Hi, my name is Scott Helgeson and I am a retired professor of Biology.

wordywalt comments on Nov 15, 2017:

I agree that gain a real sense of perspective on our plant and species we must recognize that our planet is a mere fly speck in an unimaginably vast universe. In the grand panorama of the universe, we do not matter. It would help our species to gain the humility that this realization gives.

Without testicular fortitude to say what he really means....

wordywalt comments on Nov 15, 2017:

He knows that is true, but he can't and won't do it. He can't do it because he lacks the character and honesty. He won t do it because it would destroy him and what he depicts himself to be.

I make no apologies for the fact that my favorite atheist writer has always been, and likely always ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 15, 2017:

I do not know for sure that Hermann Hesse was an atheist, but I strongly suspect that he was. His writings show great wisdom and independence of thought. I loved his STEPPENWOLF and MAGISTER LUDI.

I'm some guy near Olympia, Washington.

wordywalt comments on Nov 15, 2017:

Huh? What in the hell is that all bout?

I am a gun owner who is licensed and trained.

wordywalt comments on Nov 15, 2017:

Your comment about Germany I do not understand. I spent years in Germany and I can tell you that the Nazis did not disarm people -- they armed them. After WWI private possession of firearms was forbidden, except in shooting and hunting clubs and the weapons had to be kept in the club and not at home. As a result gun deaths in Germany are s mall fraction of what we have here. How can you oppose that outcome? Australia DID disarm people and the results have been great -- hugely lower gun deaths and reduced crime. How can you oppose that outcome. As a teenager I joined the NRA because -- at that time- it supported hunting and gun safety. I am a gun owner and fired "expert" with an assault rifle while in the us Army. But I do not believe that any private citizen should own an assault rifle, an automatic weapon of any kind -- rifle or pistol or any pistol as the primary purpose of those guns is killing people. We could do it too if we had the strength of character!

I have a friend, who I bowl with.

wordywalt comments on Nov 15, 2017:

Tell him that you will not discuss religion with anyone, and put him on notice. If he starts remind him directly of that. If he persists, tell him directly that he is being disrespectful of you and your wishes and that you expect better of him. I have had to say that to a friend of over 50 years who has become a religious zealot in his old age. It finally stopped the conversion attempts.

Is Christian supremacy, both socially and legally enforced, a growing threat to the nonreligious ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

The o-mingling of religion and politics -- no matter what the religion -- debases both and threatens our democracy, civil rights, and freedom. We MUST fight it by any moral means possible.

There is only one creator, TIME.

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

Time does not create anything. It is simply a dimension that exists.

Should employers be allowed to give pre-employment tests?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

Employers should be allowed to give pre-employment test, but ONLY those with a proven track record in predicting success in the job role. All others should be illegal.

Doubt

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

Dark matter has not specifically identified, but much evidence points to its existence. Further, its existence is based on data-based reasoning. The existence of a god is based on superstition, blind faith, and elaborate mythology without any evidence.

Why was freedom of religion put in the constitution?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

Two major reasons: (1) most Americans of the time believed in religion, (2) Americans did not want to have a specific religion imposed on them by the state. A major cause of the Revolutionary War was fear that Great Britain would impose the Anglican church on the colonies. Read alan Heimert's THE MAERICAN MIND FROM THE GREAT AWAKENING TO THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

As a kid growing up in the 70s...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

There is always a lot of crap in the air around us. He simply need to be analytical and critical and decide for ourselves what is real.

Should I attend a wedding at church as an atheist?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

you are honoring the people you care for, not the church.

Even though I have given up Christianity, I still believe in some of the teachings of Jesus and have...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

I believe that Jesus did exist and that he was a good, charismatic man -- but that is all.

The story of Noah and the ark was adopted from the Babylonians by the Judeans approximately two and ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

The bible is an amalgamation of cultural mythology, some accurate history (but not most), superstition, and pieces designed to support and advance the religion. It was written by men, not God, each man had his own intents and beliefs which colored his writings, just as today's televangelists are pursuing their own questionable ends. The New Testament was written centuries after the death of Christ. A number of books were also deleted. Makes one wonder who determined what was included in the New Testament and why.

Do you think that religion of all sorts should be banned from Europe?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

That is a decision for the people or Europe.

How come there are so many religious idiots in America?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

There are differences. The guy in Texas was definitely deranged and there was nothing ideological in his actions. Timothy McVeigh was entirely an ideological terrorist.

Roy Moore.

