May 18, 2008
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Pandu
Recent comments by this user
Polygamist Ranch Women: We Were Tricked Into Giving Up Our Children
For Sale: Teenage Virgin
Oh, China is a good example?
I wonder how many infants are murdered each year in China because of their "family planning." posted 04/16/2008 at 10:05:24
I wonder how many infants are murdered each year in China because of their "family planning." posted 04/16/2008 at 10:05:24
Thanks to British Christians for invading India and undermining India's pious culture, leaving it a shell of its glorious former self.
Five hundred years ago, India was so advanced that America was discovered by Europeans trying to get there. After British rule, you see the result. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:54:12
Five hundred years ago, India was so advanced that America was discovered by Europeans trying to get there. After British rule, you see the result. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:54:12
All About Email At The Office
I got a Blackberry with full Internet access, IM, etc., a few months ago, and it's very helpful for reducing personal use of the work computer. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:46:34
Is Hillary Or Barack More Faithful To Their Religious Principles?
This article is more about honesty and personal integrity than religion. posted 04/14/2008 at 10:56:01
Pardon Me
What makes you think you have any real freedom to give up? Following the urges of the mind and senses is not freedom, it is bondage. Contentment is actual freedom.
If you tell a kid he is free to smoke cigarettes, have you given him freedom? No, you have given him a clear path to addiction, the opposite of freedom. If a person has no wisdom, her freedom is illusory. That is the freedom you seem to cherish.
You are protected by a dog? Oh! If your shelter is a dog, then your attraction may carry you to the womb of a dog when your present body is finished. Narayana means the real shelter of all living entities, and is one name of God. Women may not be children, but the Vedas, which were directly manifested by Narayana, say she should be given the same freedom as a child, for her protection and the good of society. If a gentleman offers such protection but she rejects it and gets raped by some wretched man, then that was her foolishness. One can understand that in a previous birth she had been a man who had raped a woman and thus could not avoid nature's punishment, just as the contemporary rapist must suffer the same fate in due time.
If you don't buy it, it is only due to your poor fund of knowledge. Vedic philosophy is like selling diamonds, and not everyone is qualified to buy. posted 04/16/2008 at 10:23:51
If you tell a kid he is free to smoke cigarettes, have you given him freedom? No, you have given him a clear path to addiction, the opposite of freedom. If a person has no wisdom, her freedom is illusory. That is the freedom you seem to cherish.
You are protected by a dog? Oh! If your shelter is a dog, then your attraction may carry you to the womb of a dog when your present body is finished. Narayana means the real shelter of all living entities, and is one name of God. Women may not be children, but the Vedas, which were directly manifested by Narayana, say she should be given the same freedom as a child, for her protection and the good of society. If a gentleman offers such protection but she rejects it and gets raped by some wretched man, then that was her foolishness. One can understand that in a previous birth she had been a man who had raped a woman and thus could not avoid nature's punishment, just as the contemporary rapist must suffer the same fate in due time.
If you don't buy it, it is only due to your poor fund of knowledge. Vedic philosophy is like selling diamonds, and not everyone is qualified to buy. posted 04/16/2008 at 10:23:51
How do you know fighting a rapist won't get the woman killed? How else might he stop the woman from screaming?
What you call blaming the victim, is actually karma. We all get the results of our actions, many of which are carried over from previous births. If a man rapes a woman and gets away away with it, he is forced to take birth as a woman to be raped. The victim was the perpetrator, and the perpetrator becomes the victim . That is karma. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:30:25
What you call blaming the victim, is actually karma. We all get the results of our actions, many of which are carried over from previous births. If a man rapes a woman and gets away away with it, he is forced to take birth as a woman to be raped. The victim was the perpetrator, and the perpetrator becomes the victim . That is karma. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:30:25
My advice is simply to follow the Vedic standard that women should remain under the protection of a safe man, ideally her own father, husband, or grown sons. If she runs away from protection into the cruel world for some illusory independence, there is a risk of substantial harm. I'm not a rapist, not your enemy, but a safe man giving the same advice that has helped women since before history.
Are you saying women inviting men into private, secluded places is a good idea? If so, then I don't think you should be a rape counselor. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:21:22
Are you saying women inviting men into private, secluded places is a good idea? If so, then I don't think you should be a rape counselor. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:21:22
" I am sure most men would also prefered not being sodomized against their will under any circumstances..."
Indeed, and after reading this I submitted a relevant comment on that subject, which may appear near the top in due time.
Although question about the about the young lady's conduct may seem in poor taste, they are valid. It seems like she avoids saying whether she invited the guy over, whether they got drunk together, or anything to set the scene (except that it sounds like she rented a party spot). We're left to guess about these things and encouraged to hate the guy. He probably deserves it, but we haven't heard his side.
The fact is that women can easily encourage men by their actions, and it does naive young ladies no service to pretend that is not the truth. Many men, if not most, want something besides friendship from the women they party with, and I certainly would not vouch for their principles. Wise ladies avoid intoxication and keep under the protection of trustworthy men. It's always been good advice, and it still is. posted 04/14/2008 at 15:51:26
Indeed, and after reading this I submitted a relevant comment on that subject, which may appear near the top in due time.
Although question about the about the young lady's conduct may seem in poor taste, they are valid. It seems like she avoids saying whether she invited the guy over, whether they got drunk together, or anything to set the scene (except that it sounds like she rented a party spot). We're left to guess about these things and encouraged to hate the guy. He probably deserves it, but we haven't heard his side.
The fact is that women can easily encourage men by their actions, and it does naive young ladies no service to pretend that is not the truth. Many men, if not most, want something besides friendship from the women they party with, and I certainly would not vouch for their principles. Wise ladies avoid intoxication and keep under the protection of trustworthy men. It's always been good advice, and it still is. posted 04/14/2008 at 15:51:26
When I was in college I had one live-in girlfriend for about a year. One night she got me to share a bottle of wine with her, though I"d never been drunk before. While I was lying on my bed with my head spinning, she invited another guy into the room (apparently had the whole thing set up in advance), trying to get me in on a threesome. I find homosexuality repulsive, and I somehow managed to ask them to leave me alone.
I was fortunate to not get raped in that situation, but it couldn"t have happened if I had not gotten drunk. Clearly it wouldn't have been all my fault -- of course the perpetrators would deserve most of the blame; but by making myself helpless under the influence of alcohol, I almost lost the ability to even say "no." There is no way I could"ve defended myself if they tried to involve me. Intoxication can do that.
Or instead, what if I had "lost my inhibitions" under the influence of the alcohol, participated in something I would later regret, and then accused them of rape? Apparently that happens sometime. I don"t know if the fact that she got me drunk to engage in unwanted sexual activity would"ve made it legally rape. An "OK" under the influence can easily turn to a "No" in one's memory the next day. Better not to get into such situations. posted 04/14/2008 at 15:35:04
I was fortunate to not get raped in that situation, but it couldn"t have happened if I had not gotten drunk. Clearly it wouldn't have been all my fault -- of course the perpetrators would deserve most of the blame; but by making myself helpless under the influence of alcohol, I almost lost the ability to even say "no." There is no way I could"ve defended myself if they tried to involve me. Intoxication can do that.
Or instead, what if I had "lost my inhibitions" under the influence of the alcohol, participated in something I would later regret, and then accused them of rape? Apparently that happens sometime. I don"t know if the fact that she got me drunk to engage in unwanted sexual activity would"ve made it legally rape. An "OK" under the influence can easily turn to a "No" in one's memory the next day. Better not to get into such situations. posted 04/14/2008 at 15:35:04
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Gosvami once famously remarked that "This world is no place for a gentleman," and indeed there are very few gentlemen to be found. The world can be very cruel, and often is. If it's no place for a gentleman, what to speek of an unprotected young lady?
"...in the minds of the conservative police officers and detectives who interrogated me, I should have been home with my parents."
You seem to disagree, but how can you say they were wrong? Of course, hearing it must have felt like drinking poison. Still, better to drink something that tastes like poison (the police lecture) but is actually wholesome than to have what tastes like nectar but brings misery. posted 04/14/2008 at 14:03:49
"...in the minds of the conservative police officers and detectives who interrogated me, I should have been home with my parents."
You seem to disagree, but how can you say they were wrong? Of course, hearing it must have felt like drinking poison. Still, better to drink something that tastes like poison (the police lecture) but is actually wholesome than to have what tastes like nectar but brings misery. posted 04/14/2008 at 14:03:49
Life Gets Tougher For Runaways
Most of these unwanted children are likely the result of failed birth control.
In modern times, most people know that sex produces babies. If they want sex without babies, they often practice some form of birth control, which sometimes fails. Unwanted children are the result of these failures of science. Fortunately some parents learn to love them anyway.
Others aren't so lucky. posted 04/14/2008 at 09:34:10
In modern times, most people know that sex produces babies. If they want sex without babies, they often practice some form of birth control, which sometimes fails. Unwanted children are the result of these failures of science. Fortunately some parents learn to love them anyway.
Others aren't so lucky. posted 04/14/2008 at 09:34:10
I have heard of a lot of situations where insane "Child Protection" workers have ripped apart healthy families for the most innocent of occurrences. Say a toddler runs out to the back yard without a diaper one summer day, and a problem neighbor sees and calls CPS. The CPS misjudges the situation, for whatever reason, and treats the parents as neglectful or even as perverts. The toddler gets taken from the parents, and other kids are sent to different foster homes. A healthy family is destroyed by a bitter social worker.
