Anyone recall my blog about Pat Tillman's covered up death? Google the story or videos if you want to read about it. From that movie (The Tillman Story), I probably heard one of the most disgusting quotes I have ever heard. The Tillmans were trying desperately to figure out what happened to their son, how he died, and eventually, it led them to finding out this was a massive cover-up, from all the way up at the top. When the Tillmans began finding out the truth, the lead investigator publicly suggested that they should "move on". In a taped conversation, he said:
"I don't know, these people, they have a hard time letting it go. It may be because of their religious beliefs. I don't know how an atheist things, but I can only imagine that'd be pretty tough. If you're an atheist, and you don't believe in anything, if you die, what is there to go to? nothing, you're warm dirt. That's pretty hard to get your head around that."
"So you suspect that's probably a reason why this [investigation] is dragging on?"
"I think so. There's not a whole lot of trust, or faith, in the system."
What the hell? So religious people are smarter or better because they believe what they're told, and don't try to investigate how and why their son was killed? I'm just fucking speechless.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Jesus Take the Wheel
I listen to country music sometimes, and the large religious content typically makes me turn the station. However, this time, I really began laughing. I understand that this song is figurative for someone's life, but here are some REAL tips for when you hit black ice:
Here are some winter driving safety tips on how to drive on black ice:
1) As soon as your car begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the gas pedal. In fact, the last thing you want to do is give your car more gas. It is very important to slow down when you are driving on black ice or in any other winter road conditions.
2) Don't slam the brakes. While it may be a natural instinct to slam on your brakes, this will only cause your car to lose control and slide even more. Tap the brake pedal lightly instead of pushing down hard on it.
3) Look for trouble spots ahead. If you have an idea that there may be black ice ahead (if you see cars ahead of you sliding, for example), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the black ice. The lower gear will force you to drive more slowly and it will give you better control of your car.
4) If your car does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This should help to steer your car back on the right track.
Okay, sounds good. It's good to be prepared in your mind in case this happens so you can help guide your car out of an extremely dangerous situation. Here's what the song says to do:
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was soo-o-o-o-o scared
She threw her hands up in the air
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
'Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
Well, irregardless of her idiocy, she survives somehow, and thanks Jesus for taking control of her car and guiding her to a gentle stop by the side of the road, thus saving her and her baby's life.
While doing so, the song completely undermines actual safe driving techniques. Can anyone think of other examples where belief in God/Jesus stops people from thinking critically or preparing properly for situations?
Here are some winter driving safety tips on how to drive on black ice:
1) As soon as your car begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the gas pedal. In fact, the last thing you want to do is give your car more gas. It is very important to slow down when you are driving on black ice or in any other winter road conditions.
2) Don't slam the brakes. While it may be a natural instinct to slam on your brakes, this will only cause your car to lose control and slide even more. Tap the brake pedal lightly instead of pushing down hard on it.
3) Look for trouble spots ahead. If you have an idea that there may be black ice ahead (if you see cars ahead of you sliding, for example), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the black ice. The lower gear will force you to drive more slowly and it will give you better control of your car.
4) If your car does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This should help to steer your car back on the right track.
Okay, sounds good. It's good to be prepared in your mind in case this happens so you can help guide your car out of an extremely dangerous situation. Here's what the song says to do:
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was soo-o-o-o-o scared
She threw her hands up in the air
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
'Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
Well, irregardless of her idiocy, she survives somehow, and thanks Jesus for taking control of her car and guiding her to a gentle stop by the side of the road, thus saving her and her baby's life.
While doing so, the song completely undermines actual safe driving techniques. Can anyone think of other examples where belief in God/Jesus stops people from thinking critically or preparing properly for situations?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Facebook comments
How can someone ACTUALLY post this on Facebook, and not understand the fallacy of his/her own words???
Do you even KNOW what "atheist" means?????
Or how about this person? I surely want some of what they're smoking. Unless they're smoking just "love of God"... in that case, I want none of it.
It's ridiculous that these religions don't get along. No matter what our faith, be it religious, spiritual or atheist, we are all from the same God. Every religion is semi correct and some what wrong, but every religion boils down to one message. Love God, Love yourself, and Love eachother.
Do you even KNOW what "atheist" means?????
Or how about this person? I surely want some of what they're smoking. Unless they're smoking just "love of God"... in that case, I want none of it.
It's really not what you believe or what's your position in life...it's all about who you're with.....i was taught to belive in one God.....The Father of Jesus and to become one with them....It has been confirmed and revealed to me miraclou...sly....there is a God in my presence through prayer and suffering......it's all about the sacrifice of the thing and the wrath of God in order to recognize that there is a God in power.....so i stand in power with"God the Father and annointed with the Spirit of Jesus"....where everything is alright and if goes wrong it turns out more than right.......Amen!...Behold...." God the Father of Jesus.....since i've become one with them i live life amazingly!! whereby we cry....Amen!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sam Harris quote
Hey anyone,
I just heard an amazing quote from Sam Harris, author of "The End of Faith". He was discussing the afterlife and stated:
Such a great quote! It is the reason why, when I saw a person on Facebook engaging in MEANINGFUL and INTELLIGENT debate on someone's erroneous Facebook post regarding birth control increases and abortion increases over the past 60 years, I immediately could tell he was a skeptic/scientific mind, so I invited him to join our Regina CFI group. He accepted.
Please, anyone/everyone, be on the lookout for other such people. We can use them in our group. They can help us all usher in a new era of reason and rationality in our world.
Thank you.
