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Is True Love Attainable?
GareBear517 comments on Oct 20, 2017:
Life is like that. My partner of 19 years died in 1999. He was the best leaf and the tallest tree. I know I have missed out on many connections that may have led to something remarkable because I continue to look for the best leaf and the tallest tree that remains hoping to somehow replace my lost ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
I'm not typically moved by the loss of a person I've never met, but that was heart-wrenching. I'm so sorry for your loss.
GareBear517 comments on Oct 20, 2017:
Life is like that. My partner of 19 years died in 1999. He was the best leaf and the tallest tree. I know I have missed out on many connections that may have led to something remarkable because I continue to look for the best leaf and the tallest tree that remains hoping to somehow replace my lost ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
I'm not typically moved by the loss of a person I've never met, but that was heart-wrenching. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I 100% know there is a God or is no God
Mightyjustice comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I selected 99.9%. I consider the odds of their being a God right up there with the odds of their being a Santa Claus. That being said, if the proper evidence was given to me I would change my mind.
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
What do you mean there's no Santa? There's got to be Santa. NO? There's no Santa? Oh crap :(
Mightyjustice comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I selected 99.9%. I consider the odds of their being a God right up there with the odds of their being a Santa Claus. That being said, if the proper evidence was given to me I would change my mind.
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
What do you mean there's no Santa? There's got to be Santa. NO? There's no Santa? Oh crap :(
I 100% know there is a God or is no God
MichaelReed comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I don't respond with 100% confidence. That would be more akin to the appellation of atheism (or theism on the opposite side of the spectrum). As for me, I am agnostic, but mostly function as an apathetic atheist: if there is a God, i don't really care. Moreover, if he/she exited, they would ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
LMAO. I'm guilty of that too.
MichaelReed comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I don't respond with 100% confidence. That would be more akin to the appellation of atheism (or theism on the opposite side of the spectrum). As for me, I am agnostic, but mostly function as an apathetic atheist: if there is a God, i don't really care. Moreover, if he/she exited, they would ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
LMAO. I'm guilty of that too.
I 100% know there is a God or is no God
AMGT comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I selected 99.9%
When I filled out the questionnaire, “god” wasn’t defined, so I thought it safe to assume that the term was used to describe the god’s of the 3 major monotheistic religions, to which I’m 100% certain do no exist.
All god’s on offer that people have attempted to ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
I see 99.9 to be a reasoned answer. I may be making much ado about nothing, but I just don't think it's rationale, to claim 100% certainty on anything that's unprovable.
AMGT comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I selected 99.9%
When I filled out the questionnaire, “god” wasn’t defined, so I thought it safe to assume that the term was used to describe the god’s of the 3 major monotheistic religions, to which I’m 100% certain do no exist.
All god’s on offer that people have attempted to ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
I see 99.9 to be a reasoned answer. I may be making much ado about nothing, but I just don't think it's rationale, to claim 100% certainty on anything that's unprovable.
Avoiding the Friend Zone
DJVJ311 comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I don't understand the "friend zone". Is that the people that are above average, but in the first 2 standard deviations of compatibility? For me, sex is entangled with emotions and I think that is how people who "friend zone" you think. It's not like a penalty box at a hockey game, but that's how...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
Two cents worth spending. I thought that was very well thought out and you clearly understand the dynamics of relationship formation.
DJVJ311 comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I don't understand the "friend zone". Is that the people that are above average, but in the first 2 standard deviations of compatibility? For me, sex is entangled with emotions and I think that is how people who "friend zone" you think. It's not like a penalty box at a hockey game, but that's how...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
Two cents worth spending. I thought that was very well thought out and you clearly understand the dynamics of relationship formation.
Avoiding the Friend Zone
Rideauxb comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I am the MASTER of the FZ. The only way out of it is to be upfront and be willing to walk away and not tr to change their mind.
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
Once there always there. I never try to change their mind. It's romance from the start or friends.
Rideauxb comments on Oct 20, 2017:
I am the MASTER of the FZ. The only way out of it is to be upfront and be willing to walk away and not tr to change their mind.
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
Once there always there. I never try to change their mind. It's romance from the start or friends.
Avoiding the Friend Zone
silvereyes comments on Oct 20, 2017:
There is a certain criteria I have for a significant other -- that I don't have for friends. After all, you plan to share a lot more in life with a lover.
In that regard, it's important that we share more of the same core values. That our goals are aligned. Attraction is strongly preferred.
...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
I think that's a positive way to go about it
silvereyes comments on Oct 20, 2017:
There is a certain criteria I have for a significant other -- that I don't have for friends. After all, you plan to share a lot more in life with a lover.
In that regard, it's important that we share more of the same core values. That our goals are aligned. Attraction is strongly preferred.
...
paul1967 replies on Oct 20, 2017:
I think that's a positive way to go about it
What are your thoughts on "Pantheism"
Hugene2002 comments on Oct 19, 2017:
I think Pantheism is more like spiritualism so I don't have much time for it. I heard of another term the other day which I was reminded of by your question:
OMNIST - a person who does not claim any one religion, practice or belief, but who finds truth in them all.
I came up with my own term ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
I'll go for Omnimoronic taking the emphasis off the individual and placing it on the concept.
Hugene2002 comments on Oct 19, 2017:
I think Pantheism is more like spiritualism so I don't have much time for it. I heard of another term the other day which I was reminded of by your question:
OMNIST - a person who does not claim any one religion, practice or belief, but who finds truth in them all.
I came up with my own term ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
I'll go for Omnimoronic taking the emphasis off the individual and placing it on the concept.
What is your opinion on male circumcision?
paul1967 comments on Oct 19, 2017:
The bigger issue for me is doing it to children. Let them do it if they want. People think it's more sanitary, well that's what soap is for.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
Na, that's not true. I don't know where you heard that, but even if it were true, it still doesn't give you the right to do it to a child in my opinion.
paul1967 comments on Oct 19, 2017:
The bigger issue for me is doing it to children. Let them do it if they want. People think it's more sanitary, well that's what soap is for.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
Na, that's not true. I don't know where you heard that, but even if it were true, it still doesn't give you the right to do it to a child in my opinion.
What are you most looking for in a relationship? Just your 1 Thing
SarcomaSlayer85 comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Honesty from day one.
My last relationship I came across a paper one day while he was at work that went through the “pros and cons of dating me” and the only pro was “gives me someone to cum into” and on the con side it went on and on about how I wasn’t pretty or skinny and how he ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
I'm sorry to say and I probably shouldn't, but your last "boyfriend" was a complete ass. You are attractive, more importantly, you're intelligent and engaging. So I would have told him to KMA and walked away
SarcomaSlayer85 comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Honesty from day one.
My last relationship I came across a paper one day while he was at work that went through the “pros and cons of dating me” and the only pro was “gives me someone to cum into” and on the con side it went on and on about how I wasn’t pretty or skinny and how he ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
I'm sorry to say and I probably shouldn't, but your last "boyfriend" was a complete ass. You are attractive, more importantly, you're intelligent and engaging. So I would have told him to KMA and walked away
Dating Thoughts
JackPedigo comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Is it not already a site where we can meet and talk to like minded people? I fear if it becomes something else many (probably most of the members are already in a relationship) will drop out and we will lose a lot of valuable information.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
I agree, however, if they made it separate but connected via a link, I think it could be beneficial. Being able to read multiple posts from someone you're attracted to physically adds something I've never seen before on a dating site. Not only is my physical requirements being met but more importantly I get to learn about who they are emotionally and intellectually in a more comprehensive way than a standard dating site
JackPedigo comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Is it not already a site where we can meet and talk to like minded people? I fear if it becomes something else many (probably most of the members are already in a relationship) will drop out and we will lose a lot of valuable information.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
I agree, however, if they made it separate but connected via a link, I think it could be beneficial. Being able to read multiple posts from someone you're attracted to physically adds something I've never seen before on a dating site. Not only is my physical requirements being met but more importantly I get to learn about who they are emotionally and intellectually in a more comprehensive way than a standard dating site
How do you respond to criticism?
JackPedigo comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Criticism, if it is given in a constructive and non-hostile (name calling, insults) manner can be a great way for one to grow. We seldom view ourselves as others do so it can be a good way for one to step out of an egocentric position.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
Well stated and I agree. People need to control their emotion and not be embarrassed about being wrong especially when the one correcting you is offering you a better answer. It can be uncomfortable having something I've said that was inaccurate being pointed out, but when it happens, I just remember It's a gift of new information. I never need to worry about being wrong on this issue again. I've learned something, and I've removed another thing, that thing I was incorrect about is now gone.
JackPedigo comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Criticism, if it is given in a constructive and non-hostile (name calling, insults) manner can be a great way for one to grow. We seldom view ourselves as others do so it can be a good way for one to step out of an egocentric position.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
Well stated and I agree. People need to control their emotion and not be embarrassed about being wrong especially when the one correcting you is offering you a better answer. It can be uncomfortable having something I've said that was inaccurate being pointed out, but when it happens, I just remember It's a gift of new information. I never need to worry about being wrong on this issue again. I've learned something, and I've removed another thing, that thing I was incorrect about is now gone.
The Bible: 1 good thing 1 bad thing (please read full question below)
silvereyes comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Best:
Only small slivers of "good" can be taken. This of course is outweighed by the context of the entire bible, but I'll play along. :)
Love is patient, love is kind.
Bad (though there are a lot of other contenders):
From Moses, on prisoners who have trespassed against the "LORD"
...
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
That makes my top 5 of evil Bible quotes
silvereyes comments on Oct 19, 2017:
Best:
Only small slivers of "good" can be taken. This of course is outweighed by the context of the entire bible, but I'll play along. :)
Love is patient, love is kind.
Bad (though there are a lot of other contenders):
From Moses, on prisoners who have trespassed against the "LORD"
...
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
That makes my top 5 of evil Bible quotes
What type of death do you most fear?
goatgirl comments on Oct 18, 2017:
Anything that involves a long bout of physical pain. I want to go super quick or super drugged out of my gourd feeling no pain.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
It's funny you said super drugged out. I don't want to end life drugged out. I want to finish it wide awake or in my sleep. If I'm terminal and in pain, I'll have no choice but to be super drugged out because I will end it myself. I fear stroking out and not being permitted to end my life.
goatgirl comments on Oct 18, 2017:
Anything that involves a long bout of physical pain. I want to go super quick or super drugged out of my gourd feeling no pain.
paul1967 replies on Oct 19, 2017:
It's funny you said super drugged out. I don't want to end life drugged out. I want to finish it wide awake or in my sleep. If I'm terminal and in pain, I'll have no choice but to be super drugged out because I will end it myself. I fear stroking out and not being permitted to end my life.
