801. Lou Dobbs Interviews Christopher Hitchens

Comment #37532 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 4, 2007 at 6:43 pm

My response to the GOP evolution question : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-ZQBV_FRo

If you like it, please don't forget to rate, and comment. The more activity the higher the video goes the more people see it. Thx:-)

802. Republican candidates range from ignorant to dishonest

Comment #37531 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 4, 2007 at 6:42 pm

My response to this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-ZQBV_FRo

If you like it,please don't forget to rate, and comment. The more activity the higher the video goes the more people see it. Thx:-)

803. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #37068 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 3, 2007 at 10:20 am

79. Comment #37030 by John Phillips on May 3, 2007 at 7:53 am

Coel: I suppose it depends on whether you are an uptight asshole or not, personally I saw the different username immediately and saw it for what it was and had a quite chuckle. To be honest, for all his faults :) I bet David (weefree) has a quiet chuckle as well when he sees it, if only at the cheek of it.

And before you ask, no, I am not responsible for it. It is not my style as I tend to be a lot more open about such, whether meant in jest or seriously.

That wasn't me!!!! Man it was funny though.

OK, I'll not use that word again. However, I would argue that it's a massive breach of etiquette (and pointless to boot) to point out peoples typos and spelling errors.

That was a major provocation, and a gross violation of online cultural ethics. He'll burn in virtual hell for that.

804. The Damned

Comment #37049 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 3, 2007 at 9:09 am

40. Comment #37022 by kaiserkriss on May 3, 2007 at 7:07 am

Re Kaffir... Here I thought this was a personal joke by a black South African poking fun at himself and society by picking an aggressive political incorrect handle,to make a statement much as I and my friends sometimes refer to myself as a "kraut" or The Hun because of my German heritage. Just goes to show how WRONG one can be... jcw

805. The Damned

Comment #36954 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 11:10 pm

Feel free to disagree, but I thought this video was just a different face on the same worn-out approach.

806. The Damned

Comment #36866 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 2:36 pm

Wonder when the first fundie will dump the usual drivel over that great video... jcw

I'm off to bed now, but when the first fundi arrives, be there to get into a ping pong discussion. Generates comments. High ratings, favourites and comments are all good ways to get on the front screen of YT. This kind of video is just too good to pass up the opportunity to push.

807. The Damned

Comment #36861 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 2:25 pm

11. Comment #36860 by MarcusA on May 2, 2007 at 2:21 pm

Do I get a tea bag with my boiling water?

Yes, but you have to share with the other 117 Billion damned.

808. The Damned

Comment #36859 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 2:15 pm

Thats the spirit, youtube is where the youth of today hang it, make atheisim pervasive in the virtual world and we inoculate them against the delusion of faith in the real world. Push that video!!!

809. The Damned

Comment #36855 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 2:10 pm

Um ... "kaffir" thats an unusual handle ... any particular reason you're using it?

810. The Damned

Comment #36845 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 1:46 pm

This is the kind of thing we need to promote like mad. Everybody got on there, give the guy 5 stars and tell your friends. I'm off to canvas my youtube buddies.

811. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36839 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 1:34 pm

Most of my adult life I would have described myself as either agnostic or atheist.

Almost no one who has given the subject serious thought, and concluded that God is nonsense, could subsequently revert and become a christian. The number of genuine conversions of this type are in the single figures. This is a classic play to make yourself appear more "moderate", and "nuanced". Unluckily for you we've encountered this disengenous tack as well.

By Agnostic/Atheist you mean someone so lacking in curiosity that you'd never given the subject any serious thought, until middle age and approaching mortality reactivated the virus communicated in childhood. Think some more.

You're posts also have your "mentors" kiss of death. Long rambling, dull and turgid with too many quotes. Keep it focused, we all have lives.

812. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36818 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 12:21 pm

test

813. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36810 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 11:45 am

epeeist ... how do you do that HTML thing with the box? That looks fairly neat (not American "neat" just tidy), and weefree might see your response, and spare us his undifferentiated "stream of consciousness" posts. Everybody wins:-)

814. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36805 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 11:37 am

Possibly, but you have now given him a large stick with which to beat us.

