin, John Cleese, Steven Fry, Ricky Gervais, Bill Maher (i.e., the Islamobphobe) and Jim Jeffries. Attacking the so-called ‘New Atheists’ is a waste of energy, and the premise of atheism being akin to a religion is preposterous.
meteorites hitting the moon.
[syfy.com]
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Poor Luna, she's defenseless.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Poor Luna, she's defenseless.
We have too much here, not enough there.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Musk needs to focus on getting Tesla profitable instead of making unwelcome headlines like Thailand and nuking Mars.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Musk needs to focus on getting Tesla profitable instead of making unwelcome headlines like Thailand and nuking Mars.
Nautilus | Science Connected
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
I’ve long felt that our brains performed unattended processing, even during sleep. How many times have we gone to bed thinking about a problem, and awakened with an unexpectedly good idea … often while take a shower? I disagree with the author when comparing recall to creative thought, such as Poincare, Hindemith or Einstein. Arriving at a solution for a difficult equation, composing the incredible *Mathis Der Maler Symphony*, or originating the Theory of General Relativity are in no way comparable to attempting to recall food items or country names! In my experience, my best ideas have come not when intensely concentrating on a problem, rather, it has been during periods when I’ve allowed my mind to wander and day dream. My mind finds answers without my assistance.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
I’ve long felt that our brains performed unattended processing, even during sleep. How many times have we gone to bed thinking about a problem, and awakened with an unexpectedly good idea … often while take a shower? I disagree with the author when comparing recall to creative thought, such as Poincare, Hindemith or Einstein. Arriving at a solution for a difficult equation, composing the incredible *Mathis Der Maler Symphony*, or originating the Theory of General Relativity are in no way comparable to attempting to recall food items or country names! In my experience, my best ideas have come not when intensely concentrating on a problem, rather, it has been during periods when I’ve allowed my mind to wander and day dream. My mind finds answers without my assistance.
Does anyone listen to Sam Harris podcast, what you think about race politics, is affirmative action ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Came across this from a post in the Philosophy & Meaning forum, just a moment ago ... check it out.
https://agnostic.com/discussion/143940/134-beyond-the-politics-of-race-a-conversation-with-coleman-hughes
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Came across this from a post in the Philosophy & Meaning forum, just a moment ago ... check it out.
https://agnostic.com/discussion/143940/134-beyond-the-politics-of-race-a-conversation-with-coleman-hughes
Although I do not subscribe wholesale to the religion, I do believe there is some historical basis ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Well I would hope you doubt miracles. Turning water to wine, raising people from the dead, and feeding 5,000 people with a single lunch basket containing five rolls and a couple of sardines, etc. That would require an intervention in the laws of nature. And if he did exist--a big if, in that all we have is a couple of oblique references decades after the fact by Josephus (some clearly interpolated) and the Bible itself, which basically invented the man--he most certainly wasn't fair haired and light skinned.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Well I would hope you doubt miracles. Turning water to wine, raising people from the dead, and feeding 5,000 people with a single lunch basket containing five rolls and a couple of sardines, etc. That would require an intervention in the laws of nature. And if he did exist--a big if, in that all we have is a couple of oblique references decades after the fact by Josephus (some clearly interpolated) and the Bible itself, which basically invented the man--he most certainly wasn't fair haired and light skinned.
Artificial Intelligence Shows Why Atheism Is Unpopular - The Atlantic
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Models are instructive, but not always precise. Still, I found this point interesting:
“Using a separate model, Future of Religion and Secular Transitions (FOREST), the team found that people tend to secularize when four factors are present: existential security (you have enough money and food), personal freedom (you’re free to choose whether to believe or not), pluralism (you have a welcoming attitude to diversity), and education (you’ve got some training in the sciences and humanities). If even one of these factors is absent, the whole secularization process slows down. This, they believe, is why the U.S. is secularizing at a slower rate than Western and Northern Europe.”
