1. Meet the Relatives. They're Full of Surprises.

Comment #21593 by mattjuan on February 10, 2007 at 3:32 am

I think you're right mate. We spend so much time arguing for rational thought that we forget to celebrate it.

2. The questions science cannot answer

Comment #21588 by mattjuan on February 10, 2007 at 2:53 am

In the beggining was the word, and the word was......."WHAT?" Perhaps the great McGrath churns this stuff out to justify his tenure, or whatever they call it.
It strikes me that the problem is not about what can provide "the answer", but what can provide an answer suitably grandiose for such buffed up egos as those that the religious seem to posess. While propagation of DNA is by far the simplest and neatest idea for meaning, it is quite evidently not glorious enough. Surely I am special? you can almost hear them think.
This puts me in mind of Douglas Adam's "Total Perspective Vortex", the machine that shows you to scale against the rest of the universe, the realisation of just how small and insignificant you are driving you insane. Maybe Mcgrath has already been fed to it....
The point is that faced with the hard truth, the majority of humanity seem to prefer the noble lie. The arguments are just window dressing.

3. Panel discussion on atheism where no atheists are included

Comment #21256 by mattjuan on February 8, 2007 at 9:28 am

Sorry. For Freudian slip typos, god point takes the biscuit.

4. Panel discussion on atheism where no atheists are included

Comment #21255 by mattjuan on February 8, 2007 at 9:27 am

Prof. Dawkins, if you're still there, god point. It seems to me that although the international non - religious community is still only warming up, we do need to nbe more organised in our responses to such situations, if only so that we can produce the ideal response and respondent to suit the moment.
Nevertheless, despite the fact that you are not American, you probaby are the ideal choice in this case. Good Luck!

5. Panel discussion on atheism where no atheists are included

Comment #21106 by mattjuan on February 7, 2007 at 3:13 pm

Thanks Godma for the debbie schlussel link. Her replies don't paint her in a particularly attractive or intelligent light. Little point trying to reason with that kind of fundamentalism.....

6. Interview with Alister McGrath, author of 'The Dawkins Delusion?'

Comment #21067 by mattjuan on February 7, 2007 at 1:26 pm

I would also argue that in terms of its own place in history the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is extremely well grounded. And above all, it's relevant.

7. Panel discussion on atheism where no atheists are included

Comment #21034 by mattjuan on February 7, 2007 at 11:03 am

Thanks Joe_OD, I`ve sent a comment to the ccn feedback link. I agree with simplicio, I think that as many people as possible should protest against this kind of thing. It pains me to think that like-minded people across the pond should be treated in such a manner.

8. Do stop behaving as if you are God, Professor Dawkins

Comment #21021 by mattjuan on February 7, 2007 at 10:01 am

Has anyone noticed that those who claim atheists are dogmatic actually put atheism under the umbrella of belief. Whereas really we are standing some way away watching with curiosity as religion sports an umbrella on a clear summers day.
Hope that makes sense.

9. Do stop behaving as if you are God, Professor Dawkins

Comment #20919 by mattjuan on February 7, 2007 at 2:59 am

Thanks, infidel_michael, that helped me get some of my arguments straight for the next time I'm faced with the uphill task of converting the believer.
I read McGraths book "The twilight of atheism" and his views haven't become any more sophisticated since. Doesn't matter how well he writes, the fact that his argument is vacuous soon becomes apparent.
As for treating those who disagree with intelectual respect, show us a decent argumnet and we'll respect it. As H.L.Mencken once said "religion deserves no more respect than a pile of garbage."

10. Believing In Things Unseen Is Not Delusion

Comment #20774 by mattjuan on February 6, 2007 at 12:15 pm

Good heavens! ".... and pride begins, I believe, when we start to think that we, and we alone, have it all figured out." Seems he has got it all figured out after all. At least atheists admit they don't have all the answers, and don't jump at the first easy option to explain everything that they don't know. It would mae me angry if I didn't feel so sorry for the poor blighter.

11. In defense of atheism

Comment #19582 by mattjuan on January 28, 2007 at 2:38 pm

whether you are a weak or strong atheist is a bit of a non question. Either you believe or you don't, not much to be gained from asking HOW MUCH you don't believe, because that suggests that if you have a weak non belief, then there's room for just a little belief.......oh dear. Do or do not, as the great Yoda would say.....