1. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315300 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 8:45 am

Speaking of that uber-prick John Mackay, have any of you lot seen this:

http://www.amen.org.uk/cr/wanted/

That "atheist sillouhette" on the page is RD!!!

It is definitely this pic:
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/homoproteus/Richard-Dawkins-2.jpg

What a twat that Mackay is is......

:-)
SG

2. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315284 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 8:02 am

Billy,

Lewisian gneiss' Good one! The 6000 year old Calvinist variety I presume!!!

Actually, some of those dino poo coprolites that you had on your blog would be funny as well...

:-)
SG

Actually what amuses me is that some of those fundie churches in Lewis are probably built of Lewisian gneiss.....

3. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315282 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 7:58 am

Paula

John Lennox's lecture can be found here:

http://www.uhi.ac.uk/home/about-uhi/lectures/lectures/dr-john-lennox/

:-)
SG

4. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315279 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 7:55 am

Paula,

Re John Mackay. Its this outfit:

http://www.biblefellowship.co.uk/

and here is the info page:

http://www.biblefellowship.co.uk/PDF/IBF_Bulletin.pdf

13th to 16th March, going to be in schools as well, poisonous little shit.....

:-)
SG

5. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315275 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 7:48 am

Paula

Powerful stuff, eloquently put. It is obvious that the Alpha course is little more than a syrupy comfort blanket

Like most of the charismaniac BS it appeals to the emotional. You just need to look at the way that these charismaniacs conduct their services - people standing around singing inane rubbish, embarassing ditties , getting worked up into an altereed state of consciousness by the "praise band". This of course creates a "group hug" feeling where they can then be fed whatever lies bullshit and deceit from the "leaders"

Observe carefully how they always use an OHP and a screen - this allows these people to wave their arms about , unencumbered by hymn books or whatever - group behaviour, worked and manipulated from the platform. Evil is the best word I can find.

At least in David's church, FCOS, you dont get this sort of thing...... yet......

:-)
SG

6. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315258 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 7:15 am

Billy,

The other thing that David omits from his 50,000 members of thos 230 ministers churches is this:

When one looks deeper into the overall picture amongst evangelicals in the Church of Scotland the picture is not a universally healthy one. Firstly whilst there may be 400 evangelical ministers there is no where near that number of evangelical congregations - in fact outwith the Highlands the numbers may be counted on two limbs!

7. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315226 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 6:23 am

Yet more BS from the Gumbel piece:

"An Ipsos Mori poll in October found that in Britain alone, five million people have been on an Alpha Course or know someone who has"

And from the alpha web site:

"Over 2 million people in the UK and 11 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course"

Quite a difference in what is implied by both those sets of figures.

What would be more interesting to know is how many of those people who have attended an Alpha course WHO WERE NOT PREVIOUSLY CHRISTIANS actually stay with it and identify themselves as chrsitians.

I suspect that figures like that are extremely hard to find however.

:-)
SG

8. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #315214 by scottishgeologist on January 8, 2009 at 6:06 am

David said:

"At least two women spoke" TWO' Out of what, 250 people present. Well there's a blow for Millie Tant then isnt it' Feminists rejoice at that one, I am sure...

Tell me, were they ordained ministers'

Because I would like to draw our readers attention to another of your gems:

http://www.freechurch.org/issues/2004/jan04.htm

Where you say:

Secondly the evangelicals have sold the pass on the question of women’s ordination. This is more serious than it sounds because it is a lot more than a question of ecclesiology – it is a question of scripture and its sufficiency and authority. Whereas the original act of the General Assembly re the ordination of women was permissive – allowing congregations to have women ministers and elders – now, by fiat of the Assembly Clerk, it has been declared that it is declarative - in other words it is the law of the Church of Scotland that in order to be an office bearer within it you must agree to women being ordained

Like Gumbel himself, they steer discussion away from controversy and back to the healing power of love.

9. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #314847 by scottishgeologist on January 7, 2009 at 3:23 pm

Quetz:

Please explain how God reveals himself to us. Is it in any way distinguishable from what we would expect to see if he were not in fact real'

10. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #314509 by scottishgeologist on January 7, 2009 at 9:11 am

Hah! My favourite quote has to be Ezekial 23:

19 Yet she became more and more promiscuous as she recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt. 20 There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses. 21 So you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when in Egypt your bosom was caressed and your young breasts fondled.