A Priest, A Minister, A Rabbi And A Bear
A priest, a minister, and a rabbi want to see who’s ...
Penultimate comments on Oct 18, 2017:
An elderly Jewish man was speaking to his friend on the phone when suddenly the telephone died. He immediately called the operator and said he couldn't hear his friend. The operator said, "Sir, you've been cut off." To which the man replied, "I know, but that shouldn't affect my hearing!"
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
LMAO. I like it. :D
Penultimate comments on Oct 18, 2017:
An elderly Jewish man was speaking to his friend on the phone when suddenly the telephone died. He immediately called the operator and said he couldn't hear his friend. The operator said, "Sir, you've been cut off." To which the man replied, "I know, but that shouldn't affect my hearing!"
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
LMAO. I like it. :D
The Bible: 1 good thing 1 bad thing (please read full question below)
Poitter comments on Oct 18, 2017:
which bible?
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
The Bible. It's the collections of scriptures from the old to the new testament and the term Bible only refers to the Christian doctrine, as far as I know. If your question is which Christian belief system I would say that it doesn't matter. Pick any you're familiar with
Poitter comments on Oct 18, 2017:
which bible?
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
The Bible. It's the collections of scriptures from the old to the new testament and the term Bible only refers to the Christian doctrine, as far as I know. If your question is which Christian belief system I would say that it doesn't matter. Pick any you're familiar with
The Bible: 1 good thing 1 bad thing (please read full question below)
HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 18, 2017:
What is the point of this exercise? I am an atheist who gave up reading this nonsense when I was ten.
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
I thought it might be a way to flush out a thought I had. What unique insight, was found exclusively in the Bible, that had not or could not come from the mind of man. What I'm trying to show theists is any quality advice that came from the Bible had its roots in cultures that began long before the Bible. When it comes to the evil in the Bible, "Mein Kamph" doesn't hold a candle to the immorality found in the Bible. This question was an attempt to use the incredible brain power of people who think differently than I do. I wanted to see if anyone could find good in the Bible that I had not considered.
HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 18, 2017:
What is the point of this exercise? I am an atheist who gave up reading this nonsense when I was ten.
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
I thought it might be a way to flush out a thought I had. What unique insight, was found exclusively in the Bible, that had not or could not come from the mind of man. What I'm trying to show theists is any quality advice that came from the Bible had its roots in cultures that began long before the Bible. When it comes to the evil in the Bible, "Mein Kamph" doesn't hold a candle to the immorality found in the Bible. This question was an attempt to use the incredible brain power of people who think differently than I do. I wanted to see if anyone could find good in the Bible that I had not considered.
Evolution VS Creationism
Squirrellglider comments on Oct 18, 2017:
When people try to say to me that evolution is only a theory and creationism is just as valid, I say to them; well let's say you want to work in animal or plant biology producing vaccines or some other up to the minute technology, if you wish to actually achieve anything you will need to work with ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
That's a logical and reliable argument to make to a rational individual. However, apologists have found a way to explain away to the satisfaction of creationist and nobody else, that microevolution is true, but macroevolution isn't. They have created a difference where there is no difference and creationists accept it because it allows them to believe their fantasy of Heaven and Hell.
Squirrellglider comments on Oct 18, 2017:
When people try to say to me that evolution is only a theory and creationism is just as valid, I say to them; well let's say you want to work in animal or plant biology producing vaccines or some other up to the minute technology, if you wish to actually achieve anything you will need to work with ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
That's a logical and reliable argument to make to a rational individual. However, apologists have found a way to explain away to the satisfaction of creationist and nobody else, that microevolution is true, but macroevolution isn't. They have created a difference where there is no difference and creationists accept it because it allows them to believe their fantasy of Heaven and Hell.
The Bible: 1 good thing 1 bad thing (please read full question below)
andygee comments on Oct 17, 2017:
Deu 22:8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence. This verse contains an entire world of ethics.
Lev 21:20 Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
I have read the Bible cover to cover, and I have never been anything other than an Atheist since I was a child of about 9. I have passages I like and loathe. However, Daddyforpugs made a valid point.
andygee comments on Oct 17, 2017:
Deu 22:8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence. This verse contains an entire world of ethics.
Lev 21:20 Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
I have read the Bible cover to cover, and I have never been anything other than an Atheist since I was a child of about 9. I have passages I like and loathe. However, Daddyforpugs made a valid point.
The Bible: 1 good thing 1 bad thing (please read full question below)
daddy4pugs comments on Oct 17, 2017:
In all seriousness, I can't find one good thing. The reason is this: If you asked me to find one good thing in Mein Kamph, I could find things about a people coming together for a common good for example, but the context of why that is written is horrible. Some people will point out something ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
Understandable and your point, is well taken. I had not considered that.
daddy4pugs comments on Oct 17, 2017:
In all seriousness, I can't find one good thing. The reason is this: If you asked me to find one good thing in Mein Kamph, I could find things about a people coming together for a common good for example, but the context of why that is written is horrible. Some people will point out something ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 18, 2017:
Understandable and your point, is well taken. I had not considered that.
What type of death do you most fear?
Squirrellglider comments on Oct 17, 2017:
I just heard the news today of a local fishing boat with a crew of 7 on board that I knew well, that capsized in heavy weather and sank with only one lad escaping, the rest probably trapped in the vessel as it went down, This to me would be one of the worst ways to die, a slow suffocation trapped ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 17, 2017:
I'm sorry for the loss of your friends
Squirrellglider comments on Oct 17, 2017:
I just heard the news today of a local fishing boat with a crew of 7 on board that I knew well, that capsized in heavy weather and sank with only one lad escaping, the rest probably trapped in the vessel as it went down, This to me would be one of the worst ways to die, a slow suffocation trapped ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 17, 2017:
I'm sorry for the loss of your friends
What state do you think is the most Liberal but also has the least amount of hippies?
Bikersurfer comments on Oct 5, 2017:
There are still Hippies?
paul1967 replies on Oct 17, 2017:
right? I LMAO when I read that too. I don't think they know what hippies are. I think they mean ultra liberals. I bet you could count on one or two hands the hippies still acting like hippies left in the world.
Bikersurfer comments on Oct 5, 2017:
There are still Hippies?
paul1967 replies on Oct 17, 2017:
right? I LMAO when I read that too. I don't think they know what hippies are. I think they mean ultra liberals. I bet you could count on one or two hands the hippies still acting like hippies left in the world.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
goatgirl comments on Oct 16, 2017:
My criteria for an immoral act is if it causes needless suffering. So while I think that incest is certainly taboo I don't necessarily think it is immoral. It is certainly not something I would put on my marching boots and protest for. I am not that open minded. I actually found out about a friend ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
This is my favorite response. Not immorral but eeewww! This is my take on it too
goatgirl comments on Oct 16, 2017:
My criteria for an immoral act is if it causes needless suffering. So while I think that incest is certainly taboo I don't necessarily think it is immoral. It is certainly not something I would put on my marching boots and protest for. I am not that open minded. I actually found out about a friend ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
This is my favorite response. Not immorral but eeewww! This is my take on it too
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
paul1967 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I live in Kansas City, which could easily be renamed Trumpland. I saw a licence plate that said Trump 4 just the other day. People here seem to be delighted that several decades worth of civil rights work is being destroyed, that environmental protections are being dismantled and that hateful ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
I really hope they fix this system because replying to you won't notify you of this reply. I can't speak to your diesel concerns until I investigate them but I can say Trump is working on dismantling the EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency) Trump has already imposed new restrictions on public communication by EPA Staff and in April ordered the Agency to take down it's climate science webpage. Trump has already rolled back key environmental standards. Over the past few months Trump has:
1) Resumed sales of coal on federal land.
2) Reversed restrictions against dumping mining waste into waterways
3) killed a mandate that federal agencies must consider climate change when making decisions.
4) Revoked the EPAs Clean power plan
5) Asked the courts to delay a hearing about limits on mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants with plans to weaken these rules.
6) Is working on overturning rules that limit methane gas pollution from oil and gas production.
7 Allowed the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos even after the EPA Scientist showed a causal link between it's use and breast cancer and birth defects. This is a short list and all within less than a year. You claim he's saving the IS billions and I'm 100% sure you're right. Today billions of dollars are being saved In 8 years from now after he's gone and major portions of our environment will be destroyed, people will, not could but will die and even more will made I'll and deformed from birth defects. This is the consensus of our best scientific minds. A concerted effort is being waged to discredit these scientist saying they're just saying it to get grant money and it's all lies. All I can say to that is GIVE ME A FREAKEN BREAK YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. The cost to fix this is unmanageable and in many cases impossible. Stop thinking for just a minute about saving a dollar today and start researching the impact to the future of this country. Don't believe me don't take a word I've said for granted. Look for yourself and then get on board and help stop this.
paul1967 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I live in Kansas City, which could easily be renamed Trumpland. I saw a licence plate that said Trump 4 just the other day. People here seem to be delighted that several decades worth of civil rights work is being destroyed, that environmental protections are being dismantled and that hateful ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
I really hope they fix this system because replying to you won't notify you of this reply. I can't speak to your diesel concerns until I investigate them but I can say Trump is working on dismantling the EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency) Trump has already imposed new restrictions on public communication by EPA Staff and in April ordered the Agency to take down it's climate science webpage. Trump has already rolled back key environmental standards. Over the past few months Trump has:
1) Resumed sales of coal on federal land.
2) Reversed restrictions against dumping mining waste into waterways
3) killed a mandate that federal agencies must consider climate change when making decisions.
4) Revoked the EPAs Clean power plan
5) Asked the courts to delay a hearing about limits on mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants with plans to weaken these rules.
6) Is working on overturning rules that limit methane gas pollution from oil and gas production.
