










51. Lying for Jesus?
Comment #192818 by Corylus on June 14, 2008 at 2:30 am
RtG
Can I tell you a story? When I was young I had an aunt who always used to buy everyone (particularly her husband) chocolates as presents. Nice, but not really want he would have wished for.
Now maybe it was habit, maybe she just didn't think much about what he really wanted. Maybe she just loved chocolates and knew that he would leave the open box hanging about for others (including her) to dip into in if they wished.
She liked eating chocolates you see and it made her feel good.
Only continued prayer has a chance. I really do feel sad for all of you. I pray and will continue to pray for all non-believers to be saved..Three mentions of
Comment #191860 by Corylus on June 12, 2008 at 2:36 am
Clearthinker/David Robertson
Rather than deal with the point of the story in context (I accept that this was too much to expect) some of the atheists got all moral (despite of course not having any absolute morality) and started claiming I was dishonest, a cheat, liar, murderer (therefore God does not exist) because I wrote a 'dud' cheque.Me
Where were you accused of being a murderer David?Clearthinker/David Robertson
Kindly supply a reference for this accusation.
Sarcasm? Irony? 'Hyberbole' is perhaps the most generous assessment that I could make concerning the above. However, I feel that a disgusting 'falsehood' would be more apposite description. (Look up both terms if you have to.)
Corylus...Look up sarcasm and irony and you will get the point. (Boy - its so hard dealing with all these literalist fundamentalists!)
does this mean that you want me to be banned again?That is Admin's decision: not mine.
53. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby
Comment #191850 by Corylus on June 12, 2008 at 1:55 am
I got a letter published in The Beano once. Quite a lengthy number, but is was so good that they didn't cut a word!
Arh... glory days.
Seriously, Paula gutsy letter. Head down tomorrow :-)
54. Debating creationism in Louisiana schools
Comment #191715 by Corylus on June 11, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Anyone else finding this video jerky with fluffy audio? (Sigh, probably just my awful connection).
If someone knows of an alternative link (youtube download) that would be great - thanks.
55. Debating creationism in Louisiana schools
Comment #191705 by Corylus on June 11, 2008 at 1:31 pm
You'll live Al.
I least I didn't accuse you off covering them up with bunny slippers.
But then that's a nasty vegetarian, hippy, left wing habit - hell, I should know!
*waves feet and watches the floppy ears fly*
:P
56. Debating creationism in Louisiana schools
Comment #191694 by Corylus on June 11, 2008 at 1:11 pm
richard_dawkins
Sigh, some of us do attempt to have sensible conversations on here.
I would pat you on the head and tell you that 'it isn't big and it isn't clever', unfortunately, your dated references and idiom demonstrate that you are older than me and there is thus no hope for further growth.
There is a critical period for shrugging off such idiotic behaviour and I'm afraid you are well past it.
*Trolled and waiting for admin to deal.*
57. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby
Comment #191488 by Corylus on June 11, 2008 at 3:49 am
Can I add to your Amazon bill?I'll do that too. Might I suggest both On Bullshit and On Truth by Harry Frankfurt.
58. Court Claim: Chimps Are People, Too
Comment #191306 by Corylus on June 10, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I am trying to catch up on the conversations here - and all I am seeing is some idiot cross-thread trolling.
I'm a easy going type, but I am becoming irritated.
59. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound
Comment #190775 by Corylus on June 9, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Al
I don't have paws =/Hmm, you say that, but from your picture it is impossible to tell.
60. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound
Comment #190761 by Corylus on June 9, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Oh dear.
*Puts head in paws and whimpers*.
----
To be fair the writer has a reasonable grasp of grammar and a fair vocabulary. This is someone (who could have excelled) deeply, deeply ,deeply let down his own teachers.
Trouble is, I can just see this being waved under some poor kids nose with someone saying in the background...
"See! Someone real smart don't agree with them atheists either."
... and round we go again.
Comment #190403 by Corylus on June 9, 2008 at 3:00 am
One of clearthinker's tactics is to get people worked up so he can quote what they say.Agreed.
Comment #190379 by Corylus on June 9, 2008 at 2:07 am
Clearthinker
Rather than deal with the point of the story in context (I accept that this was too much to expect) some of the atheists got all moral (despite of course not having any absolute morality) and started claiming I was dishonest, a cheat, liar, murderer (therefore God does not exist) because I wrote a 'dud' cheque.Where were you accused of being a murderer David?
