1. Richard Dawkins Interview on TVOntario

Comment #181510 by walk on May 17, 2008 at 10:28 am

Richard was so precise and brilliant that it seemed (to me) that the interviewer was starting to be persuaded, even though he uttered (quietly) at the very end, when the panel was squirming about the poll results, that he disagreed with those results.

Also, it was surprising to hear a muslim declare that the negative manifestations of Islam should be done away with. Good for him!

Now if only we could see Richard and that Peterson guy go head to head!

2. Sexpelled: No Intercourse Allowed

Comment #162869 by walk on April 17, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Ha!! Good one!

3. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #159555 by walk on April 12, 2008 at 1:32 pm

Oh Great! I'm away from RD.net for a few weeks and Paula posts her AMAZING Fleabytes tour-de-force (with only 7,876 comments so far), and now this superb video with Richard!

BRAVO, Paula!! You never fail to amaze and delight!

4. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #120736 by walk on February 2, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Kardashovel,

Just curious, when god was talking to you, did he give you ANY information or facts that could not have come from your own mind? I know that if I were conversing with an omniscient being, I would surely ask for some heretofore unknown information that would better the world. Did he give you any such knowledge?

5. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #120676 by walk on February 2, 2008 at 9:39 am

Thanks, Steve. Do you know of any Mac program that works? It's just curious to me that I've been using Appleworks up until yesterday with no problem.

Edit: Oops! Found it. My Mac has a program called Text Edit which must be a "plain text" program as you advised. It's working fine.

Thanks again.

6. 'Irrational Atheist' trounces God-deniers

Comment #120663 by walk on February 2, 2008 at 8:50 am

Yes, BAEOZ, what has happened?

Hey Josh, as we can see from some above posts, if you copy from a text program (it happens with Appleworks and Microsoft Word) and use an apostrophe, you get this:

I’m sure it won’t.

This did not happen before.

7. Belief in Belief

Comment #120652 by walk on February 2, 2008 at 8:14 am

Titan,

I'm with Steve and Radesq on this one. You've been very open in describing some events in your life where you give god credit for things that appear to an outsider as either cooincidence, or your own will power and ability to make positive changes. (See Radesq 139.).

I quit drinking for good about 15 years ago in a moment of clarity and disgust. It was an overpowering, emotional experience. My life turned around immediately. My wife came back to me, my Mom was overjoyed, my employer regained respect for me. To this day (when I hear a certain song) I break down in tears of gratitude. If I gave all the credit for my breakthrough to an invisible, supernatural entity, I would be denying the fact that it was my own will power and desire to be a better person that saved me. I now feel much stronger and self-reliant. I feel I can solve any personal problem myself.

Not to take away from your love of god, but I believe if you looked at these instances where you feel you couldn't have succeeded without divine help, and asked yourself exactly what action god took to help you, you might be surprised. Was it just your belief that gave you strength, or some magical being picking your tiny problem to solve out of all the suffering people on the planet who are not receiving help? As Radesq said:

God doesn't seem to be doing anything in your examples -- I mean how is what you are doing different than talking to yourself and trying to work out your problems in quiet contemplation? It may be very different to you but you haven't said how?

8. Belief in Belief

Comment #120318 by walk on February 1, 2008 at 1:02 pm

Thanks, Titan.

You know, it was so refreshing to hear you state that your beliefs are in your heart. I've asked the evidence question to many Christians who have posted here, and to my recollection you're the first to make the simple, honest statement you did. Bravo!

There's no reason that Christians and atheists can't get along with each other. I believe you and I have both come to our different conclusions honestly, and with an open heart and mind. After all, it's just a search for the truth, wherever that may lead, using the limited tools we have at hand.

I wish you the best in all your endeavors.

Steve

9. Belief in Belief

Comment #120305 by walk on February 1, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Titan

No, I have no evidence outside of my own heart.

10. Belief in Belief

Comment #120279 by walk on February 1, 2008 at 11:35 am

Titan (72),

The difference with Christians is that once a relationship with Jesus is established, we have an advocate who councils with the father on our behalf.

11. Belief in Belief

Comment #120273 by walk on February 1, 2008 at 11:31 am

Upgrade01A,

Thanks for the answer.

I'm still kind of curious as to what you mean when you mentioned the "optimal solution". The Islamic extremists have declared war on all the people of the west. They promise to convert, enslave, or kill us. They're teaching the next generation to hate all in the west. They hate us simply because we're "not Muslim". It seems that they are not willing to negotiate. How do you suggest we put a stop to this without violence?

Thank you.