I just heard an amazing quote from Sam Harris, author of "The End of Faith". He was discussing the afterlife and stated:
"I think, therefore, that this concept of the afterlife, really functions as a substitute for wisdom. For really absorbing our predicament. Which is that - everyone is going to die, there are circumstances that are catastrophically unfair, evil sometimes wins, and injustice sometimes wins. The only justice we're going to find in this world is the justice we make, and I think we have an ethical responsibility to absorb this really down to the soles of our feet. This notion of afterlife and the "happy talk" about how it's all going to work out and how it's all part of God's plan is a way of shirking that [responsibility]."
Such a great quote! It is the reason why, when I saw a person on Facebook engaging in MEANINGFUL and INTELLIGENT debate on someone's erroneous Facebook post regarding birth control increases and abortion increases over the past 60 years, I immediately could tell he was a skeptic/scientific mind, so I invited him to join our Regina CFI group. He accepted.
Please, anyone/everyone, be on the lookout for other such people. We can use them in our group. They can help us all usher in a new era of reason and rationality in our world.
Thank you.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Brand preference and loyalty a direct substitute for religion?
An article from the Winter 2010/2011 Canadian Business Magazine:
Shopping Religiously
A new study suggests that brand reliance is a direct substitute for religion.
Marketers looking for a new wayof connecting with consumers might want to consider the place of God in their brand strategies. According to the paper "Brands: The Opiate of the Non-religious masses?" published in the journal Market Research, consumers who are very religious are less likely to express a preference for a particular name brand, while more secular consumers demonstrate much higher levels of brand consciousness.
The idea that there is a connection between consumer rands and religious iconography is not new - whatis the Star of David if not the original Nike Swoosh? But according to the study's lead authoer Roh Shachar, what is interesting is that consumer brands actually serve as direct substitutes for religion, providing feelings of self-worth and well-being.
The unanswered question is whether a strong religious preference in a region might actually block the expansion of strong consumer brands. Shachar says that is where his research is going next; in the meantime, he suggests that retailers looking to promote unbranded products might consider using cues to remind shoppers of their religious beliefs (such as playing "religious-like" music), while national brands might want to avoid overtly religious signs and symbols.
- Andrew Potter, Canadian Business
Shopping Religiously
A new study suggests that brand reliance is a direct substitute for religion.
Marketers looking for a new wayof connecting with consumers might want to consider the place of God in their brand strategies. According to the paper "Brands: The Opiate of the Non-religious masses?" published in the journal Market Research, consumers who are very religious are less likely to express a preference for a particular name brand, while more secular consumers demonstrate much higher levels of brand consciousness.
The idea that there is a connection between consumer rands and religious iconography is not new - whatis the Star of David if not the original Nike Swoosh? But according to the study's lead authoer Roh Shachar, what is interesting is that consumer brands actually serve as direct substitutes for religion, providing feelings of self-worth and well-being.
The unanswered question is whether a strong religious preference in a region might actually block the expansion of strong consumer brands. Shachar says that is where his research is going next; in the meantime, he suggests that retailers looking to promote unbranded products might consider using cues to remind shoppers of their religious beliefs (such as playing "religious-like" music), while national brands might want to avoid overtly religious signs and symbols.
- Andrew Potter, Canadian Business
Saturday, February 26, 2011
United Airlines
Sooooo... here I am in DEN airport. It was supposed to be a quick 50min connection to my Regina flight. We get there to hear the dreaded announcement, "We are looking for two volunteers to give up their seats to this flight and hopefully to get on the 7:30 flight to Regina, or else 10am Sunday morning."
Lauren and I were actually pondering it, because they were offering $400 each for future travel, plus if we stayed overnight, we'd get a free hotel also. But we decided, nahh, we'd rather just get home ASAP. I have hockey that I am dying to play, and we miss our bed and cats. Then I notice my name on the board... so I walk up. They say, "you are currently on the involuntary bumped list, so if everyone shows up, you will be involuntarily denied boarding to the plane".
K, sounds like fun! When's the next flight? Oh, just at 7pm. Not so bad, I miss some hockey, miss some Leafs, but not too inconvenient, and we get $400 vouchers each, no food vouchers though. I figure Lauren can go, and I'll chill here and play poker while Lauren gets to go home and get the house and stuff in order. Instead, we get up there, and there's this other girl wiping away tears because she was also denied entry. Lauren decided that the best thing to do would be to stay here with me, get another $400 travel money, and let this crying girl have her flight. So we did.
Then we go to customer service, here's the quick story:
Flight tonight, not available.
Flight tomorrow, now available.
Flight Thursday, they can book us in.
Supervisor comes, says that lady is crazy, she argues with Lauren voraciously for about 45 minutes, then I come up to the counter and say, "You know, it would make sense to ME that we'd just get the next flight to Regina, guaranteed, and you can bump someone else to tomorrow mornin
She says, that's not how it works, they all have guaranteed seats, we can't bump them.
Lauren snaps, because obviously WE had paid fares also. So this supervisor calls some people, then says she's getting us home on the 7:15 tonight. I ask how she did it, she said, "oh, there was just a cancellation."
Then as we are leaving, she says "just in case there are too many people booked for this flight, too, get there to the gate early"
Hahaha.... so she CLEARLY just put us on the next plane, threw caution to the wind, knowing that her shift would be over by the time that someone else had to deal with the next angry couple that got bumped. It seems to me that the overall best thing for the company both financially and customer oriented is to not put your customers in these situations.
On a side note, I find it funny how casually they just say, "We can get you a flight on Thursday night? How's that for you?" ........ It's Saturday afternoon. What fucking world do you live in where that's "okay" for me???????? It's not like I have a job or anything.