Oh I don't think so. I'm personally very comfortable with that word when it's justified, you didn't use it, why should you be embarrased?

What about prick? Can we agree he's a prick? I mean thats practically incontrovertible surely?

815. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36799 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 11:09 am

56. Comment #36797 by john_eg on May 2, 2007 at 10:59 am

"One final thing you cheeky little religious cunt"

That is unnecessary, it really is better to make a point in a civil manner.

It's been tried. This guy really deserves it. Besides, someone like this is never going to change their mind, they are fully invested (and I don't mean that metaphorically) in the delusion, so why not have some fun?

816. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36790 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 10:19 am

I just wonder when this site decides that something is offensive and removes it?

I've no idea, but I certainly find almost everything that you post an offence to intelligence, good taste and most of all style. Yet they still let you post.

Take this ghastly tome you've most recently inflicted on us. A string of the familiar inept rebuttals with the original comments so poorly differentiated from your kack, that sometimes the only way to tell you've stopped dribbling is when the writing improves.

For God's sake, have a heart and use some fucking italics, or maybe some bolding. Hey, freak out and use both!!!

One final thing you cheeky little religious cunt, it's in poor taste, and downright ungentlemanly to point out another fellows typos and spelling errors. It's simply dreadful online etiquette. Particularly when your own "work" is far from perfect.

For example, is that really how you spell "obcession" ... ? See that it doesn't happen again:-)

817. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36763 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 8:08 am

Absolutely LOVE the flow chart. I am hanging it above my bed.

It is good isn't it:-) I'm glad this paid off in some meaningful way.

As regards conveying information into "devolved's" brain, it appears to have been a complete bust.

818. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #36754 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 7:28 am

52. Comment #36753 by Stuart Paul Wood on May 2, 2007 at 7:12 am

I agree with bouwe - I couldn't give a damn if he is drunk. He'd still thrash a theist in debate even if he was legless. Good old Hitch.

Really. I was impressed, at one point Jon Stuart (who I am generally very fond of) was congratulating himself on some snappy comeback and Hitchens simply slurred "Actually, I thought it was rather a low blow."

If you can survive Jons witty verbal pummeling, and land a few punches yourself, even while tanked ..... damn, that deserves respect. What a terrible pity he supported, and still supports, the Iraq war:-(

819. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36727 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 5:26 am

briancoughlanworldcitizen
Thank you for proving my point when you tell me that

So we agree the form of the verb "DO" means an act is occurring in the present. Wow. I really feel we are connecting here, in fact I can feel my boot connecting with your flabby creationist arse.

As for the rest of the drivel you spout, you can fuck right off. You're a moron, it's official.

820. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36720 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 5:00 am

And how do scientists do research on events 4 billions years ago. Are they supernatural? I would have thought that you can only do science in the present and potentially the future.

I am going to take a deep breath, and by a supreme effort of will assume this breathtakingingly inane question is posed in honest ignorance.

Here goes.

Yes you can only "do sceince" in the present (for that matter you can only "do" anything in the present), but many (arguably most) of the inputs to the sceince you are "doing" must come from the past. Weather results, previous experiments, videos from voyager of the jovian system of moons etc.

There is no discipline that I can think of that operates in the way you describe. By all means tells us if you can think of one.

Here is another little video to help you in your quest for knowledge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOJPprykkrI

821. When Seeing Is Disbelieving

Comment #36713 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 4:40 am

Perhaps a belief in evolution is an example of a psychological capacity that allows us to ignore what is right in front of our eyes.

Evolution is not a "belief" in the religious sense, rather it is a "belief" in the sense that I "beleive" the earth goes around the sun, or that gravity is what holds the solar system together.

I don't "know" this stuff like I know I'm sitting here at my laptop. However, generations of scientists, in an uncompromising academic cock fight to the death have done all the leg work for me. I take the "theory" of evolution on "faith" like I take "germ theory", or "gravitational theory" or "quantum theory" on "faith".

