Benefits of the Belief of God and Higher Powers

paul1967 comments on Sep 24, 2017:

Religion has brought benefits such as hospitals, schools, shelter to homeless people, but none of these things are without a price. The motivations for these have always been to indoctrinate fresh new minds. The other issue is that none of these benefits couldn't have been accomplished within a secular culture and done without indoctrination.

I just got blocked by 3 people in 5 minutes! Is this a record?

paul1967 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

If you're being you, and not being abusive to others, then consider yourself fortunate. Surround yourself with reliable people who will challenge you and aren't afraid to stand up to you. When attacked, I will stand up, and when I do it, I do it without a stick in my hands. I respond with respect, and I answer with my position, and then I shut up and listen and consider. If I'm wrong, I stand back up and say I'm wrong if I'm not in the wrong I either move on or reply, with a rational defense. I walk away when I feel there is no hope of resolution because the other person has one goal, my humiliation.

Hey everyone, I'm Jackson, I'm new here.

paul1967 comments on Sep 24, 2017:

Welcome, I'm in the same boat as you. I live deep in the heart of the Bible belt of the US, and there is almost no place I can go where a church isn't more than a block away.

Have you ever seen anything that no one believes you saw?

paul1967 comments on Oct 9, 2017:

I saw something I don't believe I saw. I was walking to school, and I saw a man in a black jacket 20 yards up the road. I looked away for a second, and in that second he went from 20 yards away to walking past me. I either thought it was a second and it wasn't, or he's the Fash. Either way, I don't know what it was I experienced, and I will most likely never know, but it freaked me the hell out.

Do you never get bored of talk about God?

paul1967 comments on Oct 12, 2017:

I'm more interested in why people believe and why they seem to have such a hard time leaving it. They must know at some level its all a bunch of hooey because if the didn't, none of them would fear death, they would look forward to the end, and that's just not the case.

TOP 13 SIGNS YOUR HOUSE IS HAUNTED - Because 13 is a scarier number than 10 so in the spirit of...

paul1967 comments on Oct 23, 2018:

My house is haunted by my ex-wife and she's still alive and unfortunatly best friends with my sister and mother.

Hi..new here...just saying hello

paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

Hello and welcome to agnostic. If you have any questions, feel free to message me.

How many of you are stuck in a little place full of bible thumpers?

paul1967 comments on Apr 15, 2018:

I just moved to Birmingham AL. My collection of Atheist T-shirts piss off everyone everywhere I go. I don't care. I don't give them attitude for wearing a cross or a T-shirt saying Bless.

Validity of a theory

paul1967 comments on Oct 13, 2018:

The major difference is evidence vs faith and science strives to discover new evidence even if it goes against current understanding. Science is capable of change. When it comes to religion evidence doesn't change anything.

Social environments

paul1967 comments on Dec 17, 2017:

I live in Kansas City Missouri, and everyone that knows me well knows me to be an Atheist. I don't hide who I am. Many people who liked me and then discovered I'm a man who doesn't respect faith have distanced themselves from me. I find it makes it easier for me to surround myself with quality people.

Sweet in so many ways

paul1967 comments on Oct 25, 2018:

Is that ziggy in pic #2

I have decided to start playing Warhammer 40K.

paul1967 comments on Jun 9, 2018:

I said good but I have no idea what that game is but I like games.

What’s your experience with family after rejecting the religion that was forced on you as a child?

paul1967 comments on Apr 13, 2018:

I'm not supporting religious indoctrinations, but we need to recognize two relevant facts, and I hope that the people who voted negatively will appreciate these two points. First, 100% of parents teach their kids things they believe are true that are not true because we all accept a few things as true that aren't true. Second, and most importantly, Theists parents are not teaching these beliefs out of malice. They take them as truths, and I suspect most parents who lash out at their child's rejection of God are lashing out because of fear and again not with malice in their heart, but concern.