Lauren and I were actually pondering it, because they were offering $400 each for future travel, plus if we stayed overnight, we'd get a free hotel also. But we decided, nahh, we'd rather just get home ASAP. I have hockey that I am dying to play, and we miss our bed and cats. Then I notice my name on the board... so I walk up. They say, "you are currently on the involuntary bumped list, so if everyone shows up, you will be involuntarily denied boarding to the plane".
K, sounds like fun! When's the next flight? Oh, just at 7pm. Not so bad, I miss some hockey, miss some Leafs, but not too inconvenient, and we get $400 vouchers each, no food vouchers though. I figure Lauren can go, and I'll chill here and play poker while Lauren gets to go home and get the house and stuff in order. Instead, we get up there, and there's this other girl wiping away tears because she was also denied entry. Lauren decided that the best thing to do would be to stay here with me, get another $400 travel money, and let this crying girl have her flight. So we did.
Then we go to customer service, here's the quick story:
Flight tonight, not available.
Flight tomorrow, now available.
Flight Thursday, they can book us in.
Supervisor comes, says that lady is crazy, she argues with Lauren voraciously for about 45 minutes, then I come up to the counter and say, "You know, it would make sense to ME that we'd just get the next flight to Regina, guaranteed, and you can bump someone else to tomorrow mornin
She says, that's not how it works, they all have guaranteed seats, we can't bump them.
Lauren snaps, because obviously WE had paid fares also. So this supervisor calls some people, then says she's getting us home on the 7:15 tonight. I ask how she did it, she said, "oh, there was just a cancellation."
Then as we are leaving, she says "just in case there are too many people booked for this flight, too, get there to the gate early"
Hahaha.... so she CLEARLY just put us on the next plane, threw caution to the wind, knowing that her shift would be over by the time that someone else had to deal with the next angry couple that got bumped. It seems to me that the overall best thing for the company both financially and customer oriented is to not put your customers in these situations.
On a side note, I find it funny how casually they just say, "We can get you a flight on Thursday night? How's that for you?" ........ It's Saturday afternoon. What fucking world do you live in where that's "okay" for me???????? It's not like I have a job or anything.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Facebook Status
So recently, I made this my facebook status:
Here were the response comments:
Carol Brucks Don't worry, Jesus still loves you!
Like · 3 people
Daniel Victor Benesh As does the FSM. http://www.venganza.org/ My life is filled with love!
like · 1 person
Ziggy Walters really? so what happens at these meetings? Everyone shows up and is like "we still dont believe in god right?" "Ya." "Ok see ya next week."
Stephanie Doyle I wish I was in Regina...no wait, I don't. But if we lived in the same city Danny, I'd totally go to your meeting. I love popcorn!
Daniel Victor Benesh @ Ziggy - People that go to church like to hang out with other people that believe in far-fetched, antiquated, and altogether societally needless belief systems.
People that go to meetings like this like to hang out with other people that are rational, analytical, intelligent, articulated, genuine, and truly humanistic in action, not just in word.
We discuss relevant media, current events, and, if you cared to know, our current informal goals are to dispell the myth that everyone in Regina is a Christian and to act as a safe haven for people unsure of their beliefs.
@ Stef - You totally wish you were in Regina.
like · 2 people
Mike Young Bring it. Can I come, Im a Christian. I would like to see exactly hwo an why you came to believe as you did. Although, if not thats ok. I dont want to crash a party uninvited
Daniel Victor Benesh - Mike - 100% you can come. Unfortunately, just as Christians don't get together every time and discuss exactly why they believe in God, neither do we talk about our disbelief every time. The theme of this meeting is called, "The God Who Wasn't There". It's the title of a controversial documentary that all would enjoy for its thought-provoking nature.
Here's a link to the usedregina ad that I posted. It has all the details about our group and our meeting tonight.
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/FREE-yourself-from-religious-burden---CFI-Regina--Atheist-Agnostic-Skeptic-Sask_14191400
Hope to see you there! If this meeting topic doesn't interest you, I will post the topic for the next one, and perhaps you can attend that one. Or you can attend multiple meetings. We greatly enjoy intelligent debates.
Ziggy Walters dude i grew up christian and now honestly i dont know what to believe. What i do know is that jesus whether the son of god or not was a pretty righteous dude!
Daniel Victor Benesh "Righteous - Morally right or justifiable; virtuous."
I could not agree more man! Do you know who else was? Mahatma Ghandi. Here's one of his famous quotes, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike y...our Christ."
There is a book called, "The Jefferson Bible". Thomas Jefferson (past American President) took the bible (literally) and ripped it apart, taking out everything that was extremely far-fetched and highly unlikely. What he was left with was a book filled with amazing moral values and virtues, and nothing non-worldly or spiritual.
Like · 2 people
Kate Kujaneck Danny that quote is one of my favourites, and pretty much sums up how I feel about Christians.
Ziggy Walters ya ive heard of the the jefferson bible and definetley would like to check it out, and ghandis quote is hilarious but christians are people too and people being people some of em are gonna be douches and some are gonna be awesome.
Daniel Victor Benesh @ Ziggy - You got that right. The difference between Atheist douches and religious douches is that Atheist douches won't kill others for the sake of their place in afterlife. They may be douchey, but there's no reason to kill. Look up stat...s about people in jail in the US. You'd expect it to be filled with Atheists, right? Or at least in proportion with how many people claim to be Atheists in the US? Not even close.
