101. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #162264 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 16, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Theology = here is the utterly complete answer!

Science, Reason..etc = let's find out the real answers!


I think part of the problem for the theist is letting go of the "complete answer" even as we see it as rubbish and completely silly, it's very hard to let go of that security blanket.


Steve Zara: I was a theist until I was 23, I'm now just about 30. It was a very difficult process to let go of theology, especially in regards to death.

EDIT: With that being said, there is no going back for me. That is not an option on the table. I can't think of any specific circumstances to stop being an atheist. None of the current popular religions are viable in any sense. If any situation arises that would lead to a theological belief (consisting of a totally different theology) I would be open to it, but I don't really see how it would be possible at all because it would have to coexist with science, reason....etc.

102. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #162157 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 16, 2008 at 8:40 am

Comment #162116 by Styrer: "Ah, Star, but you must know how utterly addictive even the shitest of soap-operas can become...:)"

Yes, I do agree, I'm just not sure of the motivation behind this and frankly find it very fishy. I don't blame anyone for their intrigue but warn that it can be the goal of the perpetrators and playing right into the hands of people such as DR.

I guess my real question is, what really is going on?



Edit: God-damn this rug is soft!

(Hint, Avatar)

103. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #162153 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 16, 2008 at 8:32 am

Dr Benway and Mr. Zara:

I guess it may seem like a generalization but I was not trying to specifically single out an individual, rather, say that sometimes we as a group can sometimes get very mean. Most of the time, however, it is because the provocation was very great. I understand this and like I said, most of the time is deserved. Sorry for not being specific, I suppose it can be seen as a generalization but I'm just trying to be fair to people who post that do not have a similar mindset.

I also should point out, many of you are very kind and informative to theists that post on here when they in turn, are polite and actually are interested in real discussion.

104. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #162109 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 16, 2008 at 7:04 am

aah... and the speculation continues, nobody likes my posts I suppose.

105. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #162069 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 16, 2008 at 5:42 am

Wow. This RM conversion business has become soap opera-ish. We shouldn't take this too seriously, srsly. For all you know, this RM fiasco could all be a game, and we shouldn't risk falling victim to it. Nobody should have anything against RM, from the posts I read of his, he seems to be a very bright guy and is capable of making his own decisions. I do admit however, this whole ordeal is depressing in a way but, it in no way shape or form helps any theological cause and no one should think it does.
The motivation of some of the posters on this site is sometimes unclear and we should not try to make any generalizations or conclusions without proper confirmation. Well, that's just my two cents- many of you guys are more than capable of understanding this better than I've written anyway.

-Ed

Edit: I also think perhaps, some who post on here come off too strong and sling insults too early. I'm all for the anger that an ignorant person can provoke, but much of the time, it hurts much more than it can help.

106. Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss

Comment #161818 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 15, 2008 at 6:14 pm

This is not only a conversation, it's a great conversation. The fact that they're both scientists and they can have a discussion where the few differences or disagreements can make the idea of being an "atheist" or "secularist" even more beautiful and much more appealing than believing in mythology. What is more comforting than the pursuit of truth? Certainly not holy books filled with mythology.

107. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #161623 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 15, 2008 at 1:07 pm

Isn't Okay Computer the album with "Karma Police" on it?


That song is so beautiful.

108. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #161616 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 15, 2008 at 1:00 pm

"With 5 exclamation points!!!!!"

Uh yeah Frankus, don't you recall the numerous bible passages that end in multiple exclamation points!??!?!??!?!

When you add them it gives your statement more "ummff"

There's a really crazy looking Japanese Maple in my backyard, standing next to it one day, I had vision(s)!(!!!) May you all be blessed by it and one day, The Maple will will accept you and bring you home!(!!!!!!!)

109. Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss

Comment #161279 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 15, 2008 at 5:36 am

For Dodger:

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,
Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,
Whiles, like a puff'd and reckless libertine,
Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads.
And recks not his own rede.

