Re:Off Topic

[rblair2]

say a prayer for everyone on the east coast that were in the path of sandy may god bless you all want a sad event

[Phx0808]

I already have and will continue to pray, but thanks or the reminder.

[falcon9]

say a prayer for everyone on the east coast that were in the path of sandy may god bless you all want a sad event

No, there is no evidence whatsoever that such superstitious 'magical intercessory rituals' have no instrinsic value or functionality.

[remediagirl]

I too have been praying for everyone over there. I have family members that live on the east coast too. So it touches close to home.

[falcon9]

I too have been praying for everyone over there. 

What's even more disingenuous about launching specious magical intercessory rituals at storms and 'storm g-ds' is not only do they have precisely the same effect as "wishing" upon a birthday candle, (that would be zero evidenced effect), but that the faith-blinded will falsely attribute unrelated effects to such "prayers".  The usual false attributions being either that the "prayers worked" and people were "protected" by them, (no evidence to support such an attribution exists but, that doesn't stop the faith-blinded), or that it was "g-d's will" to kill those people off, (another specious cover story for what is, evidently, a natural storm - not a capricious "g-d").  Such religious self-deception isn't beneficial to storm victims nor, to those steeped in it.

[jcribb16]

It's kind of sad and amusing, both, when people are speaking of praying for others, out of care and concern, that the same one (yes, you, falcon9, since I won't talk around you or behind your "back!!") keeps hovering and flying in and out and between most every comment, to add your thoughts/opinions/views in with theirs, while most usually being the only one (with the exception of occasional posters) to be the opposite of everyone else who are posting.

It's sad, on the one hand, because others mean well and really genuinely believe in the power of prayer - only to be "constantly nipped at on the ankles" for sharing about that.  Yet it's almost amusing, because it reminds me of a mosquito "buzzing" around someone, constantly, trying its best to get its bite in there.

I will give you credit - you are consistent in your thoughts and views; just as Christians are in theirs.  You are also very dependable in "being there" wherever and/or whenever a thread is, that is religious or hints of being religious; so Christians know to expect your company at any time. 

Our Constitution is rather wonderful in regards to freedom of religion and freedom of no religion.  We are very fortunate, both believers and dis-believers, and believers of other faiths, to have our Constitution protect our freedom like that.

Did you know in some countries, they are actually trying to change constitutions to add penalties or punishments for those groups, people, or otherwise, who make unfair remarks to others, including mocking, bashing remarks, inciting, provoking, harming, etc.?  And the thing is, it goes both ways - whether all of that is directed towards religious groups; or whether all of that is directed towards atheist groups or dis-believers. 

Many are protesting because they say it is prohibiting freedom of speech and expression; but they are supposed to understand that there is a major difference between speech and expression, compared to speech and expression garnered with hate, intolerance, and spite.

I would hate for anything like that to take place here in our great country.  Even though people and groups don't and won't ever agree with some things, there should be the decent and humane part of the same people and groups who can agree to disagree before things get ugly or mean.  And that includes the simplest of things, like believing in God or dis-believing there is any God, to the most hardest things, like social, moral, and political issues that cause such divide, as of late, between our political parties and our citizens.

Anyway, I did not intend to even write that.  It came to me as I was typing.  I mainly responded because I couldn't help but to see the sad and humorous parts of the posts going on in these religious or Bible threads. 

[falcon9]

It's kind of sad and amusing, both, when people are speaking of praying for others, out of care and concern, that the same one (yes, you, falcon9, since I won't talk around you or behind your "back!!") keeps hovering and flying in and out and between most every comment, to add your thoughts/opinions/views in with theirs, while most usually being the only one (with the exception of occasional posters) to be the opposite of everyone else who are posting.

It may be speciously "sad and amusing" to a xtian fundie however, my remarks regarded the ineffectiveness of such magical intercessory rituals when what people in such a storm's path need are shelter, medical attention, power restoration, food and water.  "Prayer" provides none of those things and that's been my point.

It's sad, on the one hand, because others mean well and really genuinely believe in the power of prayer - only to be "constantly nipped at on the ankles" for sharing about that.  Yet it's almost amusing, because it reminds me of a mosquito "buzzing" around someone, constantly, trying its best to get its bite in there.