@ Mike - I think it's strange that other people believe in a being that lives in the sky, created and controls our lives, listens and responds to our prayers, performs all sorts of miracles, controls the weather, etc... Yet I am the one that has to prove its non-existence?
Also, you and I were once quite similar. Both white, male, and Christian. Life is much easier when you're in the majority of all those categories in society. It must feel very good to you to be able to proudly say "I am a Christian" on my status or your status, and not have to worry about persecution, hey? If you can fathom, put yourself in someone else's shoes. Imagine being a woman 100 years ago when they were second class citizens. Or a First Nations person today trying to go make an honest living, but constantly ripped down and judged by stereotypes, instead of by their resume and work ethic. Or an Atheist mocked and persecuted for his or her non-belief in a very far-fetched, albeit longstanding and prevailing theory.
@ Kate - it's a testament to the wonderful educators at Miller High School that they could churn out so many rational atheists and secularists. I know of many, they're just afraid to say it in public forums, and isn't that just sad? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Cara Gray Christians may be unlike Christ but that's no reason to hate on us, Dan! Haha.
Ziggy Walters I dont know, you dont know, no ones ever gonna know till ya die so fuck it. Be good to people... End of story. and i aint trying to argue with ya here man be an atheist, a buddhist, be a fuckin scientologist for all i care....
Cara Gray no arguments from me either. just lets not all argue with each other all the time... haha
Carol Brucks and after all this, Jesus still loves you...what a guy!
Bettina Welsh You need a baby to take up this extra time you have!
Lauren Benesh i agree with Bettina
Mike Young I will come to your meeting at some point. I enjoy intelligent debate aswell
Tess Boehm LOL @ Lauren .... Not sure that would help. He's full of all sort of stuff today ...
Daniel Victor Benesh @ Bettina - funny. But I type a zillion WPM, even holding a baby.
@ Carol - "after all this critical and independent thought, Jesus still loves me"? I learned tonight that denying the holy spirit is the only unforgivable sin, and after doin...g so, I am doomed to eternal damnation. So, it is with quite a heavy heart, that I must sadly say you're mistaken.
@ Kate - I'd caution using "hate" and any term relating to a specific person. Say you hate Christianity or say you hate fundamentalist beliefs, but you shouldn't say you hate a specific person or group of people, IMHO.
@ Cara - I'm not hating on Christians. They're just people. It's the system of beliefs, the indoctrination, the outlandish theories masked as facts, the bloody history, and how it holds people, and the world, back from much real discovery by validating people's beliefs as societal truths. It's a cycle of ignorance and it has to stop at some time. I mean, sure it's fun to get together and make believe that there's magical beings that created our world and guide our lives and possibly go to Candy Mountain here or there, but do you really want your political leaders and law makers to believe such tomfoolery? The could do something silly like a) make gay marriage illegal, b) give extra money to schools or programs that promote similar beliefs, or c) make stoning people to death acceptable.
@ Mike - Love to have you there. Missed you tonight, it was great!
@ Tess - Tess, come on. The only thing I'm full of is love and a passion for the truth.
@ Ziggy - I agree nobody can know for 100%. But what is the likelihood that a Flying Spaghetti Monster lives in the sky and is the creator and ruler of our world? Very small, you'd say. Next to nothing. Well, God and Jesus are the creations of mankind looking to give answers to questions to which then previously had no answers. The likelihood of God's existence is quite small. It's not 50/50... it's not even close. So close, that it's not worth giving up worldly pleasures for the 0.00000001 chance of getting the rewards talked about in Heaven, if you're lucky enough to have chosen the right God to get into heaven, because there are a lot of them out there! I had no idea you were into this kinda stuff, that's cool man. Your beliefs sound rather humanistic... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_humanism which is exactly what everyone really should be. We've got one life, one kick at the can. Some find that kinda sad, but I find it invigorating. Why not try to find ways to extend your time here (help environment, cure diseases (stem cell anyone?), etc...) instead of mumbling phrases to an imaginary being every Sunday?
@ Everyone - don't even get me started on the education system... segregation based on belief? When would ever teach our children that segregation is acceptable? But religion is the trump card. You can just say that it's because of religious beliefs, and nobody can question. A shitload of our taxes are going to pay for nearly twice as many desk jobs in two education systems compared to if we just had one.
I'd like your comments as to how you think I handled myself, things I said incorrectly/correctly, other major points that I missed, or otherwise any other comments. I may like to get into debates in the future, so I would love any feedback!
"Atheist meeting tonight! We're watching a sweet documentary and having discussions over popcorn and pop. All are welcome, message me for details."
Here were the response comments:
Carol Brucks Don't worry, Jesus still loves you!
Like · 3 people
Daniel Victor Benesh As does the FSM. http://www.venganza.org/ My life is filled with love!
like · 1 person
Ziggy Walters really? so what happens at these meetings? Everyone shows up and is like "we still dont believe in god right?" "Ya." "Ok see ya next week."
Stephanie Doyle I wish I was in Regina...no wait, I don't. But if we lived in the same city Danny, I'd totally go to your meeting. I love popcorn!
Daniel Victor Benesh @ Ziggy - People that go to church like to hang out with other people that believe in far-fetched, antiquated, and altogether societally needless belief systems.
People that go to meetings like this like to hang out with other people that are rational, analytical, intelligent, articulated, genuine, and truly humanistic in action, not just in word.
We discuss relevant media, current events, and, if you cared to know, our current informal goals are to dispell the myth that everyone in Regina is a Christian and to act as a safe haven for people unsure of their beliefs.
