Comments by felandath

Comment #273513 by felandath on October 28, 2008 at 7:55 pm

12. Comment #273319 by amalthea on October 28, 2008 at 2:28 pm -

Have you heard the debate Hitchens/Dawkins/Grayling had with Scrutton/Spivey/Neuberger?

Hitchens' introduction is priceless. He says - "It might perhaps have been felt when I was chosen that the case for atheism should not be made by a spokesman for its moderate wing, RICHARD DAWKINS. It might be ok to have at least one extremist on the panel!"

That was an obvious play at the fact that Richard Dawkins is considered "fundamentalist" by the other side. Dawkins goes out of his way to be patient and polite. But still the accusations keep coming. Hitchens on the other hand is frighteningly dismissive of his opponents, to my great delight as an observer.

Hitchens is probably more "strident" than Dawkins, but very few say so. I think that is because of the genuine fear that they will be shredded by the Hitch!

Watch the Hitch slay an opponent -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pJ-rWaEyw0

2. Convert or we will kill you, Hindu lynch mobs tell fleeing Christians

Comment #267599 by felandath on October 20, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Comment #267581 by cerebate

a) I am sorry. I didnt understand point a.
b) I didn't know that the Bhagwad Gita sanctioned war. Thanks for pointing that out
c) I do agree that there is this simmering sentiment in the Hindu populace. I would attribute that more to Mob sentimentality rather than anything else.

The point as ever remains, had it not been for religion none of this nonsense would be happening in the first place. Cheers.

3. Convert or we will kill you, Hindu lynch mobs tell fleeing Christians

Comment #266928 by felandath on October 19, 2008 at 10:30 pm

@ root2squared -

The Amar, Akbar, Antony India Chapter! Hahaha.

Yes I am a big HL fan. Too bad that hell will freeze over before Episode 3 comes out!

4. Convert or we will kill you, Hindu lynch mobs tell fleeing Christians

Comment #266918 by felandath on October 19, 2008 at 9:52 pm

82abhilash, root2squared, cerebrate - Nice to see "Desis" post here. My 2 paises worth:

I am a Muslim Indian Atheist (go figure). I am proud to say that India is one of the few secular democracies in the world right now. Straight out I'd like to state that there can be no justification for the acts of the VHP. As for the proselytizers (Christian or otherwise) who seek to buy souls, I will say what Hitchens says - "Its too bad there is no hell for them to go to".

When a Muslim brother or sister says that Islam is a religion of peace, I ask them to kindly blow that thought out of their asses. When they say that Al Qaeda are not Islamic, I say that they truly are the purest Muslim. However I am willing to be more considerate when a Hindu says that the VHP does not truly represent the Hindu faith.

Its worth differentiating Hinduism from the other fairytales out there. Not that it is blemishless. I think Hindus suffer great individual damage thanks to their insatiable proclivity towards superstition and propitiation. Astrology and mindless rituals play a huge part in the average Hindu'life. There are however many truly noteworthy philosophical musings in Hinduism. It does promote virtues like tolerance, patience, forgiveness and introspection. I don't know of the Upanishads calling for the slaughter of non-believers or the Vedas insisting that you better believe in Vishnu or you will go to hell.

If nothing else at least there is spirituality in Hinduism. The same cannot be said about Islam which is purely a political ideology. Going by the little I know about Hinduism I would say that the VHP agenda of building a Hindu nation is not an agenda of Hinduism. Hindustan is called so only because of the Arabs. And had it not been for the Brits there would only be a bunch of irredentist states and no united India (I would hasten to add that this was an unintended consequence of colonialism not its final goal).

I would conclude by saying that I will excuse any Hindu who says that the VHP is in no way representative of Hinduism while I will not offer the same courtesy to a Muslim who attempts to distance himself from AlQaeda by saying that they are unislamic. However, Keeping with the spirit of this wonderful website, I would say that had it not been for religion none of this nonsense would be happening. Cheers.

5. Video Game Pulled Due to Qur'an Quotes

Comment #266387 by felandath on October 18, 2008 at 7:41 pm

Layla Nasreddin wrote -

"In sha' Allah, Muslims will give up this fatalism! ;-) "

Hahahahaha. That was classic! One has to have been a Muslim to understand the irony of that statement. I think it sums things up brilliantly.

