Comments by Tyler Durden

351. Tablet Ignites Debate on Messiah and Resurrection

Comment #205347 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 6:22 am

"Missing Tooth Ignites Debate on The Tooth Fairy and Breaking and Entering Charge."

That's even better :)

352. Harper says new mosque shows 'the true and benevolent face of Islam'

Comment #205343 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 6:13 am

The mosque cost nearly $15 million to build with $8 million coming from local Calgarians.

Sigh.

353. Evangelical grunts

Comment #205324 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 5:14 am

Hardly news considering their, ahem, "Commander in Chief" is an Evangelical Christian nutjob!

354. Tablet Ignites Debate on Messiah and Resurrection

Comment #205313 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 4:21 am

Comment #205176 by nacjho117

Brian, do you believe the Earth was undesigned? It was created and placed with such perfection and precision for life to be possible; you believe that to be the result of chaos?

nacjho117, do you know how our moon came into existence?

If your god "created" this planet, he/she/it did a half-ass lazy job if it. One example is plate tectonics. Why the need for seven plates that shift thus giving us earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, thereby endangering, and sometimes killing, thousands of people? Well?

Why didn't your god simply "create" a planet that was stable?

Do you know why we have seasons? Did your god "create" the Earth with this tilt built in?

And if planet Earth was "placed with such perfection and precision for life to be possible" as you claim, do you know what will happen in about 3 billion years time when our sun starts to run out of hydrogen fuel?

Game over planet Earth, game over man. Some design, some design!

355. When too much Rapture is barely enough

Comment #205295 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 3:12 am

Just as a matter of interest: since Jebus miraculously vanished, how many people have believed in this "second coming" only for it not to happen (quelle suprise!).

Millions? Billions?

How many Christians think it'll happen "in my lifetime" only for it not to happen, and yet the next generation think exactly the same thing.

Talk about cognitive dissonance on a grand scale.

356. Prayer refusal pupils 'disciplined'

Comment #205293 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 2:57 am

Comment #204682 by clearthinker

The bottom line is that no child should be forced to pray, or to any religious act, to a a god they either do not believe in. By definition such a forced act cannot be worship and is insulting to both the believers and those compelled to do something they do not believe in.

No child should be forced to pray, end of story. And yet the only reason children know of this concept is through their parents. Why not let children decide in their own sweet time?

But of course we know why - without the indoctrination of children, church numbers would fall dramatically. Imagine asking an 18-year old to believe some of the fairy tales we were told as children, and then sign-up to that religion for the rest of their lives.

Get 'em while they're young, eh David?

No child should be forced to have their foreskin removed, or be told they're going to hell for whatever reason. But it happens, every day, because of religion. Sigh!

357. When too much Rapture is barely enough

Comment #205277 by Tyler Durden on July 7, 2008 at 2:24 am

Comment #204675 by sent2null

This reminds me of an argument between two comic book fanboys, vehemently defending their positions over who is stronger the Hulk or Superman. Lots of hot air expended with the result of nothing gained for humanity.

Indeed. What a silly argument. Of course Superman is stronger :)

358. Christians challenge teaching of evolution

Comment #204513 by Tyler Durden on July 5, 2008 at 5:05 am

Focus on the Family's executive director Tim Sisarich said the material was intended to expose pupils to an alterative theory of cosmology.

Along with an alterative theory of gravity (angels), an alterative theory of repoduction (the stork), an alterative theory of relativity (goblins).

WARNING: Exposure to Tim Sisarich and his wacky ideas can be damaging to your mental health.

359. Group Asks for Divine Intervention to Ease Oil Prices

Comment #204509 by Tyler Durden on July 5, 2008 at 4:58 am

Comment #204306 by Mike O'Risal

I started praying to the ghost of Norman Fell to make it go up.

Nah, it was Joe Pesci that did it :-)

360. Group Asks for Divine Intervention to Ease Oil Prices

Comment #204156 by Tyler Durden on July 4, 2008 at 8:45 am

Perhaps these wackjobs need David "clearthinker" Robertson on their side - look what happened when he prayed for something!!!

361. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #204122 by Tyler Durden on July 4, 2008 at 7:44 am

Comment by txpiper:

I think the evidence supports a catastrophic flood.

And would you kindly present this "evidence" of yours.

