Depression from Nihilism

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Depression does not come from nihilism, but comes from chemical imbalances in the brain. Yes, stress can create the imbalances. Essentially, there are two ways of breaking our of the depression. The first is taking antidepressants, but that alone will not work. You will still need to make yourself get physically active and DO SOMWTHING! The second way is to put yourself into a situation which will force you to feel powerful emotions. As an extreme ex ample, in some treatment centers, people suffering with depression have been given toothbrushes and told to the floor. It doesn't take long before one doing so gets so angry that he blows his or her top. That "blowing the top" is a first step out. I've suffered real depression at least two times in my life.

Science proving there is a god

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I don't respond to absurd questions.

What Is The Definition Of A Sexy Woman?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

That depends entirely on the perceiver. To me, it means emotionally warm, intelligent, and assertive (not aggressive) with at least an average appearance.

Do you give money to the homeless who hold signs in Traffic?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I give money to organizations which help the homeless, but not to the street panhandlers. I don't know who they are, what they would do with the money, or if they really need it.

Do you have a subconscious racial bias?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I would say that all people who grow up in the deep South have some subconscious racial bias. I have managed to purge most of it over the years, but a little probably remains in spite of my efforts.

When a religious person asks, where do you get your morals from, what is your answer?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I move in the direction of existential philosophy. We are all responsible for all of our choices and actions -- and their consequences -- as we could always have chosen otherwise. The choice is ours; therefore, so is the responsibility. The basis: the concept of minimum violation of human dignity and respect.

The Basis of Morality

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

The concept of minimum violation of human dignity and well-being All of our choices present conflicts between competing values. The question must always be which choice will produce the least damnage to human dignity and well-being.

I started young in a varied religious background.

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I wonder if the differences in dogma and theology presented contrasts which made you ask questions?

A rose by any other name......

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

My name is Walt. Unless I am really trying to hide something, why would I not use my name?

Who are the world's greatest social commentators?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I don't believe that any category distinguishes itself. There are great communicators in all groups.

Does everyone believe they're good?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I believe that there are people who are willfully vicious, destructive and evil and who actually relish that image. I also know that there are sociopaths and psychopaths who don't give a damn about what is good or evil, but are totally self-absorbed. Donald Trump is one.

Do guns get more attention than they deserve?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

The answer is HELL NO! Cultures which limit access to guns have only a small fraction of the murders and suicides that we do. THAT is the important fact. Specifically, when Australia implemented strict gun control the results were astounding If it were up to me, I would ban all pistols, assault weapons, and both semi-automatic and automatic weapons. I own a rifle and a shotgun, and that is all I will ever need, as I do not intend to kill anyone.

Do you like to get inked

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

No. I would never do it. I think that it visually ugly.

Not to delegitimize these recent sexual allegations, and I’m sure most of these are true and need ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I find your depiction distorted, distasteful, and with little merit. This is just the kind of hogwash I would expect from a man who wants to prey on women and get away with it.

Can you describe yourself in one sentence?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

No, I can't describe myself in one sentence. No, the city does not speak to me. The only city that I have ever really loved was West Berlin, Germany in the 1960s (I doubt that I would like the Berlin of 2017 nearly as much). What speaks to me is beauty -- natural beauty first, then man-made.

So Little Kim is killing more fish in the Sea of Japan - the same poor fish who had to suffer ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Some delusional lunatics probably actually believe this insane heiferdust.

Is the presdent Trump speaking for all America with his remarks on line ?

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Trump is speaking only for himself and the bigots who support him -- only about a third of the US population. And, that percentage is way the hell too damned high.

Man created God? I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that God created Adam & Eve.

wordywalt comments on Nov 30, 2017:

You can't believe everything you read -- especially in the age of Trump and the Russian fake news agencies.

If you were to subject yourself before someone, whom would you choose ?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

Why would I want to do that?

"I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

Superb statement!

Do you ever feel like your fear of success is why you don’t succeed?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

I am not sure why a person would fear success. I never did.