7 Allowed the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos even after the EPA Scientist showed a causal link between it's use and breast cancer and birth defects. This is a short list and all within less than a year. You claim he's saving the IS billions and I'm 100% sure you're right. Today billions of dollars are being saved In 8 years from now after he's gone and major portions of our environment will be destroyed, people will, not could but will die and even more will made I'll and deformed from birth defects. This is the consensus of our best scientific minds. A concerted effort is being waged to discredit these scientist saying they're just saying it to get grant money and it's all lies. All I can say to that is GIVE ME A FREAKEN BREAK YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. The cost to fix this is unmanageable and in many cases impossible. Stop thinking for just a minute about saving a dollar today and start researching the impact to the future of this country. Don't believe me don't take a word I've said for granted. Look for yourself and then get on board and help stop this.
Would you want a Christian God to be real?
HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 16, 2017:
Sorry, but this is just a nonsense question since I am unable to conceive of a universe that even required a god to exist.
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
It's an imaginary scenario not intended to be an attempt to convince you that it could be a possible one. If given a choice in an imaginary universe where Christianity was real would you rather not exist or exist and live in a Christian Heaven for eternity. I chose non-existence. I think most Atheists have, but I wondered if the desire for eternal life was enough of a draw that some might want that enough to accept all the bad that came with it.
HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 16, 2017:
Sorry, but this is just a nonsense question since I am unable to conceive of a universe that even required a god to exist.
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
It's an imaginary scenario not intended to be an attempt to convince you that it could be a possible one. If given a choice in an imaginary universe where Christianity was real would you rather not exist or exist and live in a Christian Heaven for eternity. I chose non-existence. I think most Atheists have, but I wondered if the desire for eternal life was enough of a draw that some might want that enough to accept all the bad that came with it.
What would make you believe in a God?
JackPedigo comments on Oct 16, 2017:
Maybe a stroke or brain cancer. My late wife had a brain tumor but her atheism had been ingrained since childhood and she sent a message of "no tears and no prayers.
This is the real world and there is no magic or supernaturalism!
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
I respect your wife for having her mental power and the world is lessened without her in it. She and other's like her are inspiration to me.
JackPedigo comments on Oct 16, 2017:
Maybe a stroke or brain cancer. My late wife had a brain tumor but her atheism had been ingrained since childhood and she sent a message of "no tears and no prayers.
This is the real world and there is no magic or supernaturalism!
paul1967 replies on Oct 16, 2017:
I respect your wife for having her mental power and the world is lessened without her in it. She and other's like her are inspiration to me.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
Lucas20520 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
So far 7 people are super creepy.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
LOL well, I'm not sure I would call them creepy. Let me pose a scenario to see if you change your mind. You fall in love late in life say, 50ish and you marry this person, and you're now 60ish, and you discover the person you loved was your sibling that you had never met. Do you end it now because you know?
Lucas20520 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
So far 7 people are super creepy.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
LOL well, I'm not sure I would call them creepy. Let me pose a scenario to see if you change your mind. You fall in love late in life say, 50ish and you marry this person, and you're now 60ish, and you discover the person you loved was your sibling that you had never met. Do you end it now because you know?
Would you want a Christian God to be real?
tsjames comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I think you've set up a false dichotomy. Are the choices really *only* the rather dreadful Christian God, or a natural end to a life?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I know but that wasn't what I was asking. You could always devise a scenario which would be better than absolute oblivion. The point was the Christian scenario sucks so bad most of us would rather not exist than exist in that way.
tsjames comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I think you've set up a false dichotomy. Are the choices really *only* the rather dreadful Christian God, or a natural end to a life?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I know but that wasn't what I was asking. You could always devise a scenario which would be better than absolute oblivion. The point was the Christian scenario sucks so bad most of us would rather not exist than exist in that way.
Do you think the "Idiocracy effect" is taking place in real life'?
paul1967 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
What is the Idiocracy effect?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Well it must be lol
paul1967 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
What is the Idiocracy effect?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Well it must be lol
Would you want a Christian God to be real?
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 15, 2017:
No. That's an atheist I would never want to spend eternity with. Existenceless would definitely be the better option.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I agree, Existenceless was my made up word for the day lol
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 15, 2017:
No. That's an atheist I would never want to spend eternity with. Existenceless would definitely be the better option.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I agree, Existenceless was my made up word for the day lol
Would you want a Christian God to be real?
atheist comments on Oct 15, 2017:
Sure - but some changes would definitely have to be made. How about a benevolent dictator?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Not an option God as described or permanent nonexistence.
atheist comments on Oct 15, 2017:
Sure - but some changes would definitely have to be made. How about a benevolent dictator?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Not an option God as described or permanent nonexistence.
Would you want a Christian God to be real?
tsjames comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I think you've set up a false dichotomy. Are the choices really *only* the rather dreadful Christian God, or a natural end to a life?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
What other choice is there. I only see one possible and rational outcome. Final and permanent nonexistence. But if you have another rational end, please offer it? The purpose was to ask if Christianity turned out to be true, which would you prefer.
tsjames comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I think you've set up a false dichotomy. Are the choices really *only* the rather dreadful Christian God, or a natural end to a life?
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
What other choice is there. I only see one possible and rational outcome. Final and permanent nonexistence. But if you have another rational end, please offer it? The purpose was to ask if Christianity turned out to be true, which would you prefer.
Will science be our saviour or are we over confident?
paul1967 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
If you're talking about being our saviour from religion, I think having a strong scientific influence in our society will make a measurable impact on how religious we are as a nation. If you're asking will science save us from destroying ourselves, I don't think anyone will know until it happens or ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Foresight we have, we have the foresight to know fracking causes issues with our water supply, we have the foresight to know dumping toxic waste into our atmosphere and oceans has serious long term ramifications. But the question becomes are we going to stop. So far the answer is no.
paul1967 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
If you're talking about being our saviour from religion, I think having a strong scientific influence in our society will make a measurable impact on how religious we are as a nation. If you're asking will science save us from destroying ourselves, I don't think anyone will know until it happens or ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Foresight we have, we have the foresight to know fracking causes issues with our water supply, we have the foresight to know dumping toxic waste into our atmosphere and oceans has serious long term ramifications. But the question becomes are we going to stop. So far the answer is no.
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 ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Yes, I think having a belief can reduce stress. The belief need not be accurate for it to help. I think I just got to wordy because that was what I was trying to convey
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 ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Yes, I think having a belief can reduce stress. The belief need not be accurate for it to help. I think I just got to wordy because that was what I was trying to convey
Should forgiveness always be given?
daddy4pugs comments on Oct 15, 2017:
NO! If someone is evil, hurts others, or calls for my death in their holy books, they only deserve scorn. Forgiveness is a religious concept, which they do not follow, given their eternal hell. You move on in life after others have done you wrong, but it is a silly concept to forgive abuse, ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I don't think what you're describing to SamL is the same thing. It is not a deed in the past it's an ongoing crime that requires action. The time for forgiveness comes after the offence, not during it. I think we all agree that something occurring in the present is actionable whereas once done with no further actions to concern ourselves with we must eventually find a way to forgive and move on. As I said, in my post, it doesn't mean you must allow the offender(s) any alleviation from their guilt or punishment. You can forgive an individual or group internally and move on without allowing contact with that them.
daddy4pugs comments on Oct 15, 2017:
NO! If someone is evil, hurts others, or calls for my death in their holy books, they only deserve scorn. Forgiveness is a religious concept, which they do not follow, given their eternal hell. You move on in life after others have done you wrong, but it is a silly concept to forgive abuse, ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I don't think what you're describing to SamL is the same thing. It is not a deed in the past it's an ongoing crime that requires action. The time for forgiveness comes after the offence, not during it. I think we all agree that something occurring in the present is actionable whereas once done with no further actions to concern ourselves with we must eventually find a way to forgive and move on. As I said, in my post, it doesn't mean you must allow the offender(s) any alleviation from their guilt or punishment. You can forgive an individual or group internally and move on without allowing contact with that them.
What type of death do you most fear?
laostus3 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I do not fear death. I do not want to die, but when it comes, it comes.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Yeah, but burning to death is less prefered than dying in your sleep, I would assume so given that, what to you, would be least desirable?
laostus3 comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I do not fear death. I do not want to die, but when it comes, it comes.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Yeah, but burning to death is less prefered than dying in your sleep, I would assume so given that, what to you, would be least desirable?
01. The hero's path - YouTube
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 15, 2017:
with the exception of mother theresa. she was an awful person, not a hero. i am with hitch, when it comes to her.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Yeah, agreed. Even the smartest among us are often poorly informed on the facts, believing what is said instead of researching for themselves. We all tend to be lazy and allow what is being told to us to be the truth. After Hitchens blasted Mother Theresa, I spent time thinking he was crazy, until I did the research and discovered he was spot on.
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 15, 2017:
with the exception of mother theresa. she was an awful person, not a hero. i am with hitch, when it comes to her.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
Yeah, agreed. Even the smartest among us are often poorly informed on the facts, believing what is said instead of researching for themselves. We all tend to be lazy and allow what is being told to us to be the truth. After Hitchens blasted Mother Theresa, I spent time thinking he was crazy, until I did the research and discovered he was spot on.
How do words affect you?
Mantra comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I agree with you. If a person with positive intent says some silly words, I wouldn't mind. But I rarely feel offended these days. By the way, 5'11" and 200 lbs is not overweight, just about average.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
That's very kind of you to say, 200lbs is where I am now, down from 270 but even at 200 I'm uncomfortable physically. I've been athletic most of my life, and I don't like feeling unhealthy. I've never weighed this much in my life. I think the added weight is related to depression, from my separation and pending divorce. I plan on getting myself back down to 175, but until then, this is who I am, and I'm not embarrassed by it or ashamed of it. I'm me, the same me, regardless of my weight.
Mantra comments on Oct 15, 2017:
I agree with you. If a person with positive intent says some silly words, I wouldn't mind. But I rarely feel offended these days. By the way, 5'11" and 200 lbs is not overweight, just about average.
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
That's very kind of you to say, 200lbs is where I am now, down from 270 but even at 200 I'm uncomfortable physically. I've been athletic most of my life, and I don't like feeling unhealthy. I've never weighed this much in my life. I think the added weight is related to depression, from my separation and pending divorce. I plan on getting myself back down to 175, but until then, this is who I am, and I'm not embarrassed by it or ashamed of it. I'm me, the same me, regardless of my weight.
How do words affect you?
SunnySmiles comments on Oct 14, 2017:
O Captain, my captain! Dead Poets Society has so many quotable scenes that make me fall in love with words. I may not be as articulate but I can interpret others and have fallen in love with carefully thought out and eloquent words written just for me. I wish we were able to post memes or screen ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I think you should post your desire to the administrator that we should have a "wall" where we can post memes and photos. I think that's a great idea. I also want to add that you do an excellent job presenting ideas with clarity and you compose your thoughts with exceptional talent. Your ability to articulate your position in a discussion is in no way lacking. I think people who read your post would agree that you're a very skilled composer of the written word.
