tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post3844284440793383946..comments2023-10-20T08:32:14.040-04:00Comments on Heaving Dead Cats: Psalm 137:9 and Dealing With Religious Relatives - EDITEDAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12653141544095753595noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-50129658254960099492009-07-29T17:10:16.000-04:002009-07-29T17:10:16.000-04:00Why must we, as atheists, remain quietly closeted?...Why must we, as atheists, remain quietly closeted? I do not take personal offense when someone tells me they are Christian, Jewish, or Muslim etc. Yet, when I let my beliefs (or lack thereof) be known, it usually goes over like a fart in church, pardon the expression. I am getting tired of it. I do not want to get into an argument or have someone try "friendly persuasion" to get me to come over to their side. They look at you like you have the plague or something. On many subjects most people are happy to agree to disagree, but this topic brings out the crazy in even the most seemingly rational folks. Is it because they love me so much they don't want me to spend eternity burning in the fires of hell with satan's hot poker up my arse? Or is it because if everyone agrees with them they can be at peace that perhaps they are right after all, that they are not wasting their time in church and bible studies. If everyone agrees, it must be the truth, right? Thanks for allowing me to vent, Neece. You are awesome in your intelligence and logic!Jenny Lutesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-90973384325798953022009-07-29T18:27:00.000-04:002009-07-29T18:27:00.000-04:00The bible contains plain out contradictions everyw...The bible contains plain out contradictions everywhere. The one that got me thinking it all over goes like this:<br><br>1. God drowns the world because of sin.<br>2. God then later sends Jesus to Earth, to save those of us who lived at the right time.<br><br>I coundn't understand why Jesus just didn't come to earth before the flood, or right after the banishment from eden for that matter.<br><br>Of course, whenever I raise the notion with a theist, I get the "mysterious god" line. So I then upset them with 1st Samuel 18:3 (where Johnathan and David enter a covenant) to prove the imperfection of the book.Bam Bam Brainnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-80643660728394221622009-07-30T17:49:20.000-04:002009-07-30T17:49:20.000-04:00Personally, I'd probably just drop the convers...Personally, I'd probably just drop the conversation rather than respond to the relative. There really isn't a way to be successful in that kind of exchange.antimattrhttp://anti-mattr.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-50254743299409062812009-07-31T18:13:12.000-04:002009-07-31T18:13:12.000-04:00There is no winning that argument because, as you ...There is no winning that argument because, as you said, religious people feel its their duty to educate the unbeliever (if not for the facebook use, I'd say she and I have the same relatives!). As Antimattr suggests, it might be best to drop the conversation. Hopefully, the relative will let it be.Indyhttp://www.twitter.com/indydinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-87900686905372829882009-10-20T17:15:36.000-04:002009-10-20T17:15:36.000-04:00Hey! People of a certain age are "invested&qu...Hey! People of a certain age are "invested" in their religious<br>convictions.Talking to them is like talking to Bible bangers who come to your door:they feel compelled by their faith to do what they do, and they aren't interested in what you think.They just want you to listen.Marehdhttp://HeavingDeadCatsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-4179449101071694292009-10-25T11:11:39.000-04:002009-10-25T11:11:39.000-04:00Yes, all the more reason to keep children from bei...Yes, all the more reason to keep children from being indoctrinated into these false belief systems.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-58844514085048421032009-12-10T05:44:07.000-05:002009-12-10T05:44:07.000-05:00Let me give you a "religous" perspective...Let me give you a "religous" perspective. You can believe and say what you want. I am one of those Christians who believe what I believe. I'll share with you and if you reject that's your choice. <br><br>What I do find in most athiests though is an intellectual snobbery. For some reason, they think that Christians don't think. Well we do. And when I look at the facts of the Universe it's more of a stretch for me to believe in a Creator than the nonsensical notion of Evolution. <br><br>And really at the end of the day, this is a battle of two world views that can find no collusion.Shanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-6725636992509923212009-12-10T07:40:18.000-05:002009-12-10T07:40:18.000-05:00We "think that Christians don’t think" b...We "think that Christians don’t think" because you spout nonsense like "nonsensical notion of Evolution".