@ Stef - You totally wish you were in Regina.
like · 2 people
Mike Young Bring it. Can I come, Im a Christian. I would like to see exactly hwo an why you came to believe as you did. Although, if not thats ok. I dont want to crash a party uninvited
Daniel Victor Benesh - Mike - 100% you can come. Unfortunately, just as Christians don't get together every time and discuss exactly why they believe in God, neither do we talk about our disbelief every time. The theme of this meeting is called, "The God Who Wasn't There". It's the title of a controversial documentary that all would enjoy for its thought-provoking nature.
Here's a link to the usedregina ad that I posted. It has all the details about our group and our meeting tonight.
http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/FREE-yourself-from-religious-burden---CFI-Regina--Atheist-Agnostic-Skeptic-Sask_14191400
Hope to see you there! If this meeting topic doesn't interest you, I will post the topic for the next one, and perhaps you can attend that one. Or you can attend multiple meetings. We greatly enjoy intelligent debates.
Ziggy Walters dude i grew up christian and now honestly i dont know what to believe. What i do know is that jesus whether the son of god or not was a pretty righteous dude!
Daniel Victor Benesh "Righteous - Morally right or justifiable; virtuous."
I could not agree more man! Do you know who else was? Mahatma Ghandi. Here's one of his famous quotes, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike y...our Christ."
There is a book called, "The Jefferson Bible". Thomas Jefferson (past American President) took the bible (literally) and ripped it apart, taking out everything that was extremely far-fetched and highly unlikely. What he was left with was a book filled with amazing moral values and virtues, and nothing non-worldly or spiritual.
Like · 2 people
Kate Kujaneck Danny that quote is one of my favourites, and pretty much sums up how I feel about Christians.
Ziggy Walters ya ive heard of the the jefferson bible and definetley would like to check it out, and ghandis quote is hilarious but christians are people too and people being people some of em are gonna be douches and some are gonna be awesome.
Daniel Victor Benesh @ Ziggy - You got that right. The difference between Atheist douches and religious douches is that Atheist douches won't kill others for the sake of their place in afterlife. They may be douchey, but there's no reason to kill. Look up stat...s about people in jail in the US. You'd expect it to be filled with Atheists, right? Or at least in proportion with how many people claim to be Atheists in the US? Not even close.
@ Mike - I think it's strange that other people believe in a being that lives in the sky, created and controls our lives, listens and responds to our prayers, performs all sorts of miracles, controls the weather, etc... Yet I am the one that has to prove its non-existence?
Also, you and I were once quite similar. Both white, male, and Christian. Life is much easier when you're in the majority of all those categories in society. It must feel very good to you to be able to proudly say "I am a Christian" on my status or your status, and not have to worry about persecution, hey? If you can fathom, put yourself in someone else's shoes. Imagine being a woman 100 years ago when they were second class citizens. Or a First Nations person today trying to go make an honest living, but constantly ripped down and judged by stereotypes, instead of by their resume and work ethic. Or an Atheist mocked and persecuted for his or her non-belief in a very far-fetched, albeit longstanding and prevailing theory.
@ Kate - it's a testament to the wonderful educators at Miller High School that they could churn out so many rational atheists and secularists. I know of many, they're just afraid to say it in public forums, and isn't that just sad? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Cara Gray Christians may be unlike Christ but that's no reason to hate on us, Dan! Haha.
Ziggy Walters I dont know, you dont know, no ones ever gonna know till ya die so fuck it. Be good to people... End of story. and i aint trying to argue with ya here man be an atheist, a buddhist, be a fuckin scientologist for all i care....
Cara Gray no arguments from me either. just lets not all argue with each other all the time... haha
Carol Brucks and after all this, Jesus still loves you...what a guy!
Bettina Welsh You need a baby to take up this extra time you have!
Lauren Benesh i agree with Bettina
Mike Young I will come to your meeting at some point. I enjoy intelligent debate aswell
Tess Boehm LOL @ Lauren .... Not sure that would help. He's full of all sort of stuff today ...
Daniel Victor Benesh @ Bettina - funny. But I type a zillion WPM, even holding a baby.
@ Carol - "after all this critical and independent thought, Jesus still loves me"? I learned tonight that denying the holy spirit is the only unforgivable sin, and after doin...g so, I am doomed to eternal damnation. So, it is with quite a heavy heart, that I must sadly say you're mistaken.
@ Kate - I'd caution using "hate" and any term relating to a specific person. Say you hate Christianity or say you hate fundamentalist beliefs, but you shouldn't say you hate a specific person or group of people, IMHO.
@ Cara - I'm not hating on Christians. They're just people. It's the system of beliefs, the indoctrination, the outlandish theories masked as facts, the bloody history, and how it holds people, and the world, back from much real discovery by validating people's beliefs as societal truths. It's a cycle of ignorance and it has to stop at some time. I mean, sure it's fun to get together and make believe that there's magical beings that created our world and guide our lives and possibly go to Candy Mountain here or there, but do you really want your political leaders and law makers to believe such tomfoolery? The could do something silly like a) make gay marriage illegal, b) give extra money to schools or programs that promote similar beliefs, or c) make stoning people to death acceptable.
@ Mike - Love to have you there. Missed you tonight, it was great!
@ Tess - Tess, come on. The only thing I'm full of is love and a passion for the truth.