SunnySmiles comments on Oct 14, 2017:
O Captain, my captain! Dead Poets Society has so many quotable scenes that make me fall in love with words. I may not be as articulate but I can interpret others and have fallen in love with carefully thought out and eloquent words written just for me. I wish we were able to post memes or screen ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 15, 2017:
I think you should post your desire to the administrator that we should have a "wall" where we can post memes and photos. I think that's a great idea. I also want to add that you do an excellent job presenting ideas with clarity and you compose your thoughts with exceptional talent. Your ability to articulate your position in a discussion is in no way lacking. I think people who read your post would agree that you're a very skilled composer of the written word.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
Lonely comments on Oct 14, 2017:
Simply doesn't go into my head. IT is insane. Homosexuality also insane against principles of nature and evolution has nothing to do with it. IN animal world there's no such phenomenon. So I still think it is a mental or psychological disorder. I am not against them, I just pity them.
paul1967 replies on Oct 14, 2017:
Actually that's not true. Many species of animals have homosexual mates. Chimps Rams Zebras. About the same population percentage as humans
Lonely comments on Oct 14, 2017:
Simply doesn't go into my head. IT is insane. Homosexuality also insane against principles of nature and evolution has nothing to do with it. IN animal world there's no such phenomenon. So I still think it is a mental or psychological disorder. I am not against them, I just pity them.
paul1967 replies on Oct 14, 2017:
Actually that's not true. Many species of animals have homosexual mates. Chimps Rams Zebras. About the same population percentage as humans
To the people who have read my posts, Do I come across as.
Introverted comments on Oct 14, 2017:
I had a look through some posts on your profile and didn't see anything unusual. You seem fairly well-reasoned and explain your views pretty well.
My advice is to stop worrying and back yourself a little more. I understand the feeling of doubting yourself and wanting to know how you come across. ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 14, 2017:
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate the time you spent looking into it for me.
Introverted comments on Oct 14, 2017:
I had a look through some posts on your profile and didn't see anything unusual. You seem fairly well-reasoned and explain your views pretty well.
My advice is to stop worrying and back yourself a little more. I understand the feeling of doubting yourself and wanting to know how you come across. ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 14, 2017:
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate the time you spent looking into it for me.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 13, 2017:
"So, I was thinking why is it immoral if it is consensual? I understand we find it gross but is that because of Christian influence?"
Yes and no. Incest tends to be a universal taboo. Other species (though not all) have evolved a host of strategies to prevent incest (for fitness reasons). Even ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 14, 2017:
I enjoyed reading your comment. It was well thought out and reasoned. I wish I had waited for this before I responded to my opponents point. I will save it for the next time because this morality position theist hold is a prevalent one. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 13, 2017:
"So, I was thinking why is it immoral if it is consensual? I understand we find it gross but is that because of Christian influence?"
Yes and no. Incest tends to be a universal taboo. Other species (though not all) have evolved a host of strategies to prevent incest (for fitness reasons). Even ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 14, 2017:
I enjoyed reading your comment. It was well thought out and reasoned. I wish I had waited for this before I responded to my opponents point. I will save it for the next time because this morality position theist hold is a prevalent one. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
Lobo comments on Oct 13, 2017:
If we believe that incest is a normal behaviour, where is the difference between human an animals, we don't need religion for this, it's common sense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
This is entirely off subject, but I view common sense as a negative. The sense of the common person has lead to religion. Don't get me wrong I know what you're saying, and I understand what you mean. I just thought I would toss that out to you.
Lobo comments on Oct 13, 2017:
If we believe that incest is a normal behaviour, where is the difference between human an animals, we don't need religion for this, it's common sense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
This is entirely off subject, but I view common sense as a negative. The sense of the common person has lead to religion. Don't get me wrong I know what you're saying, and I understand what you mean. I just thought I would toss that out to you.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
Sarcasm comments on Oct 13, 2017:
can i vote for weird
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
LMAO - I'll put you down for a write-in for weird.......Done got it
Sarcasm comments on Oct 13, 2017:
can i vote for weird
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
LMAO - I'll put you down for a write-in for weird.......Done got it
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds | The New Yorker
LolaJane comments on Oct 13, 2017:
This is an interesting article. Most of us believe what we wish were true not what we have studied and reason to be true. It's a well-established fact in neuroscience. Read Norman Doidge's two books on Neuroplasticity. This is why political arguments are generally not productive because reason does ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
It sounds like you know a thing or two about this. I would love to pick your brain on this subject one of these days, and I'll be reading your recommendation.
LolaJane comments on Oct 13, 2017:
This is an interesting article. Most of us believe what we wish were true not what we have studied and reason to be true. It's a well-established fact in neuroscience. Read Norman Doidge's two books on Neuroplasticity. This is why political arguments are generally not productive because reason does ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
It sounds like you know a thing or two about this. I would love to pick your brain on this subject one of these days, and I'll be reading your recommendation.
How comfortable are you with the word "Atheist" ?
DCNatural comments on Oct 12, 2017:
I use it all of the time. I'm a proud Atheist. I also have a necklace and T-Shirt that I wear on the weekends so not to offend my co workers...LOL
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
I love it you have a necklace. Does it have a big curling "A" like the @ sign but capitalized?
DCNatural comments on Oct 12, 2017:
I use it all of the time. I'm a proud Atheist. I also have a necklace and T-Shirt that I wear on the weekends so not to offend my co workers...LOL
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
I love it you have a necklace. Does it have a big curling "A" like the @ sign but capitalized?
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
MartinDeBourge comments on Oct 13, 2017:
As atheists, we understand that society at large - the community as it were - dictate morality. Individuals do not. And as a society, we've deemed it "wrong"... and that is not arbitrary. In fact it's actually illegal in most states.
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
I like the way you put that. I'm preparing my response, now so I may incorporate what you said in my response. I was heading in that direction, but you worded it better.
MartinDeBourge comments on Oct 13, 2017:
As atheists, we understand that society at large - the community as it were - dictate morality. Individuals do not. And as a society, we've deemed it "wrong"... and that is not arbitrary. In fact it's actually illegal in most states.
paul1967 replies on Oct 13, 2017:
I like the way you put that. I'm preparing my response, now so I may incorporate what you said in my response. I was heading in that direction, but you worded it better.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
Paul628 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
I think it's fine if it's between two CONSENTING ADULTS and no children are conceived from it.
Some people may find it gross but they're not the ones participating.
I bet the people who have the biggest problem with this are also against homosexuality and same sex marriage.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
I imagine you're right about what you said about women not agreeing, but that is the difference between what is legal and what is actually practiced.
Paul628 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
I think it's fine if it's between two CONSENTING ADULTS and no children are conceived from it.
Some people may find it gross but they're not the ones participating.
I bet the people who have the biggest problem with this are also against homosexuality and same sex marriage.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
I imagine you're right about what you said about women not agreeing, but that is the difference between what is legal and what is actually practiced.
Incest: Immoral or Moral?
Bikersurfer comments on Oct 12, 2017:
Immoral, because that's how I was raised and will always believe. I find no practical value in thinking otherwise. Now, as I have mentioned before, I was educated in parochial schools. But besides that, it has been hammered into my head my entire life that it is wrong, and I have no good reason to ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
My instinct or whatever that thing is that says "don't do that" is on board with you, but I'm being challenged to defend If there is no God why is safe sex incest immoral. I've thought about all day, and I think it's not moral or immoral I think it's just a matter of social norms. Pretty much what you said minus the Immorality. You've been taught that it's wrong and you see no reason to change your view on that. His point was without God telling you that it's immoral you could or wouldn't know right from wrong. My point is that morality evolves with its culture. Here in the US women are treated the same as men with all the rights and privileges, and if someone were to try to take that equality away, we would view that as immoral. Morality in the middle east is different, men and women have different roles and men have more rights than women, and in that society, it's considered moral.
Bikersurfer comments on Oct 12, 2017:
Immoral, because that's how I was raised and will always believe. I find no practical value in thinking otherwise. Now, as I have mentioned before, I was educated in parochial schools. But besides that, it has been hammered into my head my entire life that it is wrong, and I have no good reason to ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
My instinct or whatever that thing is that says "don't do that" is on board with you, but I'm being challenged to defend If there is no God why is safe sex incest immoral. I've thought about all day, and I think it's not moral or immoral I think it's just a matter of social norms. Pretty much what you said minus the Immorality. You've been taught that it's wrong and you see no reason to change your view on that. His point was without God telling you that it's immoral you could or wouldn't know right from wrong. My point is that morality evolves with its culture. Here in the US women are treated the same as men with all the rights and privileges, and if someone were to try to take that equality away, we would view that as immoral. Morality in the middle east is different, men and women have different roles and men have more rights than women, and in that society, it's considered moral.
Say you find someone who seems amazing in your eyes, but they turn out to be religious; Do you move ...
paul1967 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
If you love him, you love him. If you get to the point of marriage, then consider this. Marriage is a commitment, and that means hard work. Differing positions on politics or religion can add to the work. If you have kids, kick that work up tenfold because each parent will want to influence their ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
I had that problem, that's why I give this stern warning. I married a theist. I lived with her for 14 years, and we dealt with all the issues of being married to one another. I know it's going to be a challenge., because if you're not on the same page on this topic with your fundamental beliefs of reality, then you find that also excludes so many other relatable issues which leads to incompatibility. It's a great question, and I took the opportunity to share my opinion and experience with it. Sorry if I missed the mark on the question.
paul1967 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
If you love him, you love him. If you get to the point of marriage, then consider this. Marriage is a commitment, and that means hard work. Differing positions on politics or religion can add to the work. If you have kids, kick that work up tenfold because each parent will want to influence their ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
I had that problem, that's why I give this stern warning. I married a theist. I lived with her for 14 years, and we dealt with all the issues of being married to one another. I know it's going to be a challenge., because if you're not on the same page on this topic with your fundamental beliefs of reality, then you find that also excludes so many other relatable issues which leads to incompatibility. It's a great question, and I took the opportunity to share my opinion and experience with it. Sorry if I missed the mark on the question.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
LMAO -"who needs tag team hen pecking anyway?" I need to remember that line. It sums it up well. It might get frowned upon by the ladies out there, but I know precisely what you mean.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
LMAO -"who needs tag team hen pecking anyway?" I need to remember that line. It sums it up well. It might get frowned upon by the ladies out there, but I know precisely what you mean.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Ok, so when I said see I meant with our eyes. However, I can still keep my list if I alter one line. Instead of atoms, I can substitute electrons. Blackholes don't allow light to leave them so they will always be invisible to us. The lava isn't coming from the mantel. The crust, mantle and inner core of the earth are all solid rock (or iron in the case of the core). The only significant portion of the earth's interior that is liquid is the outer core, and lava does not come from there (again, if it did, it would be molten iron) magma comes from an area just above the mantle called the upper mantle. There is far more to this than can be explained here. If you're interested I'll send you an email.