I am biased in favor of the written account of the event

Biased? How very scientific.

btw, just out of interest, what language did you read this account in? Was it perhaps English? Or maybe in the original Greek, Hebrew or in ancient Aramaic? Somehow, I'm guessing the former!

but then I think that the prophecies that are recorded along with that record authenticate the book.

txpiper, I've no interest in what you think, only what you can prove. Why would your opinion ever matter here?

362. Evangelical Christians sign up to a 'Church within a Church'

Comment #203520 by Tyler Durden on July 3, 2008 at 4:21 am

Archbishop Peter Jensen, of the Sydney Diocese in Australia, told the meeting that sex was at the heart of the debate.

And could this be because he's not actually getting any??

363. Evangelical Christians sign up to a 'Church within a Church'

Comment #203507 by Tyler Durden on July 3, 2008 at 3:30 am

Brian: Excuse me. Are you the Confessing Fellowship of Anglicans?

Reg: Fuck off! We're the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans!

364. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #202975 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 7:36 am

Comment #202969 by al-rawandi

Most all of them cannot find New Jersey on a map.

Al, I actually think that's a good thing ;-)

365. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #202961 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 7:20 am

Robert O'Brien,

Why so angry?

366. Faith schools undermined by 'Government witch hunt'

Comment #202921 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 6:41 am

Al,

Thanks for the clarification :)

367. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #202889 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 5:37 am

Rust in peace?

I'll get me coat!

368. Faith schools undermined by 'Government witch hunt'

Comment #202879 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 5:27 am

There is no place for a non-Muslim child or a teacher in a Muslim school.

No wonder that 33% of British Muslims of working age have no qualifications and Muslims are also the least likely to have degrees or equivalent qualifications - they've no teachers in their schools!!!

369. Faith schools undermined by 'Government witch hunt'

Comment #202866 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 4:44 am

There is no place for a non-Muslim child or a teacher in a Muslim school.

Bigot.

As far as higher education is concerned, Muslim students can be educated with others.

So, once the children are indoctrinated, you're happy to let them live in the real world?

Let Muslim community educate its own children so that they can develop their own Islamic, cultural and linguistic identities and become usefull members of the British society rather than becoming a buden..

If you want the Muslim community to educate its own children why bother moving to Britain, why not stay in Pakistan?

(Edited for clarification)

370. Can't Darwin and God get along?

Comment #202845 by Tyler Durden on July 2, 2008 at 3:55 am

Lads,

I'm arachnophobic, can we please get off the subject of sp.. spi... you know, those things, and get back to the topic at hand :)

371. It can be right to discriminate against the religious

Comment #202315 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 9:38 am

You don't choose your race, sexuality, or gender.....But you do choose your religion.

Eh... don't most parents choose the religion for their children? Perhaps Johann Hari is referring to adults who decide one religion over another when the are old enough to decide?

Otherwise, an excellent article.

372. Richard Dawkins on Doctor Who

Comment #202313 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 9:31 am

d4m14n,

Good point, I accept evolution the same way I accept gravity. Anyone not open to accepting gravity is more than welcome to walk off the roof of a 10-storey building to prove their point...

And did clearmind/wooter once mention that he was a teacher??

Scary!

373. Richard Dawkins on Doctor Who

Comment #202304 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 9:10 am

Richard,

Welcome to the wonderful insane world of clearmind/wooter. We've been here so many times before :)

Unfortunately, we can all guess at the one, and only, book he has actually read...

374. Faith schools undermined by 'Government witch hunt'

Comment #202298 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 8:50 am

irate,

Perhaps fides needs to witness first-hand a march down the Garvaghy Road in Belfast by the Orange Order for their Drumcree march to understand.

Eight-year old kids throwing bricks while screaming vile hatred and abuse at each other - but that has nothing to do with the fact these kids were sent to Catholic schools, or Protestant schools, and somehow taught that they are "different" from other eight-year olds, yeah, probably something they picked up on Sesame Street!

(Do kids still watch Sesame Street?)

375. Faith schools undermined by 'Government witch hunt'

Comment #202276 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 7:44 am

fides,

In Ireland, 90% of primary schools are run by the Catholic Church, so your "Guess what schools achieve the highest science results year in, year out. Yes, those named after saints." comment is fallacious in this particular case. These are the only schools in some parts of Ireland, so of course stats like that can be used to make a point. Still doesn't make faith schools right, esp for young kids.