-Ophelia, Act I, scene iii

110. Religious education as a part of literary culture

Comment #160707 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 14, 2008 at 10:00 am

I'm glad Richard is always on his game because people constantly seem to miss the point. Richard has made this clear time and time again, just about every event I've heard or seen him speak in, when he advocates dropping the supernatural aspects of religion(s) yet still embracing cultural and literary elements. Nobody believes in Zeus or Thor, but we still read the stories about them; we treasure those moments in history- we don't embrace the belief in them, yet, we don't forget them! Why does this get dropped when people attack? If you're a journalist, you should read the material before writing your attack. It's only a suggestion, it's not my competency in question.

111. Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher

Comment #159464 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 12, 2008 at 8:37 am

Comment #159460 by Bonzai:
"So what? Should we then endorse every dim witted, obnoxious, attention seeking celebrity who just happens to be an atheist?"

No we don't endorse, but in the same way as the US presidential election, it's always about choosing the lesser of the evils.

112. Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher

Comment #159451 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 12, 2008 at 8:15 am

Steve, I agree with you, but, I've debated with Christians who, when that question was posed to them, they respond with:

"well, you can't say what is good and what is not; God knows what is good and it is all in his plan. You cannot know what good is, only God knows what is right because it's his plan"

(well, or something along those lines.)

With that attitude, nothing can be debated! Talk about the cop out answer!

113. Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher

Comment #159437 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 12, 2008 at 7:38 am

Next time, Richard needs to be part of the panel...

It's too bad that Bill is nuts, as Jason Alexander pointed out during the show. Bill can be funny and very reasonable, then, boom, out of nowhere comes his other side, the krrrazy side!

I have been watching much of Richard in the lecture, the discussion and the question and answer session type of events that this interview was different and welcome.

Richard seemed relaxed and in good spirits, perhaps that's because Bill was in good spirits, denying talking snakes, (and in my opinion, there are much better points to be made when talking about the utter craziness in holy books)

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is scheduled to be on Bill's show next week.

EDIT: I'd like to add, since many are mentioning, I don't watch Bill's show for Bill, I watch it because of the guests, the panel discussions and the potential for heated debates, when the guest combination is right.

114. Inadequate, private and late apology with grotesquely inadequate excuse

Comment #159082 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 11, 2008 at 12:23 pm

(She should have sent a letter of apology to him….)

Dear Atheist heathen bastard,

Please forgive my public insults made toward you for no apparent reason. I should not have made unsubstantiated claims about my state and its revered figure, President Lincoln. Since clearly my actions were unwarranted and completely bat-shit crazy, I feel I should offer an explanation: A child was killed in Chicago and your appearance in the hearing triggered a reaction in me, I was angry about death and whenever I think about children dying I think: "What you have to spew and spread is dangerous" (because children get killed) and that "This is the land of Lincoln where people believe in God." (and children get killed)
I'm sure you can understand how this would upset me! Since killing children is wrong and the land of Lincoln doesn't take kindly to the killers of children.

I hope this clears up everything, baby killer.

Yours in Christ,

Monique "Stupid Twit" Davis

115. Fleabytes

Comment #157502 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 9, 2008 at 7:44 am

Great, hey can we get some music themed to the deletion of these 200ish posts?

Fleabytes - 200 posts MIA: natural selection of the electronic kind.mp3

Oh wait, that's not going to be possible, that's right.

116. Fleabytes

Comment #157467 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 9, 2008 at 6:07 am

Steve:

"Mind you, this is one of the friendliest places I have visited on the net."

I couldn't agree more. Where else would you find such an intelligent, funny, comforting and exciting number of people actively discussing matters considered taboo by most of the general public? I resent being categorized as "joyless." Of all of the thousands of forums and posting websites, I'd consider Richarddawkins.net very low on the list of "lacking or excluding joy." If you have a problem with what a person says on here, that's fine, I often do, but that's what this place is for, an open expression of views. We all should be entitled to that, even Richard Morgan.

117. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #157156 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 8, 2008 at 3:38 pm

Fantastic video. Well done Richard. Well done Paula. If only the player was a bit better.

118. Dawkins warns of human extinction

Comment #155387 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 4, 2008 at 12:17 pm

Comment #155342 by al-rawandi:
"When you can tell me why I should take your miracles more seriously than those of Muhammad, we might be getting somewhere."

Since you're very informed in terms of Islam, I'm glad you brought this up. I've heard Muhammad had many first hand "witnesses" for his "miracles" and in terms of believing a religion, would seem to have much more credibility over Christianity. Too bad it still means nothing.

119. Dawkins warns of human extinction

Comment #155308 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 4, 2008 at 10:11 am

"If the resurrection could be SHOWN not to have taken place, the whole thing would fall apart."

But, it has not been shown to HAVE taken place. Why is it then, still held together? There is no credible evidence to support a resurrection, let alone THE resurrection of the God-man, Christ.

EDIT: [sarcasm] Nevermind, Backpacker just provided unbreakable and absolute evidence of the resurrection with that photo. Behold his GLORY!!![/sarcasm]

120. Dawkins warns of human extinction

Comment #155252 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 4, 2008 at 9:17 am

"Newton's theological interest was enabled because theology was not particularly challenged by science at that time."


Yeah, I'm pretty sure they were still calling people "witches" and burning them at the stake. That must have been a wonderful friday night.

121. Dawkins warns of human extinction

Comment #155237 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 4, 2008 at 9:04 am

If the God of the Bible does indeed exist, there might be a very strong case for being prepared to meet him, don't you think? If he does not, not all that much is lost by believing in Him.

122. Anti-gay Okla. lawmaker attracts 1,000 backers

Comment #154462 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 3, 2008 at 10:06 am

"homosexuality poses a bigger threat to the nation than terrorism."

Umm. I confused.

Example of a terrorists: Crash planes into buildings killing thousands.

Example of a gay citizen: Attracted to the same sex.

Hmmm, So very dangerous. I mean, as a heterosexual male I am threatened by a private citizen choosing to have a relationship with someone over someone piloting a large object, weighing many tons smashing into a building with the sole objective of killing as many people as possible.

-shiver- Ewww I can't stand the thought of gay people, nothing is worse than that!. (Sarcasm)

123. Fleabytes

Comment #154394 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 3, 2008 at 7:08 am

Comment #154389 by irate_atheist:

Pluck lard?

Muck bard?

Suck hard?

Luck card?

124. Fleabytes

Comment #154332 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 3, 2008 at 5:43 am

Damn, it is SO clear why Richard doesn't debate with Creationists. The argument is so played out, please get some new material, I'm so sick of the Bible being a book that trumps actual science. It's pathetic.

125. Fleabytes

Comment #153881 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 2, 2008 at 7:14 am

[sarcasm]Anna! how silly! GWB is a Christian! He's said so many times! he talks with God so the country can be led in the right direction! duh! I mean, how else would we have gotten in this precarious position globally, in a war we shouldn't be in? Of course! It's God's plan![/sarcasm]

"whereas atheism provides no basis for condemning an atheist like Stalin."


[tired sarcasm]

(muted bugel flourish)

***Official Atheist decree***

It is on this day, April the 2nd year two thousand and eight, we the Atheist religionist board of regulation hereby decree that:

We don't approve of Stalin. He was quite a silly person.

(muted bugel flourish) [/end tired sarcasm]

126. Fleabytes

Comment #153857 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 2, 2008 at 6:50 am

Anna:
"Did he ever admit that there were more versions of Christianity than can be counted?"

Sorry to butt into your conversation but I just wanted to add that almost every Christian I know has a different take on God or their Christianity that I would consider then all adherents to separate religions. I find this to be a very good point because many admit to having a personal faith or own take on what God from what they pull from specific religion or religions. Maybe they think it's clever to pick and choose their favorite parts to create the mythology that best suits their life.