Now were talkin' XXX stuff this.....

(Bet they dont teach this in sunday school....)

:-))
SG

11. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #314384 by scottishgeologist on January 7, 2009 at 5:10 am

Epeeist

I like the bus! hey, what's that £500 thing on the side of it - another rubber cheque from DR'

:-)
SG

12. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #314334 by scottishgeologist on January 7, 2009 at 3:33 am

David said: "Am at a conference in Scotland of some 250 ministers and we are rejoicing at the £140,000 worth of free publicity that you are giving us"

FWIW, the conference is called the "Crieff Fellowship" and takes place at Creiff Hydro in Perthshire.

Mainly Church of Scotland Ministers from the "evangelical" wing

Only evangies permitted.

Used to be called the "Crieff Brotherhood", started by the late William Still. Famous evangelical minister used to be at Aberdeen.

Wonder if they changed the name because "brotherhood" sounded too men-only ish?

The only women taking part in this event will be the waitresses....

:-)
SG

The evangelicals in the C of S come together under an umbrella group, a sort of caucus, called "Forward Together"

Obsessed with gay sex, so they are

Have a look at the Press links page on their website and see how many references there are to the word "gay"

http://www.forwardtogether.org.uk/press.htm

Wonder how many of them actually ARE gay?

13. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #314280 by scottishgeologist on January 7, 2009 at 2:16 am

Aye, Laurie, funny as hell that was. Mega thumbs up!

You know there are times when trying to be subtle or funny or even a wee bit clever is quite manifestly a waste of time.

Thats when you just have to go for the "keep squeezing the trigger until all you hear is a click" approach.

Like this guy:

http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2005/03/swearing-jesus.php

(Loud, so turn your speakers down if you are in a public place...)

:-)
SG

14. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #314273 by scottishgeologist on January 7, 2009 at 2:10 am

David Robvertson said:

"Imagine that message being given to an abused child, a Woolworths worker having just been made reduntant, a Palestinian being bombed by Israel, a junkie, someone having just received the news that they have terminal cancer"

Abused child' Like at the hands of some priest'

Palestinian bombed by Israel' Wouldnt be related to religion by any chance would it' And backed up of course by the "Israel-can-do-no-wrong" Christian evangies that seem to dominate the charismaniacs'

Yes having "god" on your side really makes life sweet.

Terminal Cancer' Which all came about of course because a couple of people took a bite of fruit 6000 years ago'

As for the Woolworths worker, what are you going to tell them' Sorry about losing your job, thats just nasty capitalism - what you really need is some good old fashioned atheistic communism....

:-)
SG

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

Comment #309342 by scottishgeologist on December 31, 2008 at 3:21 am

Speaking of homophobia, it appears that the most extreme anti-papist fundies are in agreement with the Pope:

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10064.html

In other words, their hatred for gays actually exceeds their hatred of each other.

Incredible. What next, David Robertson saying that the Pope is brilliant? Oh, hang on , he just said that didnt he.......

:-))
SG

EDIT: PS Carto, excellent post.

16. Dawkins warns of human extinction

Comment #309334 by scottishgeologist on December 31, 2008 at 2:41 am

Vaal

Brilliant! Yes, Aphrodite, she's the one. Got a bit of 'tude as well, as in this pic where, interrupted, by Pan threatens him with a sandal (hint of GW Bush here...)

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Arts/AphroditePan.htm

Looks like she is saying:

F--- off, Pan, your cocks snapped off....

:-)))
SG

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

Comment #309328 by scottishgeologist on December 31, 2008 at 2:23 am

Fascinating, this idea of "sin" spreading out through the universe after Adam bit the fruit. Raises some questions:

What is the speed of transmission of sin'
Is it like a nuke exploding, complete with "ground zero"'
Where is sin's GZ'
What exactly is the rate of change of distance of sin with respect to time'
Is it a constant'
Is it faster than or less than "c"'
Or, did it happen instantaneously, in that it instantly reached every corner of the Universe in an instant'
Or does the "taint" of sin (Hey theres a fascinating thought.....) only affect the Earth'
Or the solar system'
is the Moon sin free'

There are at least a 100 papers just itching to be written on this. And several conferences as well.