EDIT: Also see Comment #202265 by hungarianelephant

My education record:

Our Lady Immaculate Primary School: (aged 5-10): Top of my class, but not one of my teachers was a priest. The reason I went there (or more to the point, my parents sent me there) was because it was 2 mins walk from my house.

Christian Brothers College: (aged 11-16):
Average student, loved geography, just about survived getting hit in the head by the priests on daily basis. Not condusive to studying. Had some lay teachers for science etc. Had one brother who played Black Sabbath for us during free periods, so not all bad. Failed most of my final exams.

My Local Co-Ed Comprehensive College: (aged 17-19) Finally saw the light with regard to math, had a superb teacher. No violence whatsoever from teachers (isn't that just amazing?!?!?!?). Passed all exams. No priests.

Spending 5 years in a Christian Brothers college surrounded by priests, praying daily, with regular church service, and no girls, is not a place I'd be sending my son to get an education/view on the world.

If you want to indoctrinate your child, do it at home. School is for educating children, not indoctrinating them!!

Thoughts?

376. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #202238 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 5:25 am

8teist,

Cheers, but unfortunately I can't access Pharyngula here in work due to the blog nature of the site.

Thank crunchie I can access RD.net, what would I do all day? :)

377. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #202230 by Tyler Durden on July 1, 2008 at 4:44 am

Robert O'Brien,

Try reading "Informal Logic: A Handbook for Critical Argument" by Douglas Walton - then get back to me.

(The ontological argument for the existence of God, in this day and age, seriously??? *shakes head in complete disbelief*)

378. God hates Mars

Comment #199735 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 9:10 am

Comment #199727 by annabanana

unfortunately, I am now intolerant to apples. :(

Poor appples! Anna, and you seem like such a nice, open-minded person ;-)

An intolerance to apples, perhaps?

379. God hates Mars

Comment #199729 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 am

Scot,

Allow myself to introduce... myself :)

380. A War On Science

Comment #199716 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 8:33 am

rationalE,

Think of it terms of a courtroom, where you are on trial for first-degree murder, and the death penalty awaits if you are found guilty.

Would you prefer your lawyer to defend you with actual evidence (DNA samples, fingerprints, a paper-trail, an alibi, CCTV footage, etc.) to show you did not commit the cime.

Or would you prefer your lawyer to appeal to the jury that you couldn't possibly have committed the crime, and he knows this because he feels it deep inside, but has no evidence to back this up with.

The choice is yours...

381. A War On Science

Comment #199692 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 7:48 am

rationalE,

Welcome to RD.net

Do you have any actual evidence for this "higher power" you speak of?

(Oh, and warm, fuzzy feelings aren't evidence!)

382. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199674 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 7:18 am

Hungarian,

Gotta be Joe Mango's - it's where the gang still goes :)

383. God hates Mars

Comment #199637 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 5:46 am

Best advert for Dairy Milk chocolate, ever!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6570319520219619323&ei=J45jSNa6DJfYjQLk0IWQCA&hl=en

384. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199629 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 5:13 am

Comment #199615 by hungarianelephant

I think there must be some rule that you are not allowed into a club in Dublin while in possession of a vagina unless:
(1) your clothes are the size you want to be rather than the one you actually are;
(2) your shoes are higher than you can possibly walk in without looking ridiculous; and
(3) your face is painted so as to resemble either Chi-Chi the Panda or that bloke in the Tango adverts.

(4) your left hand is in possession of either a mobile phone or a cigarette;
(5) your right hand is carrying a handbag waaaay too small to be of any use whatsoever;
(6) you're surrounded by eight friends, all of whom have the same hairstyle!

385. God hates Mars

Comment #199610 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 4:18 am

"Only the crumbliest, flakiest chocolate, tastes like chocolate never tasted before. Cadbury's Flake, the crumbliest, flakiest milk chocolate in the world."

386. An Interview with Prof. Richard Dawkins

Comment #199592 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 3:37 am

I fully agree there are such people, though I am not sure that the popularity of pseudo science like homeopathy and UFO's can be blamed on them.