No kidding! With a) a widening income gap between the haves and have nots; b) a growing disdain for pluralism and diversity; and c) a distributed (fractured) educational system that varies not only from state to state, but district to district, Americans have 3 strikes against us.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 31, 2018:
Models are instructive, but not always precise. Still, I found this point interesting:
“Using a separate model, Future of Religion and Secular Transitions (FOREST), the team found that people tend to secularize when four factors are present: existential security (you have enough money and food), personal freedom (you’re free to choose whether to believe or not), pluralism (you have a welcoming attitude to diversity), and education (you’ve got some training in the sciences and humanities). If even one of these factors is absent, the whole secularization process slows down. This, they believe, is why the U.S. is secularizing at a slower rate than Western and Northern Europe.”
No kidding! With a) a widening income gap between the haves and have nots; b) a growing disdain for pluralism and diversity; and c) a distributed (fractured) educational system that varies not only from state to state, but district to district, Americans have 3 strikes against us.
Why people say RIP (Rest in Peace) for anyone who has died?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
It's Biblical in origin, as in 'they rest from their labors' or 'find rest in their death.' But when one believes in a soul which, depending on the life lived, manner in which the individual died, and any number of things that might cause torment, the term is meant as a request or plea.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
It's Biblical in origin, as in 'they rest from their labors' or 'find rest in their death.' But when one believes in a soul which, depending on the life lived, manner in which the individual died, and any number of things that might cause torment, the term is meant as a request or plea.
Supermassive Black Hole Caught Sucking Energy From Nearby Starlight
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
Incredible! That star came to within 12 billion miles of the super massive black hole! That's not much farther away than Voyager 1 is to us! Way too close for comfort ... thanks for this one!
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
Incredible! That star came to within 12 billion miles of the super massive black hole! That's not much farther away than Voyager 1 is to us! Way too close for comfort ... thanks for this one!
This came up in conversation, one of my more favorite tidbits about human evolution, from a favorite...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
"...the contractor doesn't show up and it's been a million years..." ?
Gifted teachers like this make me want to go back to college! Thanks for this post.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
"...the contractor doesn't show up and it's been a million years..." ?
Gifted teachers like this make me want to go back to college! Thanks for this post.
Quantum theory hopes to find a single proof that will unify the 4 forces and provide a simple ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
You almost lost me with the first sentence. It is scientists who hope to find a grand unified theory (GUT), not quantum theory itself. And the universe is not an entity, so it cannot be anthropomorphized. Just as quantum theory cannot hope, it is a *personification* to attribute human characteristics to the universe.
If your use of the term ‘bio-mechanical’ is synonymous with genetic, I would agree that our tendency toward belief is likely a vestigial relic which conferred a survival advantage. Our understanding of reality will always remain incomplete, as there will always be more knowledge to acquire—we know of no end to the universe, including what precipitated the Big Bang.
I agree with your conclusion that human beings are incapable, at present, of moving beyond a certain point, due to our limited sensory awareness and our evolutionary and cultural biases. But this shortcoming appears likely to be overcome by a higher intelligence that *we* create. Our successors are likely to be artificial, whether fully apart from human beings, or implants that significantly alter our physiology and vastly enhance our bio-mechanical capacity.
New detectors will be designed and data collected on phenomena we have yet to imagine. Whether we dread this or not, the singularity that Kurzweil and others have predicted, will occur, and solving the GUT, as well as the theory of everything (or TOE, which incorporates gravity) will become a walk in the park—a launch point for future discovery. I can only hope to be there on the Cayley plane! ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
You almost lost me with the first sentence. It is scientists who hope to find a grand unified theory (GUT), not quantum theory itself. And the universe is not an entity, so it cannot be anthropomorphized. Just as quantum theory cannot hope, it is a *personification* to attribute human characteristics to the universe.
If your use of the term ‘bio-mechanical’ is synonymous with genetic, I would agree that our tendency toward belief is likely a vestigial relic which conferred a survival advantage. Our understanding of reality will always remain incomplete, as there will always be more knowledge to acquire—we know of no end to the universe, including what precipitated the Big Bang.
I agree with your conclusion that human beings are incapable, at present, of moving beyond a certain point, due to our limited sensory awareness and our evolutionary and cultural biases. But this shortcoming appears likely to be overcome by a higher intelligence that *we* create. Our successors are likely to be artificial, whether fully apart from human beings, or implants that significantly alter our physiology and vastly enhance our bio-mechanical capacity.
