201. Good Science Writers: Richard Dawkins

Comment #216427 by Tyler Durden on July 23, 2008 at 7:26 am

Richard,

Have you decided on a title for your latest book?

202. Islam subway ads cause stir in New York

Comment #216415 by Tyler Durden on July 23, 2008 at 6:48 am

Comment #216405 by Bonzai

Check this out: redneck Christian fundies converted to Islam because Jesus was a sissy.

From the YouTube clip: 6:30 "At this point I couldn't actually even conceive of not being Muslim. I think it's kinda like the idea of thinking about not breathing."

Try leaving the faith, you may get to experience just that!

203. The brain in love

Comment #215610 by Tyler Durden on July 22, 2008 at 7:38 am

Anna,

Welcome back!

Due to the recession, your $0.02 is now worthless, will require at least $0.10 from now on :)

204. Richard Dawkins on Al Jazeera English

Comment #215592 by Tyler Durden on July 22, 2008 at 7:00 am

Has clearmind/wooter/isthatclear now signed up as Kristopher?

205. Nine face stoning death in Iran

Comment #215072 by Tyler Durden on July 21, 2008 at 8:38 am

Rachel,

You're quite correct. Just because the male penis is erect does not automatically mean it's due to the male mind being "ready" for sex. Throughout the night while sleeping, blood is pumped into the penis to keep it in prime working order - this can often be mistaken for arousal upon waking, when in fact, it's simply a physiological/physical response.

Perhaps this is why it's possible to have sex while asleep:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_sex

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/03/020327072432.htm

206. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #214992 by Tyler Durden on July 21, 2008 at 6:55 am

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/01/evolution.islam

Comments by Adnan Oktar (AKA Harun Yahya):

But there is not a single piece of evidence on Earth showing that evolution ever happened.

Darwinists, on the other hand, are unable to point to a single fossil transitional form supporting evolution. That alone is enough to declare the collapse of the theory.

If evolution had taken place, then there should be millions of fossils showing that living things assumed their present forms on a stage-by-stage basis.

The first thing Darwinists need to explain is how life originally emerged.

It is impossible for that perfection to emerge through evolution and by random coincidences. No man-made sound or visual equipment has ever managed to match the sensitivity and achievements of the ear and eye.

This guy has no idea what Darwinian evolution by Naturual Selection is about. He's either extremely ignorant, or lying through his teeth for other means. I can't decide which is worse.

If this is the kind of "authority" creationists are using, all the better. People will see this for what it is - propaganda.

207. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #214946 by Tyler Durden on July 21, 2008 at 5:19 am

Comment #213725 by txpiper

I posted the article in response to your apparent confidence in the current prevailing theory. I don't believe the dates or the theory are correct.

Yet more Personal Incredulity, you seem to think that means something around here. I don't care what you believe, or what you don't believe - only what you can prove.

It would seem the only thing you have proven is that you take yourself (and your opinion) a lot more seriously than anyone here does. I've asked before in jest, perhaps you are a published author on such subjects of evolution, planetary science, or paleontology. Are you? If not, the hubris you show here is simply obnoxious, and beyond contempt.

For anyone not familiar with the list of ideas about the origins of the moon (and and you should be before you believe this nonsense), this is a pretty good overview:

"Studies of radiogenic elements and isotopes in lunar rocks reveal that the two bodies are roughly the same age, 4.5 billion years old."

"Add to that the understanding reached decades ago that the Pacific basin formed less than 70 million years ago and therefore could not possibly have spawned the moon, and the Darwin-Fisher model suddenly comes up short."

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tothemoon/origins2.html

Why do you keep posting articles that refute your "young Earth" opinion? Baffling.

the current theory is dampened by the presence of water on the moon.

No. You're using data from a new theory by Hauri and Saal to catagorically state that there is "water on the moon". By phrasing it that way, it would seem there are lakes on its surface, but there aren't.

"Many scientists have believed the Moon's polar ice, if there, originated from impacts of water-rich meteoroids and comets that struck the Moon's surface over its history. The new study suggests that some of this water could have come from lunar volcanic eruptions."