Lets get all those keen sharp theological "academics" to rise to this challenge. Wonder what "evidence" they will find'


:-))))
SG

18. Darwin shouldn't be hijacked by New Atheists - he is an ethical inspiration

Comment #308931 by scottishgeologist on December 30, 2008 at 1:34 pm

David pointed out:

"For what its worth....I don't have a homophobic agenda"

From someone who is a minister in a church that produces this gem:

http://www.freechurch.org/committees/pq/04civil.htm

Read it and weep. In particular, this bit:

"The Free Church recognises that in the genetic make-up of some men and women there may be a hormonal imbalance which can give rise to homosexual orientation"

:-))))
SG

19. No More Atheophobia

Comment #308426 by scottishgeologist on December 30, 2008 at 1:18 am

Goldy:

I'm not sure I have ever come across someone actually scared of atheists. Not understanding, yes

20. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #307667 by scottishgeologist on December 28, 2008 at 11:30 am

Billy

I checked out that Marcus Ross link. Man, its depressing.

That quote from Kurt Wise says it all.

I really dont know know how to deal with that sort of thing. Its this mantra like BS about "biblical inerrancy". In these peoples minds it rises above and is superior to any and every piece of empirical evidence. And is completely untouchable. Its the ultimate "data" - pure, no errors, correct in every detail.

sigh....

:-)
SG

21. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #307615 by scottishgeologist on December 28, 2008 at 9:05 am

Continuing the Baumgardner theme, here is an article:

http://ct.gsfc.nasa.gov/insights/vol10/drill.htm

From NASA.

Notice how Baumgardner features prominently in it. Note also the complete lack of any references to YEC. I wonder why....

:-)
SG

22. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #307613 by scottishgeologist on December 28, 2008 at 8:55 am

Billy

Its not Andrew Snelling you are thinking of by any chance:

http://www.noanswersingenesis.org.au/realsnelling.htm

Kurt Wise probably fits this bill as well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Wise

(Yes I know its Wiki, so care needed, but AFAICS, this article is accurate) Worth reading it just to see what we are up against.

:-)
SG

23. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #307249 by scottishgeologist on December 27, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Here's something to chew on:

http://www.rae.org/believe.html

Why Baumgardneer believes.

Note in particular: "I would say my primary goal in my scientific career is a defense of God's Word"

NOT the pursuit of knowledge, the opening up of frontiers or advancing understanding. No sireee. The defence of the writings of a bunch of goat-fuckers......

:-)
SG

24. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #307243 by scottishgeologist on December 27, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Worth having a look at baumgardners site, in particular this list;

http://www.globalflood.org/biography.html

looks impressive until you look at it closely. his work on modelling mantle dynamics does get published in respectable journals BUT and its a huge BUT, these are papers that make no mention of creationism. they are jointly published with other researchers.

Now, the telling stuff is the huge number of "papers" that realate to creationism - these are all "creation science (sic)" published. None of these appear in respectable publications.

If Baumgardner REALLY has some new paradigm shifting evidence, then why not approach a proper journal' If it is that impressive and presumably repeatable, testable and falsifiable, then he has nothing to lose, has he' might even be a Nobel Prize in it for him.

Problem is, he HAS to predicate any findings on the concept of "biblical data" (which has to be the ultimate oxymoron)in order to hold his YEC position.

Compartmentalisation at its worst...

:-0
SG

25. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #306908 by scottishgeologist on December 26, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Steve:

"Infinite Density Rock" sounds like some sort of uber-heavy metal - sort of Motorhead cranked up a bit and then some.

Didnt the late great Douglas Adams write about a heavy metal band who were so heavy and loud, you had to listen to them from a neighbouring planet?

Maybe that is what he is on about....

:-)
SG

26. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #306906 by scottishgeologist on December 26, 2008 at 3:03 pm

Diacanu

ROFLMAO!!!

That's the funniest list I've seen for a while! have to admit, I did have to pay a visit to the urbandictionary.com for the "angry dragon"

Just for a bit of banter, what do you guys reckon DR's favourite perversion might be? Come on, he must have one.... pink sock? dirty sanchez??