New detectors will be designed and data collected on phenomena we have yet to imagine. Whether we dread this or not, the singularity that Kurzweil and others have predicted, will occur, and solving the GUT, as well as the theory of everything (or TOE, which incorporates gravity) will become a walk in the park—a launch point for future discovery. I can only hope to be there on the Cayley plane! ;-)
Are the odds actually in favor of the notion of a creator , at least as a creator of us , us ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
"Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin' to make his way home?"
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
"Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin' to make his way home?"
Who has read the comments on Agnostic.com's facebook ad?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
Facebook? What's Facebook? ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
Facebook? What's Facebook? ;-)
This will likely drive people away from Microsoft
[computerworld.com]
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
There will clearly need to be exceptions, such as for government computers working in classified environments, where an air gap exists between secure networks and the internet. And no, the solution isn't XP! ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
There will clearly need to be exceptions, such as for government computers working in classified environments, where an air gap exists between secure networks and the internet. And no, the solution isn't XP! ;-)
Atheists Are Brainwashed By The Scientific Method
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
"Professor Canard teaches at the Theological Institute of Technology (TIT). His courses include Cryptoepistemology and Alex Jones I and II."
What a canard! And why stop at one? Why not the Theological Institute of Technology and Science? This author belongs at the Onion! ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
"Professor Canard teaches at the Theological Institute of Technology (TIT). His courses include Cryptoepistemology and Alex Jones I and II."
What a canard! And why stop at one? Why not the Theological Institute of Technology and Science? This author belongs at the Onion! ;-)
Alex Jones threatens Robert Mueller and accuses him of pedophilia.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
Sorry, but you may as well be a flat earth co-conspirator ... are you fucking kidding me, Alex Jones? This imbecile, like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and so many others, are individuals who have demonstrated a disregard for fact.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 30, 2018:
Sorry, but you may as well be a flat earth co-conspirator ... are you fucking kidding me, Alex Jones? This imbecile, like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and so many others, are individuals who have demonstrated a disregard for fact.
Supernatural VS Atheist
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
My advice would be to step back for a moment, and consider that, if there were a 'realm' of existence beyond that which science has yet to discern, this phenomena would be entirely 'natural' (as in, evolved) vs. 'supernatural.' And if it were 'natural' (as in, a part of nature or our evoution), why be afraid? And, more importantly, why religion?
As an agnostic, I would assert that we do not and cannot know what (if anything) exists beyond our corporeal demise. But as an atheist, I have no belief in a so-called 'divine' being. So, if there is a 'something' out there, as you seem to suspect, it wouldn't be 'supernatural' (God vs. Satan, Spiritualism or whatever) but simply another level of existence we have yet to understand. Does that make sense?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
My advice would be to step back for a moment, and consider that, if there were a 'realm' of existence beyond that which science has yet to discern, this phenomena would be entirely 'natural' (as in, evolved) vs. 'supernatural.' And if it were 'natural' (as in, a part of nature or our evoution), why be afraid? And, more importantly, why religion?
As an agnostic, I would assert that we do not and cannot know what (if anything) exists beyond our corporeal demise. But as an atheist, I have no belief in a so-called 'divine' being. So, if there is a 'something' out there, as you seem to suspect, it wouldn't be 'supernatural' (God vs. Satan, Spiritualism or whatever) but simply another level of existence we have yet to understand. Does that make sense?
Reality, what is it?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
Sorry, but you lost me. Perhaps you can illustrate your concepts with charts and graphs? As we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words, and as a visual learner, I cannot visualize your words. Thank you!
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
Sorry, but you lost me. Perhaps you can illustrate your concepts with charts and graphs? As we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words, and as a visual learner, I cannot visualize your words. Thank you!
People don't need RELIGION, religion needs people.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
True, church/temple/mosque attendance is not what makes us better people, and like any run of the mill club--Moose, Shriners, Elks, Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Oddfellows, etc.--they need subscribers to continue to exist.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
True, church/temple/mosque attendance is not what makes us better people, and like any run of the mill club--Moose, Shriners, Elks, Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Oddfellows, etc.--they need subscribers to continue to exist.
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY -- PRAGUE -- 1995
What astounded me most about Prague was the dearth ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
I love Prague. You're walking around town, and you hear American jazz, folk and blues, and then you hear polkas, and accordions and all types of klezmer, and a classical string quartet ... what a scene! I was lucky enough to be a chaperone for my daughter's choir, and they sang in St. Nicolas church, right on the old town square--it's like something out of a fairy tale.