Time isn't a clock a clock is a measurement used to track time.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Ok, so when I said see I meant with our eyes. However, I can still keep my list if I alter one line. Instead of atoms, I can substitute electrons. Blackholes don't allow light to leave them so they will always be invisible to us. The lava isn't coming from the mantel. The crust, mantle and inner core of the earth are all solid rock (or iron in the case of the core). The only significant portion of the earth's interior that is liquid is the outer core, and lava does not come from there (again, if it did, it would be molten iron) magma comes from an area just above the mantle called the upper mantle. There is far more to this than can be explained here. If you're interested I'll send you an email.
Time isn't a clock a clock is a measurement used to track time.
Why do nuns walk in pairs?
KLMFTFW comments on Oct 12, 2017:
Birds of a feather flock together. Anyone remember the Flying Nun??
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
The flying nun. Sally Fields if I remember correctly. I was pretty young watching it on an old black and white TV. Did you know that this show was loosely based on a book called The Fifteenth Pelican. It was later retitled the flying nun. It's an enjoyable and easy read. I recommend it if you have the time. It was authored by Marie Teresa RÃos
KLMFTFW comments on Oct 12, 2017:
Birds of a feather flock together. Anyone remember the Flying Nun??
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
The flying nun. Sally Fields if I remember correctly. I was pretty young watching it on an old black and white TV. Did you know that this show was loosely based on a book called The Fifteenth Pelican. It was later retitled the flying nun. It's an enjoyable and easy read. I recommend it if you have the time. It was authored by Marie Teresa RÃos
Who's the most influential of recent atheists?
Nicsnort comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I can't really tell if you asking about influential people who are atheists or atheists who are influential. Because I feel like those are two different questions with different answers. Like Tyson and Nye are influential people who just happen to be atheists, their atheism comes second to their ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
At first, I was thinking, huh? but I kept reading and you make a very valid point I had not considered. Very impressive!
Nicsnort comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I can't really tell if you asking about influential people who are atheists or atheists who are influential. Because I feel like those are two different questions with different answers. Like Tyson and Nye are influential people who just happen to be atheists, their atheism comes second to their ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
At first, I was thinking, huh? but I kept reading and you make a very valid point I had not considered. Very impressive!
Who's the most influential of recent atheists?
Alliegirl comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I would also add Matt Dillahunty, and the people from The Atheist Experience. Also Seth Andrews from The Thinking Atheist.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
I agree. I still would have voted for Neil DeGrasse Tyson, but their names should at least warrant consideration.
Alliegirl comments on Oct 1, 2017:
I would also add Matt Dillahunty, and the people from The Atheist Experience. Also Seth Andrews from The Thinking Atheist.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
I agree. I still would have voted for Neil DeGrasse Tyson, but their names should at least warrant consideration.
Hello everyone, I'm new here.
BD66 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
That doesn't even make sense.
If there isn't a God or Heaven this life is all you have, so why would you want to end it?
If there is a God and Heaven and Heaven is so much better than Earth, it makes perfect sense to kill yourself and start enjoying life in Heaven.
Give them that argument ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Yep, it makes perfect sense to me too. I think it's more about them wanting us dead for exposing their beliefs. It's a childlike response to an uncomfortable belief they hold.
BD66 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
That doesn't even make sense.
If there isn't a God or Heaven this life is all you have, so why would you want to end it?
If there is a God and Heaven and Heaven is so much better than Earth, it makes perfect sense to kill yourself and start enjoying life in Heaven.
Give them that argument ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Yep, it makes perfect sense to me too. I think it's more about them wanting us dead for exposing their beliefs. It's a childlike response to an uncomfortable belief they hold.
The first thing in the Bible that made me question it was the first story in Genesis.
JordanParker92 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
I remember questioning why God had to prove anything to Satan in the story of Job as a kid in Sunday school. I got in trouble for asking questions.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
My mother was a Catholic, and my father was An Atheist. She insisted I go to Sunday school and my dad would feed me questions to ask the sister. The Job question is the one I remember best because it was that question that got me kicked me out of class. Well not kicked out but my mother was asked not to bring me back.
JordanParker92 comments on Oct 12, 2017:
I remember questioning why God had to prove anything to Satan in the story of Job as a kid in Sunday school. I got in trouble for asking questions.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
My mother was a Catholic, and my father was An Atheist. She insisted I go to Sunday school and my dad would feed me questions to ask the sister. The Job question is the one I remember best because it was that question that got me kicked me out of class. Well not kicked out but my mother was asked not to bring me back.
How comfortable are you with the word "Atheist" ?
MsJayne55 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
Have nothing against the word but the definition used for the word by those who believe is wrong. There is no way to prove the non-existence of a god or for that matter the existence of a god. I call myself an Atheist because I have seen no evidence of any god. I am 99.999999% sure that no gods ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Very well stated. Atheism isn't God doesn't exist, it's I see no rational reason to believe on does exist.
MsJayne55 comments on Oct 7, 2017:
Have nothing against the word but the definition used for the word by those who believe is wrong. There is no way to prove the non-existence of a god or for that matter the existence of a god. I call myself an Atheist because I have seen no evidence of any god. I am 99.999999% sure that no gods ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Very well stated. Atheism isn't God doesn't exist, it's I see no rational reason to believe on does exist.
What would make you believe in a God?
MarcusF comments on Oct 12, 2017:
Depends on what you mean by "god". If we are talking about that which brought about life we have to ask we think life came about. Or do we really know how life came about? We have theories.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Abiogenesis has a couple of noteworthy hypotheses, such as "The RNA World" hypothesis which you should look into. A great explanation for this is at Stated Clearly. This channel on youtube is among the best I've seen for people interested in science.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1xnYFCZ9Yg
MarcusF comments on Oct 12, 2017:
Depends on what you mean by "god". If we are talking about that which brought about life we have to ask we think life came about. Or do we really know how life came about? We have theories.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
Abiogenesis has a couple of noteworthy hypotheses, such as "The RNA World" hypothesis which you should look into. A great explanation for this is at Stated Clearly. This channel on youtube is among the best I've seen for people interested in science.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1xnYFCZ9Yg
What would make you believe in a God?
JeffnDFW comments on Oct 12, 2017:
"It" would have to appear in a visible form to me. Then I would believe "it" exists but I'd have quite a few more questions and complaints.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
How could you distinguish between a God and a being with more advanced abilities to humankind?
JeffnDFW comments on Oct 12, 2017:
"It" would have to appear in a visible form to me. Then I would believe "it" exists but I'd have quite a few more questions and complaints.
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
How could you distinguish between a God and a being with more advanced abilities to humankind?
Wasn't sure where to post this, so I figured I would post it here.
paul1967 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I've never heard of Itachi but I like the quote, and I see how it could have influenced you. It's something that I need to think about because it leaves reality and truth to be personal and subjective, as it moves you to question the clarity of what you think you know. The reality you accept, I ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
When I find myself struggling with a subject, I'll set it aside, saying I don't know, and I'll leave it that way until I gain more insight and I feel like tackling it again. Most of the subjects I feel most confident of were approached this way. People think I'm giving up, but I never give up. Not knowing isn't the same as giving up.
paul1967 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I've never heard of Itachi but I like the quote, and I see how it could have influenced you. It's something that I need to think about because it leaves reality and truth to be personal and subjective, as it moves you to question the clarity of what you think you know. The reality you accept, I ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 12, 2017:
When I find myself struggling with a subject, I'll set it aside, saying I don't know, and I'll leave it that way until I gain more insight and I feel like tackling it again. Most of the subjects I feel most confident of were approached this way. People think I'm giving up, but I never give up. Not knowing isn't the same as giving up.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
He's not a bad guy, He's wrong about Trump in my opinion, but he's not stupid, I've read many of his posts, and I support Harleyman on everything except his stance on Trump. He's a guy I could see have a good time shooting pool with him and throwing back a few beers. We need to remember we're Atheist and atheism isn't a worldview it's a position on one thing. We disbelieve in God. I think because of that we share a lot in common, but I bet if we dug deep you and I have opposing views on a lot of issues, but we still get along. I want Harleyman, and I to get along and just agree to disagree on the subject of Trump.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
He's not a bad guy, He's wrong about Trump in my opinion, but he's not stupid, I've read many of his posts, and I support Harleyman on everything except his stance on Trump. He's a guy I could see have a good time shooting pool with him and throwing back a few beers. We need to remember we're Atheist and atheism isn't a worldview it's a position on one thing. We disbelieve in God. I think because of that we share a lot in common, but I bet if we dug deep you and I have opposing views on a lot of issues, but we still get along. I want Harleyman, and I to get along and just agree to disagree on the subject of Trump.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
Rajmarax comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Offer to introduce him to his sky person if he doesn't quit bugging you.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Lol, I took care of it today. A few hours after we talked he dropped by, and we talked about the Chiefs, which I know almost nothing about so I mostly listened. He's not a bad guy he just thinks it's in my best interest to believe and I do appreciate his concern, but unless he can provide evidence I won't believe, and even if he did and there was a Christian God, I wouldn't worship him.
Rajmarax comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Offer to introduce him to his sky person if he doesn't quit bugging you.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Lol, I took care of it today. A few hours after we talked he dropped by, and we talked about the Chiefs, which I know almost nothing about so I mostly listened. He's not a bad guy he just thinks it's in my best interest to believe and I do appreciate his concern, but unless he can provide evidence I won't believe, and even if he did and there was a Christian God, I wouldn't worship him.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
JamieB comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I have a friend who is really very nice, good company, and a loyal friend, but who believes in all sorts of conspiracy theories and the young Earth concept, and all sorts of other bizarre stuff. He's a stand-up comedian, so it took a while knowing him to be sure he actually believes all that stuff. ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
That's the way to do it. You ask why they believe what they believe and then you chip away slowly over time with reason and evidence. Thanks for your input, it was very encouraging.
