Personal evolution?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Of course. the more that one learns the more him or her images of the world changes. We, unless we are cognitively dead, are constantly re-evaluating our beliefs and opinions.

Emotional responses.

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

What are you trying to get at?

Most atheists/agnostics started out being raised into some religion they didn't buy into.

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I was raised as a Methodist -- protestant Christian.

For non-believers who want to live in a society which respects thier beliefs, it seems to me the ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I agree!!

Seems like as safe a place as any to ask this! Many men say they like a strong woman.

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

A strong woman who admits that she likes you is interesting.

Somewhere along the line, I recall reading a postscript in one of Aldous Huxley's books, and I am ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

It is not a generational matter. All total system ideologies (those which purport to include and explain everything) are the products of minds which seek to find eternal truth and impose it on the unruly world. All such attempts inevitably fail, for they include false assumptions, built in as truths. And, with flawed underpinnings, each such ideological system eventually falls on its face. Bu, with each total system ideology, there will be an elite of ideological purists who seek absolute power to ram their version of truth down the throats and minds of those who are so stupid that they cannot see "the truth.' That elite can take the form of a priestly cult, in the case of religion, or a dictatorship of the proletariat, as in communism. Whatever they are called, they are the ones seeking power, and control of minds and bodies. We must fight such elites at all turns and with all our zeal and wisdom. But, we must also fight to educate people NOT to become "true believers" who escape from their freedom and who give over complete control to a flawed dogma and its purveyors and maintainers.

Is it better to live a fulfilling life of virtue or to pursue only happiness and pleasure?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Living a life of only pleasure becomes empty and hollow and what happiness there was disappears. One has to achieve something of value to achieve real happiness.

FACT CHECK: Does a New Law Allow Atheist Doctors to Refuse Care to Religious Patients?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Good question!

Liberal or democrat?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Your whole question is pure horse manure! I am a Democrat and you totally misrepresent my views. I am also a liberal or progressive, but that does not and never has equated to extreme left wing. You contribute nothing to discussion based on fact.

How many of you believe in paranormal activity?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

No, I do not believe in paranormal activity.

Do you think faith healers should be tried for murder and attempted murder if they encourage their ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Yes, they should be held legally responsible.

Anyone ever have a DNA ancestry test?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Yes. It was interesting. I could almost trace my families First, I am almost 4.0 percent Neanderthal (a conservative female formercolleague says that my Neanderthal percentage is muchhigher). Next a have a trace of both Black and Pima or Aztec Indian DNA. Then about 1.o percent southern European, probably Spanish. Then comes about 20 percent German, and about 40 percent English-Scottish-Irish. The rest is a broad European pool. Know that my paternal family came from Germany around 1750, and my mother's family came from Switzerland around 1730. The English=Scotch-Irish came from marriages in the southern colonies and states. The question is where did those traces of Black and Indian come from? The amount of those DNA traces indicates that it occurred somewhere around the 1500s or early 1600s. It is most likely that in maternal grandmothers lineage, there was a Spanish solder or settler who had a child with an Aztec or Pima Indian, Then, later, that Spanish branch was sent to Jamaica. The Black trace is similar to that of many Blacks who came through Jamaica. Try it! It is worth the trip!

SCIENCE Humor......

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Where do you find all this stuff? I like it.

Has your disbelief ever stained your reputation?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

No. Not professionally or to anybody who matters to me.

Convert the believers?

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Trying to convert someone to adopt the same beliefs as his or her own is, to me, an act of disrespect. All that we can do is (2) ask questions which will get a person to think, and (2) describe one's own beliefs and why he or she holds them. I want the individual to be free to come to his or her own conclusions.

On this date in 1737, Thomas Paine was born in England.

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Although most Americans know of Paine's "Common Sense" a tract or pamphlet which helped to spark the Revolutionary War and fuel our drive for independence, not many know that he was an aethist. And, our founding fathers were virtually all religious men? Give me a break!

Just Wondering...

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Being sent to West Berlin in the US Army in 1959. So many aspects of my life flowed from that event -- much of my belief system, my first marriage, my two daughters, much of my intellectual development, much of my self-definition.

Is being forceful with ones' disbelief of religion any better than someone trying to convert one to ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Only when combatting openly destructive or hurtful actions by religious true believers. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect -- even while condemning and combatting destructive behaviors and assertions.

Ken Ham: Bill Nye’s Show Is Inappropriate for Kids Because It Teaches Science – Friendly Atheist

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I cannot believe that anyone is so stupid and dishonest to say that!

GOP Congressman: Jesus Says Poor People Don’t Want Health Care

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Roger is a knowing, damnable liar.

You always hear that age old question...”what is the meaning of life?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

False assertion. Sex is the vehicle of procreation, but provides no meaning, per se.