Sure I could investigate every element of this stuff myself, but why bother? I don't even need to trust the scientists involved, because their feet are being held to the (metaphorical) fire by their peers.

In religion of course it's a whole other ball game and the fire is all too real. You make an unsubstantiated claim (Jesus is God), shroud it in bullshit (begotten not made), kill/burn/torture anyone who disagrees (Blasphemers!!!) and "hey presto!" you've got yourself a "faith".

See the difference? If you are still having trouble grasping the critical difference, this chart should help.

http://a4.vox.com/6a00c2251d306b604a00cd9713fbf44cd5-pi

If you still don't get it, I'm afraid I'm going to have to call you names again ....

822. Now Muslims Get Their Own Laws In Britian

Comment #36700 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 2, 2007 at 3:28 am

I am gratified to see plenty of negative reactions to this article. It is extreme, sensationalist and borderline hysterical. Yet it drew me in for the first few lines:-(

33. Comment #36679 by aleprechaunist on May 2, 2007 at 2:03 am
aleprechaunist has it in one. This is a non event dressed up as "INVASION!!!!".

Many of you know that as a victim of religious indoctrination, I despise all religions and dogma. However these kind of articles are just as bad, in fact they are the same thing with the minor tweak that the dogma on offer is some variant of western/christocultural nationalism.

Guys. We must be constantly wary of our own capacity for self delusion.

Being an atheist/agnostic/freethinker does not "deliver" us from all the cognitive limitations that humans are subject to. At best we can hope to be more aware of them, and subject emotive reactions to that much more detached rational analysis.

No divine assistance here, we are on our own. BEWARE ... REALLY.

823. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36536 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 12:56 pm

Weefree ... you can fuck off to. Not just because we are not going to buy your bullshit, but because that post was a criminal assault. If tedium was an olympic sport, you'd be reigning world champion.

Please have mercy!!! For the love of God!!!

824. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36502 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 10:53 am

Did you bother to follow the link? Perhaps you might have tried reading it first and then you would not have posted your comment.

No. I didn't follow the link. Do you think you're the first moron thats trotted this theory out? That your comments are remotely original? That we haven't read about, and discussed this subject extensivley?

Hitler made constant appeals to God, providence and Christianity. He got the God fearing german people in harness to slaughter jews for reasons deeply rooted in religious divisions. Religion and totalitarianism are part of the same delusion, the one is NOT the antidote to the other. Reason is the solution to BOTH of them.

I get angry and impatient with self styled "subtle" little fuckers like you because you truly deserve a verbal arse kicking. You are a disingenous liar and a hypocrite, in perpetual violation of the precepts of your own doomsday cult as regards telling the truth.

Now fuck off, or come up with something original.

825. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36491 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 10:23 am

The notion that Hitler was a Christian is obscene. Baynes was wrong and there are plenty of sources to show that. I know many people who have no faith in God, some very close, lifelong friends. I do not doubt that they have strong morals.

You guys crack me up. Jefferson references providence and he's a born again Evangelical literalist, who wanted Jesus central to the US constitution. Hitler references providence and he's an atheist, and thats why he killed people.

You're either dumb or disingenous, and possibly both.

826. The God Delusion

Comment #36487 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 10:14 am

Is expressly dealt with in the book. Dawkin's use of the saw blade, with its peaks and valleys, as a metaphor for the progression of morality, directly deals with this idea that there is some--very much inevitable--regression in the progress of morality.

What I think we are seeing is application of "The Golden Rule" in ever widening circles of inclusion. When we have global law equally binding on every human on the planet, we'll be there.

827. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36421 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 4:49 am

9. Comment #36335 by devolved on May 1, 2007 at 12:39 am

One of the strands already emerging from the book is that 'religious people' are in some sense less intelligent.

I think this is fairly uncontroversial. As a group, religious people are on average typically less intelligent, informed and materially well off. Some religious people are very intelligent, and some are incredibly dense just like with atheists, but atheists have the edge in the average.