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

I think that the revelations have shamed enough prior supporters to cause many to pull away from him. I don't think he will win. Even if he were to win, there is a large chance that the US Senate will vote to deny him a seat. I think he is dead in the water -- thankfully. My applause to the women who cam e forward!

“How many?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

Try Hermann Hesse, Jean Paul Sartre, and Albert Einstein.

What is more reprehensible - A politician for votes who preaches idiotic beliefs but doesn't believe...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

The most reprehensible is the lack of moral honesty or the hypocrisy.. As for the other, "true believers" are dangerous and must be discredited.

Does anyone else believe that humanity may soon change into something else through advances in ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

No.

Should euthanasia or "death with dignity" be available to anyone upon demand under controlled ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

Absolutely, it should be available. Legal or not, if I reach the stage of being so disabled that life has little quality and/or if I am a burden on others, I WILL exercise that choice.

Kayla Moore posts support from 50 pastors; letter written before sex allegations against Roy Moore |...

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

One expects that from her. But, the letters from the evangelical pastors who the abject deterioration of moral judgment by them, caused by the morally bankrupt comingling of reltgion and politics.

How should pedophiles be dealt with?

wordywalt comments on Nov 14, 2017:

I can understand the sentiment, but you would violate the due process of law -- one of the foundations of our democracy. As with you vegan cats, you show poor judgment.

How involved should America get with the problems in other countries?

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

We should get involved when failure to act will likely create an outcome which is harmful or unacceptable to us. Each situation is complex, with many factors to consider.

Is there any way to block another member?

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

I agree. We should be able to block uncivil ideologues and demagogues!

When vegans try to explain how dogs and cats can be vegan too what is your reaction?

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

Who cares?

Physics engine

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

I believe that the universe is a recurring cycle which has no beginning and no end. Einstein said that the total amount of energy and matter in the universe is constant, although what form it takes (matter or energy) varies. the swirling physical chaos of the universe creates gasses, dust, asteroids, comets, planets, galaxies, etc. But, in the center of each galaxy is a black hole which will consume all of the matter in that galaxy, and eventually black holes will merge, until you have massive black holes so glutted with matter that they cannot contain it. Then we have a new big bang, and the cycle repeats.

To be an atheist requires an indefinitely greater measure of faith than to receive all the great ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

he problem of that statement is that "the great truths" of religion and faith in it are simply non-existent. True believers want to bestow the "gifts" of heaven and eternal lives upon themselves. Wishing for the non-existent and impossible does not make it happen.

Almost 40% of evangelicals more likely to vote for Roy Moore after pedophilia allegations – ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

Those dangerous religious "true believers" are a clear and present danger to our democracy. They lust so much for the power to impose their theology on us that they will believe perverts who support their religious cause.

aliens looked at as God's? what brought on the idea of gods

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

No, it was not aliens. It was a sense of powerlessness and sense of nearly complete ignorance.

25 or so years ago I was in a conversation(argument) with some friends and family members regarding ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

The idea that there is a god who created the vast universe picked our infinitesimally minor planet as his Eden and us as his chosen species is simply absurd.

Thought for the day: "The nation that will insist upon drawing a broad line of demarcation between ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

Damned good and relevant quote!

I am fairly new to this site and find it intriguing and uplifting plus the dialoging helps me learn.

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

Welcome.

The nature of the Abrahamic god fable is that he gives us free will.

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

It is amazing to me that "True believers" refuse to even engage in the reasoning which would reveal the fallacies, untruths, and contradictions in their theology. But, in a way I understand it. As a teenager in a Christian church, I was deathly afraid of doing anything that would send me to hell. That is the club that threatens believers.

Should the US continue to back Israel in its sectarian war with the Palestinians?

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

Netanyahu is a bright thug engaged in imperialism, aggressive nationalism and apartheid-like action. We should say to Israel:" If you will show the wisdom and courage to sincerely try to create a lasting peace with your adversaries, and to treat Palestineans as real first class Israelis we will guarantee your security. If not, we cannot morally back your actions and you will find yourself increasingly isolated."

Which ways would you suggest to change people's minds about Atheism negative "reputation"?

wordywalt comments on Nov 13, 2017:

By showing -- in every medium we use (print, voice, visual, etc._ that we are civil, knowledgeable, sincere, patriotic, and concerned about the well-being of all. Stand up to the denigrators and make sure that people can see their behavior for what it is.

Anecdotal evidence

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but you ask questions not worth the effort to answer.

Logical Fallacies

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

Every person should examine his or her own reasoning for logical fallacies. That is the heart of critical thinking!

"Has Evangelical Christianity Become Sociopathic?"

