1. Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #116429 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 26, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Agreed.

Furthermore check out this site I just found:

http://www.newchristian.org.uk/

More Christian blabbering. I usually have respect for believers [something they don't have for us non-believers], but this website and this interview makes it difficult to believe these people are nothing more than in-bred sheep. Sorry if that sounds harsh; I certainly have no desire to hurt any believers feelings, yet some of your claims are far too ludicrous for anybody of rational thinking to understand.

If you visit the website, visit the test to see if you are a good or bad person. An interesting test that asks if you obey the Lord. Also interesting is that vicars and priests work on Sunday - so aren't they breaking the sabbath, or is that something completely different?

Long live the likes of Richard Dawkins. At least I can understand his viewpoint. I can't understand the notion of a 'loving' God who would damn me to eternal suffering just because I dared to fantasize about some member of the opposite sex outside of my marriage.

You believers can keep your God. I don't want him.

Regards.

2. Why Christians should take Richard Dawkins seriously

Comment #72343 by NoLongerHaveBelief on September 20, 2007 at 7:18 pm

Interesting points, Sabre-tooth.

I just visited a 'believers' website.

http://www.godandscience.org/

Too be fair, it's well written. Still a load of codswallop though! I particularly enjoyed the part about Love/ True Love. Apparently God IS Love.

Hmmm. Thanks for being so loving God. Only a loving God could have thought up of all those nasty disease-endings were all in for. Not to mention suffering, pain, pestilence and a plethora of other evidence that shouts EVO-LOO-SHUN.

Say it believers. Evolution. It doesn't hurt and it is far more thrilling, far more truthful, far more intuitive, far more exciting than awaiting judgement day.

Whatever that is.

3. A force for good?

Comment #56179 by NoLongerHaveBelief on July 14, 2007 at 9:58 am

All true DD.

I just heard my neighbours yapping. I am a nosey swine and couldn't help listening! You see, 1 of them just had the Jehovah's witness around. 1 neighbour was out - and when he returned, my other neighbour, told him about the visit.

I don't chat much with either. After listening to their views, methinks, "me iz gonna" chat with them loads!

They said how the Bible was b*ll*cks and how the Jehovah's always pick-and-choose what they want you to hear. When 1 of them told the JW's that he believed in Evolution, he was given a load-of-old you-know-what about "A child couldn't learn English without a teacher"

????? WHAT THE ????? My neighbour quite rightly expressed dismay, at this RIDICULOUS premise - a premise as ridiculous as any, given by religious apologists, for all manner of stories and folklore.

Damn! All this time, 2 other Atheists, living next to me... and I never knew! I always thought 1 of them was a believer. Isn't it marvellous how [Professor Dawkins, pay attention:], our internal emotions, formed via Darwinian natural selection, can mislead us?! All this time, I thought my neighbour was a JW, when actually, he is sick of the sight of them!!

CAVEAT EMPTOR! Me and my neigbhour are going to be having a little chat soon... and I shall purchase a copy of TGD for his Christmas prez.

Warm Regards, To believer and non-believers.

4. Won't anyone stand up for God?

Comment #54490 by NoLongerHaveBelief on July 7, 2007 at 12:29 pm

I've never met such wishful thinking in all my days!

This author seems to accept ALL Atheists arguments - but still INSISTS on God being there!

Yes. MAYBE God is there. But he/ she/ it is one lazy son-of-a-b*tch.

It makes no sense to myself. WHY put life on Earth? Why not on Pluto or Jupiter? After all, surely God can do anything?

Oh! God is BEYOND the Big Bang. That's convenient. How is this known, exactly? This rationalization is EXACTLY what Professor Dawkins is trying to reach; intelligent people, or at least open-minded people, who will THINK.

Surely, surely, surely, those old ancient texts now have little bearing on our era? I find some of the tripe in the Bible obnoxious and anti-mankind.

The ONLY part I agree with, due SOLELY to the right of free-speech, is attacking Theists. I agree, we should NOT destroy their Faith. My mother believes and because of my stance now, asked me recently, for my viewpoint. "We simply don't know" [though the evidence DOES suggest no God or Supernaturalism], I said, "So DON'T lose your Faith, if it makes you a stronger person.". Just as children SHOULD be allowed to learn about God in their own time [as Professor Dawkins insists], so to, people should become Atheist if they so CHOOSE.

It's amazing the furore Professor Dawkins works kick up! I adore his works. I am now reading the Devils Chaplain - and I learn more on 2 pages of THAT book than in any Bible.

Warm Regards, to believers and non-believers alike.

5. Yes, the universe looks like a fix. But that doesn't mean that a god fixed it

Comment #53963 by NoLongerHaveBelief on July 4, 2007 at 12:58 pm

Hi Billy. Great posting as per.

I finished TGD at Christmas. I enjoyed it so much, that today I went into Waterstones at purchased:

1) TGD on CD x 6
2) Origin of Species as read by Professor Dawkins, on CD
3) Also got a free copy of War of The Worlds CD (1967). [There is a 3 CD Audiobooks for 2 at Waterstones, at the moment!].

TGD on CD is ACE! You get to hear all the inflexions that Professor Dawkins WANTS you to read. I highly recommend it. And the professors' lovely wife adds a great addition to the CD's, for variance of tone.

Warm Regards, to all believers and non-believers.

6. God is not responsible for war and suffering

Comment #53863 by NoLongerHaveBelief on July 3, 2007 at 4:21 pm

....very good Orlanth.

Or we could just go straight to the ol' tried n tested.

God ---> Creator of all things ---> Creator of evil ----> Why call him good?

If the delusion existed, then the ULTIMATE reason for all things, suffering, death et cetera, lies in the hands of the creator.

Oh! You theists say! 'We have FREE WILL'. Yeah, right. I am going to use my free will then. I've decided I don't need to eat, sleep, go to the toilet, fall ill or ever die.

Hmmm. I can't seem to do it for some reason? I don't understand the believers mind. I'm ashamed I used to believe, but delighted that I found the works of great Atheists like Professor Dawkins. I've found it truly liberating.

And let's PRETEND that Hitler was an Atheist. So what? All the millions of men on BOTH sides of the 2nd World War, likely believed... and all ignored the command 'thou shalt not kill'. So is it okay to kill then, or not?

Religion in my mind, should be defunct. I'm disgusted that my 13 year old daughter came home with some stupid poem spouting off about God from school, this week. What a disgrace. Religion should be personal. I can't see why this rubbish is even on a school curriculum. I'd much rather she was reading a book by Professor Dawkins, Stephen Hawking or a bit of Darwin.

Truth is better than fiction.

7. In the name of the Father

Comment #51512 by NoLongerHaveBelief on June 23, 2007 at 7:38 am

Hi Prime.

Religion is certainly divisive. Good AND Bad acts are committed on its behalf.

As a Weak Atheist, I wouldn't deny the religious their right to believe - and practice that belief, in a responsible manner.

Maybe, one day, we'll have this question solved by science. The Religious STILL wouldn't believe us Atheists though! Then it would be the work of the Devil.... :-)

Warm Regards, to believers and non-believers alike.