127. Fleabytes

Comment #153824 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 2, 2008 at 6:08 am

David you seem to respond to the postings full of vague accusations without proof frequently; and rightly so. I wonder why many of the posts that actually require a response, from people such as eepist or mphil, never are addressed by you? I do not blame you for responding to all the attacking and unsubstantial posts (they're very easy to rebut or question) but please, if you'd be so kind, address the actual posts that would actually make this conversation worth while and not a 2 sided bash fest.

128. Anti-Quran Film Fitna Pulled From Web Due to 'Threats'

Comment #153592 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 1, 2008 at 4:02 pm

"Today, I am a little less hopeful about Atheists."



Well, I see it differently, at the end of the "day" what really was apparent was that much of the discussion surrounded misunderstandings, or so it seemed to me. When clearly, misunderstandings were explained, I for one, found the thread to be quite useful in understanding the complexity of very dangerous situation. The exchanges show that this is a very difficult issue that needs careful consideration and historically, doing the "right thing" was never easy. I applaud this thread and it's many useful contributors.

Remember, these discussions are GOOD because I for one, learned a great deal about the real issues and the personalities of all of you. I hardly consider that a bad thing. Even lovers have quarrels, it's rising above the argument in the end that strengthens the bond. Ciao.

EDIT: Maybe part of the reason I see this differently is that prior to spending my time reading the threads and articles on this website, I spent a great deal of time on a Conservative Christian website arguing with Evangenlicals. If you think this thread got nasty, or even the discussions with Mr. Robertson, you'd cringe at some of the discussions I took part in there. Name calling and anger is rarely useful in these situations I grew used to it and found this site to be a "heavenly escape" when compared to my former stomping grounds.

129. Anti-Quran Film Fitna Pulled From Web Due to 'Threats'

Comment #153358 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 1, 2008 at 12:20 pm

[sarcasm]anna, why are you so divisive?[/sarcasm]

130. Anti-Quran Film Fitna Pulled From Web Due to 'Threats'

Comment #153314 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 1, 2008 at 11:29 am

You could cut the tension in this "room" with html coded knife.

I can't say I agree with any one person here. I think that al has a lot to say and says it very well. I also think Steve and others have made great points too. Isn't there a middle ground we can start at, and work some type of general understanding? Overall, I think when discussion becomes heated, it's better to back down and come back with a clear head.

al, I can't help getting a strange feeling from the seriousness of your posts with Duffman as your avatar! But that isn't really too important. I guess, at least, it's not a doofy picture of yourself reading some random holy book...

131. Beware the Believers

Comment #153211 by Star Spangled Eagle on April 1, 2008 at 7:53 am

Can we get some more Lionel Richie please?


"Dancin' on the ceiling"

"Fiesta foreva, come on and sing my song...."

132. Fleabytes

Comment #152574 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 31, 2008 at 8:20 am

Steve Zara said, "I do suspect, however, he thinks he is being an Asshole for Jesus, which makes it alright somehow."

Don't you just mean he is being a "good Christian"?

;-)

133. Fleabytes

Comment #151284 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 28, 2008 at 11:40 am

Comment #151271 by The Reverend Dark:

Your story made me a little teary eyed (the part about the scrabble bag) I obviously don't know you or your wife's grandmother but I found those remarks very touching. Isn't sad how the ritual that is "the norm" is actually so completely uncomforting? It's refreshing to have these moments that give us a true sense of who we really are, not moments of mythological reflection.

My dear Reverend, I'm very sorry for your loss.

134. Fleabytes

Comment #151253 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 28, 2008 at 10:26 am

Steve, that site is great, I read a bunch of the cartoons on "The Perry Bible Fellowship" That is my kind of humor.

135. Fleabytes

Comment #151205 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 28, 2008 at 9:11 am

al,

That's "hot". We should suggest that for Bad Boyz III: revenge of the explosion.