Of course, financancial ruin is a part of the process that helps the State win, if you can call it that.
In the homeschooling e-mail groups my wife and I read, we hear about cases like this at least once a year, usually from the parents involved or from others who know them personally. posted 04/14/2008 at 09:24:54
Of course, financancial ruin is a part of the process that helps the State win, if you can call it that.
In the homeschooling e-mail groups my wife and I read, we hear about cases like this at least once a year, usually from the parents involved or from others who know them personally. posted 04/14/2008 at 09:24:54
Why Yoga Is Good For Your Sex Life, Your Wallet, And Your Height
Why don't we talk about why actual yogis do not care about any of those things? Actually, the very purpose of yoga is to see for oneself why we should not be the least bit moved by such mundane things as sex, money, and bodily identification.
Promoting yoga for better sex is most unethical. posted 04/11/2008 at 12:38:35
Promoting yoga for better sex is most unethical. posted 04/11/2008 at 12:38:35
Speaking of Compassion
"With that, I knew there was a problem in America. This young man had been raised in a home, in a church, and in a community that had taught him to reject himself."
Your equating the man with his sexuality is the same fault you seem to see in the college. The man accepts his religion's claim that homosexuality is a sin. What's wrong with that? He presumably doesn't condemn himself but accepts that he has faults to overcome, his improper sexual attraction being one of them. Do you think that because you're sexually attracted to other men that it's not sinful? I have sinful behaviors too, but I don't claim they're not sinful. I work to outgrow them.
Discrimination is a function of intelligence. posted 04/11/2008 at 13:14:12
Your equating the man with his sexuality is the same fault you seem to see in the college. The man accepts his religion's claim that homosexuality is a sin. What's wrong with that? He presumably doesn't condemn himself but accepts that he has faults to overcome, his improper sexual attraction being one of them. Do you think that because you're sexually attracted to other men that it's not sinful? I have sinful behaviors too, but I don't claim they're not sinful. I work to outgrow them.
Discrimination is a function of intelligence. posted 04/11/2008 at 13:14:12
What can a meat-eater like the Dalai Lama know about compassion? posted 04/11/2008 at 12:51:21
Why Progressives Should Support the Draft and Why Aren't People Protesting McCain's Lack of Patriotism?
Indeed. If I were drafted, I might even get confused about who is the enemy. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:12:29
11 Things It's OK To "Yada Yada"
"Yada yada" is originally a Sanskrit phrase. It appears repeatedly in Bhagavad-gita, where it is used to mean "whatever," "wherever," or "whenever," depending on the context. Here's one example: http://vedabase.net/bg/3/21/en posted 04/09/2008 at 14:29:22
Kids are Killing the Planet!
"appear to be saying that none of the children in the world "
It's hard to believe that my speaking of gradual changes in the gene pool could be so mischaracterized. Where did you get the idea that I was speaking of absolutes?
"It's not all in the genes, it's in the parenting."
I did not say it's all in the genes. I raised the question of whether there may be a genetic component and how considering that might affect our strategies. posted 04/14/2008 at 11:40:40
It's hard to believe that my speaking of gradual changes in the gene pool could be so mischaracterized. Where did you get the idea that I was speaking of absolutes?
"It's not all in the genes, it's in the parenting."
I did not say it's all in the genes. I raised the question of whether there may be a genetic component and how considering that might affect our strategies. posted 04/14/2008 at 11:40:40
It sounds like an experiment to find out how screwed up we can get as a society. posted 04/11/2008 at 12:17:52
Why do people who accept the modern science tell us about survival of the fittest as essentially a competition to pass one's genes on to children and helping them to also reproduce in due time, and then act as though there isn't a powerful biological drive to make this happen?
Before having children I felt a significant debt to my ancestors. Whether it is biological or social or both, the urge to procreate is hard to resist. Modern evolutionary theory says that I should not resist this urge, but rather that giving in to that urge is an important part of winning the evolutionary game.
I can't speak for others, but my natural affection for my biological children is stronger than for other children. I don't kow if adopting someone else's children would change that. I guess what it comes down to the simple reason that adopting children is something I've never had any desire to do.
Why would people say I should adopt kids if it's something I've never wanted to do? That doesn't seem like the best way to have a family. I'm more of a traditionalist. Husband and wife producing children through their intimate relations seems like nice way to make a family. posted 04/11/2008 at 09:49:48
Before having children I felt a significant debt to my ancestors. Whether it is biological or social or both, the urge to procreate is hard to resist. Modern evolutionary theory says that I should not resist this urge, but rather that giving in to that urge is an important part of winning the evolutionary game.
I can't speak for others, but my natural affection for my biological children is stronger than for other children. I don't kow if adopting someone else's children would change that. I guess what it comes down to the simple reason that adopting children is something I've never had any desire to do.
Why would people say I should adopt kids if it's something I've never wanted to do? That doesn't seem like the best way to have a family. I'm more of a traditionalist. Husband and wife producing children through their intimate relations seems like nice way to make a family. posted 04/11/2008 at 09:49:48
What if there is a genetic component to environmental concern?
If so, and if that concern is acted upon by forgoing procreation in favor of adoption, then the next generation will be dominated by people who don't care about the environment.
Perhaps envionmental concern is correlated with intelligence. It seems reasonable. There is undoubtedly a genetic component to intelligence. There is also a correlation between intelligence and advanced education, and advanced education usually means fewer children. If intelligent, environmentally responsible people forgo procreation in favor of adoption, then the human species will have selected favorably for genes of stupidity and irresponsiblity. How's that for a plan? posted 04/10/2008 at 10:06:25
If so, and if that concern is acted upon by forgoing procreation in favor of adoption, then the next generation will be dominated by people who don't care about the environment.
Perhaps envionmental concern is correlated with intelligence. It seems reasonable. There is undoubtedly a genetic component to intelligence. There is also a correlation between intelligence and advanced education, and advanced education usually means fewer children. If intelligent, environmentally responsible people forgo procreation in favor of adoption, then the human species will have selected favorably for genes of stupidity and irresponsiblity. How's that for a plan? posted 04/10/2008 at 10:06:25
Maybe we shouldn't think of fish and other animals as food sources. The Earth is strained to feed 6 billion people now, but that's because most crops go to feed farmed animals at about 10% efficiency. The world could probably support 35 billion vegetarians without much trouble, and it would be a much nicer place.
If the earth is doomed, it's because of meat-eaters' cruel greed, not because of too many babies being born to gentle environmentalists in loving families. I would have given up trying to help a world filled with animal-killers, but the natural affection for my children makes me keep working. posted 04/10/2008 at 09:57:52
If the earth is doomed, it's because of meat-eaters' cruel greed, not because of too many babies being born to gentle environmentalists in loving families. I would have given up trying to help a world filled with animal-killers, but the natural affection for my children makes me keep working. posted 04/10/2008 at 09:57:52
If these bitter people are so concerned about overpopulation and think that people can't do good, then they can do the world a favor and take themselves out. The fact that they never do reveals their bluff.
Really I don't think the anti-population zealots are that concerned about anything but themselves. They're conservationists, not environmentalists, who want a clean Earth principally for their own enjoyment; and it's they who are selfish. They don't want to share the world with your kids. Being already here, they feel entitled to as much as they can get.
Either we can improve the world by educating each other, or we can't. Those who say people should have fewer babies demonstrate with their actions that they believe we can solve our problems through education, yet their words say we cannot. They are hypocrites who live while trying to deny others the same opportunity.
My four kids' combined ecological footprint is less than mine alone when I was a kid. If I can raise children who live gently and teach others to do the same, why shouldn't I?
The alternative is that only people who don't care about the environment will have lots of kids. How will that help? posted 04/10/2008 at 09:34:06
Really I don't think the anti-population zealots are that concerned about anything but themselves. They're conservationists, not environmentalists, who want a clean Earth principally for their own enjoyment; and it's they who are selfish. They don't want to share the world with your kids. Being already here, they feel entitled to as much as they can get.
Either we can improve the world by educating each other, or we can't. Those who say people should have fewer babies demonstrate with their actions that they believe we can solve our problems through education, yet their words say we cannot. They are hypocrites who live while trying to deny others the same opportunity.
My four kids' combined ecological footprint is less than mine alone when I was a kid. If I can raise children who live gently and teach others to do the same, why shouldn't I?
The alternative is that only people who don't care about the environment will have lots of kids. How will that help? posted 04/10/2008 at 09:34:06
The Bible Voted America's Favorite Book
I was raised in a Catholic family, but Biblical theology eventually made me into an atheist. Years later, after finding God through yoga, I tried reading the Bible again but couldn't stand it. It should be atheists' favorite book, since any sane person who reads it will find it unacceptable.
As Srila Prabhupada wrote in his commentary on Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, " "The sastras of the yavanas, or meat-eaters, are not eternal scriptures. They have been fashioned recently, and sometimes they contradict one another. The scriptures of the yavanas are three: the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Koran. Their compilation has a history; they are not eternal like the Vedic knowledge. Therefore although they have their arguments and reasonings, they are not very sound and transcendental. As such, modern people advanced in science and philosophy deem these scriptures unacceptable." posted 04/10/2008 at 10:26:22
As Srila Prabhupada wrote in his commentary on Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, " "The sastras of the yavanas, or meat-eaters, are not eternal scriptures. They have been fashioned recently, and sometimes they contradict one another. The scriptures of the yavanas are three: the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Koran. Their compilation has a history; they are not eternal like the Vedic knowledge. Therefore although they have their arguments and reasonings, they are not very sound and transcendental. As such, modern people advanced in science and philosophy deem these scriptures unacceptable." posted 04/10/2008 at 10:26:22
Top 5 Sexiest Spiritual Icons
Pretty creative.
