1. An Interview with Prof. Richard Dawkins

Comment #199825 by scotochromagen on June 26, 2008 at 11:46 am

Diacanu -
I agree i don't like all this sanctimonious bullshit about 'being in a better place' like non-existence is even a place - HOWEVER i do think there are occassions, especially when a loved one is dying where words of solace such as the above may offer some, however little, comfort.
My Father recently passed away at a fairly young age (60) after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
He felt he had lost his dignity (due to impaired motor function), was regularly in pain and generally had a pretty shit time of his last few months. He as far as i knew had always been a christian, but before he passed away we talked about death. He said 'no one really knows what happens when we die, do they'
I replied 'Dad, whatever happens,you will be in a better place than you are now'
It was the most honest answer i could give him - non existence (although calling it a place is a logical fallacy) was truly a better 'place' for him.

2. Sam Harris debate with Rabbi David Wolpe

Comment #107446 by scotochromagen on January 4, 2008 at 2:26 pm

I`ve seen a few interviews with sam and i have to say in this he was absolutely sublime. Give the guy some more quality airtime i say.
One thing that is bothering me lately is the idea that familarity with these arguements (and let`s
face it they are all pretty much the same) will breed apathy amongst the atheist contingent. Then again i have got two kids growing up so if that's not enough motivation to keep trying to discourage irrationality and encourage reason and logic i don`t know what is.
OK that`s it - the only way to keep the 'new atheist' movement going is to have kids - Go forth and multiply i say.
Ah well any excuse for a bit of fun eh?