12. Belief in Belief

Comment #119295 by walk on January 31, 2008 at 1:03 pm

Mike,

Thanks very much for trying to enlighten me. I believe I get the gist of what you're saying. I guess there is no simple way of stating these ideas, but you've at least helped me to get an idea of what is involved.

When I get the time I'll check out "Elbow Room". Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

-Steve-

13. Belief in Belief

Comment #119042 by walk on January 31, 2008 at 9:28 am

I'm sorry for being dense, but I know nothing about the "free will" issue. Could someone give me a very brief (if possible) explanation?

Using an extremely simplified example; if I'm driving down a rural road, I'm lost, and I come to a fork in the road, and I think, "I'll turn right - - - naw, I'll turn left", wouldn't I be exercising free will? (Again - sorry for being so uninformed).

14. Belief in Belief

Comment #118167 by walk on January 30, 2008 at 12:39 pm

al-rawandi,

I don't really want to get into that topic with you, but there was something about Upgrade's attitude that made me want him to elaborate, especially his "optimal solution" comment. While many here disagree with Hitch's opinions concerning foreign policy, I doubt many would accuse him of "misunderstanding", particularly on the causes of 9/11.

15. Belief in Belief

Comment #117764 by walk on January 29, 2008 at 2:49 pm

Upgrade01A (17.)

I think that especially Hitchins misunderstands foreign policy, the cause of 9/11, and the optimal solution.

16. This Week's Flea

Comment #114966 by walk on January 23, 2008 at 10:13 am

Diabolical stuff alright.

Yep, it's Santa for adults.

17. This Week's Flea

Comment #114946 by walk on January 23, 2008 at 8:38 am

Sometimes I feel sorry for people like ADH. When they become adults, they seem to have an obsessive desire to cling to a childlike need to be dominated by an all-powerful parent figure. When they are confronted with the irrationality of their belief in an extremely improbable sky-god, they'll desperately twist logic and reason to justify this belief, and against all rationality, devise an increasingly tortured defense of the bible and it's aburdities, because it's their only justification.

Unlike the relationship with their human parents however, they're willing to have their thoughts and actions monitored continuously, live under constant scrutiny and judgement, and dedicate thoughts, deeds and cold cash in an effort to buy their way into heaven so they can prostrate themselves and worship their jealous, demanding parent for eternity. And they actually call this "liberation".

18. Islam in Europe

Comment #114692 by walk on January 22, 2008 at 3:03 pm

al-rawandi,

What to do? Simple - - The New Inquisition!! ;-))

(Oops - I think I'm channeling Diacanu)

19. This Week's Flea

Comment #114655 by walk on January 22, 2008 at 2:17 pm

"Believe in me or I'll torture you for eternity" - - - Man, I'm starting to feel liberated already! What a truly liberating message! "I've seen to it that you and your beautiful, innocent children were born tainted" - - feeling better and better!

Doesn't Stockholm Syndrome have to do with falling in love with your abuser?

"love God with all your heart soul and mind"

20. This Week's Flea

Comment #114564 by walk on January 22, 2008 at 12:19 pm

Diacanu, Oh - - thanks! (Walks off humming to himself, "This week's - - ).

21. This Week's Flea

Comment #114545 by walk on January 22, 2008 at 11:42 am

al-rawandi,

Thanks. I was sort of guessing along those lines.

He was a brave man, becoming an apostate in the 9th Century Muslim empire.

I think ADH glossed over our comments.

22. This Week's Flea

Comment #114508 by walk on January 22, 2008 at 10:44 am

al-rawandi (204),

Ibn al-Rawandi wrote Kitab al-Zumurrud (9th Century CE).

23. This Week's Flea

Comment #114471 by walk on January 22, 2008 at 9:09 am

I believe the Bible is infallible, but nobody's interpretation of it is infallible.

24. This Week's Flea

Comment #114276 by walk on January 21, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Every point that ADH makes is based on one unproven, highly unlikely premise - god exists. As far as I can tell he keeps ignoring requests for proof, and yet we continue to argue points based on this original faulty premise.

So, let's say he stated "The earth is flat." You ask him to prove it, he ignores your request and says "Therefore, it follows that if you travel far enough, you'll fall off the edge". No offense meant to anyone, but is there really any point to arguing the second point before he proves the first?

25. This Week's Flea

Comment #114249 by walk on January 21, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Even the ol' omnipotent one doesn't seem infallible - or omnipotent.

26. This Week's Flea

Comment #114238 by walk on January 21, 2008 at 3:49 pm

I believe the Bible is infallible

27. This Week's Flea

Comment #114079 by walk on January 21, 2008 at 10:25 am

It seems I inadvertently diverted a portion of this thread with a couple of innocent statements that were not precise. I said (110),

I now feel a great sense of empowerment to have what I believe to be the truth.