Although your ability to avoid Krishna is noteworthy, He'll get you nonetheless. Maya devi is Krishna"s inferior illusory potency. He also has His internal pleasure potency; what to speak of His personal form.
Maya devi is attractive to the materially conditioned souls,but Krishna is the complete origin and essense of attractiveness; and His form captivates the mind of everyone without exception. One who sees Krishna loses interest in Maya devi, as seen here http://caitanyacaritamrta.com/antya/3/en (beginning with verse 3.99) when Maya devi went to tempt Krishna's devotee Hari das Thakur but became his disciple instead, forgetting sex due to hearing him chant Krishna's holy names.
Although Krishna is the chief male, He is also the grand master of feminine attractiveness, and He demonstrated this feature in His ,or shall I say, Her erotic pastime of Vishnu as a woman enchanting Lord Shiva:
"While Lord Śiva observed the beautiful woman playing with the ball, She sometimes glanced at him and slightly smiled in bashfulness. As he looked at the beautiful woman and She watched him, he forgot both himself and Umā, his most beautiful wife, as well as his associates nearby.
"When the ball leaped from Her hand and fell at a distance, the woman began to follow it, but as Lord Śiva observed these activities, a breeze suddenly blew away the fine dress and belt that covered her."
The complete pastime: http://srimadbhagavatam.com/8/12/en posted 04/09/2008 at 11:27:46
Although your ability to avoid Krishna is noteworthy, He'll get you nonetheless. Maya devi is Krishna"s inferior illusory potency. He also has His internal pleasure potency; what to speak of His personal form.
Maya devi is attractive to the materially conditioned souls,but Krishna is the complete origin and essense of attractiveness; and His form captivates the mind of everyone without exception. One who sees Krishna loses interest in Maya devi, as seen here http://caitanyacaritamrta.com/antya/3/en (beginning with verse 3.99) when Maya devi went to tempt Krishna's devotee Hari das Thakur but became his disciple instead, forgetting sex due to hearing him chant Krishna's holy names.
Although Krishna is the chief male, He is also the grand master of feminine attractiveness, and He demonstrated this feature in His ,or shall I say, Her erotic pastime of Vishnu as a woman enchanting Lord Shiva:
"While Lord Śiva observed the beautiful woman playing with the ball, She sometimes glanced at him and slightly smiled in bashfulness. As he looked at the beautiful woman and She watched him, he forgot both himself and Umā, his most beautiful wife, as well as his associates nearby.
"When the ball leaped from Her hand and fell at a distance, the woman began to follow it, but as Lord Śiva observed these activities, a breeze suddenly blew away the fine dress and belt that covered her."
The complete pastime: http://srimadbhagavatam.com/8/12/en posted 04/09/2008 at 11:27:46
How Mystical, Metaphysical Or Intuitive Experiences Fit In A Rational World
"I don't know" is agnosticism, not atheism. One who does not know, and admits it, is innocent. An atheist, however, has jumped to a conclusion without conclusive evidence. Jumping to a conclusion like that, atheists act like they've gotten some mystical knowledge but without believing in anyone who could've given it.
Another point is that while people may say "we" in regard to these things, they cannot say just who this "we" encompasses. We who are in or aspiring for Krishna consciousness say that one may see different things depending on how pure or materially contaminated his senses are. You may not be able to see God presently, but that does not mean you will never have that ability, nor does it mean that others have not seen God in the past or presently, or experienced Him through other senses such as hearing. Krishna consciousness is specifically the science of purifying the senses so that one can directly see God face to face and engage in activities with Him. Many people have acheived perfection in this process, and I personally have had a very substantial though sublime taste of it. So I'm speaking not only from the authority of an ancient disciplic succession, but also from experience. Each person must experience God individually, by His preference. Nothing I can say or do will change that. posted 04/10/2008 at 16:49:34
Another point is that while people may say "we" in regard to these things, they cannot say just who this "we" encompasses. We who are in or aspiring for Krishna consciousness say that one may see different things depending on how pure or materially contaminated his senses are. You may not be able to see God presently, but that does not mean you will never have that ability, nor does it mean that others have not seen God in the past or presently, or experienced Him through other senses such as hearing. Krishna consciousness is specifically the science of purifying the senses so that one can directly see God face to face and engage in activities with Him. Many people have acheived perfection in this process, and I personally have had a very substantial though sublime taste of it. So I'm speaking not only from the authority of an ancient disciplic succession, but also from experience. Each person must experience God individually, by His preference. Nothing I can say or do will change that. posted 04/10/2008 at 16:49:34
At heart Christians worship God, and devotees of Krishna appreciate that. In Bhagavad-gita, Krishna says that He is the only enjoyer of all sacrifices, and those who worship other gods actually worship Him only, but improperly. At least they're trying.
I personally accepted Bhagavad-gita because of a mystical experience of my own. I was studying the book when Krishna appeared and instructing me in it. I don't take that as proof of anything, but it is powerful motivation. The Vedas are proof of themselves.
For example, the Vedas give the diameters of the visible planets in our solar system with figures close to modern measurements. Considering that the Vedas were written down some 5,000 years ago, how was this possible by ordinary means?
What to speak of the information given in the Vedas, no one can even explain how Vedic Sanskrit was ever developed. Sanskrit literally means "the language crafted to perfection," and it actually has the features of perfection, such as a 1:1 relationship between sound and meaning, and in the script between form and sound.
It's not that we should only consider that one religion has X details, and another has Y details, and conclude they're both wrong because of some disgreement. If one actually compares them with intelligence, an honest person can find perfection in one of them. Another example: althought the Bible gives pi as 3, the Vedas give it in code as a prayerful poem revealing pi/10 to 31 decimal places. posted 04/10/2008 at 16:36:43
I personally accepted Bhagavad-gita because of a mystical experience of my own. I was studying the book when Krishna appeared and instructing me in it. I don't take that as proof of anything, but it is powerful motivation. The Vedas are proof of themselves.
For example, the Vedas give the diameters of the visible planets in our solar system with figures close to modern measurements. Considering that the Vedas were written down some 5,000 years ago, how was this possible by ordinary means?
What to speak of the information given in the Vedas, no one can even explain how Vedic Sanskrit was ever developed. Sanskrit literally means "the language crafted to perfection," and it actually has the features of perfection, such as a 1:1 relationship between sound and meaning, and in the script between form and sound.
It's not that we should only consider that one religion has X details, and another has Y details, and conclude they're both wrong because of some disgreement. If one actually compares them with intelligence, an honest person can find perfection in one of them. Another example: althought the Bible gives pi as 3, the Vedas give it in code as a prayerful poem revealing pi/10 to 31 decimal places. posted 04/10/2008 at 16:36:43
But you're not? Dream on. posted 04/10/2008 at 16:20:39
If some popular theory fails to explain how we get knowledge in different ways, then it is the theory that should be modified or discarded, not the knowledge.
Your rejection of mystical knowledge reveals your bias. Rational thinking has its place, but it cannot limit the reality. Do you assume the world must obey the laws described by humans? If so, then you must be an atheist, because God would not be bound by our understanding. Yet you cannot prove either the absence of God or an alternate theory for the origin of the universe and the beginning of life, so your rejection of mystical knowledge must be based on your assumptions.
In Bhagavad-gita, Krishna specifically describes the relationship between devotional service and mystical knowledge with these two two verses, 10.10-11:
"To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.
"To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance."
How can you deny this without claiming some kind of mystical atheistic knowledge?
"In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time." - Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 4.38. posted 04/10/2008 at 11:42:38
Your rejection of mystical knowledge reveals your bias. Rational thinking has its place, but it cannot limit the reality. Do you assume the world must obey the laws described by humans? If so, then you must be an atheist, because God would not be bound by our understanding. Yet you cannot prove either the absence of God or an alternate theory for the origin of the universe and the beginning of life, so your rejection of mystical knowledge must be based on your assumptions.
In Bhagavad-gita, Krishna specifically describes the relationship between devotional service and mystical knowledge with these two two verses, 10.10-11:
"To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.
"To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance."
How can you deny this without claiming some kind of mystical atheistic knowledge?
"In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time." - Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 4.38. posted 04/10/2008 at 11:42:38
I really doubt the world is an entirely rational place, even if it seems that way to those who lack imagination.
Nice article. posted 04/10/2008 at 09:54:52
Nice article. posted 04/10/2008 at 09:54:52
Clinton Wants Bush To Boycott Olympic Opening Ceremonies
Secular atheists are harrassing religious atheists. I couldn't care less. posted 04/07/2008 at 14:47:45
The Pricier Sandwich
Encourage cannibalism of meat eaters. Hunters could target each other for food and sport. Why waste the casualties of war? Butcher them to feed the troops. It's not like we have much humanity left to lose.
Feed people, spare the poor animals, and reduce the population all at once. Just leave us vegetarians alone. posted 04/08/2008 at 09:47:57
Feed people, spare the poor animals, and reduce the population all at once. Just leave us vegetarians alone. posted 04/08/2008 at 09:47:57
How Meditation Makes You Nicer
People have been practicing meditation and experiencing its benefits for thousands of years or more, but the scientists say "We don't know yet," about it. Idiots.
