351. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #74114 by walk on September 27, 2007 at 9:20 am

Revcort,

I echo the sentiments expressed above, and in light of your realization (I also believe the revelation was YOURS and yours alone and the credit belongs to you), I apologize for the mocking tone of my rather silly post (759). Most people want to be liked, and I believe it was your attitude that put us off. Keep searching and questioning, that's all any of us can do. Thanks for the heartfelt post.

352. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73933 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 4:09 pm

Everytime I read one of revcort's posts I get this funny picture in my head of the rev pacing his room in the middle of the night with his fingers over his eyes and his thumbs in his ears singing over and over the refrain, " - - because the bible tells me so - - because the bible tells me so - - -" with god floating near the ceiling saying, "Now, there, my obedient little sheep, eyes closed, ears closed, and keep singing - - - keep singing - - - ORRR ELLLSE!"

(Sorry, rev, the devil made me do it!)
(And, sorry J, hope I didn't ruin your nice invitation.)

353. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73925 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 3:05 pm

Trilobyterian,

Sooo, it was YOUU!!

354. Polygamist Leader Convicted in Utah

Comment #73918 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 2:53 pm

Bravo to the jury for convicting Jeffs! I read that sentencing will be in late Nov. He's facing 10 years to life on these two counts, with more charges to face elsewhere in the near future. I also heard that the "husband" will be charged soon.

Concerning the threesome subject mentioned above, in my limited experiences in this area, I found that it usually doesn't work because someone inevitably feels left out and jealous. I think it would take very secure, open-minded individuals to make it work. Is anyone aware of such a case being successful in the long term?

Not having a sister, I have often wondered about sibling sexual attraction. I asked a guy I work with who's sister is very sexually attractive if he ever experienced any feelings towards her. "Nope! No way! Nada!"

355. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73895 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 2:12 pm

Northern Bright,

You go, girl!!

356. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73874 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 12:59 pm

Rev,

No, I wouldn't prosecute you. I love my fellow man (you included) and believe in kindness, equality and free speech. As far as your god is concerned, I can't hate something I don't believe exists. As far as the "wickness" you accuse mankind of, I believe that teaching young minds to reject real science in favor of ancient superstition on the threat of eternal torture definately leans in that direction. Also, who is accusing who of venom?

357. 'Jane Doe' Testifies as Trial of Polygamist Leader Begins

Comment #73859 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 11:34 am

Alright! Convicted on 2 counts! Sentencing in late Nov. Possible 10 years to life. Justice is served.

358. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73832 by walk on September 26, 2007 at 9:56 am

Okay, it's now been confirmed that revcort refuses to accept reason, logic, and science, and affirms that he LITERALLY BELIEVES(!) in the sun standing still [Bonzai, thanks for the god-mandated, world wide "mass amnesia" clarification (oh, NOW I know why nobody else noticed!)], the 6,000 yr. old earth, the literal truth of the flood, etc., and the only justification he gives for all this is because his magic book says it's true.

End of story.

CHeard, I know you realize that your noble efforts are futile in the face of such a closed, deluded mind, but I applaud your perserverance nevertheless.

The TRULY DISTURBING thing here is that, as a youth minister, revcort is gleefully leading his unwitting lambs into his mental slaughterhouse to ruin their young minds with his dangerous bullsh*t, and destroying their ability to think and deal with the world rationally. If he threatens perfect strangers (with the eternal wrath of his angry god), imagine the effect he's having on his own children! It's a shame he can't be prosecuted for child abuse.

359. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73633 by walk on September 25, 2007 at 4:15 pm

So, revcort, did I get this right? You're saying you ACTUALLY BELIEVE that the sun stopped in the sky for a day and none of the historians noticed?

360. New Rules: A Religious Test

Comment #73626 by walk on September 25, 2007 at 3:17 pm

Summer Seale (92.)

Sorry for being a bit sarcastic earlier, I think I understand you better now. We're actually on the same page in a number of areas. Besides, I like a girl who gets her hair and nails mussed up once in a while, while strongly stating her position! Keep fighting the good fight!

361. New Rules: A Religious Test

Comment #73608 by walk on September 25, 2007 at 1:06 pm

Summer Seale,

Thanks for the confirmation and the humor. And thanks for not showing the hostility you display elsewhere.

362. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73602 by walk on September 25, 2007 at 12:39 pm

Galactor, thanks, I needed a good chuckle!

363. New Rules: A Religious Test

Comment #73577 by walk on September 25, 2007 at 10:58 am

Summer Seale (85.),

I have views which are well thought out and educated.

364. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73574 by walk on September 25, 2007 at 10:30 am

Revcort (630)

The reason I say that you may well be in danger is because you are not only believing these things yourself, but you are giving these guys exactly what they want. (...) That's why there is much danger in your words.

365. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #73215 by walk on September 24, 2007 at 1:24 pm

Boy, this is getting good! CHeard (616) - brilliant!

Revort, in my posts to you I believe I've been respectful, but when you whine,

"Ever since I came here, I have been called various names, accused of being brainwashed, told I was basically an idiot,"

"Yes, I do see something wrong here. I see the term "non-Christian" being implicitly defined as "person who doesn't agree with me on my preferred doctrines." I see Bible verses being deployed as weapons to beat people up with. I see a Christian engaging non-Christians belligerently and then taking scripture out of context—Jesus was not persecuted by atheists, nor for being a theist—as a means of self-congratulation. I see Christianity being represented by rigid, arrogant dogmatism. I see one Christian threatening another with the fires of hell over an irreducibly ambiguous word used once in the entire Bible. Yes, I see a problem here."

366. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #72711 by walk on September 22, 2007 at 12:05 pm

I also thought I was hallucinating at the loss of posts on this thread. Perhaps the site manager (is it Doug?) could clarify.

Or PERHAPS! (feigns a shudder) - - - the "Divine Dictator" is miffed!!!

367. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72708 by walk on September 22, 2007 at 11:53 am

CHeard,

Thanks much for such an honest, open answer (589.) You have one of the most realistic interpretations I've read from a christian, in light of modern science and logic. If I were still a believer, my thinking would be similar. It's a bit of fresh air around here.

It also may be a first when you said, "I have actually tried, as a kind of "thought experiment," disbelieving in God's existence—it's never worked for me." At least you were open enough to try! I admire your frankness and especially your humility. Most believers speak with a kind of self-righteous, arrogant certainity (especially in light of the lack of evidence.) You're on a good path (IMHO).

I'm sure my fellow posters will have more questions for you. I guess my only remaining curiosity (don't reply if too personal) is: what do you teach your children in regards to religious belief?

368. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72556 by walk on September 21, 2007 at 4:18 pm

Take care, revcort, thanks for putting up with us. I wish you all the best. It's been fun.
- Steve

369. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72536 by walk on September 21, 2007 at 1:30 pm

Rev,

You said, "the only way to prove the Bible's reliability would [be] to study whether or not its claims are actually true".

Are you talking about the flat earth, the sun revolving around the earth, that kind of thing?

Also, why is it that YOU get to define what "authentic christianity" is? A little un-humility here?

370. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72527 by walk on September 21, 2007 at 12:56 pm

Rev,

You said, "God is loving. He has shown His grace to all, to a certain degree. However, love is not God's most defining quality. His most defining quality is holiness- transcendence."

My hat is off to you, you seem to know the unknowable. You know the mind of god and understand exactly what he is like with absolute certainty. Kind of like a divine mind-reader. It's quite a gift. Are you also able to read the minds of those in your flock, or those of us on this site?

P.S. Is CHeard, your "brother in Christ" going to burn in hell?

371. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72520 by walk on September 21, 2007 at 12:25 pm

CHeard,

You christians are a curious lot. You don't agree with catholics, and you don't agree with each other. Revort says many christians don't agree with him, YOU distance yourself from the majority of christians, and you guys totally disagree with each other! Assuming it's even the same god you're all worshipping (you all describe him differently) he's not doing a very good job getting his message across. AND each of you are SURE you're right! In your case, CHeard, I believe I detected a willingness to consider reason and logic.

If you wouldn't mind, could you clarify your beliefs a bit? It sounds as though you see Jesus more as a teacher than a god. Do you believe in the resurrection, afterlife, hell, miracles, etc.
Thanks.

372. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72284 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 4:30 pm

Thanks. I believe this study was sponsored by Templeton University who had a vested interest in a positive outcome. (Someone please correct me if I got that wrong.)

Off to work - - - .

373. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72280 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 4:23 pm

Rev, are you aware of the huge double-blind study of the efficacy of prayer conducted by Harvard along with a number of other prestigious schools over a number of years. The results of this study showed that prayer has NO EFFECT. (Actually a NEGATIVE effect in the control group (one out of three different groups) who KNEW they were being prayed for.)

374. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72276 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 4:05 pm

Rev,

Seeing as how you're always quoting the bible as authority, and seeing as how most here have a good working knowledge of everything it says (and have thus dismissed it as 2,000 year old religious fiction), and have demonstrated this by trading quotes with you, I think at this point you almost OWE us the courtesy of reading The God Delusion. I think you would see that almost every point you make here has already been addressed and thoroughly refuted by Professor Dawkins.

375. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72257 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 3:18 pm

Revcort,

(453.) "You think that if you have enough faith you can move a mountain or walk on water? Yes, - - - "

Rev, can you cite ANY verifiable instance when someone using only "faith" violated the laws of science?

376. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72245 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 3:05 pm

Revcort, thanks for the answer.

You said, "I would say that instructing the child in what God says while also supporting them as best as possible is my ONLY option."

Your other option would be to say "If god exists as I BELIEVE he does, this is what I THINK he would say, but I want you to make up your own mind."

377. Against the grain: There are questions that science cannot answer

Comment #72218 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 2:39 pm

Go, Dr. B!!

378. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72204 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 2:20 pm

Rev, before you move on again, could you respond to my 424?

379. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72193 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 2:03 pm

Thanks, Billy.

Rev, BillySands link (426.) might interest you.

380. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72188 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 1:56 pm

Revcort,

Given your beliefs, I think this would be a fairly kind, humane response. It's too bad that the child would go through life thinking that expressing the natural, biological urges he or she feels (which probably won't change during their lifetime no matter what you tell them) in a loving, committed relationship would be a sin punishable by god. Wouldn't this be a form of child abuse?

381. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72177 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 1:39 pm

Okay, I see you're not going to answer.

Revcort (416) "The most hateful thing you can do is lie to someone about things of an eternal nature."

Whew! I guess you'd better pray your concept of reality is true! Do you ever entertain the thought that being absolutely certain about something you can't prove could be a dangerous position?


On a side note, and I mean nothing disrespectful here, how would you respond if one of your children happened to be born gay?

382. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72171 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 1:26 pm

Rev, my friend, perhaps you misunderstood my question. When I look around at the incredibly beautiful and complex world we live in, I am in total awe. I feel a deep emotional response, I just don't attibute that feeling to anything supernatural. Aside from feelings and "faith", do you have any ACTUAL evidence for the existence of god? (And, thanks for responding).

383. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72159 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 12:56 pm

Rev, you're just not going to touch my request for evidence, are you?

384. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #72144 by walk on September 20, 2007 at 12:33 pm

Seeing as how revcort mainly answers questions with "the bible says so" and has avoided answering my last three posts asking simply for ANY real evidence of the existence of his god, (and is obviously an irrational christian bigot when it comes to homosexuals) - (sorry), I appeal to the scientists here: Aside from the (admittedly limited) fossil evidence, doesn't DNA sequencing itself prove evolution?

385. Larry King Interviews Kathy Griffin

Comment #71388 by walk on September 18, 2007 at 4:21 pm

I can understand being put off by Griffin's personality and the way she approached this, but atheists in the US are so tired of being hit over the head by self-righteous, bigoted faith-heads ("9/11 was god's punishment for immorality"), that is nice to see someone publicly hit back once in a while, however crudely.

And, yes, she does this for personal publicity, but (rather than making a random shocking comment) I believe she's always spoken out for non-belief.

386. Larry King Interviews Kathy Griffin

Comment #71372 by walk on September 18, 2007 at 3:02 pm

It's about time someone called attention to the inanity of entertainers and sports figures always fawning humility and thanking a diety for achievements that are clearly their own. Thanks, Kathy!

387. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #71353 by walk on September 18, 2007 at 1:48 pm

Is it: " 'Tis better to keep your mouth shut, and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt"? (Something like that?)

388. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #71347 by walk on September 18, 2007 at 1:33 pm

Right on, Galactor! Rev obviously uses all the wonderful technology that science has created, so he's KNOWS they're right about all that. The only scientific facts he disputes are the ones that disprove his precious 2,000 year old fictional text!

Okay, so I was curious enough to go to the rev's (aka D C Hill, baptist youth minister) myspace page where he says "It is by this same grace that God is changing me into the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ."

Whew! (No false humility there!)

I'll ask one more time, rev, give us some, ANY, evidence for the existence of your particular sky-god.

BAEOZ, sorry for helping to drive our beloved antagonist away.

389. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #71292 by walk on September 18, 2007 at 9:49 am

Rev, you said "I agree that people misinterpret. It happens frequently. It usually happens when a man BEGINS WITH HIS OWN AGENDA AND ATTEMPTS TO FIND THINGS IN THE BIBLE THAT WILL BACK IT UP."

Whew! Now that was a MOUTHFUL, my friend!

Let's back up a bit:

You have started with two assumptions:
1) god exists.
2) the bible is the word of god.

You have assumed these things are true with absolutely NO evidence. If these things are not true, then everything else you say is hogwash.

SO: If you could please convince us with REAL evidence that your two initial assumptions are true, then I think we could entertain your other points.

390. A Table for One

Comment #71048 by walk on September 17, 2007 at 4:40 pm

Colbert is brillant here! He expresses the beliefs of the priest in such a way as to make them sound absolutely absurd.