It seems that right wing Christians are rewriting history by claiming our founding fathers wanted ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

That assertion by the Christian right is an outright lie. Both the signers of the Declaration of Independence and of the US Constitution were deists and a number were agnostics or atheists. Overall, they were the practical men who were needed to do the job, not religious true believers.

It seems that right wing Christians are rewriting history by claiming our founding fathers wanted ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

That assertion by the Christian right is an outright lie. Both the signers of the Declaration of Independence and of the US Constitution were deists and a number were agnostics or atheists.

Senate Confirms Anti-LGBTQ Gov. Sam Brownback to Ambassadorship | Human Rights Campaign

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Brownback is a morally bankrupt political and religious demagogue who took Kansas back 70 years and left the state virtually bankrupt. He has no place in ANY public office!

The Republican assault on knowledge has a new possible target: the Census

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

No surprise. The Trump administration should be labeled the" numb 'em with incessant insanity, then dumb 'em down" chaotic White House"

Gender bias & agnosticism

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

On this site, I do not attend to the sex of the person, but to the topic that means something to me.

Cape Town, South Africa, will likely run out of water by April - CNN

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

The concentration of people in the world's cities, along with population growth is outstripping both the availability of critical natural resources and the ability to get rid of sewage and waste. We need to alter our living and working patterns and attend to the need for inhibiting population growth.

What were you doing on 9/11?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Working in a market research center. Out of respect, all calls to the New York and Washington, DC area were disconued for several days.

Church Elder Allegedly Killed His Wife Because His Religion Won’t Allow Divorce – Friendly ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Tells you a lot about the real ethics of many religious leaders.

IN District Says Religious Program That Atheists Want to Shut Down Doesn’t Exist – Friendly ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Persistence pays off.

A presentation at Georgia Southern - The talk is titled "Why Religion is Natural and Science is ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

A book NOT worth reading.

Let's discuss the conflict between individual rights and the greater good.

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

If the health of the population is at risk, the matter should not be left to individual choice -- EVER!

Many Christians and other religions are inimical to atheists,and agnostics, we are blamed for many ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

With religious true believers, especially judgmental ones -- no.

Pet Humor.... hehehe..... :-D :-o ;-)

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Being a cat person, I really like these.

Besides gods and religion, what else have you used your critical thinking on to stop, or never start...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

In addition to rejcting religion, my studies of political theories and philosophies social psychology, and intellectual history, I learn that all total system ideologies (those which purport to include and explain everything) -- religious, political, or economic -- are fatally flawed and destructive. That includes everything from communism to classical free enterprise economic theory to religion. One becomes a true believer in any of them at his own peril.

Do you think you understand the bible better than most christians?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Yes, I read it 3 times in my youth, and each time with a more open mind. Once free from religion, I have been able to look back on the bible with much greater objectivity.

What do you do to enhance your memory?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

A key techniques is cognitive mapping -- the building of distinct patterns of connected facts and beliefs, and of strategies for hooking new facts and ideas to the structure. Another is mnemonic devise. Another is strategies for memory scanning.

Q: to the separated or divorced

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I moved out because I could no longer tolerate my wife's borderline personality disorder. Two years later she filed for divorce, and I was pleased. My reaction was, "Free at last! Free at last.!" If I had it to do again, I would have filed for divorce almost 15 years earlier.

Just a thought.

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Totally agree!

If you were a biologist with unlimited resources and wanted to create a virus what would you target ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Not a bad sentiment.

How many folks here know who this is, and/or remember his presidency?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I was in West Berlin when he became president, and there when he gave his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. The Berliners loved him. I also remember the exact moment when I heard of his assassination.

Liberals

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

The irrational or reactionary right has an "America -- love it or leave it" attitude. In so doing, they are not being patriots, but are laying the potential seeds for American decline. I love my country so much that I am willing to criticize it for its flaws and mistakes, so that we can strengthen and improve our country and its democracy. My intent is to accomplish something for the good of us all -- not to vilify those who disagree with me.

Is being an atheist important?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Freeing oneself from the clutches of rigid ideology is what is important.

Unpopular Opinion 4: A matriarchy would not be much different than the patriarchy.

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I disagree. I believe that an informed and democratic matriarchy would perform better than a patriarchy. Wise women act in a more caring and nurturing manner, and with more balanced wisdom.

How many of your friends know you are atheist or agnostic?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Not many. I don't wear it on my sleeve.

Is it wrong to challenge the beliefs of the elderly?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

We do need to take care. If religious beliefs define the core of who that person has become, destroying that core can be debilitating if the person has nothing to replace it with and has limited time left.

I'm a free spirit although shy.

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Reach out. The world has much to offer. But, still be a bit cautious. There are always those who would take advantage of you. Learn to read non-verbal cues. If you share something about yourself, watch for reciprocal moves. If you do not see those moves, end the contact.

