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Fox News is Not Just Biased -- It's a Cult
Commented Oct 30, 2009 at 21:23:20 in Media
“How is this addressed? Is there a way this can be turned around?”
hp blogger Bryant Welch replied on Oct 31, 2009 at 22:31:38
“Yes, I think it can be turned around if there is enough exposure and understanding of it. As Abe Lincoln said ....”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 22, 2009 at 08:05:51 in Living
“Because every time I read anything on this board, my beliefs are lumped in with people I don't have the remotest connection to. There is no "Religion" fighting against atheism.
There are a few vocal crackpots fighting against it, and I am annoyed with them as anyone is. I have no problem with atheism, I'm all for everyone doing their own thing.
I do have a problem with being painted with the same brush. I have a problem with the "new atheism" that advocates pigheaded arrogance.”
There are a few vocal crackpots fighting against it, and I am annoyed with them as anyone is. I have no problem with atheism, I'm all for everyone doing their own thing.
I do have a problem with being painted with the same brush. I have a problem with the "new atheism" that advocates pigheaded arrogance.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 22:16:21 in Living
“If you can't see that we are swamped with evangelist atheists in here, I don't know what to tell you. Dozens of times on this thread I have read statements assuring that atheism is the only valid belief, and all others are unequivocally wrong. If that isn't evangelical, I don't know what is.
I have no derision for your beliefs and frankly have lost patience for that argument. There is a difference between what you believe and what you DO. Extremist atheists DO behave like the worst of the evangelical Christians.
As a "believer," I am the object of this hatred, and I don't deserve it. I can't lie still for that.
I agree there is little value in going back in history to condemn people who are alive now and making their own choices. It's fascinating (and my preferred field of study), but as far as individuals are concerned, not that relevant. As far as society at large, yes -- and I have the same investment in correcting that, believe me, even though I am a "believer," but not a joiner.
I could not agree more about having a 100% secular government. Wouldn't it be fun if (some of the) atheists stopped deliberately inciting hatred, and we could work together on that?”
I have no derision for your beliefs and frankly have lost patience for that argument. There is a difference between what you believe and what you DO. Extremist atheists DO behave like the worst of the evangelical Christians.
As a "believer," I am the object of this hatred, and I don't deserve it. I can't lie still for that.
I agree there is little value in going back in history to condemn people who are alive now and making their own choices. It's fascinating (and my preferred field of study), but as far as individuals are concerned, not that relevant. As far as society at large, yes -- and I have the same investment in correcting that, believe me, even though I am a "believer," but not a joiner.
I could not agree more about having a 100% secular government. Wouldn't it be fun if (some of the) atheists stopped deliberately inciting hatred, and we could work together on that?”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 22:04:44 in Living
“I'm sorry, Obviously I forgot that along with the ability to see into my soul and classify what I believe, you are also the final authority in matters of semantics.”
Scent replied on Oct 21, 2009 at 21:09:36
“LOL - And You saying something different with the same fervor makes You different? - How would THAT be? :o)
You both posted you opinions. No more, no less. His opinion is not less valid just because You attack it. - In fact the opposite is the case. Because what you do shows You ran out of arguments. And that is a VERY bad sign :o).”
You both posted you opinions. No more, no less. His opinion is not less valid just because You attack it. - In fact the opposite is the case. Because what you do shows You ran out of arguments. And that is a VERY bad sign :o).”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 21:43:16 in Living
“You have to be careful when generalizing. I have nothing to do with anything that went on centries ago, and it's bizzare to be held up to that as a "believer."
Just as bizzare to hold an atheist responsible for Stalin's crimes because he was an atheist.
You are not responsible. Nor am I.”
Just as bizzare to hold an atheist responsible for Stalin's crimes because he was an atheist.
You are not responsible. Nor am I.”
Secularist replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 21:52:38
“No generalization in my comment. If you believe that something is true, you have to back that up. Period.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 21:40:18 in Living
“I have NO interest in your beliefs. If it makes you happy, I'm all for it. I'm not sure how many times I can say that. Please, please be any kind of atheist, or Jew, or Wiccan, or whatever, you want.
