









51. US school district sued over homophobic 'witch hunt'
Comment #234449 by Peacebeuponme on August 21, 2008 at 11:32 am
Many in the community support Davis and feel outsiders are forcing their beliefs on them.
We are a small, rural district in the Bible Belt with strong Christian beliefsThese are typical comments in this kind of case, and are wonderfully hypocritical. What about the female teacher in question - is she not also part of the community? Are the christians not forcing their beliefs on her?
52. Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley
Comment #234377 by Peacebeuponme on August 21, 2008 at 9:16 am
Tyler Durden
"The "Spirituality and Healing in Medicine" conference sponsored by Harvard Medical School in 1998 brought reports that 86 percent of Americans as a whole, 99 percent of family physicians, and 94 percent of HMO professionals believe that prayer, meditation, and other spiritual and religious practices exercise a major positive role within the healing process."It's actually been proved the other way. A double-blind test on group of patients showed that those who knew thery were being prayed for got worse than the ones who were not prayed for, or were paryed for without knowing!
Really? "a major positive role within the healing process." Prove it.
53. Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley
Comment #234367 by Peacebeuponme on August 21, 2008 at 9:04 am
Irate_Atheist
It's like deliberately playing the piano badly - but not too badly - for comedic effect.Are you suggesting isthatclear might be infested with the spirit of Les Dawson?
54. Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley
Comment #234356 by Peacebeuponme on August 21, 2008 at 8:47 am
Isn't Conservapedia just delightful:
Atheism and Mental and Physical Health
Comment #233826 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Stevezar - Is that just a coincidence that you have a similar name to Steve Zara. Would another tag be better?
56. Evangelically Serious Science
Comment #233809 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Your willingness to admit imperfection certainly distinguishes you from the crowd on this site.I think that statment is entirely wrong.
57. Evangelically Serious Science
Comment #233790 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Irate_Atheist
"What we're dealing with here, is a complete lack of respect for the law." - Justice T. Buford
Comment #233775 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 11:52 am
People who are now humanist heroes - Marie Stopes, for instance - were of the opinion that the gene pool needed cleaning (she stopped talking to her son when he married someone with glasses).What does introducing a fact like this add to the argument? Marie Stopes had some weird opinions about eugenics, so....
59. Q&A with Richard Dawkins after lecture at UC Berkeley
Comment #233710 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 10:01 am
Aztek
Keep it coming.wooter/clearmind/isthatclear has been posting and posting here for an inordinate length of time now. It has gone beyond a joke. We really want him to stop.
60. Sincerity no substitute for evidence
Comment #233696 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 9:36 am
Pythagoras
I found some of the comments dogmatic.I find that comment makes you sound like a theist.
I don't think it's rational to automatically dismiss all alternative therapies.Don't need to automatically dismisss them. When they are submitted to double-blind trials they don't work. Show us some evidence that they work and we'll go for it. This evidence needs to be a little stronger than this though:
I can't honestly say whether my treatment worked any better than a placebo would have
61. Sincerity no substitute for evidence
Comment #233693 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 9:29 am
J Mac
You can take your anecdotal "evidence" and shove it. Especially those of you who admit your anecdotes don't apply to anyone else - you say it applies for you, then you share it with other people. Fuck off, that's all I've got to say to that.It kind of like on talkshows. The host will talk to an expert in the audience who will give his/her opinion on something after years of research and epxerience, and then someone will pipe up with "I think you are wrong, because last year I...".
62. Sincerity no substitute for evidence
Comment #233688 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 9:20 am
I'd show this article to my wife, but it would start the "you're so close-minded" argument again.A most frustrating, but sadly common response. Ask her if she is open to your 2 2 = 5 theory.
Comment #233644 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 6:55 am
David Robertson
Now this is interesting.Can I ask then, how do you (or the church generally) define faith?Peace - another good question. Thanks. As in the OED above - trust in a person. Such faith is reasonable. The difference between faith and reason is that we do not claim to understand or know everything. Indeed everyone lives their life with a mixture of faith and reason.
