1. Letters: Theology has no place in a university

Comment #77988 by Helios G2V on October 11, 2007 at 12:18 pm

Dear Dr Heywood,
You bring up a valid point of knowing one's opponent. Where Sir, did you make your study of Science? Was it difficult to ignore all the empirical evidence in favour of a Bronze age fairytale?
As for discrediting Professor Dawkins "positvist account of Science", please present your evidence. Are you seriously suggesting Professor Dawkins has been negligent in the Scientific Method?
You Sir, are a fraud. Enjoy your journey to Oblivion.

2. Inferior Design: Richard Dawkins reviews Behe's lastest book

Comment #53302 by Helios G2V on June 30, 2007 at 4:31 pm

Congratulations Professor on the continuing dismantling of ID.

If ID proves one thing it is the ability of the movement to adapt to the intellectual environment. A bit like Evolution by Natural Selection, which is fairly ironic.
While I think ID is being dismantled at a ferocious rate, we should bear in mind the movements adaptive abilities.

Is Behe's book part of a coordinated response to the 2005 drubbing at the hands of Judge John E Jones III?
Is there any coordinated effort on behalf of the ID movement? The Discovery Institute certainly doesn't dominate the headlines with any frequency.

It would seem that the ID movement is running out of time in the US with the impending Presidential elections. Assuming the Americans are fed up with the Republicans.
Is there much of a clue as to the American public's voting intentions?

3. U.S. a theocratic state, says former Canadian ambassador

Comment #46843 by Helios G2V on June 1, 2007 at 11:53 pm

Did the Canadian Secularists have a hangover on election day and forget to vote?

I found it surprising that a Faith Nut got to be Prime Minister. I didn't follow the issues that got him elected. Was he elected because he is overtly religious?

4. Atheism shall make you free

Comment #46838 by Helios G2V on June 1, 2007 at 10:56 pm

"The studies - of which there are now many - indicate that a tendency to religiosity is genetically determined; if one twin is very religious the other nearly always is too, no matter how they were brought up."

Can anyone direct me to the studies Pamela writes about?
If religiosity is genetic I think my parents have been keeping something from me. They tried so hard to bring up a god fearing boy.
My earlist recollections are that church was boring and nobody had actually met jesus, yet spoke of him like they had just finished eating breakfast with him.

5. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45615 by Helios G2V on May 28, 2007 at 1:33 pm

I just went back and reread comment 40 NewAtheist, you are indeed correct, about recognising the same paragraph as a fraud by the SMH.
The quote RD gave to them has nothing to do with exacerbating christian and muslim relations. It would seem to me the SMH is the one who wishes to exacerbate the shaky ground christians and muslims find themselves on.
The SMH sold many newspapers during an Aussie vs Lebanese fight on Cronulla Beach last year. They desparately tried to talk it up as a christian vs muslim fight. It was more to do with misogynist bullying perpatrated by a few 2nd generation Lebanese immigrants.

6. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45475 by Helios G2V on May 28, 2007 at 1:28 am

The Oxford don admitted to the Herald yesterday there was a danger that his aggressive attack on religion could exacerbate differences between Christian and Muslim fundamentalists. "There's some merit in a gently-gently approach but it looks to me that the in-your-face approach associated with me, and to a greater extent Hitchens, is getting results," he said.

Too right they're getting results. Great to see. The part of TROAE where RD confronts Ted Haggard is especially priceless in view of recent events.

I'm not sure how attacking all religious belief exacerbates differences between christians and muslims. It would seem RD and others are picking a fight with both insane religions. If anything, it should bring them closer together to battle a common enemy.
I wouldn't call RD's attack on religion aggressive, it does try to hold the nutjobs to account, which appears to be working as the religious counter argument seems to be taking on a tone of desparation. I think they sense they're in for a difficult time.

May I add a request for Professor Dawkins to come to Australia. I don't care where the Professor appears I will be there.