Note the "could have" in that sentence above. When it fits your viewpoint, you see it as cut 'n' dried FACT. Yet the evidence shows you to be wrong. Again, you seem to value your opinion higher than planetary scientists out there who actually research this.

And this very high opinion of yourself is shown where you answer Styrer's question: "Do you talk to your deity?" with this nugget of iron pyrite:

All the time. I require frequent laundering, so between that, recognizing what I should be grateful for, and petitioning for what I want, I am in frequent contact.

You actually believe the alleged creator of the known Universe listens to you and your petitions for what you "want". Incredible. You'd get on really well with all those individuals who think they're Napoleon!!

Perhaps you could entertain us all by showing just one example of this "petitioning" actually happening, and please, be sure this example could not be explained by any other means other than your invisible, imaginary friend in the sky.

208. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #213128 by Tyler Durden on July 18, 2008 at 7:41 am

LaceyAndy,

Is that it?

Is that your only contribution to the debate? If that's the best you've got, we've got nothing to worry about.

209. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #213090 by Tyler Durden on July 18, 2008 at 6:28 am

Comment #213079 by Steve Zara

Thanks Steve, coming from you, I certainly take that as a compliment.

What I also find interesting about the linkage of religion with OCD is both contain an element of fear.

The individual who suffers from OCD is so sure if any ritual is not completed to the letter, something "bad" will happen. The same applies to religion: "If you don't do X (get baptised, pray, go to confession, go to church) you will go to hell."

Of course religion takes it to another level, citing numerous examples of how you can go to hell if you actually do other activites (pre-marital sex, wearing condoms, abortion).

210. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #213060 by Tyler Durden on July 18, 2008 at 5:31 am

Comment #213053 by andylacey

Eugenics is the only thing that evolution has added to science

You obviously know nothing about Darwinian evolution by Natural Selection.

If you stick around, you may learn something. The question is, will you?

211. Bush Bureaucrats at Dept. of Health and Human Services Redefine Contraception as Abortion

Comment #213037 by Tyler Durden on July 18, 2008 at 3:42 am

Szkeptik,

WTF?!?!?!?!?

212. Researchers Discover Remnant of an Ancient 'RNA World'

Comment #213031 by Tyler Durden on July 18, 2008 at 3:28 am

*whoosh*

The sound of that article flying over the head of txpiper, and other YECs!

213. The Return of Religion

Comment #212774 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 3:53 pm

Oh, and for the record: Roger Scruton is a fucktard.

214. The Return of Religion

Comment #212771 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 3:50 pm

Al,

Your grandfather was Irish - put the Miller Lite down and pick up a real drink :)

215. The Return of Religion

Comment #212764 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 3:47 pm

Coco,

Welcome to RD.net

We have a slight problem here whenever theists come to visit, we ask them for evidence for their particular god, and before you can say "Hail Mary" - whoosh - they're outta here.

So, when you were a believer, what was the most convincing evidence for you that god (any god) actually existed?

216. The Return of Religion

Comment #212749 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Man, I leave this place for a few hours and everyone starts drinking... thanks for the invite!!! :)

And for the record, Guinness is the best alcoholic beverage on the planet. (Did somebody mention Heineken?? Please!) Anyone who disagrees can meet me in McDaid's bar, just off Grafton St, Dublin, to discuss the options...

Al, Miller lite?????? *shakes head*

217. Church Cancels Teen Gun Giveaway

Comment #212417 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 7:32 am

True. And to strengthen your point you never hear of any innocent bystanders being killed by some thug in the back seat of a Chevy opening up on a a crowd of people with a Louisville Slugger.

Who's to say all bystanders are actually innocent.

Perhaps one was on his/her way to rob a bank, or rob a drugstore, or commit murder but happens to get mowed down in a hail of bullets. One less crime commited.

218. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #212391 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 6:47 am

Hi Quine,

The question is, what is the best way to dissipate the dissonance? Is it always the same way, or will it shift from person to person and subject to subject? Is there a set of questions to ask? Should we probe into how the person feels about the folks who originally presented the belief system? What about asking how questioning the beliefs impacts the status of the person within his/her social or family group? I do not know the answers, but suspect that this is a great area for psychology students.

All great questions, and something I'll be looking into over the next few years. That is, if the powers that be, actually let me. Religion, in Ireland at least, is exempt from psychological testing.

