Comments by walk

Comment #97539 by walk on December 12, 2007 at 9:41 am

gr8hands (271),

I stand corrected. I guess I was thinking of Hitch's statement, something to the affect of, "We'll never irradicate it, just keep it to yourselves, and don't push it onto me or my children - - etc."

Yes, it arguably WOULD be a better, saner world, I just think we should do all we can to promote atheism, while realizing that, in our lifetimes at least, religion will always have a stong presence.

202. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #97535 by walk on December 12, 2007 at 9:28 am

Comment 546

Your hatred of God and Christians is of course the spirit of anti-Christ

Damn! We've been found out! Okay, I admit it! I'm working for one of God's most cherished creations! Yes, The Prince of Darkness himself!

Most of my friends are Christians (the kind of Christians who don't make schoolyard threats, don't name-call, don't hate - - oh ya, intelligent adults). My wife is a Christian. It would sure be a crappy world if I hated all these people. I believe that people who continually harbor hatred in their hearts will eventually ruin their minds and their lives.

203. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #97525 by walk on December 12, 2007 at 8:50 am

Riley (266),

I don't believe anyone here is advocating a "world without religion". Given the human mind-set that would clearly be impossible. I believe many people NEED to believe in God and the afterlife, because they're just not equipped to face life without relying on these supernatural assurances.

All the Connecticut atheists are saying is "imagine" the world a different way. Without a magic book telling the perpertrators "God wants you to either convert or kill the infidels, if you do this there will be great rewards for you in the afterlife", I doubt they would go so far as suicide. If they knew this was the only life they would ever have, I believe they would address their political grievances against the west differently.

204. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #97518 by walk on December 12, 2007 at 8:35 am

On US TV this morning, on the Fox channel, there was a short segment about this sign. The mayor of the town was on the phone. He seemed to support the legal rights involved, but also mentioned that it's still being discussed.

The commentator for the segment, Bill Hemmer, said something to the affect of, "Well, the sign clearly implies that 9/11 was caused by Islamic radicalism, - - which is true!" The mayor seemed to agree with him.

It was a short piece, but the general drift (IMO) was positive. They seemed to be saying, "if the Christians can put up a manger, the atheists have a right to express their postion." It was refreshing.

205. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #97106 by walk on December 11, 2007 at 12:40 pm

Duff,

Right! - - - Actually, we MAY be sporting sacred skivvies, it's just that we don't believe in them, and we have no peer-reviewed scientific evidence that we're wearing them!

206. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96604 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 6:41 pm

How about a few catchy slogans:

Atheists - - (We're really not that bad!)

Atheism - - (We didn't like Hilter either!)

Atheism - - (Don't blame us for Stalin - We won't blame you for the Inquistions.)

Atheists - - (Take a walk on the WILD side!)

207. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96544 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 5:36 pm

Hah!

208. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96540 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 5:32 pm

Okay, I got one - - - "The good news is: there's no hell, no kneeling before a divine dictator, you live the life YOU choose, you know the liberation of having a grip on the truth of how the world ACTUALLY works, and you realize just how precious your time REALLY is - - - The bad news is: this is the only life you get, you get no help from beyond, and you have to live among irrational faithheads."

209. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96532 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 5:17 pm

Well said, Neil.

210. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96524 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 5:09 pm

I think the trouble with a poster depicting famous atheists throughout history with just their names printed is that it would fall on blind eyes. The faithheads would have NO IDEA that these people are atheists, and probably no knowledge of some of their well known (to us) quotes or philosophical positions. I'm afraid if we're gonna make a good omelet we're gonna have to break some eggs! (Bad analogy, but you get my point). There's no way to gently tell otherwise good people that they're wrong, and that they should throw away their mental crutches and face a starker (to them) reality.

211. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96497 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 4:17 pm

Riley (161),

Yes, but a picture of Paine with some message about rationalism would go right over the heads of most believers. Our message is not really a positive one. We're saying DON'T BELIEVE that crap! I'm not sure how you present that as a positive message.

212. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96483 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 3:51 pm

Riley,

It's difficult to understand your "kid gloves" approach. I'm with Diacanu, could you offer some examples of what message you would put on a sign that would promote atheism but wouldn't "offend" the believers, as you seem either reluctant or afraid to do? Thank you.

213. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96397 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 1:26 pm

They put it up to be provocative and offensive

Perhaps, but it just might start a fence-sitter thinking - - - . Provocative, yes, offensive, maybe not. Is asking someone to imagine, offensive?

214. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96391 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 1:19 pm

Don Quix (82), Great point.

215. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96349 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 12:34 pm

Theory,

You and Riley have a point, we DO have to choose our battles wisely. In this case, however, I think the use of the word "Imagine", coupled with the obvious slam against Islam, not Christianity, softens the message somewhat. It's kind of funny that the Xtians are up in arms concerning a slam primarily on Islamic radicals.

216. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96340 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 12:12 pm

I guess they just don't get the main message. It says "Imagine"! Wow! I'm being attacked! Someone suggested that I "imagine" something! (A more peaceful world). Ow! Ow! Stop attacking! My imagination is starting to hurt! How can you be so cruel!

217. Holy Nonsense

Comment #96278 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 9:25 am

Thanks, Steveroot - - - great links. The photoshopping has obviously ALREADY begun!

I love the way the Landover Baptist pastor calls JFK a "Mary Worshipping jackass". How TOTALLY Christian!

218. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #96225 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 7:39 am

So if the woman in question is yelling, "Oh My God, Oh My God!", it might be difficult to decide if she's crying out in protest, or just having a good time fulfilling the wonderful sexual desires that God, in his divine wisdom, has provided all his children.

219. Holy Nonsense

Comment #96222 by walk on December 10, 2007 at 7:29 am

jeroen, Hah! Let the photoshopping begin!

220. Holy Nonsense

Comment #95935 by walk on December 9, 2007 at 1:51 pm

It IS pretty amazing that Romney would first sort of alienate his church members (approx. 6 million in US), (they disagree with many things in the Bible), and their president and prophet, Gordon Hinckley, who receives direct revelations from god, which Romney has SWORN to follow. He stated in the speech that he WOULDN'T follow. I wonder if he discussed this speech with the elders in Salt Lake. ("Aw, c'mon guys, I GOTTA say this").

Second, he dumped on 15% of the voters with the "religion of secularism" dig. It's kind of funny that he outspent Huckabee in Iowa by millions, and is now trailing him dramatically in the polls. A couple months ago Iowa was a GIVEN for ol' Mitt.

I know the bishop of the local Mormon church in my town, and we talked briefly about the speech the other day. He actually said something like "Well, I haven't decide on Romney yet, I'll have to listen to the other republicans a bit more". Ya, Right! - - - It's the declared goal of the church to establish a theocracy in America in anticipation of the second coming of Christ in Missouri! Wouldn't a Mormon in the White House be the first step?

221. Sherri Shepherd needs to go away now

Comment #95890 by walk on December 9, 2007 at 12:21 pm

In the Keith Olberman clip:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UN82Y9BwpVs

he mentions that on the View the day after her flat earth remark she claimed to have mis-heard the question. (Back-pedal?) Would have LOVED being a fly on the wall backstage after the show! I know publicity (of any kind) sells, but it's hard to believe that they want attention for stupidity. God save (excuse me) her offspring. ("Well mommy SAID nothing came before Jesus!")

I have some guitar students who are homeschooled Christians here in the US. I believe they said that they have to meet certain standards, and are tested before advancing. The course criteria are given to them by whoever accredits them (school board?). Does anyone know more about this? All I know is that they are bright, open, quick, inquisitive kids. Needless to say, I don't EVER discuss religion with them.

222. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #95870 by walk on December 9, 2007 at 11:34 am

The tenets of Ruhtologyism:

1) Goddidit

2) Biblesezso

- QED -

3) Dontgottathinknomo'

223. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #95464 by walk on December 8, 2007 at 11:59 am

And can you believe that cagey ol' Satan, puttin' on the snake suit to deceive ol' Eve. You're right! The apple fits in her mouth - - - a horned guy in a snake suit is tellin' her to eat it - - - - what's a poor woman to do? No wonder the Christians consider them second class citizens. Why did God create that damned Beelzebub anyway?! Mysteerryyous ways!

224. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #95439 by walk on December 8, 2007 at 10:44 am

"So malaria, which kills millions each year, is an example of harmony and design? (...)

Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, such things have 'come into the world.'

Damn that Eve!!

225. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #94866 by walk on December 6, 2007 at 10:09 pm

Please, by all means explain how 'random chance' 'natural selection' evolution made fruits and vegetables mouth sized, and not out of proportion to the human mouth and many animals' mouths.

How did the banana 'evolve' alongside of the size of the average human mouth? the apple? the orange? Etc.?

Why are humans the only being that wears clothes?

You've GOT to be kidding!!

226. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #94828 by walk on December 6, 2007 at 5:59 pm

Forgive me if this has been covered before (or is just way too simplistic), but when I first read and thought about the apparent fine-tuning of our universe, I sort of assumed that it's this way because that's the only way it COULD be. Is it possible that the detectable universe (so far) is all there is, and that the constants are the only way they could be in nature when matter, complex chemistry, and immense objects are involved? Has anyone shown that this absolutely could not be the case? (My knowledge of deep science is limited).

227. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #94780 by walk on December 6, 2007 at 2:14 pm

Bonzai, I didn't actually suggest he should be flagged, but I think I agree. He certainly meets the definition of a troll as provided, I believe, by Steve99. We've tried to have polite conversation, but he really is getting ridiculous. I wonder where all that anger comes from. If this is what religion does to a person, it's a real shame.

228. Why Science Will Triumph Only When Theory Becomes Law

Comment #94767 by walk on December 6, 2007 at 1:48 pm

Ruht's kindness, politeness, compassion, love for his fellow man and generosity of spirit is just overwhelming. His Christian brothers and especially Jesus would be proud. Oh, yes, and his wonderful humility, when he claims that all the scientists, encyclopedias, and university science courses on the planet are completely wrong and he is right, is a delight to behold. Gosh, if I accepted Jesus as my personal saviour, could I possibly become as wonderful a human being as the eternally wise Ruht obviously thinks he is?

229. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94454 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 5:11 pm

the term marriage should be reserved specifically for the relationship between husband and wife - that it is heterosexual.

Why do you feel that way? Do you realize that appears bigoted? (Sorry, didn't see you sign off).

230. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94444 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 4:58 pm

Steve (126), thankfully those of us with high moral values, and a genuine love for our fellow man, realize the bible got this one TOTALLY wrong. A loving, repectful relationship between ANY two people is a wonderful thing. It's the true epitome of our lives on earth.

231. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94429 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 4:25 pm

ADH, if you had the choice to create either of two worlds to live in; one where each individual has complete personal freedom (within the laws of the community), and another with a divine, infallible being in total power, ruling over each individual in a master/slave-type relationship, which would you choose?

232. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94413 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 4:03 pm

each of us at some point must come face to face with Jesus Christ

How arrogant! Why do Christians feel the need to threaten their brothers?

233. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94411 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 4:01 pm

ADH, I actually feel sorry for you that you have a need to be in bondage. "We have no choice but to follow". This is an extremely unattractive worldview. Again, it's just your opinion, but you state it as a certainty. Do you think those who read this will just accept it as true because you state it? MY opinion (notice how I said "opinion"?) is that the most wonderful thing we have as humans is to be born with complete freedom. This is something that I cherish. I wouldn't give this up for your god or anybody's. It saddens me to think that you don't believe you have this, and feel obliged to serve somebody.

234. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94389 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 2:47 pm

ADH (98)

that does not mean there is anything slavish about the Christian faith

It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody

Whaaa?

235. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94381 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 2:35 pm

ADH (89)

forgiveness is complete and absolute

Sez who? You state this as a truth, with no empirical evidence. Why should I take your word for this?

But Jesus (or God through him) does not force himself on anyone

Sure, but if you reject him, he tortures you for eternity. You call this "not forcing himself"? Isn't this exactly what a rapist does? (If you've answered this before, please direct me to the post, I not trying to hijack this thread).

236. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94364 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 1:23 pm

I've always wondered why Jesus (IF he in fact existed, and IF the Bible accurately recounts his sayings) didn't believe in forgiveness. He preached that we should forgive others their trespasses against us, then simply states that if you trespass against him or god (him and him?), you will burn in hell for eternity. Where's the forgiveness in that?!