Do you think that Pat Robertson will retire or do the 700 Club until he dies?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

I agree. He is too full of himself to quit.

This is my new favorite social media.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

We may disagree with you on occasion, but most of us will try to be respectful. Welcome.

Perhaps I'm the oldest one here.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

You are not the oldest. I am 80 years old. We have some commonalities. I grew up in the deep south as a Methodist, but also questioned fairly early. I also lived in Kansas for 17 years as an adult -- in Salina and Great Bend.

Who else was indoctrinated as a child, but left their parent's religion?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

Most of us, including me, went through the process of learning not to believe (in terms of religion) what our parents believe.

As agnostics and atheists, we all know the corruptibility of all religions - that's a given.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

The core books of all religions are primarily cultural mythology designed to justify, support, and sustain the religion. Still, there are some valid thoughts contained within them, and we don't need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

You meet someone, and you like them.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

Only a few things matter. A key essential is that your personalities match to the degree that you both are able to derive pleasure and fulfillment from the relationship. Another is that you both emotionally mature enough to establish and sustain a caring, sharing relationship. Yet another is that you share many core beliefs and values outside of religion. Before my 2nd wife and I married, she was aware that I am at least an agnostic, and I that she is a devout Catholic. We both agreed to respect each other's religious beliefs, or lack thereof. We have been happily married for 23 years.

GOP Tax Plan Repeals Johnson Amendment, Making Churches Super PACs

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

What a damnable outcome that would be!!

So,how will the universe end ( not that I care,but,scientists seem to have a fascination with this)?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

A combination of C and D. I believe that the current phase of the universe will end with one or a few black holes so glutted with matter that they cannot contain it and explode in a new big bang, starting a new expansion phase.

There are many ships going to many ports, but not a single one goes to where life is not painful.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

No life is without pain. We don't need to court pain, but if we survive it without too much damage, if provides a great contrast. Years ago, I had severe back pain for 14 years and had back surgery. Shortly after I recovered, I encountered a friend, who asked, "How's it going, Walt?" I answered, You have no idea how great it feels just to feel normal again!"

Too much BS in relationships.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

I empathize with you. I spent 30 years in a marriage in which life was an endless series of (pardon the expression) "mind fuck games." The last 20 years of that marriage were so bad that I actually dreaded coming home from work each day, not knowing what I was going to be hit with or why -- but knowing that it was coming. I finally left her to preserve my sanity and health. Incidentally, I made a much better choice the second time around and we do not play games with each other.

British top cleric the Archbishop of Canterbury says that he cannot understand why American ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

Actually, the answer is simple: Evangelicals have willingly compromised both their morality and their religion in their lust for political power. It still is dismaying!

This is what we suffer in the Arabic Muslim world, and worse.

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

That is because religion dominates the culture in that region. That should be a warning to us about what could happen if we do not stop the comingling of religion and politics in the USA.

Ever notice when christians find you don't believe like they do, they assume you are a satanist?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

Only the most bigoted and judgmental of people would do that.

Are intelligent people mostly introverted?

wordywalt comments on Nov 29, 2017:

No, I don't think so. Introversion is a personality matter, not one of intelligence.

I am an ordained minister.

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

You do have a moral problem if you are a practicing minister. In that case, you would be misrepresenting yourself and your beliefs to others.

Has politics become the new religion?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

No, what has happened is that evangelicals are using every tactic they can to make religion part of politics, and corrupt politicians are aiding and abetting them.

Is it possible to have a discussion or opinion without insulting others?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Yes. Telling the truth is not insulting. Insulting is belittling, labeling, disparaging, attacking. Just because someone does not like it if you tell the truth does not mean that you are insulting them. If a person takes offense at the truth, the objection is more a statement about him or her than of the facts.

“ My impeachment crowds will be tremendous.

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Love it!!!!!

How to find local atheists if religion is not a nice topic to raise?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Try asking questions that get at the topic indirectly. Questions like: "Do you think that a person's moral code should be grounded in religion?" If the person says no, you probably have at least an agnostic. Or, "Do yu go to church?"

