1. Should Science Speak to Faith? A dialog between Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins

Comment #47890 by Karl Christensen on June 6, 2007 at 12:39 am

It is important that the debate not lose momentum. No matter the way the arguments against religion are presented, if pressure is not maintained on all levels then the current debate will become just an interesting part of history. The Scopes "Monkey Trial" was a great opportunity for an assault on the absurdities of faith, but even though it is well-remembered and often referred to, the public lost interest in the whole basis of the trial. It is to be hoped that the ideas receiving attention now become as prevalent and common as religious belief.

2. Should Science Speak to Faith? A dialog between Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins

Comment #47554 by Karl Christensen on June 5, 2007 at 12:23 am

I like the Dawkins approach in that it forces debate. Appeasing the religious in any way only gives them a feeling that they may have some valid ideas. Tackle religion head-on and it's proponents must react, as the reaction to TGD has shown.

It really is a case of one side being "simply wrong."
When an irrational idea is presented as fact with the words "it stands to reason", challenge the reasoning.

3. The Atheism FAQ with Richard Dawkins

Comment #47001 by Karl Christensen on June 2, 2007 at 4:38 pm

The best form of FAQ would have to be in an audio or video format. It is important to hear Dawkins' control and confidence.

4. Christian sports workers degree ridiculed

Comment #45036 by Karl Christensen on May 26, 2007 at 12:45 am

And the first student to enrol will be Moses Cohen, graduate of Tel Aviv's School of Physical Education.

5. Despite what the scholars say, God isn't dead yet

Comment #44274 by Karl Christensen on May 24, 2007 at 1:57 am

Good call Veronique. She is dreadfully dull. Crittenden is good value as he does not pull punches, and he does pick the occasional fight.

6. Despite what the scholars say, God isn't dead yet

Comment #44261 by Karl Christensen on May 23, 2007 at 10:53 pm

Veronique This is where you will find Ms Kohn; http://www.abc.net.au/rn/spiritofthings/default.htm

7. Liberty U student plotted to set off explosives, police say

Comment #43890 by Karl Christensen on May 23, 2007 at 3:31 am

So... explosives wouldn't have disrupted the funeral?

8. Despite what the scholars say, God isn't dead yet

Comment #43885 by Karl Christensen on May 23, 2007 at 3:27 am

"What's wrong with eugenics?"

Nothing. So long as you fit some 'Ideal'

9. Despite what the scholars say, God isn't dead yet

Comment #43882 by Karl Christensen on May 23, 2007 at 3:23 am

To get some idea of just how really naive this woman is you need to hear her on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's religious programmes. She seems almost on the verge of having some degree of intellect. This article with the usual 'Hitler, Stalin, Mao' references shows she may well not.

The reference to Iran is a real puzzle.

10. The Paradoxical Hatred of Christopher Hitchens

Comment #42834 by Karl Christensen on May 20, 2007 at 12:30 am

"I was actually surprised to hear writer Christopher Hitchens' attitude toward Reverend Jerry Falwell's death, given the good sense this liberal has exhibited on the war issue."


Doesn't get out much, does he?

11. How dare you call me a fundamentalist

Comment #40781 by Karl Christensen on May 15, 2007 at 12:59 am

The Wee Flea said;In order to try and keep this relatively brief...

Christ! Relative to what! Lord of the Rings?

12. How dare you call me a fundamentalist

Comment #40780 by Karl Christensen on May 15, 2007 at 12:51 am

"do not mistake passion, which can change its mind, for fundamentalism, which never will."

Definitive!

13. BBC man says 'I was wrong to lose it. But these scientologists are truly scary'

Comment #40776 by Karl Christensen on May 15, 2007 at 12:31 am

I've worked in Chechnya twice and managed not to lose it.

Scary they must be...

14. Does God Exist? The Nightline Face-Off (more info)

Comment #40738 by Karl Christensen on May 14, 2007 at 8:57 pm

We cannot only prove that God exists, but we can prove that the atheist doesn't."

Did they prove I do not exist?

15. Flea Circus!

Comment #33003 by Karl Christensen on April 19, 2007 at 1:44 am

I would only read anything in this genre by Ned Flanders. That would be deliberately humorous.

16. As Religious Strife Grows, Europe's Atheists Seize Pulpit

Comment #31852 by Karl Christensen on April 14, 2007 at 4:17 pm

Mr. Onfray argues that atheism faces a "final battle" against "theological hocus-pocus" and must rally its troops. "We can no longer tolerate neutrality and benevolence," he writes in "Traité d'athéologie," or Atheist Manifesto, a best seller in France, Italy and Spain. "The turbulent time we live in suggests that change is at hand and the time has come for a new order."

Identify an 'enemy', gather as many allies as you can, claim to be representing a majority and that you have a solution to the ills of the world. Crush any dissent.

Is history being repeated here?

17. As Religious Strife Grows, Europe's Atheists Seize Pulpit

Comment #31840 by Karl Christensen on April 14, 2007 at 3:04 pm

"zealous disbelief in God."

The idea that this makes sense to anyone who is atheistic is preposterous! It is belief in not choosing to believe. The arguments in favour of rational thought are taking an irrational turn.

18. Medical 'Miracles' Not Supported by Evidence

Comment #31699 by Karl Christensen on April 13, 2007 at 11:04 pm

Veronique; 'Snake Oil' is a term that has fallen from general usage. Should be used more.

19. T. rex tissue shows they are related to chickens

Comment #31489 by Karl Christensen on April 13, 2007 at 12:33 am

Loaves and fishes. Nah, Jesus sent out for KFT-Rex.

