Comments by Podaar

151. An Atheist Goes Undercover to Join the Flock of Mad Pastor John Hagee

Comment #176569 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 3:34 pm

MPhil,

Cool.

Ok take my comment about Joseph Ratzinger and replace the name with Thomas S. Monson.

I wonder about that too. :)

[edit] You'd need to replace the word Pope with Prophet too.

152. An Atheist Goes Undercover to Join the Flock of Mad Pastor John Hagee

Comment #176565 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 3:28 pm

12. Comment #176544 by Cartomancer

But it's the manipulators who I find hardest to understand. Can they really be so unscrupulous and unprincipled? Do they seriously believe their own nonsense?

I've wondered how Joseph Ratzinger felt and thought after becoming Pope and discovered there is no hot-line phone to a god. Did he have a mother Teresa moment? Did he just shrug and think, "Oh well, I've got to go along with it anyway. I'd look too stupid to go back now."

153. Shaw TV Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #176555 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Teratornis,

I look forward to your patient reply to the above. I don't have the intestinal fortitude to even approach it. The anger that you deplore is too close to the surface.

Good luck.

154. Shaw TV Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #176497 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 1:35 pm

143. Comment #176495 by Star Spangled Eagle

I think it's funny.

*raises hand*

Guilty!

155. Shaw TV Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #176496 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 1:32 pm

140. Comment #176492 by Teratornis

Such as the ridiculous left-wing chestnut that when an Islamic suicide bomber looks into the camera before his final mission and says "We love death more than our enemies love life!" that cannot really be why he's doing it.

This reminds me of the poster who recently lamented the FLDS women in Texas. She characterized them as victims of the FLDS men and couldn't understand why others felt the women were culpible in the rape of the young. It seemed her arguement was, "I can't conceive of letting my husband do such a thing, therefore those women wouldn't either."

The whole thinking critically and not projecting motivations onto others is hard. I've struggled with it myself at different times of my life.

We should discourage it whenever possible.

156. Shaw TV Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #176490 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 1:14 pm

133. Comment #176479 by Teratornis

Thank you! Well said, sir.

157. Life after Jehovah's Witnesses: website offers help to followers who lose their faith

Comment #176454 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 11:27 am

My opinion is there has been a little of both.

For example; Mormon theology can easily be seen as an 'accident' that had a side benefit (from Joe Smith's view) of providing extra control over followers. After Joe realised people would go to almost any length to provide for him if he kept playing prophet, the engineered controls started to filter in (i.e. weird underwear and such).

Larger religions have just had more time to refine the strangeness.

158. Life after Jehovah's Witnesses: website offers help to followers who lose their faith

Comment #176447 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 11:12 am

34. Comment #176445 by MPhil

... well engineered (not consciously so, but still)

I find this a very interesting statement. Rather than engineered, are you saying religious dogmas [edit] (methods?)[/edit] have evolved in a natural selection manner and only appear to be designed?

-- Gregg

159. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176433 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 10:11 am

1042. Comment #176430 by epeeist

Thanks epeeist. Damn, missed another one. At this rate I'll never pass the Atheist Entrance Exam.

Well, I'm off to study the idiots. BRB

160. Life after Jehovah's Witnesses: website offers help to followers who lose their faith

Comment #176431 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 10:08 am

25. Comment #176419 by ExJehovahsWitness

No apologies necessary, my friend. I enjoyed your post and find it inspirational. Thank you.

Prankster,

It's strikes me as odd reading from peoples experiences and what limited knowledge of JW I do have that people would subscribe or join such a "club" in the first place......curious.

I think it deserves research. If I ever heard of a scientific investigation into this question, I would personally donate.

161. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176421 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 9:51 am

epeeist,

Lets see if I'm learning...Dembski was the mathematician who tried to calculate the odds of human complexity by calculating backwards? His basic mistake was the assumption that life as we know it is a 'desired' end result?

*crosses fingers*

162. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176406 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:52 am

Al,

I was thinking Dare Devil as well.

163. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176404 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:48 am

Geoff,

Great analogy!

What would seeker need to measure his 'pride'? ;)

164. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176402 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:45 am

Quetz,

By association, China must in the trillions by now, eh?

165. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176398 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:38 am

Bonzai,

Jog down to the US, we (aperantly) have 300 billion people now. You should be able to find a partner who spends time on RD.net too.

The odds would be better.

166. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176394 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:30 am

996. Comment #176374 by Quetzalcoatl
I'm sorry I didn't notice your acknowledgement of my pitiful person before now, Your Immenseness.