237. Chimps beat humans in memory test

Comment #94361 by walk on December 5, 2007 at 1:11 pm

We'll need to find missionaries who are good tree climbers!

238. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #94078 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 6:03 pm

Don't get me started on Ms. Browne! (She's sooo infuriating).

I love this piece by Susan Blackmore, who tried to prove the existence of the paranormal for 30 years before giving up:

http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/Chapters/Kurtz.htm

239. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94068 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 5:21 pm

Ragnar0kk, but that would spoil the fun! You may notice that the only reason some threads go beyond a page or so, is that we have a live one!

240. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #94066 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 5:17 pm

phasmagigas, I hear ya.

I'm a bit embarrassed to say that as a life long skeptic searching for the truth, in a last ditch effort to see if there was ANYTHING supernatural to believe, I was briefly taken in by James Van Praagh. (How IS he doing that?). I actually bought a number of books describing the afterlife to see if they agreed! I felt pretty silly when I finally saw him debunked. That's when I read The God Delusion and suddenly everything made sense. I felt truly liberated for the first time in my life. Thank you, Richard!

241. Chimps beat humans in memory test

Comment #94064 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 5:04 pm

Being that chimps are so close to human, I wonder which god they prostrate themselves in front of? (Kong?)

Actually, I think chimps are just too smart to fall for all that bull.

242. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #94059 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 4:54 pm

AfraidToDie,

Good one! Well, as Hichens said in response to Pascal's, if god is the all-loving bloke he's advertised to be, he would respect your honesty, know he didn't give you enough evidence and welcome you in! Sorry I can't answer the rest of your questions!

At least if us atheists are wrong, we'll find out. Unfortunately, if the believers are wrong, they'll never know! (Damn!)

243. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94056 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 4:44 pm

ADH (59),

Muslims are atheists with respect to the Christian god and vice versa. In a way, everyone on earth is an atheist with respect to gods other than their own.

According to the following chart: http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html
it appears that about 16% of the world population are non-believers. I wouldn't call this a "tiny minority". Of course, as you say, this proves nothing with respect to which worldview is correct.

244. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #94049 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 4:18 pm

To the contrary, edkabr (409), if god appeared, or gave us even a shred of evidence to believe his existence, I and most here would readily admit we were wrong, and jump on the supernatural band wagon. Short of that happening, if YOU could offer any verifiable evidence, we could change the world with this knowledge.

245. Chimps beat humans in memory test

Comment #93918 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 12:54 pm

Thanks for the info, Matt. Yes, here in the US the silence has been deafening.

246. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #93910 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 12:50 pm

happyatheist,

Well, yes, that was an unfortunate, distasteful comment (he DID immediately apologize). After rereading his post (18), I realize that he knows better, and that some of his judgements concerning this forum are completely wrong, although the general vibe of his comment was fairly polite.

247. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #93905 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 12:40 pm

coretemprising (44)

what's the matter, ADH?
Lacking enough negative attention in the real world these days?

Shouldn't we perhaps react to someone's comments only as they appear on the current thread? ADH's posts on THIS thread are fairly polite. Those of us who might be unaware of past exchanges you've had with him have no way of understanding your animosity towards him here, based only on his comments on THIS thread. I've been guilty of this in the past, and have felt bad for overreacting.

248. Chimps beat humans in memory test

Comment #93890 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 12:00 pm

Samsayananda (3)

Islam desperately needs a good PR team

I agree, although a good way to begin would be for moderate Muslims to start publicly denouncing 9/11, the suicide bombing of innocent people, and the Islamic extremists in general.

249. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #93874 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 11:17 am

Roedy (389), a couple of things . . . Could you tell us what you mean by:

the tenets of atheism

And could you provide a reference for this statement:

Christopher Hitchens, (...) wants to kill off all the world's 1.6 billion Muslims in preemptive self defense.

I don't believe I've ever heard Christopher say this, or write this.

250. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #93864 by walk on December 4, 2007 at 10:54 am

Most of the above posts are treating ADH as a newcomer. ADH has participated in a number threads here (just click on "other comments by ADH" for three pages of them), so he's well aware that theists are treated with respect here unless they demonstrate some of the above mentioned behaviors. As I remember ADH's posts are usually well spoken, polite and intelligent.