<br><br>Evolution doesn't explain where life came from. It's completely compatible with the view of a creator. You don't think, you regurgitate. Because it's parroted constantly that they aren't compatible, you just follow along like a sheep.<br><br>To be completely blunt, if you only treat genesis abstractly or symbolically, it's practically compatible with the big bang.<br><br>If you thought, you would actually come to realize how many more questions a religion makes than solves. Why does a creator even have to be omnipotent? Why your god over the others? Along those lines, do you not even realize that say, if the Bible were completely true, you're going to hell anyways? I'm sure one of your ten nearest ancestors were born out of wedlock, or in a second marriage.<br><br>Just things like that. Don't kid yourself, you don't think, you regurgitate. Here, tell me what you think heaven looks like, or what heaven is.GMNightmarenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-321420994193008692009-12-10T09:57:31.000-05:002009-12-10T09:57:31.000-05:00Vice Versa, I think that atheists sometimes don...Vice Versa, I think that atheists sometimes don't think. Even when I was at University studying pre-med before I came to serve Christ. Evolution is a theory; precisely because it can not be reproduced in a laboratory setting. As a matter of fact it contradicts one of the known laws of the natural Universe; that is the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics. <br><br>I don't regurgitate. I logically think, study the data and make my assumptions based on what I believe to be true. Whether wrong or right, you can't fault me for that. I don't hold up signs. I am not even against evolutionary theory being taught in the schools. My children are taught what is right from a morally and scientifically sound viewpoint in my home.<br><br>One thing we know for sure is that our Universe is still a great mystery. Modern advances in quantum physics prove to us that on the quantum level our Universe behaves in some very strange almost supernatural ways. No one has figured out what holds every atom together. Sure there are theories, but no one can quantify what holds the smallest of particles together. Whatever it is, it is a force so strong that it baffles science seems to move outside of time and knows when it is being studied. That's right, it seems to have a wisdom all of its own. <br><br>Of course I know that Hebrews states that Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power. <br><br>Lastly, if I am wrong about everything, I will have lived my life by a set of morals that benefits my family and does no one any harm. if as you believe, there is no God, I just missed out on some fun. But if I am right, there is a Heaven to gain and for you a hell to face. I don't know what Heaven is like exactly. The Bible only gives glimpses. But I sure want to get there. <br><br>Have a great day. Look forward to your response.shanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-41517990384377816182009-12-11T04:32:59.000-05:002009-12-11T04:32:59.000-05:00WHOA!!! As you argue, keep in mind that NO ONE can...WHOA!!! As you argue, keep in mind that NO ONE can PROVE or DISPROVE that a deity exists.<br><br>Natural law leads me to accept evolution.Most life forms begin as a "polliwog" form, and from there they (I believe) go onward with their genetic makeup.<br><br>If the deity or what/whomever created by evolution, something had to set off the "big bang"-a theory!!<br><br>The Bible is full of stories that try to reconcile humanity to its very sad condition;however, it is full of contradictions.Leave the interpretation to the scholars, and leave the 'mother' alone!!Mariannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-38611092674392655452009-12-11T09:42:55.000-05:002009-12-11T09:42:55.000-05:00Actually, I can disprove that certain deities exis...Actually, I can disprove that certain deities exists. Much like I can disprove that a square circle doesn't exist. I only require for people to come out with their definition of their deity, the rest is fairly easy. For every deity, I can either disprove them, or give their pointlessness.<br><br>Also, I hope you didn't like, try the "that is just a theory" argument. If you did, see the above.