Yoga is to be experienced for oneself, not for looking at brain images. They will NEVER understand it like that. posted 04/07/2008 at 09:40:34
Yoga is to be experienced for oneself, not for looking at brain images. They will NEVER understand it like that. posted 04/07/2008 at 09:40:34
Why Did U.S. Soldier Kill Herself -- After Refusing to Take Part in Torture?
If I were dumb enough to have joined the military without any idea of what atrocities I would be required to commit, I hope I would be brave enough to spend the time in prison rather than follow orders. posted 04/07/2008 at 14:32:09
How Yoga Strengthens Your Sex Life: Video
KOisGod,
What's "KO" mean? posted 04/07/2008 at 15:39:58
What's "KO" mean? posted 04/07/2008 at 15:39:58
What crap. That is not yoga.
This is yoga:
"One should hold one"s body, neck and head erect in a straight line and stare steadily at the tip of the nose. Thus with an unagitated, subdued mind, devoid of fear, completely free from sex life, one should meditate upon Me within the heart and make Me the ultimate goal of life." - Krishna, http://vedabase.net/bg/6/13-14/ posted 04/07/2008 at 09:50:43
This is yoga:
"One should hold one"s body, neck and head erect in a straight line and stare steadily at the tip of the nose. Thus with an unagitated, subdued mind, devoid of fear, completely free from sex life, one should meditate upon Me within the heart and make Me the ultimate goal of life." - Krishna, http://vedabase.net/bg/6/13-14/ posted 04/07/2008 at 09:50:43
CDC Has Lost Control of the Autism Argument
We are choosing one risk over another, not choosing between death and disease. In any case, both will come in due course of time.
I cannot predict the immediate outcome that choosing whether or not to vaccinate my kids, but I do know that these vaccines come to us from the suffering of animals. Animals are raised in captivity for laboratories, inflicted with diseases, and systematically slaughtered to produce vaccine ingredients. A common ingredient in vaccines is fetal bovine serum, wiich is essentially the liquid one gets by aborting a pregnant cow, juicing the fetus, and removing the solids. As a person who worships God as a cowherd boy, Krishna, the idea of injecting fetal bovine serum into my children is horrifying.
My state allows exemptions from vaccination based on medical, religious, and philosophical reasons. We have the religious issue covered well, and this also includes the philosophical. We believe that disease is ultimately caused by sin, whether from the current lifetime or from another. In the vaccine model, the immune response is stimulated as a result of the abuse of animals used to produce the vaccine. We cannot accept that as an option for us. If someone causes another to suffer, he must suffer in return, automatically; not that it brings health. Living like that may give some temporary benefit, but the eventual result of causing others to suffer is one's own misery. posted 04/08/2008 at 12:19:03
I cannot predict the immediate outcome that choosing whether or not to vaccinate my kids, but I do know that these vaccines come to us from the suffering of animals. Animals are raised in captivity for laboratories, inflicted with diseases, and systematically slaughtered to produce vaccine ingredients. A common ingredient in vaccines is fetal bovine serum, wiich is essentially the liquid one gets by aborting a pregnant cow, juicing the fetus, and removing the solids. As a person who worships God as a cowherd boy, Krishna, the idea of injecting fetal bovine serum into my children is horrifying.
My state allows exemptions from vaccination based on medical, religious, and philosophical reasons. We have the religious issue covered well, and this also includes the philosophical. We believe that disease is ultimately caused by sin, whether from the current lifetime or from another. In the vaccine model, the immune response is stimulated as a result of the abuse of animals used to produce the vaccine. We cannot accept that as an option for us. If someone causes another to suffer, he must suffer in return, automatically; not that it brings health. Living like that may give some temporary benefit, but the eventual result of causing others to suffer is one's own misery. posted 04/08/2008 at 12:19:03
"However, I find death a much less acceptable outcome."
That would be based on your personal beliefs about life and death.
dehino' smin yatha dehe kaumaram yauvanam jara
tataa dehantara praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati
"As the embodied soul continuously passes in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change." - Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 2.13
Maybe you believe death is the end, but for me and my family, it is a normal transition that we have made many millions of times before. If the body does not work properly, let the soul go to one more suitable. What is the problem? posted 04/08/2008 at 10:53:12
That would be based on your personal beliefs about life and death.
dehino' smin yatha dehe kaumaram yauvanam jara
tataa dehantara praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati
"As the embodied soul continuously passes in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change." - Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 2.13
Maybe you believe death is the end, but for me and my family, it is a normal transition that we have made many millions of times before. If the body does not work properly, let the soul go to one more suitable. What is the problem? posted 04/08/2008 at 10:53:12
Diseases naturally come and go. Science will never eliminate disease, but they're happy to take credit when individual diseases subside in due course of time.
Where is the proof that vaccines, and not other factors, are responsible for the disappearance of any disease? posted 04/08/2008 at 10:45:40
Where is the proof that vaccines, and not other factors, are responsible for the disappearance of any disease? posted 04/08/2008 at 10:45:40
"A kid isn't just vaccinated for their own sake, but for the sake of the community."
If they vaccinate everyone, how will the effectiveness be measured. Who is the control group?
"For the sake of the community..." If it's so important for the sake of the community, then they ought to produce vaccines that are suitable for everybody. My family and I are ethical and religious vegetarians. Vaccines are made through animal abuse and contain the products of animal slaughter, and are not remotely suitable for vegetarians. Some vaccines are even made from aborted human fetuses.
"For the sake of the community...:" That would be the community of people who don't care about animal slaughter, people who maintain their bodies by cruelty to others. That community is going to hell, and there seems to be little I can do about it, so forget about them. There's no way I'm going to inject the abominable filth that is vaccines into my children so that animal killers can live longer. posted 04/08/2008 at 10:18:56
If they vaccinate everyone, how will the effectiveness be measured. Who is the control group?
"For the sake of the community..." If it's so important for the sake of the community, then they ought to produce vaccines that are suitable for everybody. My family and I are ethical and religious vegetarians. Vaccines are made through animal abuse and contain the products of animal slaughter, and are not remotely suitable for vegetarians. Some vaccines are even made from aborted human fetuses.
"For the sake of the community...:" That would be the community of people who don't care about animal slaughter, people who maintain their bodies by cruelty to others. That community is going to hell, and there seems to be little I can do about it, so forget about them. There's no way I'm going to inject the abominable filth that is vaccines into my children so that animal killers can live longer. posted 04/08/2008 at 10:18:56
Pass It On: 75% of Pro-Choice Voters Need to Know the Truth -- John McCain Does Not Support a Woman's Right to Choose
I hear what you're saying and appreciate your comment. However, God advises us to avoid illicit sex for our own good. If we do not accept His advice, then what can be done? We have bodies addicted to sex because of our own desires, not God's desires. He didn't force this upon us. One can say it's not realistic to expect that everyone to avoid illicit sex, and that is certainly true. But it doesn't mean those who have some understanding of the value of regulating sex should not share their knowledge. Although most people are simply glorified animals, there are some who may be able to take advantage of hearing about transcendence. posted 04/07/2008 at 10:06:54
"if a woman is pregnant that means the fetus is physically attached to HER body, so why would the male have any say in what the outcome would be?"
So after the baby is born and is no longer attached (when not nursing), the mother won't care if someone kills the baby? Give me a F-in break. Have a little respect for a father's love.
There is physical attachment, and there is emotional attachment. Emotional attachment is stronger; and both parents, if they're normal human beings, have it. For one to kill the baby without the other's consent is emotional abuse, in addition to murder. posted 04/04/2008 at 13:18:44
So after the baby is born and is no longer attached (when not nursing), the mother won't care if someone kills the baby? Give me a F-in break. Have a little respect for a father's love.
There is physical attachment, and there is emotional attachment. Emotional attachment is stronger; and both parents, if they're normal human beings, have it. For one to kill the baby without the other's consent is emotional abuse, in addition to murder. posted 04/04/2008 at 13:18:44
They're telling people that if they don't want babies to not have sex.
You think pro-life people should have to adopt babies so that irresponsible adults can have unrestricted sex? How many would we have to adopt for it to be OK to ask them to stop it?
Most pro-life, responsible adults, are perfectly capable of reproducing without the help of those who want sex without consequences.
"What exactly do they propose to do with all of the "saved lives?"
Their mothers are supposed to take care of them, with husband/father taking care of the wife/mother and the family as a whole. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:47:05
You think pro-life people should have to adopt babies so that irresponsible adults can have unrestricted sex? How many would we have to adopt for it to be OK to ask them to stop it?
Most pro-life, responsible adults, are perfectly capable of reproducing without the help of those who want sex without consequences.
"What exactly do they propose to do with all of the "saved lives?"
Their mothers are supposed to take care of them, with husband/father taking care of the wife/mother and the family as a whole. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:47:05
Something you seem to be alluding to is the fact that more educated people tend to have fewer children than less educated people.
As an self-proclaimed "educated female," what do you think that will do to the human gene pool if this continues over time?
It seems to me that our fairly symmetrical bell curve of intelligence would get a little warped. The big hump would move to the dumb side, while a little hump would split off and move toward the smart side (because people tend to mate with others of similar intelligence).