Evolution, the real story.

paul1967 comments on Dec 3, 2018:

Oh yeah, that I totally get. This reminds me of that true joke, Do you know why married men usually die before their wives? Because they want to....

"Millennials are almost evenly split this year over the question of which party has a better plan ...

paul1967 comments on May 3, 2018:

I don't think those numbers will be reflected in the vote if Trump runs in 2020. If almost any other candidate runs, I think you will see more votes coming from millennials.

Hey sexy people! Unfortunately this is for real!?

paul1967 comments on Oct 19, 2018:

Well if it's a groaning bark he's doing something right.

Is it still a lie if you don't know it isn't true?

paul1967 comments on May 18, 2020:

To lie is to knowingly deceive. Is there a lie hidden in the statement, I know there is a God? Maybe, I suspect that people lie to themselves all the time. I respect your advice that people need to fact check before making a claim of truth. Or at the minimum state that what the claim they’re offering hasn’t been fact checked. It’s a practice that becomes second nature quickly. People would be surprised to discover how much we claim is incorrect.

Parry Sound Morning

paul1967 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

great shot!

Of course you know where this is from.........

paul1967 comments on Apr 14, 2018:

I think you have a very abstract eye for photography. I like the things that go unseen or those things we look at but don't appreciate. Very cool pictures.

My 5 year old has been having a very hard time lately.

paul1967 comments on Nov 8, 2018:

I don't think anyone here is going to give you any advice that you should feel comfortable taking. That is something you need to get from a professional, but I can tell you that as strange as this behavior seems to be it probably seems worse than it actually is. At his age I acted out in very similar ways and it was because I was stressed and insecure, especially at school. From everything you've said I can tell you that your son's actions mirror my own but I don't know if that's meaningful information because his reasons could be vastly different than mine. That's all the advice I have and trust me when I say, it's not worth much. If you have any questions feel free to message me.

More meditations on reflection.

paul1967 comments on Oct 23, 2018:

Beautiful shots what kind of glass do you use?

Favorite podcasts?

paul1967 comments on Oct 8, 2017:

Atheist Experience

Do you believe that there is life after death

paul1967 comments on Dec 11, 2020:

It’s as simple as this most profound sentence a sentence so few use enough in life, a sentence based in humility... I don’t know.

This is a comment I replied on.

paul1967 comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I have a different opinion than you regarding what is better for this site. However, your opinions and your reply was very well thought out and presented with a level head. I've heard stories of people getting their accounts banned, like Harleyman and other people getting their post pulled. I'm stumped as to the logic behind the administrator's choice to implement censorship to reasoned and rational disagreements. I'm here in part to have my beliefs/opinions/worldview challenged and determine if there is a viewpoint that matches valid evidence or rational thought better than my own. I want a community open to all opinions. We have the right to not respond to any post we find irrational, and this is the most effective means of dealing with irrational people. My opinion on this topic is admittedly self-serving, it's what I get out of this site, and I'm not ignoring your perfectly sound feelings on this subject, it's just that your desires for this site conflict with mine. Your opinions have always been valuable to me, and I think that it's a positive thing that we don't always agree.

Who started this crazy crap that you need something on your head some shit just doesn't make any ...

paul1967 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Non-theist would never be able to agree on any specific hat, that's both what makes us great and keeps us from being a united power which is why we are slow to grow. If not for the internet we would still be spread out and unorganized. (My opinion of course)

Three days new

paul1967 comments on Oct 11, 2017:

Ah, a good well placed cuss word is more than acceptable when said tactfully or at Trump lol (just kidding, well maybe not totally kidding) I've enjoyed your presence here and I love reading your posts.

My local atheist group was run by a group of polyamorous .

paul1967 comments on Oct 8, 2017:

I personally agree, I've been in both types open relationships have never worked out for me. My girlfriend was bi and I was "young and open minded". It's not a life style I'll ever invest in again.