Comment #233640 by Peacebeuponme on August 20, 2008 at 6:36 am
David Robertson
if Davies is such a convinced atheist why does he endorse Collins book 'the language of God'?Just picked this one up via Steve's comments. I must say, I'm surprised about this, if it's correct. The arguments put forward in defence of christianity by Francis Collins in that book are extremely poor (and in at least one case concerning the justification of the rape of his daughter, abhorrent). You have provided a better defence on the threads here and Collins' best stuff has been nicked from C. S. Lewis (and are easily dealt with).
65. The Most Hated Family in America
Comment #233331 by Peacebeuponme on August 19, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Diacanu
I don't think that I did that.You didn't. Sorry, my piece was not aimed directly at you, was just a general comment.
66. The Most Hated Family in America
Comment #233324 by Peacebeuponme on August 19, 2008 at 5:01 pm
My reason for posting was going to be how the amazing swimmer who has 14 golds to his name is called Michael Fred Phelps and how unfortunate that was, but I got sidetracked.
Cheers for the American who bigged up the GB medal haul also. Thanks. Were are enjoying some long awaited success, though a lot of british people still can't turn off the cynicism tap (which is probably why we normally do so bad).
67. The Most Hated Family in America
Comment #233322 by Peacebeuponme on August 19, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Diacanu
I saw the headline, and somehow instinctively knew it would be the Phelpses.I have a real problem with the media attention given to the phelps. They are extremely unusual, not a test case for religious in general, and not part of the real problem. They are just out there. A sideshow.
Comment #233199 by Peacebeuponme on August 19, 2008 at 9:52 am
bugaboo
If so would that mean he and his flock would have to see that type of faith as virtuous and so would have to respect the faith of other christian groups who use that definition of faith- catholics and transubstantiation for example?Yes, well. They all talk about respecting each others' faiths don't they? But if they define faith as being based on reason, they must actually find all other faiths to be unreasonable, and therefore not really worthy of respect.
Comment #233195 by Peacebeuponme on August 19, 2008 at 9:31 am
David Robertson
You didn't address my wider point, though I shouldn't complain given my dismissal of you earlier.Well, in that case, why call it faith at all? Surely the whole point of faith is that it has no need of evidence, or reason, but is rather a stong virtuous personal conviction, lauded precisely because it is uncynical, unsceptic and devoted?Yes - that is the definition in the atheist dictionary - according to RD. But it is not the position that Christians hold. Still why argue against what is being really said - when you can just make up an argument to argue against? At least then you will have some change of winning!
Comment #233188 by Peacebeuponme on August 19, 2008 at 9:15 am
Diacanu
Myself, I find the notion of "bad words", to be as childish and superstitious as religion itself.Indeed. I'm tired of people dismissing any swearing as low grade and cheap.
So you would be quite happy to see racist terms like 'nigger' being used on this website?We had a whole discussion on this a while back. The trouble with racist words like 'nigger', 'kike' or 'paki' is that there is little other use for them and so it would be shocking to see them used in an exchange.
Comment #232450 by Peacebeuponme on August 18, 2008 at 6:24 am
David Robertson
Our forum before was ruined by being taken over by people whose eccentricities, emotional anger and inability to express themselves made the whole thing deeply unedifying. Perhaps RD net should take note.In a similar way, Tianenmen Square is not being ruined for the populace by eccentric and emotional protesters.
Comment #232444 by Peacebeuponme on August 18, 2008 at 6:12 am
Steve
Sorry, but I guess I don't have the correct sense of humour either. But I'm not going to nag anyone if they aren't being offensive.Missed all this nonsense, but that seems a pretty sensible statement. There is no need to get overly grumpy about it all.