Since the so-called educated people are mostly miseducated materialists, so their failure to impact the gene pool with large numbers of offspring is probably a good thing. For some reason they don't seem to be alarmed about their inability to keep up reproductively with those they see as less intelligent. (I wonder if Darwin would agree that the people having the least kids are the most intelligent.) Maybe it's because they figure they'll can get all the money and make slaves of all the poor, dumb people and their kids. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:39:07
As an self-proclaimed "educated female," what do you think that will do to the human gene pool if this continues over time?
It seems to me that our fairly symmetrical bell curve of intelligence would get a little warped. The big hump would move to the dumb side, while a little hump would split off and move toward the smart side (because people tend to mate with others of similar intelligence).
Since the so-called educated people are mostly miseducated materialists, so their failure to impact the gene pool with large numbers of offspring is probably a good thing. For some reason they don't seem to be alarmed about their inability to keep up reproductively with those they see as less intelligent. (I wonder if Darwin would agree that the people having the least kids are the most intelligent.) Maybe it's because they figure they'll can get all the money and make slaves of all the poor, dumb people and their kids. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:39:07
Sex is a powerful animal impulse that greatly increases our bodily identification (false ego, the illusory conception of "I am this body"). An important part of religion is to transcend this false ego, and in this endeavor the regulation of sex is an indispensible tool.
This concept is not well developed in Christianity, but it still explains a lot. The Christians know sex should be regulated, but they don't understand why or how, and so their attempts to teach their children often fail.
First we have to understand the issue and apply the principles ourselves, otherwise the kids will not believe us. Then we can teach the children first the benefits of avoiding sex, then how to do that. There are simple tools, but it helps a lot to learn them early, both boys and girls.
"Why is the "murder" of one (American) set of embryos more important than the slaughter of born children in Iraq?"
The more one is under the influence of illusion, thinking "I am this body," the less one values the lives of others with whom one has no obvious personal relationship. Such a person invested in false ego thinks himself most important, his immediate family a little less important, then his acquaintences, and so on, until the point where he sees a person of a different color, different nationality, different religion, etc., as insignificant or a potential enemy. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:06:17
This concept is not well developed in Christianity, but it still explains a lot. The Christians know sex should be regulated, but they don't understand why or how, and so their attempts to teach their children often fail.
First we have to understand the issue and apply the principles ourselves, otherwise the kids will not believe us. Then we can teach the children first the benefits of avoiding sex, then how to do that. There are simple tools, but it helps a lot to learn them early, both boys and girls.
"Why is the "murder" of one (American) set of embryos more important than the slaughter of born children in Iraq?"
The more one is under the influence of illusion, thinking "I am this body," the less one values the lives of others with whom one has no obvious personal relationship. Such a person invested in false ego thinks himself most important, his immediate family a little less important, then his acquaintences, and so on, until the point where he sees a person of a different color, different nationality, different religion, etc., as insignificant or a potential enemy. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:06:17
"Good girls" avoid getting into such hot moments.
A good girl doesn't tease boys. She is modest, and the boys know she's off limits unless he marries her first. posted 04/04/2008 at 11:46:06
A good girl doesn't tease boys. She is modest, and the boys know she's off limits unless he marries her first. posted 04/04/2008 at 11:46:06
Karma means that actions bring reactions; and both abortion and war have a common cause through this law of karma.
There are seven kinds of mothers, the mother who gives birth, the Earth, a queen, the wife of a priest, a nurse, a guru's wife, and the cow. Drinking cow's milk is de facto acceptance of the cow as one's mother, and killing one's mother is a heinous crime.
By killing mother cow, we reserve our place in the womb of a sinful woman who will kill us to avoid being our mother. Awaiting slaughter, animals are normally filled with terror, and being killed in this condition taints the meat with fear and hatred. With this as people's food, it is no wonder that we have so much war and fright. Any sensitive person can see that foods affect our mentality; and by eating meat, people feed their taste for war.
First people kill mother cow, then they want to kill some enemy, then they think their babies are enemies and want to kill them too. It's a tangled web. posted 04/04/2008 at 11:21:50
There are seven kinds of mothers, the mother who gives birth, the Earth, a queen, the wife of a priest, a nurse, a guru's wife, and the cow. Drinking cow's milk is de facto acceptance of the cow as one's mother, and killing one's mother is a heinous crime.
By killing mother cow, we reserve our place in the womb of a sinful woman who will kill us to avoid being our mother. Awaiting slaughter, animals are normally filled with terror, and being killed in this condition taints the meat with fear and hatred. With this as people's food, it is no wonder that we have so much war and fright. Any sensitive person can see that foods affect our mentality; and by eating meat, people feed their taste for war.
First people kill mother cow, then they want to kill some enemy, then they think their babies are enemies and want to kill them too. It's a tangled web. posted 04/04/2008 at 11:21:50
Students of Christianity, Yes. Virginity, No.
"many of the words were not directly from "god" but rather people interpreting what they thought god meant."
Indeed, that's the whole Bible.
"so the faith isn't supposed to evolve with culture??"
If the culture is advancing spiritually, then the faith should also advance. However, if the culture is going to hell as fast as ours, then the faith should at least hold steady if possible.
"that means we must still kill people for eating meat on a friday, or stone adulterers to death, right?"
Any day would be good, not just Friday. posted 04/03/2008 at 10:03:21
Indeed, that's the whole Bible.
"so the faith isn't supposed to evolve with culture??"
If the culture is advancing spiritually, then the faith should also advance. However, if the culture is going to hell as fast as ours, then the faith should at least hold steady if possible.
"that means we must still kill people for eating meat on a friday, or stone adulterers to death, right?"
Any day would be good, not just Friday. posted 04/03/2008 at 10:03:21
Jesus for President, a Review for Atheists -- Part 2: God's Story
4. The assertion or statement of a thing done or existing; sometimes, even when false, improperly put, by a transfer of meaning, for the thing done, or supposed to be done; a thing supposed or asserted to be done; as, history abounds with false facts. - Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc
"God of the gaps is a weak argument."
Weak or strong, it's only a small part of a much larger argument. posted 04/07/2008 at 10:29:20
"God of the gaps is a weak argument."
Weak or strong, it's only a small part of a much larger argument. posted 04/07/2008 at 10:29:20
Perhaps it's not one you like, but it is the explanation.
The "big bang" is not an explanation, but simply moving the question mark as far in the past as they can. It leaves open the question of what ultimately caused the universe.
The only sensible answer is that it was something different than the universe, meaning that it must be something beginningless, uncreated. The only way to know about that is to hear from that uncreated being or from someone who knows Him well.
""Prior to the cosmic creation, only I exist, and no phenomena exist, either gross, subtle or primordial. After creation, only I exist in everything, and after annihilation, only I remain eternally." http://vedabase.net/cc/adi/1/53/en
"Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes." http://vedabase.net/bs/5/en
"I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts." http://vedabase.net/bg/10/8/en
From three different scriptures. The first is Krishna speaking to Brahma; the second is Brahma speaking about Krishna, and the third is Krishna speaking to Arjuna. posted 04/02/2008 at 13:30:24
The "big bang" is not an explanation, but simply moving the question mark as far in the past as they can. It leaves open the question of what ultimately caused the universe.
The only sensible answer is that it was something different than the universe, meaning that it must be something beginningless, uncreated. The only way to know about that is to hear from that uncreated being or from someone who knows Him well.
""Prior to the cosmic creation, only I exist, and no phenomena exist, either gross, subtle or primordial. After creation, only I exist in everything, and after annihilation, only I remain eternally." http://vedabase.net/cc/adi/1/53/en
"Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes." http://vedabase.net/bs/5/en
"I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts." http://vedabase.net/bg/10/8/en
From three different scriptures. The first is Krishna speaking to Brahma; the second is Brahma speaking about Krishna, and the third is Krishna speaking to Arjuna. posted 04/02/2008 at 13:30:24
I'll take that as one more piece of evidence supporting Vedic knowledge. posted 04/02/2008 at 13:14:54
As I've said, if it were only for the Bible, I'd be an atheist.
Bhagavad-gita is very clear.
http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com posted 04/02/2008 at 13:12:54
Bhagavad-gita is very clear.
http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com posted 04/02/2008 at 13:12:54
This is the sort of thing I was talking about:
The Reverend Alvin Hart, an Episcopal priest in New York, says that John 14:6 is often mistranslated. The original Greek"ego emi ha hodos kai ha alatheia kai ha zoa; oudeis erkatai pros ton patera ei ma di emou"should read "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and none of you are coming to the Father except through me."
According to Reverend Hart, "...the key word here is erkatai. This is an extremely present-tense form of the verb...You see? In Palestine, two thousand years ago, Jesus was the guru. If he wanted to say that he would be the teacher for all time, he would have used a word other than erkatai, but he didn't."
Dr. Boyd Daniels of the American Bible Society concurs: "Oh, yes. The word erkatai is definitely the present tense form of the verb. Jesus was speaking to his contemporaries." posted 04/02/2008 at 13:11:05
The Reverend Alvin Hart, an Episcopal priest in New York, says that John 14:6 is often mistranslated. The original Greek"ego emi ha hodos kai ha alatheia kai ha zoa; oudeis erkatai pros ton patera ei ma di emou"should read "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and none of you are coming to the Father except through me."
According to Reverend Hart, "...the key word here is erkatai. This is an extremely present-tense form of the verb...You see? In Palestine, two thousand years ago, Jesus was the guru. If he wanted to say that he would be the teacher for all time, he would have used a word other than erkatai, but he didn't."