7. Atheists: Get off of our country!

Comment #44997 by Helios G2V on May 25, 2007 at 6:38 pm

While this letter appears to be a hoax it does underline a theme I find common among Americans I meet. Most are not as vehemently opposed to atheism as this hoax letter assumes, however, it usually comes as a shock (to Americans) that a country can become successful without the need for a mass religious belief.

Australia is one of these countries which has managed to generate success without needing the assistance of any deities. I would even go as far as to say it is because of our disbelief that we have managed to have a reasonably well educated, hard working population. We have our problems but overall I would say "no worries, mate".

So, (here's the pitch) if you are sick to death of evangelicals dribbling their particular vile worldview emigrate (or visit) Australia. We are particularly interested in innovative people, as we have several environmental difficulties at the moment, drought and land salinity being our biggest challenges. These challenges will be met and resolved, however, the more scientific the approach the more sustainable the result.

Pack your sunscreen and come to
Heretics Island - Australia.

8. Manufacturing belief

Comment #42627 by Helios G2V on May 18, 2007 at 6:58 pm

I would like to suggest that religious belief has it's origins to prowess on the battlefield.

Effective military commander's must inspire their troops to feats of extraordinary endurance and religious belief provides a very powerful catalyst for teamwork.

Unfortunately it appears the darker side of human nature is what ultimately has led us to our present existence. If the interpretation of the fossil record is accurate it would appear that H.Saipians were the victor in a merciless fight to the death with competing species both hominid and non hominid.

9. How multiculturalism is betraying women

Comment #37039 by Helios G2V on May 3, 2007 at 8:29 am

#36935 by Yorker
You are probably correct in that money talks all languages.
I was thinking of something more like a more rigourous character assessment where the intending emigree has to prove their worth to the citizenry of the country that accepts their immigration.
I'm sure there are psychologists who have mountains of data on behaviorial traits of serial mysoginists. There could even be models to refer to.
Perhaps a bond payable at entry to the place of immigration in return for ten years of acceptable behaviour may even keep the well funded immigrant thinking about their actions.

#36961 Veronique
Nobody disputes the length of time the Anangu have resided in Australia, I'm told it's around 60,000 years. I don't see how this equates to acceptance of violence toward the Anangu women and children.
Unfortunately, I could provide video evidence of the violence but it would probably sicken you and this is probably not the forum to air this video. Maybe one day on YouTube, I have reservations as to whether it would improve or inflame the situation. I don't fear being labelled a racist however, it may give ammunition to those who genuinely are racist.

I realise the first Caucasian's in Australia were not model citizens, they were sent here in chains as slave labour for the British.
They did however manage to forge a country to be proud of, a lot of these convicts had a lower social status than the Anangu at the time. They still managed to rise above their station in life and make the best of a bad situation. It has galvinised Australian national sporting teams for decades in contests with the British. The same opportunities are there for the Anangu to exploit, but sadly very few are willing.

10. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36978 by Helios G2V on May 3, 2007 at 2:14 am

Devolved

http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/4172/

That was a wonderful journey to the dark recesses of a self deluded mind. It does beg the question of explaining the evolution of the designer. You are treading a well worn path to oblivion by quoting from creationist web sites.

I can see why it is a tantilising option to believe in a designer - they make it sound so scientific. It is NOT scientific. It is an imitation of science with a bit of hocus pocus thrown in to appear mysterious.

Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, so thank you. If you really want to help, there are many research institutions who need bright minds unclouded by biases toward the supernatural, please do not ever seek employment at these places, I think your humiliation may be too much to bear.

Have you any other web sites I should look at? Discovery Institute maybe?

11. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36939 by Helios G2V on May 2, 2007 at 9:17 pm

Devolved

Science is not a belief system. It is a system where ideas are exposed to extreme sceptisim by members of the scientific community, until proven plausible. There will be gaps in knowledge until technology catches up with the theoretical. These are the gaps you are hoping to exploit, without success.