:-))
SG

27. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #306904 by scottishgeologist on December 26, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Steve

Interesting quote that one. Interesting in that he says "those who now oppose homosexuality"

NOT "Homosexual activity" or "homosexual behaviour" but "homosexuality" itself

So much for "loving the sinner" and "hating the sin"

Also, he says "those who now oppose homosexuality" but doesnt actually say "those OF US who now oppose homosexuality"

Not good.

:-(
SG

28. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #306881 by scottishgeologist on December 26, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Billy et al, Man, this is addictive this stuff isnt it' Tooo much time on the hands, post christmas...

You know at times I feel sorry for David, no honestly I do - bad enough coming on here and getting pwned, but theres all these mad fundies to cope with as well. I remember him describing in an article how inviting a YEC to speak at his church was "disastrous"

And then there was that business 9 years ago about the fundies that seceded from his church. He's probably doing a face-palm and saying "never thought THAT lot would come up on an atheist forum.....!!" David, get the Talisker out - you need it.

Mind you, there is an unbelievably funny matter happening in the uber-fundy echelons of Scottish presbyterianism right now:-


http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Minister-in-book-row-.4773215.jp

Apparently, to quote:

"as the Church claims Mr Macdonald had no contract of employment and was "employed by God".

EMPLOYED BY GOD''!!! FFS. Monty Python, come quickly - a rich vein of humour has just been unearthed!!

This is actualy a remarkable story. A minister in the FP church was dismissed for "immoral behaviour" or something like that. Shagging another mans wife in other words. And the minister in the articel above reckoned that he hadnt been dealt with properly by the church (probably right as it was embarassing)

This whole business has eerie echoes of the business of Donald Macleod (another El Shagga) who caused the Free Church to sunder 9 years ago (which is what all that stuff I posted earlier was about). They reckon that Donald Macleod wasnt dealt with properly. And went to war.

You really cant make this stuff up, you really cant.

Oh aye, the minister who was suspended by the FP Church for whatever it was he did (probably danced with a trouser-wearing female pastor on a Sunday evening) , is one of the main men in the Scottish Christian Party, and likes to have a go at Dawkins every now and again:-

"Richard Dawkins Delusion about God"

http://www.christianstogether.net/Articles/112791/Christians_Together_in/Around_the_Region/Wider_News/Richard_Dawkins_Delusion.aspx

:-)))
SG

29. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #306816 by scottishgeologist on December 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm

David said:

"Lies again. Dissenters were not put on trial in the Free Church nine years ago"

Yet, if you go through the "Acts of the General Assembly" of the FCOS , 2000 - 2004 , you will find (relating to Rev Maurice Roberts)

http://www.freechurch.org/pdf/assembly/Acts2000-2004.pdf

ACTS OF THE COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY
I - Act anent Suspension of Rev. Maurice J. Roberts Edinburgh, 24th June 1999

The Commission of Assembly having considered the libel brought against Rev.Maurice J. Roberts at this time and having failed to persuade Rev. Maurice J. Roberts to retract his statements do find Rev. Maurice J. Roberts guilty of contumacy as charged, and do hereby resolve to suspend Rev. Maurice J. Roberts sine die from his office as minister in the Free Church of Scotland from this day 24th June 1999, and dissolve his pastoral tie with his present congregation

30. Would you Adam and Eve it? Quarter of science teachers would teach creationism (Response by Dawkins and Jones)

Comment #306562 by scottishgeologist on December 25, 2008 at 11:00 am

David Robertson seems to be implying that if atheists had their way, the offending "science" teachers woudl be hauled off to some Gulag and re-programmed.

What Dawkins actually says is "urgent remedial action in the education of science teachers"

If someone is teaching science, then the Scientific Method should be at the forefront of their teaching. Evidence, evidence, evidence! Science "works" because of its empirical nature and because of that it is "self refining".

Faith has no place in it. Neither superstition. Once you bring these things in, it is no longer empirical, testable, falsifiable etc etc. In other words, it is no longer Science - it is something else. (Woo-woo is what Randi would call it!)