Meaning you feel less compelled to find evidence to support your beliefs?

I find more and more evidence to support my beliefs.

28. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #113747 by walk on January 20, 2008 at 12:39 pm

sadcatholicgirl (94),

I trully empathize with you. I'm in a mixed faith marriage (atheist/Mormon!), and while we have worked things out satisfactorily, I see in your case this may not be possible. Are you Catholic? Just curious, but of course to his parents the only important thing is you are NOT JW.

I'm afraid in this situation, his parents are asking him to choose between them (and his faith) and you. The JW's (I believe) are very strict about this. He's not even supposed to have non-JW friends, not to mention girlfriend or spouse. I'm surmising that he's not a very serious Witness, otherwise he wouldn't date you at all. I guess the question you have to ask him is, will he risk being disowned by his parents in order to be with you?

The divisiveness of religious bigotry is so disturbing and cruel, especially in a case like yours.

Keep us posted and best of luck!

29. Dawkins: I'm a cultural Christian

Comment #113738 by walk on January 20, 2008 at 12:22 pm

djspideyspinster (40),

We merely desire to weigh the truth of ideas and the validity of worldviews at Truth Bomb Apologetics

Logically, the cause of the big bang could not have been within nature because nature did not yet exist when it occurred

therefore, whatever brought nature into existence must be outside of nature and this is precisely what supernatural means!

So we can conclude from science itself that miracles are not only possible, but verifiable and necessary to explain the origin of the universe.

30. 'Letter to a Christian Nation' now available in paperback

Comment #113301 by walk on January 19, 2008 at 8:35 am

babrock,

I hear you. It seems in many cases the believer just WANTS it all to be true. They don't want to face mortality, they don't want to feel "alone" in the universe. They want the comfort that blind faith provides. Trying to enlighten them is sometimes perceived as trying to take that comfort away from them and "lead them into darkness". They think atheism is a scary, evil thing. They usually don't have inquisitive, analytical minds and are NOT searching for the truth. I'm starting to think that if their belief system doesn't impinge on your life, and doesn't lead them to make irrational life decisions, it might be best to just leave it alone.

Of course if they show some curiosity, "Where DID Cain's wife come from?", then they've opened the door, and a gentle nudge in the right direction might be in order.

31. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #113196 by walk on January 18, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Annabanana (123),

Well, it is a serious thing. And it takes a while and some patience and understanding to work things out. My wife and I just got remarried, but we've basically been together for 20 years. It's probably easier as you grow older. It's so unfortunate that differences in faith can sometimes be so divisive for relationships and families.


BTW & IMHO, I think your ex lost out big-time!

------------------------

al-rawandi

So I guess she is voting for Romney?

32. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #113015 by walk on January 18, 2008 at 12:49 pm

al-rawandi (101),

I don't mean to pry, but doesn't this thing with your wife's beliefs cause problems?

33. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #112946 by walk on January 18, 2008 at 10:14 am

On another note, yes the mental disconnect in America concerning evolution is embarrassing. My wife believes in old earth and evolution right up to the great ape, but refuses to accept the final step to man. I've shown her the "Judgement Day" video with the beautiful chimp/human DNA explanation, numerous National Geographic early man presentations, etc., but because of her god-belief she just refuses to accept the blatant truth of that final step. Go figure!

Thanks al-rawandi, please keep us posted as to your findings

34. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #112943 by walk on January 18, 2008 at 10:05 am

annabanana (95),

Hah!

35. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #112939 by walk on January 18, 2008 at 9:58 am

brian,

They were in Hitch's house.

36. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #112936 by walk on January 18, 2008 at 9:56 am

stephenray (64)

don't get me started on Ann Coulter

37. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #112663 by walk on January 17, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Diacanu (55),

Thanks. Doesn't Stein also appear on some cable show that covers financial topics?

38. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #112649 by walk on January 17, 2008 at 4:53 pm

For those unfamiliar with Ben Stein, he's known in the US as an actor/comedian/game show host. He had a wacky show on the comedy channel called "Win Ben Stein's Money". IMO it was pretty funny. I actually used to like the guy. This movie shows he's gone off the deep end. Honestly, it amazes me that so many seemingly intelligent US public figures can turn their backs on science and deny the reality of evolution.

39. Ben Stein Bribing Schools to See His Anti-Evolution Movie 'Expelled'

Comment #112633 by walk on January 17, 2008 at 3:46 pm

As a footnote, the American folk duo (60's? 70's?) Seals and Crofts (main hit "Summer Breeze") are members of the Baha'i faith.