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

A damned good statement!! In the US evangelical Christianity is the number one threat to democracy, our civil rights, independent reasoning, science, and civility. In other words, it is "a pox upon our house."

Exercise anyone?

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

Neither. I prefer working out with weights.

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

He/she/it simply isn't. No god has ever existed. Therefore, all questions about any god are irrelevant,

Can Sex be Spiritual

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

That is theoretically possible, but difficult to manage and maintain. It would be an extraordinary relationship.

I believe that I can do anything in life as long as I don't effect anyone physically, mentally or ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

But, almost all of your actions DO affect others positively or negatively. We are always responsible for our actions and decisions and for the consequences on self, others, and environment. We must strive NOT to be so egocentric that we forget that!

Does marriage equate to love?

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

Marriage is a rite begun to protect women and children. In many cases people enter into marriage with real love. In a minority of cases that love persists for a long time.

Science is unfortunately subjective because people bring their baggage and it affects everything, ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

We will never completely free ourselves of our biases and preconceptions. The best that we can do is to admit those to ourselves and to any audiences what those are -- in advance. And, if we do that, it usually works pretty well. We also need to admit to ourselves that all humans are a bundle of internal contradictions (as in Hermann Hesse's STAPPENWOLF, and learn to live with that fact. The steppenwolves among us are the ones who really make a difference!

calling science an atheist religion

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

Calling science a religion is nothing more than a theist's of trying to disparage it.

I have a theory of knowledge that I'd like to share and get some honest critique on.

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

You are headed in the right direction. Read the works of Jean Piaget -- the greatest cognitive psychologist ever. As our brains develop, we create schema or patterns of action to collect and interpret inputs from our environment. The, from those datas we develop patterns of meaning or cognitive structures and links between the structures. The more the links, the more intelligent we become.

If you could name 1 decision you have made that has greatly improved your life what would you ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 12, 2017:

It is hard to pick one: I could name a number of such decisions ranging from deciding to go to college and to graduate school to the decision to leave my sociopathic first wife who systematically went about making life hell on earth.

Should the U.S. Army allow Turbans, Hijabs, Beards, and Dreadlocks?

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

should be allowed IF and ONLY if, they do not compromise the integrity of the mission(s) and/or the safety of members of the unit(s).

Base on my experienced.

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

Try writing with precision and clarity. What you have written is gibberish to me.

What are your views on D/s relationships?

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

What are you talking about? I am not familiar with the term.

As a society we understand that tolerance and integration is a good idea.

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

Immigrants always bring with them the culture in which they have lived, and they often try to hang onto elements of that culture because is has become a pert of their identify. For a time it will create some discord. That is to be expected. What is not to be tolerated is the demonization of the new group, the attempt to drive them out, and violence.

What is a leader and do they exist in government

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

Research the topic: There is much excellent literature on leaders and leadership There are no perfect leaders, but a number of truly great ones in government -- Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, Sadat and many more.

It's amazing how much control the fear of death holds over us.

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

At the age of 80, I do not fear death. As far as wanting to live gain, I do not deal with impossibilities. Below, find a piece I wrote years ago as a metaphor to describe how I feel about death: My old friend, the conductor to death, still waits quietly in the wings. But, as I go through my final years, I converse with him more often. I tell him that I do not hold his role against him because I know that it is the natural order of things. He responds that he appreciates both my understanding and my willingness to face reality. I tell him that I actually appreciate the fact that he will act when the time comes to relieve me from the agony of mental confusion and/or physical pain. He assures me that he will act. I share with him my reflections on how aging is a process of being forced to give up many things that add quality to life, a time of loss of dreams and aspirations, a time when (with few new experiences) we are driven inward to reflect on past experiences, life chapters, successes, failures, loves, losses, memories. He tells me that such inward reflection is a healthy way for people to gain a sense of who they are, a process that is not possible in the aspiring young person. Such is the nature of our dialogue. Both the conductor to death and I know that when the time comes, he will step forward and say, “It is time.” I will shake his hand and follow him into peaceful oblivion. That is as it should be. I find that image most comforting.

Should any religious organization that enters the political arena lose their tax exempt status?

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

Absolutely! Under existing law, they are supposed to! The problem is that Republicans will not enforce the law.

Falwell Jr.

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

Falwellis just like most of the evangelical "leaders." His lust for power is so strong that he betrays his faith.

What’s the playlist going to be at your funeral?

wordywalt comments on Nov 11, 2017:

There will be no funeral or celebration of life for me. When they scatter my ashes, I have asked by wife and daughters to play the "Ashoken Farewell."

