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Comments by Quetzalcoatl


1151. I don't believe in atheists

Comment #143631 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 8:59 am

So you think that Hitchens, Dawkins and Harris are just shills for a neocon agenda?

Well, Dawkins is a little different, because he's British


Blatant discrimination! Any Briton can be a shill for neocon agendas! And does Hedges not realise that Hitchens was born in England?

1152. Fleabytes

Comment #143599 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 8:35 am

Epinephrine-

it's been suggested, I think, that while some of the higher primates are capable of self-awareness and abstract thought, they don't have it "full-time" in the way that humans do. That might be the only real distinction.

1153. Ban anti-Catholic books in schools, says bishop

Comment #143596 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 8:32 am

irate_atheist-

did you see her when she guest-presented Have I Got News For You? She does, at least, know how to laugh at herself.

1154. Fleabytes

Comment #143540 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 7:36 am

Steve Zara-

Quetz, Anna. We have actually had a bit of a breakthrough with David. He has admitted that we may not be able to know what moral absolutes are. I think this is a big step forward (do I sound ironic here?), as it means he accepts that it is possible that we do simply make our own way in the world morally.


I'll see what he says about this on Tuesday.

1155. Fleabytes

Comment #143529 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 7:28 am

Annabanana-

don't let it make you sad. Seriously. In the end, much as we don't like to admit it, some people's minds cannot be changed. If DR is one of them, there's not much we can do about it. Think happier thoughts.

1156. Fleabytes

Comment #143521 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 7:22 am

Annabanana-

David's viewpoint can be summed up thusly:

I had said that humanity does not need a God to deliver us from our selfishness; that we can do it for ourselves.

His response:

"Now that's what I call deluded!"

1157. Fleabytes

Comment #143516 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 7:17 am

Sargeist-

(slightly off-topic)

It's interesting that you mention the "Chinese Room" idea. I read a science-fiction novel where the author created aliens who were intelligent without being conscious, but communicated with humans using the Chinese room principle. Blindsight, the book was called.

1158. Fleabytes

Comment #143408 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 5:14 am

Clearthinker-

(Re your comments to Scottish Geologist)

I deliberately requested that people PM me with question ideas so that I could read through them and pick some of the best to ask you on Tuesday. Obviously everyone is free to ask you the same questions directly!

1159. Fleabytes

Comment #143330 by Quetzalcoatl on March 14, 2008 at 2:37 am

Re the Wee Flea's descent on my home town-

Many thanks to everyone who has suggested questions so far.

1160. Fleabytes

Comment #143165 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Everyone-

on a serious note (I know, it's very unlike me).

Given that Clearthinker will descend upon my home town next Tuesday, I have purchased a ticket to his talk. This is an excellent opportunity to see what he has to say in person, and how (if at all) it differs to what he says on the Internet.

There will apparently be a Q&A session. If anyone can think of any good questions, feel free to PM them to me, and I will try and ask some of them. Bear in mind that I will be in a room of Evangelical Christians, so questions like: "Why are you so deluded?" will not be read out. :)

Thanks for your time!

1161. Fleabytes

Comment #143158 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 2:43 pm

Diacanu-

Let's consult the Queen Spider!


Excellent plan. Start gluing giant fly wings onto the backs of prominent religious people. Start with the Pope.

1162. Fleabytes

Comment #143151 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 2:30 pm

Vaal-

oh no, Xrglyuf was not crucified. He was devoured by the great Phari-swarm and excreted into 1,995 sacred pieces. One day, when all the pieces are re-united, Xrglyuf will arise once more and lay waste to the stars. Until then, would you like a copy of the sacred texts?

1163. Fleabytes

Comment #143148 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm

Diacanu-

I'm hoping for a spacefaring intelligence that snarks out "yeah, we found your God out here...and kicked his fuggin' ass!!!


Personally, I'd find it funny if the first thing aliens said to us was "Jesus who? Let us tell you about the All-Powerful Xrglyuf, the Swarm-Father and creator of all life in the Universe....."

1164. Deadly Sins 101

Comment #143048 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 11:45 am

Could it be any more obvious that they make these things up as they go along?