<br><br>Along those lines, I fail to see your argument. Nothing had to "set off" the big bang. It happened. The flaw here is the argument that everything has to have a beginning, which has no backing. Energy, as far as we know, can neither be destroyed nor created, so logically it's always existed. This energy, started the big bang, and it may start others.<br><br>The big bang never said that it came from nothing. It has always stated that it came from condensed energy. It never made any claims to where this energy came from. The biggest misconception people have is they think it came from nothing, which is just wrong.<br><br>Following your argument see, the something that had "set off" the big bang would also have had to have something that "set off" that something. You are arguing the "I don't know what did it, so god did it." And that's pointless. You just said you don't know what did it, so you can't claim it to be some god.<br><br>.<br><br>The Bible is full of barbaric and horrendous stories primarily intended to passify and enslave people, stories of lust, murder, revenge, blind obedience, anger, deception... Have you even read it? It's completely barbaric. And I'm not going to leave the "interpretation" with anybody... seeing how people decide to force laws on others based upon their interpretation of this book. Nor will I leave any concept or "mother" alone, and I see no reason why I should.<br><br>Magical mystical deities do not deserve to go unquestioned and uncriticized. In fact, they deserve more, for their outrageous claims and they should be able to handle that. But they can't, because they fall to even the most basic of questions, should somebody simply ask one.GMNightmarenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-88911772827598168172010-03-30T14:41:13.000-04:002010-03-30T14:41:13.000-04:00"If the deity or what/whomever created by evo..."If the deity or what/whomever created by evolution, something had to set off the “big bang”-a theory!!"<br><br>Science doesn't know what happened before TBB. We had Two & A Half Men before. Just kidding.<br>But, science will continue searching for the answer. If people insist on God, I'll insist on a four-legged alien named Ted who made TBB while making moonshine in his shed.Enrysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-32534012226848246922010-03-31T04:51:58.000-04:002010-03-31T04:51:58.000-04:00I think you're right, Jenny. I think it's ...I think you're right, Jenny. I think it's different for everyone, why they feel the need to force their religion down everyone's throats, and you named a few good ideas why that might be.<br>Thank you for the awesome compliment, too! :DNeecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-46949183897431643022010-03-31T04:54:52.000-04:002010-03-31T04:54:52.000-04:00I think christians just basically avoid serious st...I think christians just basically avoid serious study of the bible to avoid the blatant and numerous contradictions and hatefulness spread throughout. Instead they cherry pick a few verses here and there to lord over everyone with self righteousness.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-1675765090980958922010-03-31T05:08:26.000-04:002010-03-31T05:08:26.000-04:00An excellent video link, Johnny, thank you!An excellent video link, Johnny, thank you!Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-81225010791521886342010-03-31T05:10:04.000-04:002010-03-31T05:10:04.000-04:00Thanks Antimattr, that's what she did.I think ...Thanks Antimattr, that's what she did.<br>I think when dealing with someone you care about, having a relationship is what matters, not so much agreeing on everything or trying to convert or deconvert. Or at least that's how it should be. So in such a circumstance maybe the best way to handle it is to remind all interested parties of that fact.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-55103025605405720092010-03-31T05:11:56.000-04:002010-03-31T05:11:56.000-04:00Yes, I agree, Indy. There's no winner in these...Yes, I agree, Indy. There's no winner in these situations.<br>As far as I know, they both dropped it and have moved on.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-52748946007526175032010-03-31T05:16:10.000-04:002010-03-31T05:16:10.000-04:00That's the beauty of science. It never stops l...That's the beauty of science. It never stops looking for answers, and it never stops asking the big questions. And it's self-correcting! How amazing is that!