@ Ziggy - I agree nobody can know for 100%. But what is the likelihood that a Flying Spaghetti Monster lives in the sky and is the creator and ruler of our world? Very small, you'd say. Next to nothing. Well, God and Jesus are the creations of mankind looking to give answers to questions to which then previously had no answers. The likelihood of God's existence is quite small. It's not 50/50... it's not even close. So close, that it's not worth giving up worldly pleasures for the 0.00000001 chance of getting the rewards talked about in Heaven, if you're lucky enough to have chosen the right God to get into heaven, because there are a lot of them out there! I had no idea you were into this kinda stuff, that's cool man. Your beliefs sound rather humanistic... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_humanism which is exactly what everyone really should be. We've got one life, one kick at the can. Some find that kinda sad, but I find it invigorating. Why not try to find ways to extend your time here (help environment, cure diseases (stem cell anyone?), etc...) instead of mumbling phrases to an imaginary being every Sunday?
@ Everyone - don't even get me started on the education system... segregation based on belief? When would ever teach our children that segregation is acceptable? But religion is the trump card. You can just say that it's because of religious beliefs, and nobody can question. A shitload of our taxes are going to pay for nearly twice as many desk jobs in two education systems compared to if we just had one.
I'd like your comments as to how you think I handled myself, things I said incorrectly/correctly, other major points that I missed, or otherwise any other comments. I may like to get into debates in the future, so I would love any feedback!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Mainstream Anti-Religious Propaganda
<3
I love mainstream anti-religious propaganda. My brother and I were arguing the other day. I said that before my life is over, I will be in the majority (maybe if not in the world, at least in my continent) in my non-belief in organized religion and God in general. He disagreed.
My main point was that majority of the general population, are sheep. They follow what everyone else is doing, whatever feels "normal". Who can blame them? It's one of Maslow's hierarchical needs, the "need to belong". Which is why I feel even more strongly about my statement in the first paragraph. When I see shows like Family Guy, Simpsons, Cleveland Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, etc... making fun of religion and God, it seems to me like it will not be too long before we see a major paradigm shift.
Take, for example, this gem from Family Guy tonight (Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011):
AA Counselor: Peter, it sounds to me like alcohol is a very destructive influence in your life. You need to relinquish your dependence and give yourself over to a higher power.
Brian (dog): Pfff.
AA Counselor: You have a different view Brian?
Brian: Oh, I dunno, are we ALLOWED to have a different view?
AA Counselor: Brian, AA is the only way out for these people. Millions are saved every year by the program!
Brian: Hey, people got along just fine for thousands of years without AA. Just like they got along fine for thousands of years without religion.
*Clip changes to a scene from about 2000 years ago with two guys standing in togas*
Guy 1: I like you, and have no reason not to.
Guy 2: I like you and have no reason not to.
Guy 3 enters: Heyyy, did you guys hear about that magic baby that was born in Bethlehem?
*STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB*
And they all die.
Funny, but it's little things like this that will subtly educate the population, make them think, and undermine their beliefs. Now for some atheist advertising in Regina to solidify our position!
I love mainstream anti-religious propaganda. My brother and I were arguing the other day. I said that before my life is over, I will be in the majority (maybe if not in the world, at least in my continent) in my non-belief in organized religion and God in general. He disagreed.
My main point was that majority of the general population, are sheep. They follow what everyone else is doing, whatever feels "normal". Who can blame them? It's one of Maslow's hierarchical needs, the "need to belong". Which is why I feel even more strongly about my statement in the first paragraph. When I see shows like Family Guy, Simpsons, Cleveland Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, etc... making fun of religion and God, it seems to me like it will not be too long before we see a major paradigm shift.
Take, for example, this gem from Family Guy tonight (Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011):
AA Counselor: Peter, it sounds to me like alcohol is a very destructive influence in your life. You need to relinquish your dependence and give yourself over to a higher power.
Brian (dog): Pfff.
AA Counselor: You have a different view Brian?
Brian: Oh, I dunno, are we ALLOWED to have a different view?
AA Counselor: Brian, AA is the only way out for these people. Millions are saved every year by the program!
Brian: Hey, people got along just fine for thousands of years without AA. Just like they got along fine for thousands of years without religion.
*Clip changes to a scene from about 2000 years ago with two guys standing in togas*
Guy 1: I like you, and have no reason not to.
Guy 2: I like you and have no reason not to.
Guy 3 enters: Heyyy, did you guys hear about that magic baby that was born in Bethlehem?
*STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB* *STAB*
And they all die.
Funny, but it's little things like this that will subtly educate the population, make them think, and undermine their beliefs. Now for some atheist advertising in Regina to solidify our position!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Seriously Barack? Just when I was bragging to people about your State of the Union address, you gotta go and slight me!
Quote from Barack Obama:
I was just sitting there saying... please say Atheist... maybe slide a little Secular in there... or how about even just some Agnostic? No? No?? :(
*Note: When he finished this portion of the speech, he got a thirty second standing ovation. The camera pans to three heavily medal-adorned army officers who were notably less excited than the rest of the audience.
Our troops come from every corner of this country; they're black, white, latino, asian, native american. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And yes we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love.
I was just sitting there saying... please say Atheist... maybe slide a little Secular in there... or how about even just some Agnostic? No? No?? :(
*Note: When he finished this portion of the speech, he got a thirty second standing ovation. The camera pans to three heavily medal-adorned army officers who were notably less excited than the rest of the audience.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thank God I'm an Atheist!
Ricky Gervais, a famous British comedian, hosted the Golden Globes this year, and delivered some too-close-to-the-bone humour to the Hollywood audience and has since taken some flack for it. He went on CNN for what seemed like a somewhat staged and not-too-confrontational discourse with host Piers Morgan. Here is what ensued.
