1. Christians challenge teaching of evolution

Comment #204344 by Mbee on July 4, 2008 at 8:46 pm

Here we go again.
OK Science requires some proof of assertions and conjecture relating to facts. Creationism and ID provide neither. They are NOT science. Keep them out of the classroom.
From what I have read on this and other sites most atheists would welcome evidence to support these ideas (not theories) if there was any! but until these goons can come up with something relating to evidence it is just their religious ideas - nothing else.

Evidence matters! Science requires evidence. Leave religion in the area of the supernatural for those who wish to fantasize.

2. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #203880 by Mbee on July 3, 2008 at 10:06 pm

Comment #203865 by txpiper

I'm convinced that it did. You seem to think that most of the continental earth is covered in river deltas, but too many of the sedimentary formations are just too large, too deep and too homogenous for that to be the case. Plus, I just can't see thousands of hadrosaurs just wandering into a river delta and being silted over. I think the evidence supports a catastrophic flood.

I am biased in favor of the written account of the event, but then I think that the prophecies that are recorded along with that record authenticate the book.

3. An Interview with Prof. Richard Dawkins

Comment #203878 by Mbee on July 3, 2008 at 9:46 pm

Some people prefer to use foul language some don't. I usually don't and never in such an open international forum as this, but I don't get offended by those who do. It takes all kinds.

Back on topic I am looking forward to Richard's next book. Also a children's book would be great too as their needs to be something to help start education along the lines of evidence and not obscure faith.

I think that an educational approach to converting the theists is probably the best one. Being antagonistic usually builds walls whereas starting a dialog and explaining your views stands a better chance of success.

I start with explaining what a theory is. I use the theme that if they fly do they believe in the theory of flight? If it were 'only a theory' would you trust getting on a plane again?

This is where Richard's books, videos, talks and programs are very useful at explaining that God is just a delusion and that there is no evidence to support such a belief.

4. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #194463 by Mbee on June 16, 2008 at 9:14 pm

At this point it is obvious that RTG has no way of answering the question of as designer. An obvious and determined troll.
Truly a good example of lying for jesus.

If there was a designer (or other sentient being) I think we would have heard it by now. So why waste any more time with unimportant tripe.

It's time for the ID'ers to provide some scientific information or just shut up.

As for me, next week I'm going to dig on a real Dinosaurs.
Fact not biblical fiction!

5. Loyal to Its Roots

Comment #191105 by Mbee on June 10, 2008 at 8:11 am

There seems to be something missing from this study.

Were there tests done with related and non related species in the same area - to give the plant a choice - if yes did the test plant always pick the non related plants to attack?

The word choice here however is wrong. Is the action made purely by chemical reactions between similar or dissimilar chemical associations?

6. Opponents of Evolution Adopting a New Strategy

Comment #188913 by Mbee on June 5, 2008 at 1:57 am

OK so we also need to teach the 'strengths and weaknesses' of physics and chemistry too. Why do this just with biology and why pick out evolution!?
(Yes I know why!)

I don't have a problem with this as there are no weaknesses! You could consider 'alternate scientific theories' in physics, chemistry and biology. As long as it is an alternate 'scientific' theory of which creationism and IDism are not alternative 'scientific' theories, so they must be ruled out! Q.E.D.

7. Religion is a product of evolution, software suggests

Comment #185350 by Mbee on May 27, 2008 at 3:06 pm

This all looks like a strong case for Memes to me.

Only one question re: "Under most scenarios, "believers in the unreal" went extinct"

Whats the time scale for the extinction?

8. Animal Science Without Evolution

Comment #184718 by Mbee on May 26, 2008 at 3:18 am

"Animal Science Without Evolution"

Hmmm? Where is the scientific evidence that all the animals were created on the 6th day. In what order were they created.

How on earth can they get away with calling this science! Science requires evidence - with no evidence it isn't science.
Anyone any ideas on how to stop missinformation like this from being published!

9. Proving ID is Creationism

Comment #182723 by Mbee on May 20, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Here's that 'Grand Old Designer ' at work again...