However, [whack] doesn't just work for me as an argument :)
Comment #232431 by Peacebeuponme on August 18, 2008 at 5:44 am
Diacanu
There seems little point in engaging with David Robertson. He really can't see the inconsistencies and absurdity of his position, and prefers to repeat the 'fundamentlist atheist' mantra ad nauseum rather than respond clearly to questions.One based on evidence, reason, logic, experience etc.Guess you're gonna keep it to yourself, eh?
74. Richard Dawkins Lecture at UC Berkeley
Comment #231915 by Peacebeuponme on August 17, 2008 at 10:06 am
I wish Richard hadn't done that bit 'challenging' god to intervene and settle matters. It's a bit cheap and unsophisticated.
75. The God Delusion
Comment #230088 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 8:47 am
decius
In my opinion, a new-comer, anywhere, is welcome as long as he or she doesn't presume to subvert all established etiquette at his or her whim. This is universally accepted as basic rule of thumb in all social contexts. In kkelly's case this has never happened. He started from day one to literally vomit all the worst (and trite, he isn't even original) internet sleaze and to attack people at random with venomous remarks that he calls "humour", without ever being provoked.I said something like this to him a while back here and http://www.richarddawkins.net/articleComments,2901,Sydney-brothels-say-Popes-visit-will-give-business-a-leg-up,AFP,page4#219730
76. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #230033 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 7:21 am
Tyler
Blasphemer!!! I'll get the stones...Make sure you don't get ones that are too big. Death by stoning must be done with stones not large enough to kill instantly.
77. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #230031 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 7:19 am
I'm just waiting until David Roberson appears and we can all have a reasonable discussion with himIrate you arsehole. I had to go to a meeting (these employers of mine really are bastards) and was going to post that when I got back.
You cannot say that Mohamed's decision to marry a young girl has to be judged by the standards of his time, and then demand that we follow his moral standards to the letter.I think that's a devastating argument for muslim theologians and muslims in general to deal with.
78. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229941 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 5:30 am
The whitepearl reminds me of something too. What was it? That's right another silly cunt who just woke up.Guys, do you reckon we could get them to mud-wrestle?
79. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229926 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 5:23 am
Darwin's Badger
Kate, it was post-modern misogyny, steeped in irony. Don't you worry your pretty little head about it.Fucking fantastic!
80. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229911 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 5:15 am
TWP
Whoohoo dude are you comparing me to BFKate?Just a bit of a joke
Cause we'll have a discussion..the three of us. You, me, bat. :)I quite like the sound of that. Perhaps I could use a paddle instead though?
81. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229883 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 4:45 am
thewhitepearl
Oh a battle of the words going on I see, guess I'll grab the popcorn this time.You disappoint me. I thought you were an 'alpha female' as well?
82. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229869 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 4:28 am
Kate
Sorry Peacebeuponme - The one to Logicel.Ok. Sorry, mine was not so much about you, but about Logicel being fair.
83. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229850 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 4:09 am
Kate - which of my comments are you referring to?
84. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229848 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 4:06 am
Logicel
Kate is an alpha female it seems. Good for her.I find this disappointing from you, Logicel. You spend a lot of time calling sexism on this site, which I agree with almost all the time. However, if Fanusi's and Kate's genders were switched I don't think you would defend Kate in this way.
85. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229842 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 4:00 am
Kate
My Dick and Ball comments were in response to being called a Militant man hating feminist and a bit of nasty sexual innuendo. Apologies if I have caused offense to you.No offense caused...
86. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229830 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 3:48 am
BFKate
To agree with me that Hari is a preening little egoist you'd need to do a lot of reading. It's my view. I can't do anything other than say that.Ok. I can accept that. If you have read extensively and have found plenty of disagreeable articles by Hari. I would have been genuinely interested in seeing some examples.
Hari has never once said anything thought provoking.On the basis of the articles he writes in the Indpendent, of which I have read many, I think that's extremely unfair. The example above is one such article. Watch how much this thread grows (even when discounting the squabbling posts).