1165. Ban anti-Catholic books in schools, says bishop

Comment #143035 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 11:35 am

More ranting Catholics. I like the bit about not supporting Red Nose Day.

Fucktard.

1166. Bishop accuses gays of 'conspiracy' against the Catholic Church

Comment #143033 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 11:33 am

Everything seems to be against Catholicism these days.

Homosexuals.
Other faiths.
The rise of secularism.
Sense.
Reason.
Logic.
Intelligence.
The FACTS.

Poor old Catholics.

1167. Fleabytes

Comment #142958 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 9:10 am

Clearthinker-

I am a Bedfordian, what will bring you to my town?

1168. Fleabytes

Comment #142915 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 7:41 am

Paula-

and I'm sorry, Quetz, but I feel entitled to insist that even a deity give way to me on this auspicious occasion


Indeed you are entitled, congratulations!

1169. Fleabytes

Comment #142823 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 6:01 am

irate_atheist-

I don't mind if my followers drink coffee, but I like them to encourage tea drinking wherever possible. It is a delightful beverage.

As for the money- that was just my little joke. Divine humour.

1170. Fleabytes

Comment #142797 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 5:32 am

ForestMist-

I'm feeling very concerned about my heretical thoughts and behaviour re preferring coffee to tea (and, indeed, not even liking tea). Quetzalcoatl - is there any penance I should be doing?


You must preach the virtues of both tea and Quetzalcoatl to the masses. And send me money.

1171. Fleabytes

Comment #142760 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 4:52 am

Clodhopper-

Paula: Why do you think I'm wearing this ridiculous suit?


a) Some kind of bizarre fetish
b) Because you can't remove it
c) For a bet

1172. Fleabytes

Comment #142720 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 3:44 am

Steve-

after which one goes off with all the drones.


Are you calling us drones??? >:(

1173. Fleabytes

Comment #142718 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 3:43 am

ForestMist-

the advocation of coffee over tea is indeed a heresy. Tea is the greatest of all hot drinks. If it helps, mini rolls are not heretical- eat as many as you like.

1174. Two More Fleas

Comment #142699 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 3:19 am

The irony of these complaints from a guy who wrote a book called "The Dawkins Letters" never ceases to amuse me.

1175. Two More Fleas

Comment #142672 by Quetzalcoatl on March 13, 2008 at 2:10 am

Clearthinker-

Its good to see RD.net keeping up its usual standards!


Right back at you.

1176. Two More Fleas

Comment #142414 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 12:57 pm

Has the synopsis proved that Berlinski has some valid points?

Not even close.

1177. Beauty ad banned after Christian outcry

Comment #142367 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 12:00 pm

For the love of Satan. 23 complaints. 23. That's all. The ASA really is scared of its own shadow.

Personally, I didn't find the adverts at all offensive, in fact, I rather liked them. ;)

1178. Fleabytes

Comment #142315 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 9:52 am

Rev Dark-

I think the correct term is bundamentalist.


I don't think so. That just makes you sound really fanatical about baked goods.

1179. Fleabytes

Comment #142307 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 9:42 am

ForestMist-

I refuse to believe that bunnies aren't lovely and fluffy!


Bunnyist Fundamentalist :)

1180. Fleabytes

Comment #142298 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 9:20 am

ForestMist-

aren't all bunnies cute and fluffy and nice?


That's just what they want you to think. I take it that you've never seen Watership Down.

1181. Fleabytes

Comment #142287 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 9:03 am

ForestMist-

but not all rabbits are as kind as the Easter Bunny.....

1182. Fleabytes

Comment #142280 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 8:52 am

ForestMist-

if it's any consolation, several of the children were later found dead in their beds. Police said that they appeared to have been beaten to death with carrots.

1183. Fleabytes

Comment #142261 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 7:56 am

ForestMist-

Can't you just take my word for it?


Well, it goes against my every sceptical instinct, but ok.

1184. Fleabytes

Comment #142256 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 7:45 am

Forestmist-

where's the evidence that the photo was taken at Easter?

1185. Fleabytes

Comment #142243 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 7:20 am

ForestMist-

I disagree. You've proven the existence of a Bunny, but that looks more like the Autumn Bunny to me, not the Easter Bunny.