10. What is science for?

Comment #182711 by Mbee on May 20, 2008 at 10:29 pm

My parents went through WWII and after the event there was never any denial (apart from those involved trying to save their own necks) about the holocaust and what happened, or any doubt that it happened - there was plenty of evidence to support it. There were plenty of witnesses to the events and apart from those involved nobody, until recently, was trying to make a case that it didn't happen. From what I have seen there is no overwhelming evidence to contradict the evidence that the holocaust did happen. So unless some good reliable evidence to contradict history comes along the holocaust did happen!

11. These dim-wits believe in anything but God

Comment #181455 by Mbee on May 17, 2008 at 8:49 am

those who stop believing in God don't believe in nothing, they believe in anything

12. Faith in Britain today

Comment #180070 by Mbee on May 14, 2008 at 7:00 am

Just a quick comment for Richard.
I don't think you should have second thoughts about going on the radio to answer this stuff. The more that can be said to counter Religion the better (although your time is very valuable and you cannot do all the interviews requested).
The main point is that with the internet today your comments can be repeated for all those who are interested in finding out information and it should help get through to those willing to look at all sides of the argument.
Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Having read and occasionally commented on RD.net I am still surprised (although I shouldn't be) that there are not more theists trying to make their case here. It does seem that they only want to communicate with the converted. The posters here, and TGD have helped convince me that there is no evidence of a GOD or reason to believe in one.

13. Atheists are nice people who will roast in hell, says Cardinal

Comment #179829 by Mbee on May 13, 2008 at 8:37 pm

Comment #177812 by Quine on May 9, 2008 at 6:33 pm

Should be a great party, with some terrific folks. Check out Who's Who in Hell now on-line.

14. Vatican: It's OK to believe in aliens

Comment #179823 by Mbee on May 13, 2008 at 8:24 pm

Hilarious - I needed that.

15. God seekers go public

Comment #179357 by Mbee on May 13, 2008 at 6:53 am

Is this all a response to Expelled hitting the mark?

16. Evolution: What is 'Natural'?

Comment #178663 by Mbee on May 11, 2008 at 9:11 pm

When was this recorded? I would like to know the context.
Surely Richard can let us know where and when this was recorded.

17. Interview with Dan Dennett

Comment #170942 by Mbee on April 28, 2008 at 6:56 am

Re 52. Comment #169897 by clearmind

Are silkworms another threat to Evolution? How come a silkworm changes into another structure in a short time? How come they eat leaves but produce silk? How do they do that?

18. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #169493 by Mbee on April 26, 2008 at 7:50 am

Comment #168423 by clearmind on April 25, 2008 at 6:18 am
To Mbee
(must say you are an interesting character.)
Do I have to say thanks?

19. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #168272 by Mbee on April 24, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Hey Clearmind, wooter, whatever.
I must say you are an interesting character. I haven't quite worked out where you are coming from as you don't answer questions, you speak semi english, but not in a way that is caused by bad understanding or translation. It's like you're deliberately trying to antagonize people by writing like someone who is arrogant but stupid.

If you ever open up and tell people about yourself and why you believe what you do, it would make for some interesting discussions. Otherwise your posts are not really very helpful.

While others on this site try hard to communicate with you and all you can do is spout gibberish, I'm afraid you are getting no where!

I applaud all those who have tried to communicate with Clearmind, but I don't think anyone is getting through to him/her.

20. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #166156 by Mbee on April 22, 2008 at 10:16 pm

"You cannot lose by professing belief in God - if He does not exist you lose nothing, and if He does exist, you will be rewarded in the afterlife."

Can't lose? You live your life as a lie, then when you die you don't even know that you were wrong!

If you don't believe in god then you live your life based on the evidence available and when you die, if by some remote chance you were wrong, at least you would know it!

21. Responses to 'Gods and Earthlings' by Richard Dawkins

Comment #166150 by Mbee on April 22, 2008 at 9:02 pm

I don't think you have to be a scientist to understand scientific basics. (The more advanced stuff -yes)

For the lay person - if they are interested - they can understand all the science fundamentals -physics, chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy etc, Maybe not how the big bang is thought to have happened but the basic idea about it.