My thoughts about people who believe: If it gives someone comfort to think that there is a god, a ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

I believe that everyone has the right to hold religious beliefs if they so choose -- consciously. But, NO ONE has the right to try to impose his or her religious beliefs on me! Freedom of religion MUST include freedom FROM religion!

Young people and voting

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

Saying that they do not believe in the power of their vote is a simple and immoral cop-out. They are simply unengaged and don't give damn about anything beyond their immediate urges, wishes, pleasures and existence. Simply put, they don't give a damn and are unwilling to commit the energy, effort, thought and emotion to make a difference.

Should safe drinking water be safe for EVERYONE?

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

I do not understand sate and local government reasoning. Water in lakes and rivers is considered a public resource, Yet, they sell out to companies like Nestle and allow them to mine water in the acquifer and sell it for a huge profit. If anything, it should be the state that should profit and use the funds to provide public services -- not exploitative extractive industry.

Alabama Republican Cites Jesus and Mary to Defend Roy Moore

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

The man has no character. He easily and willingly commits what religious believers would call blasphemy just to justify his political stance.

So - who will be joining in with the carol singing this year?

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

Christmas is for children. I celebrated Christmas as a child, and when my children were young. It was a warm, happy event for them (without religious celebration)

Do You? Or don't you? Like poetry?

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

I enjoy peory which finds or creates beauty and/or which creates substantive patterns of meaning -- deep, poignant, intimate.

Is it possible to be agnostic atheist AND spiritual at the same time?

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

Depends on how you define spiritual. If you possessing an ethereal soul, NO. If you mean thinking and acting with caring, understanding, and morality, yes.

Should this girl's parents be prosecuted?

wordywalt comments on Nov 10, 2017:

We are all responsible for our behavior and its consequences, regardless of why we chose to act in that manner.

Does the soul exist?

wordywalt comments on Nov 9, 2017:

The soul does not exist at all. The core of who we really are is the cognitive structures we build in our own minds and only exists while we are alive.

Is anyone else in a relationship with a person who follows religion?

wordywalt comments on Nov 9, 2017:

My wife of 23 years is a devout catholic. We each acknowledge that the other has he right to believe as he or she chooses, and we honor that right. Neither us discusses religion with the other.

Ya know?

wordywalt comments on Nov 9, 2017:

How about creating an August holiday and calling it "Too Damned Hot Day?"

How do you teach biology without including evolution?

wordywalt comments on Nov 9, 2017:

As a former biology teacher, I say that you CANNOT teach the subject without addressing evolution. Way back in the mid 1960s, My principal asked me not to teacher about evolution. I responded that I did not have the right to withhold scientific information. His response was, "It's your ass, not mine." I went ahead and taught a full unit on evolution and heard no complaints from my students or from the community.

Over the summer My daughter (16yrs old) & I were at an award ceremony for a program she is in.

wordywalt comments on Nov 9, 2017:

There should not have been a prayer at a public educational institution. Still, we have to educate our children to pick our battles. If we are always fighting you become the issue.

Curses of Culture: Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism is the belief that our culture is exclusively the...

wordywalt comments on Nov 9, 2017:

We must also acknowledge that ethnocentrism was a major force in our foreign policy for over 50 years. Starting in the 1850s the concept of "manifest destiny" dominated. Manifest destiny is the name we give to the belief that due to our superior culture, it is our manifest destiny to extend the benefits and controls of our superior culture to other, lesser peoples -- whether they want it or not. Bannon, Trump and the white supremacists want to revive this evil set of beliefs. Ethnocentrism is the only slightly less evil twin of racism!

How has religion harmed our learning?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

It has increased human reliance on superstition and magical thinking. At the same time, it has attempted to limit critical and independent thinking and attempted to deny and limit the full exercise of science.

I just saw Jane Goodall ( Not sure of spelling) sign speaking with her gorilla and some chimps and ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

All animals (and some plants) kill other organisms for food and, when necessary, to protect one's self, family, and/or group. Killing another organism of any kind for no essential reason is destructive.

How long did it take you to realise that you're an atheist / agnostic?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

My first 20 years.

Humans are animals. Is there a code of behaviour?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

An innate or given ode of behavior presupposes some entity creating that code for humans. Codes of behavior for humans are created by humans. Some of those codes are helpful to the functioning of human individuals, groups, cultures, etc. Others are limiting or damaging.

it took me decades to realize that I am an atheist.

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

True believers cannot do that. Due to their own decisions, those beliefs form the core of who they are now. To admit that their religious beliefs are false would destroy who they think they are and the false sense of certainty they feel about their beliefs, lives, and "after-life."