What would you call something you know exist and yet you cannot see?

paul1967 comments on Oct 11, 2017:

Atoms, air, magnetism, black holes, energy waves, thoughts, emotions, gravity, empty space, the past, the future, the earth mantle, infinity, dark matter, speed of light, nonexistence, time, antimatter, quantum particles, the entirety of the universe about a billion other things.

Documentary / The Magic Pill 2018 - YouTube

paul1967 comments on Apr 29, 2018:

It's about 90 minutes long, and I don't have time to watch it but I absolutely will. Thanks for the post.

Has anyone ever done street epistemology (SE)?

paul1967 comments on Oct 11, 2017:

I'm forced to say no because it wasn't on the street, but when debating or discussing religion with a theist, I practice the philosophy of street epistemology because it's far more useful. It is less threatening, and it allows for the person to acknowledge things he/she otherwise wouldn't.

Why does Dennett not get the same recognition as Harris, Hitchens, or Dawkins?

paul1967 comments on Mar 15, 2018:

He's not a great debater. He's better as second chair acting as a science authority.

Upset about being called a racist?

paul1967 comments on Jun 6, 2018:

Here's an easy test to determine whether you are a racist. Your walking down a dark alley at night. (Whether you would do this or not is irrelevant, you're doing it) a man walks towards you are you more comfortable if he's of your own race? An example you're cacasian and a middle eastern Muslim man is walking towards you. Are you any less comfortable than if another cacasian man was walking towards you? Yes I am a racist, but I don't judge anyone less worthy. I prejudge people and predudice is a form of racism.

How to meet an atheist in a highly religious area?

paul1967 comments on Sep 29, 2017:

If theism is a deal breaker for you, then you have your work cut out for yourself. I wouldn't even try. You fall in love with the person, you fall in love with. It sounds crazy but it's love and love is crazy. You shouldn't necessarily limit yourself in that way.

Interesting turn of events

paul1967 comments on Nov 3, 2018:

LMFAO oh you have guts my friend. It's a good thing most women on here will be ok with this joke.

Are athiests happier than thiests? Explain why

paul1967 comments on Feb 23, 2018:

I've never been a theist, so it's hard to know. I lived a life confident in that this is the only existence I will ever get. As a child, I feared the finality of that end, but as an adult, I cherish the idea. I wish life were a bit longer for sure, but I have no desire to exist in any form for an infinite amount of time. I'm usually a happy, and carefree person. I have the full range of emotions that ever typical person has, and I'm better today than I was at any other point in my life. I can only ask myself, would I be happier believing in the delusion of a God and an afterlife? If I was, all I can say is it would be a false happiness, one without meaning and I do not doubt that it would be a less accomplished life, with eternity ahead of me, what's the rush?

Why do some atheist still use religious terms?

paul1967 comments on Oct 22, 2017:

Not to be tactless, but I try to avoid saying things like bless you when someone sneezes, but I have said OH GOD! while climaxing after great sex. I find that to be just an idiom and not at all religious.

How to ruin a good trip

paul1967 comments on Oct 19, 2018:

What do you mean it should be happy that it landed on my soft fleshy belly rather than that hard ground.

How can belief in Hell be moral?

paul1967 comments on Oct 13, 2017:

Hell is anything but moral, and theists know it. Apologist had to devise a way that made it our fault to take away the apparent cruelty that an all-loving being could not do. They spun it so that we're choosing to go to Hell. It's a load of kaka. It never stops to surprise me how far people will go to maintain their belief in this fairytale.

In the Spare Time

paul1967 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Sleep

Last weekend was Denver's Chalk Art Festival "Sweet 16" and I'm just now getting around to posting ...

paul1967 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

Beautiful!!!!

Is This Taboo?

paul1967 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

I don't think it's taboo, but I also don't think it's a good idea either. If you have two asexual people then yeah go for it but otherwise you should know if you're compatible sexually before the I do

Do you love to hike?

paul1967 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

Honestly, it's less than once a week more like once in a while, but I love the adventure anytime I go.