In addition atheist societies (insofar as they are democratic) have better health and social indicators than religious societies. There are several well regarded studies that show this.

My parents lived through the horrors of pre-war Germany and WW2 and the outworking of atheistic ideas of making the world better by eliminating the weaker.

Hopefully my Dogma video will straighten you out on this score. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmsis-motuY

828. The God Delusion

Comment #36417 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 4:39 am

At the risk of annoying the more widely read here, can someone point me to material that does more directly address this question? I'd like to check it out.

Personally I think Ann Rand makes a fairly compelling case, certainly a more coherent case than any religious moral codes.

The truth is this is a tough question, and it isn't readily answered. However, don't let the theists get away with the implication they have an answer, they don't!!! You simply need to politely ask what this "Objective Standard" is, in detail. Thats where it breaks down, because these people have trouble agreeing on the right colour for hymn books, let alone an overarching set of agreed rules.

I got so sick of hearing the same tripe, I prepared a video on it, which I point them to now as soon as it comes up. Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elEYKpo7kFk

829. The God Delusion

Comment #36415 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on May 1, 2007 at 4:29 am

You mean replacing one second rate holy book by a whole set of second rate holy books?

Actually he doesn't even mean that. More like whatever narrow parochial interpretation of some bits of the Bible some local "authority" has communicated.

Theists do bang on about the absolute standard, when you fellows actually agree on what that might be, do let us know. In the meantime, enjoy a little homily on the "perfect moral standard".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elEYKpo7kFk

830. Are You There, God? It's Me, Hitchens

Comment #36318 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 30, 2007 at 11:03 pm

10. Comment #36309 by waxwings on April 30, 2007 at 10:20 pm

Man, I like Hitchens, but he's been drinking that right wing kool aid and he sounds almost as detached from reality as a creationist when he discusses Iraq.

I think thats pretty harsh. In this interview he said it was a basketcase, and that regardless of how it had been approached it would have been catastrophic.

I don't agree with him that it was the right thing (or even sane) to do, but at least he's not gilding the lily, or claiming "it's all going to be fine with the surge", like the Bush telegraph.

831. Why the Gods Are Not Winning

Comment #36314 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 30, 2007 at 10:48 pm

My own deconversion, activity on youtube and a general sense of desperation among my former Christian friends, leads me to the conclusion that the thrust of this article is spot on.

America becomes the pivotal piece in this metaphysical chess game. We need universal healthcare in america as desperatly as americans do!!! The sooner they get it, the sooner the apostasty can complete.

Great article.

832. Just 120 Trillion Miles From Home

Comment #36135 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 30, 2007 at 9:09 am

Squinky what a dreadful lack of imagination. I have two words for you : Space Elevator.

It's not going to happen in 20 years time, and we certainly need to be focusing on many other issues first. However, I'm confident it will happen eventually, I want it to happen.

Imagine if we are the only sentient species in the universe? It's crazy to keep all our eggs in one basket like this. One asteroid/rogue black hole/local supernova and it's hasta la vista baby. That shit happens, eventually.

Onward and upward!!! Never give up, never surrender!!!

833. Against All Gods, by A C Grayling

Comment #36128 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 30, 2007 at 8:50 am

24. Comment #36109 by Damien Trotter on April 30, 2007 at 7:56 am

Suffolk Blue, try and get your wife to read The Demon haunted World by Carl Sagan. It's very gentle, yet persuasive.

Great suggestion, better yet, get the COSMOS television series. Wonderful stuff, not attacking, just teaching you stuff with a great sense of wonder.

Sagans' pale blue dot is also wondrous, this is one of the most moving things I've ever seen. If you can get her to spend 4 minutes on something, make it this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p86BPM1GV8M

834. Against All Gods, by A C Grayling

Comment #36081 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 30, 2007 at 6:26 am

What we need is a video about the end of religion. Tag it onto something controversial on youtube and push it from here and elsewhere. Any ideas for subject material?

