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mnodonnell

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  1. I'm not treating time as a magic trick (or as an Aristotlean argument) -- I'm explaining it as it actually exists.
  2. I'll be eligible just in time for the 2012 election. If only an atheist could get elected...
  3. Time is simply another dimension, just like space. The past is not necessary to reach "now" the same way that distance is not necessary to reach "here". More accurately, time is indefinite as opposed to infinite. Regardless, I think this debate sprung up as a counter to the appropriateness of teaching evolution in schools without presenting alternatives. This is not evolution, however, this is a discussion on abiogenesis. There is no definitive consensus in the scientific community regarding abiogenesis, so it is not something that should be taught as a scientific "fact".
  4. It is because I have a regard for my fellow humans, my community, and society in general. Parents have every right to teach their children whatever they want, and I cannot (and should not) control that. However, that does not mean that I'm not allowed to care. I think you have the "above and beyond" argument backward. I put myself on the same plane as everyone else. It is religion that seeks to segment the human race (e.g. "God's Chosen People", and the Rapture). "The sad one" and "the scared one" as opposed to who? I needed someone to fill that void after I reconciled with Santa Claus.
  5. It actually went like this: "Please, mother, I do not want to go to church. It is so boring!" I took my grammar and diction very seriously. I would also cry on my pillow -- it was simply too difficult to get inside of it after a while. I actually had the opportunity to go to church AND play soccer. How Kearnyite-American! Regarding ignorance, that is what I was saddled with back when I actually believed the nonsense I was being taught at Sunday School. I am still ignorant of many subjects, but this is one where I have gained great clarity. If you are curious about my age you can reference my only topic posting on this message board. I dated myself quite precisely.
  6. I'll put you on the list for my fan club meetings. Our next session concerns the spelling difficulties presented by double consonants and the proper use of the ellipsis. I'll give you a preview of the introduction of the next meeting, which is where I lay out what I do know. 1. I know enough to admit that I do not know something. For example, what came before the Big Bang? I do not have the faintest clue. 2. However, I do not fall back on a supernatural deistic force as the default answer to things I do not know. I do not consult 4,000+ year old books for answers to these kinds of questions. Despite what you have perceived, I'm content with simply not knowing. 3. I know that there is a big difference between deism and theism. It is the difference between: "I believe there is some higher intelligence that is responsible for the universe in which I exist."; and "I believe there is some higher intelligence that is responsible for the universe in which I exist; and he has said unto me: do not eat the pork."
  7. What is deviant about being rational? Using message board postings to gain an understanding of my world view is probably futile. I do not have a religion to observe.
  8. Matt, let me give you an alternative: do whatever you want to do, it has the same effect. 2smart4u, what's wrong with you? You seem like a sick little monkey. Unless, of course, KOTW edited out the prescient comments that illustrate your intellectual superiority. For that, let me say: Thank you KOTW! I don't know if I can handle the embarrassment.
  9. Long live deviant behavior. so long as the deviants are not inflicting their deviance to others. The First Amendment is my favorite amendment. Why would I repeal it? What are you talking about? I do not propose to do anything to stop people from freely practicing their religions -- just keep it to yourself. Have you listened to anything I've said? I think you're stuck in the echo chamber. Do not fret -- it's a common malady.
  10. You are misunderstanding the role falsifiability in regards to the scientific method. You cannot initially advance claims that are not falsifiable, so your question is irrelevant. I will grant you that the ark does not violate the Constitution. The Constitution cannot be expected to govern the realm of fantasy.
  11. If schools didn't encourage social acceptance of individual deviant behavior, how would rationalists deal with religious people? It's hard for ethical people to sit idly by as children are dragged into church every Sunday, like lemmings over a cliff. But we learn to tolerate the madness, as sad as it may be.
  12. Amen. Thank you for taking the time to lay this out so precisely.
  13. It's probably because politicians' jobs are to get elected; not to answer questions. Who are these "defeatocrats"? I though Hillary was a democrat.
  14. That is not historically accurate -- Christ is not necessary to salvation. I know you'll like this one: do you have any proof from history that people achieved salvation through Christ? Did anyone catch it on tape? I'm an adult and I was never taught that. Should I give back my degree?
  15. You should take your hatred for evangelical preachers and Catholic priests somewhere else. It will not be tolerated here.
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