Pangburn Philosophy - A Celebration of Science and Reason

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Sam Harris has some good stuff. He is well worth looking into!

I live in a place where my wife and I think we are not free to express our true beliefs and opinions...

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Since religion is not a part of my life, I do not discuss it. One neighbor friend who is religious asked me what church I go to. I simply answered that I do not go to church. She is still my friend and neighbor, but she does not ask such questions anymore.

Should the US stop its Imperialistic meddling in the Middle East?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Long-erm, yes. But, first, we need to throttle down our thirst for oil.

Do atheists and liberals go hand-in-hand?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Evangelicals tend to be politically conservative to outright reactionary. Catholics range from ultra-liberal to ultra-conservatives. Not all atheists are liberals. At least a few on this site are VERY right wing.

Is a certified marriage license required?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

For what? What do you mean by "certified"?

I often hear atheists and theists alike discussing the supernatural as if it's actually a real ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

I agree. There are things we cannot explain, but it is not necessary to assign them a supernatural cause.

I'm getting more and more irritated at the "us & them" mentality of believers who hold themselves in...

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

There is a great deal of hypocrisy in both Crhistian dogma and in the behavior or too many Christians.

Do You Beleive In Such a Thing As Objective Morals

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Yes. One can and should use an objective basis for establishing a moral code. Then, objective analysis of the situation an determine if a decision or action matches the basis for the code. Such a moral code is far superior to one dictated by religious dogma.

I'm getting more and more irritated at the "us & them" mentality of believers who hold themselves in...

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Too many Christians easily forget the biblical admonition, :"Judge not, lest ye be judged."

Do you think our world will ever exist without Money?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

There will always be some form of exchange currency-- something they attach value to, to be used in exchange of goods and services.

There is a growing sentiment among intelligent people that could not be more idiotic! "We should ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

It appears that you are trying to beat around the bush about the FACT that human overpopulation is threatening the ecosystem, our species, and many other species.We simply have too many people consuming too many resources, and producing unmanageable volumes of waste. You appear to be one of those people who believe that the human species is so smart that it can conquer nature, That is a false belief. We can never nullify natural forces. We can alter them, divert them, , manipulate them in some way, but those forces will always remain and will provide real limits. And, for every attempt we make to master nature, there are always significant unintended consequences -- many of them highly damaging to the species and environment. It is exactly this curse of culture -- the belief that we can maser and control nature to the nth degree -- that has caused our species to do so much damage over time. We would be a damned sight better if we focused our efforts on figuring out how we can align ourselves with natural forces.

Evolution

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

We do not know what combination of physical forces and conditions led to the initial origin of life here. But, i KNOW that evolution explains what happened from there.

This made me giggle this morning :)

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

A cute, thoughtful spoof!

Do you consider Atheism to be a religion or a belief system?

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Atheism is not a religion or an ideology. It is a simple disbelief. It lacks the defining attributes of either a religion or an ideology.

"I'd rather leave this world today thinking God exists and finding out that he doesn't, than not ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 28, 2017:

To me, it is simply a lack of courage. A hedging of the bet, but not a big deal.

What do you do for fitness?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

When I was young, I played team sports. For over 325 years, I walked 3 - 5 miles a day. Over the past 11 years, I have worked out with weights 3 times a week -- from 120 to 360 pounds (depending on the muscle group) on 13 different machines. At the age of 80, I am as strong as I ever was, but don't have the endurance I once had. My weight is 4 pounds grater today than it was when I finished basic training in the Army many years ago.

Do you feel as I do that Americans (primarily men ) place way to much importance on spectator sports...

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

I agree. I played many sports in my earlier days -- football, fast-pitch softball, basketball, racquetball, volleyball, etc. and strongly encourage participation in sports. We are too often becoming spectators iin the game of life. Life is to be lived, not watched.

Be your own god.

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

You need to learn to write with precision, clarity and direct linage between thoughts. People would then understand directly what you are trying to say.