Can we blame kids who group up to be txpiper, or should we blame the parents?

(The sad thing is, this whole superstitious racket could be left behind us in less than 100 years if only children were left to 18 or 21 to choose a religion of their choice (much like politics, drink, voting, sex, marraige, driving) as opposed to the religion of their parents.)

And why is this? It just is. Perhaps due to the conscience raising that Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennet, Harris et al are currently undertaking, it may change in the near future. I hope so, I'm looking to do my thesis on the psychological harm that religion has on human behaviour.

Take for example OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder):

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or "rituals") which attempt to neutralize the obsessions. Thus it is an anxiety disorder.

Obsessions are defined by:
1. Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress.
2. The thoughts, impulses, or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems.
3. The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses, or images, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.
4. The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses, or images are a product of his or her own mind, and are not based in reality.
5. The tendency to haggle over small details that the viewer is unable to fix or change in any way. This begins a mental pre-occupation with that which is inevitable.

Compulsions are defined by:
1. Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
2. The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent or are clearly excessive.

Sounds a lot like certain behaviours contained within religion to me:

- Praying.
- Repeating the rosary, stations of the cross.
- Going to church.
- Going to church every day.
- Talking to "god" during the day.
- Kissing rosary beads.
- Hoping "god" will make things better.
- Wearing "holy" water before leaving the house.
- Blessing oneself while passing a church.
- Pilgrimages.
- Baptism; Communion; Confirmation.
- Last rites.

From a psychological point of view, religion is actually exempt from this type of branding. You can have an anxiety disorder or personality disorder that we as atheists would see is directly caused by religion, but once again, religion gets a free pass.

So, patient X may wash their hands one hundred times a day, check the car door five times to ensure it's locked, flick a light-switch on/off seven times before leaving a room, avoid walking on cracks in the pavement, and repeat a certain mantra before crossing the road - and this is all classic OCD behaviour - and is treatable. But the religious person who partakes in the certain behaviours listed above does not actually suffer from OCD - they're just very religous!!!

219. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #212379 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 6:00 am

Joe,

Why does evil exist in the world?

Why does Allah allow this evil to happen?

Is Allah incapable of stopping evil in the world?

Is your god weak?

"Either Allah wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If Allah can abolish evil, and Allah really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?" - Epicurus, as quoted in 2000 Years of Disbelief.

220. The Return of Religion

Comment #212359 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 4:51 am

Comment #212354 by garywheron

Don't ask awkward questions.

221. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #212352 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 4:18 am

phatbat,

Now that's just not fair on the poor boy - at least an arse has a purpose. I'm not exactly sure what txpiper's purpose is, except to entertain us, and keep The Reverend Dark in top form!

222. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #212347 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 4:03 am

Comment by Tyler Durden:

txpiper, have you ever considered the possibility that you're wrong? If so, can you point to one example where you changed you mind on an issue?

txpiper replied:

Yeah, I was convinced for many years that the crucifixion happened on a Wednesday. A couple of years back I had to come to terms with the fact that it was Thursday.

txpiper, do you pay a daily rate to visit FantasyLand, or do you have a lifetime membership?

223. Church Cancels Teen Gun Giveaway

Comment #212332 by Tyler Durden on July 17, 2008 at 2:52 am

Still going? Anyway, religion... load of bollocks? Yes?

224. Church Cancels Teen Gun Giveaway

Comment #211718 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 9:10 am

Al,

Nah, the nice Palo Alto, right next to Stanford. Microsoft were paying, was an enjoyable 3-months.

Drove "over the tracks" to East Palo Alto once, and once was enough, thank you very much.

Strange dicotomy, but then, the same happens here in Dublin. Brand new high-rise apartments selling for $750,000 built next to "old" Dublin, where the locals would rather rob you than look at you.

225. Church Cancels Teen Gun Giveaway

Comment #211710 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 9:05 am

mordacious1,

The extra "g" in Gregg lets me get away with it.

Phew! :)

226. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #211706 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 9:01 am

Joe,

Why does evil exist in the world?

Why does Allah allow this evil to happen?

Is Allah incapable of stopping evil in the world?

Is your god weak?

