Theism vs. Atheism ... will it ever be settled?

Padraic wrote: Mike, are you as honest with other aspects of your life? Would you tell a female coworker, "Wow you've put on a lot of weight.  Try eating less and getting some exercise or something."? Genuinely curious.

LOL ... actually when it comes to nutrition and exercise I don't really agree with conventional wisdom. Currently I'd rather tell her to curb the carbs and do some high intensity strength training.

But I know what you mean. In the situation that you describe I would only tell her that she's put on weight if she explicitly asked me to give my honest opinion. I doubt though that the topic would arise in the first place - which woman who is overweight would ask men if she's put on weight? And I can't think of any situation in which I would bring up the topic myself. But since I'm currently in the process of losing weight (I lost about 20kg since March) the topic might arise - and if a clearly overweight woman would ask me for advice, I would give it to her and not tip-toe around the fact that she's overweight.

How complicated human interaction can be ...

^ yes, absolutely ... I don't mince words. But often I'll simply say that I'm an atheist and I believe that there's no good reason to follow any religion, and that's usually the end of that. Only when people keep inquiring, or present arguments to bolster their case, I'll get more specific.

^ It's interesting to see how you can twist the meaning of words simply by removing context.

The reason why I don't think there is a way is because you can't take religion away from people - in doing so you would destroy whatever you're trying to accomplish. I can't make people think reasonably by telling them what to think ... the only way of "conversion" is for them to think for themselves, and draw their own conclusions.

So in fact I'm saying the same as you and thellama73. You just won't accept it, since you're committed into thinking that I'm intolerant.


Edited by Mr ProgFreak - July 23 2010 at 13:30

Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: I disaprove Rap, believe it's not music,. but as long as people enjoy it, I wouldn't lwant it not to exist.

I feel the same, as I feel it lacks melody which is mandatory for music.

DisgruntledPorcupine wrote: Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: I disaprove Rap, believe it's not music,. but as long as people enjoy it, I wouldn't lwant it not to exist. I feel the same, as I feel it lacks melody which is mandatory for music.

You don't consider African drumming music?

thellama73 wrote: DisgruntledPorcupine wrote: Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: I disaprove Rap, believe it's not music,. but as long as people enjoy it, I wouldn't lwant it not to exist. I feel the same, as I feel it lacks melody which is mandatory for music. You don't consider African drumming music?

The T wrote: Mike, the point is, it would seem that the one who is insecure about his belief (or lack thereof) is you, not Ivan or the other religious people...

In fact I'm quite happy with how this thread is going ... my lack of belief is firm and strong.

Yes it is, science and practicality keep pointing out that things in, for example, the Bible are physically impossible, yet people continue to believe.  Nothing more that can be done if facts don't cut it.

Mr ProgFreak wrote: @jampa: If you were to insult my mother in this thread, first of all I would wonder what that has to do with the topic. Again: This is a thread about religion and atheism. I don't think that I've been insulting or rude to begin with. If you watch the video in the first post, it's not insulting or rude either. I won't deny that after a few rough posts of Iván my tone might also get a little more provocative, but in all seriousness: Do your feelings get hurt over me making fun of communion wafers? I would never approach a Catholic and mock their beliefs, but in this thread, if they persistently demand me to show respect, then I feel within my rights to discuss in greater detail what it is they ask me to be respectful of.

You always take it away of the point. My point is how do you feel if someone insults your mother, do you feel angry, hurt, mad, you don't give a sh*t? My question is focus to show you how do some people feel when you attack what is more sacred (or loved) by someone else... now you get it...?

UndercoverBoy wrote: The T wrote: thellama73 wrote: DisgruntledPorcupine wrote: Ivan_Melgar_M wrote: I disaprove Rap, believe it's not music,. but as long as people enjoy it, I wouldn't lwant it not to exist. I feel the same, as I feel it lacks melody which is mandatory for music. You don't consider African drumming music? Rap IS music, simple music, terrible music, music that puts 80% emphasis on rhythm and almost zero in melody and harmony, but it still is music.  Let's NOT hijack this thread with this though...  All I have to say is that Textbook better not see this.