Teachers who fail in this respect DO need to be re-trained. After all, the critical point in that article above is this:

The Ipsos/Mori poll of 923 primary and secondary teachers found that 29% of science specialists agreed with the statement: "Alongside the theory of evolution and the Big Bang theory, creationism should be TAUGHT in science lessons"

A theological crisis in the US.

A recent survey shows that 52% of American Christians say there are multiple paths to eternal life. The result of this poll carried out by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life further showed that even amongst white evangelical Protestants, nearly three-quarters (72%) of those who say many religions can lead to eternal life name at least one non-Christian religion, citing Judaism and Islam as examples.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called the survey results "a theological crisis for American evangelicals," according to USA Today.
"They represent at best a misunderstanding of the Gospel, and at worst a repudiation of the Gospel," the prominent evangelical theologian said.

31. It came from outer space: Fireball streaks across Canadian Prairie, crashes

Comment #289337 by scottishgeologist on November 23, 2008 at 3:05 pm

Heres a video of a near miss - an atmosphere grazing meteor that didnt actually hit the deck:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch'v=7M8LQ7_hWtE

That was the famous Grand Teton meteor of 1972

Had that one hit the ground and exploded it would have been spectacular and possibly catastrophic. Some commentators have pointed out that it would have been like a nuke.

And right in the middle of the Cold War......

Loads of debate and stuff on this sort of thing here, on the badastronomy and Universe Today forum:

http://www.bautforum.com/questions-answers/68770-tetons-meteor.html

Interesting stuff!!

:-))
SG

EDIT: Aaargh. Got apostrophe-itis.... that Youtube URL doesnt work. Just got to youtube.com and search for Grand Teton Meteor - that'll do it!

32. The Sea Turtle's Tale: Back to the sea, and back again to the land

Comment #287513 by scottishgeologist on November 20, 2008 at 9:44 am

Steve

Re the Not the Nine O' Clock News sketch - I seem to remember another one where the word "guerilla" was pronounced in the same sort of mocking way - I think it came out as " ge-ree-ah"

Mind you, I once knew a seriously pretentious couple (brother and sister in law of a girl I knew in London) who insisted on calling "liqueur" "lee - kihr" which, to me, a Scot from the rough end of town, sounded, well really funny.....

Especially since they were both card carrying members of the Labour Party in London, in Ken Livingstones time at the GLC....

:-))))
SG

33. The Sea Turtle's Tale: Back to the sea, and back again to the land

Comment #287395 by scottishgeologist on November 20, 2008 at 5:32 am

Brian

There is actually a lot of questions regarding the Great Glen Fault. Check this web site:

http://www.scottishgeology.com/outandabout/classic_sites/locations/great_glen_fault.html

and you'll see what I mean

Incidentally, the scottishgeology.com site is maintained by Dr Neil Clark of Glasgow University, who was involved in the Skye Dinosaur footprints article I gave the link for above.

Try here for piccies:

http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/collections/museum/dinosaur/dinosaurs3.shtml

(I like the dinosaurs at the bottom of the page - all we need to make the scene complete is Adam and Eve.......... :-)))))))))))))))))))))))

Rock on!
SG

34. The Sea Turtle's Tale: Back to the sea, and back again to the land

Comment #287274 by scottishgeologist on November 19, 2008 at 11:02 pm

Ah yes, the Skye midges!

Voracious appetite (but only the females apparently!) Can make a holiday complete misery.

One of the great challenges about Scotlands west coast - all the places with seriosuly good geology (and good climbing) all have hideously bad midges - Rum, Skye, Mull, Knoydart, Torridon....

And regarding the faith heads in Skye, there is an account in Derek Coopers book "Skye" ( 1970) describing a preacher called Donald Munro which goes:

"So powerful was his oratory, so complete his conversion from the works of the devil, that he was able to convince his flock that the only way to eternal reward was to renounce the wiles of music. He named a day when they were to bring their fiddles and bagpipes to the head of Loch Snizort for a big public conflagration. The response was gratifying for Munro and he was able to warm his body and soul at a monumental bonfire. It was not only music that men liek Munro objected to - they were almost entirely succesful in in stifling the oral tradition of story telling and other manifestations of native culture"

I believe that the preacher in this incident is actually an ancestor of Donnie Munro, erstwhile singer in the band Runrig (devil's music as some more recent faith heads have said....)