Edit: Is it just a coincidence that Ben Stein's initials are BS?

40. Dinesh D'Souza: Winner of the 2007 Bad Faith Award

Comment #112496 by walk on January 17, 2008 at 10:44 am

robotoholic,

In my earlier search for the truth I read a couple LRH books, and there's just enough (pseudo) science to pique your curiosity. They hook you in with some reasonable theories on psychology and repressed memories, etc. It's not until you've spent thousands on their courses that they finally tell you that we're aliens, and heaven (which L Ron has personally visited) is in a town on a planet and can be accessed by climbing a staircase in a hotel lobby. (Although on his last visit he said the place was looking a bit "shabby").

By all means check it all out, it's hilarious!

41. Dinesh D'Souza: Winner of the 2007 Bad Faith Award

Comment #112483 by walk on January 17, 2008 at 9:14 am

Man, that Cruise video was amazing! How many times did he say the word "help"? There was absolutely zero content for over nine minutes! I visited a Scientology center in Sacramento, CA, USA years ago. It's a scary place full of mindless sheep and weird psych excercises. It was especially depressing to see rooms full of children being indoctrinated into the cult with cartoon coloring books teaching them that their minds are defective, and that they need the program to become "clear". Very disturbing.

This video should definitely be posted on RD.net (if it hasn't been) for all to see.

42. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #111635 by walk on January 15, 2008 at 8:34 am

robotaholic (85),

Not to worry, I was interested in looking at the arguments for their comedic value. Also it might make the next JW knock on the door a bit more fun. Thanks for discussing your personal JW experience. All such information is useful when confronting religious beliefs.

defaithed (86),

The "Mrs. Horse" quote was hilarious!

dynamic1 (87),

Thanks, your story really brings to light the dangers of superstition over science.

43. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #111310 by walk on January 14, 2008 at 9:27 am

Thankgodforatheists (83),

Oops!

I was looking for "Life - How It Began". Thanks for pointing out it's actually "Life, how did it get here, by evolution or by creation?"

Amazing how much easier it is to find something when I remember the title correctly! Doh!

44. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #111126 by walk on January 13, 2008 at 4:47 pm

To our friends here who are former JW - congratulations, and all the best in your future endeavors!

I'm intrigued by your mention of "Life - How It Began". I couldn't find anything about it on the net. Could someone please give a brief outline of what is said in this booklet? Thank you.

45. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #111065 by walk on January 13, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Richard,

Thank you. I'm glad to see it's just his style that puts you off and not the accuracy of his statements. I know what you mean, there are a few public figures that I react to that way.

Cheers.

46. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #111031 by walk on January 13, 2008 at 11:05 am

Richard Morgan,

I'm not sure if I'm understanding you correctly. Is it just Hitchens' smoking, drinking, and style of speaking that you don't like, or do you feel he's purposely presenting facts which are incorrect in order to make his point. If so, could you provide some examples, so that I might be better informed? Thank you.


Edit: And if you disapprove of Hitch's blunt style why would you accuse me of:

somebody who hasn't (read a few books)

47. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #110915 by walk on January 13, 2008 at 8:09 am

Richard,

Sorry about that. I was way overstating from a point of ignorance.

Hitchens gives so many detailed names, dates, etc. when discussing literature, history, and politics, I was assuming that his facts were mostly correct. (My use of the word "astounding" was totally inappropriate).

I know many here disagree with his politcs, but if he's stating facts that are incorrect I would sure like to have them pointed out to me.

48. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #110516 by walk on January 11, 2008 at 12:19 pm

Agreed.

49. Six Reasons to be an Atheist

Comment #110514 by walk on January 11, 2008 at 12:16 pm

al-rawandi (509), Hah! (I'm sure your goat doesn't mind!)

50. Six Reasons to be an Atheist

Comment #110504 by walk on January 11, 2008 at 11:56 am

I for one am feeling a bit of sympathy for poor ol' ADH. - - - He obviously feels apprehensive if he masturbates too much (remember his imaginary friend is watching), he's constrained to think ONLY of his wife while making love (OR masturbating), (remember God is listening to EVERY thought - and judging), and now he's reluctant to even TALK about self-satisfying, health-promoting activity. Quite a restrictive little cage he's built around himself. Of course after all this self-denial and thought control, he WILL have the last laugh on us! He gets to kneel and worship his sexually repressed diety for ALL eternity!

(Sorry for the sarcasm, but he always avoids my direct questions in order to answer the more esoteric, philosophical ones, so I'm throwing in the towel for now. My apologies to you, Steve, I know how you dislike mockery).