1186. Fleabytes

Comment #142181 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 6:00 am

Epeeist-

too often in this context "metaphorical" seems to mean "has been shown to be wrong". But then even the believers can't agree on what is and isn't metaphor.

1187. Fleabytes

Comment #142174 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 5:44 am

Richard Morgan-

I was wondering why soul-less atheists generally write more interesting stuff than the theists


This is probably a horrible generalisation, but I think on the whole we atheists are more open to new ideas, and that influences our thinking and discussion.

1188. Fleabytes

Comment #142157 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 5:01 am

whatthe..?!

the point is that you can't just define something as a moral absolute and leave it at that. You have to have some evidence to back up your position. Clearthinker provided none.

1189. Fleabytes

Comment #142138 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 3:54 am

Richard Morgan-

I think you'll be pleased to know that while reading the FCOS forums I try whenever possible to listen to a certain composition of yours. It IS very appropriate.

1190. Fleabytes

Comment #142129 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 3:43 am

Clearthinker-

adding to what Billy said:

Even if you were to assert that God IS the source of an Absolute moral law, you would still have to deal with the fact that God has no problem killing, drowning and generally causing suffering when it suits his needs. If God can do that, then how can you justify holding him up as the pinnacle of morality?

1191. Fleabytes

Comment #142118 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 3:10 am

Steve, Diacanu-

never fear, Clearthinker has provided examples!

Certainly. All human beings are created equal. Racism is wrong. Dachau was wrong. These are moral absolutes

1192. Fleabytes

Comment #142113 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 3:00 am

Clearthinker-

You also don't like my view of humans beings - including myself. But you give no reason for this. I can evidence the depravity of the human heart. You want to feel that we are good and you can offer no real evidence for it. Its true that I cannot argue against your feeling. But I can at least point out that it is just that - a feeling.


The depravity of the human heart. What does that even mean? It means that you feel that the human heart is depraved. In response to this you might point out bad things that happen in the world. But there are good things too.

Humanity is not depraved, much as it might suit you to believe so. I thought atheists were supposed to be the nihilistic ones!

Try telling that to the woman dying of cancer as you sit beside her bed and she is crying out in pain ' this is not an evil' just a powerful survival tool!'


You are being disingenuous here, and I think you know it.

No. If we are delivered from our selfishness and enabled to live lifes which are serving others then it benefits the whole of society.


This statement is telling. I disagree. We do not need someone else to deliver us from our selfishness. We can do it for ourselves.

1193. Richard Dawkins' US Tour begins this week

Comment #142106 by Quetzalcoatl on March 12, 2008 at 2:49 am

Philip1978-

It's alright, but "timeless classic" might be stretching it a little.

1194. Fleabytes

Comment #141931 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 12:06 pm

Paula-

good post on the FCOS site.

1195. Fleabytes

Comment #141839 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 9:30 am

Paula-

I haven't yet noticed her giving many examples about precisely HOW this censorship will be going on. Funny, that.

1196. Fleabytes

Comment #141819 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 8:58 am

Philip-

but which type of quark? There are six of them, yet we only need two. That leaves four.

Hmm.

Father.
Son.
Holy Ghost.
...?

1197. Fleabytes

Comment #141817 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 8:56 am

Fides-

and the moral awareness of Catholicism that is lacking in secular society.


Yes, of course. Use of condoms and failure to recycle being principal among the revised Deadly Sins.

By "moral awareness" did you perhaps mean "ability to make things up as they go along while somehow managing to keep a straight face and still act as if they are doing the world a great favour by imparting this wisdom?"

1198. Fleabytes

Comment #141812 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 8:47 am

Epeeist-

and anecdotes about fencing. Mustn't forget those.

:-)

1199. Fleabytes

Comment #141805 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 8:31 am

Philip-

God is behind everything. That's why you can't see him. Bless him, he's just shy.

1200. Fleabytes

Comment #141754 by Quetzalcoatl on March 11, 2008 at 6:54 am

Clearthinker-

Yes I am. I am totally amazed at the Universe. So much so that I cannot conceive of it as being self-existent, or having come from no where and nothing.


Perhaps you merely lack imagination.

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