Hi, whenever I'm browsing WonderCafe and I see you've responded, I read your comments -- keep it up, you put a fresh light on some very strange religious thinking!
I find your comments interesting, Athiesto, that you are so sure that your beliefs are the only right one, and you are unwilling to accept that other peoples beliefs might have merit. There have been lots of scientific studies over the past 20 or 30 years that indicate beyond any reasonable doubt in the effectiveness of prayer. Books by Dr. Herbert Benson, Tom Harpur, or Larry Dossey MD, are a good place to start if you want to learn more on this. While it does not prove there is a God it does indicate that there is something involved that we do not yet understand. While there may or may not be a God, people have been experiencing "something" for thousands of years and still today which can not be explained by science. While you may choose not to call it God, you can not deny that they have been experiencing something, even if you haven't.........yet.
Atheisto I do look forward to your comments on faith - whether intended as bait or as pronouncement. Sorry about the crack about being as persistent as a fundy (fundie?), and please excuse those who worry about strong avatars being slipped into the morning tea.
Forgive the unforgiven (or whatever gives peace) - Miss ya! (in a completely non-religious way of course)
RevLindsayKing, Greetings. I am a retired, disabled former pastor (two different denominations) and addiction worker (for a third denomination) who has taken early retirement due to disability. I come here when I want a break from my current studies. I have taught courses at the post secondary level in various fields and some interdisciplinary studies. I get regular exercise (cycling) to keep the weight down, but for the most part, I'm unable to go too far or too fast. Learning is one thing I can do and, by golly, if I'm going to invest time and money into studying, I want a certificate, diploma or degree for my efforts (I'm too crippled for sports trophies, so these are my trophies. Yes, it's vanity, but what the heck?) I started on the road to a degree in music, (piano and guitar) but was unable to continue due to neuron damage in the arm muscles. I miss playing Fur Elise and Brahm's Waltz in A flat. I've been ripped off for almost two millions dollars by a former relative, but he/she is the one who'll have to answer for that. I choose to remain happy, handsome, and a bit of a grouch. Hey, we all need a hobby.
Atheisto, I doubt you are who you claim to be. The quality of your input reminds me of someone in late high school who is having fun playing games. When do you find time for all this interaction on the website? Anyone I've known in an academic position is busy with writing, teaching, research, etc. I suspect your, at best, a first year student - after all, first year students know everything. Your content, grammar and sentence structure suggest that you haven't yet graduated with a bachelor's degree, let alone advanced degrees. Drop the masquerade and let us know that you're really a sexy cheerleader in grade 12 or some geeky dude who couldn't get the recognition he desired from any other source. Your recognition needs seem quite high. Your relatedness and growth needs seem stunted. Go back to your books, and them come back when you actually graduate.
Barat/Atheisto: I saw the crazy movie. The 10 year old in me found some of it funny. My wife was not amused! My 12 year old grandson was. Which reminds me to ask you: Why the anonymity in your profile?
I'm not sure scripture tells us anything more than quoting from any other book can? If I were to quote the pearls of wisdom of Steven King they would be as valid as your own from scripture n'est pas?
What makes you think the bible, a highly flawed ancient book, has anything relevant to say in our modern times? It seems most schools and universities agree with me so at least there's a general concensus that education is not in deficit from rejecting the bible.
I read a nice phrase today that makes a lot of sense...
Religion is alchemy.....it seemed good at the time but we know it's a little silly right now. Time to move on.
Atheisto: Are you dead, or alive? Maybe you are like S's Cat:
Perhaps the answer to that question depends on GOD (The One in, through and around you, us and all that is)--our collective ability to love (ability to will good) Goodness, Order and that which is Desirable, eh? Sounds like 'LOVE', to me. Interestingly, 1 John 4: 7&ff does tell us, "God is Love (agape)."
In my opinion, agape-love can include eros (sensual love) and philia (friendship love), but it is not dependent on them. For example, I can give respect to, be fair with, and even offer help to a neighbour, in his time of need, even if he happens to be less than fair or face and has the personality of Scrooge before his enlightenment.
Comments
KathrynC
You make me laugh
Posted on: 03/18/2009 16:38
Hi, whenever I'm browsing WonderCafe and I see you've responded, I read your comments -- keep it up, you put a fresh light on some very strange religious thinking!
Pilgrim
I find your comments interesting
Posted on: 03/14/2009 02:31
I find your comments interesting, Athiesto, that you are so sure that your beliefs are the only right one, and you are unwilling to accept that other peoples beliefs might have merit. There have been lots of scientific studies over the past 20 or 30 years that indicate beyond any reasonable doubt in the effectiveness of prayer. Books by Dr. Herbert Benson, Tom Harpur, or Larry Dossey MD, are a good place to start if you want to learn more on this. While it does not prove there is a God it does indicate that there is something involved that we do not yet understand. While there may or may not be a God, people have been experiencing "something" for thousands of years and still today which can not be explained by science. While you may choose not to call it God, you can not deny that they have been experiencing something, even if you haven't.........yet.