One of my favorite history lessons I learned while on the tour of the city was the origin of getting rid of unpopular leaders through the practice of 'defenestration,' from the Italian word 'finestra' meaning window--throw them out the window!
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
I love Prague. You're walking around town, and you hear American jazz, folk and blues, and then you hear polkas, and accordions and all types of klezmer, and a classical string quartet ... what a scene! I was lucky enough to be a chaperone for my daughter's choir, and they sang in St. Nicolas church, right on the old town square--it's like something out of a fairy tale.
One of my favorite history lessons I learned while on the tour of the city was the origin of getting rid of unpopular leaders through the practice of 'defenestration,' from the Italian word 'finestra' meaning window--throw them out the window!
Did anyone else go through the stages of Atheism?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
The process, in my experience, is much like the stages of grief, which probably shouldn't be labeled as 'stages' since they can occur in varying sequences and simultaneously. I went through the shock and denial, the anger, the bargaining, the depression and finally the acceptance. And even after the acceptance stage, for the longest time I felt much like the writer, Julian Barnes, who famously admitted, "I don't believe in God, but I miss him." But now I don't miss him at all, and am, after many years, breathing freely.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
The process, in my experience, is much like the stages of grief, which probably shouldn't be labeled as 'stages' since they can occur in varying sequences and simultaneously. I went through the shock and denial, the anger, the bargaining, the depression and finally the acceptance. And even after the acceptance stage, for the longest time I felt much like the writer, Julian Barnes, who famously admitted, "I don't believe in God, but I miss him." But now I don't miss him at all, and am, after many years, breathing freely.
Do "strong and independent women, not need a man"?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
"So, why do feminists profess that I am unnecessary in a hetrosexual woman's life?"
All feminists? Not in my experience. Women demand, and should expect, equal treatment, pay and opportunity, and as a cisgender white hetro guy, I have my mother, sisters, wife and daughter to thank for helping me understand my privilege.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
"So, why do feminists profess that I am unnecessary in a hetrosexual woman's life?"
All feminists? Not in my experience. Women demand, and should expect, equal treatment, pay and opportunity, and as a cisgender white hetro guy, I have my mother, sisters, wife and daughter to thank for helping me understand my privilege.
Yale's Most Popular Course in History Teaches You to Be Happy—and It's Available Online.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
When I first read your headline, being a the literalist that I am, took it to mean that Yale has a very popular History course (as in, Course in History)! How disappointed I was to learn that the course came from the Behavior Sciences department! ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
When I first read your headline, being a the literalist that I am, took it to mean that Yale has a very popular History course (as in, Course in History)! How disappointed I was to learn that the course came from the Behavior Sciences department! ;-)
Science is unable to set its own priorities.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
On a planet with a multitude of dissimilar ideologies, or interests, one might say that science is already flourishing, as breakthroughs in fields of study from astronomy to zoology are reported almost weekly. Pure science seeks knowledge about our universe, not how that knowledge is used. Those decisions are left to the realm of applied science, where engineering, medical and business priorities (to name three) are advanced, and investments made. In my opinion, the developed world appears to already have a dominant ideology for applied science—maximizing profit.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
On a planet with a multitude of dissimilar ideologies, or interests, one might say that science is already flourishing, as breakthroughs in fields of study from astronomy to zoology are reported almost weekly. Pure science seeks knowledge about our universe, not how that knowledge is used. Those decisions are left to the realm of applied science, where engineering, medical and business priorities (to name three) are advanced, and investments made. In my opinion, the developed world appears to already have a dominant ideology for applied science—maximizing profit.