8. Americans believe in both evolution, creationism: poll

Comment #50293 by NoLongerHaveBelief on June 16, 2007 at 1:47 pm

>>Comment #49036 by pewkatchoo <<

Hi Pewkatchoo! That graphic you display: Is that a REAL Book, amongst the Dummy series?!

Me gots, to gets me that one! I had great fun last August. I had Labyrinthitis, which also gave me Vertigo. During a Vertigo attack the Jehovah's came-a-knocking on my door.

Although I couldn't stand, see or hear very well, during the Vertigo, I gave them a great argument for 45 minutes! Even Professor D would have been proud!

It finished with them 'sort' of conceding that they were talking rubbish and with me running at them down the garden path shouting:

"I'm an Atheist!!! I don't believe in the rubbish and you don't see me blowing up kids with explosives attached to myself or throwing planes into buildings!"

Now obviously, not all believers are like that, but they got the point, as those weekly visits have now stopped!

Again, is that a book I can purchase?! I'm heading over to Amazon.co.uk as I speak...

Warm Regards, To believers and non-believers alike.

9. Richard Dawkins and Alister McGrath

Comment #49991 by NoLongerHaveBelief on June 14, 2007 at 12:45 pm

Yeah, I agree. I think McGrath, whilst obviously a nice individual, who wouldn't harm or enforce his belief-system on others, is very misguided.

I think Professor Dawkins was wonderful on this video! 10 out of 10! I particularly enjoyed the way he made McGrath squirm, when he caught him in the catch-22 of the child saved by God, when clearly, God doesn't choose to save just ANYBODY. I REALLY enjoyed, the manner in which McGrath tried to STALL the conversation and buy some time...

I can just imagine the conversation in his head...

"ALISTAIR!! GOD HERE! YOU'VE DROPPED THE BALL AT THE 1-YARD LINE! PICK IT UP QUICK!"

"ERM. Yes, My Lord. Sorry. Have to think a bit. I've contradicted myself there. Oops. Erm. I don't know what to say! Erm. I'll buy some time. I'll turn to the camera and bleat on about something else!"

Then. In the brief repose of conversation with his almighty-God, McGrath will WEASEL his way out of the snare, by blithering on in prose and disguised vocabulary.

Sorry Alistair. Nothing personal against you. You are OBVIOUSLY a very nice individual. You are deluded though. A delusion I'm happy to say I've broken free of. I've found it liberating. Especially as I had a VERY religious ubbringing. I find myself, from time to time, wondering if I'm right.

Then I read 1 of Professor Dawkins books and I snap back to this reality. The one and ONLY reality. I admire the works of Professor Dawkins very much. I'm now reading a Devil's Chaplain and thoroughly enjoying it!

Keep up the good work, all who contribute to this site. And believers... I've NO DESIRE to destroy your faith; NO DESIRE to tell you you are wrong... but do consider our side of the fence, WITHOUT curling up into that snarled-up, head-tilting, pious attitude.

Regards, to all.

10. Atheism is pretentious and cowardly

Comment #48279 by NoLongerHaveBelief on June 7, 2007 at 9:29 am

Hi Billy! Long time no hear!

I tried to read this article, but got rather bored. The last paragraph, was all that was needed to be read. In short: We can't prove God exists, so we'll come after Atheists.

Sad. Very sad. By the way, Billy, how's your training going? I've had to cut back seriously recently, due to work pressure and a shoulder injury I can't seem to shake. Lost no size though :-)

Oh! Yeah! The above article was a bore. I fed the birds in my garden today and it was a damned lot more interesting than reading Mr.Believer above.

YAWN!

Warm regards, to both believers and non-believers. Even boring ones. Everybody is entitled to their viewpoint, I suppose.

11. The Atheism FAQ with Richard Dawkins

Comment #47748 by NoLongerHaveBelief on June 5, 2007 at 12:19 pm

Yeah. Dead right John. The 9/11 'conspiracy' is a complete load of hogwash. Same with the Moon Landings 'not' happening, UFO's, Tea-leaf reading, 'Medium's', Ghosts, Poltergeists, Loch-ness Monsters, Afterlife, Re-incarnation and Religion. ALL rubbish. Total trash. I believed in all that hype at one time. No longer. I'm delighted to have found the works of Professor Dawkins - just short of my 40's by a couple of years.

I used to be dragged to church every Sunday. What a load of rubbish. A complete waste of the only life I'll ever have. Reciting B-O-R-I-N-G, U-S-E-L-E-S-S, ancient texts that made no sense in the 20th century and even less today.

What really annoys me, is not belief in God. I actually DO respect those that believe in a higher power. What bugs me, is the parsamonious types: Have you seen that McGrath character on the above video? - Professor Dawkins caught him a treat with a contradiction! His holier-than-thou attitude was busted! He was stalling for time! I found it rather exhilirating!

Make no mistake here. A CONTRADICTION, means faulty, logical reasoning. Not all theories can be true. Only one theory can be true i.e. There is a God or there isn't a God. Life, planets, solar systems et cetera are NOT proof of the existence of a deity or a higher power.

Good on ya' Professor! That McGrath is a smug git. I can say that, because I'm working class trash. And WHAT is all that head-tilting about?!

McGrath WAS BUSTED! I loved it! You believers REALLY think you're superior to the rest of us. you're not. I despise your holier-than-thou-Atheists attitude. Do homosexual surgeons REALLY go to the abyss, when their mortal time arrives?

I think not. And neither will those nutters on board those 4 planes on 9/11.

I'm already onto my 4th Professor Dawkins book. I'm now reading The Devil's Chaplain. I've learnt more during the previous 3 books than a lifetime of religious dogma.

12. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45409 by NoLongerHaveBelief on May 27, 2007 at 3:46 pm

Hi Kaiserkrss.

I concur. I've just (finally!), finished TGD. Well, what can I say? I found it totally correct in viewpoint and a damned good read!

I'd like to congratulate Professor Dawkins on his latest work. Thank you. Thank you, for your nobility, your sensibility and rationality. It is so sorely needed, in our modern times.

I'm going to level here with Theists. Yes. There could be a God. I don't believe this to be so, but there could be an all-powerful higher force. As Professor Dawkins states in the final chapter, we are middle-world beings, only capable of understanding (or at least experiencing) middle-world events. This obviously leaves the door open to other possibilities. Perhaps a God. Perhaps existence from nothing-ness. It's hard for our limited (evolved!) brains to understand. Maybe we will, or we won't, ever fully understand.

I know this much: The God Delusion is correct in it's assumptions. The Prof could have selected MANY MANY ridiculous, fairy-tales, from the Bible or Qur'an. I don't have a problem with people believing, but P-L-E-A-S-E don't tell us that Noah's ark, or burning talking bushes are correct!

My best wishes to believers and non-believers alike.

Warm Regards.

13. Answers To the Atheists

Comment #30299 by NoLongerHaveBelief on April 7, 2007 at 12:59 pm

>>Comment #30252 by maton100 on April 7, 2007 at 10:40 am
The Easter Bunny *is* real. On the third day he flew into heaven from the divine Easter basket. The bunny will forgive your sins if you will just accept him as your personal hare. That is why I celebrate Easter, unlike those neo-abunniests. 2 billion eggs can't be wrong.<<

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! How amusing! And more answers than the main article above. Man! I nearly fell asleep reading E J Dionne Jr. As pointed out above, there were no answers. If people want to believe in a supreme deity, I have no problem WHATSOEVER, with them. Just don't expect me to believe. And don't paint a universal picture that all Atheists are going to hell. After all, who made the great Professor Dawkins?! [PS. I'm thoroughly enjoying your latest work TGD, prof. Hope you throw some tour dates around the UK?].