I'm here on my 4 day family vacation in South Carolina.

paul1967 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

To your overall question, the answer is because the concept of a personal God is, as you know a bunch of crap that just not the way life works. To a Christian or almost any theist, it is Gods will, and to that, I say f___ you to that God.

A lot of truth here.

paul1967 comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Truth is obvious, but sometimes we can and do avoid it when what is true is also uncomfortable. The strong face reality and find ways to make peace with it.

When is freedom not fair against equality.?

paul1967 comments on Oct 12, 2017:

I agree with Bikersurfer. Your question needs to include more information because the parameters for this issue are wide open. I could think of any numbers of things where one's freedom isn't fair against equality. Slavery of a race would be my first thought. Oppression based on gender is another. I just don't know if that's what you mean.

Happy Pooch...

paul1967 comments on Apr 5, 2018:

Very cool pic

Most of them, actually.

paul1967 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

I wish I could post this on my facebook but it would piss off too many of my mentally ill friends.

Changing Your Mind

paul1967 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

The Death Penalty, In my 20s I was 100% for the death penalty. I debated my stepfather one day, and through his argument, I started to change my mind. It didn't happen instantly it took discussing it on and off for close to a year before I even got to midground with him. I am now 90% against the death penalty. I can't get myself all the way there yet, and I'm in my 50s, but I figure I have at least 15 to 20 solid years to think it over.

Happy new year to all the heathens here! :)

paul1967 comments on Dec 27, 2017:

It's been in the works for the last three months, but I'm using the new year as a re-motivator to lose weight.

Have anyone ever lost a friend due to being an atheist?

paul1967 comments on Mar 31, 2018:

No, but I lost opportunities to become friends with a lot of people. If you know me longer than a few days you know I'm an atheist.

Do you have a best friend that you talk to often or see frequently to have fun?

paul1967 comments on Mar 22, 2018:

I have a friend that was born the same day as me, and in the same hospital 90 seconds apart. (He's older than me), and for the first seven years of my life, he lived across the street from me. I moved away in 1975, but his family moved near my family in 1977. I still keep in touch with him to this day.

Who hasn't seen Darby O'Gil and the Little People?

paul1967 comments on Jun 11, 2018:

Only us old folks.

[youtube.com]

paul1967 comments on Oct 28, 2018:

I love this song!!!!!!

Do you celebrate religious holidays?

paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

The thing I love most about Christmas is Christmas trees which is strictly forbidden in the Bible and every Christian that puts up a Christmas tree is going against Gods law. Jeremiah 10:1-5

Have modern-day liberals become authoritarian/fascists?

paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:

It's partly true but not completely true. I think it's an issue we need to be wary of. but I still feel liberals have been viewed so harshly that some of what your seeing is a negative response to that. I also think that your support of Trump (which you have your right to no matter how distasteful I think that is) may also be an immature response from the kids on campus. Keep this in mind (and this is just an opinion I have, I'm not claiming it's a fact), too many of us, including myself, we view Trump as the poster child for corruption and intolerance. He's incompetent and unworthy to hold office. Now here is my point. Look at all the hate I just spewed there and trust me it's just the tip of the iceberg for me. My hate is a reflection of your fellow liberals on campus and if you're supporting Trump then that hate and intolerance is perceived by you for exactly what it is. Hate and intolerance, it's just you're on the receiving end of it. Hate and intolerance isn't a bad thing as long as it's directed at change and not violence. I hate and have zero tolerance for baby rape and I doubt anyone would say that's evil of me. I feel the same way towards Trump and my reasons are as valid in my opinion as my views on baby rape.

If your pet were human for a day, what would they be like?

paul1967 comments on Mar 21, 2018:

Well, I have a gay dog, and I'm not just saying that for laughs. My dog is a big gay dog, and I love him for it. Louie is his name because I found him in Saint Louis digging around a dumpster as a puppy. He loves other boy dogs, but he's not so fond of girl dogs. Louie humps all the boy dogs he can, but he stays far away from the girl dogs. So if he were human for a day, I think he would spend it at a gay bar. I can see him wearing assless chaps and a cowboy hat.