Science is also the ultimate in "sticking your neck out", you must be prepared to have it cut off. A wise person doesn't profess to know the truth without verification, this is why science is a peer reviewed system. Arguments from Authority hold no water in the scientific community.

Could I suggest a more creative strategy of debate than you have demonstrated thus far. When you need to add numbers to your beliefs (post 36725, 36740) it is peceived by me that you are trying to convince yourself. Feel free to use an Ad Hominem Argument with me, you will find me to be a worthy adversary.

It is interesting we are commenting on an article on self delusion, thank you Devolved for providing a practical example. Keep on posting.

12. How multiculturalism is betraying women

Comment #36928 by Helios G2V on May 2, 2007 at 8:32 pm

The deportation of serial wife bashers has merit but unfortunately it would eventually be used as a political greivance by the emigrated population. That is if it is used as a first resort measure. I would keep this as a last resort of particularly belligerent offenders.

Perhaps better screening of potential immigrants would go a long way towards attracting peaceful, law abiding citizens. This could be done on a user pays system, if you wish to emigrate to a country, prove to it's citizenry that you're worth the effort. A loan system similar to the university loan system could be employed. People tend to think a little harder about their actions when their income is a stake.

I suspect it will be a range of coercive and educational measures that will improve the attitude of the serial mysoginists. I have suggested just one measure.

13. How multiculturalism is betraying women

Comment #36915 by Helios G2V on May 2, 2007 at 7:13 pm

This article comes as no surprise to me.

I have been living in Outback Australia for over ten years and the status of Anangu (Aboriginal) women would be below the status of the Muslim women depicted in this article.

The Anangu men who have succumbed to alcoholism regularly beat, rape and generally terrorise their women folk, sometimes in public view. Nobody is courageous enough to stop them because it is their "culture".

Politicians and Police Officers who intervene are vilified as racists.

This behaviour would not be tolerated in Australian cities, however, because it is mostly out of public view, in the remote parts of Australia, it is not a high priority issue. Most urban Aussie's wouldn't even know it was going on as publcity of these incidents is banned by Anangu councils afraid of being exposed as mysoginist bastards.

This is mutliculturalism at it's finest.

14. For God's Sake

Comment #31677 by Helios G2V on April 13, 2007 at 8:08 pm

May I extend an invitation to all those fed up with the ridiculous notions of the religous to emigrate to Australia.

The muslim mufti referred to by Laks.84 is being seen off by his own bretheren. He created quite a stir in Australia and even the Islamic council of Aust can see his position is untenanble.

We are in dire need of people with creative minds as we face some serious challenges in the future.

There are several different climatic zones to live in Australaia, from the tropical to the cool temperate. I realise these may change in the future, however, we are not entertaining the possibility of a continent covered with ice.

Those with an interest in solar technology are particularly encouraged to emigrate along with those who can rehabilitate arid land spoiled by salinity. You will be welcomed with open arms.

Those who do make it here will find some of the customs of Australians a little different, however, we are a humourous bunch with an irreverant outlook on life and a distrust for any authority. I think it may be the key to our success.

If you can't move at least come and visit, it will be an experience you will not forget.

15. How Did the Universe Survive the Big Bang? In This Experiment, Clues Remain Elusive

Comment #31670 by Helios G2V on April 13, 2007 at 7:11 pm

Could it be that, as is hypothsised by a Multiverse Theory, a universe has existed in which anti matter "won", and we happen to live in the universe in which matter "won" by as yet undetermined mechanism?

Perhaps by conducting these experiments within the gravity we experience, the initial conditions of our universe, are not being reproduced accurately enough for a coherent explanation.

16. Einstein & Faith

Comment #31668 by Helios G2V on April 13, 2007 at 6:52 pm

"Everybody acts not only under external compulsion but also in accordance with inner necessity," Einstein.