:-)))
SG

35. The Sea Turtle's Tale: Back to the sea, and back again to the land

Comment #287034 by scottishgeologist on November 19, 2008 at 4:29 pm

Rod, thanks for the BBC "Skye turtle" link. What is interesting about this story is that it is one of those missing link "gap closers"

Actuall, Skye is a cool sort of place- geology is fascinating - some rather neat dinosaur tracks were found there a few years ago:

http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/collections/museum/dinosaur/dinosaur.shtml

Of course, it also needs to be pointed out that places like Skye have large numbers of Calvinist YEC fundies.....

:-)
SG

36. Is Obama the Antichrist?

Comment #286821 by scottishgeologist on November 19, 2008 at 11:29 am

All this reminds me of that Sam Harris quotation:

In the US, 22% of the population are CERTAIN that Jesus is coming back in the next 50 years, and another 22% think that it's likely. The good news of Christ's return, though, can only occur following desperately bad news. Mushroom clouds would be welcomed. "End time thinking," Harris said, "is fundamentally hostile to creating a sustainable future." Harris was particularly critical of religious moderates who give cover to the fundamentalists by not challenging them. The moderates say that all is justified because religion gives people meaning in their life

37. Hubble directly observes planet orbiting Fomalhaut

Comment #284517 by scottishgeologist on November 15, 2008 at 11:23 am

Vaal said:

Excellent news. How can anyone not be awestruck and motivated by cutting-edge science. How paltry and absurd is the default "Goddit" position. What small minds and microscopic world views

38. 'People say I'm strident'

Comment #275321 by scottishgeologist on October 31, 2008 at 4:26 am

Vaal

"Come on God, how about an updated version' Vista Bible 2008'"

ROFLMAO!!

Imagine, the Bible as software. Cannot even begin to think of the number of service packs and hotfixes it would need...

You'd need a lot of bandwidth....

Bibleupdate.com.... Express or Custom'


:-)))
SG

39. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #274687 by scottishgeologist on October 30, 2008 at 10:21 am

Hey, guys, gals,

Regarding the 10000th post, whats the bet a certain minister whose initials are DAR isnt sitting out there with two browser windows open - one with a comment ready to hit the "Submit" button, the other window on the same thread, hitting F5 repeatedly until the right moment comes.....

Wouldnt put it past him.....

:-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
SG

40. New Simonyi Chair appointed

Comment #273996 by scottishgeologist on October 29, 2008 at 1:22 pm

Vaal

Yes toy rockets - and Airfix and Revell models of the lunar landing model! I was 12 in 1969....

As you say Harrison Schmidt - now there is an inspiration. Gone where no geologist has gone before. Or since. And that's the sad part.

Actually, all may not be lost. If the Chinese and the Indians up the stakes a bit, I am sure the West will join in again.

I try to be optimistic!

:-))
SG

41. New Simonyi Chair appointed

Comment #273949 by scottishgeologist on October 29, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Vaal

Yes, a cracking post -reasonable in tone,no "shrillness" there !

Keep it coming!

Just like to add to the bit you said about being a child and watching the moon landings. I remember the Apollo program well, watching it on the TV (black and white of course!) absoultely trasnfixed. Science and technology were EVERYWHERE then, space exploration in the vanguard of course. Late 60s, early 70s that's where I got interested in science, esp geology. Its because of moon rock that I felt inspired to do geology at university. Sigh....

Its with almost sorrow that I look back at that period in time - where did it all falter, where did it go wrong' Oil crisis of the early 70s' Maybe did some damage. Dunno.

But certainly in 1969, if you had extrapolated the dreams of the time, tempered it with a bit of common sense and realism, we'd be regulalry visiting the moon now and Mars would have been "done" as well. The momentum was lost.

And man, the music was wonderful then.......FX: long sigh.....

:-)))
SG

42. Interview with John Lennox

Comment #273663 by scottishgeologist on October 29, 2008 at 4:59 am

Roger

Re: John Lennox and creationism. I have tried to find out waht he DOES believe in but it seems elusive. On one website, it is made clear that he has no truck with "evolution" so he isnt a theistic evolutionist.

