301. Archbishop of Canterbury Praises Richard Dawkins

Comment #104576 by dragonfirematrix on December 28, 2007 at 9:21 pm

First, I think it admirable that a cleric (of any sort) would praise Dr. Dawkins for anything. Maybe there is a slight glimmer of reasoning hope deeply imbedded in the Neanderthal minds of the religious.

Anyway…

As quoted from the on-line article in the next paragraph…

"The Archbishop also singled out for praise the atheist Richard Dawkins, the Oxford professor recently outed as a carol singer, whom he described as being in touch with the "amazement and awe" of God's creation."

I think it is confounding that anyone would mistakenly describe our Earthly existence as the "awe of God's creation." Man created all the gods. God is imaginary.

Look at us! Look at planet Earth! Does planet Earth look an awe of some "intelligently designed" system in which to be proud? Does the Earth look like a peaceful, humanitarian, equal, and environmentally pleasant paradise "intelligently designed" by some "God" creation?

Random inequalities, inconsistent applications, corrupted solutions, failing resolutions, genocides, crime, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, decease, hunger, hate, oppression, war, suffering, and death permeate Earth's landscape, none of which translate to me as anything intelligently designed.

If creationism is true, then the designer is a complete idiot and 100% incompetent.


Wayne (Forest, VA)

302. 2 fleas for the Christmas week

Comment #103491 by dragonfirematrix on December 25, 2007 at 8:43 pm

And what of my take on religion? Please partake my take:

I hope this is not premature, but I think we made it through another bunch of Abrahamic religious holidays without the Islamic, Christians, and Jews destroying planet Earth. Of course, it is now 11:27 PM Eastern time, which means I still have about a half hour to go before the complete destruction of the eastern part of the continent by one of these fanatical cults. Maybe I should stay in my underground den for a while longer.

A free people really should have cause to feel as I do.

Virulent responses to the casual designation to "holiday trees" and "teddy bear names" and "mall decorations," should have all of us concerned about the future of planet Earth. Islamic, Christian, and Jewish extremist hostilities are clearly visible in the night sky again this year. I can see the red crossing over the moon as the armies of religion come to full alert (in preparation) for their wars of hatred against the various versions of infidels (see each religious handbook) around the planet with whom these religious cults take extreme exception.

Point one to understand: To me, all religions are cults. Some cults are just larger than other cults.

Forget the fun of glitter, lights, and toys; ignore the enjoyment of friends, food, and fun drinks, all for which we need not believe in any deity in which to take part in fun for fun's sake. No, we must not enjoy any of these things. Instead, we must concern ourselves with pleasing the real terrorists (the religious) of the Earth.

Point two to understand: I believe 9-11 was the result of religion, not terrorism.

We must succumb to regurgitating the approved religious lexicon(s). We must indulge ourselves in dogmatic religious festivities and thinking. In other words, sit down, shut up, do what we are told, and believe what we are told to believe, even if it is wrong. One must do all the dogmatic faith orders one to do, and, above all, the follower must not think outside that dogmatic religious box.

All this said: Earth's problems are elementary. Earth's problems are not about terrorism. Earth's problems are all about religions.

What say we in favor of "the spirit and meaning of America?" What say we for the kind of nation and life we want for ourselves, and our descendants?

What say we?

303. The Evangelical Rebellion

Comment #103266 by dragonfirematrix on December 24, 2007 at 8:13 pm

And so...

If he Christian right wins and applies their hateful fascist rules (as the Islamic do to their own people) against the true spirit and meaning of America, we freedom-fighters and free-thinkers will have no choice but to spill the blood of the Christians who crave spilling the blood of those of us who cherish freedom.

As the Christians wish it to be, so shall it be done.

304. Bible bashing dying out in Kansas

Comment #103263 by dragonfirematrix on December 24, 2007 at 7:45 pm

The Kansas "intelligent design" freaks have nothing to offer but their zealous Christian fervor against the spirit and meaning of America.