David_gwnorth
I'm not a regular - but please forgive ....
Posted on: 02/25/2009 14:05
Atheisto I do look forward to your comments on faith - whether intended as bait or as pronouncement. Sorry about the crack about being as persistent as a fundy (fundie?), and please excuse those who worry about strong avatars being slipped into the morning tea.
Forgive the unforgiven (or whatever gives peace) - Miss ya! (in a completely non-religious way of course)
retiredrev
who am I
Posted on: 02/19/2009 22:20
RevLindsayKing, Greetings. I am a retired, disabled former pastor (two different denominations) and addiction worker (for a third denomination) who has taken early retirement due to disability. I come here when I want a break from my current studies. I have taught courses at the post secondary level in various fields and some interdisciplinary studies. I get regular exercise (cycling) to keep the weight down, but for the most part, I'm unable to go too far or too fast. Learning is one thing I can do and, by golly, if I'm going to invest time and money into studying, I want a certificate, diploma or degree for my efforts (I'm too crippled for sports trophies, so these are my trophies. Yes, it's vanity, but what the heck?) I started on the road to a degree in music, (piano and guitar) but was unable to continue due to neuron damage in the arm muscles. I miss playing Fur Elise and Brahm's Waltz in A flat. I've been ripped off for almost two millions dollars by a former relative, but he/she is the one who'll have to answer for that. I choose to remain happy, handsome, and a bit of a grouch. Hey, we all need a hobby.
RevLindsayKing
Atheisto, I doubt you are who you claim to be.
Posted on: 02/09/2009 19:39
retiredrev, excellent questions. Now: Who are you?
Where do I get all the time to write here, and elsewhere?
I am a re-directed rev who happens to be addicted to trying to learn how to write. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
BTW, I notice that Atheistso has avoided answering some of my questions?
retiredrev
Atheisto, I doubt you are who
Posted on: 02/09/2009 16:40
Atheisto, I doubt you are who you claim to be. The quality of your input reminds me of someone in late high school who is having fun playing games. When do you find time for all this interaction on the website? Anyone I've known in an academic position is busy with writing, teaching, research, etc. I suspect your, at best, a first year student - after all, first year students know everything. Your content, grammar and sentence structure suggest that you haven't yet graduated with a bachelor's degree, let alone advanced degrees. Drop the masquerade and let us know that you're really a sexy cheerleader in grade 12 or some geeky dude who couldn't get the recognition he desired from any other source. Your recognition needs seem quite high. Your relatedness and growth needs seem stunted. Go back to your books, and them come back when you actually graduate.
sparkleyflowers
Greetings!
Posted on: 02/06/2009 16:12
Hello there. I'm new around here. I just wanted to drop by and let you know that I'm enjoying your comments.
RevLindsayKing
Barat/Atheisto: I saw the
Posted on: 02/03/2009 12:03
Barat/Atheisto: I saw the crazy movie. The 10 year old in me found some of it funny. My wife was not amused! My 12 year old grandson was. Which reminds me to ask you: Why the anonymity in your profile?
Atheisto
I'm not sure scripture tells
Posted on: 01/23/2009 14:36
I'm not sure scripture tells us anything more than quoting from any other book can? If I were to quote the pearls of wisdom of Steven King they would be as valid as your own from scripture n'est pas?
What makes you think the bible, a highly flawed ancient book, has anything relevant to say in our modern times? It seems most schools and universities agree with me so at least there's a general concensus that education is not in deficit from rejecting the bible.
I read a nice phrase today that makes a lot of sense...
Religion is alchemy.....it seemed good at the time but we know it's a little silly right now. Time to move on.
RevLindsayKing
Atheisto: Are you dead, or
Posted on: 01/23/2009 13:52
Atheisto: Are you dead, or alive?
Maybe you are like S's Cat:
Perhaps the answer to that question depends on GOD (The One in, through and around you, us and all that is)--our collective ability to love (ability to will good) Goodness, Order and that which is Desirable, eh? Sounds like 'LOVE', to me. Interestingly, 1 John 4: 7&ff does tell us, "God is Love (agape)."
In my opinion, agape-love can include eros (sensual love) and philia (friendship love), but it is not dependent on them. For example, I can give respect to, be fair with, and even offer help to a neighbour, in his time of need, even if he happens to be less than fair or face and has the personality of Scrooge before his enlightenment.
Let's dialogue.