Seattle Mariners Demand $180 Million In Public Funds Or They Won't Sign Long-Term Lease
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
We should all remind ourselves that sports are a form of entertainment, and should, in theory, be seen no differently than a rock concert, Vegas magic show or the state fair. We buy a ticket and are entertained. Television / advertising revenues, and now legalized betting, have raised the stakes, but the fact remains, sports is simply entertainment. How many of us remember what the acronym ESPN stands for: the Entertainment and SPorts Network? It's a shame, when considering billionaires and their 'hobbies' as owners, that there remains only one professional sports team that is owned by its fans/city: the Green Bay Packers.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
We should all remind ourselves that sports are a form of entertainment, and should, in theory, be seen no differently than a rock concert, Vegas magic show or the state fair. We buy a ticket and are entertained. Television / advertising revenues, and now legalized betting, have raised the stakes, but the fact remains, sports is simply entertainment. How many of us remember what the acronym ESPN stands for: the Entertainment and SPorts Network? It's a shame, when considering billionaires and their 'hobbies' as owners, that there remains only one professional sports team that is owned by its fans/city: the Green Bay Packers.
Imagine , it's easy if you try . Did humans need religion ever at any time in our existence ?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
The "utility" of religion is evident. Consider that a belief in 'evil spirits' predates a belief in a so-called 'good God.' Then consider that we might not have survived to procreate were it not for a predilection toward being 'agency detectors' and attribute intention to natural phenomena--false positives in the direction of safety ensure survival, not only of the genes, but of memes.
Religion is the byproduct of superstitious thinking, which was an inevitable, if not necessary, hand hold to our survival. The point now is that, while religion may have played a useful role in our evolution, it almost goes without saying that it has outlived its usefulness!
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 29, 2018:
The "utility" of religion is evident. Consider that a belief in 'evil spirits' predates a belief in a so-called 'good God.' Then consider that we might not have survived to procreate were it not for a predilection toward being 'agency detectors' and attribute intention to natural phenomena--false positives in the direction of safety ensure survival, not only of the genes, but of memes.
Religion is the byproduct of superstitious thinking, which was an inevitable, if not necessary, hand hold to our survival. The point now is that, while religion may have played a useful role in our evolution, it almost goes without saying that it has outlived its usefulness!
What do you believe happens when you die?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
If there is a 'spirit' within us, it would necessarily be a product of evolution. The question then is, when and how did spirits arise? Did Neanderthals or Cro-Magnons have spirits? What is a spirit? Is it a soul?
Perhaps you're referring to consciousness itself, or self-awareness? If so, the question about what will happen to us when we die is often compared to our self-awareness, prior to being born. What we know for certain is that the atoms in our bodies were once a part of an untold number of plants, animals and even human beings, and when we die, we will return to the dust, and our atoms will become part of other living, and non-living, things.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
If there is a 'spirit' within us, it would necessarily be a product of evolution. The question then is, when and how did spirits arise? Did Neanderthals or Cro-Magnons have spirits? What is a spirit? Is it a soul?
Perhaps you're referring to consciousness itself, or self-awareness? If so, the question about what will happen to us when we die is often compared to our self-awareness, prior to being born. What we know for certain is that the atoms in our bodies were once a part of an untold number of plants, animals and even human beings, and when we die, we will return to the dust, and our atoms will become part of other living, and non-living, things.
I was celebrating my daughter's 25th birthday on Thursday by having dinner with her and her mother ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
At the risk of sounding like Dear Abby, you may want to re-think using the term "the ex" or "my ex wife," which carries a considerable amount of baggage. This entire interaction makes it appear like you haven't moved on, and are gleeful when you can enlist your daughter's help to one-up her mom. Since she's an adult, maybe you and your daughter can celebrate birthdays on your own, and she can do the same with her mother? Give it some thought?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
At the risk of sounding like Dear Abby, you may want to re-think using the term "the ex" or "my ex wife," which carries a considerable amount of baggage. This entire interaction makes it appear like you haven't moved on, and are gleeful when you can enlist your daughter's help to one-up her mom. Since she's an adult, maybe you and your daughter can celebrate birthdays on your own, and she can do the same with her mother? Give it some thought?
I am curious of people's thoughts of science here. Are you confident in science?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
The so-called 'soft sciences' concern me, as they sometimes appear to resort to methodologies that skirt the edges of objectivity. These sciences include behavioral psychology, anthropology and sociology.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
The so-called 'soft sciences' concern me, as they sometimes appear to resort to methodologies that skirt the edges of objectivity. These sciences include behavioral psychology, anthropology and sociology.
Why sexual desire is objectifying – and hence morally wrong | Aeon Ideas
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
This concern about 'objectification' can go too far! What is often overlooked here is female desire. The only book in the Bible I consider worth reading is Solmon's Song, or The Song of Solomon, which contains passages of pure physical attraction, or lust--one of the so-called deadly sins. And these words of desire are spoken from both the male and female point of view.