Kind Regards, to ALL - believers and non-believers alike.

14. Creationism debate continues to evolve

Comment #29720 by NoLongerHaveBelief on April 4, 2007 at 12:32 pm

And that's an excellent point, too, willerror!

I haven't posted on here since Xmas [an irony?]. Been too busy. But I've popped back, from time to time. I'm now on page 327 of TGD. I must say, I really admire Professor Dawkins and his work! I've got 3 of his books now, but I want 'em all.

I'd like some believer - any Theist - to explain to myself, WHY does God not lift a finger at the DISGRACE of starving children? Today, as you and I willerror, went about our lives, 30,000 children, under the age of 5, will have perished from starvation.

True. Our own species should sort it. If I were God, though, I'd have made everything right FIRST TIME.

This is the crap I hear at work anyway! "Get it right first time!"

Kind Regards.

15. Memo: Stop teaching evolution

Comment #22731 by NoLongerHaveBelief on February 21, 2007 at 12:27 pm

True kkant.

Theists that stick their hands in their ears and yell "Jesus, God, Jesus, God... la la la... I am not listening..."... well, they are plain stupid.

Theists that espouse that maybe there is more, that maybe there could be a God... they get my respect.

Even as an Atheist, I can conceive of the notion of a God. The idea of a super-being or beings or creators. I can conceive of this, as surely all us Atheists can, even though we have strong reasons to disbelieve.

The types who want to ban evolution, well, what is their agenda? Power? Money? Fear? Combo of all 3? I'm afraid the days when we place our trust in the priest must surely be coming to an end? And good riddance.

I don't want to go back to an era of fear, ignorance and superstition do you? I can't see why evolution and God couldn't co-exist [even though I don't believe that to be the case].

I have a close family member who believes, but airs towards agnosticism. This very close individual acknowledges everything that science teaches, whilst not excluding God. I have extreme respect for that notion. Common sense. After all, even as Atheists, we don't KNOW for sure that there is no God. We just strongly suspect he doesn't exist and live our lives accordingly. [Of course, it goes without saying that Professor Dawkins would go further than I on this].

If God exists at all, then surely such a being wouldn't have a care for any of our petty squabbles. Think of how little thought we give to the billions of lifeforms on this planet, during our daily lives? [except Professor D!].

In the same manner that we don't REALLY give a hoot about the fly we just squashed, a being of such magnificence, capable of creation, wouldn't give a damn about Gays, 2nd-class citizens such as women [according to the Bible - not me!!!], slaves and all the other rubbish from the Bible. Such a being wouldn't have time.

But maybe I'm being too kind to the believers here? I don't believe; I have respect for any believer, though, who can embrace science. Nothing wrong with that. Rejection of evolution though is pure tripe and ignorance. Evolution happens. Accept it believers, as part of your belief and let's move on.

Kind Regards to all.

16. James Randi on Larry King Live

Comment #20210 by NoLongerHaveBelief on February 1, 2007 at 4:24 am

>>Comment #20185 by Feuerbach<<

Brilliant! Truly brilliant posting!

It seems Feuerbach, that ANY other area of expertise needs evidence of knowledge.

Except God, religion and mysticism! These areas are exempt, apparently.

17. James Randi on Larry King Live

Comment #20106 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 31, 2007 at 12:25 pm

Yeah! Dead right Johan!

Over the past few days, I've been wondering about my Atheism. [We surely all do at times?]. No longer. Thanks to this link, I'm back to rationality.

The afterlife is a myth. God is a fraud. There is no such thing as a 'psychic'. It's all just a bunch of crap.

Fear. Ignorance. Superstition. Control. Power. That's the true root of Religion, God and people like Rosemary who won't take the challenge.

If I thought I had any psychic ability, I'd have a go. It's all trash - and some people seem to be making a fine living from it.

18. Durham Council Votes To Continue Saying Lord's Prayer

Comment #19466 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 27, 2007 at 12:11 pm

Tell you what though Diplo...

... was reading in New Scientist a few weeks ago, about Religious institutions, where adults [now grown up] misunderstood things.

For instance, as a 7-year old, I thought 'stoppage' time in football was 'stockage' time!

There was this one bloke, who at a funeral as a young guy THOUGHT he heard:

"The Father, the Son and The Holy Ghost' as:

"The Father, the Son and Into the Hole he goes!"

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! How tragic! Made me laugh though.

Oh! And saying the Lord's prayer in Canada is stupid. Hope we don't get that rubbish here. I used to say it every night as a kid, yet oddly, things still happened to people that I didn't want to happen.

Maybe I was unGodly, eh?

19. In defense of atheism

Comment #19465 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 27, 2007 at 12:05 pm

I've seen the film Quork - great stuff 1984!

Fantastic article!

I'd also congratulate the new Atheist [mjwemdee] above who has jumped ship! Welcome to Atheism! It is liberating! Now you need to know if you are a strong Atheist or Weak Atheist? I'm more Weak Atheist. Professor Dawkins [because his intellect is much greater than mine] doesn't believe. period. Strong Atheist.

visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weak_atheism#Types_of_Weak_Atheists

I'm a Weak Atheist. There's a small amount of room in my mind for the possibility of God - but I live my life assuming he isn't there and that we should dispense with silly supernatural tales and view each other as HUMAN. We should get along. You will find most Atheists [not all] are not pious and are indeed, well-mannered, articulated and have good morals. God is not needed to be a decent Human being.

Good luck! Enjoy this site! It's wonderful!

20. Are politics in your DNA?

Comment #19463 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 27, 2007 at 11:51 am

Yeah Mango, you may be right there.

However, I think life experiences have a lot to do with our beliefs, also.

20 years ago I was a Christian, stinking sexist, stinking racist and wasn't a nice person. I believed in the death penalty and hated gays.

Much growing up and education later, aided with life experiences, I look at that younger model of myself with disgust.

No longer do I see the death sentence as Justice - there can be no justice with punishments that are absolute [which is why I can't believe in God. A being of such magnificence would surely NOT punish a lesser being for acting EXACTLY as the superior being created], nor do I believe being Gay is evil, nor do I look upon women as lesser beings. I no longer believe in Christ either.

So, we can change our politics. I've gone from extreme abnoxious right-wing thinking to left-of-centre liberalism. All in less than 2 decades.

Glad I grew up. Glad I opened my mind. Wish the believers would think about things too. WHY does the Catholic church have a problem with Gays?

I mean, Gays grew up around heterosexual parents - yet their parent didn't rub off on them, did they?! The Catholic church have a right cheek, getting up on their high horse about Gays - with their history of child abuse!