<br><br>I'd rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-90051280513830274022010-05-07T15:50:33.000-04:002010-05-07T15:50:33.000-04:00Here's what I use to bring those types back to...Here's what I use to bring those types back to reality. <br><br>First off, lets define reality/real. Real is something I can touch, hold in my hand, or prove in a double blind scientific study. (Concepts like tomorrow, and America don't really exist, ie they arent REAL)<br><br>Next I ask them the following question: Is God a belief or is God real?<br><br>The nuts who answer that God is real are to be avoided, clearly, they arent living in Reality.<br><br>This is why we have the 1ST AMENDMENT to the Constitution: No one can prove their True Faith Belief. So in the USA, ALL religions (even the lack of religion) must be respected.<br><br>Then hit them with this: Your lack of respect of my religious choices, make you un-american!<br><br>I like pitting illusion against another illusion, and then watch their heads spin.Joey Dieselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-52666835291048234592010-05-17T07:00:27.000-04:002010-05-17T07:00:27.000-04:00What I see here are a bunch of bitter people willi...What I see here are a bunch of bitter people willing to twist facts to suit their own viewpoints. At the end of the day, evolution is just a theory that can not be proven and atheism is a world view that can not be proven either. As far as proven the existence of God? It is more of a stretch to believe that all the cards lined up to produce random life than for me to believe in the Jehova God of the Bible. <br><br>And finally. If I live all my life believing a lie I will die and just be gone. You on the other hand, if you are wrong, have a hell waiting on you. So go ahead. Call me dimwitted. Make fun of me. I don't mind. In the end, Jesus is Lord. How will will be done in the earth. And the bible states one day you will be ressurected out of hell, made to bow and declare Jesus Lord before you are thrown into the lake of fire. May God have mercy on you and open your eyes in this side beofre you face the wrath to come. <br><br>Pastor ShaneShanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-62342668914964589362010-05-17T09:00:22.000-04:002010-05-17T09:00:22.000-04:00The 1st Amendment actually contains two clauses, t...The 1st Amendment actually contains two clauses, the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, that create a hands-off religion policy for the government*. Unfortunately, this doesn't pertain to private citizens. I agree with you, though, that we ought to interpret that to mean we respect each others' beliefs or lack thereof. Morons suffer from no self-respect anyway, what with letting the invisible guy in the sky do all their thinking for them. <br><br>*I obtained that little lesson from <a href="http://sheilakennedy.net/2010/05/constitution-101/" rel="nofollow">this post by Sheila Suess Kennedy</a>, a very intelligent law professor at Indiana Univ. Law School in Indianapolis.IndyDinahttp://www.twitter.com/indydinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-10673695004293509412010-05-17T09:20:31.000-04:002010-05-17T09:20:31.000-04:00Wholly crap, Pastor Shane, you're a fuckin'...Wholly crap, Pastor Shane, you're a fuckin' idiot. Of course, someone who takes the Book of Genesis so seriously won't listen to what a woman says. It was a woman, after all, who had to be talked into partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge by a serpent. Nevermind that it took 2 seconds for Adam to chomp right into that nameless fruit. Moral here: Women are evil because they lust after knowledge and caused the downfall of humanity. Of course this wasn't written by men in the Dark Ages and re-written during the Renaissance...naw, good men of God would never do that.<br><br>Yep, Pastor, you're a fuckin' idiot. <br><br>GMN's response better than the rest I wanted to say.IndyDinahttp://www.twitter.com/indydinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-17810140578403001612010-05-19T03:36:53.001-04:002010-05-19T03:36:53.001-04:00Excellent as always, GMN.Excellent as always, GMN.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-71111391631933204392010-05-19T03:36:53.000-04:002010-05-19T03:36:53.000-04:00Hey, that's a good point about Adam and Eve. H...Hey, that's a good point about Adam and Eve. HA! :PNeecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352648376305239677.post-89316039994811323122010-05-19T04:00:37.000-04:002010-05-19T04:00:37.000-04:00An interesting way to tackle the problem, Joey. I ...An interesting way to tackle the problem, Joey. <br><br>I like the question is god a belief or is god real. You're right, if they say god is real, you probably can't hold an intelligent discussion with them.Neecehttp://www.heavingdeadcats.com/noreply@blogger.com