Colbert: "Why be good if you don't constantly fear the threat of heaven or hell." - - - priceless!

391. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #71045 by walk on September 17, 2007 at 4:09 pm

Bonzai, thanks! (laugh out loud moment).

392. Do you have to read up on leprechology before disbelieving in them?

Comment #71037 by walk on September 17, 2007 at 3:42 pm

I agree, Shaun, and if revcort IS for real, then the children-arguing-in-a-schoolyard tone of his rantings (my big brother in the sky will beat you up if you don't stop saying I'm wrong!), might betray his (probably young) age. Also, his states in his profile that he hasn't read The God Delusion, so he would have no idea how silly his arguments actually sound to us. And that all of his points have already been discussed and refuted by RD et al to the satisfaction of most posters here.

393. 'Jane Doe' Testifies as Trial of Polygamist Leader Begins

Comment #70985 by walk on September 17, 2007 at 12:03 pm

J.J., BT Muragh, I think we're pretty much on the same page here. I'm certainly for the government staying out of our personal relationships, and as I said, I have no moral objection to polygamy. Also, I agree that gay marriage should be legalized.

My real beef is with the teachings of Joseph Smith. I've done tons of research on the Mormon faith over the past 6 years, and the made up lies and the oh-so "conveniently" timed revelations Smith reported every time he needed to get out of a jam were amazing. Many faihful followers were killed for their false beliefs, many young girls had their lives ruined. Today numerous families are still being broken apart as a result of these beliefs. See: http://www.exmormon.org/ for their heartbreaking stories.

Sorry to be so jerked up about this, but authoritarian deceit and fear tactics used to control simple, good people, (in the name of "god") which may totally ruin their lives, is just plain evil.

394. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #70695 by walk on September 16, 2007 at 4:10 pm

Mark,
Not to be a wanker, but it seems to me you could have answered the two simple questions I mentioned (1664.), from Goldy and LeeC, in the time it took you to explain why you DIDN'T HAVE TIME to answer!

395. Review of Richard Dawkins' new book 'The Fascism Delusion'

Comment #70677 by walk on September 16, 2007 at 2:57 pm

Beautifully said!

396. 'Jane Doe' Testifies as Trial of Polygamist Leader Begins

Comment #70660 by walk on September 16, 2007 at 1:49 pm

Russell, granted, this trial isn't about polygamy per se, but when you say, "If consenting adults want to practice polygamy, the state shouldn't try to stop them," are you advocating breaking the law, and saying the state shouldn't enforce it's laws?

Mind you, I'm not against polygamy on moral grounds, but the mind control and outright child abuse that goes on in these cults, in the name of god, is despicable.

Also, how do you feel about people purposely creating huge families they can't afford, knowing that the welfare system (the US taxpayers) will be forced to support them?

As you say, we'll have to wait for the facts to come out - - this could be a tough one for the prosecution, but personally, I'd love to see this jerk get nailed!

397. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #70462 by walk on September 15, 2007 at 3:08 pm

Thanks, I'll stay posted.

398. The God of the Bible is No Delusion!

Comment #70454 by walk on September 15, 2007 at 2:36 pm

Admittedly, I haven't read every word of this thread, but it seems Mark goes on and on about the more esoteric questions, but totally avoids the simple, hard ones.

Goldy (1612.) "However, if you could tell me why Mohammed is not a prophet of God (...) as believed by billions, I'd be grateful.
(...) there's no reason why the Koran cannot be a continuation of the Bible."

LeeC (1619.) "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day." Joshua 10:13 (...) "Why didn't the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese or whoever NOT notice the Sun and the Moon were not moving for a WHOLE 24 hours and write it down?"

399. 'Jane Doe' Testifies as Trial of Polygamist Leader Begins

Comment #70434 by walk on September 15, 2007 at 12:55 pm

A recent report (on US TV) stated that the cemetaries in the FLDS towns are disproportionally full of the graves of children. The implication is that the probable causes for this include birth defects (from closer-than-cousins inbreeding?), rejection of mainstream medicine, the need for secrecy, etc. Hopefully this trial will bring public attention to these troubling practices.

It's also been reported that these huge families are mostly being supported by welfare, and that the politicians are afraid to do anything about it.

400. 'Jane Doe' Testifies as Trial of Polygamist Leader Begins

Comment #70228 by walk on September 14, 2007 at 12:16 pm

Another good book is "No Man Knows My History" by Fawn Brodie. IMHO it's the definitive biography of Joseph Smith. It shows step by step how he invented the amazingly wacky Mormon cult.

An incredible fact of this trial is that the 19 year old "husband" is testifying for the defense! He's obviously still under the brainwashing spell of Warren Jeffs.

And yes, Lana, my sympathies also to the victim. Her testimony this morning has been heartbreaking.