How refreshing to see stuff like this getting in to mainstream media. I mean, how can anyone sensible disagree with what he is saying?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Discrimination and Irony
Alanis Morisette could take a lesson in irony from this couple who has spent their Christmas season fighting in court for the right to turn people away from their inn... The couple was openly homosexual, and the inn owners would not give them a room together, citing religious beliefs. They were subsequently successfully sued, and are now claiming religious discrimination. So, it really just comes down to which is more important? The freedom of religion or human rights?
There there is this man, kicked off of a bus for reading, "God is Not Great" by Hitchens, and telling a preacher to, "move away from me as I cannot understand what you are preaching because I am not a believer." At the next stop, the authorities were called, and it was decided after about 90mins of debate that he should not rejoin the bus. His name is George Thindwa, and he is the chair of Malawian Association of Secular Humanism. I can't help but think that he was doing this on purpose. And I can't help but LOVE IT! What can we call this? Passive Agressive Atheism? Niceeeeeeeeeee.....
Let's all have a drink tonight in this man's honour!
CHEERS!
There there is this man, kicked off of a bus for reading, "God is Not Great" by Hitchens, and telling a preacher to, "move away from me as I cannot understand what you are preaching because I am not a believer." At the next stop, the authorities were called, and it was decided after about 90mins of debate that he should not rejoin the bus. His name is George Thindwa, and he is the chair of Malawian Association of Secular Humanism. I can't help but think that he was doing this on purpose. And I can't help but LOVE IT! What can we call this? Passive Agressive Atheism? Niceeeeeeeeeee.....
Let's all have a drink tonight in this man's honour!
CHEERS!
Friday, January 14, 2011
General belief
I find it difficult to disagree with older people who believe in God. My grandma, "God" bless her, is 70+ years, prays the rosary every night with her sister (who is a Sister), and it must bring her such comfort to "know" that she is going to have a secure and safe place in heaven with my grandpa when she passes. Who am I to say her fantasy is wrong? While I'm sure it's comforting to think that, imagine how greater this world would be if instead of being on your knees nightly, begging for a spot in heaven, you perhaps, went out and did something nice for someone in your community? Shoveled your injured neighbour's walkway, cleaned up your neighbourhood, donated time at a food shelter. Imagine what a world we'd have if EVERYONE did that instead of praying?
I digress, the purpose of this blog today was just to say that I don't blame noted historians for claiming they believed in God. Some who didn't (Galileo, Copernicus) had very bad things happen to them when they said they did not believe. Yet, where would be today without them? Even up until a hundred years ago, it was very bad socially to outwardly be a non-believer. Many towns entire social life revolved around the church.
The point of all this?
My point is that, we DO NOT LIVE IN THAT SOCIETY TODAY! Non-belief is becoming much more mainstream. You are not alone in your skepticism. You will not be shot, hung, condemned, imprisoned, or excommunicated when you tell people what you believe.
So yeah, I don't blame older people for their beliefs. If you believe a fantasy for a long time, it becomes very difficult and scary to abandon that fantasy. You don't know what life would be like without it. You could lose some life-long friends or loved ones. But young people? Come on, really. You're trained quite well in your science classes that you must PROVE everything... why should the creation of our planet be any different?
I digress, the purpose of this blog today was just to say that I don't blame noted historians for claiming they believed in God. Some who didn't (Galileo, Copernicus) had very bad things happen to them when they said they did not believe. Yet, where would be today without them? Even up until a hundred years ago, it was very bad socially to outwardly be a non-believer. Many towns entire social life revolved around the church.
The point of all this?
My point is that, we DO NOT LIVE IN THAT SOCIETY TODAY! Non-belief is becoming much more mainstream. You are not alone in your skepticism. You will not be shot, hung, condemned, imprisoned, or excommunicated when you tell people what you believe.
So yeah, I don't blame older people for their beliefs. If you believe a fantasy for a long time, it becomes very difficult and scary to abandon that fantasy. You don't know what life would be like without it. You could lose some life-long friends or loved ones. But young people? Come on, really. You're trained quite well in your science classes that you must PROVE everything... why should the creation of our planet be any different?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Facebook comments
So, here is one of my family members' Facebook statuses...
the power of prayer never ceases to amaze me ... Dads at home, bed rest, and they are going to move up his heart surgery date to ASAP. Grams seems to be doing a bit better too ... finally, breathe ...
5 people like this. (what the hell?)
Yet another reason why I dislike religion. Similar to a priest at a wedding ceremony thanking God for bringing two people together (giving no credit to the PEOPLE for their dedication and passion in the relationship), where is the credit for the DOCTORS and NURSES, or SCIENCE and MEDICINE, the people/studies who truly saved these people's lives?
How can believers be so happy to accept and like medicine when it helps them, and slam science down when it contradicts their beliefs? I can't even think of a word to describe my anger right now, so I will (in the voice of Vizzini from the Princess Bride) use the word INCONCEIVABLE!
Would it be rude to comment "Power of prayer? What about power of doctors, nurses, science, and medicine?" Or would that make me an "Agressive Atheist"? haha
the power of prayer never ceases to amaze me ... Dads at home, bed rest, and they are going to move up his heart surgery date to ASAP. Grams seems to be doing a bit better too ... finally, breathe ...
5 people like this. (what the hell?)
Yet another reason why I dislike religion. Similar to a priest at a wedding ceremony thanking God for bringing two people together (giving no credit to the PEOPLE for their dedication and passion in the relationship), where is the credit for the DOCTORS and NURSES, or SCIENCE and MEDICINE, the people/studies who truly saved these people's lives?