And here I thought that Video Games and any form of entertainment was HARAAM.

Cheers.

6. Dawkins: a theologian's perspective

Comment #261459 by felandath on October 6, 2008 at 9:33 pm

I dont know if anyone has mentioned this here yet. Christopher Hitchens said it best when he said that these people have run out of arguments. There are absolutely no NEW arguments in defense of the proposition of God and the validity of religion. Not one.

7. Sharia courts operating in Britain

Comment #248531 by felandath on September 16, 2008 at 11:50 am

Comment #248377 by Al Rawandi -

Hey Al! Nice to see u again mate. "Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back?" Hahahhh. Classic stuff.

Comment #248510 by Fanusi Khiyal -

Fanusi mate, just educate me on the Muslim Population in France. I am assuming that they are mainly from Northern Africa (Algeria, Morocco, etc.) Would they be easier to integrate than the ones from say Pakistan who are mainly tribal? I know I am bordering on the edge of racism here.

8. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #235918 by felandath on August 23, 2008 at 11:19 pm

@Fanusi,

I agree with you Man. Like I have said before I don't care about Islam but I do care about the Muslims. If there is a way that they can integrate effectively and tolerantly into the community this must be encouraged. The same with an interpretation of the Quran that permits cherry picking.

Sadly neither seems even a remote possibility just yet. Also we need to differentiate between those actively engaging in Taqiya and those that are just plain out ignorant about what the Quran espouses. Just to give a benefit of the doubt I'd say that most Muslims belong to the second category.

I remember having a conversation with u about Sufism. I have a very dear Sufi friend of mine, who comes across more as a Budhist Hippy Panthiest! If all Muslims could be that way, wouldn't the world just be a better place??

Cheers.

9. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #235862 by felandath on August 23, 2008 at 9:14 pm

Fanusi / Vaal - Great to see u guys as usual!

Did u guys see Christpoher Hitchens get interviewed on Al Jazeera by Riz Khan? He lays the smack down on Al Qaeda and predicts their imminent demise in Iraq. Heres the link -

http://drinksoakedtrotsforwar.com/2008/08/21/christopher-hitchens-on-al-jazeera-with-a-dipshit-amateur-demagogue-and-minor-us-cult-leader/

He basically says that Al-Qaeda will self destruct because of their own inanity. It gives me cause for optimism that the radicals are just too damn radical for their own good. And good people will see thru their evil ideology and prevail in the end. Or so I hope.

Cheers.

10. Pastor Michael Guglielmucci spun gospel of lies

Comment #235372 by felandath on August 22, 2008 at 10:59 pm

I don't get it. What are they seeking "Professional Health" for??

11. Al-Qa'eda in Iraq alienated by cucumber laws and brutality

Comment #229638 by felandath on August 13, 2008 at 9:42 pm

@ Comment #229632 by Goldy -

This brings to mind Christopher Hitchens' brilliant statement on morality which as yet remains unchallenged - "Name me one action done or a word uttered by a believer that could not be done or uttered by a non-believer. The corollary to that question is - Name me an action that could ONLY be done by some one who believed and you won't have to think 10 seconds to come up with an answer. WITH RELIGION EVERYTHING IS PERMITTED"

I have noticed (having grown up a Muslim) that religion (Islam in particular) willfully encourages the most intolerant components of the Human Psyche. It usually is the case that the perpetrators are in any case nutbags. But it is religion in the end that gives them the invincible cloak of conviction and protection.

Muslims for most parts are alright, except for one small part - Islam! A serious de-programing needs to be done for them. The examples spoken about here are just too damn funny to be true. Or perhaps they are too damn true to be funny.

If you want to know about my deconversion from Islam, I can send u a private message. I think you need to hear it from those that have been able to extirpate themselves from this vile nonsensical ideology.

Cheers.

12. Al-Qa'eda in Iraq alienated by cucumber laws and brutality

Comment #229627 by felandath on August 13, 2008 at 9:21 pm

@ Comment #229180 by Quetzalcoatl -

Super comment mate!