He
“How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine.”
Song of Solomon 7:6-9 (NIV)
She
“My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels. His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh. His arms are rods of gold set with topaz. His body is like polished ivory decorated with lapis lazuli. His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem."
Song of Solomon 5:10-16 (NIV)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
This concern about 'objectification' can go too far! What is often overlooked here is female desire. The only book in the Bible I consider worth reading is Solmon's Song, or The Song of Solomon, which contains passages of pure physical attraction, or lust--one of the so-called deadly sins. And these words of desire are spoken from both the male and female point of view.
He
“How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine.”
Song of Solomon 7:6-9 (NIV)
She
“My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels. His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh. His arms are rods of gold set with topaz. His body is like polished ivory decorated with lapis lazuli. His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem."
Song of Solomon 5:10-16 (NIV)
What's your answer to "what if you die and God is real?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
Playing along here, I like your demand, but I'd first want to know 'Whose God are you? What description that we have is the closest match? I mean, somebody's gotta be right about you, right?' And then, considering the issue of divine hiddenness, I'd want to know, 'Where the hell have you been all this time?' But one thing I would never do is bow my head or kneel.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
Playing along here, I like your demand, but I'd first want to know 'Whose God are you? What description that we have is the closest match? I mean, somebody's gotta be right about you, right?' And then, considering the issue of divine hiddenness, I'd want to know, 'Where the hell have you been all this time?' But one thing I would never do is bow my head or kneel.
Morality! Where does it come from ?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
It would appear, to me at least, that morality was evolved (as opposed to authoritatively imposed) and arises from two primary behaviors, which were likely required for our survival as hominids: Empathy and Reciprocity. One involves Care, the other Consequences. Of one thing we may be certain, we didn't obtain our moral values from an ancient book, which represents the antithesis or moral behavior.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
It would appear, to me at least, that morality was evolved (as opposed to authoritatively imposed) and arises from two primary behaviors, which were likely required for our survival as hominids: Empathy and Reciprocity. One involves Care, the other Consequences. Of one thing we may be certain, we didn't obtain our moral values from an ancient book, which represents the antithesis or moral behavior.
Humanists, both religious and atheist, talk about the ‘dignity’ or ‘value’ or ‘worth’ or...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
Thank you for these discerning observations. I think perhaps that there are two key issues at stake here, the first concerns vocabulary (in this case, the word faith), while the second deals with values (in this case, human rights).
The word faith is too broad, as it covers both the religious (which is where I typically go) as well as nonreligious realms, synonymous with more general terms like ‘confidence,’ ‘conviction,’ ‘trust,’ ‘hope,’ ‘commitment,’ ‘optimism’ or (secular) ‘belief’ itself. I think we can safely assume that the usage of the word ‘faith’ in the UDHR is nonreligious.
With regard to the value of ‘human rights,’ the very acknowledgement of the concept requires a concession by those who hold power—historically the throne and the altar. To be sure, individuals and minorities have, throughout history, demanded rights, but those in power have generally ignored or opposed to the point of persecution, such demands. Human rights in general, and Humanism specifically, value the individual unit over the group, and this can be a ‘hard sell’ to both the East and the West. In-group loyalty—to family, clan, tribe, nation, religion, party, state—as cited by Jonathan Haidt in his research—remains a persistent priority. On very rare occasions, a moment in history produces an artifact documenting the value of rights—the Magna Carta, the American Declaration of Independence and the UDHR are but three—in which the principles would seem almost universal. Alas, this is far from the case.
Peace.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
Thank you for these discerning observations. I think perhaps that there are two key issues at stake here, the first concerns vocabulary (in this case, the word faith), while the second deals with values (in this case, human rights).
The word faith is too broad, as it covers both the religious (which is where I typically go) as well as nonreligious realms, synonymous with more general terms like ‘confidence,’ ‘conviction,’ ‘trust,’ ‘hope,’ ‘commitment,’ ‘optimism’ or (secular) ‘belief’ itself. I think we can safely assume that the usage of the word ‘faith’ in the UDHR is nonreligious.