Dr. Boyd Daniels of the American Bible Society concurs: "Oh, yes. The word erkatai is definitely the present tense form of the verb. Jesus was speaking to his contemporaries." posted 04/02/2008 at 13:11:05
" If one professes to be a Christian it is hard to escape from the fact that (as represented in the New Testament) Jesus said that he is the way and the only way to God."
From what I've read about this, the verb Jesus used was present-tense, indicating that he was "the only way" at the time of his speaking, and possibly for the people in his area. He could have said that he is the only way for all people and all time, if that was what he meant. posted 04/02/2008 at 11:05:22
From what I've read about this, the verb Jesus used was present-tense, indicating that he was "the only way" at the time of his speaking, and possibly for the people in his area. He could have said that he is the only way for all people and all time, if that was what he meant. posted 04/02/2008 at 11:05:22
Fact doesn't necessarily mean true. Facts contrast with opinion, not necessarily with falsehood.
>"The next step is to see that they can shake off this artificial moral superstructure and actually think for themselves."
In other words, you'd like to tell them to think like you instead of like their religious leaders. You can't tell someone how to think and call it "thinking for yourself."
>"There is a bio-evolutionary basis for moral behavior. Why do we need to imagine a Grand Puppeteer behind it?"
Don't put the cart before the horse. There may be a bio-evolutionary theory for moral behavior, but scientists have never shown that life began from matter. We are expected to take that on faith. posted 04/02/2008 at 10:53:44
>"The next step is to see that they can shake off this artificial moral superstructure and actually think for themselves."
In other words, you'd like to tell them to think like you instead of like their religious leaders. You can't tell someone how to think and call it "thinking for yourself."
>"There is a bio-evolutionary basis for moral behavior. Why do we need to imagine a Grand Puppeteer behind it?"
Don't put the cart before the horse. There may be a bio-evolutionary theory for moral behavior, but scientists have never shown that life began from matter. We are expected to take that on faith. posted 04/02/2008 at 10:53:44
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. "
Atheists claim that life is caused by a combination of material elements.
Prove it. posted 04/02/2008 at 10:43:14
Atheists claim that life is caused by a combination of material elements.
Prove it. posted 04/02/2008 at 10:43:14
If the Bible was the only scripture, I would be an atheist.
As Srila Prabhupada explained, "The sastras [scriptures] of the yavanas, or meat-eaters, are not eternal scriptures. They have been fashioned recently, and sometimes they contradict one another. The scriptures of the yavanas are three: the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Koran. Their compilation has a history; they are not eternal like the Vedic knowledge. Therefore although they have their arguments and reasonings, they are not very sound and transcendental. As such, modern people advanced in science and philosophy deem these scriptures unacceptable."
http://vedabase.net
Fortunately there are other choices. posted 04/02/2008 at 10:36:06
As Srila Prabhupada explained, "The sastras [scriptures] of the yavanas, or meat-eaters, are not eternal scriptures. They have been fashioned recently, and sometimes they contradict one another. The scriptures of the yavanas are three: the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Koran. Their compilation has a history; they are not eternal like the Vedic knowledge. Therefore although they have their arguments and reasonings, they are not very sound and transcendental. As such, modern people advanced in science and philosophy deem these scriptures unacceptable."
http://vedabase.net
Fortunately there are other choices. posted 04/02/2008 at 10:36:06
Cancer Expert: Cell Phones More Dangerous Than Smoking Or Asbestos
Last night my brother told me of a coworker of his who has used cell phones extensively since they were new, and he recently found out that he has a very big brain tumor right where he holds the phone against his ear. posted 04/01/2008 at 11:36:15
Agree. posted 04/01/2008 at 11:33:34
When Mommy Is A Boy: How Children Adapt To Transgender Parents
"Would you enjoy making his visit to the obsetritician unpleasant?"
I don't know of any men who've visited an obstitritian, but I can't imagine it being pleasant for any of us.
Maybe an uncomfortable visit to the obstitritian would make the person feel more like a man. posted 03/31/2008 at 16:22:23
I don't know of any men who've visited an obstitritian, but I can't imagine it being pleasant for any of us.
Maybe an uncomfortable visit to the obstitritian would make the person feel more like a man. posted 03/31/2008 at 16:22:23
Parents Indicted In Faith-Healing Death
"...any faith that places service to God prior to service to their fellow human being is on very shaky moral ground. "
Actually, service to God is the only true service to human beings. The spirit soul is an eternally separated part and parcel of God, inconceivably one and different. It is in one category of God's energies, and the material nature is in another category. The soul and the body are distinct from each other. So your notion of serving humanity translates to seving the body, which actually harms the spiritual progress of the person by promoting the illusory identification of the self with the body.
"And your quote, amusingly attributed to God..."
To whom would you attribute it, and why?
"Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature and My supreme dominion over all that be." - Krishna, B.g. 9.11 posted 04/01/2008 at 16:39:39
Actually, service to God is the only true service to human beings. The spirit soul is an eternally separated part and parcel of God, inconceivably one and different. It is in one category of God's energies, and the material nature is in another category. The soul and the body are distinct from each other. So your notion of serving humanity translates to seving the body, which actually harms the spiritual progress of the person by promoting the illusory identification of the self with the body.
"And your quote, amusingly attributed to God..."
To whom would you attribute it, and why?
"Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature and My supreme dominion over all that be." - Krishna, B.g. 9.11 posted 04/01/2008 at 16:39:39
Worship of God is not for His sake; He is self-satisfied. It is for our benefit.
What you call major religions, I call popular religions. It is bargain-basement religion. In other words, bogus. Speaking about the religions of the meat-eaters, the LORD said, ""There are many mistakes and illusions in your scriptures. Their compilers, not knowing the essence of knowledge, gave orders that were against reason and argument." They know God is great, which is something, but not much.
Sure it's nice to take care of God's creation, but it's not a big deal, and it's desctuction is guaranteed. He made this place, essentially a prison, for our reform, not for His enjoyment. His abode is nothing like this place. posted 04/01/2008 at 16:13:43
What you call major religions, I call popular religions. It is bargain-basement religion. In other words, bogus. Speaking about the religions of the meat-eaters, the LORD said, ""There are many mistakes and illusions in your scriptures. Their compilers, not knowing the essence of knowledge, gave orders that were against reason and argument." They know God is great, which is something, but not much.
Sure it's nice to take care of God's creation, but it's not a big deal, and it's desctuction is guaranteed. He made this place, essentially a prison, for our reform, not for His enjoyment. His abode is nothing like this place. posted 04/01/2008 at 16:13:43
So you think God is incapable of authoring a book?
Interesting, but you're not just doing your own thing. You are judging others based on your subjective personal beliefs. How do you know you are not arguing based on your own imagination?
On the contrary, there is a humungous body of scriptural writings, the Veda, authored by the Personality of Godhead. This is objective knowledge, itself claiming to be spoken by God and demonstrating many qualities of perfection. You may think you know what God wants, your claim that there are no scriptures authored by God is without basis, and is an offense against God.
Specifically, it's the fourth offense against the Holy Name of the Lord: sriti-sastra-nindanam, "To blaspheme the Vedic literatures or literatures in pursuance of the Vedic version."
You are concocting your own religion while accusing others of that exact crime. posted 04/01/2008 at 15:55:52
Interesting, but you're not just doing your own thing. You are judging others based on your subjective personal beliefs. How do you know you are not arguing based on your own imagination?
On the contrary, there is a humungous body of scriptural writings, the Veda, authored by the Personality of Godhead. This is objective knowledge, itself claiming to be spoken by God and demonstrating many qualities of perfection. You may think you know what God wants, your claim that there are no scriptures authored by God is without basis, and is an offense against God.
Specifically, it's the fourth offense against the Holy Name of the Lord: sriti-sastra-nindanam, "To blaspheme the Vedic literatures or literatures in pursuance of the Vedic version."
You are concocting your own religion while accusing others of that exact crime. posted 04/01/2008 at 15:55:52
I attended Mass several hundred times but never heard that in Church. Maybe those are Jewish teachings, I don't know. I don' t present myself as an expert on Christian and Jewish teachings, but I hardly think "A similar mob crucified Jesus" warrants such a nit-picking esoteric (and quite likely wrong) historical interpretation.
"Jesus never willfully neglected his children and caused their death, then blamed it on God."
Maybe not, but I wouldn't characterize these parents actions like that either. posted 04/01/2008 at 15:39:45
"Jesus never willfully neglected his children and caused their death, then blamed it on God."
Maybe not, but I wouldn't characterize these parents actions like that either. posted 04/01/2008 at 15:39:45
I'm tempted to explain, but I doubt you'll ever understand.
Let's just say there is a huge difference between slaughtering a fetus for convenience sake to materially counter the result of illicit sex, compared to praying to God for one's child.
...regardless of what they teach little Christian Scientists. posted 04/01/2008 at 15:26:41
Let's just say there is a huge difference between slaughtering a fetus for convenience sake to materially counter the result of illicit sex, compared to praying to God for one's child.
...regardless of what they teach little Christian Scientists. posted 04/01/2008 at 15:26:41
Oh, you're funny. An atheist calling me a demon. Ha ha. Atheist MEANS demon. It also means all your so-called knowledge is based in illusion, so you really have no idea what is the well-being of the soul in the child's body.