Your attempts at being pseudo-condescending fail because it is those "ankle/mosquito-biting" remarks which reveal poor attempts to 'flame' rather than demonstrate any significant effects of such 'magical intercessory rituals', (whether those who believe in them believe they 'work'/falsely attribute effects, or not).

I will give you credit - you are consistent in your thoughts and views; just as Christians are in theirs.  You are also very dependable in "being there" wherever and/or whenever a thread is, that is religious or hints of being religious; so Christians know to expect your company at any time. 

Such religious superstitions ought to be opposed more often, lest they lead once again to atrocities like native/pagan assimulations, witch hunts, crusades, inquisitions and other religion-driven blood-soaked history.
 

Our Constitution is rather wonderful in regards to freedom of religion and freedom of no religion.  We are very fortunate, both believers and dis-believers, and believers of other faiths, to have our Constitution protect our freedom like that.

Did you know in some countries, they are actually trying to change constitutions to add penalties or punishments for those groups, people, or otherwise, who make unfair remarks to others, including mocking, bashing remarks, inciting, provoking, harming, etc.?  And the thing is, it goes both ways - whether all of that is directed towards religious groups; or whether all of that is directed towards atheist groups or dis-believers. 

Many are protesting because they say it is prohibiting freedom of speech and expression; but they are supposed to understand that there is a major difference between speech and expression, compared to speech and expression garnered with hate, intolerance, and spite.

I would hate for anything like that to take place here in our great country. 

Is that a veiled threat of religious theocracy?  If so, such will be opposed at the maximum level before such a repressive regime usurps the U.S. Constitution; that's our "right" as citizens and I'd exercise it.

Anyway, I did not intend to even write that.  It came to me as I was typing.  I mainly responded because I couldn't help but to see the sad and humorous parts of the posts going on in these religious or Bible threads. 

My remarks have consistantly opposed the type of censorship mischaracterized as "rude", "mocking", "disrespectful" when the intent is to silence dissenting viewpoints by way of such characterizations.  Religious adherents would not accept their propagandizing of blind faith being characterized as "rude", "plagiarizing" or, "disrespectful", (even though it can be shown that they are), and 'hide' behind the same "freedom of speech" as applies to those with opposing viewpoints.  It's not a one-way street; if 'free speech' is protected, it's protected for all; not just one segment of the population.

[jcribb16]

It's kind of sad and amusing, both, when people are speaking of praying for others, out of care and concern, that the same one (yes, you, falcon9, since I won't talk around you or behind your "back!!") keeps hovering and flying in and out and between most every comment, to add your thoughts/opinions/views in with theirs, while most usually being the only one (with the exception of occasional posters) to be the opposite of everyone else who are posting.

It may be speciously "sad and amusing" to a xtian fundie however, my remarks regarded the ineffectiveness of such magical intercessory rituals when what people in such a storm's path need are shelter, medical attention, power restoration, food and water.  "Prayer" provides none of those things and that's been my point.

It's sad, on the one hand, because others mean well and really genuinely believe in the power of prayer - only to be "constantly nipped at on the ankles" for sharing about that.  Yet it's almost amusing, because it reminds me of a mosquito "buzzing" around someone, constantly, trying its best to get its bite in there.

Your attempts at being pseudo-condescending fail because it is those "ankle/mosquito-biting" remarks which reveal poor attempts to 'flame' rather than demonstrate any significant effects of such 'magical intercessory rituals', (whether those who believe in them believe they 'work'/falsely attribute effects, or not).

I will give you credit - you are consistent in your thoughts and views; just as Christians are in theirs.  You are also very dependable in "being there" wherever and/or whenever a thread is, that is religious or hints of being religious; so Christians know to expect your company at any time. 

Such religious superstitions ought to be opposed more often, lest they lead once again to atrocities like native/pagan assimulations, witch hunts, crusades, inquisitions and other religion-driven blood-soaked history.
 

Our Constitution is rather wonderful in regards to freedom of religion and freedom of no religion.  We are very fortunate, both believers and dis-believers, and believers of other faiths, to have our Constitution protect our freedom like that.

Did you know in some countries, they are actually trying to change constitutions to add penalties or punishments for those groups, people, or otherwise, who make unfair remarks to others, including mocking, bashing remarks, inciting, provoking, harming, etc.?  And the thing is, it goes both ways - whether all of that is directed towards religious groups; or whether all of that is directed towards atheist groups or dis-believers. 