With regard to the value of ‘human rights,’ the very acknowledgement of the concept requires a concession by those who hold power—historically the throne and the altar. To be sure, individuals and minorities have, throughout history, demanded rights, but those in power have generally ignored or opposed to the point of persecution, such demands. Human rights in general, and Humanism specifically, value the individual unit over the group, and this can be a ‘hard sell’ to both the East and the West. In-group loyalty—to family, clan, tribe, nation, religion, party, state—as cited by Jonathan Haidt in his research—remains a persistent priority. On very rare occasions, a moment in history produces an artifact documenting the value of rights—the Magna Carta, the American Declaration of Independence and the UDHR are but three—in which the principles would seem almost universal. Alas, this is far from the case.
Peace.
Had six friends over yesterday for Mexican food.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
Good food and good company are the recipe for a great time ... and cerveza of course! ;-)
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 28, 2018:
Good food and good company are the recipe for a great time ... and cerveza of course! ;-)
Is anti-theism on a par with racism?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
I'm not an anti-theist, but as a nullifidian I loathe all organized religions, most notably the Abrahamic faiths. I don't hate adherents, I hate the doctrines, dogmas and demands their faiths espouse. If there is a supreme being, none of the world's religious leaders or so-called prophets have a clue as to its attributes, despite their egotistical proclamations. What gives any man or woman the right to claim to be a mouthpiece for the divine? In this realm Rabbis, Priests, Imams and Buddhist monks are on equally specious footing.
I literally seethe with every fiber in my being when I consider what has been perpetrated--and continues to be done--in the name of religion. And I agree with Richard Dawkins that to force upon the minds of innocent children these unfounded and hideous articles of faith represents a form of child abuse. And yes, we may think it's cute now to tell toddlers that there is a Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus, but someday we will look back somewhat shamefully and ask ourselves what made us think it was okay to fuck with our kid's heads like that! Away with all magical thinking, and to 'hell' with religious teaching and all organized religion!
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
I'm not an anti-theist, but as a nullifidian I loathe all organized religions, most notably the Abrahamic faiths. I don't hate adherents, I hate the doctrines, dogmas and demands their faiths espouse. If there is a supreme being, none of the world's religious leaders or so-called prophets have a clue as to its attributes, despite their egotistical proclamations. What gives any man or woman the right to claim to be a mouthpiece for the divine? In this realm Rabbis, Priests, Imams and Buddhist monks are on equally specious footing.
I literally seethe with every fiber in my being when I consider what has been perpetrated--and continues to be done--in the name of religion. And I agree with Richard Dawkins that to force upon the minds of innocent children these unfounded and hideous articles of faith represents a form of child abuse. And yes, we may think it's cute now to tell toddlers that there is a Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus, but someday we will look back somewhat shamefully and ask ourselves what made us think it was okay to fuck with our kid's heads like that! Away with all magical thinking, and to 'hell' with religious teaching and all organized religion!
Did you know that Charles Darwin, I think it is at the end of 'Origin', mentions the Creator in the ...
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
Charles Darwin was not an atheist. And he also knew that his publication would be controversial in his Anglican community, to say the least.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
Charles Darwin was not an atheist. And he also knew that his publication would be controversial in his Anglican community, to say the least.
True Facts about the sea pig (win-win hehehe!)
[youtu.be]
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
I love the True Facts series ... my favorite is the Aye Aye! Thanks!
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
I love the True Facts series ... my favorite is the Aye Aye! Thanks!
Why has Man consistently disproved God for half melinnium while upholding Science?
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
A distinction should be made between failing to prove something and disproving it. The geocentric model and the practice of alchemy, for example, have been disproven, but one cannot disprove the existence of God any more than one may disprove the existence of leprechauns. The point here is that we need not waste our time disproving fictions. We may simply state that those who assert there is a God have failed to meet their burden of proof, due to insufficient, if nonexistent, evidence.
p-nullifidian comments on Jul 27, 2018:
A distinction should be made between failing to prove something and disproving it. The geocentric model and the practice of alchemy, for example, have been disproven, but one cannot disprove the existence of God any more than one may disprove the existence of leprechauns. The point here is that we need not waste our time disproving fictions. We may simply state that those who assert there is a God have failed to meet their burden of proof, due to insufficient, if nonexistent, evidence.
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