How do you find inner peace?

paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

Getting up super early in the morning, while it's still dark outside, driving to the lake, climb into my boat, drop a fishing line and lay down and look up at the stars just before the sun rises. You want inner peace, that's where I find inner peace.

And how exactly do you know this, dear believer?

paul1967 comments on Apr 9, 2018:

The truth about lies told by a list of ignorant people using faith to guide their way through life.

How do you handle the loss of a loved one without believing in an afterlife?

paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

I remember them and think about them often. And as tonia said, face the day. There is nothing wrong with being sad. Be sad and then get up and go on with the day.

Profound young lady

paul1967 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

I don't think this is true. I think this is a way to hide from the anxiety. Death is the absence of life. I have absolutely no way to comprehend what death is. If you try and think about what it is to be dead, you inevitably think of something, and that's not death. Death perceived, is anxiety, and I am afraid, and I have no desire to give up on life. My worst days are at the very least something, and something is preferable to death. Once I'm dead, I'll be gone, and I'm not ready for that, and I hope I never am. I'm ok with fearing nothingness, this anxiety about death forces me to make this something as good as I can. Never let go of your anxiety about death, just don't get consumed by it.

What makes you unique?

paul1967 comments on Mar 15, 2018:

I'm not particularly special in any way. I'm not smarter than most, I'm not better looking than most, I'm not funnier or interesting than most but I am me and I'm going to live the rest of my life as me so I think I'm happy being me.

Should religion be taught in schools?

paul1967 comments on Sep 19, 2017:

I have no issue with teaching religion in public schools, in fact, I absolutely encourage it to be taught in school. I think that most people who have read Joseph Campbell, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" would understand the importance of mythology. I would, however, object to teaching it as an alternative to science. My reasoning for this is, you can't reach any reliable scientific conclusions when your model of existence starts out with I have faith.

If anyone was looking for the perfect Valentine's gift.

paul1967 comments on Feb 11, 2018:

I'm a romantic at heart, and burning skulls just don't scream romance. Well, unless they're screaming romantic poetry while they're burning, that might be cool. Anyways every Valentines Day I build something, paint something or write something for my girlfriend/spouse. I never buy the thing I'm giving. I might buy the parts, but the gift is always of my creation.

What liars and hypocrites fear most is the truth.

paul1967 comments on Mar 30, 2018:

Liars and hypocrites are selfish. They never think beyond themselves. Selfish people don't think of the impact they have on other people. Often their lies leave lifelong emotional scars on the people they supposedly care about making it difficult for those people to trust anyone.

hello everyone.

paul1967 comments on Sep 26, 2017:

Hello b22ri22an, welcome to agnostic

Would you teach your kids about agnosticism/atheism?

paul1967 comments on Sep 28, 2017:

I would teach my kids skeptical thinking skills and then let them decide on their own.

Response to FE'er, Anti-Vaxxer,..(Just sad)... [youtube.com]

paul1967 comments on Feb 10, 2018:

I love that video. I've debated these people myself and it's a waste of time because they've almost certainly been homeschooled by idiots.

I am no longer receiving post alerts for the members I follow, only alerts when they make comments.

paul1967 comments on Oct 30, 2018:

Did you look to see if that got turned off in your settings?

James Veitch’s Elaborate Wrong Number Prank - CONAN on TBS - YouTube

paul1967 comments on Jun 7, 2018:

I'm getting some really good laughs in today

Pot and kettle.

paul1967 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Lmao is that real? That can't be real right?

Are you still able to appreciate religious art, or does the religious message prevent you from ...

paul1967 comments on Oct 15, 2017:

I enjoy a lot of religious art, music, authors, and poets. Amazing Grace is a song that has always affected me. In my mind, I can apply it to my life. I was a drug addicted youth, failing out of school. I was destined to be a bum on the streets or in prison. A single person (Not God or divinely sent) turned my life around by showing me my future. There's a long and painful story behind that story but the song "Saving Grace" gave me some inspiration to change my life around.

