101. Stop distorting young minds!

Comment #200363 by the great teapot on June 27, 2008 at 11:58 am

MBC Morgan.
You call that a normal family upbringing.
It sounds to me like you were raised in the nut house. I thank my lucky stars religion has never entered my life, except as a curiosity and a weekly hymn we had to mime to at school.

102. A War On Science

Comment #199921 by the great teapot on June 26, 2008 at 1:55 pm

Steve

They have 2 tool boxes.
You own only one.
Religion and god can only be undestood using the tools in the other box.
How many times do you have to be told.
Sometimes you can be so slow.

103. Science is not philosophy

Comment #199023 by the great teapot on June 25, 2008 at 4:51 am

My guess would be entrepreneurs and politicians.
But I suspect you are implying religion.
Does our government have a philosophical department of technological applications?
I thought only radio 4 had one of those.

104. Saving Us from Darwin

Comment #198853 by the great teapot on June 24, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Battered women, did you say.
What do they taste like?

105. Science is not philosophy

Comment #198843 by the great teapot on June 24, 2008 at 2:57 pm

I have read the article twice now and i am a little confused.
Has the heading for another story been placed above this item by mistake. I can't see anywhere in the article where philosophy's relationship with science is discussed. Is it just me?
Apart from the missing correct heading it seems ok to me.

106. Christianity 'could die out within a century'

Comment #197759 by the great teapot on June 22, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Perhaps it will die out within a century.
But which one?

107. Saving Us from Darwin

Comment #197745 by the great teapot on June 22, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Marshall
You admit that you have no evidence for god.
Now if you have no evidence for the existence of something, what do you normally think?
Especially when those who claim (without any evidence) that something exists and the things they can tell you about it(without evidence), are both contradictary and not consistent with our normal experiences.
My instincts would be to assume it doesn't exist.
Not believing in something when it can not be proven to exist is not the mirror image of believing in something that can not be proven. The 2 propositions are about as asymmetric as one can get.

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

Comment #197505 by the great teapot on June 22, 2008 at 9:12 am

Oh yeah that's right hit the soft targets.
You wouldn't say that about Isl.. oh, sorry I keep getting my religions mixed up.

109. Saving Us from Darwin

Comment #197496 by the great teapot on June 22, 2008 at 8:58 am

Terabrat

Some atheist are rude. Therefore I will change my world view. How does that follow?

110. Saving Us from Darwin

Comment #197388 by the great teapot on June 22, 2008 at 12:34 am

Marshall.

Doesn't the fact that there is no evidence for god kinda suggest to you that there almost certainly isn't one.
No mental gymnastics required. Don't believe things just because everyone else does. I am sure if no one else on the planet believed in god you would obediently follow suit.

111. Pastors Challenge Law, Endorse Candidates From Pulpit

Comment #197270 by the great teapot on June 21, 2008 at 2:06 pm

yes. That is what "perhaps it serves as a warning" would mean.

112. New discovery proves 'selfish gene' exists

Comment #197253 by the great teapot on June 21, 2008 at 1:04 pm

Nothing including Genes is either selfish or unshellfish. Everything just does what it does.

113. Is the Universe Actually Made of Math?

Comment #195854 by the great teapot on June 18, 2008 at 11:01 pm

The king is in his alltogether.

114. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #194382 by the great teapot on June 16, 2008 at 5:05 pm

Yes, that sounds like the sort of thing Richard Dawkins would say.
If Dawkins opinion is so important to you as an indicator of the truth, may I suggest you concentrate on the things he has to say outside of the movie expelled. I am sure they are far more representative of his true views.

115. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #194310 by the great teapot on June 16, 2008 at 3:34 pm

"Steve Zara are you Gay?"

I am not sure whether steve zara is gay but I have heard his husband is.

In response to who do atheist call out (in vain) to in difficult moments, as a longstanding batchelor and atheist, for me it is always to my latest unrequited love.
I guess I have a lot in common with you RTG.

116. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193109 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Funny you should mention string theory. I am inclined to think " when they can explain what it actually means in physical terms then I will listen" but I am prepared to admit that is my error.
But I don't believe ethics can not be discussed in plain English without losing precision- on the otherhand- i do know jack shit about it.

117. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193102 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Not quite Brian.
You should be able to express the same points without resorting to clearly specifically subject related jargon or dumbing down.
Speaking plain English should be achievable,
whatever the subject matter. Jargon is the last refuge of the bullshitter.

118. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193097 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 3:03 pm

Christ, We would be here all night.

119. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193092 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:55 pm

I would discuss these things if alternative words were used to aid a non philosophical audience. And I am sure it is possible it just requires a little more thought on behalf of the "philosopher"

120. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193083 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:39 pm

Mphil
Do french people have morals.
I ask because I can not speak french.

121. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193078 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:32 pm

So a dog can be moral.

122. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193073 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Can we have a moral earthquake if it produces good effects. Like killing Hitler fpor instance.

123. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193072 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:26 pm

Quetzacoatl
I am new to this philosophy game, but how can an action not carried out as a result of a moral decision be described as moral.
Given that morality is a construct of an individual mind and is subjective to that mind how can a random event be moral.

124. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193057 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:04 pm

"I maintain that it is actually the other way around for most religious people: they are drawn to religion because they see it as a way to help others."
I most certainly don't- without indoctrination to belief there would be no church jumble sales.

125. As the world becomes smaller, the need to understand each other's faith grows

Comment #193047 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 1:53 pm

What was the name of that faith foundation again?

126. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #193033 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 1:18 pm

Steve

I remember being enchanted by cosmos as a young lad, so much so I bought the book with my meagre pocket money. Though it was 25 years ago I can still remember my father saying "I don't know why you like him, he just tells a good story". When that story is the history of science I can not think of a finer compliment.

127. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193024 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 1:01 pm

I can only speak for myself but empathy is "hard wired" (WTF is this ,thought for the day) in to me, altruism is a different matter, that means actually getting off my arse.

128. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193016 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 12:48 pm

"Since buddhism claims there is no self it can't be egotistical"
Yeah that would be true if buddhism were correct.
Unfotunately the idea that a human isn't a self contained individual seems like a long shot to me.

129. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193008 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 12:34 pm

No, Lil means immoral.
Unless there are no absolute morals.
Which few except me and Henri seem to believe.

130. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #193006 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Lil
I think we have finaly shook everyone else off now.(sorry peacebeuponme - you beat me to it)
Great point about buddhist enlightenment being all about the I .I had never thought about it like that before, but now you mention it, how far up your own chuffer could you get.

131. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #192995 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Where speciesism kicks in is when man is aware that he is causing AVOIDABLE pain to a fellow traveller down the evolutionary trail and just doesn't give a shit. Plenty of caring religious people will do that because they will, a) never be in the victims position and b) think they won't be judged harshly about it because if there is a judge he says it is ok.
I might also add plenty of non religious people will do the same because they are thoughtless bastards.
Or because they,inspite of all the similarities, choose to believe we can't be that similar.How convenient.

132. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #192986 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 11:38 am

I am not suggesting religious believers are selfish people, I am just saying they believe the world is created for them.(I believe we have recently included the blacks too)

133. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #192970 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 11:13 am

Sorry, but concern for my tribe is a form of egoism, a little extended but not by much.

134. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #192964 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 10:46 am

Steve,

Since when was religion not egocentric.
That is what shouts out at me most about the bible.
The book of job is my favourite. The world revolves around Job (and god of course).
If I hear the word straw man one more time...

135. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #192953 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 10:32 am

Why do we have to adhere to anyone elses views on life. I am sure buddha and spinoza were both as happy and unhappy as you or me, regardless of how many self help manuals they sold.

