John Dub

But “inclusivity” is also something that made Jones different. Most cults focus more on Exclusivity, on “us” vs “them,” on protection from an enemy (even if they have to create one).

He managed to ride that fine line, saying he wanted to create a world where everyone is accepted, but to do that, they had to have their rules and their ways and pr…[Read more]

Heard a good explanation from the weather guy tonight. Think about walking a dog. The person is walking a fairly straight line, following a path of some kind, that’s the climate. The dog is darting all over, sniffing this or that, stopping, going the opposite of the walker at some points, that’s the weather. But they both are going in the same…[Read more]

One thing that would happen if the theory of evolution were not taught in schools any more is that intelligent design would disappear as well.

Maybe in its current form, but the idea of an “unmoved mover” has been around for a long time. Are you seeing that as something different?

She is Generation Z. Try to keep up.

I think I got that Tim.

Good illustration 3 pt.

Lausten – I didn’t hear you say you agree with what  she was challenging and advocating for

I’m not going to discuss what you did or didn’t hear. You are responding to what you think you heard, and I don’t know what that is. I only heard a clip of the speech. I don’t think it will change my life if I don’t dissect every word of it and provide you…[Read more]

I can get that the word “exist” might be a stretch, something like “exist as we are” might be better, or “thrive” maybe. I could imagine that, without mutual care, we were independent animals, maybe forming a family group for a few years or something, but we could never have accomplished something as simple as building a cement bridge without a l…[Read more]

In my new role as moderator, I’m going to ask both of you to keep it civil here.

Lausten – because you don’t agree with her about what it is going to take to get out of this mess

So, are you inviting me to have a discussion about what I think you are thinking about what I think? Not interested.

Huh. “We” is all humankind, I thought that was clear. But if you extend to other creatures, then the questions you have later become evidence for the point being made. “Each other” is all inclusive, also don’t see that as a problem. What is the question about a connection? What connection? Seems like all those questions are the very illogical…[Read more]

This might be a bridge to far for the likes of Timb Tee and lausten

Why would you think I would think that?

The only problem I have is she is addressing this to politicians. I would have been more hopeful that they got the message if they would have sat there quietly when she was done instead of applauding her. They were acting like the People’s…[Read more]

I could ramble on this topic for too long. It’s kind of a hobby. Cults are pretty easy to spot once they get past the phase of initial enrollment. Stepping into one from the outside, you can see the logical problems and self-delusion. But, early on, they usually have a mission that many of us would agree with, something about being inclusive, like…[Read more]

 I’m not going to argue that I’m right here, but I would absolutely love if you pointed out where I was wrong. –W

I think I did that. But I’m not finding much of a point to engaging your particular speculation. You aren’t really presenting them as questions and it doesn’t seem you’ve tried to find answers using the very means that you advo…[Read more]

While working on building an outhouse yesterday, I listened to Robert Price, an actual scholar, who despite failing health is still sharp and able to bring up data like the computer on Star Trek. This is what Mike wishes he sounded like. The major difference being, you can look up what Price says and find the references.

Here is traces the Christ…[Read more]

Well, Maghreb is a region in Africa where there was Christianity. That’s factual.

Without understanding plant genetics, we would not have solved the famines in Mexico, India and Africa in the 70s. There would be far fewer people on the planet, probably by half, which oddly enough might be better for the rest of the animals.

There is no right pathway. There were multiple sects from the start. Of course Paul didn’t know Jesus, according to his own account. It was Augustine who brought those letters to the forefront.

As an analogy, have you argued with an anti-vaxxer? They will tell you stories of nurses or doctors who were given only the briefest of introductions to the technology of vaccinations. If you asked your general practitioner how they work, they might not be able to explain it in detail. So, all sorts of medical advancements and day to day medical…[Read more]