21. The Only One in Step

Comment #19461 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 27, 2007 at 11:42 am

>>Comment #19329 by gimlibengloin<<

>>That Macroevolution is an extension of mico is an ASSUMPTION. Certainly no ones ever proved it. Please pay attention here: it wasn't observed 65 million years ago etc, it hasn't been repeated today in the lab, the living world can be classified into distinct groups-species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom and the same for the fossil record. Gradual evolution isn't seen. Why? BECAUSE ITS A HOAX. Why is dawkin's full of empty rhetoric? BECAUSE HE HAS NO EVIDENCE TO PRESENT. A perfect fit with the facts.<<

I suggest you lower your tone. You picked one point from my article, yet ignored my other comments - I still say it is up to YOURSELF to provide evidence for God - which you can't. The Bible and Al Qur'an are nonesense. Why? For starters, there's the beating to death of people, for of all things, collecting sticks on Sunday. And if God did exist, do you think he'd give a hoot about Homosexuality? No - he'd be above it all. He wouldn't have a religion of his own and he'd view all of his creations with love. The fact that women and Gays are so despised in the Bible, is plain evidence that it is a fraud, designed for control by MEN WITH THEIR OWN PREJUDICES. No inspired work of a creator would contain such references as murder, death, stoning, rape, child-rape, torture, absurdity, nor any of the other ridiculous claims the Bible alludes too. Have you actually read the rubbish? The Bible is rubbish.

Isn't it marvellous too, the anger you Theists demonstrate in your postings? You complain that Atheists [Richard Dawkins, myself] can't provide you with a complete record of evolution, yet, where is YOUR evidence for God? Where is YOUR proof, then? The Bible is clearly rubbish. Simon earlier stated that the veracity of the Bible is full of evidence! I've never read such nonesense!

I was reading in New Scientist this week, of any area around the Antartic. 4 km's in thickness [if memory serves] is going to be drilled through. Scientists think an Asteroid may have hit 10^9 years ago, and would be larger than the one that hit the Gulf Region that killed the Dinosaurs. It is speculated that no life may be found there - making it a first for the Earth - and that it would have finished off 75% - 95% of the life on Earth at that time.

Now this is all very interesting. Mass extinctions are clearly a very regular process on this planet. Indeed, the poles reverse every 250,000 years - we had our last one 740,000 years ago, so we are overdue - and this could cause problems.

The point is, that the Bible mentions none of these events. Why? Why doesn't the Bible mention the Dinosaurs? Why doesn't the Bible give us a TRUE age of the Earth?

You see, Gim, I'm not closed minded. There could be a God. I have no problem with that at all. Truth be told, it would be lovely. Yet, what you claim, [i.e. The Bible] is too fairy-tale like for my conscience nowadays. I can't subscribe to the Abrahamic God, anymore than Thor, Zeus, Wotan, Vishnu et cetera. WHY do you?

Why do you not follow Zeus? Too ridiculous for you to believe in? Too silly? Yet, you want us to believe that 'Jesus' rose from the Dead and ascended to heaven. WHERE is his tomb? WHY wasn't it marked out properly by the early Christians? [If I'm wrong - please correct me, here]. Why is there no burial site, or plaque to mark where Jesus is supposed to have died? A man of such importance should have monuments. We have works from that time, of Roman leaders or Greek leaders, what of the Pharoahs? Yet there is nothing [that I'm aware of] that highlights Jesus's life - other than a dubious work called the Bible.

I'm Atheist now. Yes. God could exist. I'm not a fence-sitting Agnostic. Yes, Jesus most likely lived [why do you not follow Mormonism? Too silly for you?], but he was a good MAN not a God.

The questions you need to ask yourself Gim are:

1) Is there another alternative to God?
2) If God exists, would he have a religion?
3) If God exists, would he want me to follow an old doctrine BLINDLY, or would he want me to find him?
4) Are the morals of the Bible valid? Is it okay to beat people to death for working on Sunday?
5) If God exists - then science was given to us as a tool - so why not use science and find God? Maybe one day, science will prove or disprove God permanently?
6) Are Atheists 'fools' as the Bible declares? Has anything I've written here, come across as foolish? I'm not anti-Gay, racist, sexist, warmongering or a criminal - so how do you know Atheism is wrong? Because the Bible says so?
7) Do you think God would want his creations to argue over the finer details? If so, why did God create Professor Dawkins?
8) Why are you so ANGRY, so VERY, VERY ANGRY with Professor Dawkins? Is Faith and religion NOT ALLOWED to be scrutinized? Is it WRONG To ask questions? How do you know it's wrong? Because the Bible says so?
9) Do you really believe the Bible? I found it evil filth, to be honest. I found the morals in it lacking, the teachings evil [except Jesus - whose teaching were, admittedly, quite good] and some of the stories child-like. [i.e it is not permitted for women to talk in church - how bigotted is that?]

No. You're asking too much, my friend. Too much. I say the Bible is wrong - and if the creator exists, he'd want us to grow up and get along with each other. NOT throw planes into buildings. NOT to go on crusades and certaintly not to placard outside Hamish schools after children have been shot dead. You believers should hang your heads in shame.

22. The Only One in Step

Comment #19213 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 25, 2007 at 3:28 pm

Your earlier point, Gim, about absence of evolution, is I believe, incorrect.

Isn't it the case that, trillions of life-forms have existed at one-time or another, yet fossilization is infact a rarity?

You must be aware that if a Horse fossil was to turn up in the Cambrian period, you'd be able to trash evolution thoroughly. Your postings here, do admit to 'Microevolution', so, you must be aware that 'Macroevolution' is just an extension of 'Microevolution' over time?

Indeed, just tonight, I was reading in my local rag, of a new Rodent discovered, in the Peruvian jungles. Sort of half-squirrel and half-Rodent. There must be many life-forms, not known and maybe that once lived, as yet undiscovered. Life is extremely diverse on this planet. No doubt mass extinctions are common place!

I'm not an authority on this - I wouldn't even pretend to be. The plain fact remains though, that evolution does have limited evidence as being part and parcel of life on this Earth.

Yet, what evidence is there for any religious doctrine as being correct? The Ark fairy tale is ludicrous. The burning bush story is laughable. Jesus rising from the dead is ridiculous [even magicians call themselves illusionists these days], Jesus walking across water and all the other fairy-tales of the Bible are not ideas I could ascribe to.

I can, even as an Atheist, conceive of a God. The idea is not laughable, unlike the stupid tales of the Bible or the Al Qur'an. Would you not agree that if God existed, he wouldn't have a religion? Therefore, how do you KNOW you are following the correct one, if at all? You don't. MAYBE your God would be happier with people being Atheist and looking for answers? MAYBE your God would prefer equals in thought? MAYBE one day, when we have enough knowledge, your God will reveal himself/ herself/ itself to us?

You don't KNOW that your religion is correct. None of the ideas above are any more lunatical than Islamic Jihads or Christian Crusades. Yet believers would like to drive home the point, that unless we follow the 'rules' as laid out in some ancient text, then we are doomed.

I don't even think you stop to consider what your beliefs truly are asking of us sometimes. The intolerance of the Catholic church, here in England, is a good example.

They want lesser rights for Homosexuals [No adoptions for them, according to God]. Do you not think that God couldn't give a damn about sexuality? He made EVERYTHING, according to your beliefs. Yet Gays are seen as evil scum.