But do you know if he is YEC or OEC or some other flavour'

Certainly, if he is Plymouth Brethren, then being pretty conservative, I wouldnt be surprised if he was YEC

:-)
SG

43. Interview with John Lennox

Comment #273631 by scottishgeologist on October 29, 2008 at 2:51 am

Dr Lennox was speaking at the UHI Lecture in Eden Court on Monday (This was the same venue and the same lecture series that RD was at earlier in the year)

Any reports from it yet' All I could find was this, from the nutty www.christianstogether.net site:

UHI Press Release (Guest) 20/10/2008, 17:53
New atheism challenger to deliver UHI lecture:

Professor John Lennox will argue the case for God
Scientist and “unashamed” Christian Professor John Lennox will defend religion against the march of so-called new atheism when he delivers a free public lecture for UHI, the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands, at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, next Monday (27th October).

John Lennox, who is professor of mathematics at the University of Oxford and a fellow in mathematics and philosophy of science at Oxford’s Green Templeton College, intends to counter the arguments of leading new atheist Professor Richard Dawkins who gave a UHI lecture in April.

He is concerned that the new atheist movement of high-profile figures like Richard Dawkins dominates public thinking and believes this is partly due to the anti-intellectual stance taken by some Christians who feel threatened by the argument. “Public space is occupied by one viewpoint and it is not healthy for people to believe there is no credible alternative. My job is to put the other side in rational and friendly debate so that people can decide for themselves,” Professor Lennox said.
He added: “The issues I will be discussing are – has science buried God; is all religion dangerous, and can we develop morality without God' I maintain that the new atheism is not supported by science, reason or morality, and the idea that human problems will be solved by the abandonment of all religion is simplistic in the extreme.”

Professor Lennox, who is conducting a second live debate with Professor Dawkins in Oxford this week, said it was world view, and not science, which divided the two.

His appearance in Inverness next week will close a three-part series of theology and science lectures organised by UHI. In June, the Rev Professor Andrew McGowan, principal of Highland Theological College UHI in Dingwall and Church of Scotland minister, talked about the importance of theology in a modern university at his inaugural lecture.

Professor Lennox tours the world discussing the relationship between science and the existence of God. His most recent book, “God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God'” (Oxford Lion-Hudson 2007) has been published in a number of languages.

Those who attended the lecture given by Dr. Lennox heard him effectively demolish many of the main arguments that Dawkins makes. But his over-arching comment about the differences being related to "world-views" and not science per se, spoke volumes. The "science" arguments which atheists erect are but smoke screens for the rejection of the Maker of the Universe. (For whatever reason(s) there was no obvious representation at the question time following the lecture from the "other side".)

To put the true nature of the debate in clear context, Lennox finished with a very clear explanation of why he held a personal faith in the historical figure of Jesus Christ; and of the personal relationship with God which this faith allows.

Footnote:
Dr. Lennox also spoke of the "new atheists" and more information can be found at -
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081013/challenging-the-new-atheists.htm

44. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #273338 by scottishgeologist on October 28, 2008 at 3:06 pm

PERSON

Yes, I think that basically sums it up. There was a short discussion about "how prayer works" on a Free Church web site (not the main one that has now gone) but one of the member churches. The poster asked about two ways that it "works"

1) That through prayer we can change what is going to happen, by requesting things from God we can influence what is going to happen and that things are only pre-ordanied to a certain extent

or

2) we dont change things with our petitions and requests but that God changes us through prayer until the answer we expect is in line with His

The only responder to the person posting the question argued that the second view was correct.

Again, as I have said before, it may seem like an "angels on pinheads" issue but these people seriously believe in the "power of prayer". I have heard mid-week prayer meetings referred to as the "engine room of the church".

Even when prayer is a manifest failure, they still believe it has some value. How we crack this particular nut is a major challenge. Logic and reason dont seem to work....