(My emphasis)
63. Couple charged in Norway over genital mutilation of daughters
Comment #190093 by Corylus on June 8, 2008 at 11:13 am
Ayaan Hirsi Ali on the link between FGM and animistic religions:
The sewing together of the vaginal walls is not, strictly speaking, an Islamic custom. The Prophet Muhammad says in the Koran that boys should be circumcised, but no mention is made of female circumcision. The tradition of stitching is pre-Islamic but was adopted by Islam; you could compare it to what happened with the pre-Christian tradition of the Christmas tree in Christianity. Muslim scholars have never condemned the practice of female circumcision because in Islam the importance of virginity at marriage counts so heavily. When they came into contact with this tribal ritual they must have thought, Hey, wouldn't that be a good way to guarentee a woman's virginity? Excellent! Stitching is especially popular in African Islamic countries, such as Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan and Eygpt, and also in Indonesia.
The Caged Virgin
Comment #190006 by Corylus on June 8, 2008 at 6:16 am
Apewoman, I feel for you, I have in the past waded through such stuff. You are quite right, it is self-referential and self-defeating.
If you have to go through it (and write polite essays on it in order to pass a course) this book is invaluable. (I see you can pick it up used very cheap).
It, although broadly sympathetic to postmodernism, does actually give you a clear exposition of the central ideas of the 'usual suspects' and their forebears .
Also, most importantly, it allows to you follow 'schools of thought' - you can actually see where it all goes from honest questioning concerning past thinkers to relativistic drivel.
Comment #189911 by Corylus on June 7, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Wonderful article. I can't fault it: both literate and humane.
It demonstrates why the 'problem of evil' is the biggest hurdle of all for traditional theism; and why it will always remain so.
This is because, even if every individual in the world were suddenly able to stop needlessly causing pain, (for which the 'Well God gave us free will!' defence is always invoked) we would still have 'natural evil' to contend with (in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes etc.)
There is no-one out there to care for us. All we have is each other.
66. Male circumcision is a weapon in the sperm wars
Comment #189684 by Corylus on June 7, 2008 at 1:24 am
Shuggy
I have published an discussion of circumcision as a memeplex, that goes some way to explaining why it continues.Very interesting, also extremely clear with a great layout. Must have taken a huge amount of work to produce.
Comment #189160 by Corylus on June 5, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Pathfinder
...another saying I am in favour or concur with the idea of an interventionist God. Can i have some consistency here?No problem. I came to that conclusion because of your self-declaration as a "Christian."
Comment #189150 by Corylus on June 5, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Robotaholic,
I didn't entirely agree with Pathfinder either, but that was because I do not think that his/hers NOMA position is compatable with an interventionist christian God.
However, s/he is obviously trying to seek areas of agreement. Let's not flame people when they do this.
69. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce
Comment #189139 by Corylus on June 5, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hamsters?You sicko! Human/rodent sex. That's a step too far. Urgh!!
70. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce
Comment #189133 by Corylus on June 5, 2008 at 2:04 pm
There was no mention of ducks Prankster. Cats, cows and sheep. Yes.
(Plus I do vaguely recall mention of a chicken, but don't quote me).
But ducks? No.
*Quack.*
Comment #189127 by Corylus on June 5, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Teachers should have the right to teach what they believe is right, even if it runs counter to the scientific mainstream. It's hard to take issue with that in the abstract...Actually, it is very easy to take issue with this in the abstract and this is because of a lack of clarity about the word 'right'...
... what they believe is right....Now does this mean 'right' the sense of being 'correct'? (i.e. corresponding to reality) or does it imply 'right' as some form of moral injunction?
72. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce
Comment #188961 by Corylus on June 5, 2008 at 3:34 am
Appleby
Actually, no. Most don't bother and a few get some perverse pleasure out of letting you make an even bigger fool of yourself for all to see. As long as they remain silent, they can continue to derive this pleasure with impunity (because they could be wrong about you, after all).Bullshit. We constantly pull each other up if we think arguments are mistaken.
73. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce
Comment #187152 by Corylus on June 1, 2008 at 11:34 am
Sigh, I wasn't going to get sucked into this one. However, there is a possibility that I would like Appleby to consider.
I find male homosexuality disgusting because I'm a straight guy. I think that also answers why I don't find female homosexuality disgusting.No it doesn't explain it.
74. Scientists rally against creationist 'superstition'
Comment #186959 by Corylus on June 1, 2008 at 1:01 am
Professor Jones said religious students; even those studying medicine; were becoming increasingly vocal in their opposition to evolution, saying he was "telling lies and insulting people's religion" by teaching the subject.Don't blame him for getting annoyed. There was this fiasco at UCL recently.