Study: Renewables save Americans billions » Yale Climate Connections

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

That is real science, not greed driven false propaganda!

My religious/gullible mother blames me for my ailments. Advice?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Tell her that the tendencies for the diseases you have are inherited. In other words, you got them from her. Quote to her the biblical phrase: "The sins of the fathers( and mothers) are visited on their children." In other words, your conditions are the results of her sins. That might stop that demeaning crap from her. If that does not work, ask her if she is trying to kill the relationship between you and her?

Would you/have you worked for a religious organization?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

No! I would be a hypocrite if I did.

For the people who have children, did you raise them not to believe?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

I raised my daughters to make their own decisions about religion. They knew that I did not believe in any religion;, but they always had the freedom to attend a church if they wanted. Both considered it, but are not atheists.

Do you owe anyone in your life an apology?

wordywalt comments on Nov 8, 2017:

Of course. We all have done things we are not proud of. Why am I not making amends? Because those involved are either dead or no longer a part of my life.

I'm an atheist, but I had to walk away from the toxic side of online atheism - The Washington Post

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

I also find that some atheists also have very abusive, highly judgmental personalities. just as some "true believer" Christians do. At the core, it is simply a personality issue. Those people, no matter what side they are on, are simply destructive people.

I wonder… is it possible that "Consciousness" is simply a brain disease?

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

If it helps an organization to function and cope with its environment, how could it be called a disease?

How do we legitimately get religion out of US politics?

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

Several types of efforts can help. First, persistent legal actions through such organizations as the ACLU and other progressive organizations. Second, by persistently questioning political candidates and making it clear what they are doing and why. Third, we can organize resistance to candidates who comingle their religion and politics. It will never be easy, but it has to be done or we let the religious right impose their ideology on us.

What is your favorite color?

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

Blue.

Atheism: Do you tell co-workers?

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

Generallyno. I generally simply do not talk about religion.

What is your favorite holiday?

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

Thanksgiving. Over the years it was a time when the family got together and shared good foot and connectedness.

What are we doing here on this planet ??

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

We are here by sheer random happenstance in natural physical processes. There is no real evidence of any early civilization on earth.

The new atheists are not atheist enough - do you agree?

wordywalt comments on Nov 7, 2017:

I have no idea what that means. What the hell is atheist enough?

Why do christians have such a hang-up about sex?

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

It is particularly the evangelicals who focus on sex. Their dogma teachers that sex is original sin.

Wisdom from Mark Twain: 1.

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

I have always loved Twains wit and wisdom. He was a great man. If you have not read it, I heartedly recommend his book, THE MYSTEROUS STRANGER.

Have you ever been a Christian's pet project?

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Yes, until I told him that his behavior was disrespectful of me and my beliefs.

Any other old people out there?

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Yep. I;m 80.

I feel like non-believers are more likely to entertain the notion of implementing more gun control ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

That is because of the co-mingling of religion and right-wing political ideology that has occurred since the 1970s. Those "true believers" are gullible when it comes to the NRA, religious and political demagogues. They don't really control their lives: They let the demagogues do it for them.

Good Morning from the bible belt.

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

I am 80 years old and applaud his decision. Unless I die suddenly, if I reach the stage of being a burden on others and having little quality of life, I plan to do the same. Of course he will be missed, but his life was his, not yours.

Just last week, Pat Robertson told a woman that god had killed her son so that he wouldn't grow up ...

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Pat Robetson is a despicable, dementedly demagogic, greedy charlatan whose behavior has become so bizarre that even his loyal followers will eventually leave him. The irony is that his rants are totally contrary to the tenets of his faith. In other words, they are blasphemous!

What rationale have you received from religious people on why evil exists?

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Your experience tells you why it is senseless to discuss religious topics with "true believers" -- you cannot discuss (with rationality) irrational beliefs.

What are your views on sexual education?

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

In 1966, as a high school biology teacher, I introduced sex education into the curriculum. I told the principal that I was going to do it, and his response was that he was not going to tell me that I could not do it, but that it was my ass on the line. I told him that was fine with me. To make sure that all my students were comfortable I asked the students if they wanted to be in a coed or single sex class for the topic. A few girls felt uncomfortable, so I segregated the class by sex. For the girls, I started out by telling them that for the purposes of this topic, I wanted them to consider me a neuter teacher, not a male. The class went beautifully without a single complaint to the community.

I grew up Episcopalian.

wordywalt comments on Nov 6, 2017:

Like you, I did not impose my point of view on my daughters. They knew that I was not a believer, but I wanted them to make their own decisions. I am proud to say that both daughters are respectful and civil non-believers.