:-))
SG

45. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #273096 by scottishgeologist on October 28, 2008 at 6:02 am

Billy, just gotta love the Urban Dictionary - its hilarious

Anyway, I'd really like to know how this "fervent prayer" thing works. Its not as if "god" doesnt KNOW what his followers "fervently" desire

Its almost like he gets a kick out of watching themselves prostrate themselves and act like dirt on his shoes, you know REALLY GROVEL before he is prepared to answer their prayers

It would appear that millions of people praying "fervently" at every opportunity has more effect than just one guy saying "Hey, God do you think you could just....'"

Almost as if its a case of "Pah, listen to that puny individual.... he can just f*ck off"

As opposed to "Hey, all these people praying "fervently", fasting and all that shit..... I'd better shape up and give them what they want, they've got me convinced....."

Prayer is the most mind numbingly reason-denying practice that these people get up to. And it is ALWAYS emphasised as being the most important.

A kid talking to a teddy bear makes more sense - at least the teddy is real, tangible and actually exists.

"shakes head...."

:-)
SG

46. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #273038 by scottishgeologist on October 28, 2008 at 4:05 am

Billy

Thought you'd like that Dutch Shits thing - good eh'

How about this advice:

Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV;
etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray every day.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession-worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy-He will!

In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
(Pastor, author Intercessory Prayer)

Note "In His Grip" - you know, there are times when it is best not to think too much about these things....

Regarding the FCOS board, you're right, on both occasions, full scale, "squeeze the trigger till all you get is a click" pwnage.

It'll be interesting to see what they come back with. If they claim to be an "evangelical" church, committed to spreading the "good news", it'll look kind of odd if they DONT have a means of cyber-engagement with the "world" (you know thaty place that is ruled by Satan.....')

:-))
SG

47. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #273023 by scottishgeologist on October 28, 2008 at 3:34 am

Billy,

Thanks for the comments! Cheers and a cyber-pint from me!!

The f*cknuttery continues however - over at that idiot site www.christianstogether.net, there is a big article by Dutch Sheets. This guy is a complete whackjob (from Colorado Springs.... groan..)

It is well worth crawling through the cyber-mud this guy wallows in just to see how bad the delusion can actually become:

For example:

http://www.dutchsheets.org/images/images_A2521/Get Ready for September.doc

(EDIT: That link is pish. Go to this page:

http://www.dutchsheets.org/index.cfm/pageid/266

And click on the "Important Letter from Apostle Dutch about September)


Which contains gems like:

Get Ready for September! It is so huge on God’s timetable that it will mark one of the greatest shifts in the spiritual realm our generation has ever seen:

• A season of suddenlies will begin
• The confusion and deception ruling America (including within the Church) will begin to lift
• The November elections will shift toward God’s will
• The coming great awakening to America will go to a new level
• The “presence movement” will begin



"A season of suddenlies'" WTF, I mean WTF' These people need locking up...

And it just goes on and gets worse. Try reading some of it - its actually funny, until you realise that these guys are serious.

Now this guy, going back to my original point , is getting all this cyber-publicity on a UK, nay, Scottish web site. And thats a bit too close to my backyard for my liking!

We're trying desperately to get rid of this madness and these nutters seem to want to import more of it....

:-)
SG

48. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #272199 by scottishgeologist on October 27, 2008 at 5:23 am

NMcC

Thanks for the further info!

Which actually shows another thing about this site. As wll as people who are well qualified in dealing with errors, there is actually a phenomenal amount of knowledge gets poured out here.

A poster , dont remember who, said something along the lines of "every time he comes here he learns something new"

Keep it going!!
:-)
SG

49. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #272159 by scottishgeologist on October 27, 2008 at 3:39 am

NMcC

Thanks for the corrections there - points taken!

That's the thing about this site - even if you inadvertantly (sp') come out with bullshit, there is probably someone who knows a lot more about the subject and will put you straight.

Was it Dawkins, who referred to science as being "self correcting"'

Re Elisha/ Elijah - sloppiness there I am afraid - wrists slapped! Memo to self: think before hitting Enter....

Cheers

:-)))
SG

50. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #272155 by scottishgeologist on October 27, 2008 at 3:31 am

Vaal

Yes that avatar definitely gets some attention. I always make the point of saying however, that it isnt my creation - I found it on a web site full of avatars

http://avatars.jurko.net/pic/6509/

:-)
SG