This is a lot more than anyone knew just 100 years ago in any of these fields. In another 100 years think how much more we will know!

Whereas all the religions can do is make more and more lame attempts at refuting the growing mountain of evidence against the idea that GOD - the Grand Old Designer - did it all in a just a few days! If this was true we should be finding more and more evidence to support the 'God did it' idea rather than the opposite!

22. If God Is Dead, Who Gets His House?

Comment #166146 by Mbee on April 22, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Re 96. Comment #166041 by Ed-words on April 22, 2008 at 5:19 pm
"This church idea could be fun. Each week
we sing bawdy songs, chugalug the wine,
and have Communion hor'deuvres(sic). "

Don't forget the tax breaks

23. If God Is Dead, Who Gets His House?

Comment #166145 by Mbee on April 22, 2008 at 8:26 pm

"But science and reason won't visit you in the hospital."

I know it's been said but I think it's worth repeating.

Science and Reason in Hospitals are called doctors!!!!!!!!

While waiting for Heart surgery a few years ago I was visited by clergy from 3 faiths - I don't recall which ones. I didn't talk to any of them- much to their dismay. I was much more interested to talk with the surgeon who was going to work on me!

I put my trust in him!

24. Open Letter to a victim of Ben Stein's lying propaganda

Comment #165168 by Mbee on April 21, 2008 at 6:49 am

Comment #165023 by RichardPrins
In case you missed Shermer's newsletter:
http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/08-04-17.html

Also check out Scientific American's Six Things in Expelled Ben Stein Doesn't Want You To Know (and related articles there):
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=six-things-ben-stein-doesnt-want-you-to-know

Many thanks richard for the links. Very useful.

25. A New Flea

Comment #160537 by Mbee on April 14, 2008 at 7:30 am

I also hope Paula is going to do a review of this and some other fleas as well.

Paula, I really appreciate the reviews of the other books as it saves me (and probably many others as well) both time and money reading all these books. Your reviews are very useful.

Many thanks

26. Richard Dawkins' secular army must be stopped. God is behind some of our greatest art

Comment #160523 by Mbee on April 14, 2008 at 7:17 am

Does anyone else see a problem with the phrase 'RD's secular army must be stopped'. Even though this article was written by a supposed atheist I don't see any evidence of an 'army' anywhere!

This is also giving ideas to the 'expelled' crowd so that they can now tie RD's army back to Hitler and they can continue to build a wall of lies about what atheism is about. They cannot compete on evidence so they will grab at these strawmen to help repudiate atheism.

27. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #158208 by Mbee on April 10, 2008 at 8:07 am

Excellent interview. I'm only half way through but am looking forward to the rest. I have to agree with most of the comments here. Well done Paula and of course RD. Great to see Richard explain things so well hopefully it will change a few minds...

It was disappointing on the Big Question April 6 that Richard was not allowed to say much! But what he did say made the others look so foolish! (I'm glad he was sitting away from them!)

Have had no problem with the downloads or the quality of the QT video or audio (for the internet). Maybe the problems have all been fixed.

28. Russell T Davies: Return of the (tea) Time Lord

Comment #155908 by Mbee on April 6, 2008 at 9:37 am

Wow!

What a great way to give the younger (and older) generation something to think about! Assuming that the plot of the show allows some real useful information to get across.

Science fiction has long been a breeding ground for new ideas and the various roles of science.

29. Beware the Believers

Comment #152272 by Mbee on March 30, 2008 at 3:18 pm

I just found this on Jib Jab thought you all might appreciate it.

Titled: What's the point.

www.jibjab.com/view/45280

That's humor

30. Beware the Believers

Comment #152267 by Mbee on March 30, 2008 at 3:00 pm

It looks a lot like one of the Jib Jab cartoons to me. www.jibjab.com

I don't know if the non US have seen them but they are cartoon spoofs typically of politics. Bush, Clinton et al. and they poke fun at both sides, so even if you don't get all the jokes both sides find something to laugh at (although as here not everybody thinks they're funny).

They also do a good job of being on target and relevant with what they say. ie the scientist being expelled.