I am responsible for shoving NOTHING down your throat. I am as enraged as you may be about fundamentalism -- but if you say "yay" to the comment above yours, you have fundamentalism right under your nose, and you refuse to see it.
I was replying to you, because you endorsed Blixa, who said:
* If I can't "prove" my beliefs (why should I need to?), I should "just throw in (my) lot with the galactic overlord Xenu." (just ... sick)
* And goes on to say there is no distinction between that and any other belief that is NOT ATHEISM. (bigotry)
* Calls my beliefs "mythology" (calculated to insult)
* That I bear the "burden of evidence," (I bear no such thing)
* I must "show the proof (why do you care?)
* And then assumes that I am supporting a whole variety of irrational beliefs as a result (just asinine)
To which you say, "AWESOME!!!"
Not sure what is unclear here, and in fact, I give up. I have a life to lead.
No reason to hide your atheism if you don't want to, though. I wish you the best, in all sincerity, I really do.”
I am responsible for shoving NOTHING down your throat. I am as enraged as you may be about fundamentalism -- but if you say "yay" to the comment above yours, you have fundamentalism right under your nose, and you refuse to see it.
I was replying to you, because you endorsed Blixa, who said:
* If I can't "prove" my beliefs (why should I need to?), I should "just throw in (my) lot with the galactic overlord Xenu." (just ... sick)
* And goes on to say there is no distinction between that and any other belief that is NOT ATHEISM. (bigotry)
* Calls my beliefs "mythology" (calculated to insult)
* That I bear the "burden of evidence," (I bear no such thing)
* I must "show the proof (why do you care?)
* And then assumes that I am supporting a whole variety of irrational beliefs as a result (just asinine)
To which you say, "AWESOME!!!"
Not sure what is unclear here, and in fact, I give up. I have a life to lead.
No reason to hide your atheism if you don't want to, though. I wish you the best, in all sincerity, I really do.”
llisa replied on Oct 22, 2009 at 18:17:28
“You seem to be making yourself very unhappy by reading things into other people's posts that they are not even saying.
I know no radical atheists. I don't even know any pushy ones. The ones I know just want to live their lives.
They do not want others to tell them what to believe or how to live their lives. And they do not want religion in government or schools.
No response necessary to this.”
I know no radical atheists. I don't even know any pushy ones. The ones I know just want to live their lives.
They do not want others to tell them what to believe or how to live their lives. And they do not want religion in government or schools.
No response necessary to this.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 20:39:00 in Living
“Atheism = A belief that there is no God.
Subtle but important distinction.”
Subtle but important distinction.”
Tuckerndfw replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 21:29:15
“Atheism literally means without a belief in the existence of Supreme Beings (Gods).”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 20:33:18 in Living
“There's no reason I should feel any need to justify my beliefs to you. And I have no investment in yours.
I believe in the separation of church and state just as much as you do. (And if you're a radical atheist, you're going to tell me I'm wrong, because you can crawl into my head.)
Just getting a little crazy here: Wouldn't it be neat if we could work together to accomplish stuff like secularizing government?
Unless that's not really what you want the most ... which it would seem is the case. Seems to me -- just my opinion (mine only, since faith is anything but monolithic) -- the radical atheist priority is to bash people who disagree.
What the point of that is, I have no idea.”
I believe in the separation of church and state just as much as you do. (And if you're a radical atheist, you're going to tell me I'm wrong, because you can crawl into my head.)
Just getting a little crazy here: Wouldn't it be neat if we could work together to accomplish stuff like secularizing government?
Unless that's not really what you want the most ... which it would seem is the case. Seems to me -- just my opinion (mine only, since faith is anything but monolithic) -- the radical atheist priority is to bash people who disagree.
What the point of that is, I have no idea.”
nicole473 replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 20:48:54
“Um, I don't recall asking you to justify anything, much less your beliefs.