I came across a very interesting Facebook post.

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

It is both totalitarian and ethnocentric. Most ethnocentric movements tend to be right wing.

Which so called "conspiracy theory/ theories" of all of them do you seriously believe, or believe ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

All conspiracy theories are pure garbage invented by weird minds working overtime.

The American Civil War This is a subject which was never mentioned in my formal education but over ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

the difference is between nation and empire. All of the areas outside of the British Isles which Britain established their involuntary control are now independent nations -- as they should be. Many of them rebelled against British rule. In the case if the American Civil War, a collection of states simply decided that it would live by the rules which all states voluntarily agreed to. The difference is huge.

"Full disclosure- just how much is anyone obligated to share?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

Judgmental people are difficult people to live with -- and not worth the risk.

Assuming you are out of school, does continuing to learn matter to you?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I will always be learning, but not in organized classes anymore. I seek information through all available sources.

Tribal Divisions Created by Religion Most Harmful in Global Conflict Experts Say

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

It is certainly a major source of such problems, but certainly not the only one. Greed, lust for dominance or power, broader ethnocentrism, and competition for scarce resources are also major sources.

Is being an atheist important?

wordywalt comments on Jan 28, 2018:

The label is not important. What is important is freedom from slavish devotion to religious ideology.

How to Feel Healthy and Less Lonely by Spending Time Alone

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I like quality time with others I value, but I enjoy and even need time for myself. I spend the majority of time alone, voluntarily. It is my time to think, to reminisce, to formulate ideas and personal writings. Up until a ew years ago, I walked 3 miles every morning and my walking time my time in my own mind. I have enjoyed the outdoors alone -- fishing, hiking, exploring. One of my most pleasant memories was being on a Kansas lake at dawn alone, seeing the mist rise off the water, the sunrise, with ly radio playing classical music in the background seeing the wildlife. That is a memory that is mine alone, and I cherish it.

Beer drinkers

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

The best beer I ever tasted was Berliner Kindl stark Bier.

One thing I was told very often when I was younger was "You'll get more right wing as you get ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

As a young man who knew only the southern bible-belt culture, I was politically conservative, because I did not know any better. I am not stupid enough to go back to the right--ever again.

What color (colour) are you?

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Blue> it is cool and soothing. Dark blue has depth and integrity.

Weather vs climate... [youtube.com]

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Anyone who does not understand the difference between climate and weather has virtually no understanding of science. Of course we are in a period of global warming and human activity is amplifying the effects. That is entirely without doubt, except for ignoramuses.

Imaginary Friends

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Love it!

Affairs of the heart.

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Eleven years ago, I passed out 3 times in one week. The doctor did an EKG and a echo sonogram. They said that I had a heart attack sometime in the year prior -- without knowing it -- and that the nerve centers controlling my heart beat were virtually gone. They put in a pacemaker and I am still going. As a matter of fact, due to a regular regimen of heavy weight training and my heart strength is now greater than it was 15 - 20 years ago. I really have no idea when that heart attack occurred.

So the evangelicals want to have a day of prayer and fasting for that orange guy in the White House.

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I am a cynic when it comes to the actions of both evangelical leaders and Republican politicians. I think all they are trying to do is to draw support from gullible and/or not very bright religious true believers.

What say you about conflict v. Artificial Harmony?

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

What is artificial harmony?

“Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty.

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

With Trump and his morally bankrupt Republican congress in power, you betcha!!

Do most older men prefer a younger model?

wordywalt comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Not if the man really oves his significant other, and not if he is emotionally mature.

As atheists, how do you feel about fidelity, within a marriage or a long-term relationship?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

In the 24 years of my marriage, I have not been sexually unfaithful, nor have I had a close relationship with any other woman. Fidelity is a two way street in several senses. First, if one partner is unfaithful, the likelihood increases that the other will also. Second, In order to promote mutual fidelity, both partners must treat each other with dignity, respect and caring. If one does not, the odds increase that the other will engage in infidelity to find real emotional warmth.

The death of Christianity in the U.S. – Baptist News Global

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

A well reasoned and well written article.

A type of spirituality

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I do not use the word spiritual. Caring, empathic, thoughtful, creative, yes.

Tennessee man flips car five times after letting 'Jesus take the wheel'

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Some people are just daned fools!

Was sex more fun when you still believed in original sin?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Even when I was a religious youth, I never believed the "original sin" malarkey.

Do you think this site would be a good place to post open job postings to atheist friendly ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Not a bad idea.

Opposing Abortion and Stigmatizing Single Motherhood

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

You are finding that anti-abortion extremists do not hesitate to stigmatize, hurt, even persecute anyone who disagrees with them. They are destructive single issue people who are poisoning our culture and political system.

Well, it finally happened.