75. Flea of the week
Comment #186246 by Corylus on May 30, 2008 at 2:36 am
The full Time article regarding Tony Blair can be read here
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1810020,00.html
P.S.Also, another, much more cheerful story (about someone rejoicing in the name of 'Nutter' taking on the boy scouts for anti-gay and atheist bias).
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1810449,00.html
76. Synthetic Copycat Of Living Cell Underway: Life, But Not As We Know It?
Comment #186238 by Corylus on May 30, 2008 at 2:22 am
A short article, but I am sure one that would not exist without a huge amount of work and study.
Congrats to all involved.
77. Car dealership advert tells atheists to 'shut up'
Comment #185805 by Corylus on May 28, 2008 at 3:55 pm
PJG
Peter Vardy is a creationist who has sponsored two or three "faith" academies here in the UK. He too is a used-car salesman.Not just Peter Vardy. Out of sheer curiosity I googled 'evangelical car dealers'; as a joke with myself and look what came up.
78. Town moves against Islamic school
Comment #184853 by Corylus on May 26, 2008 at 9:48 am
Esuther
Why, for example, is this Muslim community building a school so far away from Sydney, where all the students live?Good question. I have been wondering that myself. I can only presume that the land is cheaper.
79. Animal Science Without Evolution
Comment #184757 by Corylus on May 26, 2008 at 5:55 am
Well, I have been having an informative time reading the effusive Amazon reviews of Jeannie Fulbright's work (one way of immersing yourself in and understanding another mindset).
One particularly telling comment was found in a positive review on her Exploring Creation with Astronomy*
I've spent my life avoiding science, but this Apologia book brings the Creator right into the study and leads you to worship as you learn so that I've discovered that science is about HIM!These are books that can be purchased without feeling any sense of fear about what they may contain.
Comment #184751 by Corylus on May 26, 2008 at 5:36 am
Fairy nuff, Quetz, mustn't forget the principle of charity.
Anyway, glad to hear Hitchens has given up the cigarettes. Not just because of the image problems, but for his health too.
Comment #184742 by Corylus on May 26, 2008 at 5:12 am
"Repulsive but right" or "repulsive because he's right?"
It's a very thin line.
The first statement can be a starting point for discussion concerning techniques of debate and manners of expression.
The second, however, is a battle nobody can win. It is merely anti-intellectualism given form.
I am often not sure which point is being made in articles like this.
Comment #184466 by Corylus on May 25, 2008 at 11:53 am
I'm glad you put your comment back up Alan Canon.
Happy Towel Day to you too.
83. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks
Comment #184070 by Corylus on May 23, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Ah yes Quetz off to play on your blog now.
84. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks
Comment #184064 by Corylus on May 23, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Quetz
Arh. Dis cute!!
However, your spelling is too gud.
Tis 'fites' not 'fights'... srsly :P
85. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks
Comment #184054 by Corylus on May 23, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Wasn't going to get sucked into this one, but, I just have to say that Wiki is fine. I have not found a serious error yet. What you do sometimes find is a lack of detail. However, these articles are generally self-defined as 'stubs' - which is fair enough.
I have absolutely no problem with people citing it. In fact, I have noticed when people say 'aha but it is only Wiki' they are often only appealing to intellectual snobbery. The issue is not that people cite wiki; it is when they cite only wiki that you start to wonder.
Something that I have noticed the most people on here (very much including Al here), simply do not do.
Oh crap! Wanders off to shot self >yet again for sitting on fence.
What can I rail against?? I know Conservapedia ... I look at that when I am feeling sluggish and need to reignite some fire in my belly. Uncyclopedia? Hehe; that's just funny.
Errors with grammar and punctuation? Blah. Never play that card. I make too many errors with both to do so.
86. Lying for Jesus?
Comment #183172 by Corylus on May 21, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Well Calvaryguy I am not really concerned about who you are personally acquainted with.
However do, please, elucidate about what 'necessary research' was done.
Tell you what. Why not give us a particular point that you agreed with so that we can discuss it?
87. Lying for Jesus?
Comment #182312 by Corylus on May 19, 2008 at 4:37 pm
You are a bad man Goldy, but I spend enough of my pennies on my car.
Which I always drive with either my glasses on or lenses in (hmph these also cost me...)
Oh no, what's that big bird like shadow hanging over me!! *hides*
----
Ternatornis - only playing sweetie :-)
88. Lying for Jesus?
Comment #182306 by Corylus on May 19, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Goldy
I've also got a bit of astigmatism as well,on top of the myopia.
Heh - hindsight, foresight - it's all stuffed.
Honestly glad no bike :-)
89. Lying for Jesus?
Comment #182295 by Corylus on May 19, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Oh rats Dr. B. Get well soon.