People need to stop saying that the catalyst for gun violence can be sourced to one reason.

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

You ramble all over the landscape. Again, your point?

Has saying I told you so ever done any real good?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

"I told you so: is always a deliberate dig at the other person. It contributes nothing to the productive conclusion to a situation. While the person who says it is trying to demean the other, the or she is demeaning himself/herself as well.

Hard drugs. Your favorites?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

I have never done hard drugs and never wanted to. I want to be in control of myself.

Do you believe people when they say they've seen god?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

No. Not at all.

Site problems: Like, reply and like buttons still do not work -- 4 days now.

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

O re[eat" I cannot reply to your comments or questions. The button does not work. I am using Internet Explorer on my computer. Worked fine until 4 days ago. I REPEAT: The like, vote, and reply buttons do not work. Please help me.

Facial hair: What do you think of it? Do you have it? Like it?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

test

Children: Are you ok if they wanna be religious?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

I made sure that my kids understood my beliefs and why I held them, but gave the freedom to make belief choices of their own. Both of my daughters, as mature adults, are somewhere between agnosticism and atheism. Incidentally, they also grew up in Kansas.

I don't know how anyone gets past this phrase in the 2nd commandment with any faith left: "For I,...

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

It does not affect you if you don't believe.

How far do you think choice goes?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Of course, instincts and internalized cultural norms and belief patterns influence. But, we always need to try to be aware of those and their effects when we do choose or act.

What does it indicate about a society that idolizes empty headed celebrities rather than other great...

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

There will always be those who are attracted by glitz. Be tankful that a lot of us are not. So long as we keep expressing ourselves and acting, we will still make a difference.

Facial hair: What do you think of it? Do you have it? Like it?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Neatly trimmed facial hair is okay. I once had a handlebar mustache so long that when I uncurled it, it extended from ear to ear. The grubby, unshaven look NO. Don't care for Fu Manchus

Be mindful of cultural differences.

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Civility is important.

Why dosn't the USA Split

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Let me add: Three is no way in hell that I will ever cede an inch of territory to the forces of ethynocentrism, racism, demagogic religion, or irrational ,rabid right! I will always fight to prevent them from impsing their malevolent ideology on me!

James Dobson: Roy Moore Is a “Man of Proven Character and Integrity” – Friendly Atheist

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Dobson always was a damnable demagogue. His embrace of Moore is all I need to know about Moore. They are two peas in a pod.

Is it possible to be an atheist and not even try to be?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Your experience is ery similar to mine. Many years ago, by the time I was 15, I had read the Bible from cover to cover 3 times. Each time, I saw more and more things that simply did not make sense. By the end of the 3rd time, as I finished Revelations, I came to see it was the bizarre rants of a raving lunatic. I also did not like feeling like a sinner for having normal thoughts, feelings and urges. That began the journey to independence. I never tried to become an atheist. It was the natural evolution of a thinking person.

Karl Marx Was Right ..Religion Is The Opiate of The People?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Opiates do not drive people to kill. They stiltify them

My friends are now saying .

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

That would anger me. I would say to them: "My decisions are mine to make and mine alone. While you might not agree, if you are my friend you must respect my right to make that decision." and

When a friend is going through a difficult time many people say things like 'sending prayers, my ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

I would say, "I feel for you. Please let me know if you would like to talk about it, or if you need a helping hand..:

Hey. Is it really necessary to organize a naming ceremony for your kids?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

No. In fact, most people do not have such ceremonies.

Climate change deniers...this is the final straw!

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Only three groups are denying climate change: (1) the greedy who want to profit from fossil fuels and the extractive industries, and (2) mindless people who let demagogues control their minds, and (3) self-serving, conscienceless politicians.

Karl Marx Was Right ..Religion Is The Opiate of The People?

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

Religion is not the opiate of the people. Marx was wrong. Religion is the seductive scammer and controller of people. It does not lull them into apathy, but drives them into activism in the wrong direction.