What exactly is a radical athiest? I consider myself a quiet athiest. This is, in fact, the first time that I've ever discussed it publicly.
I don't feel a need to tell anyone else what to believe in so far as religion is concerned. That is foolhardy and will not accomplish anything other than causing rightful resentment.
I do require that others do not try to shove their beliefs down my throat, however.”
What exactly is a radical athiest? I consider myself a quiet athiest. This is, in fact, the first time that I've ever discussed it publicly.
I don't feel a need to tell anyone else what to believe in so far as religion is concerned. That is foolhardy and will not accomplish anything other than causing rightful resentment.
I do require that others do not try to shove their beliefs down my throat, however.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 20:20:32 in Living
“Of course I think it's correct, but I only think it's correct for ME.
I have no investment in what anyone else believes. Be atheist -- it's a perfectly valid view, and you can be just as good a person as anyone else. I don't care! And I have no interest in vetting my beliefs with anyone, either. That's not the discussion.
My problem is with extremists who are comfortable saying that people who don't agree with Hitchens are fools and their beliefs are "imaginary." That's incredibly arrogant.
I sincerely apologize if this isn't you. But there are plenty of people here who are this way, and it does bother me to see it. Bigotry leads only to conflict, and conflict leads nowhere. Everyone loses. It's a waste.
Somehow, if you're a radical atheist, it's your exclusive job to tell people what they believe. This is elementary school playground stuff. If all you've got is, "Oh yeah, we'll you're poopy!", you'd better re-examine your life.
Go ahead and believe what you believe. There is no need to heap abuse on others to do it. To do so betrays deep ignorance -- the same way a fundamentalist Christian denies everyone else their beliefs.
Fundamentalist Evangelists Atheists are no different than James Dobson. Just as arrogant, just as deluded.”
I have no investment in what anyone else believes. Be atheist -- it's a perfectly valid view, and you can be just as good a person as anyone else. I don't care! And I have no interest in vetting my beliefs with anyone, either. That's not the discussion.
My problem is with extremists who are comfortable saying that people who don't agree with Hitchens are fools and their beliefs are "imaginary." That's incredibly arrogant.
I sincerely apologize if this isn't you. But there are plenty of people here who are this way, and it does bother me to see it. Bigotry leads only to conflict, and conflict leads nowhere. Everyone loses. It's a waste.
Somehow, if you're a radical atheist, it's your exclusive job to tell people what they believe. This is elementary school playground stuff. If all you've got is, "Oh yeah, we'll you're poopy!", you'd better re-examine your life.
Go ahead and believe what you believe. There is no need to heap abuse on others to do it. To do so betrays deep ignorance -- the same way a fundamentalist Christian denies everyone else their beliefs.
Fundamentalist Evangelists Atheists are no different than James Dobson. Just as arrogant, just as deluded.”
nicole473 replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 20:43:00
“First of all, I only replied to your post because you seemed to be calling out the other commenter who didn't believe as you do.
On a personal level, I recognize that many people have a belief in and a need for religion, and I can accept that without heaping derision on them. It is only when they attempt to inject their belief system in to aspects of life that affect others who don't believe as they do. An example would be the Christian Republicans who have now spent 30 years insinuating their beliefs in to our politics, and thus in to our lives. This is, I believe, fundamentally very wrong and it is one of the major reasons that so many have turned away from religion.
Now, I could go on and on as to the damage religion has caused to actual human beings in this world, but it would be a waste of my time, and I am not inclined to dwell on it in any case.
I called out only because, as I said, you seemed to be heaping derision on the beliefs of someone else, even though you profess to believe that is wrong.
hmmm....
By the way, I have never come across an "evangelical" Athiest or Jew. They are seemingly content to let others believe as they will, in spite of your claims.
The evangelicals are found primarily in Christianity and Islam.”