Then again, it may be the Christian god, who is causing: "the summer it is uncomfortably hot and prone to tornadoes. In the winter it can be bitterly cold."

That said…

…Why would anyone follow a god who hurts his/her/its children?

Wayne (Forest, VA)

305. Huckabee Stands by Christmas Campaign Ad

Comment #102884 by dragonfirematrix on December 23, 2007 at 8:07 pm

Huckabee has already forgotten that America is made of many different people. America is one nation "of many different people."

We are not all Christians. We are not all looking for Huckabee's Jesus. A very large number of we Americans are non-Christian and/or non-believers.

The Christian right is just trying to create their version of Islamic fascism in America, a version of control that will only result in blood shed.

Religion is causing blood shed now. We must not allow the religion to create the same for America.

It is not terrorism. IT IS ALL RELIGION. It is not about terrorism. IT IS ALL ABOUT RELIGION.

306. 2 fleas for the Christmas week

Comment #102867 by dragonfirematrix on December 23, 2007 at 7:42 pm

Just a few general comments on the article purely as written:

I do not think it matters much the criticisms of one upon another as does the proofs required to justify criticisms of one upon another.

Personally, I like scientific proof using universally approved analytical procedures, empirical evidence, and repeated testing to justifiably confirm conclusions. This is just a simple "best practice."

A QUOTE FROM THE ARTICLE SAYS:

"The author believes that the concept of a transcendent entity as the source of morality and ultimate justice, is an essential foundation of rational human life and functioning."

HOW SHOULD I TAKE THE QUOTED TEXT LIKE ABOVE.

1) The first problem with the text is "The author believes."

2) The second problem is that a "transcendent entity" sounds like another attempt to sneak in under radar like "intelligent design?" What is this inspiring entity?

3) What happens if I take the quoted text "source of morality and ultimate justice" and evaluate against the 50 proofs against god listed in website www.godisimaginary.com? Will the inspiring ("transcendent") entity kill non-believers, kill disobedient sons, kill those who work on Sunday, oppress women, and keep slaves, etc?

4) Lastly, if the premise that a god is the "essential foundation of rational human life and functioning," then how is it that the all powerful, all knowing, all loving, all perfect Christian God screwing up so much stuff all over planet Earth and hurting so many people? Is the Christian God incompetent?

We have gods all over the Earth. However, the Earth is not exhibiting "rational human life," nor is the Earth properly "functioning." I think I will stick with being a non-believer.

307. Interview with Richard Dawkins: On Christmas

Comment #100555 by dragonfirematrix on December 18, 2007 at 10:14 pm

Ref: 40. Comment #100552 by dragonfirematrix on December 18, 2007 at 9:50 pm

I need to add one point to my earlier post.

I disagree with joining in with religious services. I have experience where casual engagement with the religious is their way to promote their narrow-minded positions to others.

I love music, and I do understand Dr. Dawkin's idea, and his idea is an interesting debate, but I disagree. I think we need to avoid showing the even the appearance of acceptance of religion. To do so only gives the religious the political-edge they want push their fantasies on others.

Religion is fiction, but I feel we non-religious must be very careful not to give the other side anything.


Wayne

308. Interview with Richard Dawkins: On Christmas

Comment #100552 by dragonfirematrix on December 18, 2007 at 9:50 pm

That was an enjoyable interview.

Yes, Virginia, Santa Claus is fiction, the Easter Bunny is fiction, Cupid is fiction, the "Alien" is fiction, and yes, Virginia, religion is fiction. However, you may enjoy each as you wish.

I love sci-fi and sci-fi horror, but it is fiction, and though I really dig it, I do not pray to it.

I immersed myself into sci-fi-ish epic adventure like "Star Wars" or "Lord of The Rings," or "The Golden Compass," but there is no magical "force" or heavenly "Lord" or mystical beings controlling everything. It is all just great entertainment from the imaginative minds in Hollywood.