My Mother died when I was three you cunt.And this is just pretty low. Fanusi used a pretty standard 'didn't your mother tell you how to behave' line. He cannot possibly have known your personal circumstances.
87. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229767 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 2:50 am
BFkate
No. I just dared express a view about Hari that isn't in line with his neo con groupies.Internet discussion rule #238: Whenever your view on a public individual is opposed by 3 or more people, group them together as 'followers' or 'groupies' of said person. This attacks their objectivty and avoids actually dealing with the issues they bring up.
88. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229764 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 2:46 am
BFKate
Thanks for telling me not to have an opinion. Silly bastard.I don't recall saying that. More an appeal for you to back up your position instead of just laying down unsubstantiated insults. I didn't ask you to stop posting.
89. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229759 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 2:38 am
BF Kate #229735
From his wikipedia page.Great quotes you have there Johan has stood up and called all of those on yor list for some pretty nasty, or at least controversial (and therefore worthy of strenuous rebuttal) comments. I don't see the problem.
90. We need to stop being such cowards about Islam
Comment #229754 by Peacebeuponme on August 14, 2008 at 2:33 am
You cannot say that Mohamed's decision to marry a young girl has to be judged by the standards of his time, and then demand that we follow his moral standards to the letter.What an excellent point.
91. Richard Dawkins replies to Libby Purves
Comment #227987 by Peacebeuponme on August 11, 2008 at 6:57 am
I've just worked out why I haven't been able to see the list of articles on the right hand side for the last few weeks. Apparently I had clicked on "Newer" next to "Top story".
Bit of a pointless function and annoying!
92. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #226376 by Peacebeuponme on August 8, 2008 at 3:01 am
ggg
feel free to criticise me, even as being sexist but thats why im writing it...i want peoples opinions on the matters and the quality of marking etc...Well, girls do outperform boys, generally. That's a fact. That shouldn't be slur on an individual boy though.
93. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #226355 by Peacebeuponme on August 8, 2008 at 2:18 am
TonyA
Yep, tits everywhereRichard Littlejohn and 'Gaunty' being prime examples.
94. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #226354 by Peacebeuponme on August 8, 2008 at 2:16 am
Quetz
I was joking (badly).Sorry! I wish I disn't need those damn smiley faces to guide me!
95. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #226352 by Peacebeuponme on August 8, 2008 at 2:14 am
Layla
I believe (correct me if I'm wrong, since I'm not British) he is referring to some of the more well-heeled, better-educated parts of London, which are grossly unrepresentative of the general population.You kind of have it. But its not just that its well-heeled and educated: he would have better chose Kensington or Park Lane of that was the case.
96. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #226341 by Peacebeuponme on August 8, 2008 at 1:59 am
Quetz
There's nothing wrong with celebrating achievement.Of course. But check out the Times and Telegraph on results day. Its not the successful boys or plain girls they concentrate on.
97. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #226328 by Peacebeuponme on August 8, 2008 at 1:53 am
Epeeist
no tits and a little less concentration on celebs.No tits of course, but A-level season does give them the opportunity to adorn their front page with smiling, young lovelies collecting their results.
98. Richard Dawkins, the naive professor
Comment #225835 by Peacebeuponme on August 7, 2008 at 12:22 pm
private conviction that there is nothing out there.What the FUCK do people mean when they say this?
99. Do they really think the earth is flat?
Comment #224331 by Peacebeuponme on August 4, 2008 at 1:22 pm
ggg
Eshto: never seen that commercial, (im both from the UK and my milkman was probably still in college) it's pretty darn awful though, even if the message might be worthy!From the UK, but still use the phrase "pretty darn awful"?!
100. Do they really think the earth is flat?
Comment #224311 by Peacebeuponme on August 4, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Apathy: WHY would we set up such a conspiracy, to what end or purpose would lying about the shape of the Earth serveSame is true for evolution. Creationists never seem to appreciate that.