I still can't believe folks here would be in favor of government-forced medical treatment. posted 04/01/2008 at 14:58:25
I still can't believe folks here would be in favor of government-forced medical treatment. posted 04/01/2008 at 14:58:25
Well, whatever. They belong to some sort of Christian sect, whereas I worship God by chanting Hare Krishna, but I'm sure I would find them not guilty. Anyone who understands the absolute reality of the Personality of Godhead and the evil of material existence would sympathize with these people.
A similar mob crucified Jesus. posted 04/01/2008 at 10:22:14
A similar mob crucified Jesus. posted 04/01/2008 at 10:22:14
It is the body that needs the soul, not the other way around. People often say of the deceased that they have "gone to a better place." That depends on how the person lived, but it's a valid sentiment. If the soul needs the body, then how can the separation of body and soul allow the soul to go to a better place, unless one gets a new, better body? Your theory makes no sense and also contradicts scriptural authority.
"Their spirits clearly cry out for something and they neglect their body in pursuit of God. This causes their children to suffer, and for that, they deserve the same punishment as someone who, through inaction, causes their child to starve to death."
HOW DARE YOU pose as someone who knows something about religion and yet say a person should be punished for neglecting other duties in favor of serving God?!!!
"Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated." - God. Http://vedabase.net/bg/9/30
It looks like the state is going to make martyrs of these people.
"It may not be murder, but it certainly is death by neglect." posted 04/01/2008 at 09:58:55
"Their spirits clearly cry out for something and they neglect their body in pursuit of God. This causes their children to suffer, and for that, they deserve the same punishment as someone who, through inaction, causes their child to starve to death."
HOW DARE YOU pose as someone who knows something about religion and yet say a person should be punished for neglecting other duties in favor of serving God?!!!
"Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated." - God. Http://vedabase.net/bg/9/30
It looks like the state is going to make martyrs of these people.
"It may not be murder, but it certainly is death by neglect." posted 04/01/2008 at 09:58:55
I just hope the parents get a jury of actual peers, people who understand their faith. posted 03/31/2008 at 15:32:53
"But the parents have no right to make that choice for a child, that has no choice. "
If not the parents, then who do you think should decide when the millions of American children see a doctor and what treatments are given?
The government? posted 03/31/2008 at 15:27:12
If not the parents, then who do you think should decide when the millions of American children see a doctor and what treatments are given?
The government? posted 03/31/2008 at 15:27:12
The comments here reveal such a depth of ignorance of spiritual knowledge that it's pointless to attempt a discussion.
It's basically a mob scene. posted 03/31/2008 at 15:18:15
It's basically a mob scene. posted 03/31/2008 at 15:18:15
"The Blessed Lord said: While speaking learned words, you are mourning for what is not worthy of grief. Those who are wise lament neither for the living nor the dead." http://vedabase.net/bg/2/en (Bg. 2.11)
We are born into a body to experience a certain balance of enjoyment and distress, and for a certain amount of time. Then another body.
"All created beings are unmanifest in their beginning, manifest in their interim state, and unmanifest again when they are annihilated. So what need is there for lamentation?" (Bg. 2.28)
The body is doomed. All that matters is to develop love of God. posted 03/31/2008 at 10:22:45
We are born into a body to experience a certain balance of enjoyment and distress, and for a certain amount of time. Then another body.
"All created beings are unmanifest in their beginning, manifest in their interim state, and unmanifest again when they are annihilated. So what need is there for lamentation?" (Bg. 2.28)
The body is doomed. All that matters is to develop love of God. posted 03/31/2008 at 10:22:45
Can doctors, medicine, hospitals, and researchers stop death? posted 03/31/2008 at 10:05:36
Open Relationships: What the World Already Has
My wife and I knew a woman who had this philosophy. She was married, and wanted to introduce another woman into the relationship. It "worked" for about six months, but the husband liked the new woman better, and the wife was forgotten. I'm glad they didn't have kids. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:15:16
Your Own Worst Enemy
Number 4 also helps animals live longer. posted 03/28/2008 at 10:48:20
A Gay Conservative Rabbi is Coming to a Synagogue Near You -- or Not
I'll tell you why.
Religion is not practiced alone, but in communities. There is internal work and external work. I may be trying to please God by engaging in some kind of religious activity, and other people can work with me, against me, or neutrally. Which of these happens depends on what each group thinks should be done. different groups would likely give different reasons for the differences.
According to the Vaishnava understanding of history, the Vedas emanate from God's breathing, and the whole human society was formerly organized as Vedic culture. About 5100 years ago, the world was ruled by an empire, and a civil war brought the empire down. This left the world in chaos with individual local governments more or less retaining some of their religious knowledge, and these evolved mostly separately over time, leading to different understandings of religion today.
In a sense it's not that different from politics. Normally, all the political parties desire the good of the country, but they may disagree how that is achieved. Similarly, different religions more or less strive to please God, but may argue over how to do it. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:05:19
Religion is not practiced alone, but in communities. There is internal work and external work. I may be trying to please God by engaging in some kind of religious activity, and other people can work with me, against me, or neutrally. Which of these happens depends on what each group thinks should be done. different groups would likely give different reasons for the differences.
According to the Vaishnava understanding of history, the Vedas emanate from God's breathing, and the whole human society was formerly organized as Vedic culture. About 5100 years ago, the world was ruled by an empire, and a civil war brought the empire down. This left the world in chaos with individual local governments more or less retaining some of their religious knowledge, and these evolved mostly separately over time, leading to different understandings of religion today.
In a sense it's not that different from politics. Normally, all the political parties desire the good of the country, but they may disagree how that is achieved. Similarly, different religions more or less strive to please God, but may argue over how to do it. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:05:19
How Running Gets You High
In high school I normally ran 18 miles per day. The first 10-12 miles were a little strenuous, but after that it felt like flying. posted 03/28/2008 at 10:14:43
Is Unwed Motherhood Really the Problem?
How do they take care of their kids and pay the bills too?
The unspoken suggestion that fathers are unnecessary in children's lives is insulting. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:40:43
The unspoken suggestion that fathers are unnecessary in children's lives is insulting. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:40:43
My fifth is going to be born in 2 months. I hear your message about population. I was an environmental major in college and a supporter of ZPG and NPG then. After years of contempation, I decided I could impact the world better by having several children and teaching them to live simply and consume little.
My idea is that we can influence the world more by teaching each other than by dropping out. I take as proof the fact that the anti-population folks are not killing themselves for the sake of reducing population. They're trying to teach others. My kids are more effective teachers than I am, and there are many more of them than there are of me.
My four children's 'ecological footprint' combined is less than mine was when I was a kid. If my soon-to-be five children consume fewer resources than the average American's 2 kids, what's the problem? If they can influence others to consume less, then even better. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:37:45
My idea is that we can influence the world more by teaching each other than by dropping out. I take as proof the fact that the anti-population folks are not killing themselves for the sake of reducing population. They're trying to teach others. My kids are more effective teachers than I am, and there are many more of them than there are of me.
My four children's 'ecological footprint' combined is less than mine was when I was a kid. If my soon-to-be five children consume fewer resources than the average American's 2 kids, what's the problem? If they can influence others to consume less, then even better. posted 03/28/2008 at 11:37:45
Pregnant Man?: Find Out How It Happened
The person was born a woman, has female reproductive organs, and gets pregnant, but you call her a man. I'd call her confused. posted 03/26/2008 at 12:32:44
Oceanfront Property In Kansas
Death is something every one of us must face. It's not about your friend. How are we going to do it? "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die?"
In Bhagavad-gita 2.13, Krishna says, "As the embodied soul continuously passes in this body from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change."
Maybe you don't believe that the soul passes to another body at death, but it's hard to argue with the recommendation to be in clear consciousness. I'm sure your party was fun, and your friend was very pleased. But of course the party is over, and your friend is gone. Knowing that the passage of time ends all material things, a wise person prepares for the inevitable, educating oneself to approach death with knowledge and thereby make the most of the event.
I like discussing these kinds of things. If you don't, then maybe it's better not to write an article about preparing for death. You suggest that you have some kind of faith related to death, so why not share it? If it's good, maybe it will help others. This is how people learn from each other. On the other hand, dismissing someone's educated faith without understanding it is a good way to learn nothing. posted 03/27/2008 at 11:10:24
In Bhagavad-gita 2.13, Krishna says, "As the embodied soul continuously passes in this body from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change."
Maybe you don't believe that the soul passes to another body at death, but it's hard to argue with the recommendation to be in clear consciousness. I'm sure your party was fun, and your friend was very pleased. But of course the party is over, and your friend is gone. Knowing that the passage of time ends all material things, a wise person prepares for the inevitable, educating oneself to approach death with knowledge and thereby make the most of the event.
I like discussing these kinds of things. If you don't, then maybe it's better not to write an article about preparing for death. You suggest that you have some kind of faith related to death, so why not share it? If it's good, maybe it will help others. This is how people learn from each other. On the other hand, dismissing someone's educated faith without understanding it is a good way to learn nothing. posted 03/27/2008 at 11:10:24
Cute story, but desiring sense gratification up to the time of death isn't exactly the best way to go. To know that death is coming soon is a tremendous blessing. That time should be spent preparing for what comes after. Maybe she'll take her next body as a sea gull or some other beach creature.
"Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail." http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/8/6/en posted 03/26/2008 at 12:40:17
"Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail." http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/8/6/en posted 03/26/2008 at 12:40:17
Say Hillary, What About The Religious "Family" You Have Chosen To Be Part Of?