227. Church Cancels Teen Gun Giveaway

Comment #211696 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 8:55 am

Al,

You like in Oakland? Man, no wonder you own a gun :-)

(I lived in Palo Alto for 3-months back in 2000, class!! Have only been to Oakland for the airport, could never get tickets to see the Raiders. Go 49ers!!!!)

228. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211665 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 8:25 am

He was supposedly the Son of Dog.

He "died" for approx 40 hours.

Then he allegedly fucked off back to Heaven to see his Dad.

Big. Fucking. Deal.

229. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211649 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 8:10 am

fides,

Even the "softened" version in Matthew 10:37 is contemptible:

"He who loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me."

But my Mother actually gave birth to me. And my father actually got her pregnant.

What has your Jesus done for me in my 38-years on this planet? Nada. Zip.

Have a look at this one for me, if I'm missing something, I really would like to know:

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. - Matthew 18:5-6

230. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211624 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 7:55 am

fides,

That's cherry-picking, no fair. Plus, you're rationalising because you're blinded by your faith. Take a step back...

I'd be very interested in how you would rationalise this one:

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. - Matthew 18:5-6

Seems straightforward to me:
1. whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me
2. it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck
3. and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

So, Jesus is saying that if anybody offends a child who happens to believe in him should be drowned.

Yes/No? Am I missing something in the translation/interpretation?

231. Church Cancels Teen Gun Giveaway

Comment #211577 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 7:22 am

Chris Rock said it best:

"Gun control? We need bullet control! I think every bullet should cost 5,000 dollars. Because if a bullet cost five thousand dollar, we wouldn't have any innocent bystanders. Everytime somebody got shot, you'd think - he must've done something!

Man, I would blow your fucking head off - if I could afford it. I'm gonna get me another job, I'm gonna start saving me some money, and you a dead man. You better hope I can't get no bullets on layaway."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFcVwDw4YLE

232. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211568 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 7:08 am

Hellooooo fides_et_ratio, paging fides_et_ratio, where are you?????

Has anyone seen fides_et_ratio around? He was here a moment ago, but then left quite suddenly.

How strange.

233. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211557 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 6:38 am

Comment #211553 by Philip1978

I will see if I can find these findings, I read about it a few weeks ago.

Sorry, Philip, I'm confused. Are you speaking literally or metaphorically? :)

234. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211533 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 5:47 am

Laurie,

So, a typical theist then?

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Albert Einstein

We do it every day here, we ask theists for evidence, proof, an explanation, questions - and we get nothing back - perhaps we're the ones who are insane :)

235. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211530 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 5:38 am

Irate, you're welcome :)

D'ya think fides will stick around and play? He has a habit of running away and hiding when the going gets tough.

236. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211520 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 5:27 am

Comment #211476 by fides_et_ratio

Jesus calls us to act with love at all times.

Really? Are you sure? Are you really sure? Perhaps you haven't read your bible:

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. - Luke 14:26

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. - Luke 12:51-53

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace but a sword. - Matthew 10:34

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. - Luke 12:47

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. - Matthew 18:5-6

So, fides, Jesus calls us to act with love at all times? Bit of hypocrite this Jesus character based on the quotes attributed to him. Right in line with most organised religions.

237. Lourdes fears priestly scandal will make profits dry up

Comment #211472 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 4:02 am

fides,

Are you honestly saying that the reason you are still off drink is to do with a prayer to Mary, and nothing to do with your hard work/willpower/AA/family/friends/sponsor?

238. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #211467 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 3:49 am

txpiper,

Once again, the evidence presented by The Reverend Dark (and many, many others) show you to be in the wrong. And not just in the wrong, buried up to your neck in it!

How do you keep the mental gymnastics of what can be shown by science to be true, compared with what you claim to be to be true - but only turns out to be your worthless opinion - constantly in motion?

As a student of psychology, I'd be interested to know if you've heard of Cognitive Dissonance?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_Dissonance

Have you ever considered the possibility that you're wrong? If so, can you point to one example where you changed you mind on an issue?

239. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211458 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 3:24 am

If it's good enough for the captain of the USS Enterprise, it's good enough for me.

240. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211455 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 3:15 am

Laurie,

Rest assured it's Twinings :)

241. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211452 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 3:09 am

elad-usa,

There's a guy called Joe Morralle over on the "Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya" thread that really needs your help.

242. MnIndy interview: Unrepentant science-heathen PZ Myers still intends to prove 'this cracker is nothing'

Comment #211446 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 3:02 am

It's Earl Grey or nothing!!!! I'm being dogmatic about this as I'm currently having a cup now - praise be to Quetz - and it's just lurvley.

243. Fury at funeral songs ban

Comment #211440 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 2:53 am

Comment #211428 by Creeping Jesus

I'm sorry if this appears bigoted or anything but I think clergy are parasitic scum who feed off people's vulnerability. I'd have them all prosecuted for fraud and put out of business if they couldn't prove they weren't telling lies.

But how do you really feel :-)

244. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #211417 by Tyler Durden on July 16, 2008 at 1:46 am

txpiper,

Perhaps you could answer the issues raised from my Comment #210982

If the article you posted on moon formation reckons water came from the Moon's interior and was delivered to the surface via volcanic eruptions over 3 billion years ago. Yet you claim the Earth to be approx 6,000 years old - why the discrepancy?

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/ci-mwd070708.php

245. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #210982 by Tyler Durden on July 15, 2008 at 10:41 am

Comment #193526 by txpiper on June 15, 2008 at 7:23 pm

I think the stronger arguments favor a young earth. But my reasons for adopting the YEC position some years back are more about a Biblical pattern of seven than they are dating methods.

Moon water discovered: Dampens Moon-formation theory

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/ci-mwd070708.php

"The new study suggests that the water came from the Moon's interior and was delivered to the surface via volcanic eruptions over 3 billion years ago."

Slight contradiction here. From the report you've posted here, it would seem they claim water came from the Moon's interior and was delivered to the surface via volcanic eruptions over 3 billion years ago.

But you've in favour of a "young" Earth. Did your god create the moon first, 3 billion years ago, sit around for a while drinking tea, then decide to create the Earth 6,000 years ago?

and now a prevailing theory is sagging worse than ever.

There you go again, txpiper, using your opinion as if it were scientific fact. Tut, tut, back in your box!!

246. Lourdes fears priestly scandal will make profits dry up

Comment #210956 by Tyler Durden on July 15, 2008 at 9:39 am

fides,

We've been here before.

My mother was an alcoholic (my father still is), trust me, I know what I'm talking about. It eventually killed her. Perhaps she didn't pray hard enough? Or maybe, just maybe, her liver gave out due to massive amounts of alcohol consumed over the years.

You haven't had a drink "in a long time", I understand how difficult that is, kudos, keep up the good work (I mean it) - but correlation does not mean causation, you're confusing two seperate events and hoping they are connected.

Are you honestly saying that the reason you are still off drink is to do with a prayer to Mary, and nothing to do with your hard work/willpower/AA/family/friends/sponsor?

Think about it. If prayers actually do nothing, and Mary is dead, all this hard work is yours. Yet you want to explain it all away on some superstitious nonsense.

247. Lourdes fears priestly scandal will make profits dry up

Comment #210935 by Tyler Durden on July 15, 2008 at 9:16 am

fides,

There's nothing "there" to charge for, so exacltly what would they be charging for?

And you're confusing altruism with some kind of religious "experience". Go ask a doctor, who doesn't believe in gods, working for Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres), a secular organisation, how he/she feels after saving somebody's life, they may feel exactly the same.

Warm. Fuzzy. Feelings. Do. Not. Prove. Your. God. Exists.

248. PLEASE WRITE IN SUPPORT OF PZ MYERS

Comment #210926 by Tyler Durden on July 15, 2008 at 9:06 am

phil,

The Catholic Church tell millions of kids worldwide "what to think", and get away with it. These kids then grow up to be txpiper, and the like etc.

We may not be the thought police, but we can shout "Bullshit" as loud as we want, whenever we want.

249. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #210916 by Tyler Durden on July 15, 2008 at 8:53 am

irate,

Goddidit, didn't you get the memo?

250. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #210910 by Tyler Durden on July 15, 2008 at 8:45 am

khanzee,

I'm surprised you mis-spelt surprised!!