I can't see why two people who love each other are scum. No. Religion is quite wrong. I don't believe in any higher power now. But if I'm wrong, then God would surely as Jefferson said:

"Subsribe to reason, more than blind faith".

Maybe Professor Dawkins has more chance of getting to heaven than you believers? You don't know for sure, do you? That's why you come after Atheists.

23. A Culture of Faith, Devoted Yet Complex

Comment #19169 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 25, 2007 at 10:59 am

Comment #19159 by John Turner

Thanks for the link John.

Wow! Of course, we'd all heard about Haggard in this drug-buying venture. I loved his shifty little eyes moving backwards and forwards to his wife and the camera lense. [As if in a 'You do believe me dear, don't you? No I didn't have gay sex outside our our marriage, no I didn't take drugs, yes I did buy them, yes I only met him for a massage, no it didn't occur to me to go to a female masseur, but if I did, you'd have accused me of being up to no good, Hail Jesus!]

Professor Dawkins is too noble, too far above Haggard to say anything derogatory.

I am not. I am working class filth. I can say it:

HAGGARD YOU LOWLIFE FILTH. HOW DARE YOU call the Professor 'Arrogant'. A man of God my a**e.

24. Send The God Delusion to your MP

Comment #19007 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 24, 2007 at 10:00 am

Count me in too guys.

If everybody sends a copy - I'll purchase a 2nd copy too. That would cover Dudley South - my M.P is Mr Ian Pearson.

I think Roman Catholics have got a cheek, with their history of child abuse!

25. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #18917 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 23, 2007 at 4:21 pm

>>Comment #18911 by shauntheboy<<

Thanks Shaun. For myself, faith is no longer a virtue, not to be scrutinized.

However, I admire your faith and wish you well in 2007.

26. Dispatches: Undercover Mosque

Comment #18379 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 20, 2007 at 8:28 am

Great links Brian. Thanks.

I have a new game show. It's called:

UNDERCOVER BIG BROTHER.

We send Jade Goody into the Mosques, identified in Dispatches and we see how long she will last.

I reckon around 30 seconds. Could be quite a laugh!

27. Atheist Richard Dawkins on 'The God Delusion'

Comment #18291 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 19, 2007 at 11:40 am

Agree. Mr.Mark.

As usual, Professor Dawkins is eloquent, intelligent, respectful and right-on-the-mark.

How can anybody so easily disagree with his views?

I find his writings humbling and more on track than any religion.

28. Dispatches: Undercover Mosque

Comment #18288 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 19, 2007 at 11:11 am

Comment #18283 by Lionel A

A great posting Lionel. I fully concur.

Thanks for the great link. I've got one for the Qur'an already - now have one for the Hadith.

Thanks

29. Dispatches: Undercover Mosque

Comment #18279 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 19, 2007 at 9:21 am

Yes, Si.

I don't understand why it wasn't mentioned much in the newspapers, here in Britain, the very next day [Tuesday]. There was hardly a murmur.

The MP's sure enough jumped on the bandwagon for that Big Brother crap. [I ain't defending the vile Jade Goody]. The mere suggestion that we are racist - hell no! The MP's even had Tony Blair harping on about it at PM questions on Wednesday!

Yet, here on this Islmaic documentary, some seriously treasonous activity seems to be going on - and nobody flinched! Furthermore, why did nobody in the audience stand up and say 'I don't agree with that' and walk away?

Truly frightening. I guess I may write to my MP - as Simon above asks.

30. Discussion of The God Delusion

Comment #18277 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 19, 2007 at 9:15 am

Comment #18226 by melisande

A great post!

Yes. GG did go on about that blooming wedding a bit, eh?!

SNOOZE-A-NOREE!

31. Dispatches: Undercover Mosque

Comment #18274 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 19, 2007 at 9:01 am

Comment #18219 by Feuerbach

HA HA HA! Arnold from Diff'rent Strokes?! Yeah! 'It takes....to rule the world!'.

Great points made by Linda, above. Joking apart, I saw [and recorded] the documentary. I love Dispatches, anyway - a top show [why do C4 Have such extremes? Dispatches AND that vomit Big brother?].

Anyway. I was disturbed, mostly, by the fact that the one guy was an AMERICAN MUSLIM. A most unusual religion for an American, surely? Truth be told though, the hate-mongers who HIDE behind religion are not exclusive to Islam. Visit www.godhatesfags.com and you can see the Christian version. Indeed, on YouTube, if you search for Pastor Becky Fischer, she openly admits that she wants to see 'Christian' fighters laying down their lives in sort of a la' 911 fashion because 'excuse me...we have the truth as Christians'.

I find it all rather bizarre. If there is a God, I'm sure he would not want the major religions warring against each other. This is EXACTLY the whole point of TGD.

Regards to all.

32. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #18273 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 19, 2007 at 8:53 am

Good points Dogbreath!

Shauntheboy and Theo: I am impressed with your arguments in here. Much better than the usual Theistic tripe. However, as my 'handle' suggests, I no longer believe in God [it took me 20 years to reject the notion] and have no intention of going back to Theism.

What I would like to know, from either or both of you guys is this: I assume you are both Christians?

I'd like to know why you think your religion is correct and why you aren't Muslim or a Mormon?

I ask this, not to dissect your postings - just out of pure interest. How do you know you are following the correct religion?

Kind Regards

33. Beyond the Believers

Comment #18128 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 18, 2007 at 1:14 pm

1. God has given us 'free-will'; Thus criticism of Faith is allowed, so sayeth the Lord!
2. People should be motivated by religious doctrines; The Lord instructed Muslims, Christians & Jews that only their social, economic society is the right one, So Sayeth the Lord!
3. Metaphorically the Lord believes in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and Father Christmas; there is no conflict between Religion and Science, because I created them both in opposition, so sayeth the Lord!
4. Religion will not always be with us; Because,I, the good Lord, have created super-intelligent Humans, like Professor Dawkins; eventually his selfish Genes will be able to disprove my existence, so sayeth the Lord!

34. Discussion of The God Delusion

Comment #18124 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 18, 2007 at 12:49 pm

>>Comment #17987 by Feuerbach<<

Good comments, Feuerbach. I got the impression on the broadcast that they wanted Professor Dawkins to give them all the answers to every question in existence!

It seems, if you admit you're an Atheist, that you have to provide answsers to every damned question known to man! Preposterous! At least, here, we Atheists share a similar viewpoint to the Agnostics, in that we hold up our hands and say 'we dont't know'. However, we go one step further than Agnostics and say 'But we are trying to find out'.

Funny how Greer bothered everybody in here. She didn't bother me that much. And like her, I share her love of Professor Dawkins humour! His is subtle but direct! I am loving TGD personally!

35. The Only One in Step

Comment #18085 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 18, 2007 at 8:46 am

Comment #17904 by Simon Packer

>>God calls you to faith in Jesus Christ, who died for your sins because he loves you and wants the best for you. Christ rose from the dead, that you might have a new life which transcends the futility of this world order, excesses of human religous activity included. No one could find the body, because he ascended to heaven. Now because you cannot extrapolate from our current experiences and analasees of existence into these realities, or the creation realities, you may not want to accept this. But you must accept them. You need to come as a little child.<<

You other posts were interesting, until you started your Evangelical preaching.