136. Fleabytes

Comment #151195 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 28, 2008 at 8:58 am

al:

My complaint about Bad Boys:

Not enough explosions. We need more explosions. I think that was a Jerry Bruckheimer movie, he needs to learn how to blow things up. There should be shit exploding every few seconds. Any movie without frequent explosions is not worthy of any praise. Srsly.

137. Fleabytes

Comment #151187 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 28, 2008 at 8:48 am

al:

Big Momma's House 3: It's funny this time, really...

138. Fleabytes

Comment #151176 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 28, 2008 at 8:36 am

great, while editing, my comment was deleted! damnit!
The US version of the Office is crap compared to the ORIGINAL Ricky Gervais version - one of the best shows I've ever seen.

To summarize what I had said: Most American comedy is crap, I perfer UK comedy for the most part IMHO.

139. Fleabytes

Comment #150558 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 27, 2008 at 5:28 am

Posts 7011-7017.

Brilliant! I love you guys!

it's morning Here in the US. Nothing makes the morning more pleasant then a cup of coffee (OR TEA, IF YOU PLEASE!) and richarddawkins.net's Fleabytes thread.

Thank you for making me smile.

140. Fleabytes

Comment #149828 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 26, 2008 at 9:21 am

slightly OT but not really:

I remember reading a "Beginners Bible" when I was a wee lad and they revealed that God put Adam in a deep sleep to remove his rib to make Eve. What a great metaphor for children! My miniature self interpreted this story as.... God put Adam to sleep and made Eve from a Rib! There you go! It's a GREAT story for children but Adults, it's only a metaphor. Hypocrisy through idiocy, or is that idiocy through hypocrisy?

141. Fleabytes

Comment #148547 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 23, 2008 at 9:23 am

Yay! Happy Zombie Jesus day everyone!


"I have come to save you from your sins, and to EAT YOUR BRAINS!"

142. Fleabytes

Comment #147456 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 20, 2008 at 1:28 pm

Hey Pathfinder,

The turd time should suffice.

143. Fleabytes

Comment #147389 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 20, 2008 at 9:02 am

Ah! I stand corrected.

I did not take those pages into account.

Very good sir!

144. Fleabytes

Comment #147385 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 20, 2008 at 8:57 am

15?

Mr. Quetzalcoatl, I do believe that's an overestimate, are you sure 15 is the correct number?

145. Fleabytes

Comment #147378 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 20, 2008 at 8:51 am

Grandson of bible - This time its total bollocks!

146. Fleabytes

Comment #147328 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 20, 2008 at 7:03 am

Gaz:

What a very thorough response. I find biblical history extremely fascinating. It's amazing to me that many people don't really think about the early history of these stories/texts. Because a text is considered "holy" and untouchable by a great number of people, we see a lack of understanding of the history of where it all came from. Discussions like this need to occur on a more in the mainstream. Perhaps one day…

147. Fleabytes

Comment #146722 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 19, 2008 at 10:04 am

excerpt from holy book of the future:

"And Lo, the Mighty Gore created the series of tubes and it was good. It was at this time, a great website arose and on it began a large thread; woven by the rationalists of the old days and others who still praised the old Gods. And mighty spirits rose up and extended the long thread into heaven when the users now sit, at the right hand of Elvis. Praise be, praise be very much!"


Update: this was written from people who gave statements on the events that actually took place.

148. Fleabytes

Comment #145819 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 18, 2008 at 7:16 am

Lady Chatterleys Lover

149. Fleabytes

Comment #145774 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 18, 2008 at 6:08 am

5922. Comment #145767 by Pathfinder:

Don't you SEE?

all for the good of the greatest possible good, then THAT can be misread (deliberately) by the power's that be for their own ends.

Better to have God, isn't it?

All you have to do is choose.

150. Fleabytes

Comment #145409 by Star Spangled Eagle on March 17, 2008 at 2:43 pm

mesomodel:

By the way, have you seen my apostrophe spray gun?