309. Borders Tags Atheist Book with 'O Come All Ye Faithless' Cards

Comment #100538 by dragonfirematrix on December 18, 2007 at 9:08 pm

The following quote from the text of the article kind-of explains the fascinating little truth about Christians.

"He continued, "Christians have always been used to being punch bags but I would have hoped that, in a society in which we are seeking to show respect to all people and beliefs, we might have grown out of this kind of nonsense."

Okay let us talk about punching bags.

The Christians bash, oppress, hate, and preach at anyone who does not tow their line. They take swings at non-Christians and non-believers everyday. Christian just quite don't get the fact that everyone in the United States is not Christian, nor is everyone in the United States a believer.

Then, there is the love of freedom the Christians profess to cherish. In the case of the "Oh come all ye faithless," it is clear the Christians will ban free speech (and most other freedoms) if they ever successfully merge church and state together in the United States. Maybe the Christians should do a little more to exercise their love for the true spirit and meaning of America by supporting the true spirit and meaning of America.

If Christians feel like punching bags, maybe they should stop punching non-Christians and non-believers 24/7/365.

Non-Christians and non-believers are good people too!

310. CBC News: Sunday - Richard Dawkins

Comment #100533 by dragonfirematrix on December 18, 2007 at 8:38 pm

Dr. Dawkins did an excellent job in the interview. He also did a great job keeping the interviewer's arrogant tone in check.

Thanks for your website and thanks for putting these interviews on-line,

Wayne

311. This Is Not a Test

Comment #99923 by dragonfirematrix on December 17, 2007 at 9:13 pm

I profess no claim to be a rocket scientist, however, I do profess my choices, which are:

"Imagine no religion" and

"Imagine only empirically justifiable moral parameters."

That said...still...

Voting for a president, in reality, is a crapshoot. No one really knows a presidential choice or the agenda until it is too late.

Wayne (Forest, VA)

312. THE FOUR HORSEMEN - Available Now on DVD!

Comment #99492 by dragonfirematrix on December 16, 2007 at 7:37 pm

This foursome needs to schedule prime-time discussions on the major American television networks.

America is in serious need of enlightenment!

Wayne (Forest, VA)

313. Protests Over The Golden Compass

Comment #99197 by dragonfirematrix on December 15, 2007 at 9:47 pm

Christian protests over book and movie contents are somewhat their norm.

I guess if the Christian protests over the "The Golden Compass" are as sucessful as the Christian protests were over the "Harry Potter" books and movies, "The Golden Compass" should do quite well.

I guess the Christian protests are all about the Christian love for freedom in America, or at least their limited view of it.

Another of my opinions in the sea of opinions.

Thanks,

Wayne

314. Pat Robertson Says Giuliani Presidency Appears in Book of Revelation

Comment #99191 by dragonfirematrix on December 15, 2007 at 9:13 pm

Pat Robertson is a never ending source of idiotic amusement. I wonder if he EVER thinks before he speaks.

However...

One dangerously serious note about Pat Robertson's (and most all, Christian conservatives, I guess) comment is the consistency of Christian wishes for the end of the world. We must consider this Christian belief and desire for the "end" as their serious threat to world peace, just as many of us see Islam as a threat to world peace.

It is all about religion, not terrorism.

The flyer "imagine no religion" speaks volumes about how far more advanced humankind would be if it were not for religion.

315. Happy Newton Day!

Comment #99175 by dragonfirematrix on December 15, 2007 at 7:58 pm

Let me re-phrase that wobbly wolderful typo.

Have a Happy Newton Day, and a wonderful winter solstice.

Wayne (Forest, VA)

316. Happy Newton Day!

Comment #99173 by dragonfirematrix on December 15, 2007 at 7:56 pm

Have a Happy Newton Day, and a wolderful winter solstice.

Wayne (Forest, VA)

317. This deadly religious resistance to vaccinations

Comment #97899 by dragonfirematrix on December 12, 2007 at 8:07 pm

And God said, "Let there be horror in decease," and it was done, and he/she/it said this is good. Thousands, (nay, millions) of afflicted innocent children ravaged by the belief in God, and the clergy said "this is good for God says it is so."