I'm sorry, but you're wrong. Firstly, the Muslims would say you've got the story wrong [and you can't prove otherwise]. Secondly, If God wants the best for us, then why did he:

Create death? Disease [Ebola, AIDS, Progeria, Cancer, Parkinsons, just to mention a few]? How do you KNOW that Jesus 'ascended to heaven'? Because the Bible told you so? [Circular reasoning]. I don't accept your God. Why do you not accept my God? I have now decided that Zeus and the Greek Gods are the way. Prove me wrong. Why do YOU not accept them? I know they're there. Prove me wrong.

HOW come Christ died 'for my sins' 2000 or so years, before I was born? I hadn't committed any sin - as I wasn't in existence. So, if I murder somebody tomorrow, will I be forgiven, seeing as he has already died for my sins?

And if this world is 'futile' then WHOSE FAULT IS THIS? Clearly, it's not mine or yours, so I wonder just how 'loving' and how much 'God wants the best for us' then, at all?

You'll be blaming Satan next. The paragraph you posted above is childish vomit. You've proven nothing to any of us, with your evangelical preaching - which all Atheists have heard before and grow tired of hearing. Infact, you said earlier that evolution only explains 99.9% of the answer. Funny that. Because the Bible gives us 0% in evidence. It's just words, words, words, written at a time when men needed guidance.

You've not demonstrated God to me. I wish one of you Theists would. Indeed, most Atheists would love God to exist - we'd love to be wrong. Wishing for something, doesn't make it true.

36. Dawkins Delusion (3rd article, Same Stupid Title)

Comment #18081 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 18, 2007 at 8:11 am

Tell you what Billy. David Said:

>>The inconsistencies are ironic.<<

This is the very same point made of the Bible. David is obviously intelligent and obviously a decent chap inside. Yet, how can anybody defend the Bible?

Morevover, David, why are you here, again? I wish you'd practice what you preach.

Jesus clearly said 'Turn the other cheek'.

You are ignoring your Lord - your anger is more than obvious. There is no need for debate, for somebody who 'knows' that God exists, surely? What are you trying to prove? Many of us in here, would love there to be a God. As I explained before, it has taken me 20 years to reach the conclusion that such a being is not in existence.

The one fact you cannot evade: Any suffering, pain, disease or evil experienced upon the Eath, ULTIMATELY BELONGS TO GOD.

By your own admissions, he created us and he is responsible. Yet, you INSIST he exists. [with no proof - you've not proven his existence to any of us].

Your arguments are not convincing any of us, yet alone Professor Dawkins. The Bible is clearly lacking in morality - the morality that you claim Atheists lack.

The only part of your posting above, I'd agree with, is the part about linking Christianity with 2 idiots that wrote to Professor Dawkins. I agree, that this isn't a fair representation of Christianity, nor Christians in general - who are most likely 'good' - much like Atheists, actually, David. You see, religion is not needed to be a decent person. Infact, strange minded-individuals, twist religion at times.

I'm sure you saw the Dispatches documentary on C4 Undercover Mosques? That too, wouldn't be a fair representation of Islam - yet I doubt you've complained to Channel 4 about it, have you? Why not? Why are you not DEMANDING that Channel 4 air a documentary that shows Islam in a good light? I've worked with many a Muslim - and ALL of them said, they WOULD'NT do as ordered - and kill Salman Rusdie.

Again David, You've convinced me of nothing. All you've done is shown your anger once again. Could it be, that you have doubts, too? There's nothing wrong with doubting. There's nothing wrong with wishing or wanting God to exist. But wishing for a thing doesn't necessarily make it so.

37. Discussion of The God Delusion

Comment #17964 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 17, 2007 at 6:23 pm

Well. That sexy presenter [wahoo!] seemed to have some idea of what TGD was about - a quick flick, maybe?

The 2 Agnostics showed their true colours [as usual] - 'I don't know the answer but I'm too intellectually lazy to bother thinking about it - why don't you Theists/ Atheists give me the answer?'

Furthermore, the 'Liberal Agnostic' seemed more Deist - and pandered to the believer. Religion is good, because of the Art? Are you kidding?!

Germaine Greer did say 2 interesting things: (1) She seems to be in a position between Weak Atheism and Deism. Myself, I'm more Weak Atheist, so I understood her final comments. I reckon that the more scientific minded an individual becomes, the more Atheist the mindset [a la' Professor Dawkins!].

(2) Professor Dawkins Humour! I love his humour! I find myself laughing maniacally sometimes, at the humour of TGD. It is very direct, yet very subtle! The Professor knows what I mean...!

I'm on page 199 of TGD - and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! One of the best books I've read in a long time. I can understand the complaints - because there is more to Religion than just Memes. However, what believers fail to understand, is that Professor Dawkins thinks of all subjects scientifically. A good example was his 'Vandalism' of the execution of Saddam. The professor and I are in agreement that the execution was wrong - but for differing reasons.

Same conclusion with God. A most unlikely hypothesis. I sometimes wish I was wrong. But wishing doesn't make an idea right.

Who was that lovely presenter anyway? Hmmmm. I really must venture to Australia!

38. Creationism Song

Comment #17810 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 16, 2007 at 5:26 pm

'I don't believe in Creation-ism,
I know evolution is true;
I don't believe in God above
He didn't create me or you'.

There! Now that's better! I've just re-phrased that lovely country and western tune, to something more apt. Fantastic!

Mind. That singer DID look like Father Xmas - and I do believe in him!

39. Copy of The God Delusion Purchased for $20,000

Comment #17610 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 15, 2007 at 5:36 am

Right with you Baz. Here's a good place to put my joke:

2 football players are contemplating the afterlife. Tom says to Harry:

"Do you think there is an afterlife? Do you think they play footie up there".

"Don't know." says Harry. "Tell you what though. If one of us dies, let's appear before the other one and report back".

So the 2 men agree. By pure bad chance, Tom dies, 2 weeks later, in a head-on car crash.

Harry, devastated, can't face football for a while. He takes 4 weeks leave, alone, in an hotel room, overseas. One night, in bed. Tom appears before Harry, in his bedroom - in spirit guise.

"Tom! You're a spirit! Look at you!"

"Yes Harry! I bring good news and bad news! There is an after-life and they DO play footie in heaven!"

"Great! So, what's the bad news, then?" asks Harry.

"Erm...you're in goal, tomorrow!"

HA HA HA HA!

40. Send a Message to God: He has gone too far this time

Comment #17608 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 15, 2007 at 5:30 am

...yeah Baz Y. What is that warmy fuzzy thing? Hee-hee-hee!

Gee. God is Love. Aint heard that one before. Perhaps the God of love could explain:

AIDS. Progeria. Cancer. Heart Disease. Ebola. Parkinsons. Senile Dementia. Disease in general?

7/7. 9/11. 7/11. Spanish Inquisitions. Crusades. Intolerance for Gays. Hatred of women - or at least, viewing them as 2nd-class citizens, worthy of painful child birth.

Hmmm. Gee. Thanks God. Shame you couldn't get it right first time, eh? Shame you couldn't be bothered. Some designer. I bet there are engineers in here, whom if designed items as badly as God, would be fetching their UB40's sometime soon.