I admire Einstein for his ability to get to the heart of things. I also interprete this statement as "Everything acts not only under external compulsion but also in accordance with inner necessity".
A lot of Einstein's work involved the influence of gravity on the cosmos. Even with great minds such as Einstein's, humanity still has not come up with a coherent explanation of the mechanisms of gravity. I wait, and hope, with wonderment and awe, that in my lifetime this basis for our existence is explained with a clarity that I can understand. Thank you Mr Einstein for setting humanity on this course.

17. Atheist says he's victim of religious hate crime

Comment #30017 by Helios G2V on April 6, 2007 at 7:48 am

This is a sad reflection of length's some people will go to if they percieve their beliefs are being challenged.

Keep reading the books that challenge religous belief, keep writing the articles.
However, it would be prudent if you wear a T shirt that says " Atheism is only for those that can handle the truth", expect a reaction. Sometimes violent.
Take some precautions because the attackers believe they're relieving the world of a satanic curse. It doesn't help to say you don't believe in satan. Persuasion of an active nature may be how we will be forced to defend our free thought.
Keep in mind the abortion clinic doctors who have been killed.

18. A History of Violence

Comment #29177 by Helios G2V on April 2, 2007 at 1:58 am

Do you think there could be a link between the decline in global violence and the rise in global sporting contests?

I don't think Homo Saipians lust for conquest has been abated, however, it appears that it has been redirected to sporting prowess. Maybe we have learnt more benign ways to demonstrate our warlike nature on the sporting arena.

When watching professional sports how often do commentators refer to the contest in the language of war?

19. How Many Scientists?

Comment #28562 by Helios G2V on March 29, 2007 at 7:32 pm

Ok JRG, I think we get it - you're selfish.

Don't buy any renewable products.

Don't support anyone who may be trying to influence your elected representatives to clean up the air you breathe and the water you drink.

It's all a lie.
Big Oil is our friend just like Big Tobbaco is was our friend. Big Nuclear is our next best friend. (Nuclear energy may work in the right hands, however the corporate world would need a huge injection of ethics)

Your skepticism is admirable, no one is asking you to become hysterical. Leave that to CNN to sell hysteria.

Skepticism is healthy (remember Y2K bug) and everything should be questioned.

There will be corporations who will seek to make a handsome profit from GW peddling snake oil solutions.
There will also be corporations who will assemble teams of well qualified thinkers to nut out sustainable solutions, I hope it is something we will discuss on these forums.

20. How Many Scientists?

Comment #28454 by Helios G2V on March 29, 2007 at 8:47 am

Scooternyc and jlharvey

Please do not emigrate to the Southern Hemispere when the Northern Ice Age begins. Keep telling yourselves it's a natural phenomenon.

21. Free Speech

Comment #25514 by Helios G2V on March 14, 2007 at 12:55 am

Bravo

Free speech and thought is priceless. It is what defines human progress.

We will be in a very sad state if the hard won rights of free speech are surrended with no more than a whimper. It's the breeding ground of dictators.

22. 'Don't discuss polar bears': memo to scientists

Comment #25215 by Helios G2V on March 11, 2007 at 3:16 am

A lot of science is funded by governments using the "Golden Rule". He or she who has the gold makes the rules.

The Bush administration would be likely to be eyeing off the Arctic as a new oil bearing area. Don't need any pesky Polar Bears getting in the way.

23. Pope is warned of a green Antichrist

Comment #23968 by Helios G2V on March 3, 2007 at 7:58 pm

"The choice of Lenten speaker has in the past given a clue to Vatican policy, although one source said that Cardinal Biffi had perhaps been chosen because his "verbal fireworks" would keep listeners awake."

Maybe the Pope has a sense of humour.

24. The Bright Revolution

Comment #19509 by Helios G2V on January 27, 2007 at 5:30 pm

How about "Godfrey Proud" as a subliminal signalling method and a fictional character similar to the "Flying Spagetti Monster" of Pastafarienism.

Examples of T-shirts and bumper stickers could read "Who is Godfrey Proud?". It'll keep some of the theists guessing for years.