Now, "Imagine No Religion."

Science arrives on the scene, begins the pains-taking path of identifying the ravages of the hate filled Gods, and begins to cure the deceases one by one. Dr. Salk cures Polio, and others cure a multitude of deceases, and by doing so improve human existence. Cleaner water, cleaner air, a more stable environment, healthier food, vaccines, dental care, mental care, chiropractic care, family doctor care all forging a net of protection for everyone.

Now, imagine the ugly truth of religion.

There is opposition. The religious take it upon them selves to attack education, science, medicine, reason, and ignore economics. The religious elect born-again presidents (others in waiting) to carry out religious fascist wishes to install faith based failures in government, cut funding in medicine, veto funding for children healthcare, hold back health for everyone, reduce Medicare and Medicaid for the elderly all the while spending trillions of dollars on spreading hate, religion, discontent, and war.

Now, for one little truth, just one tiny, tiny little bit of honesty.

I wonder how much humanity could achieve (and could have already achieved) if it were not for religion?


Thanks,

Wayne

318. ...and another FLEA...

Comment #96698 by dragonfirematrix on December 10, 2007 at 8:50 pm

"… and another Flea"

I am already wondering if I should scratch.

The religious are searching for a way to combat logic, reason, and science, but they continue to fail.

The religious may attack non-believers, but the religious cannot defend their own position.

The Christians are forever claiming their version of god created EVERYTHING. Presumably this includes Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, decease, disabilities, crime, hate, war, suffering, and death, as well as all the good things in life. I did miss a few things, but I think my point is clear. The Christians claim their God created EVERYTHING. I have heard it. You have heard it. Everyone has heard it.

The Christians will say (without any doubt in their voice) that if something wonderful occurs, or if a person achieves great things, etc., it had God's blessing. However, if an Earthquakes kills thousands, if a volcano kills thousands, if a tsunami kills a million, or if decease kills tens of millions, or if many thousands of children become disabled (polio), or if hate, war, suffering, and genocide take millions of lives, the Christians say God has his reasons.

There is more, a little more.

I have heard the Christians say that their god works through men. I have always heard this when things work well, but what is said by Christians when things go wrong? I do not think I need to answer my own question because you know the answer.

I think humanity deserves a clear, definitive, scientifically proven (using universally accepted scientific methods), explanations from Christians (indeed all religions), proving of their god(s).

Gods are fraud. Fraud is illegal in most places. Why do the religious commit fraud?

Wayne (Secular Humanist)
Forest, VA

319. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96654 by dragonfirematrix on December 10, 2007 at 7:46 pm

Hello to all, from dragonfirematrix,

"Imagine No Religion" is very appropriate for this time of year. We are NOT all Christian. In fact, quite a large number of us are not even religious at all.

I am not a rocket scientist. I am also not a Neanderthal. I am an American with an opinion. I am getting more and more disenfranchised by the religious in America everyday.

The religious sects/denominations of America chant their rites, they sing their propaganda, they try to program their (and everyone else's) kids, and they wage hate and wars against those with whom they describe as sinners (non-believers, non-Christian, etc.), which I suspect is not (in reality) a lot different from the Islamic. The religious display their beliefs in schools, malls, courts, and businesses. Not only these, but listen to how the religious of today openly push their faith in what should be secular politics.

It is only democratic; it is a sign of a free country; it is the right thing to do; to allow the non-religious (and different religions) to setup their displays in schools, malls, courts, and businesses. This is all about freedom. If the religious can do it, we non-religious can do it.

Now that I have pointed out the true spirit and meaning of America… Does anyone think the Christians really love freedom?

Wayne (Secular Humanist)
Forest, VA

320. The God Delusion in Turkey

Comment #96028 by dragonfirematrix on December 9, 2007 at 7:24 pm

About this Turkey problem with "The God Delusion"

Didn't I read somewhere that Turkey is trying to get into the EU. Now, I am no EU expert, but isn't tolerance a requirement for EU membership?

How can Turkey even dream of benefiting from EU membership, if it cannot control the believed fantasies of its own people.

In my opinion, Turkey has failed its EU membership qualifications before it even steps up to the front-porch of the EU.

The Law of Evolution created the humans. Humans created (gods).


Wayne (Forest, VA)

321. Biologist fired for beliefs, suit says

Comment #96021 by dragonfirematrix on December 9, 2007 at 6:51 pm

First and foremost, it is the Law of Evolution.

As for me, here are just a couple of ideas. More examples can easily be listed. Please add more:

1) Children in school need the facts and truth of science to compete with the intelligent on Earth, not the fantasies believed by those who are unable to grasp facts, truth, or reality

2) If a person needs serious medical care, they want a doctor hired who is highly skilled in the science of medicine, not a doctor trying to cure with beliefs and prayer

Please add examples of your own to this list.

Secular Humanist,

Wayne

322. Holy Nonsense

Comment #95632 by dragonfirematrix on December 8, 2007 at 9:05 pm

Okay folks, I guess I will stick my neck out...

I heard Romney giving his/this speech while relaxing and sipping my coffee at a local McDonald's. After Romney's speech, I was hardly relaxed.

I was insulted, hurt, and infuriated. We Secular Humanists, Atheists, Buddhists, Humanists, etc., are also a very important part of America, and we to love our freedom, and we to want an honest representation in government like any other group. Romney, like all conservatives, leaves us out of the "American Dream."

As a 60 year-old Secular Humanist who has contributed to the "spirit and meaning of America", I felt dumped on again by another GOP religious conservative. It is no wonder I seek democratic candidates for whom to cast my votes.

HOWEVER…that said…

Democratic candidates, as well, must drop their assumption that they must show their religion to get votes. Religion will not save America. Reason will save America, and the time to learn this fact is now. All candidates, conservative and democratic alike, need to drop their religion card from their resume because their religion is not germane to the job they are seeking. There will never be one religious denomination, which will ever peacefully rule planet Earth. There is only the one reality for planet Earth, and that is "one nation (indeed our home planet), of many different people, with liberty and justice for absolutely all."

Thanks guys,

Wayne (Forest, VA)

323. Bad Faith Awards: Vote for the winner now

Comment #94491 by dragonfirematrix on December 5, 2007 at 7:21 pm

Okay, okay, this is tough.

I am comfortable with taking one out of the list, but that leaves nine others who should be make the winner's circle.

Can I pick nine winners?

:)

324. Turkey probes atheist's 'God' book

Comment #94109 by dragonfirematrix on December 4, 2007 at 7:59 pm

Hi folks,

Isn't Turkey trying to get into the EU?

Turkey sounds pretty intolerant for a candidate to the EU.

Turkey should be expelled (for intolerance) from membership before even being accepted. If Turkey cannot take control of their religious fanatics (nuts, nuts, nuts), then Turkey should not be allowed to enjoyed the benefits of EU membership.

Thanks,

Wayne

325. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #94107 by dragonfirematrix on December 4, 2007 at 7:47 pm

I enjoyed the interview.

I feel up-lifted by others who confirm that we non-believers are just as good, honest, hard-working, and trust-worthy as any so-call believer. America should accept us, not hate us.

Thanks for the audio/video,

Wayne

326. The God Delusion - Dawkins Feature

Comment #92967 by dragonfirematrix on December 1, 2007 at 8:47 pm

Dr. Richard Dawkins is a breath of fresh air in a world, gone fanatic with the fantasies of religion.

327. The God Delusion - Dawkins Feature

Comment #92965 by dragonfirematrix on December 1, 2007 at 8:43 pm

Science offers planet Earth intelligence, peace, and hope.

Religion offers planet Earth stupidity, war, and depair.

Wayne (Forest, VA)