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Comments by Quetzalcoatl


1001. Anti-Quran Film Fitna Pulled From Web Due to 'Threats'

Comment #153450 by Quetzalcoatl on April 1, 2008 at 1:33 pm

Anna-

I think your suggestions are a bit too broad. What can we do specifically to implement those suggestions?


You're right, they are a bit. Narrowing them a little:

Internally: build closer ties with the Muslim community. Encourage integration. Make it clear that we do not fight Islam, but Islamic terrorism. This might help prevent "persecution mentality". Recognise that multiculturalism within a country can be taken too far (this is for Britan, don't know how it relates to the US). Encourage diversity, but not at the expense of unity (if that makes sense). Encourage patriotism and a sense of pride in the country you live in. Encourage religious freedom and right to expression, and emphasise that all people, including atheists, have a voice.

If these seem a bit vague, they are. I'm writing them off the top of my head. But doing things like this will reduce the number of "home-growns" and encourage the nation to present a united front to external terrorism.

1002. Anti-Quran Film Fitna Pulled From Web Due to 'Threats'

Comment #153440 by Quetzalcoatl on April 1, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Kaeru-

Maybe. But what is the sane response to someone trying to instill panic? Preemptive panic?


Of course not. In fact, there is a danger that we become too paranoid, and do their work for them.

The sane response?

1) Face up to the fact that attacks are likely to happen, regardless of how many precautions we take.
2) Do not let fear of attack stop us from doing the right thing(a nebulous statement I know, but it's important).
3) Try to change the way the West is perceived in the Islamic world (harder to blow up those you don't hate).
4) Think more about the consequences of our actions abroad.
5) Internally, try to promote integration and cohesiveness. Emphasise our strengths when we work together. An integrated community is a braver community.

1003. Faith healing church parents charged over toddler's death

Comment #153429 by Quetzalcoatl on April 1, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Good. Now what about the parents who let their eleven year old daughter die?

1004. Anti-Quran Film Fitna Pulled From Web Due to 'Threats'

Comment #153421 by Quetzalcoatl on April 1, 2008 at 1:09 pm

Kaeru-

They would need a whole lot of willing bodies to make our streets and trains unsafe by any objective measure


You're right, they don't have the numbers. But their aim is to sow terror, to undermine governments, instill panic, and slaughter civilians. That they can do with ease.

1005. Vote on freedom of expression marks the end of Universal Human Rights

Comment #153200 by Quetzalcoatl on April 1, 2008 at 7:37 am

Steve-

I nominate Irate_Atheist and The Reverend Dark.

1006. Fleabytes

Comment #152777 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 2:31 pm

Paula-

It could be argued that he should concentrate on writing a better case for Christianity first


[sarcasm] I am shocked and appalled that you could say that. Have you not read his book? Look at that table next to you. If you wait a trillion years, do you really think that table will come to life? Of course not! Therefore God exists. And Jesus too.[/sarcasm]

1007. Fleabytes

Comment #152595 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:44 am

Steve-

Erm. I was talking about me


Oops. My mistake. Sorry about that.

Anna-

Of course, I might well be thrown out of the church for uncontrollable giggling


That isn't going to help Al-Rawandi's pride, you know. ;-)

1008. Fleabytes

Comment #152587 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:35 am

al-rawandi-

I want to give a sermon at the FCOS wearing a Tarzan loin cloth.


I'd be happy to attend then, since you didn't say JUST a loin cloth.

Steve to Anna:

Anyway, the train fare to Scotland would probably be rather expensive.


It certainly would be from America.

1009. Fleabytes

Comment #152576 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:20 am

Geoff-

As usual, David completely ignores the facts, despite both Paula (on here) and UHI explaining the format


What makes it worse, is that Paula has explained it numerous times on the FCOS forum as well, several times.

1010. Fleabytes

Comment #152562 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:13 am

Irate-

Where's Billy when you need him?


He's a regular commenter on my blog, so I can summon him quite easily. I'm sure he'd be keen to participate :-)

1011. Fleabytes

Comment #152559 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:10 am

Steve-

Quetz - sometimes you are just simply wonderful :)


Only sometimes? :(

Seriously, thanks!

1012. Fleabytes

Comment #152555 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:06 am

Steve-

personally, I think we should call for balance by having an atheist speak at every one of David Robertson's church services. If that didn't happen, it would be as if people were just going there to hear him give only ONE side of the debate. And that would be wrong, of course.

;-)

1013. My quest to get de-baptised

Comment #152547 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 8:02 am

Anna-

oh dear. You have fallen directly into his trap. Every time.