On a personal level, I recognize that many people have a belief in and a need for religion, and I can accept that without heaping derision on them. It is only when they attempt to inject their belief system in to aspects of life that affect others who don't believe as they do. An example would be the Christian Republicans who have now spent 30 years insinuating their beliefs in to our politics, and thus in to our lives. This is, I believe, fundamentally very wrong and it is one of the major reasons that so many have turned away from religion.
Now, I could go on and on as to the damage religion has caused to actual human beings in this world, but it would be a waste of my time, and I am not inclined to dwell on it in any case.
I called out only because, as I said, you seemed to be heaping derision on the beliefs of someone else, even though you profess to believe that is wrong.
hmmm....
By the way, I have never come across an "evangelical" Athiest or Jew. They are seemingly content to let others believe as they will, in spite of your claims.
The evangelicals are found primarily in Christianity and Islam.”
JuliaRain replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 20:41:30
“After reading your post, I feel you have described yourself in your projection and have taken this opportunity accuse others of the very things you claim to scorn. Just saying.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:37:39 in Living
“There's a great deal of difference between telling someone you don't agree and telling them they are fools.
I'm afraid that subtlety is lost on radical Atheists, who need to work out their own uncertainty by bashing others.”
I'm afraid that subtlety is lost on radical Atheists, who need to work out their own uncertainty by bashing others.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:34:47 in Living
“TODAY. HERE.
The Internet is the new "door-to-door."”
The Internet is the new "door-to-door."”
llisa replied on Oct 22, 2009 at 00:26:21
“Don't be silly. You can virtually slam the door on anything you don't want to read. Delete it, skip it, don't click on it. . .”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:33:38 in Living
“Yes, he is. And my point stands.
I don't need to spell these things out for you. They are all demonstrable. I have no problem with them. And you have no obligation to care what I think. I'll defend your right to your beliefs to the end of my breath.
The only thing I have a problem with are the people who are turning atheism into a religious hate group.”
I don't need to spell these things out for you. They are all demonstrable. I have no problem with them. And you have no obligation to care what I think. I'll defend your right to your beliefs to the end of my breath.
The only thing I have a problem with are the people who are turning atheism into a religious hate group.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:23:59 in Living
“Are you hearing yourself?
Or are you backing down from being absolutely, positively, 100% correct about what I believe?”
Or are you backing down from being absolutely, positively, 100% correct about what I believe?”
nicole473 replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:39:56
“It sounds to me as though you might just believe that your version of being, be it religious belief, or not, is correct, and those who believe differently invite your scorn.
If I am wrong, please do correct me. Your post is rather ambiguous, certainly to people who don't know you or what you believe.”
If I am wrong, please do correct me. Your post is rather ambiguous, certainly to people who don't know you or what you believe.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:19:25 in Living
“Great point!
But I'm sure they'll find a way to tell you you're wrong. Members of a corrupt religion are like that.”
But I'm sure they'll find a way to tell you you're wrong. Members of a corrupt religion are like that.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:15:19 in Living
“And hooray for that. It's a valid point of view.
But you're no better than Jerry Falwell if you think that it's the only valid one.”
But you're no better than Jerry Falwell if you think that it's the only valid one.”
llisa replied on Oct 22, 2009 at 01:45:43
“Good god. JShankle just made an observation. Why do you feel you are under attack from anyone who wants to share a point of view?”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:13:00 in Living
“Ooooooh, yes atheism does.
Saints are idolized, admired, used as living examples, seen as uncorruptable, and connected to ultimate truth.
Add best-selling author to that and you've got Hitchens and Dawkins, and many more.”
Saints are idolized, admired, used as living examples, seen as uncorruptable, and connected to ultimate truth.
Add best-selling author to that and you've got Hitchens and Dawkins, and many more.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:09:25 in Living
“It's only a huge difference because you think it's OK to bash anyone who disagrees. No difference at all to me.
It's pretty facile to say it's an either-or matter. Either I'm an atheist, or I belong to the American Family Association.
You're no different from them.”