JamieB comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I have a friend who is really very nice, good company, and a loyal friend, but who believes in all sorts of conspiracy theories and the young Earth concept, and all sorts of other bizarre stuff. He's a stand-up comedian, so it took a while knowing him to be sure he actually believes all that stuff. ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
That's the way to do it. You ask why they believe what they believe and then you chip away slowly over time with reason and evidence. Thanks for your input, it was very encouraging.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I'm not interested in fighting you on this but more than willing to discuss it with you. I ask you to name one thing Trump has done to "Make America Great Again" You might say the economy, and that might be true, maybe but he did it at the expense of removing environmental protections. It's not hard to gain ground on wall street if you allow companies to save billions on ecological cost. The resulting cost to clean up this four-year mess will far outreach any positive gain. It's not the wealthy wall street investors who will pay to clean up the mess its people like you and me. This is not a win for Trump but a loss to our nation. So what else can you say he's done to make America Great Again? Well, He's managed to convince conservative that any allegation that comes his way is fake news. He can't support his claims with an ounce of evidence, but when has the religious right cared about evidence if it helps their cause? I'm struggling to imagine what else you could say about Trump that would convince me that he's doing a good job.
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.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I'm not interested in fighting you on this but more than willing to discuss it with you. I ask you to name one thing Trump has done to "Make America Great Again" You might say the economy, and that might be true, maybe but he did it at the expense of removing environmental protections. It's not hard to gain ground on wall street if you allow companies to save billions on ecological cost. The resulting cost to clean up this four-year mess will far outreach any positive gain. It's not the wealthy wall street investors who will pay to clean up the mess its people like you and me. This is not a win for Trump but a loss to our nation. So what else can you say he's done to make America Great Again? Well, He's managed to convince conservative that any allegation that comes his way is fake news. He can't support his claims with an ounce of evidence, but when has the religious right cared about evidence if it helps their cause? I'm struggling to imagine what else you could say about Trump that would convince me that he's doing a good job.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
ErichZannIII comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Tell him that you respect his religion, and that if he wants to be your friend, you need him to respect your lack of religion. If he says that he does respect it, he's obviously lying, since he's been over every day trying to convert you.
I find that these conversations are often easier than ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
It's funny you said that because I just had that conversation with him outside. I said, pretty much what you said except that I respect his religion because I honestly don't. I told him that he's welcome over, but politics and religion are off the table. He asked me if he could ask one last question and I said yes one question. Aren't you afraid of spending eternity in Hell? I answered no. Not even a little bit because Hell is in your imagination. He left, and he may not be back we'll see.
ErichZannIII comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Tell him that you respect his religion, and that if he wants to be your friend, you need him to respect your lack of religion. If he says that he does respect it, he's obviously lying, since he's been over every day trying to convert you.
I find that these conversations are often easier than ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
It's funny you said that because I just had that conversation with him outside. I said, pretty much what you said except that I respect his religion because I honestly don't. I told him that he's welcome over, but politics and religion are off the table. He asked me if he could ask one last question and I said yes one question. Aren't you afraid of spending eternity in Hell? I answered no. Not even a little bit because Hell is in your imagination. He left, and he may not be back we'll see.
Three days new
SamL comments on Oct 11, 2017:
A good cussing out is very uplifting and freeing. I find when people rip me a new asshole I either need to stop being an asshole and listen or I should STFU. No worries here. Carry on.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
LMFAO Great response, You made me laugh, and I needed that thanks.
SamL comments on Oct 11, 2017:
A good cussing out is very uplifting and freeing. I find when people rip me a new asshole I either need to stop being an asshole and listen or I should STFU. No worries here. Carry on.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
LMFAO Great response, You made me laugh, and I needed that thanks.
To the people who have read my posts, Do I come across as.
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 11, 2017:
You come across as intelligent, well-read, thoughtful and intense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Trust me when I say I'm as bad or worse than you when it comes to grammar. I use a program that allows me to edit on the fly. In the text box, I'm typing on, it has a green arrow, and as long as it stays green I know I'm okay (lol it just turned red saying I need to add a comma after the word box.) It's a free download called Grammarly. You should give it a try. It's helped my vocabulary and sentence structure.
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 11, 2017:
You come across as intelligent, well-read, thoughtful and intense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Trust me when I say I'm as bad or worse than you when it comes to grammar. I use a program that allows me to edit on the fly. In the text box, I'm typing on, it has a green arrow, and as long as it stays green I know I'm okay (lol it just turned red saying I need to add a comma after the word box.) It's a free download called Grammarly. You should give it a try. It's helped my vocabulary and sentence structure.
Who makes a better single parent?
kiramea comments on Oct 10, 2017:
Gender has nothing to do with who is a better parent.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
You said what I was thinking but you said it better.
kiramea comments on Oct 10, 2017:
Gender has nothing to do with who is a better parent.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
You said what I was thinking but you said it better.
Is it a bad idea to call out an Atheist for making fallacious arguments ?
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 10, 2017:
i take the atheist aside and do it. rather than being a jerk about it to make myself feel superior.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I don't know why but I didn't think about using email, problem solved. Thanks
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 10, 2017:
i take the atheist aside and do it. rather than being a jerk about it to make myself feel superior.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I don't know why but I didn't think about using email, problem solved. Thanks
To the people who have read my posts, Do I come across as.
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 11, 2017:
i am used to these types of forums and the people on them, so i have no feelings one way or another, you are not offensive. if that helps.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
It does help. I feel a bit foolish now having posted the question, at the time it felt like a good idea. Anyways thank you for the honest feedback.
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 11, 2017:
i am used to these types of forums and the people on them, so i have no feelings one way or another, you are not offensive. if that helps.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
It does help. I feel a bit foolish now having posted the question, at the time it felt like a good idea. Anyways thank you for the honest feedback.
To the people who have read my posts, Do I come across as.
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 11, 2017:
You come across as intelligent, well-read, thoughtful and intense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I appreciate that response and I'm beginning to feel a bit foolish for even asking the question. The person who said it wasn't trying to be mean, I don't think, and he wasn't from this site. I wasn't offended, I was just embarrassed, and I thought the fact that I felt embarrassed might mean that there was truth in his words, otherwise, why would I feel that way. I think all the people here have gone above and I appreciate every one of you.
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 11, 2017:
You come across as intelligent, well-read, thoughtful and intense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I appreciate that response and I'm beginning to feel a bit foolish for even asking the question. The person who said it wasn't trying to be mean, I don't think, and he wasn't from this site. I wasn't offended, I was just embarrassed, and I thought the fact that I felt embarrassed might mean that there was truth in his words, otherwise, why would I feel that way. I think all the people here have gone above and I appreciate every one of you.
To the people who have read my posts, Do I come across as.
marvintpa comments on Oct 11, 2017:
When to your profile page, and looked through the listed (18) posts. Didn't notice anything unusual. If this was a cooking site you'd probably find heated arguments about the superiority/inferiority of butter, margarine, olive oil etc. Unless you're getting detailed, specific critisms about ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
First, I want to thank you for all the work you put into it. I can't thank you enough that's incredibly generous of you. The person wasn't on this site, and I wasn't offended. I was a little embarrassed I guess, and I value the group here, so I figured who better to ask. I just think it was one man's opinion and I'll just accept that for what it is. Thanks again.
marvintpa comments on Oct 11, 2017:
When to your profile page, and looked through the listed (18) posts. Didn't notice anything unusual. If this was a cooking site you'd probably find heated arguments about the superiority/inferiority of butter, margarine, olive oil etc. Unless you're getting detailed, specific critisms about ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
First, I want to thank you for all the work you put into it. I can't thank you enough that's incredibly generous of you. The person wasn't on this site, and I wasn't offended. I was a little embarrassed I guess, and I value the group here, so I figured who better to ask. I just think it was one man's opinion and I'll just accept that for what it is. Thanks again.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
BD66 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Paul, It sounds like you are far too nice to let someone like that impose on you. How about next time he comes over, tell him you would like for him to watch some youtube videos by George Carlin, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Neal de Grasse Tyson, then you want to discuss the content...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
That's hilarious, and I have most of them saved on my favorites bar all Q'ed and ready to go.
BD66 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Paul, It sounds like you are far too nice to let someone like that impose on you. How about next time he comes over, tell him you would like for him to watch some youtube videos by George Carlin, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Neal de Grasse Tyson, then you want to discuss the content...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
That's hilarious, and I have most of them saved on my favorites bar all Q'ed and ready to go.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
AMGT comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Damn.. I wouldn’t want anyone at my house everyday, even if I dig them.
Just set boundaries with him..
Be honest and diplomatic.
No need to include his religiosity, make it a human thing.. cuz it is.
:)
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Yeah, I see that as a common thread throughout most of these posts and I will let him know, I don't come to his place to discuss why he should be an atheist. If he wants to be my friend he needs to back off.
AMGT comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Damn.. I wouldn’t want anyone at my house everyday, even if I dig them.
Just set boundaries with him..
Be honest and diplomatic.
No need to include his religiosity, make it a human thing.. cuz it is.
:)
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Yeah, I see that as a common thread throughout most of these posts and I will let him know, I don't come to his place to discuss why he should be an atheist. If he wants to be my friend he needs to back off.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
SamL comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Without more info I'd say tell him you need some space. You'll contact him when you're ready to see him again.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Well, I have in a polite way telling him I have a project that I need to get done but he's good at making his last word just before he leaves last forever. I've decided to put my foot down and tell him he needs to stop. I'm not interested in him saving a soul that I'm exceptionally confident doesn't exist.
SamL comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Without more info I'd say tell him you need some space. You'll contact him when you're ready to see him again.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Well, I have in a polite way telling him I have a project that I need to get done but he's good at making his last word just before he leaves last forever. I've decided to put my foot down and tell him he needs to stop. I'm not interested in him saving a soul that I'm exceptionally confident doesn't exist.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Is he trying to save you or hit on you or both? You should just tell him to back off and keep his delusions to himself as you live in an evidence based world not a fantasy one. As for the other he could be one of those pray away the gay idiots, ask him if he is that may get rid of him, too.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I hope just save me. I think part of it is his way to be friends and that's the only reason I haven't expressed my opinions of his beliefs.