20. Sex, Love, and SSRIs

Comment #31294 by Karl Christensen on April 12, 2007 at 12:07 am

I have asked a number of psychiatrists if there could be an evolutionary reason or purpose for OCD. None have even seemed interested in considering the idea.

On pp186-187 of TGD is reference to Lewis Wolpert's idea of 'irrational persistence'. As soon as I read that, I searched for a video recording of a modern-day flint-napper, lost in his craft, producing a perfect spear-point. I have been considering the idea that my brain, regarded as flawed today, might have been a vital 'tool' thousands of years ago. If I can focus my 'irrational persistence' I might achieve something useful today. If I'm on the wrong track, I'll enjoy the journey while it lasts. If I appear on 'Oprah', I will have lost my mind.

How is it possible to deal with the complexities of the human brain without considering evolution? I don't know. From my own experiences over some twenty-five years of treatment it seems that many psychotropic drugs are not specifically designed as such. Their origins lie in the treatment of other conditions; their side-effects influencing the brain.

To Professor Dawkins I say thank you. Thank you for the link.

21. Then Call it God

Comment #31270 by Karl Christensen on April 11, 2007 at 8:05 pm

However, every once in awhile, I do see some apprehensive worship of RD that does put me on my guard.

As do I.
My favourite part of TGD is the Preface. RD's intent is clearly and unambiguously stated.

22. Pope says science too narrow to explain creation

Comment #31266 by Karl Christensen on April 11, 2007 at 7:50 pm

The Pope likes sophistry.

23. Sex, Love, and SSRIs

Comment #31260 by Karl Christensen on April 11, 2007 at 7:22 pm

AndyD; Can anyone describe what it is meant by 'being depressed?'

Lewis Wolpert said "Anyone one who can describe how they felt when they were depressed, wasn't depressed." A simple statement that had me thinking for days. I think he is right.

Yorker; Was Feynman describing psychiatry or anti-depressants as "bad science." I am interested as I think of that man as 'No Ordinary Genius.'

24. Sex, Love, and SSRIs

Comment #31207 by Karl Christensen on April 11, 2007 at 12:54 pm

Yorker asked; Can someone please explain to me why these drugs are prescribed in the first place?

In my case SSRIs were prescribed for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Tricyclic anti-depressants are considered dangerous as they are often fatal in overdose. The SSRI family of drugs are not.

From my own experience the SSRI altered the method of thought. No improvement in OCD, (depression is a common side-runner with OCD) and I found that I could not complete cryptic crosswords, and I have been keen on those for many years.

Why are they prescribed? Perhaps it is the easiest option...

25. Sex, Love, and SSRIs

Comment #31085 by Karl Christensen on April 10, 2007 at 11:32 pm

I have recently ceased using an SSRI (under supervision) and have yet to see emotional effects. My thought processes are better, but no love or other 'irrational persistence.'

26. Charles in Space! American tourist floats into space station

Comment #30806 by Karl Christensen on April 9, 2007 at 11:49 pm

"The lifestyle guru", "Martha Stewart", "Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel." You can't make this sort of thing up!

Frankly, I was more interested in James Doohan's ashes being sent into space.

27. Then Call it God

Comment #30805 by Karl Christensen on April 9, 2007 at 11:33 pm

I understand Richard Dawkins; he must not be God.

28. Prophets of the new atheism

Comment #30618 by Karl Christensen on April 9, 2007 at 3:28 am

briancoughlanworldcitizen said
Theists never bring Japan and the emperor up, because it's self evidently not atheist.

Is it self-evident? I do not think that the 'Invisible-God' theists could regard 'Living-God' theists as kin, just as they cannot see themselves as apes.

When the cathedral in Dresden was rebuilt, there was much made of 'healing' and the like. Bomber Command and the US Eighth Air Force destroyed a 'legitimate' target in a ferocious raid. "Firestorm: The Bombing of Dresden 1945" details the planning, rationale and aftermath. The overall impression is one of regret. I can understand the reluctance of Christians to discuss a matter of 'Christian against Christian.' The reason for indifference to the systematic destruction of Japanese cities by B-29 'Fire-raids' is not clear.

A newsreel filmed by Damien Parer shows Allied aircraft strafing Japanese troopships in the Bismark Sea AND strafing lifeboats! The commentary is extraordinary. Unthinkable in a time when some squaddy could face court-martial for slapping a civilian in Iraq.

The war in the Pacific was vicious. The Allies portrayed the Japanese as almost less than human but I have found no reference to them being 'Godless' or heathens. Post-war, the Japanese were treated generously, but with little compassion. It is strange that every effort was put into 'westernising' Japan, but no attempt was made to convert it to Christianity.

Could it be, to the Christian mind, the war against Japan is an example of a failure of their belief system?

A parallel?: The German government is stripping Adolph Hitler of his German citizenship. Has the Vatican excommunicated him?

29. Prophets of the new atheism

Comment #30580 by Karl Christensen on April 8, 2007 at 11:36 pm

I have been thinking it odd that arguments against atheism concentrate on Hitler, Stalin and Mao. Nazism and communism. What about Japan?

The first half of the 20th Century saw a rise in Japanese nationalism and militarism. 'Hell in the Pacific' was a result of this. But what made the individual Japanese soldier behave so monstrously?

Emperor Hirohito was seen as a Living God.To "Die for the Emperor" was considered virtuous. The enemy was not considered human. All for the sake of belief.

Japan is not used as an example of religious extremism. Is it it because debate centres on the Abrahamic faiths? I am curious.

30. Prophets of the new atheism

Comment #30556 by Karl Christensen on April 8, 2007 at 4:16 pm

It is interesting that in 'defining' atheists this fellow uses what Michael Shermer has called "Confirmation Bias" to illustrate his position.

David Klinghoffer has written an opinion piece and the Seattle Times has published it as just that.