1014. Fleabytes

Comment #152529 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 7:44 am

Found this on the BBC News website, might be of interest to some:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7276863.stm

1015. My quest to get de-baptised

Comment #152522 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 7:38 am

First of all, is that even a practical solution to circumcision?


It's certainly not a pleasant one.

1016. Beware the Believers

Comment #152498 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 6:47 am

Steve-

you make a good point. Perish the thought. Of course, it's entirely possible that I was being ironic. I know, I know: it's so unlike me.

1017. My quest to get de-baptised

Comment #152444 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 3:20 am

I wasn't aware that being baptised was something that actually got recorded and used in official stats. Might be wrong though.

I think I was baptised, but I'm not so worried about getting de-baptised, since the whole thing clearly didn't work to begin with!

Lee-

try teaching your son some Latin as well. That should freak the vicar out quite nicely.

1018. Beware the Believers

Comment #152431 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 2:31 am

Steve-

don't forget, he gets a lot of e-mails and letters from various unnamed atheists who don't like Dawkins. Maybe one of them knows something about biology?

1019. Two More Fleas

Comment #152426 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 2:19 am

Clearmind-

Self entertaining is another way to deceive yourself


I thought "self entertaining" was supposed to be a sin?

1020. Beware the Believers

Comment #152422 by Quetzalcoatl on March 31, 2008 at 2:12 am

Steve-

Clearthinker is not a believer in ID. Therefore, it must be the latter. It's always good to know that common ground can be found between the atheists and the believers.

1021. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #152019 by Quetzalcoatl on March 30, 2008 at 3:04 am

Well, I have to depart now. I'll respond to Fides' replies this evening.

1022. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #152015 by Quetzalcoatl on March 30, 2008 at 2:58 am

Fides-

but weren't the parents simply doing what the Bible says would work, by praying for their child to be healed? Faith the size of a mustard seed, moving mountains and all that? If they were wrong, why is your interpretation of the purpose of prayer more valid than their's?

1023. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #152009 by Quetzalcoatl on March 30, 2008 at 2:43 am

Well firstly-

what's your opinion on the parent's actions? Do you think they were wrong, if so- why? What does this story say about the efficacy of prayer?

1024. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #152007 by Quetzalcoatl on March 30, 2008 at 2:33 am

Fides-

If you genuinely want a discussion, 'faith head' doesn't indicate a desire to engage in constructive dialogue


Why not respond to all the others then, if Hobbit's choice of words offends you?

1025. Fleabytes

Comment #151280 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 11:33 am

Rev Dark-

I'm sorry for your loss. And for the record, there was nothing even vaguely Robertson-like about it.

1026. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #151158 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 8:07 am

Epeeist-

I found that site a couple of days ago from a link on the WDH site. Check out this page-

http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org/?page=dreamsvisions

A nice excerpt from one of the "prophecies"-

The next thing I saw was what looked like black arrows being released by black demonic spirits. These black demons come upon these people in their social function--within the church. These black demons started attacking these people. These people started grabbing their heads as these demons attacked. They started going crazy. They could not handle the demonic pressures and forces of these demonic powers in the last days! I had the sense that there would be those that would say they were Christians, born again, yet would be committed to mental institutions. They would go in for psychiatric care because they could not cope with what was coming upon the earth


Rapture-ready and bat-shit crazy, every one of them.

EDIT- I question your definition of Ben Stein as a third-rate actor. That's too high.

1027. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #151145 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 7:44 am

They're by no means the only ones who think like this- check out the views of this preacher who has come out in defence of them.

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080328/WDH0101/803280742/1581/WDHnews

1028. Fleabytes

Comment #151125 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 7:24 am

_J_-

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'" - Genesis 2:16-17


Ah, I think this means that Adam would die that day! If God meant spiritual death, or death 900 years later, why not say so?

Stolen from here-

God's First Lie

1029. Fleabytes

Comment #151079 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 6:11 am

Clodhopper-

*Pocket Bible....WTF*


Keep it with you. You never know when nature might call and the nearest public toilet will be out of paper... :)

1030. Fleabytes

Comment #151038 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:56 am

Steve-

Well that kind of puts an end to theology


Never mind. I'm sure the theologians will be able to find new work, considering their large skill set.

1031. Fleabytes

Comment #151036 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:48 am

Steve-

If it is sinful, then he isn't perfect.
If it isn't sinful, then he is a hypocrite, which is sinful, so he isn't perfect


I'm going to try and get into a religious mindset...I can feel my brain cells dying.