Yes,yes..that's us..

paul1967 comments on Oct 21, 2018:

That's exactly right.

Do you enjoy it when a Christian knocks at your door?

paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:

On my day off if I'm not too busy it can be a form of entertainment. That might sound cruel but they came to me to tell me what I should believe so I make them justify their beliefs. Then when they can't and they obviously never have, I ask why they believe since they can't provide reason for belief. We always end it with why faith is a bad way to know if you're correct.

Do you have family members that refuse to upgrade technology?

paul1967 comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I am that person with outdated technology. I despise cell phones because they are in my opinion destroying our culture. I own a reasonably techy laptop, but I don't own a TV, I have no microwave, I hand wash my dishes, and I listen to the radio in my home. I don't think I'm a better person for this, but I have learned that you don't develop unhealthy habits to things that you don't have. TV used to be my vice and to be fair I still have shows I'll watch online, but I no longer sit blankly watching whatever happens to be on TV.

Can science and religion realistically be reconciled?

paul1967 comments on Oct 21, 2017:

I used to say they were two separate things, but I discovered they are the same in the initial approach. They both ask the same questions, but here is the divide, science won't answer with here is the answer until the evidence is in and when evidence is inconclusive or not available the answer is we don't know. Religions will always insert God to all answers unknown, and when the answer becomes known, they fight back and deny for a while and then move the goal post again.

A duck chilling out in a tree

paul1967 comments on Nov 16, 2018:

WOW!!!!! That's incredible

Which best describes you (Dawkins Scale)?

paul1967 comments on Sep 25, 2017:

Interesting, I've never investigated this. I've always counted myself as a weak Atheist. I never contemplated the middle ground of Defacto Atheist. It was a position I held inwardly, yet I unsatisfactorily accepted the position of the weak atheist regarding it as the only other option to strong atheism. Thank you for revealing this to me.

NO returns...

paul1967 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Buyers remorse is a bitch!

Is ignorance bliss?

paul1967 comments on Oct 15, 2017:

The studies would indicate that it does. Anyone who knows me knows that science is the subject with which I hold great reverence. However, I take science to be an understanding of the physical world that is in constant flux, and never an absolute declaration of absolute truth. It may be true that the comfort it offers allows for an extended life but it could be could also be something unrelated.

Took Abbey on a long hike today up Cuyamaca Peak.

paul1967 comments on Oct 21, 2018:

Start with the apple pie

TV Series about Family and Transgender Issues.

paul1967 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

It looks like a good show I'll try to catch it if it airs in America

Wyoming Sights

paul1967 comments on Oct 28, 2018:

Picture 2 is amazing

Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science, Center for Inquiry and Republican Atheists have ...

paul1967 comments on Dec 26, 2018:

There is no war on Christmas, why would there be?

Can you think of any good 'Christmas' verses in the bible, that say the opposite of what we always ...

paul1967 comments on Dec 8, 2018:

I've read the Bible, both NIV and KJV and what most Christian don't know is God forbids the decorations of Christmas trees. Jeremiah 10:1-25 Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”

Dating Thoughts

paul1967 comments on Oct 4, 2017:

I want there to be a place on this site where people can find other like-minded people, but I don't want it to become just another dating site.

Is mankind inherently good, or born evil?

paul1967 comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Infants are outside of any concept of good and evil. The question, is humanity inherently evil is a complicated question, one which requires a proper definition which I've never seen, nor can I devise one. My gut says evolution needs us to be both self-serving and generous and some people lean one way or the other to varying degrees.

Guilty pleasures.

paul1967 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

Key lime pie with brown sugar sprinkled on top.

Anti choice people are not trying to stop abortion, they are trying to legislate who can and cannot ...

paul1967 comments on Dec 3, 2018:

I kinda agree with some of this but this makes it sound like a conspiracy and it's not a conspiracy. There are those that truly find abortion to be murder. I'm very open to prochoice.