God really is love. Look at all the murdered people in the Bible. I'm sure they were loved.

I can't get my head around such comments. I'm sure all my fellow Atheists are familiar with such self-satisfying, self reinforcement of one's belief system.

God is love. Ha ha ha! That one has cheered me up no-end. I'm so glad God is on our side. Shame he wasn't on the side of the Tsunami victims. Or the victims of Pol Pot. Or the victims of WWI and WWII. Or the victims of Saddam. Or the victims of Robert Mugabe. Should I go on? No, the point is made.

41. For Human Eyes Only

Comment #17394 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 13, 2007 at 8:25 am

Yeah! It was a good article.

JUST FOR A MINUTE [only a minute, mind], I thought the conclusion early on was going to be...

...no, thankfully! Glad I read the lot!

Great article!

42. Response to Richard Dawkins' Criticisms in The God Delusion

Comment #17264 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 12, 2007 at 12:18 pm

Richard Swinburne said:

>>Dawkins criticizes my view that the God whom I postulate (one personal being, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, perfectly free - and so perfectly good)<<

And herein, Richard Swinburne, is a problem I've had with belief in the past. Perhaps you could explain to us Atheists the following points from a view of belief:

1) If God is Omniscient - as you claim, then where did he get his knowledge from? All lifeforms on this planet have either instinctual or life-teaching information. Where did he get his?
2) If God is Omniscient, then why does he condemn Gay people? Surely, he had to have known in advance who was to be created Gay - so why condemn them? Homosexuality is not a choice as so many of you believers would have us believe. It is a biological inheritance.
3)Was God born? 'No, he's always existed' you'd say. How do you know this and wouldn't he get bored? How boring would existence be, if you knew everything, could do anything? Nothing would be new to such a God. Such an existence would be torment. Think about it.
4) If God is 'all-loving' as you would have us believe, then why conceive of such horrors as Ebola, Progeria, Malaria, AIDS, Death [surely death, is a cruel idea?], Sin, Pain et cetera? Further, what is the point of Planets such as Venus or Mars, or the stars Sirius and Alpha Centauri? Are we the only life-forms in the universe? If not, why are we so special?
5) Why then, not just create everything perfect in the first place? What can be learnt from all the suffering that God had to have created? Why blame murderers for being exactly as God created them? Surely, God knew who Hitler was going to be - is he not up for eternal reward, now that he has fulfilled his destiny [that an all-knowing God, would have known in advance]? Why send him to hell?
6) Oh but we have free-will, you say! How can we have free-will, if our destinies are pre-ordained - by your all-knowing God? Again, you can't give free-will, if by extension, the agent [God] knows everything there is to know. This would mean that God would know that I, an Atheist, would become an Atheist [he knows everything], yet he gives me no reason or evidence, to believe in him? How are we supposed to find him, then? The Bible, you say? That book is horrendous, to clean-living people. Read it properly and tell us you think it is a book of tolerance!

No Richard Swinburne. You clearly are intelligent - but you refuse to see what is in front of your very eyes. ZERO evidence for your creator, I'm afraid. The wonders we see, the horrors we see - all natural processes' in a natural universe, quite likely, of natural and eventual explainable phenomenon.

I'll leave you with this last thought: If your God is truly all-loving, then please tell me how such a being can conceive of imperfection? If he is perfect - as you would have us believe - then by logic, 'He' couldn't conceive of the imperfection of life and the universe. The delicate balance could be ruined at any moment. The Human body has much junk DNA - as you must know [i.e what is the point of a Spleen?] and we are easily destroyed. Your perfect Being then, creates imperfect beings. And then when the imperfect beings live out their imperfect lives, created by a perfect being who knew the outcome in advance, 'He' condemns them to eternal punishment or reward.

All ludicrous. All circular reasoning. All logical fallacy. All wrong.

43. FiveLive debate on faith and discrimination

Comment #17231 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 12, 2007 at 7:35 am

>>Comment #17219 by chbg21808 <<

>>Rather, there should only be individual rights, if the minority of one is protected, then everyone's rights are protected equally. Meaning, it is surely possible to create univeral applicable laws, not based on whether one is gay, black, disabled etc, but rather, based around individual rights, the rights of the minority of one.... Such universals would recognise all humanity as equal. I think so called minority rights based on anything else, is the very thing that seperates humanity into us and them and leads to the very racism one is attempting to eliminate. Thus we end up with the absurdity of giving quotas to employers of how many black individuals they should employ, instead of employing individuals, black or white, based on merit. It is essentially placing colour of skin above humanity and is racist against the individual who is best suited to the job.<<

I like this comment. I totally agree. Gays shouldn't be treated any better or any worse than anybody else. Translating the Old Bible laws and putting them into practice in the 21st Century is Draconian. I can't see why some believers have a problem with this. If, as they contend, God does indeed exist - then didn't 'he' design Gays too?!

I think anti-Gay believers [and Atheists for that matter], should consider what they would do, if one of their children grew up to be or Gay or Lesbian. Wouldn't they want the best - and equality - for their child too?

44. The Only One in Step

Comment #17177 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 11, 2007 at 1:21 pm

Ridelo - I used to be 'Christian'. Indeed, it was rammed into me. Growing older, we all grow wiser [and hopefully more knowledgeable], I've rejected all supernatural superstition. I only really celebrate Christmas - as a nice way to end a year - and scoff Easter eggs! Yum yum!

Professor Dawkins has done it again! Done what? Explained difficult scientific subjects to mere laymen like myself [and with an average I.Q of 125, I am most grateful!].

But what's going on here Professor?

>>I initiated an exchange about Professor Andrew McIntosh of Leeds university, who has publicly stated that he believes the world is only 6,000 years old, and publicly stated that the theory of evolution violates the second law of thermodynamics. Both these beliefs place McIntosh out of step with his scientific colleagues, not just his platoon but the entire regiment – to paraphrase Evelyn Waugh, the whole ruddy division. Amazingly, McIntosh is Professor of Thermodynamics at Leeds, and, equally amazingly, a letter supporting him has now appeared from Professor Stuart Burgess, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bristol University .<<

Call me cynical, naive or plain idiotic, but could money be exchanging hands here? Can a Professor of Thermodynamics - who by the very title and status, must know his subject matter, be coerced via financial blessings?

It makes no sense to me at all! Having read some of Professor McIntosh's comments in here and from students of the same University, one wonders what agenda is being played out? If it is a case that this man just wants to believe - fine - but leave science out of it! Professor McIntosh harms science, when he makes comments like this. Why? Because, the ordinary laymen [like myself] outside the realm of scientific study, then get confused into who we should trust or who we should believe.

I'm sorry Professor McIntosh. The Earth cannot be 6,000 years old. For that to be the case, all scientific data gathered to the contrary, must be some sort of illusion.

Keep up the good work Professor Dawkins! I am now on page 183 of TGD and page 100 of The Selfish Gene. Your works make far more sense to me, than the Bible or anything the likes of Professor McIntosh babble about.

45. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #17176 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 11, 2007 at 12:52 pm

>>Comment #16946 by shauntheboy<<
>>I Said:
"You wait until I shovel off my mortal coil. I'll tell him what I think of his Bible, his nasty hatred for us as a species and how I now give the Devil my full support"<<

Shaun said:
>>Now I'm really curious as to which Christadelphians you had contact with if this is your view of our belief!!<<

HA HA HA HA! Okay Shaun. That does seem a bit strong doesn't it?! I am still well-humoured about my lack of belief.

I live in England and we went to the Perry Barr Christadelphians near to Birmingham city centre.

My younger brother doesn't remember that well. I do. He used to just stare at the floor, looking worried! [ha ha ha!]. I shouldn't laugh really, because very anti-Atheists would say this was a form of child abuse.

I'd not go that far. I'd say my parents were doing what they thought was best. I've never felt they abused me. Indeed, they were and still are good parents.

I have trouble with my Atheism at times - no doubt believers have trouble with Theism. I'm still confident that the Abrahamic God doesn't exist. I'm not an agnostic fence-sitter! The evidence [in my opinion - and it is just an opinion], is not in favour of God.

As Professor Dawkins clearly states in TGD [which I am loving!], the probability of a supernatural creator is a possibility. Maybe 'he' did create that singularity - in which case, he is even lazier than myself!

Truth be told though, I have serious doubts, even to this being the case. Somethings don't add up at all, to the view of a supernatural creator.

Why bother creating Venus or Mars? Why create Ebola? Why not create everything perfect in the first place? How can something that's never been born, be alive? How can God 'know' everything, when nobody has been around before to teach 'him'?

See the very real problems that belief has? I'd love to proven wrong. I'd love there to be a supernatural designer.

But no. I'll not go back to the days of belief. Yes, I've no doubt Jesus existed - and was a good, wise man of his time. That doesn't make him a God. And why does the Bible quote Atheists as being 'fools'? Maybe, even in Biblical times, there were doubters? People who no doubt, would love to be around during these amazing days of technology and scientific discovery?

I truly admire faith. It's gone for me. I do not want to return to it. I wish all Theists, Agnostics and Atheists a good 2007.

46. Homophobia, not injustice, is what really fires the faiths

Comment #17084 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 10, 2007 at 4:44 pm

Tell you what guys.

I posted comments on the BBC Have Your Say website.

You want to see the comments from the Relgious people - the so-called 'Jesus is Love' types.

To be fair, there were a few believers who agreed that discriminating against gays was wrong.

The vast majority though were along the lines of 'Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve'.

Pathetic. Two men/ two women love each other - where is the problem? Many of us have kids [and you believers should remember this] that could grow up to be gay or lesbian.

Would you want your own kids discriminated against?

47. Dawkins Delusion (3rd article, Same Stupid Title)

Comment #16940 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 9, 2007 at 5:02 pm

>>Comment #16672 by David A Robertson <<

After all that writing David, your quintessential Theistic Ad Hominem was:

"The Fool has said in his heart, there is no God". (Psalm 14 v. 1)."

So. Were all fools because we don't want to believe or choose not to believe? Why? Because it's inscribed in some ancient text, penned by ancient peoples?

I admire your faith David. I actually believe Jesus Christ did exist. I actually have a small amount of room for the idea of a Supernatural creator.

Most Atheists would likely state the same thing. Your problem is that you know that God exists, yet you can't actually provide us with proper evidence. When I've asked you for it in the past, you've taken intellectual swipes at me, over trivial points, that are all open to different points of view.

So instead of writing lengthy articles, full of venom and hatred for Professor Dawkins, I ask you to provide evidence here, for God's existence.

I'd gladly give up Atheism if you could do this. Can you, I wonder? No believer has ever convinced me that I am wrong. Can you do it? Can you prove to me I am wrong to disbelieve? I doubt it... but my mind is open. Is yours?

48. Executing Saddam Hussein was an Act of Vandalism

Comment #16868 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 9, 2007 at 9:57 am

All fair points ultraAmerican.

I see it from a different viewpoint to Professor Dakwkins, who wonderfully puts a scientific perspective on Saddam's hanging (!).

I feel that we may have put US and UK troops in further jeopardy. They're already doing a difficult job and things may now get worse, with even more violent backlash.

Also, part of the reason for invading [apparently], was for regime change. Now, I know in the States, the death penalty is still an absolute punishment for some criminals. However, here in England, we don't have it, nor do I want it re-instated. So is Iraq a free-democracy, or not? Yes, the Iraqi government decided to do this - which is their right - but has it really served us, by executing Saddam?

Why do I not agree with the death penalty? Am I namby-pamby liberal? Not at all. Firstly, as an Atheist, I believe life is precious. It could be argued of course, that some lives may not be worthy, but as equal Human beings, would this be the case? I can't honestly answer this point - maybe one of you intellectual types could.

Secondly, This particular hanging demonstrates that, if you are in the way of 'the state' then execution is a good way of shutting you up.

Maybe this was the right thing to do. Maybe an alive Saddam was more trouble than he was worth. Where does morality fit in here? Where does Human rights fit in here?

Whilst all the implications of this execution are above my head [I'll admit it], I'd say that this execution was wrong, mainly because I don't agree with mudering another person. How long would he have lived anyway? He wasn't far off 70.

I'm no fan of Saddam. His life wasn't as good as Mother Theresa's was it? In a debate though, a side must be taken and I agree with Professor Dawkins - but for different reasons.

49. Open Letter to Rev. John Auer

Comment #16862 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 9, 2007 at 9:11 am

A good point Harry.

Where is Robertson now then? He's usually harping on about the 'evil' of Atheism.

Why isn't he here now, to complain about lack of morality amongst Theists?

Oh! I guess the Devil tempted the evil priests to rape children. That's fine then. Glad we sorted that mess out.

50. God-less

Comment #16858 by NoLongerHaveBelief on January 9, 2007 at 8:37 am

Brave, maybe Jenny. Deluded? Most likely.

>>Childish insults<<.

Okay, I apologise to any Theist, if offended. Now can we have some apologises, from Christians and Muslims for the many deaths at the hands of their beliefs? I'd like an apology from Muslims for 9/11 and 7/7 please. And I'd like an apology for the Crusades, from Christians please [I can't see any other term than 'loons' for this kind of behaviour, Jenny can you?]

What brings these 'cofessedly religious' people to this forum Jenny, is not debate. They come here to tell us how we're wrong, evil, vile, incorrect.

Ask them a straight question and you get vague answers at best and outright lies at worst.

I spent 20 years getting to grips with dispensing with belief. It was hard. I had it rammed down my throat. Professor Dawkins is quite correct about the dangers of religion.

And your last comment is incorrect. Theists are not open minded. That is the difference between a Theist and an Atheist. I say, as an Atheist, there is a possibility of a God. I reject the idea, but there is a small possibility, even now, in my mind for a supernatural creator.

Theists don't have the open mind. God exists. They KNOW. He IS there. How do they know? How does Gimbengloin know? Scripture? Evidence of nothing!

Zero evidence. Belief is faith. Nothing more nor less. The religious get up on their high-horses, when Atheists attack their core ideas. Yet how do they know which God is the right God? How?

If any Theist could convince me to the contrary that I was wrong to give up belief, I'd be delighted. None of them has yet. I doubt they ever will.

Are you a believer Jenny2007? Where do you stand in this enigma? I'd be delighted to know.