835. Pundit Christopher Hitchens picks a fight in book, 'God is Not Great'

Comment #35953 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 29, 2007 at 1:42 pm

The times they are a changin'. Hitchens speaks to an audience that hasn't heard from Dennett, Dawkins or Harris, and the "battle" is moving into a new and radical phase.

The guys below are planning to sue the arse off corporate religion for FALSE ADVERTISING!!!

http://www.earthsgreatestlawsuit.org/

What could be more just?

836. Mormonism: A Racket Becomes a Religion

Comment #35587 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 27, 2007 at 5:11 pm

Hi Guys, latest effort addressing the "lack of moral standard" of atheists. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elEYKpo7kFk

837. Sam's Flea!

Comment #35334 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 26, 2007 at 10:43 pm

310. Comment #35230 by The Burly Gates on April 26, 2007 at 4:18 pm

This is the video in question : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYqWTgwVx9k

838. Sam's Flea!

Comment #35198 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 26, 2007 at 2:39 pm

A reference to actual atheists murdering actual millions is an "inane observation" how, exactly?

My dear naive Burly, I can hear you hurl that question with an excited tremble in your voice, as if it were some killer comeback, rather than the tiresome pap we've heard a thousand times before.

The video, which I took some trouble preparing, and that should give you a clue as to how often this same turd of a question bobs to the top, explains it all. Watch it.

Fishpeddler has also covered the subject off pretty fully. Fishpeddler, funny "lick the butter comment":-) So terribly, terribly true.

839. Sam's Flea!

Comment #35175 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 26, 2007 at 1:36 pm

296. Comment #35172 by The Burly Gates on April 26, 2007 at 1:25 pm

Allow me to treat you to my dogma video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_z9WgV5jkQ

As you can see, these chaps belong squarely in your camp, not ours. Next inane observation?

840. Sam's Flea!

Comment #35168 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 26, 2007 at 1:03 pm

Golly .... busy thread.

"You weren't the RIGHT kind of Christian" or were not doing it PROPERLY, or you were not TRULY penitent, as if anyone who doesn't believe as they do aren't really human in some way.

You've summed up the nub of the problem here, and also why the objective standard is not simply nonsense, but dangerous nonsense.

Who is the abiter of the objective standard? How is it communicated, and by whom? The very concept of an objective standard is poisonous because it leaves no room for manouver or compromise, which leads as usual to bloodshed.

841. The Video: Bill O'Reilly Interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #35151 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 26, 2007 at 11:14 am

Got it..... So what you are saying is…… success in getting oneself out of poverty does not require responsibility and ambition / drive.


I was going to respond to this inane post, when I suddenly thought, why bother? Everyone can see it's idiotic, and the poster is clearly beyond help. So screw it, it's not worth my time.

842. Bill O'Remix

Comment #35025 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 26, 2007 at 3:25 am

OHHHHH MY DOG!!! THIS IS GOOD STUFF PEOPLE. SIGN UP!!! http://www.earthsgreatestlawsuit.org/register.php

843. Fighting Words: A wartime lexicon

Comment #35009 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 25, 2007 at 11:39 pm

Phew!!! I've always been dubious about him because of his position of the Iraq war, but maybe he's the kind of guy who will be read by people that would never, ever read Dennett, Dawkins or Harris.

Go for it, Hitchens.

844. Study: Religion is Good for Kids

Comment #35007 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 25, 2007 at 11:27 pm

I never go to church, am a vocal atheist, do not spank my child, do not talk to her about religion, tell her that Santa is fun make-believe just like elves and fairies, and very rarely ever feel the need to "punish" her. Instead I've chosen the *crazy* method of loving support, respect, and mentoring.

My 12 year old is the same .... although I'm getting nervous about the teenage thing. A study that monitors behaviour, but asks the parents to provide substantial (on the behaviour side) seems suspect. Would maybe have been better if only teachers had commented?

845. Jesus 'Love-Bombs' You

Comment #35005 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 25, 2007 at 11:14 pm

Great article, really hits the nail on the head. My personaljourney bears many of the hallmarks of this kind of brainwashing.