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Hope you get better soon.

Are you an atheist who nonetheless wants ritual, holidays, reverence for Nature and social community...

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I am an atheist, and I commune with nature in ways of my independent choosing. I want NO rituals no organized atheist events.

Who here attends Sunday Assembly events?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

As a child, I hated having to waste my time in church events on Sunday so much that I am averse to any organized events of any kind on Sunday.

How many people here have lived overseas

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I lived in Berlin, Germany for 2 and 1-2 years. I loved the city. My experiences in the German culture and in the times of the height of the Cold War changed my life in many ways. I am SO glad that I was there.

Has anyone self-exiled themself from their home state or city due to religious reasons?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I think a lot of us have decided or realized that we cannot go home again. We simply have changed our beliefs so much that we have virtually no chance of living a satisfying life in the culture in which we grew up. My question is "what experiences did each of us have that led us to be so different from those with whom we grew up?" I'd like to compare notes.

Wha is the difference between instinct and intuition? How would wou describe it?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Instinct is an innate or inborn reaction. Intuition is a sensing based on sudden recognition of qualities in the situation which carry real similarities to past experiences or of previously experienced patterns. Its basis is cognitive, not emotional, although the sudden awareness may evoke an emotional response.

How chivalrous are you?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Most women like chivalry. It is simply being polite and caring.

What book should replace the bible...

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

We do not need ANY book of dogma and mythology!

Missouri U.

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Sykes is a dangerous man full of biases, stereotypes and misinformation.

Teach the children well

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

We'd better teach them well, or they will be vulnerable to damnable liars like the one in the picture.

Do old songs run through your head randomly....?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Croce was great. How about "The sounds of Silence", Midler's "The Rose", Roberta Flack's :The First time I saw your Face" or Don Mclean's "Bye, Bye Miss American Pie"?

You Should Never, Ever Argue With Anyone on Facebook, According to Science | Inc.com

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

These is an old saying: "Never argue with a fool in public, because people may not be able to tell which one is which."

What Is Your Favorite Genre Of Music?

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

None of the above. My favorites are classical and folk.

I had a good day yesterday.

wordywalt comments on Jan 26, 2018:

As you exemplify, the key is to be FULLY prepared!

If you graduated college, did you feel lost and nervous, unsure of what your future would hold and ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

When I graduated, I did not worry about a job. But I did worry about what direction my life was going to take (I really did not know what I wanted to be or become) or how I was going to get there. I was never without work for many, many years.

Today was H A R D. What phase is the moon in?

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

There will be days ahead in which you did so much to help that you will walk away elated! Those days make it worth it.

Okay so I'm 27, physically in pain a lot due to DDD (Degenerative Disk Disease) and nerve damage, ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I can empathize with you. I had severe lower back pain for 14 years, but that was resolved when I had a ruptured disk taken out. I really hope that they can do something to resolve the problem. Pain management can reduce the discomfort, but does not resolve the problem.

So anyone else have a problem with new rich scientists not supporting poor faction resiliancy and ...

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

That is the most paranoid ramble I have seen in a long time.

Just registered for my social work license exam to become fully licensed as an LCSW.

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Is the exam a multiple choice one? If so, I can give you test-taking strategies which could increase your scores by 10 - 20 percent.

If your tongue could only process one type of flavor, which would it be?

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Combinations of flavors produce the most delightful tastes -- sweet and sour or tangy, bitter and sweet, tangy and peppery, etc.

Do you think science will ever unlock the true mysteries of the true reason the Universe came to be...

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I doubt it. The universe is just too complex. Science will continue to give answers, but also raise even more questions.

What caused the migrant crisis from Africa?

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

To a large extent, it is a matter of failed states and failed economies, growing overpopulation causing an increasing degradation of natural resources.

Houston Oasis, Secular Community

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I love those core values. If I lived there, I would be interested in being a member of that group.

What's your preferred dwelling type?

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I like our 3 bedroom ranch style home with a big back yard. It allows me to do the vegetable gardening I enjoy. The trees, plants and flowers make a a peaceful setting that we can enjoy from our screened back porch. We can also observe the many birds (including hawks, owls, crows and many other species), the squirrels, opossums, raccoon, blacksnakes -- even an occasional armadillo -- and all this in a major city.

What will humans do when artificial intelligence and robots can do all labor surgery teaching better...

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I think your question should read "if", not "when" If it ever occurs, it will not be soon.

Fanatics

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Yes, I think that is possible. Such an obsessed person can be quite destructive.

So IMPOTUS won't come to Britain till we stop protest. Do one you orange tt.

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Keep it up, Brits ! Maybe you will be spared the displeasure of a Trump visit..

Do you like comedy? If so what style? Who is/are your favorite performers?

wordywalt comments on Jan 25, 2018:

George Carlin was my all time favorite.