Anyway. Perhaps God is not a hypocrite, since he is a higher being, and his ways are beyond ours. We are imperfect, and should not lie. But God is perfect. And being perfect means knowing when lieing is necessary. But since he does so to accomplish his plan, which is perfect, and everything he does is perfect, then he cannot be a hypocrite, since that is imperfect. It is just that we, with our limited minds, cannot comprehend it.

1032. Fleabytes

Comment #151031 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:40 am

Irate-

What do accountants use as a contraceptive?


Their personalities.

(Except me, ladies).

1033. Fleabytes

Comment #151028 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:36 am

But is it sinful for God to lie? What with him being perfect, and all.

1034. Fleabytes

Comment #151026 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:31 am

Doesn't that depend on whether you define "perfect" as being someone who doesn't lie? Being perfect and telling lies are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

1035. Fleabytes

Comment #151019 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:18 am

Steve-

So, you aren't an atheist?


I am. I don't believe I'm a god. I know it. I just don't believe in any other gods.

1036. Fleabytes

Comment #151018 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:14 am

Since the thread is quiet at the moment, this seems like an excellent opportunity to indulge in some shameless self-promotion:

http://musingsofastrangemind.blogspot.com/

1037. Fleabytes

Comment #151016 by Quetzalcoatl on March 28, 2008 at 3:12 am

But RD.net has a god. -Points at himself-

1038. Fleabytes

Comment #150899 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 2:31 pm

Anna-

Symbiotic with a large amount of parasitism as well. And a large portion of attempting to judiciously screw each other wherever possible. Not very biological, but hey, I'm an accountant.

Edit- yes, good analogy.

1039. Fleabytes

Comment #150886 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Anna-

I think that means that China could completely trash the US economy if it wanted to, by dumping their dollar reserves. Of course, crippling the dollar would also royally screw much of the rest of the world's economy, so they probably won't do that.

EDIT- I see al-rawandi has said much the same thing. Never mind. -Wanders off-

1040. Fleabytes

Comment #150727 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 10:20 am

Epeeist-

if wedding cakes are anti-aphrodisiac, what do Christmas puddings do?

1041. Fleabytes

Comment #150701 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 9:24 am

Anna-

Although, depending on what I had said in place of an ellipsis, it could have caused the imaginations to go soaring anyway. ;-)


Is this a bad time to mention that I've always been considered particularly imaginative?

1042. Fleabytes

Comment #150698 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 9:16 am

Anna-

Precisely why I ended that sentence with an ellipsis and did not continue on.


But that just left it open to everyone's imagination. Which, judging by the people who post here, may not have been the best idea.

1043. Fleabytes

Comment #150684 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 8:58 am

RichardMorgan-

welcome aboard! You're just in time!


So I see.

Anna-

Although, hitting me with a rolled up newspaper might not necessarily discourage my behavior...


You learn something new every day ;)

Off topic-

And I read it. I'll comment on your newest post on yours later on, hopefully.

1044. Fleabytes

Comment #150677 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 8:48 am

Bad Anna, Bad!

Where is my rolled up newspaper?


I feel like this thread may be about to wander off into what can only be described as a weird area.

1045. Fleabytes

Comment #150534 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 4:34 am

Irate-

I object to these odds! Why the hell are Zeus and Thor ahead of me? Which of them has ever posted on the Internet, thus confirming their existence? Neither of them.

And my book is far superior to whatever drivel they have.

1046. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #150501 by Quetzalcoatl on March 27, 2008 at 2:56 am

Update-

a transcript of the Aunt's 911 call. In the comments it says that the other children have been removed from the home and are being interviewed by Child Protective Services.

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/WDH0101/80326147/1981

1047. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #149908 by Quetzalcoatl on March 26, 2008 at 10:26 am

BrianL-

the article's from the Christian Post: hardly a beacon of tolerance for atheism and secularists.

1048. Happy Birthday, Richard Dawkins!

Comment #149860 by Quetzalcoatl on March 26, 2008 at 9:58 am

I'll just be traditional:

Happy Birthday, Richard Dawkins!

1049. Fleabytes

Comment #149818 by Quetzalcoatl on March 26, 2008 at 9:00 am

Annabanana-

probably best not to worry about it, then.

1050. Fleabytes

Comment #149808 by Quetzalcoatl on March 26, 2008 at 8:46 am

Annabanana-

leave that for the scholarly priests, ministers, pastors, etc.


Ah, but of which denomination?

Off topic-

left a comment on your blog.

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