What is truly deplorable, is the self directed nature of the enterprise. Evolving memes at work. Many in senior leadership are cynical, but 95% of church members are sincere. Victims, duped into giving time, money and effort to enrich some manipulative minister. Appalling.

The non converts among you may find this instructive. I'm working on a series (just me talking really) on my gradual path from belief to unbelief.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE69fI53C0w

846. The God disunion: there is a place for faith in science, insists Winston

Comment #34769 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 25, 2007 at 7:14 am

Lord Winston condemned Prof Dawkins for what he called his "patronising" and "insulting" attitude to religious faith, and argued that he and others like him were in danger of damaging the public's trust in science.

The publics trust in science is already under renewed, vigorous and well funded attack. Evolution, stem cell research, vaccines, climatology. By throwing their lot in with the religious right, the Republicans have unleashed a pandoras box of irrationality, where every halfwit who tells people what they want to hear is an "expert". Now this neural pathogen is on the loose, and spilling out into the rest of the world.

Nope, we need to keeping kick the living metaphorical shit out of this beast while it's still on it's knees, if it ever gets to its feet again ..... perish the thought.

847. Sam's Flea!

Comment #34561 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 24, 2007 at 1:51 pm

But doesn't it seem just a tad harsh to permit sin and then allow your own son to be killed as atonement, when all this bloodletting could have been avoided if it had been done correctly right from the get go?

Well not killed exactly not in the classic "I can't ever go out drinking with my buddies again" dead. If the truth be told, Jesus didn't die for our sins, so much as have a really bad weekend for our sins.

Besides, if you can see the future, why do it? Oh yeah right it's a mystery, or maybe bullshit, and I'm tending towards the bullshit.

848. Sam's Flea!

Comment #34550 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 24, 2007 at 1:05 pm

Are you f***ing kidding me? I think you can chalk this one up to vernacular and not an actual belief in supernatural entities known as deamons.

No actually, I really believe in demons. Oh yes. I see them sometimes .... on peoples shoulders .... they smile at me with their sharp, sharp teeth. I don't like it.

Brian, you obviously possess a Bible. My hope is that you will stop using it for the destruction of your own soul, but will start using it for your good.

Actually it makes my eyes water just to read this stuff. I'm pleased you don't directly deny that these people are enslaved, but I have to take issue with the "kind master" idea. This was a society that recommended stoning for picking up sticks on the sabbath, or musing something like "I wonder if Baal really is as bad as all that ... "

Nonetheless, you clearly felt the kind of slavery represented here was, "good" slavery. There is that tremendous "objective divine standard" at work again. Golly, I do wish I had one of those:-)

So you felt my scriptures where too easy going eh? Lets see what else we can dig up.

Genesis

17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

17:13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Now that seems pretty clear cut, right there in the first book of the Bible, money changing hands at any rate.

Hmmmm what else?



Exodus again
21:20 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.

21:21 Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.

21:26 And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.

21:27 And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

So it's okay to beat your slaves; even if they die you won't be punished, just as long as they survive a day or two after the beating (see verses 21:20-21). But avoid excessive damage to their eyes or teeth. Otherwise you may have to set them free. Damn liberals!!!

Please, do explain these little excerpts.

849. 'The Day They Kicked God out of the Schools' & Rebuttal

Comment #34546 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 24, 2007 at 12:43 pm

God < Keanu Reeves??? Sounds worthy of a lifetime of worship and dedication to me.

Now, that ... is blasphemy. True Blasphemy with a capital B.

850. Sam's Flea!

Comment #34471 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on April 24, 2007 at 7:05 am

I'm really struggling to see why this is this so hard to comprehend for some people?

It isn't, but all the talk about platonic super standards has a veneer of profundity which is distracting the first time you hear it. It's pointless naval gazing of course, and Fishpeddler totally nails it with this :

The implication of this question is that the theists' God-based morality can somehow prevent this

That is the implication, but its self evident bullshit. No humans anywhere, have ever derived any benefit from this carnard. So why discuss it? Just to obfuscate, that is the primary purpose of this kind of nonsense.