HeathenFarmer comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Is he trying to save you or hit on you or both? You should just tell him to back off and keep his delusions to himself as you live in an evidence based world not a fantasy one. As for the other he could be one of those pray away the gay idiots, ask him if he is that may get rid of him, too.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I hope just save me. I think part of it is his way to be friends and that's the only reason I haven't expressed my opinions of his beliefs.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
GareBear517 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I suspect there is more going on than an erudite discussion of religion. I would advise you to be busy when he shows up and pointed in your declaration that he needs to call first before just showing up. Whether or not you want to continue to carry on the disussion is up to you but I would not ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
He doesn't come in my house but I'm outside of my house a good part of the day working in my garage. You all have given me great advice. I had issues with the last couple who lived there and I had hoped not to have a repeat of that. I'm not the timid type with lack of religion and I have plenty of firepower thanks to the insanity that is the Bible.
GareBear517 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I suspect there is more going on than an erudite discussion of religion. I would advise you to be busy when he shows up and pointed in your declaration that he needs to call first before just showing up. Whether or not you want to continue to carry on the disussion is up to you but I would not ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
He doesn't come in my house but I'm outside of my house a good part of the day working in my garage. You all have given me great advice. I had issues with the last couple who lived there and I had hoped not to have a repeat of that. I'm not the timid type with lack of religion and I have plenty of firepower thanks to the insanity that is the Bible.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 11, 2017:
let him have it. kent hovin of all people? one of the slimy liars when it comes to evolution.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Oh yeah. A master manipulator of rock solid evidence.
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 11, 2017:
let him have it. kent hovin of all people? one of the slimy liars when it comes to evolution.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Oh yeah. A master manipulator of rock solid evidence.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
Sarcasm comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Talk to him about other things, find other things you both enjoy and can talk about
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I did try, I'm not much of a sports guy, but I talked sports, I asked him about his new home, what hobbies he's interested in. He's just there to save my nonexistent soul from a nonexistent hell that a nonexistent God created because I don't believe his nonexistent son is him along with a ghost.
Sarcasm comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Talk to him about other things, find other things you both enjoy and can talk about
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I did try, I'm not much of a sports guy, but I talked sports, I asked him about his new home, what hobbies he's interested in. He's just there to save my nonexistent soul from a nonexistent hell that a nonexistent God created because I don't believe his nonexistent son is him along with a ghost.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
seasand comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I would explode if I were you. those people just do not respect your believes, all they think is that you are lost and you need help , I just wish if people could believe that your act is the most convenient thing you can do to promote your religion or beliefs, just be good ,nice, and helpful to ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
thanks for that.
seasand comments on Oct 11, 2017:
I would explode if I were you. those people just do not respect your believes, all they think is that you are lost and you need help , I just wish if people could believe that your act is the most convenient thing you can do to promote your religion or beliefs, just be good ,nice, and helpful to ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
thanks for that.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
IamFreethinker comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Tell him your denomination is "Non-delusional"...I usually say that I don't believe in blood sacrifice. I don't believe that a god would require something innocent to be slaughtered on my behalf. It makes no sense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I like that That's funny and true.
IamFreethinker comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Tell him your denomination is "Non-delusional"...I usually say that I don't believe in blood sacrifice. I don't believe that a god would require something innocent to be slaughtered on my behalf. It makes no sense.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I like that That's funny and true.
I have a neighbour who just moved in next door, and he asked me what denomination I was.
goatgirl comments on Oct 11, 2017:
You were considerate enough to "not hit him with how irrational his beliefs are" but he is not showing you the same consideration. It's called boundaries. You seem like a nice guy Paul... set your boundaries and enforce them. You are entitled to that especially in your own home. Or go ahead and ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
lol good advice thanks
goatgirl comments on Oct 11, 2017:
You were considerate enough to "not hit him with how irrational his beliefs are" but he is not showing you the same consideration. It's called boundaries. You seem like a nice guy Paul... set your boundaries and enforce them. You are entitled to that especially in your own home. Or go ahead and ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
lol good advice thanks
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
UngodlyPete comments on Oct 10, 2017:
As someone outside the USA (Australia), I feel it is not my place to be overly critical of US politics.
But when Trump was elected, I (and many other Ozzies, including very conservative ones) were forced to ask: What the hell were you guys thinking?
Clearly, it is not a majority that supported...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
"Shrug shoulders and sigh" I have no defence, guilty and ashamed to be an American under his leadership. I still love my country, and I'm proud of the many good things this country has done but electing Mr Trump isn't one of those things.
UngodlyPete comments on Oct 10, 2017:
As someone outside the USA (Australia), I feel it is not my place to be overly critical of US politics.
But when Trump was elected, I (and many other Ozzies, including very conservative ones) were forced to ask: What the hell were you guys thinking?
Clearly, it is not a majority that supported...
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
"Shrug shoulders and sigh" I have no defence, guilty and ashamed to be an American under his leadership. I still love my country, and I'm proud of the many good things this country has done but electing Mr Trump isn't one of those things.
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
BD66 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
How many Indiana Trump supporters are like this guy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkCifM0kDd0
Hopefully not too many or it might be time for a move.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I can't even finish watching it. I look at those that support Trump, and this guy is a prime example, and it scares me that there are enough of these people out there to elect a President.
BD66 comments on Oct 11, 2017:
How many Indiana Trump supporters are like this guy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkCifM0kDd0
Hopefully not too many or it might be time for a move.
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
I can't even finish watching it. I look at those that support Trump, and this guy is a prime example, and it scares me that there are enough of these people out there to elect a President.
To the people who have read my posts, Do I come across as.
vertrauen comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Thoughtful - you choose your words before you utter them, the opinions of reasonable people matter to you some
Straightshooter - once you're clear what you think on a particular topic and have chosen the words, it doesn't matter what other less reasonable people think
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Thank you. Today someone said that when I post things, it seems to them that I'm acting superior. It was offered as advice and not hostile in any way, but it made me think, is that who I am? Am I that insecure person who needs validation and isn't even aware of it. I thought it might help if I got feedback from the people here. If I were that guy, I would want to know it.
vertrauen comments on Oct 11, 2017:
Thoughtful - you choose your words before you utter them, the opinions of reasonable people matter to you some
Straightshooter - once you're clear what you think on a particular topic and have chosen the words, it doesn't matter what other less reasonable people think
paul1967 replies on Oct 11, 2017:
Thank you. Today someone said that when I post things, it seems to them that I'm acting superior. It was offered as advice and not hostile in any way, but it made me think, is that who I am? Am I that insecure person who needs validation and isn't even aware of it. I thought it might help if I got feedback from the people here. If I were that guy, I would want to know it.
Where do we go after we die other than turning into dust?
KLestrangexox comments on Sep 30, 2017:
I like to think there's an afterlife. Not the whole heaven and hell religious based after life, but a place where everyone transcends after losing their physical body. Granted, I accept that I don't truly know what happens until I actually die and that there's a good chance I simply cease to be ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
My question is not to be confrontational. I just want to know, do you believe in an afterlife for a reason or do you just want there to be an afterlife?
KLestrangexox comments on Sep 30, 2017:
I like to think there's an afterlife. Not the whole heaven and hell religious based after life, but a place where everyone transcends after losing their physical body. Granted, I accept that I don't truly know what happens until I actually die and that there's a good chance I simply cease to be ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
My question is not to be confrontational. I just want to know, do you believe in an afterlife for a reason or do you just want there to be an afterlife?
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
Proslice56 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
It would be easier to contemplate your own mind on why you feel the way you do about Trump! Your mindset is predisposed to believe only the things you want to hear. You have prejudged the outcome and need to move on. Your son will only echo your sentiments. Maybe some introspection would be the best...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I did do that it was a glitch.
Proslice56 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
It would be easier to contemplate your own mind on why you feel the way you do about Trump! Your mindset is predisposed to believe only the things you want to hear. You have prejudged the outcome and need to move on. Your son will only echo your sentiments. Maybe some introspection would be the best...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I did do that it was a glitch.
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
Proslice56 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
It would be easier to contemplate your own mind on why you feel the way you do about Trump! Your mindset is predisposed to believe only the things you want to hear. You have prejudged the outcome and need to move on. Your son will only echo your sentiments. Maybe some introspection would be the best...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I feel I have spent a lot of time contemplating. I think taking away environmental protections that protect us from companies polluting our groundwater just to make the economy stronger is a rational concern. I think attempting to defund planned parenthood is a real concern. I think building a wall on our border with Mexico will do nothing to slow the progress of illegal aliens from entering our country and is an ugly waste of government spending. I think name-calling and tweeting wars is not something a president should be doing. My most significant concern is that I could keep on typing about all these terrible things he's doing but the supporter of Trump, don't seem to care. And it's not like they don't know about these awful things they just don't seem to care. That's not good. Where did our humanity go?
Proslice56 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
It would be easier to contemplate your own mind on why you feel the way you do about Trump! Your mindset is predisposed to believe only the things you want to hear. You have prejudged the outcome and need to move on. Your son will only echo your sentiments. Maybe some introspection would be the best...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I feel I have spent a lot of time contemplating. I think taking away environmental protections that protect us from companies polluting our groundwater just to make the economy stronger is a rational concern. I think attempting to defund planned parenthood is a real concern. I think building a wall on our border with Mexico will do nothing to slow the progress of illegal aliens from entering our country and is an ugly waste of government spending. I think name-calling and tweeting wars is not something a president should be doing. My most significant concern is that I could keep on typing about all these terrible things he's doing but the supporter of Trump, don't seem to care. And it's not like they don't know about these awful things they just don't seem to care. That's not good. Where did our humanity go?
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
Sarcasm comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I think most of the ones i've met think that theyre victimized in some way or another and that their problems or americas problems are always someone else's fault
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
It seems to me that conservatives back in the Regan days were just right of the center and today's conservatives are so far right that the center is out of sight.
Sarcasm comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I think most of the ones i've met think that theyre victimized in some way or another and that their problems or americas problems are always someone else's fault
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
It seems to me that conservatives back in the Regan days were just right of the center and today's conservatives are so far right that the center is out of sight.
