Comments by LorienRyan

Comment #138058 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 8:34 pm

two this's one error

Comment #138052 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 8:18 pm

Ok, one more bit of posting fun...

Warning: can cause dizziness.

A textual paradox:

The statement below is false.

The statement above is true.

Have fun!

153. Fleabytes

Comment #138045 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 7:56 pm

Impossible to keep up with this thread!

Well, since the topic has been well and truly bled dry and I'm completely clueless as to what's going on right now, here's some interesting little facts...

You are reading this text right now.

You just read the above text.

Indisputable.

*being silly*

154. God, power and money

Comment #138032 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 7:01 pm

We give our taxes and charity to sick people then they give it to Benny Hinn.

155. Fleas on the Horizon: In Defense of God

Comment #138010 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 6:31 pm

We've heard all the ad hominems and seen the burning of the straw men by the fleas, is it too much to ask for some evidence?

It seems 'quantity not quality' is the motto for fleadom.

156. A natural phenomenon

Comment #137486 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 1:37 am

I'll never forget as a kid rushing to the tv with my brother, fighting for the best spot on the couch, in order to catch the next episode of Life on Earth.

157. Christopher Hitchens on Real Time with Bill Maher

Comment #137478 by LorienRyan on March 3, 2008 at 1:11 am

mmurray - thanks for the link.

Nice article. The Buddha himself would exhort his followers to observe the statutes and own it for themselves rather than relying on him. And upon his death reminded his followers that the essence of the Buddha is contained within the body of his work not within the man himself. He also reminded his followers that he will always be with them in the form of the statutes he laid down, which were also open to review. This is one reason I believe Buddha's version of reincarnation is a non-supernatural view, that is, we live on in the memories of others through the body of work we leave behind.

In this sense, I guess, Buddhism is in direct contrast to the monotheistic religions in that they encourage the worship of the 'man' or main hero/character of their religion. Christianity teaches that Jesus will do all the work of salvation on mankinds behalf while Buddha teaches his followers to seek out their own peace of mind.

As an atheist I can relate to much of the Buddhist way of thinking, although I am always suspicious of rituals, religious uniforms/attire and shrines.

158. Darwin's dangerous idea

Comment #137434 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 9:00 pm

pkruger,

You're right. Although it's use as raising the question is acceptable, and has been so for decades now.

Don't forget that meanings and relevance of words do change over time.

Time to take that metaphorical pill:)

159. The Giant Tortoise's Tale

Comment #137430 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 8:41 pm

Brian,

It's not surprising the site is called answersingenesis, that's all they want, whether or not they contain any truth is beside the point.

160. The Giant Tortoise's Tale

Comment #137424 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 8:31 pm

And since God has no mass He possesses jumpyness, tinglyness and naughtyness at an exponentionally accelerating rate.

161. The Giant Tortoise's Tale

Comment #137413 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 8:18 pm

Well, yes. Moral standards should be higher close to intense gravitational sources. According to my theory anyway.

I tend to agree with that. People do gravitate towards individual's who display a 'high' moral sense, or the appearance of it.

162. The Giant Tortoise's Tale

Comment #137405 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 8:01 pm

This means as "our" Cain hops to another universe, an alternate one appears to take his place.

Genesis Quantum Supersymmetry?

163. The Giant Tortoise's Tale

Comment #137398 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Steve,

Only problem with that is Cain's offspring would only exist in the alternate Eve's universe, so to populate our universe...

No doubt our current morality benefits from increasing divesity and separation from the 'icky' stuff, on the most part.

164. Christopher Hitchens on Real Time with Bill Maher

Comment #137379 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 6:38 pm

Have you read anything by Abraham Maslow? He postulated that the entire history of psychoanalysis is based on the study of aberrant personalities, and that the study of the healthy human is waiting to be written.

No, I haven't. I understood some of Spinoza's writing to be based around the idea of one philosophy that benefited the whole community.

Now that there is some good science being done on the subject hopefully we will see something like it. I'd like to think that many of the more peaceful religions have intuitively touched on facets of a healthy mind already.

EDIT: although with the backing of the universal 'language' of science the idea would gain a lot more credibility and 'punch.'

EDIT EDIT: I would'nt be suprised if a book like this was written by Sam Harris.

165. Christopher Hitchens on Real Time with Bill Maher

Comment #137370 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 6:05 pm

Does anyone else agree with me that we need a book similar to The End of Faith, The God Delusion and god is not Great ripping apart Buddhism?

Start writing. Although I think you would be hard pressed to paint Buddhism in the same light as the 'big three' monotheistic religions.

What would be good to see is a scientifically researched book into the nature of a truly human benefiting mindset. It seems to me that different scientific endeavours, eg., neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, are converging onto this type of theme.

166. Christopher Hitchens on Real Time with Bill Maher

Comment #137349 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 5:18 pm

That might be your interpretation, but you are mistaken. Please, look up the Buddha's views on rebirth.

Yes it is my interpretation, and I may well be wrong, but I like it:)

I am interested now to have another look into it. I do find Buddhism fasinating, but like anyone I pick 'n' choose.

167. Fleabytes

Comment #137341 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Well, we can because we know what really happened. Whether the people on his forum who are just dependent on his version of events can see through him so easily is doubtful, I think.

True. It's unfortunate when 'side taking' is based on such arbitrary affiliations and not a genuine inquiry into the nature of reality.

168. Christopher Hitchens on Real Time with Bill Maher

Comment #137335 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 5:03 pm

Hindu's are always so polite in debates and discussions. A good friend of mine and his brother are Hindus. They are always courteous and polite and a real joy to be around.

On the subject of Buddhism - I understood Siddhattha's version of reincarnation to mean one's action's in this life living on in the memory of future generations. No supernatural bones about it, so to speak. He also mentions that there will be many 'Buddhas to come' after him. I can think of a few great minds in history who's actions have influenced future generations. Darwin for one.

169. Fleabytes

Comment #137323 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Don't you just love it? What a master of the art of misrepresentation this man is.

Not really. Anyone with half a brain can see through his desperate attempt to save face.

170. Darwin's dangerous idea

Comment #137310 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 4:17 pm

The title Darwin's Dangerous Idea begs the question, 'dangerous? To who?'. Darwin's theory of natural selection has been the foundation of many advances in science, benefiting humanity. How can that be dangerous? Quite the opposite I would've thought.

Creationism, the theory of evolution's self appointed rival, has contributed nothing whatsoever to real physical science. The creationist/ID movement is just a propaganda machine and I can see why it's proponents don't want to be deprived of a paycheck, because of that little annoying and ever persistent nag - reality.

171. Christopher Hitchens on Real Time with Bill Maher

Comment #136993 by LorienRyan on March 2, 2008 at 5:19 am

I can't resist repeating this famous joke:

Wish you had.

172. Ayaan Hirsi Ali to get EU protection

Comment #136377 by LorienRyan on March 1, 2008 at 3:23 am

I would enjoy police protection if someone was trying to kill me, in all senses of the word. But then again, I'm not a high profile political activist fighting for human rights who makes for a very public and greatly symbolic target, amongst other things, to my would-be oppressors.

173. Fleabytes

Comment #135433 by LorienRyan on February 29, 2008 at 12:51 am

...but man needs to be free (because God loves him so) to choose, he needs the ultimate choice to redeem himself, by accepting Christ. That's all.

By that logic, man's only way to redeem himself is to reject Christ, therefore redeeming himself rather than accepting it vicariously.

Real, or important choices are better spent on survival and alliances rather than theologically incoherent ponderings.

174. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135415 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 11:41 pm

You have to wonder if this administration, any administration, uses these tactics.

Obsessive patriotism, pandering to the fundie christian majority, Oprah, Fox News... "what are we doing next week Brain?...", it makes Machiavelli look like an Italian pasta dish.

175. Fleabytes

Comment #135405 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 11:11 pm

I've totally been meaning to tell you this for awhile....that hero ninja from ninja scroll would totally drop Vampire Hunter D.
Like in two moves even.

Firstly, bullshit, Vamp D would kick his ass.

Secondly, Alucard would kick both their asses.

176. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135392 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 10:42 pm

I do believe a large percentage of the war in Iraq has to do with oil, and of course, control of oil prices. I think, on the humanitarian side, that Saddam should've been removed, as he was. As for bombing Iraq, well, al-qaida (and terrorists in general) is too small and evasive a group to just bomb 'n' leave, to many innocents would've been killed - a international relations nightmare. So, just considering those few points I tend to have a bit more sympathy for Bush's decisions. Not that I agree with it. It's a complex war. It's a tough question.

EDIT: I like Hitchens on this subject. Lastly, IMHO, being overrun by fanatical Muslims bent on world domination for Allah is almost enough justification for some sort of military pressure in that region. (will be ducking hate comments:))

177. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135381 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 10:28 pm

Again, I am not for this war. But war is not nice. I'd like to get the fuck out. I'm just saying, if you are going to go against everyone to have this chaos then freakin' do it. Don't pussy foot around and pretend you are in one.

I can understand your sentiment, if only life were that simple.

178. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135375 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 10:15 pm

Sorry, let predicted hate comments pour in...perhaps I will learn something.

Your too cute for hate, how about pity?

179. Fleabytes

Comment #135329 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 8:49 pm

What is sad is that David Robertson is so un-unique in his approach to his apologetics. By that I mean so dishonest.

The saddest part is these religious apologists seem incapable of being honest with themselves.

180. Fleabytes

Comment #135297 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 7:40 pm

Ah yes, but then Super Flea counteracts using his Theological Bedazzlement Destructo Beam Gun - leaving the victim caught in a mind numbing theological discussion with themselves...

181. Fleabytes

Comment #135284 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Super Flea...

He can dodge bullet points of rationality...

He can run faster than a greased eel on a slip 'n' slide...

He can leap vast chasms of faith in a single bound...

182. Earth's Final Sunset Predicted

Comment #135258 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 7:01 pm

Steve,

I will be making sure I pull my doona cover over my head at night now.

Maybe they should start the Andromeda 'duck 'n' cover' campaign soon.

183. Taking evidence seriously

Comment #135214 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 6:09 pm

but estimates range from £50m to £450m. Granted, that's a tiny fraction of the £92bn NHS budget, but it's still money that could give thousands of cancer patients provably effective therapies that are now denied for cost reasons.

My understanding of this type of policy is that it's more of a buffer measure for hypochondriacs and sufferers of minor mental health issues, which congest the health system. Not everyone can afford a good GP or psychiatrist, so alternative 'remedies' could actually be very cost effective, and in minor cases effective for the patient.

184. Earth's Final Sunset Predicted

Comment #135205 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Goodbye sweet world, will miss you... hold on... 7.6 billion years, lets party!

185. Fleabytes

Comment #135097 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 2:19 pm

1447. Comment #134744 by Quetzalcoatl

What Lorien was criticising you for was thinking that YOUR notions somehow provide greater evidence than those of the greatest scientific and philosophical thinkers.

That's exactly what I meant.

I have a feeling (or notion, hehe) that David is perfectly aware of this, but if he thinks too logically for too long about many of the obvious criticisms on this thread he is in danger of losing his faith. Hence all the slippery inanity.

186. Fleabytes

Comment #134726 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 6:25 am

clearthinker,

Surely there are enough 'holes', logical contradictions, lack of actual physical evidence, etc., regarding the bible to at least be a bit weary of whole heartedly believing that stuff? Even if you are well versed in apologetics, lets face it, words aren't really evidence for much, except for a tit-for-tat narcissistic (thanks Dr Benway) mind game. I am intrigued as to why intelligent people hold on to belief as if it were really true, I mean, why not just be a bit more prudent. At least hold the position that it might be true but the 'jury is still out', which it is. So why not just accept it, after all, the real only logical position is agnosticism. No-one really knows yet, but so many hastely rush for certainty when there really is none. Lets be honest with ourselves - we just don't know. And I am convinced that those who claim to really know are kidding themselves, maybe it's insecurity? Well, must sleep. Goodnight all.

187. Fleabytes

Comment #134702 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 5:55 am

mlearnedfriend,

I think they all fit into the three basic categories...

Atheists, theists and agnostics, respectively.

EDIT: And in light of RM's excellent post let me say, they all fit into the one category - people.

188. Fleabytes

Comment #134697 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 5:52 am

But frustrated are the peacemakers in the face of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

I have wondered if there are personality disorders specifically related to religious belief. Of course it would depend on the particular religion, but the three main mono-theistic religions must have enough basic similarities.

To be fair, everyone has a personality disorder to some degree or another.

189. Fleabytes

Comment #134681 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 5:12 am

Richard,

Two reasons...

1. Many atheists were once theists.
2. It's fun.

190. The Salamander's Tale

Comment #134671 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 4:59 am

A long message in well-preserved DNA (such as that for chromatin) saying something like "This organism is copyright Alpha Centauri Bioinformatics", to indicate design.

Don't give them (creationists) ideas. Next thing you know they'll be nano-stamping DNA.

191. Fleabytes

Comment #134665 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 4:48 am

Ok, it only takes a few posts at RD.net rationalizing the bible to realize how ridiculous it's contents are, so...

Maybe God just thought Mary was hot.

192. The Salamander's Tale

Comment #134652 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 4:32 am

The greater the disability (or handicap) of the creator, the more impressive the achievement.

Non-existence is some handicap - that is impressive.

193. The Salamander's Tale

Comment #134649 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 4:20 am

Hmm let's try another way of logic:

Isn't that cute, the wooter is pretending to be logical again. Look everybody, it's so sweet, enjoy it now while you can because they grow up fast. First you see their first steps then the next thing you know their all grown up. Ok wooter back in your cot:)

EDIT: Ok, that was gratuitous, but I don't think wooter is being entirely honest in his endeavour.

194. Fleabytes

Comment #134617 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 3:42 am

Correct. But he's also outside of time and space. He should be on stage in Vegas with skills like this :)

haha

Divine magic - now you see Him, now you don't... hold on, I didn't catch Him the first time...

195. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #134613 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 3:37 am

Indeed. It can be very vague indeed. We have seen some clear speciation events (especially in plants), but somehow this is never enough for creationists. Unless they see a fish instantly mutate into a cat, or something like that, they just wont accept speciation.

That sort of comment fills me with wonder and anticipation of the great science to come. The attitude of creationists seem so puerile towards genuine science. Their hankering for God is almost embarrassing, sometimes I just have to look away. Well, it's their loss.

196. Fleabytes

Comment #134602 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 3:20 am

Whereas in hell he'll be really, truly absent...

So God is not omnipresent. Bible logic is so full of holes I think I'd sooner rely on a block of swiss cheese.

197. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #134598 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 3:14 am

Certainly a proprtion of cancers, although an increasing number seem to be related to viral infections.

Viral infections, that interesting, must look into that.

But, as I said, just about all creationists accept mutations. They just don't accept that they result in new species.

There's a lot of room for arguing about definitions and semantics there - of course the creationists will be biased towards God. How would one define the moment of a species becoming another? If there is such a moment.

I'd imagine the transition would be defined in relation to a large amount of time - one of the main creationist stumbling blocks, impatient bunch those creation guys.

198. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #134591 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 3:01 am

Steve,

Is cancer a good example of 'perfect' copying of cells, just not the desired copying? So the process is indiscriminate. Which is a case against the creation mob.

199. Fleabytes

Comment #134578 by LorienRyan on February 28, 2008 at 2:35 am