/Pedantic Grammar Hat On:

Should be: UFOs, as it's plural, not possessive.

There, I feel better now!

387. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199583 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 3:13 am

Comment #199190 by decius:

Come on, holding the door is a matter of common courtesy, not a political issue.

So why don't women hold the door for me? Maybe it's just Irish women? Or maybe it's me? :)

388. Band T-shirt draws charge

Comment #199565 by Tyler Durden on June 26, 2008 at 2:12 am

Comment #199366 by nalfeshnee

"When someone comes to the point of saying Jesus is the devil or Jesus is 'expletive', the Bible does say be very careful because you're on thin ice."

Oh really? Just to prove this isn't a load of bollocks, why doesn't said preacher find the exact lines in the Bible that say this.

I think The Simpsons ridicule religion as well as anyone:

Reverend Lovejoy: Get a divorce.
Helen Lovejoy: Mmm-hmm.
Marge: But isn't that a sin?
Reverend Lovejoy: Marge, just about everything's a sin.
[holds up a Bible]
Reverend Lovejoy: Y'ever sat down and read this thing? Technically we're not supposed to go to the bathroom.

(Lisa sits in Reverend Lovejoy's office, looking for advice)
Reverend Lovejoy (reading the Bible): And the Lord said, 'Whack ye all the serpents which crawl on their bellies and thy town shall be a beacon unto others.' So you see, Lisa, even God himself endorses Whacking Day.
Lisa: Let me see that
Reverend Lovejoy: No.

Ned Flanders: Why me, Lord? Where have I gone wrong? I've always been nice to people! I don't drink or dance or swear! I've even kept kosher just to be on the safe side! I've done everything the Bible says; even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff! What more could I do?"

Class :)

389. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199185 by Tyler Durden on June 25, 2008 at 9:36 am

What are they scared of?

eno,

the way I see it is that they are afraid of going against the dogma of their church/priest/elders, therefore risking the wrath of their god, therefore going to whatever version of hell they've been taught to fear.

Essentially, they are scared of thinking for themselves.

So. Very. Sad.

390. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199152 by Tyler Durden on June 25, 2008 at 8:46 am

Is same-sex marraige available in Las Vegas?

391. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199096 by Tyler Durden on June 25, 2008 at 7:21 am

Comment #199083 by Philip1978

(*Note to self* Calm down Philip, drink some Tea...)

Such a pity the Mormons don't, nice cup of tea might just do the trick!

392. Mormons urged to back ban on same-sex marriage

Comment #199073 by Tyler Durden on June 25, 2008 at 6:59 am

Opposing same-sex marriage were the Mormons, the California Catholic Conference, the National Association of Evangelicals and the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations.

Well, that's them off my Christmas card list :-)

393. Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex

Comment #198996 by Tyler Durden on June 25, 2008 at 1:54 am

My reply in today's Indo:

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/homosexuality-is-not-a-choice-1420764.html

Cartomancer, you're spot on 100%

Funny how Robinson labeled him a "Christian psychiatrist" as opposed to just a psychiatrist. As a student of psychology, will I be labeled an "atheist psychologist" in the future?

394. Saving Us from Darwin

Comment #198566 by Tyler Durden on June 24, 2008 at 9:02 am

** This Is An Automated Response - Please Do Not Reply To This Post **

Dear clearmind,

Thank you for your post. Nobody is here right now to answer you. Feel free leave a brief, but intelligent, message after the beep.

*beep*

395. Gay brains structured like those of the opposite sex

Comment #198531 by Tyler Durden on June 24, 2008 at 8:10 am

Steve,

We had an ignorant nutjob here in Ireland respond to Iris Robinson in today's Irish Independent newspaper, calling her comments "brave and enlightened":

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/hurrah-for-iris-robinson-1420388.html

Needless to say, I've replied :)

396. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #198156 by Tyler Durden on June 23, 2008 at 9:37 am

txpiper, of all the volumes of peer-reviewed scientific data you have had published (either in hardback, paperback or as a scientific journal), which one is your favourite? And where can I purchase it from? (I can't seem to find you on Amazon.com)

Many thanks, your #1 fan!!

397. The Flea Delusion

Comment #198040 by Tyler Durden on June 23, 2008 at 5:17 am

Comment #197939 by clearthinker: