351. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #112394 by scooternyc on January 17, 2008 at 3:15 am

Peacebeuponme - Research for yourself the idea of "pathy" and its derivation of pathos, which means disease.

In doing so you also understand that when a person has "empathy" they are attempting to connect to another's pain - for what reason or motivation? (that's rhetorical)

My comment # 219 to Steve elaborates this idea.

352. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #112388 by scooternyc on January 17, 2008 at 3:06 am

"To say you hold a particular position is one thing. To say you hold that position, and to also claim that those who disagree with you must have questionable motives is quite another.

Yes, and to say you are doing for another with a hidden agenda of motive for self is quite disingenuous. Motives are questionable when the act is fulfilling your need of quieting a deep seeded fear or want of others to witness your supposed act of kindness or some such other rationalization; perhaps power as in the case of politics in order to control others.

There is a motive and it should be questioned when it does not hold the individual accountable.

Again, we move right back to personal accountability and personal responsibility for personal choices made.

353. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #112387 by scooternyc on January 17, 2008 at 2:59 am

Part 2 Steve:

"Empathy" is an emotional "diseased", if you will, reaction to justifying and rationalizing another's behavior by which a decision to excuse his/her personal choices and thus not be held accountable - not have to pay the piper for the choice.

I said to al-rawandi earlier that I am concerned and find it tragic that a lack of humanity toward our fellow man/woman happens; rape, killing, etc.

However, it is more useful to look at these choices people are making to commit these crimes, decide how best to apply civil consequences and then act accordingly.

We make laws in civil society to apply consequences to those free choices that people make where they have crossed the line from cost only to themselves to costs of others.

If individually each person would just make choices at no cost to others, can you imagine how that shifts the paradigm of living, instantly.

Getting one's self all worked up is merely getting that "hit" of chemical reaction in the body. The more you get the "hit" the more you want it and the cycle of addiction takes over.

Being clouded by chemical reactions in the body that are spiking the body emotionally, is not a good way of making decision. Take if you will, those that in a state of inebriation or "love" decide to have sex because the chemical drive is so intense, they do so without condoms...and the cycle continues

Yet, in the aftermath we re-evaluate and sometimes realize the mistake made and hope for the consequences to be minimized

But then the chemical hit happens again and this is why people get to a feeling of remorse - making a choice out of emotion rather than logic, reason, intellect, among others, and doing so time after time

354. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #112386 by scooternyc on January 17, 2008 at 2:59 am

Steve - once again, I appreciate your rational approach.

"I could not disagree more. I think empathy is one of the finest things about humanity.

No problem you thinking anything you like, but if you research the word, you'll understand its meaning.

"There is no motivation. Empathy is natural, and should be automatic"

Again, this is your subjective opinion that empathy is natural for you or automatic. There's quite a bit of societal pressure when growing up to mimic behavior, especially emotionally, and one can easily train him/her self as such to believe it as reality - kinda like religion itself.

Susan Blackmore wrote a terrific book about memes that is worth reading The Meme Machine

"We should feel pain when we see and hear about the suffering of others. If we don't, then we have a psychological problem.

Interesting totalitarian idea of what people should be feeling. ;)

"I think that without empathy, humanity is doomed.

Actually, it's been the disease of empathy that has created more problems for this world, not the only one, but certainly one. (SHAM - Self Help Actualization Movement, another book worth reading)

If each individual would merely be held personally accountable for his/her own reality – essentially the choices each person faces on a daily basis…

Then upon making those choices be held personally responsible, we move away from quite a lot of problems.

Doesn't mean we can't assist people in making their choices; teaching how to evaluate the concepts of actions/reactions and outcomes

We stop giving people a free ride

355. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #112025 by scooternyc on January 16, 2008 at 8:13 am

al-rawandi - you respond to only a portion of the post, albeit because of your emotional investment.


You chose not to read:

Yes, I see these behaviors and have concern as to how to resolve them. My objective reason for desire to support and assist is because I enjoy freedom and choice in my life as a result of our democracy and independence.

As such, I would like to see all people who desire to live free and have choice have that opportunity.

This is not emotional, but rational, logical and based on what evidence I've observed over the years of those who have such opportunity.

Now, how is it that I'm being uncaring when in fact I want to solve such issues and bring forth opportunity for others to NOT have such burden?

Is it because I don't get emotionally charged, I'm not jumping up and down, throwing a tantrum; asking others to "see how much I care" types of behavior, therefore I'm not caring?

Responses 111932 and beyond clearly outline this further and worth reading, if you haven't.

Now I must go to my free-market job and earn wages by which I re-invest in society and it's many opportunities for others to succeed by purchasing goods and services.

356. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111958 by scooternyc on January 16, 2008 at 4:44 am

The thing I do have a problem with is when you attempt to figure out the motivations of others.

I'm not judging, I'm observing. If you want to know motivation, then you ask. This vetting of information then leads to conclusion.

I have asked; I've observed; I assimilate. If one is motivated by any emotion I've not outlined, then it has yet to be revealed.

Empathy is a derivative of pathos which is disease. Empathy has become a euphemism for sympathy which is about "suffering together". I don't accept this foundation for living; it's destructive to the person and it's condescending to insult. "Oh, you poor schlep, you have such poor circumstance"

If you attempt to empathize, place yourself in their position, then what is your motivation for doing so? Fear? Sympathy? Are these not emotional responses that are self-serving - to relieve you of the perceived personal pain - what pain does it relieve of the individual?

Rather I like stating: "You're an individual with the ability to manage your life; here are some options if you desire; here's how to observe actions/reactions and outcomes; now you decide how you want to live - your choice."

That's a helping hand not a handout.

Empathy isn't' needed.


P.S. no need to apologize, it's simply your emotions acting themselves out ;)

357. Canadian fossil makes waves in Huckabee's presidential run

Comment #111954 by scooternyc on January 16, 2008 at 4:12 am

I'm glad for the discovery and find it quite amazing.

I find Huckabee's take on evolution very condescending and as most religious, quite the attitude of superiority - I guess dominion over animals is their stance.

I said yesterday on another site to one of these religious types that if you think that you're superior over animals, place yourself in a situation with you and a lion and we'll see who comes out alive - it won't be you, baby.

Man is more vulnerable to nature than he wants to admit.

358. Huckabee Wants A 'Faith-based' Constitution

Comment #111952 by scooternyc on January 16, 2008 at 4:02 am

Interestingly though, this guy is quite liberal on a great deal of other issues

MikeHuckabee


It's hilarious to watch this trainwreck.

I hope he keeps talking so everyone can get past the hype and see who he is.

359. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111941 by scooternyc on January 16, 2008 at 3:38 am

MaxD - regarding Ayn Rand, some seem to think that if one's philosophy happens to agree with someone else's then you must endorse all such philosophy of said individual.

It's like saying that if you like Christopher Hitchens take on religion then you obviously endorse his position on everything else.

It's too bad the message of intellect so often gets distracted by emotional rhetoric instead.

Steve and I have had good exchange that's worth reading if you choose. He makes statements that are popular but not universal, which is great because he's willing to place those ideas under the scope to further investigation. Much like science itself, wouldn't you say.

One might derive this observation as being open minded to new ideas - the commodity of all future endeavors, fortunately for all of us.

Whether one changes his/her mind is not as important as the open dialogue as others may read and find inspiration or a paradigm shift for themselves one way or another.

It's supported me in reading things on this site and others to develop my own understanding of certain issues, like religion and its falsehoods, for example. I'm grateful for that opportunity and those willing to share their ideas.

360. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111932 by scooternyc on January 16, 2008 at 3:20 am

"Yes, I would be a lot happier if all those who made bad choices, deliberately or not, were given a really good talking to, just so that they knew that they really had been very silly people.

They don't need a good talking to, natural consequences to their choices which will either move them toward or away from such choices in the future. All behavior is rooted in this concept. Educating our youth on the power of observation from choice and outcomes is more important than any other concept as it is a foundation from which all else springs forth.

"I am not sure that is going to work with the substantial population of old folks with dementia living in care homes near my house. I am not sure they would understand what "get it together" means.

Again, this is another emotional decision that keeps others suffering. If we were merciful as we all think we are we wouldn't let these people suffer, this is why euthanasia is endorsed by some as it disallows suffering. Is it not odd that we do for animals that we will not do for ourselves?

We could leave instruction for ourselves that should such a condition of dementia occur, please do the following...

Absolutely, which is why I support a national health service and free education for all.

Opportunity is having things available to you for choice - not giving away the store.

I will say that many people seem to be of the idea that their emotional reaction of disdain makes them appear as good people when such things I've stated are said.

In fact, it is extorting an emotional endorsement from others of feigned virtue because you showed "you cared" rather than being in emotional bondage of being "cold hearted".

This is so self-serving that it has little to do with actually showing care for anyone.

You don't give money to people on the streets because it does them no good. If they are mentally ill, then they need services, not your dollar. If they are of poor circumstance, then they need services which will support them out of it, not your dollar which continues to mire them in suffering.

Again, this is self-serving behavior trying to example to others who are watching that you're a good person and telling yourself you're a good person, when in fact, you're merely prolonging suffering of others for your own gain - emotionally - "it makes me feel good" or it satisfies a perceived fear that if it happens to you that others will do the same. Great, others will help keep you mired in your own filth, that sounds just grand, doesn't it.

361. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111781 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 6:12 pm

BTW - Huckabee just announced he's going to win South Carolina - I think I just threw up in my mouth.

362. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111779 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 6:10 pm

Radesq - but why must that emotion be about suffering?

The reality is that most people think that suffering is some sort of virtue. Religion is replete with this idea. As apparently are others.

One need not suffer to enjoy life, but so many do so much to keep it going. As though identifying with others who suffer, is of comfort.

Sorry, but those are not healthy emotions.

363. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111777 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 6:05 pm

Well Steve, your right in line then with those of the religious bent, this is exactly their drive.

Yes, we make poor choices - we're still accountable.

Yes, some do make deliberately bad choices - they're still accountable.

Each person is personally responsible and accountable, regardless of circumstance.

I'd rather support a person by giving him/her a hand to get it together than give a handout that just keeps them in their swill. That's what charity does - it insults, it keeps people suffering, it is self-aggrandizing to the giver, it does nothing to resolve the issue.

If you want to give something, give opportunity to be a responsible and accountable contributing member of society. Now THAT'S giving.

364. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111774 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Yes, most people do and I wouldn't consider it a compliment if someone considered you a person of such nature.

Most Americans think that god exits, but I wouldn't condone it.

365. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111771 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:48 pm

Steve, you're post is already going down an emotional rollercoaster.

Do you never hold anyone accountable then for their choices in life?

Do you never hold anyone responsible for their choices in life?

Do you give a pass to just anyone who can pluck the strings of some emotional chord in you?

366. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111767 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Oh, Ian, you just had to bring that up! : )

Cheers!

367. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111765 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Radesq - that makes me sad that you would think that about me. ; )

368. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111761 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:36 pm

Emotions are affected by many factors both internal and external. Decisions made through practical, logical, and pragmatic principled reasoning, persists over time whereas emotional decisions made one day may not be in line with your emotions on another day.

369. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111757 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:28 pm

If your emotional decisions are not holding others accountable and responsible for their choices, then you're correct, they are not useful.

You do more damage in an emotional attempt to "help" others for your own "good feelings" rather than actually holding others accountable for their choices and expecting them to take care of themselves.

A helping hand is very different from a handout.

370. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111754 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:18 pm

Radesq - LOL! Very nice! : )

371. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111753 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:17 pm

I get emotional when I see people dying in Africa, being mutilated, raped, burned, ethnically cleansed, but there is no "objective" reason for me to help them. I would like to see a mars mission, but not so long as people die needlessly.

Then you're not very emotionally stable.

Yes, I see these behaviors and have concern as to how to resolve them. My objective reason for desire to support and assist is because I enjoy freedom and choice in my life as a result of our democracy and independence.

As such, I would like to see all people who desire to live free and have choice have that opportunity.

This is not emotional, but rational, logical and based on what evidence I've observed over the years of those who have such opportunity.

372. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111749 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 5:00 pm

al-rawandi - I find it interesting that I start reading your post and find the statements of value.

Then you launch into an emotional attempt to insult. Yet you state that you're in control.

Not likely. You reveal quite the opposite, in fact, as you are unable to dialogue with others who may have differing ideas than your own and who may not agree with you.

Much like the emotionally charged religious, who want only their way of life idolized. Perhaps this is serving you, as well.

373. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111746 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 4:56 pm

Well Steve, we can all learn and teach others the value of not using emotion as a decision maker and perhaps at times, an indicator only if action is warranted.

Valuing logic, reason and facts, as we demand from those of a religious bent, are no different when approaching any other aspect of life.

374. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111741 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Yes, emotions are a disease when unstable, as I've posted.

Emotions are chemical reactions within the body, that move a person to action.

As such, if one is addicted to the chemical reaction, then this is a disease as addictions are considered a disease.

Alcohol is not a disease, alcoholism is a disease.

Instability of emotions are much like alcoholism. Emotional addiction occurs when an individual makes decision in response to emotions which are at a cost to the individual and others, along with the individual ceasing to be able to control decisions in the face of those emotions.

An alcoholic can no longer reasonably make decisions in the face of his/her alcoholism, much is the same for those addicted to emotions.

So, if you agree with Michael's decision, then this observation isn't much different but it does seem to stir the pot of those who like to get their own "hit" apparently.

375. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111722 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 2:49 pm

Acts of charity are emotionally motivated.

Acts of heroism are emotionally motivated.

Gee, that was easy.

I didn't say that emotions don't provide a value, they do, to the individual only, that was kind of my point and Michael's, as well.

But that isn't a dictate of how to run nations; how we vetted out science theory; how to make decisions about space.

When people think more reasonably, more logically, then much can be done and accomplished without getting the ever diseased "emotional" unstable component involved, which often leads to very bad decisions.

376. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111646 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 9:54 am

It's interesting to only cite the one phrase and not the other:

Solutions are never reached by "feelings".

Solutions are reached by observations and actions.

Clearly the concept cited is one of scientific observation and action taken.

Are we "feeling" our way through pharma drugs, cancer, et. al.?

Ask yourself(rhetorically) what have you observed as solution rooted in "feelings" that is anything of worth?

Is science not based on objective observation?

Come on guys. Are we not above this type of comment yet? Can we not focus on the logic, reason and intelligence? Or does the statement itself prove my point.

377. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111575 by scooternyc on January 15, 2008 at 3:35 am

"When it comes to money, as in most other aspects of life, reason and rationality are trumped by emotions and feelings."

For those not in the U.S. it's interesting that Michael's statement is one that cuts across our elections right now, as well.

It seems that people can't get enough of their "addictive hit" of emotional chemistry spikes every time they ring that Pavlovian bell that says, "I FEEL ______".

I think we all agree that our foundations of agreement with RD & others can logically and reasonably be rooted in science, which seeks evidence, facts and not opinions or subjective perspective when speaking of religion.

Yet, with this issue of money, religion, our upcoming elections and so many others, the moment language of any kind reveals an "emotional hit" the entire dialogue goes out the window.

It's like "emotional types" playing their own version of the "faith card".

There seems to be no applying the same formula of reason, logic, facts and evidence, to other aspects of life - much like Neil Degrasse Tyson mentioned at the CFI Conference 2007. (Once you understand one paradigm of understanding in science you try to apply those constructs to other aspects to expedite the process.)

Feelings are subjective.

Experience that is personal has no validity when science is the foundation of discovery.

Feelings are not a credential for anything except the person's individual experience - to which we say, rightly when speaking of religion - so what.

Yet too many people seem to think, as Michael rightly points out, "feelings" trump everything.

But we never ask the question as to why we won't apply the same discipline to other areas of life.

The answer: personal agenda.

It is an unfortunate distraction in our elections once again.

Hopefully enough intellectuals wake up and start voting with their heads, logic, reason, and intelligence, rather than emotion, feelings, and factors that should never be invoked when speaking to ALL AMERICANS.

Solutions are never reached by "feelings".

Solutions are reached by observations and actions.

378. Why people believe weird things about money

Comment #111098 by scooternyc on January 13, 2008 at 2:58 pm

"reason and rationality are trumped by emotions and feelings."

That statement isn't just about money, it's about everything.

379. Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up

Comment #109885 by scooternyc on January 10, 2008 at 2:04 am

OsakaGuy - thanks for the video link, I enjoyed the presentation.

"I don't really understand how the author being a mathematician figures into the argument."

Because we need to move away from emotional "feel good" discussions which are purely subjective and into logical, reasonable discussions based on facts.

380. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #108941 by scooternyc on January 8, 2008 at 2:18 am

"I don't know for sure but aren't there even a few unexplained fossils or ones that seem to be out of place?"

You mean like some of those men and women in Washington D.C.?

381. Why Science Can't Save the Republican Party

Comment #108884 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 7:28 pm

"So are these voters rewarding politicians for lying to them"

Brilliant statement! : )

382. Why Science Can't Save the Republican Party

Comment #108876 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 6:58 pm

Don't take the victim role, "shall I just take my ball and go home".

Take the responsible role which is to understand that no candidate will lean on all sides you care about.

Using the god factor as a reason to hold disdain for a candidate when in fact you already have a fundamental issue with the majority of his/her views, is not genuine.

I agree, you should not be a one voter issue.

The point made is important to continue development of our society toward the intellectual and not the emotional. You're on the way, keep on truckin.

383. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #108873 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 6:50 pm

Worth reading:

Ken Miller explains in detail on page four that Darwin's theory could be supported or falsified by the discovery of fossils. At one point in time, we have obtained separate fossils accepted to be of the common ancestry developing from aquatic to amphibian to land animals. These fossils are all dated to be separated by large time spans. If a transitional species is located but is not dated to have existed at the correct time to fit into the sequence, Darwin's theory may be falsified. However, every fossil located, as in the ones located in the amphibian to land animal example, do in fact land perfectly into the sequence.


"The second core proposition of evolution is that living things share common ancestries. This is a direct inference drawn from the clear and convincing patterns of change seen in the fossil record.

In cases where fossil records of living organisms are complete enough to trace the pattern of life
over millions of years, the conclusion of common ancestry, also known as descent with modification, is the only reasonable inference supported by the evidence.

One recent example can be seen in Bruce J. MacFadden's 2005 review of the fossil record of the horse, which described the common ancestry shared by this group of organisms as documented in its rich and detailed fossil history.

Continuing discoveries on several fronts have only served to reinforce this critical element of
evolution. Earlier this year, Daeschler et al (2006) described an extraordinary series of fossil
specimens recovered in the Canadian arctic that serve as unquestioned intermediates between
lobe-finned fish and the first true land vertebrates, or tetrapods. This fossil specimen, given the scientific name of Tiktaalik roseae, fits neatly into a series of transitional fossils that document the water-to-land transition that took place in the Devonian period, more than 300 million years ago. Only a few months later, Long et al (2006) discovered yet another fossil species that fit into this same transitional series (Gogonasus andrewsae)."


This is an overview document on evolution written by Ken Miller.

Ken Miller

384. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #108865 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 6:44 pm

"What do you all think of using the word "Accept" instead of "Believe" when we're talking about people's views of evolution?"

I only use the word "accept" for evolution, didn't know others were not. It's not a belief system, it's a fact.

385. Why Science Can't Save the Republican Party

Comment #108863 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 6:42 pm

No doubt that you are correct about the religious right being hijacked by the Republican party, but you are completely disingenuous in your denial of the reality that democrats will justify their vote for hillary, obama or ? who all pander to the christian vote.

Either you're committed to the issue or you're not.

If you say that someone, anyone, who doesn't endorse religion is someone you would vote for, then it should be presumed that you would vote Republican if indeed such a person came forward.

No, you say?

Then it only reveals the political nature of the issue, not the issue itself which affects ALL AMERICANS and people EVERYWHERE on both sides of the aisle.

It's like playing the "faith" card - faith is something the religious need because they really don't have a solid commitment in their beliefs. If they did, they wouldn't need faith.

386. Why Science Can't Save the Republican Party

Comment #108855 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 6:28 pm

Comment #93863 by arogop on December 4, 2007 at 10:54 am

Part of the problem is that liberal democrats have hijacked the issue of atheism as though one must be of that party to support the idea of a secular society and as though it belongs to them alone.

As of recent at two very strongly attended events in Washington D. C. and another in New York, the overwhelming politicizing of the issue was so pathetic.

In the face of people requesting that we not attribute the issue to either party as it disenfranchises others who support the issue, fell on deaf ears.

Both parties pander to the religious; both are dangerous as a result.

You have to be some vegan loving, war hating, capitalist disdain-er, Bush hating, socialist to be on board this issue. Otherwise you're considered a Republican and worthy of no consideration.

387. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #108852 by scooternyc on January 7, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Given the premise of the article, then NO candidate is worth voting for since ALL of them are pandering to one sort of deity or another which has its roots in creationism, bible beating, christianity, stupidity.

Vote the issues you rack up to a candidate who is demanding that Americans be accountable, responsible, and don't hold others hostage by whining that taxes pay their way to health care, welfare, and the like.

388. Sam Harris debate with Rabbi David Wolpe

Comment #107606 by scooternyc on January 4, 2008 at 8:12 pm

"Collins had a 'religious experience'"

Once again, worth repeating: Personal Experience IS NOT a credential for anything other than your own personal OPINION.

OPINIONS ARE NOT FACTS.

CLAIMS of any sort that are NOT personal experiences and adjudicated to opinion, are by their very nature, scientific claims, thereby evidence must be presented to affirm such claims.

389. Sam Harris debate with Rabbi David Wolpe

Comment #107601 by scooternyc on January 4, 2008 at 7:58 pm

"Weaning people off of human sacrifice"

You mean people had to be told this wasn't a good idea? They didn't just know it by nature or sense of their own inherent humanity?

Or they did know it was wrong but rationalized to themselves anything needed in order to act on the absurdity of such a behavior.

390. Sam Harris debate with Rabbi David Wolpe

Comment #107585 by scooternyc on January 4, 2008 at 7:35 pm

David, David, David, your experience is nothing more than subjective and personalized but has no validity in terms of credential.

Think of others as you like and attribute to them anything you wish, but your "experiences" of anything or anyone in life is nothing of substance but merely your opinion.

Opinions are not facts.

If you have an opinion of god, that's fine, but if you claim there IS a god, then you are making a claim for which you have no evidence as science is rooted in claims for which the individual must present evidence of such.

Experience = Subjective Opinion

Subjective Opinion = Not a credential

Opinions are NOT Facts.

391. Huckabee: Guns, God and rock'n'roll

Comment #106968 by scooternyc on January 3, 2008 at 7:01 pm

So I can only presume from those of you who have disdain for Huckabee that you also are not for any Democrat since they are spewing their religiosity and pandering to the religious.

Or are you playing your own "faith" card by not being committed to the atheist foundation and are willing to tell yourself whatever you need in order to rationalize your political choice?

Excusing ANY candidate only shows your political bias and lends you no credential or credibility as your position reveals itself as Democrat or Republican not Secular or Non-Secular.

392. It is possible to be moral without God

Comment #104940 by scooternyc on December 30, 2007 at 5:03 am

briancoughlanworldcitizen - LOVED the video link, what an amazing thing to capture on film. Thanks for sharing it.

Cheers!
Scooter

393. It is possible to be moral without God

Comment #104932 by scooternyc on December 30, 2007 at 4:20 am

"First, many people who have strong moral commitments without any religious foundation were shaped by parents or grandparents for whom morality and religion were fundamentally bound up. Moreover, many of those in the forefront of progressive political change, who have abandoned religion, have been driven by a humanism that has been essentially built up by our Christian heritage as Charles Taylor has recently brought out in his magisterial study, A Secular Age. How far are we living on moral capital?"

The author misses the point he made himself in the paragraph:

In spite of and sometimes because of religion, children and grandchildren and beyond have come to an understanding of reciprocity toward one another in society toward cooperation - seems like a good thing to me.

Further, the development of society over the millenia has shown that no need for religion still exists. While it may have been useful at one time as were thought many other ideas, it no longer is needed and now is only utilized as a weapon.

If in this day and age you can't find a good reason innately for not killing someone, being good to your neighbor, not stealing, etc. your problem isn't lacking religion, its lacking humanity toward your fellow citizens - this shows a greater psychological problem that even religion won't cure.

Either you are inherently a good person who would do good or you are not. No religion, no law, no threat will infuse this into you.

One can only capitalize that which already exists from within.

394. Richard Dawkins on 'Have Your Say'

Comment #104836 by scooternyc on December 29, 2007 at 3:51 pm

The gay priest from FoxNews is condescending and attempts to discredit RD, did anyone else pick up on that one?

Did you notice how his volume on his voice changed when he went into "preaching" mode?

395. Pope's exorcist squads will wage war on Satan

Comment #104732 by scooternyc on December 29, 2007 at 9:30 am

His mind has walked off the map

396. Photos from Center for Inquiry's November Conference in NYC

Comment #104075 by scooternyc on December 27, 2007 at 7:28 pm

Contempt prior to investigation.

Dershowitz actually gave a solid talk and spoke about how both parties were pandering to religion, the danger of this behavior, and the importance of this issue being non-partisan.

People seem to get more exercise from jumping to conclusions.

397. Priest who committed suicide for rebirth cremated

Comment #103827 by scooternyc on December 27, 2007 at 1:21 am

Radesq - LOL! at this hour your post made me laugh, thank you.

BTW, I love the Batman outfit, my favorite comic hero.

Cheers!

398. Priest who committed suicide for rebirth cremated

Comment #103768 by scooternyc on December 26, 2007 at 6:25 pm

J - being under the same delusion then I'm sure you're correct about yourself that you're a child, too.

Children, rarely, are taught to be accountable, thus responsible for their choices. That their behavior and choices belong to no one but themselves.

Typically people who want a free pass from others will find themselves giving a free pass to others in hopes they will receive the same - that's why it's a fraud and thus similar to those who believe in religion. It encourages one to abdicate responsibility to someone/something other than the self.

Absolving someone of his/her personal responsibility/accountability is the most insulting act toward another human being.

399. Priest who committed suicide for rebirth cremated

Comment #103757 by scooternyc on December 26, 2007 at 5:37 pm

God of Eng's World - you're such a fraud. LOL!

You like to think yourself good because you feel sorry for this guy and his parents, when what you ought to be is outraged at the stupidity of his parents for encouraging such idiotic thoughts and teachings; you ought to be outraged at the society surrounding this twerp who encouraged his belief in the supernatural and that his martyrdom was a virtue.

Instead you want to focus on the fact that you're such a good person because you have sympathy for this idiot and his parents.

You don't hold this guy accountable or responsible because you don't want to be held accountable or responsible for stupid choices you make in your life. You want someone's "sympathy" when you screw up, rather than licking your own wounds from those choices you've made.

You're such a child - grow up! You're no better than the religious nutcases that imbibe in this behavior.

400. Priest who committed suicide for rebirth cremated

Comment #103320 by scooternyc on December 25, 2007 at 4:56 am

The gene pool is a little clearer

Great! Now what am I supposed to do with the "happy reincarnation" cake and balloons I got!

Hypothesis falsified, test object expired

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence

Well, he won't do that again...

He's getting a job in horticulture...pushing up daisies.

Natural Selection at work

The average level of intelligence in the world just went up. We lost a moron

He won't dare pull that stunt again anytime soon.

Spot on, hilarious! Merry Christmas :)