I'm now less surprised that he has such difficulty with the age of the Universe.

Indeed!

167. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176391 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:25 am

rian-

These days, to get a response, you have to say it like Stein, "Seeker?"

"Seeker?"

I guess it's 'Seekers Day Off'.

168. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176383 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:12 am

Rev,

He is Sancho

Isn't it Sanchez?

169. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176381 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:11 am

998. Comment #176376 by seeker_of_truth

Come on. It was an honest (stupid) mistake. I'm sure you're embarrassed but there is no need to run off in a huff.

[edited for spelling]

170. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176370 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 8:01 am

990. Comment #176367 by seeker_of_truth

Uuuuh, I think you mean million. Yes?

171. Is religion a threat to rationality and science?

Comment #176363 by Podaar on May 7, 2008 at 7:53 am

Comment #176346 by MPhil

I hear you. I'm nearly ashamed to say it, but I've been enveloped in religious hysteria (I live in Salt Lake City) for so long that I don't really notice it...until I come here of course :)

Still, believing in the flood myth seems less harmful than the shit ASMarques is shoveling on other threads. Speaking of that, when I pronounce his moniker in my head it sounds like "Ass Marks". Anyone else?

-- Gregg

172. Dumb and Dumber: A discussion between Ben Stein and Glenn Beck

Comment #176033 by Podaar on May 6, 2008 at 12:01 pm

Comment #175555 by Diacanu

D,

Nearly perfect interpretation of Guff mythology. One tiny detail.

snoosh-splooshing

I believe the correct term is 'snoosh-spooging'.

173. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #174179 by Podaar on May 1, 2008 at 8:08 pm

MPhil, Styrer,

We all remember that day, that week, that month, in our own personal way. I remember drinking cheers to the families reunited while shedding tears of joy for what felt like the end. The end of tension and cold foreboding. It felt like the world opened up a little and let some warmth back.

The receptionist at my work was a German immigrant, Elke by name, we cried and hugged and she spent the morning telling us stories of growing up in Berlin and hunting mushrooms with her father in a forest when she was a little girl.

As moving as that time was for me, I must concede it pales in comparison to MPhil's.

174. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #174092 by Podaar on May 1, 2008 at 3:38 pm

Comment #174089 by Diacanu

I actually think progress is attainable. I understand yours and Falcons distain for where we're at--to a large extent I think it is accurate. My brother is a Forensic Accountant. You want to talk about jaded. You can't believe the filth of human greed he's had to wade through and it makes me sick to hear it.

I have 5 children and 3 grandchildren. I must believe in progress for their sake. I volunteer when I can, teach them as much as I can about civic responsibility in hopes they will improve the world for themselves and others.

Pollyanna in courderoy slacks. That's me I guess.

175. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #174080 by Podaar on May 1, 2008 at 3:02 pm

D,

It was his use of words and the characterization I was amused with; which I think is accurate even though I'm probably a leftist.

Well, I like latte anyway.[edit] and I wear Tommy Bahama clothes all the time. What does that tell you about me?[/edit]

176. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #174078 by Podaar on May 1, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Al got a resounding, "Yes" from me when he thusly spake.

These people are driven by jealousy, if they actually gave two shits and a fuck about poor people they would be working for a NGO in Africa, but instead they sit in Cafes reading Leftist online magazines, on their Macbooks, complaining over lattes about the evils of capitalism with their corderoy clad friends.

[American leftists are] passive aggressive against a proven system which they cannot conquer with their liberal arts degree.

Great stuff.

177. Open Letter to a victim of Ben Stein's lying propaganda

Comment #173755 by Podaar on May 1, 2008 at 8:11 am

Comment #173728 by al-rawandi

The brain damage inflicted by his Mormon uprbinging appears to be irreversible.

I agree and I've expressed my concern about this issue on this site before. I've been shouted down as dogmatic and being guilty of applying anecdotes universally.

Richard Morgan has described a 'god shaped hole' that I firmly believe was punched into his mind as a youth.

I could be wrong.

178. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173574 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:34 pm

Ok, kids. Heading out back for a smoke and then off to curl up with Mrs. Podaar.

Nighty.

179. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173568 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:30 pm

Spaten Pilsner is my favorite [edit]Deutsch beer[/edit].

180. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173566 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:28 pm

Yes; cocoa powder, chili powder, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, cinnamon, etc.

Rubbed into steak or pork ribs. Serve with black beans and Queso fresco. mmmmm.

181. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173560 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:24 pm

Brian,

I was just being a crude American. I don't know anyone who would clean their toilet with Fosters!

182. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173557 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Brian,

Let me guess, Fosters? :)

183. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173556 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:19 pm

Good night Dick! (I always wanted to say that)

I like a good scotch on the rocks too!

184. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173553 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Oh, crap.

I made a nice mole spice rub for barbeque last weekend. Do you like moles?

185. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173549 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:12 pm

Ha, recipe time, eh.

Try this 'beach comber'

1 part vodka
2 part coffee liquer (Kalua)
2 part vanilla ice cream
1 ripe bananna
1 part ice

Blend until smooth.

186. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173546 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Oh, and in case there is any confusion, I'm all for 'religious studies'. I think origins and the methods of religions are fascinating. As Prof. Dawkins points out, you can't appreciate a lot of literature without it.

187. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173544 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:03 pm

Comment #173542 by MPhil

:) Okay, I mispoke. Discourage is better wording for sure. Like I said before, I'm a little drunk. My son came by tonight and we had a few martinis.

188. Beware the Believers

Comment #173541 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Woah, thanks todd3091. That's definitely contrary to what I thought.

189. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173540 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 8:57 pm

Comment #173538 by Quine

Eloquent. I'm saving this post.

190. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173535 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Comment #173531 by DickDawkins

I was baptized since I was a kid,

Hey, I was reading an excellent paper tonight that was in favor of society not allowing parents to do this to youngsters. It would have saved you a great deal of trouble, me thinks, if they would have encouraged you to wait until you were older.

191. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #173530 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 8:47 pm

MPhil,

PM for you.

[edit]oops, I see you already got it. Guess I'm a little drunk. Sorry. [/edit]

192. Bill Good Interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #173306 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 3:29 pm

Comment #173258 by Cartomancer

Thank you!!!

193. Girl, 17, killed in Iraq for loving a British soldier

Comment #173288 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Comment #173090 by Colwyn Abernathy

Colwyn,

If memory serves, the LDS women came out in droves against ERA. I don't remember their arguements against ERA (probably something stupid like 'god told me so') but I do remember it was instrumental in ERA's defeat.

194. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173236 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Comment #173229 by kaiserkriss

Regardless of socialist vs capitalist, the bottom line seems to be that it is always easier to spend other peoples money, be that governments with their systemic inefficiencies,[snip]

Government of the people. If government is inefficient and people are so worried about it, how come (in the US anyway) people can't even name their local politicians? Why are voter turn out statistics so low? Americans love to bitch but never want to do anything about it.[/rant]

Time to go and get my evening Martini.

195. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173226 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 2:22 pm

Comment #173218 by Bonzai

Why pay people more than they can bargain for?

My gut reaction to this was, 'Because it's morally reprehensible[edit]not to[edit]!' But then, I'm probably a Pollyanna.

196. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173195 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 1:51 pm

Comment #173193 by al-rawandi

Al,

Amen! That goes for all underprivileged populations, in my opinion.

[edit] No worries. I didn't take it personal...I'm too old to be offended by an internet post [/edit]

197. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173192 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 1:48 pm

Comment #173184 by annabanana

Anna,

My dear wife is a career administrator (PhD in public administration) and holds a high position in county government. This distain for public employees is nearly universal and quite depressing to me. Every day she fights the good fight for efficiency and responsibility to public recourses. Rarely is she appreciated for it.

198. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173177 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 1:34 pm

Cartomancer,

Al's spelling not mine. I didn't think it appropriate to change his post while quoting it. :)

199. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173171 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 1:27 pm

Comment #173168 by al-rawandi

...run by armchair bureaucrates.

I think this is an important distinction and should be emphasized. Most elected officials (especially at the local level) are not qualified to run government bureaucracies.[edit]Minimum qualification should be enacted and enforced[/edit]

200. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173167 by Podaar on April 30, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Anna & Mphil

This question of parenting is one that is close to my heart. For years I've thought an answer might be to teach parenting skills in Jr. High and High School. You should have seen the blank stares from PTA members when I suggested we lobby the School Board to fund research into possible curriculum. In a private conversation after the meeting, one parent expressed worry over having their children come home and critique their own parenting skills!

I think most parents are vain enough to not want 'experts' to tell them how to raise their children. I know I sure could have used some formal training before I had to learn the hard way. For example; when your child comes home with good grades, telling them they are hard workers and they could even perform better if they applied themselves more, is preferable to telling them they are smart.

-- Gregg