2018 Winter Olympics, who's watching?

paul1967 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Ugh, sports just bore me to tears unless I'm playing or at the game. I just can't sit in front of the TV and get excited

What kinds of foods do you eat (diet)?

paul1967 comments on Sep 26, 2017:

I ate really poorly for too many years, every night after work I would run to a local fast food. I wouldn't eat until 4pm and I still managed to stuff down 3500 to 4000 calories every day. I ballooned to 280 lbs and my doctor said you're going to die or worse have a stroke. He used an app on his computer inputting my blood pressure, weight, age, and activity levels and it said I had a 68% chance of a heart attack in the next 10 years. That scared the crap out of me. I'm eating healthier food (Mediterranian diet) starting with breakfast and working out 4 days a week. I lose a pound a week and I still have a bit more to go but I'm down to 220. Another 50 lbs and I'll reach my goal. I'm enjoying being more healthy and I plan on living another 20 years.

Do you have nightmares?

paul1967 comments on Apr 10, 2018:

I have a lot of dreams every night, and some of them are negative, and some are positive. Quite often something triggers and I realize I'm dreaming while in the dream and that's a lot of fun because I become all-powerful for about five or ten minutes. But to answer your question, yes I have "bad dreams," but I don't use the word nightmare because to me that implies boogyman type dreams and they're not that. My bad dreams are like falling off a cliff, or living with my x-wife (not joking) or being shackled to a young earth creationist. (not kidding, an actual dream I had)

I have a friend who I love dearly, She has an issue I don't know how to address though.

paul1967 comments on Apr 4, 2018:

My advice, for what it's worth is to let her be who she is. I understand that it's annoying and probably a bit destructive but she will eventually learn that on her own.

Why you should never put vodka in the freezer

paul1967 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

I don't think I care because I mix flavors of fruit in my drink to mask the taste of alcohol. When I drink my goal is to get a light buzz. I guess I'm not a sophisticated drinker.

In the meme time.

paul1967 comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Logic; Science is real, prayer is wishful thinking. Science is capable of creating a cure, belief in an invisible man in the sky offers that child no future and false hope. Believe what you want but get the F@#% out of my way. Great post!

Is anyone else in this group disappointed that Trump was elected?

paul1967 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Yes, and it's going to haunt the Republican party for a while if we survive his presidency.

Smh...a missed opportunity.

paul1967 comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Batmo is a cool name.

I am guilty of being an 'Atheist Troll'.

paul1967 comments on Feb 24, 2018:

I'm all for attacking peoples ideas, especially when it's stated as a fact as opposed to a belief. Trolling is different in my opinion, it's gaining psychological enjoyment from the pain or humiliation of others, and I don't support that. I'm admittedly a hypocrite because I have been guilty of it myself, but I own that, and I'm doing my best not to be that because, in the end, it's more damaging to me than it is to the person I'm attacking.

Two atheists at an event...? with@arttoa. It was a good time

paul1967 comments on Oct 28, 2018:

Looks like a blast!

What is the most progressive philosophy?

paul1967 comments on Oct 12, 2017:

I'm not sure that can be answered. I agree with the simple statement that Bikersurfer said, "The one that gets you where you want to go the fastest" It's probably the only answer that makes sense.

Who is more pessimistic (generally speaking)?

paul1967 comments on Oct 1, 2017:

I said believers, but I would need a better definition of what it is that we're pessimistic about because theists by their nature are unrealistically optimistic about many things. They're optimistic about death not being the end, the invisible caretaker in the sky, the influence of prayer and atheist are skeptical (I wouldn't say we are pessimistic, just realistic.) I still pick them because they are also unrealistically skeptical to the point that I could call it pessimistic about global warming, evolution, the age of the Earth, gay rights, Geological science that denies a global flood event. The list keeps going and going. If that's not what you were talking about, please explain.