How do you feel about burn survivors and amputees ? (Pic unrelated)

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

I feel sorry for what they had to go through. I feel proud of hem if they do not let the injury mar their image of themselves.

Why dosn't the USA Split

wordywalt comments on Nov 27, 2017:

If the US were to split, my home would be in one of the states that split off due to the areas that seceded due to ethnocentirism, outright racism, and religiosity. I would rather fight than give them the stamp of legitimacy. Morality and principles are worth fighting for.

Energy Cannot Naturally Be Created or Destroyed! isn't this scientific principle proof of Eternity?!

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

It could be. We have no proof of any beginning or end to the universe.

The real question of interest isn't whether there's a God.

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

The anwer is HELL NO!! We MUST NOT allow them to legislate their theology into law. We must resist that by all legal and moral means possible!!

How many in the Resistance fully understand that we are now in the surreal position of needing to ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I hope that most do. It is going to take a lot of people willing to take risks and pursue a number of vigorous us actions! We can and MUST do it!!

do you agree with christian conservatives on some things ?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Damned few, if any!

How do you feel about obscene language?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Gratuitous obscenity bothers. One can accomplish the same thing with a good "damn" or "hell".

Does time travel exist?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Theoretically, it could be possible, but is extremely unlikely. No, I do not believe that time travel has ever occurred.

Has anyone among y'all actually ever converted a believer into an agnostic/atheist?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

No one is "converted". Becoming an atheist is a choice one makes for himself or herself.

Sunday mornings Have a new meaning for me! Guys it's GRRRREAT as Tony the tiger once said to hang ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I agree wholeheartedly! I can remember being out on a lake fishing on Sundays, communing with nature and listening to classical music and thinking. " I am so glad that I do not have to waste the beauty of this day in church."

What are your views on marriage and its association to Religion?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Marriage should be a cultural rite independent of religion. Religions have come to try to use it to breed a captive audience.

Ever feel like you’re just in a boat drifting off somewhere without a destination in mind?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I did as an early adult, because I did not know where I was going or why, We all need a dream.

Is America (USA) mostly of Christian population?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Now, yes. But, the trend is slowly downward.

Do you seek out other skeptics/ atheists?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Not generally. But, I am pleasantly surprised when I encounter one or more.

Hello Mayor! You can change any 3 things about the city you live in. What are they?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

1. Transportation -- too damned many cars and traffic congestion. Years ago I lived in Berlin Germany for a few years and that city had a superb transportation system -- busses, subways, elevated trains and most of the time one did not need a car. 2. Lots of open green space -- people need that for a variety of reasons. 3. Integrity and honesty in government.

Monogamy and evolution

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I think that your assertions are off base. I believe that marriage arose as a device to protect women and children, not as some evolutionary device. But, unfortunately men and cultures have too often turned marriage into a means of dominating and diminishing women. A good marriage does protect women and children -- and benefit our society and evolution.. Conversely, a bad marriage can be destructive to all.

Why does evil exist?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Evil does not exist in and of itself. It is the impact of decisions and actions that is sometimes evil. Any time that one chooses to act in a manner which harms people and/or the environment, he is acting in an evil manner.

When religious piety is used for political advantage in the discourse of our society, what is the ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

By pointing the cynical and false use of religion to gain political advantage on one hand, and by making the making the person stay on topic with relevant fact-based arguments.

Can a 2nd grader be unpatriotic?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I don't think that a second-grader (or many adults) really understand what patriotism really means. I understand your behavior. I learned earlier on to fight only he battles that really need fighting and that it does not pay to fight city hall head-on. It gives one the space to be quietly independent.

The day i finally gave up religion was the day i actually felt what freedom is!!

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I agree. And, I also recognized that I -- and no one else- am responsible for my own choices and behaviors and their consequences -- a burden a was and still am more than willing to take on.

What should I do when I get threaten with going to Hell?

wordywalt comments on Nov 26, 2017:

I would respond that the only hell that exists is the senseless pain experienced on earth by cruel and thoughtless people -- and often by highly judgmental ultra-religious people.