1. Hints of structure beyond the visible universe

Comment #191393 by rebelest on June 10, 2008 at 7:54 pm

huzonfirst wrote:

I have a Bachelor's degree in astronomy and physics and still think the concept of faster-than-light inflation of space is absurdly ad hoc, considering the leap of 'faith' it takes that such a thing is even possible.

I don't have a degree in astronomy or physics but what I understand this faster than light expansion of space to mean (and of course I may be wrong) is that if space is expanding from some given point, at or near c then the addition of expansion in opposite directions equals space itself expanding at or near twice c.

It may be easier to think of two space spaceships that are speeding away from each other in opposite directions: each of them is traveling at three-quarters the speed of light (so neither of them is traveling at the theoretical speed limit of light) and the speed which they are moving away from each other is 2 X 3/4c = 1.5 c-the speed that they are moving away from each other is faster than c but neither spaceship is traveling at c.

2. The Great Evangelical Decline

Comment #188697 by rebelest on June 4, 2008 at 11:55 am

Fantastic! It's great to have some good news in the war against religionism.

It would be nice to see more articles like this done from a secular perspective-scientific studies of church attendance, how the churches use their resources etc.

3. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #163028 by rebelest on April 17, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Kardashovel,

I have been reading the "Irrational Atheist" thread for the last few days (as you know there are over 2000 posts on that thread, inc.the alternate) and came across your posts that mentioned your conversion from atheist to Christian.

At one point you mentioned being raised in an atheist family and I think that you even said that your grandparents were atheists-correct me if I'm wrong.

You also said that you would go into your conversion story but at the time you didn't want to get into it as you didn't have the time, long story...

I've been looking for this conversion story of yours and haven't been able to find it...and a lot of time has passed and you have posted a lot of material.

Have you posted this conversion story? Maybe I have missed it, if so, could you direct me to what thread it is in? If not, would you please tell us about your conversion?

I find them to be fascinating-I think most people do and as you are probably aware RDNet has a forum thread of theist to atheist conversion stories-Convert's Corner. I don't know if your conversion story would be appropriate for that thread but as you are aware most of the threads get so far off topic that I don't think it would matter if you posted it in this one.

4. Happy Birthday Josh Timonen!

Comment #120029 by rebelest on February 1, 2008 at 7:03 am

Happy Birthday Dear Josh,
Happy B'day Dear Joshy,
Happy Birthday Mr. Timonen,
Happy Birthday to you...and many more!

Thanks for ALL the work you do for the website and the community!

Love ya dude,
Kev

5. Six Reasons to be an Atheist

Comment #108195 by rebelest on January 6, 2008 at 8:27 am

Well, I haven't seen this one yet so, one more great reason not to believe in 'god': because my brain is not a vestigial organ!

6. It is possible to be moral without God

Comment #105041 by rebelest on December 30, 2007 at 12:42 pm

Dostoevsky's Ivan Karamazov said: 'If God did not exist, everything would be permitted.'

In regards to this oft quoted text from "The Brothers Karamazov" if one grants the theists their deity of choice be it Jahweh,Jehovah,Allah etc., then obviously everything and anything IS permitted. No deity stood in the way of the Holocaust or whatever cruelty one might cite.

7. Disquiet over schools' moment of silence

Comment #103176 by rebelest on December 24, 2007 at 11:58 am

I'm wondering if those of you who think that this moment of silence initiative is OK read this article.

It is clearly an attempt to insinuate prayer into the school systems. It has been going on for decades.

The real issue is that legislators across the U.S. waste so much taxpayer time and money on these insidious attempts to pander to their religious constituencies contra the first amendment.

8. Dawkins: I'm a cultural Christian

Comment #100185 by rebelest on December 18, 2007 at 11:12 am

I can't imagine why no one has said this yet so:
BAH HUMBUG! he he ha ha ho ho

I'd much rather have worldwide celebrations of changing of seasons: it's the winter solstice throughout the northern hemisphere and summer solstice throughout the southern hemisphere. I think it could be a considerably more unifying humanist endeavor to recognize the wonder of our shared natural phenomena. Of course that should include the recognition of the ultimate origins of most religious celebrations in the core event: the lengthening of days to come; the annual triumph of light over darkness. Personally, I can't wait for more sunshine!

9. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #99184 by rebelest on December 15, 2007 at 8:57 pm

As this is my first post to RDNet, I would like to warmly and heartily greet you all: those who regularly post their thoughts and those who like myself, while only observing, have for a long time enjoyed this site as an oasis in the wilderness.

I would also like to thank Mr.Dawkins for making this site possible and thank Mr.Timonen for all the work he does. To all others who contribute, you are also appreciated. This site is invaluable and I'm sure due to your continuing efforts will only get better.

I have so enjoyed seeing you four gentlemen get together and share your thoughts in this informal fashion. In humanises you all and vicariously your viewers. Thank you, Mr. Hitchens. Thank you, Mr. Dennett. Thank you, Mr. Harris.

The setting was aesthetically beautiful. The wonderful, little table covered with colorful bottles, pitchers and adult beverages...mmm. The placement of the table in front of a fireplace bookended by tastefully filled bookshelves (you have a marvelous home Mr. Hitchens).

At this point, I just want to say that it has been a great pleasure to observe you all. I hope that this encounter will be widely disseminated and also hope that the appellation of the Four Horsemen portends the quickening demise of religion and the poisonous deathgrip it has on our planet.

"The idea of 'god' implies the abdication of human reason and justice; it is the most decisive negation of human liberty and necessarily ends in the enslavement of mankind in both theory and practice.

He who desires to worship 'God' must harbor no childish illusions about the matter but bravely renounce his liberty and humanity." M. Bakunin