It's pretty facile to say it's an either-or matter. Either I'm an atheist, or I belong to the American Family Association.
You're no different from them.”
llisa replied on Oct 22, 2009 at 01:43:41
“You keep using that word "bashing". What I am seeing is others trying to explain their thoughts. You are the only one "bashing" people.”
KrautMan replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:52:10
“It's a huge difference because it makes a huge difference if a belief (theory) is falsified or not. Doesn't have anything to do with me, bashing or AFA. Pay attention.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 18:59:50 in Living
“But but but I thought all religions are the SAME?
Get back in lock step!”
Get back in lock step!”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 18:58:58 in Living
“He's so dreamy.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 18:51:47 in Living
“Right! Religions all have icons, acolytes, dues-paying brainwashed weak-minded followers, revered scripture, ritual gatherings, tired old talking points, and rabid intolerance.
Just like Evangelist Atheism!”
Just like Evangelist Atheism!”
ladyfractal replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:32:38
“if ONLY atheism were a religion. Then we, too, could get a free pass for whatever we did. We could make any kind of nonsensical statements we wanted and people would have to 'respect' them because they were religious statements. I have often wished that evolutionary biology WERE a religion because then all of these folks whose ONLY knowledge of evolutionary biology is that "I don't agree with it, whatever it is" wouldn't feel social sanction to treat biologists as if we were just making this stuff up ad hoc.
Cheers
LF”
Cheers
LF”
SonofLiberty1 replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:09:18
“And Hitchens is a "Prophet".”
Hirnlego replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:02:53
“No holy book, no 10 commandments, no promise of after life, no rules to follow, no thought crime, nothing supernatural..
No, atheism is not the same.”
No, atheism is not the same.”
SonofLiberty1 replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 18:56:24
“But no other religion has "Saints"”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 18:30:17 in Living
“You have a fundamental misunderstanding of what "science" is. It is a practice, not a source of 100% certainty. Ultimately, science is good enough for me, until someone uses it to advance their intolerance.
Atheists are "believers" just like everyone else.”
Atheists are "believers" just like everyone else.”
Hirnlego replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:03:53
“That's like saying off is a TV-channel or that abstinence is a form of sex. Its a lack of belief.”
KrautMan replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 18:55:57
“As I said, nothing new is contributed here. Your argument is old and semantic nonsense. I stated clearly that science is a non-belief system. Science can't, by definition of the scientific method, prove anything, science disproves. So, yes, from a semantic point of view science (and Atheism) are based on beliefs. And yet there is a HUGE difference wether I believe in, say, the creation myth which is easily disproved or into evolution, which is not.”
Collision: Is Religion Absurd or Good for the World?
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 18:26:50 in Living
“I would say that I have a religion that doesn't assume it's better than others, but then I know you know everything already, so why bother.”
I Am Not a Dog
Commented Oct 19, 2009 at 18:14:24 in Politics
“So, basically, you're saying, "very sad story, but oh well."
Nice.”
Nice.”
Arianna Discusses Health Care Reform And The Resolution Condemning Joe Wilson On CNN (VIDEO)
Commented Sep 16, 2009 at 15:22:03 in Politics
“FANNED.
This is exactly right. Why are people enraged that there are no magical fairies that can undo 8 years of corruption and greed in nine months? There seems to be no self-reflection anymore for many of us. It's not about policy anymore, but about who's "Team" wins -- as if life is exactly like NASCAR.
I do see MUCH less of this on the left, though. Democrats tend to be more conciliatory, because they are willing to hold the idea in their head that they could be wrong!”
This is exactly right. Why are people enraged that there are no magical fairies that can undo 8 years of corruption and greed in nine months? There seems to be no self-reflection anymore for many of us. It's not about policy anymore, but about who's "Team" wins -- as if life is exactly like NASCAR.
I do see MUCH less of this on the left, though. Democrats tend to be more conciliatory, because they are willing to hold the idea in their head that they could be wrong!”
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