That's cool, but I can't access the video player in the blog and have to watch it through the youtube site on my blackberry. Thanks for the link. I wouldn't be able to watch without it. posted 03/26/2008 at 09:43:41
The Dao Of My Dog
I'm sorry if you don't like it, but there really is no spiritual life apart from devotional service. That truth does not change to suit you or anyone else. posted 03/27/2008 at 12:18:27
A human is a human, and a dog a dog. A dog's needs are not the same as a human's. Each gets its own needs, as nature designates under God's authority.
If you think dogs and cats are better situated for spiritual life than human beings, then I'm not sure what to say to you. The first thing is that "I think" or "I believe" really have no place in discussions of spiritual life. There is knowledge and ignorance; one knows or does not know. Mental speculation cannot penetrate the material covering to experience either the soul or God. Spiritual knowledge begins by hearing from someone who knows and continues by following the instructions. That certainly does not mean accepting a cat or dog as spiritual master. It just proves you have no idea; but if you want to chase rabbits and eat stool like a dog, or hunt mice and sleep half the day like cats, go right ahead. However, such nonsense is not spiritual life.
One consolation I have to make in this is that in general, people today are so spiritually ignorant that they are headed for becoming cats and dogs, whereas dogs and cats are on their way to human birth. Yet although the animals are spiritually evolving and most people devolving, perfection can only be acheived in human life. We would do well to take advantage it with a serious pursuit of spiritual knowledge and engagement in devotional service, rather than uninformed mental speculation. posted 03/27/2008 at 12:06:51
If you think dogs and cats are better situated for spiritual life than human beings, then I'm not sure what to say to you. The first thing is that "I think" or "I believe" really have no place in discussions of spiritual life. There is knowledge and ignorance; one knows or does not know. Mental speculation cannot penetrate the material covering to experience either the soul or God. Spiritual knowledge begins by hearing from someone who knows and continues by following the instructions. That certainly does not mean accepting a cat or dog as spiritual master. It just proves you have no idea; but if you want to chase rabbits and eat stool like a dog, or hunt mice and sleep half the day like cats, go right ahead. However, such nonsense is not spiritual life.
One consolation I have to make in this is that in general, people today are so spiritually ignorant that they are headed for becoming cats and dogs, whereas dogs and cats are on their way to human birth. Yet although the animals are spiritually evolving and most people devolving, perfection can only be acheived in human life. We would do well to take advantage it with a serious pursuit of spiritual knowledge and engagement in devotional service, rather than uninformed mental speculation. posted 03/27/2008 at 12:06:51
I hear what you're saying but if it's really what her article was about, then she might have expressed it at least a little. It looks to me more like she's more inclined to atheism. There is no mention of God in her article. It's about dogs and Buddhism, which is atheism; and atheism is not spiritual. Spiritual means for God's pleasure. posted 03/27/2008 at 11:43:49
Verena's mock-spiritual quest has taken a ominous turn. Apparently having completely forgotten God, she's glorifying Dog. If that's your idea of perfection, it's not hard to reach.
"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me." http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/9/25/en
Keep meditating on dogs and you'll undoubtedly be born from one in due course of time. Don't think that's just Hare Krishna philosophy. I recall many years ago reading same principle clearly stated in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. posted 03/26/2008 at 13:16:47
"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me." http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/9/25/en
Keep meditating on dogs and you'll undoubtedly be born from one in due course of time. Don't think that's just Hare Krishna philosophy. I recall many years ago reading same principle clearly stated in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. posted 03/26/2008 at 13:16:47
Peaceful Revolution: Post Setting & The Post-Feminist Fiction
(My comments yesterday were being truncated after the first paragraph, and I don't know yet if it's happening today; but I'm about to find out.)
"A new study found that mothers are 79% less likely to be hired than non-mothers with the same resume and job experience."
Good. Mothers have a duty to their children. Fathers have to supply the necessities. These are natural, prescribed duties that have worked for millenia.
The paid family leave and subsidized daycare you ask for would undoubtedly reduce wages and thereby put additional financial pressure on families to have dual incomes. In other words, as a husband and father, my ability to support my wife and children would be diminished by these costly programs. Our family unit is very strong with my wife staying home and schooling the kids, but if economic pressures make this impossible, then our family unity will suffer.
Is that what you call family-friendly? It may help broken families, but it encourages familiy unity to be diminished by dual careers. Divorce would be easier, that's for sure; but husbands would find it much more difficult to support their wives. That is feminism's idea of family-friendly.
It sounds like MomsRising is leaving the rest of the family behind. posted 03/26/2008 at 10:49:02
"A new study found that mothers are 79% less likely to be hired than non-mothers with the same resume and job experience."
Good. Mothers have a duty to their children. Fathers have to supply the necessities. These are natural, prescribed duties that have worked for millenia.
The paid family leave and subsidized daycare you ask for would undoubtedly reduce wages and thereby put additional financial pressure on families to have dual incomes. In other words, as a husband and father, my ability to support my wife and children would be diminished by these costly programs. Our family unit is very strong with my wife staying home and schooling the kids, but if economic pressures make this impossible, then our family unity will suffer.
Is that what you call family-friendly? It may help broken families, but it encourages familiy unity to be diminished by dual careers. Divorce would be easier, that's for sure; but husbands would find it much more difficult to support their wives. That is feminism's idea of family-friendly.
It sounds like MomsRising is leaving the rest of the family behind. posted 03/26/2008 at 10:49:02
Dog Prays at Japanese Zen Temple
No doubt the dog is asking the guy for a biscuit or something. I guess people consider that prayer. Actually prayer is asking God, "What can I do for You?" posted 03/26/2008 at 10:08:32
Jesus for President, a Book Review for Atheists; Part 1, What is Shane Claiborne?
MY COMMENTS ARE BEING TRUNCATED AFTER THE FIRST PARAGRAPH. MY LAST COMMENT WAS SUPPOSED TO CONTINUE (made into one paragraph here): Do you know the world from their points of view? "It's imperative that our society get a handle on this. Our government should deny access to broadcasting to..." Man, you're freaking me out. Are you some sort of fascist? posted 03/25/2008 at 09:37:18
Did someone give you the authority to determine whether their beliefs are "unsupported by any evidence whatsoever?" posted 03/25/2008 at 09:35:00
Yes, you do. 8^P posted 03/25/2008 at 09:28:02
Reading The Pictures: Before I Could Explain
FOR SOME REASON MY COMMENTS ARE BEING TRUNCATED AFTER THE FIRST PARAGRAPH BREAK, SO HERE'S MY COMMENT WITH NO BREAKS>>> So you signed on for a big wad of free tax money with the chance that maybe you'd be called to shoot some foreigners. Gee, I could've used extra money too. Why didn't I do that? Oh, yeah, because when people join the armed forces there's a significant chance they'll be called to fight an unnecessary, unjust war. If, in spite of knowing this, I would've joined the miitary back in early 2001, I would've served my time in jail instead. posted 03/25/2008 at 09:53:48
I keep hearing that there have been 4000 deaths in Iraq. Apparently only Americans count. posted 03/25/2008 at 09:41:20
Take a Minute Tomorrow When You Turn on the Tap to Consider the 1.1 Billion People in the World Without Safe Water
"rarely eat meat".
^---That conserves much more water than this -----v
"No lawn, short showers, turn off the tap when I brush my teeth, water saving washing machine, water saver toilets and taps."
posted 03/24/2008 at 10:28:06
^---That conserves much more water than this -----v
"No lawn, short showers, turn off the tap when I brush my teeth, water saving washing machine, water saver toilets and taps."
posted 03/24/2008 at 10:28:06
What Barack Obama Could Not (and Should Not) Say
"...it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god."
Apparently T.J. didn't see any fault if someone falsely claimed to have authoritative knowledge and was wrong.
I would disagree.
posted 03/24/2008 at 10:52:01
Apparently T.J. didn't see any fault if someone falsely claimed to have authoritative knowledge and was wrong.
I would disagree.
posted 03/24/2008 at 10:52:01
Veronica,
Click on my name and you can read pages and pages of previous comments giving the basis to satisfy your request.
Sam Harris's writing doesn't deserve a personal comment.
posted 03/24/2008 at 10:46:48
Click on my name and you can read pages and pages of previous comments giving the basis to satisfy your request.
Sam Harris's writing doesn't deserve a personal comment.
posted 03/24/2008 at 10:46:48
"But wouldn't it be better to do these things for reasons that are not manifestly delusional? "
Atheists are such ignorant assholes. Alright, some are just ignorant. posted 03/21/2008 at 13:35:13
Atheists are such ignorant assholes. Alright, some are just ignorant. posted 03/21/2008 at 13:35:13
Punished for Being Pregnant
A.K.A... being expected to take care of one's baby.
A child IS more important than a job.
posted 03/21/2008 at 13:27:43
A child IS more important than a job.
posted 03/21/2008 at 13:27:43
The alternative to men supporting multiple wives is working women, prostitutes. Have sex with as many people as you like as long as it's out of wedlock, that's popular now. That's modern piety, everyone a prostitute. Since Westerners are always hankering for sex, they assume polygamy is meant for a man's sexual pleasure, but its actual purpose is to protect women. Of course, any system can be abused by unscrupulous persons, and American culture is full of unscrupulous people.
Abuse of children is a most terrible crime, but that is completely different from polygamy. Criminalization of polygamy is a form of religious persecution. posted 04/15/2008 at 16:03:03