13. Council ban on atheist websites

Comment #221123 by felandath on July 29, 2008 at 11:00 am

Damn! I used to work for the Birmingham City Council. I remember them conducting a luncheon to celebrate faith based diversity with a special emphasis on Islam. And I remember how respectfully they tiptoed around Islam. This was around the time of the 7/7 bombings in London. Not one mention was made about how radical elements within the muslim community would be handled.

The BCC is heavily represented by Muslims. Wouldn't put it past them to influence a decision such as this. I being an atheist, who was born a Muslim, am not looked upon too kindly by my brethren, you see. :)

14. Islam subway ads cause stir in New York

Comment #216638 by felandath on July 23, 2008 at 11:04 am

Kkelly, Whitepearl, Dhamma. Come on u guys. You should all make up. Lets not forget that this thread is about the puke-fest that is the whyislam website.

I m sure Fanusi has in a previous thread somewhere made mention of the term "Taqiya". Taqiya is basically sanctioned deception to further the cause of Islam. The whyislam website is Taqiya at its undistilled worst. These nutbags talk about the co-existence of science and Islam and yet they pour scorn on the theory of evolution. And for them Jihad is an act purely of self defense not that of aggression. They cleverly omitted the fact that the purpose of Islam is to convert all of the Dar-al Harb (infidel territory) into the the Dar-us-Salaam (Islamic territory) by any means possible.

I share Fanusi's concerns on this deceptive and almost machiavellian face of Islam. I would say this face of Islam is more frightening than the one that preaches intolerance.

Cheers.

15. Islam subway ads cause stir in New York

Comment #216291 by felandath on July 22, 2008 at 11:33 pm

@ Comment #216281 by Fanusi Khiyal

Ah Fanusi mate! Good to see u on this string. I think we should ask all the readers here to read "The Mind of the Mussalman". That would help.

16. Islam subway ads cause stir in New York

Comment #216164 by felandath on July 22, 2008 at 7:53 pm

Fanusi. Where are you man??

I have posted on here before. I am a Muslim who happens to hate Islam. Hmm.. No contradictions there at all, eh?

I think, the ad campaign will just expose the inanities of the faith. Isn't that what we want? I have always said most devout Muslims defend themselves from a base of ignorance. The thing that turned me away from Islam was reading the Quran! If campaigns like this can get people to read the Quran or find out more about Islam I'd be really happy. Because, there is no way a thinking human being can read the Quran and continue to maintain that it is the perfect, unalterable & final word of a benevolent God.

One doesn't have to dig too far beneath the surface to see the pure evil this faith spews. Let more people go to "whyislam" and find out for themselves "why Islam" is exactly what people "misunderstand" it to be.

Perhaps, one of Muhamad's quotes could be made into a poster for the subway to promote a little S&M - "Always leave your whip where your wife can see it"

Poe's Law? I kid you not. He is actually quoted as saying that in the Hadith.

Cheers.

17. PLEASE WRITE IN SUPPORT OF PZ MYERS

Comment #209745 by felandath on July 13, 2008 at 6:55 am

Dear Sir,

I am an Indian citizen writing in all the way from an obscure arabian gulf nation called Oman. I have been following the ruckus caused by the host desecration and PZ's subsequent remarks about the same. It is a pity that people tend to forget their sense of humour when it comes to religion. I was raised a Muslim. So I know what I am talking about! I am sure PZ's remarks were made merely in jest and not with the intention of causing grief to the religious (funnily enough, it seems that the flock of that particular church seem to be talking on behalf of all non-secular individual regardless of their creed). In either case, I hope you won't see that as enough of a reason to expel PZ.

PZ chases the truth at all costs. Individuals like this have to be encouraged not censured. And in that regard he has my support.

Best regards.

(My name is included in the original email to the prez)

18. 'I despise Islamism': Ian McEwan faces backlash over press interview

Comment #197904 by felandath on June 22, 2008 at 9:28 pm

@ Comment #197630 by Fanusi Khiyal

Fanusi, I replied to your messages. Let me know if u got them. For some reason its saying that it has been sent but its still displayed in the outbox.