136. As the world becomes smaller, the need to understand each other's faith grows

Comment #192896 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 6:43 am

I remember seeing footage of Carole Caplin's place.
There were Tony and Cherie Blair pictures almost wall to wall. A real "Alan Patridge" moment.
Alan ,bless his fictional socks, when confronted with a similar scenario had the sense to run like hell, the Blairs probably think people having their pictures on every wall only right and proper.

137. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #192888 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 6:24 am

Excellent news.
I ve got my Tom Cruise is a cunt banner ready and I am raring to go.

138. As the world becomes smaller, the need to understand each other's faith grows

Comment #192882 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 6:09 am

I prefered his shock and awe period.

139. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #192843 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 3:29 am

Recieved the gift

Why do you come to an essentially atheist web site and tell people that you will pray for them.
That is annoying in the extreme.

Why not go to an alcoholics anonymous web site and then close off with "have a drink on me lads"
I could think of thousands of similar comparisons but I shan't bore you. I am sure you have got the point. (Perhaps not, if you were that bright you wouldn't do it in the first place)

140. As the world becomes smaller, the need to understand each other's faith grows

Comment #192841 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 3:17 am

Why is faith still flourishing?
Is it. Looks like it is dying in my little neck of the woods (the UK).
But keep saying it is flourishing and people will believe you and you may turn the tide. Cute trick.

141. As the world becomes smaller, the need to understand each other's faith grows

Comment #192833 by the great teapot on June 14, 2008 at 2:56 am

comment 192830
7teist
"FFS he can't even spell his own name"
Cast the beam from your own eyes first.

142. Kerry O'Brien's exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama

Comment #192669 by the great teapot on June 13, 2008 at 10:11 pm

"your Holiness"
Ha.

143. Hints of structure beyond the visible universe

Comment #191907 by the great teapot on June 12, 2008 at 5:09 am

Thanks everyone,

I have have just started watching the Caltech video Jon, the whole series looks pretty interesting. The wet weekends should pass a bit quicker- even moving at my speed.

144. Hints of structure beyond the visible universe

Comment #191891 by the great teapot on June 12, 2008 at 4:15 am

Slightly off topic, I have always wanted to "get my head around relativity", particulary the constant nature of the speed of light and the twin paradox (time going slower when traveling close to the speed of sound). Whenever popular TV approaches the subject all I ever learn is light can not escape from a black hole (no, you don't say! another hour wasted)
Can anyone recommend any books or sites that explain clearly and correctly the theories.

145. Hints of structure beyond the visible universe

Comment #191874 by the great teapot on June 12, 2008 at 3:25 am

Is there an explanation for a speeding up of the expansion? (that can be understood by an idiot.)
Although I suspect the reality of the expansion is itself beyond my comprehension, I live in a strictly 3D world and can't escape.

146. Prayer to feed the hungry

Comment #190027 by the great teapot on June 8, 2008 at 8:45 am

And those who starved to death?

147. Ben Stein 1, Yoko Ono 0 in 'Expelled' copyright spat

Comment #188245 by the great teapot on June 3, 2008 at 12:15 pm

Does free speech include free music.
Sure they could quote the words, but how does free speech allow them to play the music as well.
Constitution my arse.

148. We happy hooligans

Comment #185784 by the great teapot on May 28, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Stop it, enough already, you can only flog a horse to death once.

149. Top 6 Incestuous Relationships In The Bible

Comment #185781 by the great teapot on May 28, 2008 at 2:06 pm

No need to aplologise FSMteapot .I bet you are the first person in the world to say those words in that order

150. Top 6 Incestuous Relationships In The Bible

Comment #185578 by the great teapot on May 28, 2008 at 5:43 am

Reminds me of a favourite joke of mine
"Woody, how's the wife and Kid?"
"Oh she's fine"
(Not quite incest I know but what the hell)

Mitchell I am with you on this one. "Immoral" appeals to emotion and prejudice. The article specifically quotes cases of incest not just rape.
Incest is seen by most as repellent,except of course in Norfolk and Arkansas.