Many are protesting because they say it is prohibiting freedom of speech and expression; but they are supposed to understand that there is a major difference between speech and expression, compared to speech and expression garnered with hate, intolerance, and spite.

I would hate for anything like that to take place here in our great country. 

Is that a veiled threat of religious theocracy?  If so, such will be opposed at the maximum level before such a repressive regime usurps the U.S. Constitution; that's our "right" as citizens and I'd exercise it.

Anyway, I did not intend to even write that.  It came to me as I was typing.  I mainly responded because I couldn't help but to see the sad and humorous parts of the posts going on in these religious or Bible threads. 

My remarks have consistantly opposed the type of censorship mischaracterized as "rude", "mocking", "disrespectful" when the intent is to silence dissenting viewpoints by way of such characterizations.  Religious adherents would not accept their propagandizing of blind faith being characterized as "rude", "plagiarizing" or, "disrespectful", (even though it can be shown that they are), and 'hide' behind the same "freedom of speech" as applies to those with opposing viewpoints.  It's not a one-way street; if 'free speech' is protected, it's protected for all; not just one segment of the population.

I'm concerned, as an American citizen, that if our current president wins this election, that he will continue to trample on our Constitution, slowly continuing to chip away at those rights and freedoms we currently have.  I know our forefathers knew these things would happen and am thankful they put the Constitution and the like, in place, for when things arise.  But there have been other countries' leaders, who have indeed become dictators, and changed the lives of their citizens.  I cannot help but to feel the same will be at least tried again and again, if the current president stays in office.

Yes, to all segments of the population - being protected - that was included in what I wrote, in case you missed that.  No threat - just sharing what I've learned going on in other countries, or trying to be put into place.  For radical Islamist extremists, they are indeed pushing for a law, for anyone to be punished who says anything negative about their religion - that would include some of the very things said back and forth in this forum between believers and dis-believers.  Yet they can verbalize their hatred towards Christians and believers with no penalties. Let's hope (and for me, pray (not you)) that this will not come to pass in America, as they are trying to get it passed everywhere.  That's the kind of intolerance I'm speaking of.

I will say again, that I am not for and will never be for Christians harming others or forcing others into something they don't want.  I cannot help the past and cannot help what those people did wrongfully - I can just serve my Lord and follow the commandment of loving others as myself, loving my "neighbors," helping others by donating goods or money, helping others in other areas, encouraging those who need it, supporting others, standing up for the one being messed with, or whatever else is needed to help mankind when they need it.  That's all I can say in regards to my own self and my own choice to live for Him.

[falcon9]

I'm concerned, as an American citizen, that if our current president wins this election, that he will continue to trample on our Constitution, slowly continuing to chip away at those rights and freedoms we currently have.  I know our forefathers knew these things would happen and am thankful they put the Constitution and the like, in place, for when things arise.  But there have been other countries' leaders, who have indeed become dictators, and changed the lives of their citizens.  I cannot help but to feel the same will be at least tried again and again, if the current president stays in office.

Why?  Obama is not pushing any theocratic agenda.  What specific 'chipping' is being done, (with cited, non-theistic sources - that includes religious republican 'sources').

For radical Islamist extremists, they are indeed pushing for a law, for anyone to be punished who says anything negative about their religion - that would include some of the very things said back and forth in this forum between believers and dis-believers.  Yet they can verbalize their hatred towards Christians and believers with no penalties. Let's hope (and for me, pray (not you)) that this will not come to pass in America, as they are trying to get it passed everywhere.  That's the kind of intolerance I'm speaking of.

Not coincidentally, I've ben opposing just such one-sided 'pushing of religion' paralleled here, (whether the religious-pushers see it that way or not), and have been extremely opposed to suppression of dissenting non-religious viewpoints.  That's the kind of intolerance I'm writing of.

Keep in mind that the same religious beliefs directly responsible for the previously mentioned atrocities throughout history, (and in even more recent history), are held by 'believers' today.  Some act upon such superstitious beliefs while others do not.  That choice doesn't alter the underlying belief systems one iota; whether religious 'extremists' or, those spreading the belief systems that spawn such 'extremists'.

[jnjmolly]

I hope everyone is warm and safe and I hope that they all get power and have enough food and water..My prayers are with everyone!!