(Tried to leave a message on your blog, but it's not playng for some reason - probably my dreadful connection)
Re motorcycles, I once had a desire for one in my teens which caused parental panic like you wouldn't believe. With hindsight, I'm glad they stopped me.
Incidently, why not send your husband off for a thorough eye test? Might distract him long enought to rethink, and if not, at least you know he is seeing ok to ride the thing.
I spent a lot of my adolescence with undiagnosed myopia, I guess I just assumed everyone else lived in a blur (you don't notice when it comes on gradually) yet another good reason for no bike...
90. These dim-wits believe in anything but God
Comment #181825 by Corylus on May 18, 2008 at 10:23 am
Quetz
What makes everyone so sure that it's the same David Robertson as he who frequents this site?You're right Quetz, we shouldn't just assume and it is a common name.
91. These dim-wits believe in anything but God
Comment #181728 by Corylus on May 18, 2008 at 4:43 am
MMurray
It's the UK so there isn't any separation of church and state.Yeah, I know, I live there.
92. These dim-wits believe in anything but God
Comment #181460 by Corylus on May 17, 2008 at 8:55 am
Sigh.
This is about children being able to opt out of collective worship, not only education.
See the press release from the National Secular Society on this subject.
http://www.secularism.org.uk/legalactionthreatenedoverreligio.html
I can't be bothered to examine what a bunch of dim-witted MPs can possibly mean in this context by under-16s "of sufficient maturity, intelligence and understanding".Can't be bothered to read a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Human Rights have to say??!
93. Pelosi, Reid shunning Ten Commandments?
Comment #181361 by Corylus on May 17, 2008 at 3:24 am
I agree that it is noticeable that these good Christians never seem to remember their own injunctions, heh, maybe they should use mnemonics more.
I good one I saw recently....
One idle damn Sunday, Dad killed cheating thief and lied to cover it.This breaks down to....
94. Group finds Starbucks logo too hot to handle
Comment #180904 by Corylus on May 16, 2008 at 4:00 am
Hmm.
So we have someone setting up a group called 'The Resistance' and then going up against a huge company...I'm smelling a martyr complex here.
"Infamy, infamy.... they've all got it in for me."
95. The Dissent Of Darwin - The World Of Richard Dawkins
Comment #180723 by Corylus on May 15, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Cartomancer
Are we going to have to have a violent schism now and start killing each other?Nah, darling.
96. The Dissent Of Darwin - The World Of Richard Dawkins
Comment #180711 by Corylus on May 15, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Comment, no 180678 by Cartomancer
*Sniggers* :-)
----
There you go Dodger, dissent on a fundamentalist atheist message board.
I will leave it up to you to decide what to call out in the middle of the night, and in whose hearing.
97. The Dissent Of Darwin - The World Of Richard Dawkins
Comment #180667 by Corylus on May 15, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Best of luck Artful.
BTW - I reserve the right to dislike you intensely if you understand the articles straight away.
With philosophical works I like to...
1) First, read with no hope of understanding and then...
2) Have a sleep.
3) Second, read with a hope of understanding a little and then...
4) Have a swim.
5) Third, read with concentration and optimism and then...
6) Have a nice bath.
7) Fourth, read a dissenting view and then...
8) Have another sleep.
When I am very, very lucky I find that my subconscious has worked and I sit up in bed in the middle of the night calling out "Well, bugger me!!"*
If I am not lucky, well... *shrugs* at least I am clean and my complexion glows.
Take your time.
----
*Best to only do this when you are on your own.
Comment #180642 by Corylus on May 15, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I personally will read Richard Morgan's conversion story with interest when he posts it for all to see.
He need not be afraid that I will subject it to kneejerk ridicule - this is not my style - although I do reserve the right to tease a little :-)
However, I'm afraid to say that this statement
(I have re-opened PM access so if you do want to have further details, you can PM me.)Smacks to me of the 'Why not come to our Church and see for yourself, no pressure, honest." line.
And for those, who, behind intellectual brilliance hide a profound emotional anguish, especially.....*I am neither brilliant nor anguished. As I am sure you are glad to hear.
99. The Dissent Of Darwin - The World Of Richard Dawkins
Comment #180627 by Corylus on May 15, 2008 at 12:13 pm
When I'm asked questions like yours about testicles, the best strategy may be to refuse to answer. Because if you allow yourself to exercise your ingenuity in solving a particular question, then people come up with another one that you just can't think of an answer to.*Wonders to self just how many questions about testicles I would have to get asked in a public debate, before I could get that blase; or not collapse into giggles.*
100. Vatican: It's OK to believe in aliens
Comment #179960 by Corylus on May 14, 2008 at 3:17 am
Praise Quetz!!