1. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #122918 by bhyde on February 6, 2008 at 9:18 am

Richard,
Not sure why this particular subject struck a nerve, maybe because I’ve been in similar situations and have struggled with an appropriate answer to dealing with believers and their rituals when in mixing company.
In my opinion you acted in a selfless, gracious manner. Through a simple act hopefully you provided someone in pain with a few moments of relieved suffering. I’m sure she will not forget it. You are to be commended.
In no way would I consider your actions hypocritical since, in my opinion, it is the values of the person you are acting towards that are important, not yours. So if you send someone a little holy water, or a crucifix, or bow your head in prayer at a funeral, you are not subverting your own personal conviction, but acting in a manner you feel is appropriate towards the people around you. The act says nothing about you other than you are a compassionate, caring human being.
If I was sick and in the hospital, being an atheist I would consider it very generous if you sent me a personally autographed copy of “The God Delusion” to make me feel better, while sending the same thing to a deeply devout Muslim you cared about would be a completely different thing altogether.
I think there is a time and place to challenge irrational beliefs, but not when extending a hand in compassion.

FWIW

2. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #115688 by bhyde on January 24, 2008 at 2:23 pm

MissC77,

Bzzzzz. Thanks for playing, we have some lovely parting gifts for you. [trap door sound]

3. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #97173 by bhyde on December 11, 2007 at 2:56 pm

Sounds like I need to get to work on my Flying Spaghetti Monster nativity scene. Should be mildly assuming to see the communities reaction�

4. The stone is cast

Comment #41561 by bhyde on May 16, 2007 at 9:56 am

I'm personally sad to see Falwell go. If anything he served our cause as a stunning example of complete, unadulterated ignorance. Every time I saw him preaching it only reaffirmed my conviction that religion's purpose is to serve its leader's financial interests and not their supposed deity. I have to think that he helped many people find atheist through his repulsive, ridiculous rhetoric.

5. Christians and Atheists to Debate Existence of God in First-Ever 'NIGHTLINE FACE OFF'

Comment #37380 by bhyde on May 4, 2007 at 10:26 am

Riley's comments concerning framing the debate into one of common atheism is very useful and may provide the 5-second sound byte that is so useful in promoting an idea. Even though we have heard the arguments million times, it may be completely new to the Nightline audience. Thanks Riley, well reasoned.

Depending on how the debate flows, RRS may need to shift gears from one line of argument to another. If I was entering this debate, I think my framing list would look something like:

1. We are all Atheists.
2. Define God.
3. Disproving Evolution does not prove God.
4. Literal or metaphorical Bible. (Contradictions either way).
5. Religion is superstition. (1st century thinking).

I would also have a firm, concise, positive position statement about what it really means to be an atheist. Something like: "As atheists we think that, through common sense and normal reasoning, the world can be a better place." Or something like, "We think that a Good and Just society is possible without the need for superstition."

Anyone else have ideas on framing or a position statement? I could use it the next time the Mormons show up at my door.



"And it did come to pass, that those who denied Him were infested with the banana slugs of a thousand forests�"

6. Christians and Atheists to Debate Existence of God in First-Ever 'NIGHTLINE FACE OFF'

Comment #37219 by bhyde on May 3, 2007 at 6:19 pm

I think if RRS takes a look at http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ they will see the gist of the argument that the Banana Twins will be making. It is clear from their intro they will try to debunk evolution and make an appeal to emotion. They are going to try the 'ol evolution-is-wrong-so-god-must-be-right tactic. They lay their hand on the table quite clearly at the above link. It should be child's play to wax the floor with these guys. Technically.

On the other hand, when you look at the RRS web site verses the Chiquita Boy's site, it is painfully obviously that the RRS is heavily out gunned in the money department. Kirk & Ray come off as very polished to the untrained, uncritical mind, and thus will appeal to the typical American audience viewing Nightline. They simply don't have the image appeal or the credentials to pull off a debate like this. Having said that, I'm usually 100% wrong on most things, so I'm looking forward to seeing how Brian & Co. handles these two knuckleheads.

7. Christians and Atheists to Debate Existence of God in First-Ever 'NIGHTLINE FACE OFF'

Comment #37191 by bhyde on May 3, 2007 at 4:00 pm

Three minutes before the debate the RRS should announce that due to unfortunate circumstances they would not be able to participate. Instead, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris will be filling in. Let's see if the Banana Boys still would like to take the challenge. This thing has "set up" written all over it�

8. Richard Dawkins on The Late Late Show with Pat Kenny

Comment #12216 by bhyde on December 11, 2006 at 9:42 am

Wow, how did all those Americans in the audience learn to speak with such a convincing Irish accent!? My Irish friends need not apologize; we US-ian have pretty much cornered the market on global stupidity.

I can't believe that RD would agree to do such a show. While the premise may have been sound, it's only a matter of time before it degenerates into a pissing match that does nothing but agitate bad dialog.

The next time RD feels he needs to go on one of these little talk shows, I'd recommend he take along Sam Harris.