I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...
daddy4pugs comments on Oct 10, 2017:
There seems to be a biological component that prevents someone from seeing grey abstract areas. Their brains are more comfortable with concrete black and white solutions to life. When those solutions do not fit the realities of life, it causes them a lot of turmoil because they want to fall back ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I am one of those that see things black and white. I think most of us are that way. I think the difference is that some of us have upbringings where we were taught to consider the less extreme position. I know my opinion is often not the only opinion, and I know that solutions that solve problems are almost never black or white, but my brain thinks in those terms all the time. I have to fight like hell to remind myself that truth lands in the grey far more often than on the extreme edge of things.
daddy4pugs comments on Oct 10, 2017:
There seems to be a biological component that prevents someone from seeing grey abstract areas. Their brains are more comfortable with concrete black and white solutions to life. When those solutions do not fit the realities of life, it causes them a lot of turmoil because they want to fall back ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I am one of those that see things black and white. I think most of us are that way. I think the difference is that some of us have upbringings where we were taught to consider the less extreme position. I know my opinion is often not the only opinion, and I know that solutions that solve problems are almost never black or white, but my brain thinks in those terms all the time. I have to fight like hell to remind myself that truth lands in the grey far more often than on the extreme edge of things.
Does anyone have a bucket list they'd like to share?
paul1967 comments on Oct 9, 2017:
I have only two things left on my list. Hang glide and dive into the ocean from 100 feet. I've done 50 in Hawaii but never 100
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
Yes, it does, and that's why jumping 100 feet will be the last thing on my bucket list lol, it very well may be the last thing I do.
paul1967 comments on Oct 9, 2017:
I have only two things left on my list. Hang glide and dive into the ocean from 100 feet. I've done 50 in Hawaii but never 100
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
Yes, it does, and that's why jumping 100 feet will be the last thing on my bucket list lol, it very well may be the last thing I do.
What would make you believe in a God?
AMGT comments on Oct 10, 2017:
First, the god would have to be coherently and consistently defined. It would have to be a sound, logical definition followed undeniable, empirical evidence in support of it.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
great answer
AMGT comments on Oct 10, 2017:
First, the god would have to be coherently and consistently defined. It would have to be a sound, logical definition followed undeniable, empirical evidence in support of it.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
great answer
Is it a bad idea to call out an Atheist for making fallacious arguments ?
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 10, 2017:
i take the atheist aside and do it. rather than being a jerk about it to make myself feel superior.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I agree it should be done if possible off to the side, however, what about when it's a post, and you can't do that. If for example, if I said science has proven that Jesus never existed. Is it wrong or superior for you to say, to the best of my knowledge we have no means to prove or disprove the existence of Jesus. Is that acting superior in your opinion?
MichaelSpinler comments on Oct 10, 2017:
i take the atheist aside and do it. rather than being a jerk about it to make myself feel superior.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I agree it should be done if possible off to the side, however, what about when it's a post, and you can't do that. If for example, if I said science has proven that Jesus never existed. Is it wrong or superior for you to say, to the best of my knowledge we have no means to prove or disprove the existence of Jesus. Is that acting superior in your opinion?
Hundreds of humanists, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and scientific skeptics, are expected to ...
bonomus comments on Oct 9, 2017:
Being the who I am I strongly oppose any informative lectures. Atheist do not need to become another organization, social followers alike religious groups. I see nothing wrong with individualism. Association thru belief simply sucks.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I don't agree, and I do agree, allow me to explain. First I have no idea what your reply is referring to, down below. I'm completely lost, it's as if you meant that for someone else or I'm just too dimwitted to comprehend how one goes from what I said to what you said. However, that has nothing to do with this response. I agree with one aspect of what you're saying here in this post. Individualism is an essential quality, with both positive and negative results. However, humans are a social species, the community we build with one another has allowed our species to develop and flourish. The atheist communities I've been involved with have added so much to my life, through them I've learned how to investigate things, why sceptical thinking offers better results and how to stop being scared to be open to others about my disbelief. I don't know how young you are but I lived through the late 60s, 70s and 80s and it wasn't until the mid-90s before I began to feel like I wasn't alone. I learned early in life to keep my disbelief in God a secret. My father was not as tight-lipped about it and for that, I was ridiculed, beaten up and spat on at school. The parents of the few friends I did have wouldn't allow them to play with me when they found out my family not believe in God. I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm merely pointing out that there is nothing wrong with Atheists coming together as a group to speak out against things and a group of like-minded people does not make a religion
bonomus comments on Oct 9, 2017:
Being the who I am I strongly oppose any informative lectures. Atheist do not need to become another organization, social followers alike religious groups. I see nothing wrong with individualism. Association thru belief simply sucks.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I don't agree, and I do agree, allow me to explain. First I have no idea what your reply is referring to, down below. I'm completely lost, it's as if you meant that for someone else or I'm just too dimwitted to comprehend how one goes from what I said to what you said. However, that has nothing to do with this response. I agree with one aspect of what you're saying here in this post. Individualism is an essential quality, with both positive and negative results. However, humans are a social species, the community we build with one another has allowed our species to develop and flourish. The atheist communities I've been involved with have added so much to my life, through them I've learned how to investigate things, why sceptical thinking offers better results and how to stop being scared to be open to others about my disbelief. I don't know how young you are but I lived through the late 60s, 70s and 80s and it wasn't until the mid-90s before I began to feel like I wasn't alone. I learned early in life to keep my disbelief in God a secret. My father was not as tight-lipped about it and for that, I was ridiculed, beaten up and spat on at school. The parents of the few friends I did have wouldn't allow them to play with me when they found out my family not believe in God. I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm merely pointing out that there is nothing wrong with Atheists coming together as a group to speak out against things and a group of like-minded people does not make a religion
Do you believe in fate?
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I voted no. We are a pattern-seeking species, so it wouldn't be a far stretch to think it happens.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
An excellent starting point is this article https://michaelshermer.com/2000/02/chicken-soup-for-the-evolutions-soul/
VictoriaNotes comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I voted no. We are a pattern-seeking species, so it wouldn't be a far stretch to think it happens.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
An excellent starting point is this article https://michaelshermer.com/2000/02/chicken-soup-for-the-evolutions-soul/
What was the worst, but funniest, date you've ever been on?
paul1967 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
What stopped you from kicking him the balls so hard he could never breed? I'm sure a jury of your peers would have found you justified, I sure would have and then after the trial, I would have kicked him in the balls for good measure.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I hope nobody breeds with him. You are correct of course I was being hyperbolic. I do wish that Karma was real so he could feel the pain he inflicts on others.
paul1967 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
What stopped you from kicking him the balls so hard he could never breed? I'm sure a jury of your peers would have found you justified, I sure would have and then after the trial, I would have kicked him in the balls for good measure.
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
I hope nobody breeds with him. You are correct of course I was being hyperbolic. I do wish that Karma was real so he could feel the pain he inflicts on others.
Why can't Americans disagree respectfully?
paul1967 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I'm not sure it's just an American thing. I think most people have an issue with listening, considering someone else's perspectives and then discussing something rationally. Here's a perfect example. I won't name names but there is another member here who views Trump as a great president, and he's ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
Right, my phrasing is hostile, but that furthers my point. I allow my emotions to overtake my ability to consider things rationally.
paul1967 comments on Oct 10, 2017:
I'm not sure it's just an American thing. I think most people have an issue with listening, considering someone else's perspectives and then discussing something rationally. Here's a perfect example. I won't name names but there is another member here who views Trump as a great president, and he's ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 10, 2017:
Right, my phrasing is hostile, but that furthers my point. I allow my emotions to overtake my ability to consider things rationally.
I thought this was suppose to be a community of like-minded people.
paul1967 comments on Oct 9, 2017:
If done respectfully I don't mind one bit when someone says Paul, you're proposal is stupid, or that belief you have is stupid. We all hold stupid beliefs, but here is the punch, if you're calling an idea of mine stupid, back it up with evidence showing me why my view of something is stupid or if ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 9, 2017:
I haven't either. I accepted that she had seen some post that I had missed. People have disagreed many times with my posts but not once have I ever been offended and on a few occasions I have changed my mind on something or learned something I had not known. If I remember correctly, you have done that for me on at least one occasion, and I'm better off for it.
paul1967 comments on Oct 9, 2017:
If done respectfully I don't mind one bit when someone says Paul, you're proposal is stupid, or that belief you have is stupid. We all hold stupid beliefs, but here is the punch, if you're calling an idea of mine stupid, back it up with evidence showing me why my view of something is stupid or if ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 9, 2017:
I haven't either. I accepted that she had seen some post that I had missed. People have disagreed many times with my posts but not once have I ever been offended and on a few occasions I have changed my mind on something or learned something I had not known. If I remember correctly, you have done that for me on at least one occasion, and I'm better off for it.
Do You Believe in Evolution?
Rory_C-137 comments on Oct 9, 2017:
...None of those answers is accurate. Macro and micro evolution are the exact same thing, so those options make no sense, there is no evidence a god exists, and I certainly don't believe one does, so I can't choose that one, and the last option is a joke. Evolution is a fact. Pull the "just a ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 9, 2017:
I've gotten a lot of people reporting back that evolution is a fact. Science doesn't declare absolutes; science offers us the best explanations that support any given model. To claim evolution as a fact is no different than a theist asserting that it is incorrect.
The reason for my distinction between micro and macro wasn't that I don't understand that they are similar terms referring to the same thing, as stated above, "Before anyone decides to inform me that micro is macro given time. I am aware." I worded it that way because I know many theists who accept microevolution but reject the macroevolutionary evidence that supports speciation.
So Evolution is a theory based on a massive amount of evidence, and as it stands now, it's the best explanation of what is occurring in nature.
Rory_C-137 comments on Oct 9, 2017:
...None of those answers is accurate. Macro and micro evolution are the exact same thing, so those options make no sense, there is no evidence a god exists, and I certainly don't believe one does, so I can't choose that one, and the last option is a joke. Evolution is a fact. Pull the "just a ...
paul1967 replies on Oct 9, 2017:
I've gotten a lot of people reporting back that evolution is a fact. Science doesn't declare absolutes; science offers us the best explanations that support any given model. To claim evolution as a fact is no different than a theist asserting that it is incorrect.
The reason for my distinction between micro and macro wasn't that I don't understand that they are similar terms referring to the same thing, as stated above, "Before anyone decides to inform me that micro is macro given time. I am aware." I worded it that way because I know many theists who accept microevolution but reject the macroevolutionary evidence that supports speciation.
So Evolution is a theory based on a massive amount of evidence, and as it stands now, it's the best explanation of what is occurring in nature.
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