Anyone else think they may have done this?

They may have even been hired by the IDers or Theists to put this together! It certainly has made waves on this site.
Does anyone know what the Theists and IDers are saying - I don't usually go to their websites.
Maybe they don't know which way to react either!

31. Beware the Believers

Comment #151693 by Mbee on March 29, 2008 at 8:01 am

I can't stand Rap but I did think this was funny and as others have said here, it really does show that Richard et al are having an impact.

I think it would be of concern if this type of 'take off' and parody was not happening. It would indicate that nobody in the public arena was listening to the science/religion debate.

It may soon make it into the mainstream of American TV!
Well we can hope...

32. The atheist delusion

Comment #144380 by Mbee on March 15, 2008 at 9:37 pm

I think the bottom line here is that the more that science finds out about the world the more that it becomes obvious that religion is all a myth.

So religious people are scared of science as it will prove them wrong. This was apparent even in the days of Galileo. It is the major reason the theists in america are trying hard to get ID into the schools. If science is allowed to proceed without reference to GOD, sorry ID, they will be on a slippery slope where more and more people will be educated about how the world really works!

I learnt about science in an English school and I think that helped me see the flaws in religion early in life. The resistance to science in american schools at an early age is driven by the lack of good science education in the past plus a strong religious background of many parents.

33. Deadly Sins 101

Comment #143573 by Mbee on March 14, 2008 at 7:58 am

To the Catholics out there.

Does it matter if you committed one of the new sins before they became sins?

I guess that before the announcement these were not sins and were perfectly acceptable.

34. Two More Fleas

Comment #143273 by Mbee on March 13, 2008 at 8:37 pm

Well I think i've given up reading fleas. If there is anything substantive in them it will be discussed here in RD.net.

There have been many comments here on the synopsis of the title book of this segment that further comment here seems superfluous.

When will someone come up with anything to 'Really' support theism...
I know, I know, I'm preaching to the converted (apologies for the pun)

35. When blasphemy bit the dust

Comment #140559 by Mbee on March 7, 2008 at 9:27 pm

I agree this is a step in the right direction but surely blasphemy is only applicable to those who believe in god in the first place.
If you're an atheist you cannot be blasphemous as you don't believe in any god to begin with. Only religious people can be blasphemous. Or am I missing something?

36. Richard Dawkins' US Tour begins this week

Comment #140552 by Mbee on March 7, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Well I have t say that I'm sorry that I cannot get to any of the talks and am very hopeful that some of them will be posted on RD.net so we all can enjoy.
I also hope that those who do attend will be new converts to truth and the understanding of science. Lets get away from the supernatural and hocus pocus of the past.

Hey anyone got some tickets for wooter - he might appreciate it....

37. Revealed: Secrets of the Camouflage Masters

Comment #131114 by Mbee on February 22, 2008 at 1:30 am

Wonderful and informative. Thanks for posting. There are not too many places you can go to to see science videos. I'll be watching more on this site and less on TV.

Perhaps Richard should start 'The Evolution Channel' it would be great to watch on a Sunday morning...

38. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126983 by Mbee on February 14, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Does anyone know where those who cannot get the guardian can see the text of the 34 page supplement?

39. Are Darwin's Theories Fact or Faith Issues?

Comment #126276 by Mbee on February 12, 2008 at 9:16 pm

Hi deepthought,
I hope someone can help out in refuting the text in your link but... wait a minute here we have creationists debating the order of fossils. At least they admit they exist and were not planted by the devil...
If the devil was planting transitional fossils I'm sure he would have done a better job of filling in the gaps.

But don't miss the big point here. These were all species that lived on this planet! So score one for evolution.

40. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #126269 by Mbee on February 12, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Well somebody has to ask.
Richard (Thanks for saying we can call you that)
What are your plans after you have left the Chair at Oxford?

If you don't mind me asking.

Whatever you plan on I'm sure everyone here will be waiting for the debates, books and hopefully more TV programs to help educate the masses...

Thank you for all that you have done so far. I'm still working my way through your books.