19. 'I despise Islamism': Ian McEwan faces backlash over press interview

Comment #197610 by felandath on June 22, 2008 at 11:26 am

@ Comment #197598 by TeraBrat

Tera, I agree with what you say about how the majority will react with more anger at criticism from outside.

I will be glad if even .05% of the muslim world can begin the process of introspection. That will be a good start.

20. 'I despise Islamism': Ian McEwan faces backlash over press interview

Comment #197601 by felandath on June 22, 2008 at 11:17 am

@ Comment #197595 by Fanusi Khiyal.

Fanusi, I assume that you too were born into the Islamic faith. The points you have suggested are drastic, but most of it actually does make sense. While I admire your passion in taking on Islam at a global level, I myself am struggling to have this debate with my closest and otherwise sensible Muslim bretheren.

I notice that moderate Muslims are fairly open-minded, but even they drop anchor when it comes to a discussion on the short comings of the faith. Some of them do it out of fear of facing life without the crutch of false consolations And others because they are just too frikking touchy.

You and I need to find a way we can talk one on one with our moderate brethren first. Would love to hear your ideas on this. I take it that u have been thru the same struggle that I am currently going thru.

21. 'I despise Islamism': Ian McEwan faces backlash over press interview

Comment #197569 by felandath on June 22, 2008 at 10:36 am

@ TeraBrat

"felandath,

It sounds like you are saying that the only way to beat Islam is with an outright war that would result in the deaths of thousands. I hope I misunderstood you "

Wow mate! Where did u get that from. Yes u have certainly misunderstood me. I have nowhere suggested a war on Muslims. What i said was that Muslims are suffering because of their own faith. There is sadly no chance of reform from within given the brutal nature with which dissent is addressed.

The distinction must be clearly drawn between Muslims and the faith of Islam. Most of the Muslims are a prisoner of their own faith and don't even know it.

Islam as an ideology must be combated from the outside. Maybe the "avalanche" of criticism from the non-Islamic world will force at least the moderate Muslims into introspection.

I am a humanist. I don't wish for the destruction of any human being. Btw - I am not sure if either of Amis or McEwans' articles had alluded to the inevitable death of 1000s. In which case, I wouldn't accept that portion of their diatribe. :)

22. 'I despise Islamism': Ian McEwan faces backlash over press interview

Comment #197552 by felandath on June 22, 2008 at 10:18 am

As a "Muslim Atheist", I feel there is no chance of dialogue between the rest of the World and Islam, if we get offended at even the slightest suggestion of Islam being spoken about in a negative connotation.

I love my Muslim brothers and sisters. But,I am convinced that the root cause of their suffering is Islam. It pains me to see the Muslim world implode because of its hyper-sensitivity. The western world must be ashamed for allowing themselves to be dragged by the balls by these fanatical verminous scum who get offended for nothing.

I am a Muslim. But I am with you Ian and Martin. I am dying to hear what Christopher will certainly say soon in defense of his comrades.

23. Debate between Sam Harris and Reza Aslan

Comment #187612 by felandath on June 2, 2008 at 11:21 am

I dont think Reza himself was sure he had a point to make. As a person who was part of the Muslim Faith, I have struggled to find what part of the Quran suggests that Islam is a religion of peace.

On the plus side, if Muslims worldwide try to be a bit like Reza, thats a good start.

While I agree with everything Sam Harris says, I do believe that most Muslims are peaceful. Sadly, I cant say the same about Islam. I am not sure what version of the Quran Reza has read.

24. My Response to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

Comment #180816 by felandath on May 15, 2008 at 10:08 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnMYL8sF7bQ

This is the Hitchens Boteach debate. Enjoy

25. My Response to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

Comment #180404 by felandath on May 14, 2008 at 8:01 pm

I think the good Prof should take this schmuck Boteach on directly and beat the crap out of him in a debate. [Don't forget to take your ear plugs, Doc].

"Rabbi" Boteach has to be the dumbest human in existence on (God' Green) earth because he participated in a debate with Christopher Hitchens more than once! And he got his Kosher ass handed to him on both occasions.

Victories against the Boteachs of the world are vital in the fight for Reason. I also hope that Richard takes on that Douchebag Zakir Naik soon. If any knows of a scheduled debate between the 2, do tell.