How can believers be so happy to accept and like medicine when it helps them, and slam science down when it contradicts their beliefs? I can't even think of a word to describe my anger right now, so I will (in the voice of Vizzini from the Princess Bride) use the word INCONCEIVABLE!
Would it be rude to comment "Power of prayer? What about power of doctors, nurses, science, and medicine?" Or would that make me an "Agressive Atheist"? haha
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
You can find morals anywhere
The Golden Rule
So, there I am at Home Depot. Sitting on the toilet, while beside me I hear a big voice and a little voice. Clearly, a father is in there with his son engaging in some thrilling conversation about how it is okay to think you have to go, and then not have to go. Better to be safe than sorry, he told his little guy.
As they were leaving, the child asked his father, “Daddy, can I turn off the light?” his Dad said, “No, there’s somebody in there. How would you like it if someone turned the light off on you? Probably not very much right?” The child agreed. Neither God nor Jesus invented the Golden rule, I am happy to say.
That’s basically how I live my life, the Golden Rule, and how I plan to morally educate my children. The moral of this story? You can find morals anywhere! Even in a public restroom. Just don’t read the walls...... LOL
So, there I am at Home Depot. Sitting on the toilet, while beside me I hear a big voice and a little voice. Clearly, a father is in there with his son engaging in some thrilling conversation about how it is okay to think you have to go, and then not have to go. Better to be safe than sorry, he told his little guy.
As they were leaving, the child asked his father, “Daddy, can I turn off the light?” his Dad said, “No, there’s somebody in there. How would you like it if someone turned the light off on you? Probably not very much right?” The child agreed. Neither God nor Jesus invented the Golden rule, I am happy to say.
That’s basically how I live my life, the Golden Rule, and how I plan to morally educate my children. The moral of this story? You can find morals anywhere! Even in a public restroom. Just don’t read the walls...... LOL
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The sky is falling!
Rejuvenated after a conversation with a fellow atheist blogger (if you like my site, you'll like her's slightly less, but still a lot), I am going to make entries a little more frequently perhaps, and try to keep them more concise. And I'm going to use headings like those professional bloggers do!Looking for a late Winter Equinox Present?
Or perhaps one for early Spring Equinox? You can get this beautiful picture in a T-shirt for you or someone you love. Though I would imagine it's slightly higher than 9/10 scientists... Perhaps the correct way to say it would be to say "9/10 with a margin of error of 1." I don't normally promote consumerism, but if it's atheistic consumerism, it's also advertising our beliefs. It's concerning sometimes though, when atheists want to be witty and charming, we buy things like this T-shirt (or get sent "God Trumps" cards from New Humanist), and people end up thinking not that we're witty and charming, but that we're arrogant, insulting, unaccepting, flippant, rude, passive agressive, or worse, agressive agressive (haha). It does bother the Humanist in me when I am hurting someone else's feelings, but how do you draw the line? Most Christians I know would have no problem slighting me for my non-beliefs...
Scientific Tweets (Oh what a witty title)
So, birds are falling from the sky and crabs washing up on shore dead (BP anyone?) And when you Google something akin to "birds falling from sky", here are some of the "Tweets" (get it?) that come up:
1) (This was a comment on a news article) The birds' deaths I guarantee will not be explained. There will be no poison, no sign of trauma and no sign of anything else. They may say it was "pressure" or "disorientation" but 5000 birds within a one mile radius all collapsing during THE NIGHT cannot be explained by those excuses. I personally believe it's some-what of a sign, think i'm crazy or not i don't mind, but scientists are not going to be able to figure it out. Just like they don't understand how the Grand Canyon was made....people can banter around their explinations all they want but some things just can't be understood in human terms, but we don't have to understand everything. The only thing that even remotely can be mulled over is that it was a sign from the big man upstairs himself. Miracles happen everyday but how we choose to explain them is entirely up to us and i think we can all agree that not everything can be explained.....
2) Why dead birds fell from sky: confirmed: dead birds can't fly
3) Regarding the bird die-offs: have we ruled out "viral promotion for an apocalyptic movie" yet?
4) Birds falling from sky? Better dust off your religious texts.
5) Ask Yahoo: "Birds falling from sky in Arkansas was also in the bible?"
6) God is warming up for 2012 by killing thousands of birds.
*sigh* If you want to read a REAL news article about strange animal deaths, please do so here! Thanks for reading. I appreciate all comments. Please feel free to critique any/all of 1 through 6 (particularly 1, 4, 5, 6 as 2 and 3 were hilariouuuuuuuuuuuus *said in a Jon Stewart-ish higher pitch*)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
So, when there's no scientific evidence for medical claims, anecdotal evidence will do?! When has that ever flown in the past? Ohhhhhh... right.
I will summarize the video for you, but you should really watch it also. Homeopathic medicine relies on taking an extremely extreeeemely small dose of some disease (like Malaria, Typhoid, etc...) and then tells you that you will be immune to that disease. Or rather, tells you that other people have said that when they did this, the felt immune and did not get sick. Hmm... come to think of it, those two statements are COMPLETELY different! What the hell passes for medicine these days? The video mentions that you are not allowed to give homeopathic medicine to animals unless you first prove scientifically that the medical claims are substantiated. But you can give it to humans without doing so. Is this some sort of glorified placebo? Like how placing an elastic band around your wrist has the same affect as a Q-ray bracelet? What a rip off.
So, how does this relate to Secular Humanism? If you haven't drawn the comparison yet, I'd be quite shocked. But as my title suggests, when there's no scientific proof of God's existence, anecdotal evidence will suffice! What a topsy turvy world we live in. It's my life's mission to ensure that before I die, there is a paradigm shift in this regard.
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