41. Why Darwin matters

Comment #125845 by Mbee on February 12, 2008 at 6:59 am

I think Wooter has proved that if you give a monkey a typewriter then eventually they will come up with something intelligible.

I wonder how long we have to wait...

42. Hitchens and Boteach Debate on God

Comment #125067 by Mbee on February 10, 2008 at 9:24 pm

This is amazing.

How someone can completely misstate Evolution theory and provide no evidence to support his argument as to an alternative is just pathetic.

I would much rather believe in an argument that is supported by evidence than an argument that has none!

43. Why Darwin matters

Comment #125060 by Mbee on February 10, 2008 at 9:05 pm

Why Darwin Matters?
Well if it wasn't Darwin it would have been somebody else. Darwin just happened to be the first to see how all life is related. The evidence is overwhelming and the more science finds out the more Darwin is proved to be right. Darwin started the movement toward fully understanding how we came to be here on this planet.

It is not really that Darwin matters but that we have moved one step further toward a more complete understanding of how we came to be and not rely on supernatural mythology.

44. Are Darwin's Theories Fact or Faith Issues?

Comment #122828 by Mbee on February 6, 2008 at 7:17 am

Comment #123303 from epeeist
"Evolution is a fact. It has been observed directly in the laboratory and indirectly in the fossil record."

My apologies for the badly worded question. What I was trying to ask was when does a fact become established as a fact. As you say it has been observed in nature.

What I'm trying to get at is that the creationists keep referring to and arguing about the theory of evolution. Shouldn't they be arguing about the Fact of evolution and ignore darwins theory.
In fact the title of the debate 'Are Darwins theories fact or faith issues ' makes no sense. As you say theories are theories and facts are facts. The creationists certainly don't seem to accept evolution as a fact, let alone the theory of how it all happened.

Thanks for the reply, I had to leave yesterday and didn't see your reply till this morning.

45. Are Darwin's Theories Fact or Faith Issues?

Comment #122297 by Mbee on February 5, 2008 at 6:44 am

A scientific question for the experts here.
At what point does a theory become fact.
Gravity is considered a fact and the theory of gravitation is the best explanation of what it is.
The theory of evolution explains how life evolved so when does Evolution itself become fact?

In my opinion the amount of evidence is the overriding factor and for evolution there is an enormous amount (compared with any alternative) So who gets to decide when it is declared a fact or is it just public consensus?

46. US scientists close to creating artificial life: study

Comment #120638 by Mbee on February 2, 2008 at 7:28 am

If God created life in the first place doesn't that make us all artificial life forms ...

47. Richard Dawkins on The Big Questions

Comment #117864 by Mbee on January 29, 2008 at 9:18 pm

Well I think the debate was great - I just wish that this would be available on the US TV! Nobody here (ie ABC, NBC, CBS , PBS) would have the guts to put on a debate like this that would allow such open discussion of the subjects covered.

I'm English and live in California and am very thankfull for the internet to allow this type of discussion to be available to anyone around the world.

Only if we can have this type of discussion will more people be able to come to the correct conclusion.

48. Darwin Day (Feb 12th) E-Cards

Comment #114784 by Mbee on January 22, 2008 at 7:48 pm

How about a card with the 'eye' evolution images.
I don't know where the original drawings came from but I know RD has used it a lot.

While we're on the subject most of the ideas posted would also be great for T-shirts in addition to the Darwin Day cards.

49. The Group Delusion

Comment #113017 by Mbee on January 18, 2008 at 12:49 pm

While I don't have a problem with all of the wooter baiting it really should be done somewhere else. (It's also just encouraging him to continue - and I'm sure he's doing it on purpose)

Is it possible for the site admin to move all these comments to an alternate thread so we can get this back on topic.

Please...

50. It was a bad year for God.

Comment #109824 by Mbee on January 9, 2008 at 8:44 pm

I too would like to thank all those on this site (especially Steve) who put forward their reasoned arguments on Atheism.

I've yet to see any reasoned arguments that support that God exists that don't use God in the reasoning.

As for promoting the book - I like the idea of putting it in hotel rooms. Why do the other books get to be there anyway? I bet if TGD was there it would not be allowed to stay there very long...