(August 28, 2016 at 6:30 pm)ScienceAf Wrote: There are none...

I know of three. Catholic_Lady and two muslims with who we became friends in the last year or so. None of these three care about my or anyone else's sexuality or about what someone believes or disbelieves.

There are certainly good humans all over the world from every background. But theism is not what makes a human good. There are hospitals and prisons in every nation on the planet. Our species behaviors are not coming from any religion. Our species behaviors, both good and bad are a result of our evolution. There are good people who have bad logic, and there are bad people who don't care and use that bad logic intentionally to manipulate others.

(September 17, 2016 at 7:38 pm)Brian37 Wrote: There are certainly good humans all over the world from every background. But theism is not what makes a human good. There are hospitals and  prisons in every nation on the planet. Our species behaviors are not coming from any religion. Our species behaviors, both good and bad are a result of our evolution. There are good people who have bad logic, and there are bad people who don't care and use that bad logic intentionally to manipulate others.

Are you saying that people aren't motivated to act based on their religious predilections, both good or bad?

I don't think they really are. People use whatever means available to justify what they're already going to do. Not the other way around.

(September 17, 2016 at 7:52 pm)Arkilogue Wrote:

(September 17, 2016 at 7:38 pm)Brian37 Wrote: There are certainly good humans all over the world from every background. But theism is not what makes a human good. There are hospitals and  prisons in every nation on the planet. Our species behaviors are not coming from any religion. Our species behaviors, both good and bad are a result of our evolution. There are good people who have bad logic, and there are bad people who don't care and use that bad logic intentionally to manipulate others.

Are you saying that people aren't motivated to act based on their religious predilections, both good or bad?

Yes, of course they are, but for most, most humans are sold the religions of their parents. That does not make all theists bad, it only makes bad logic bad. Same can be said for atheists. There is no way I would call Ayn Rands economic views good, nor any atheist who values Che who lead to Cuba.

I love my mom who is Catholic, and she is my biggest supporter and still spoils me to this day. But that will never make eating magic crackers scientific or true. It is a placebo at best. But if you ask me about the collective history of that institution it is not what it's followers think it is cracked up to be. Just like it is right to question the theocracies of Islam. Our species is much older than any written religion or boarders for that matter.

I love the empathy of Ann Frank but that does not make Yahweh a real God. I love the empathy of Martin Luther King Jr, but that doesn't make the Christian Jesus a real God. I love the courage of Malala, but that does not make Allah a real God. Humans make up all religions and all gods. We'd do better as a species to face that fact, not to force religion out of existence as if you could. But we cannot nor should fear facts and change. If our species never questioned social norms, our species never would have left the caves.

The operational function of the mind/soul, of the believer in God as a better being in all regards, might simply lead the person to be a better person....because that is what they are imagining to exist and acting upon.

Belief in God might be a way for the person to gain space of consideration between, and direction from, who they are to who they would like to be.

Belief that there is a God holding them responsible for there actions is a way for the self to exert greater pressure upon themselves than they might not otherwise. Certainly the idea is motivating.

(September 17, 2016 at 4:44 am)Atheist_BG Wrote:

(August 28, 2016 at 6:30 pm)ScienceAf Wrote: There are none...

I know of three. Catholic_Lady and two muslims with who we became friends in the last year or so. None of these three care about my or anyone else's sexuality or about what someone believes or disbelieves.

It's obviously a joke but my bad.
It is the internet

(September 17, 2016 at 8:21 pm)Arkilogue Wrote: The operational function of the mind/soul, of the believer in God as a better being in all regards, might simply lead the person to be a better person....because that is what they are imagining to exist and acting upon.

Belief in God might be a way for the person to gain space of consideration between, and direction from, who they are to who they would like to be.

Belief that there is a God holding them responsible for there actions is a way for the self to exert greateNr pressure upon themselves than they might not otherwise.  Certainly the idea is motivating.

No, there simply is no polite way to tell religious people that it is a crutch, a placebo. Once you know and accept the age of evolution, the planet, our galaxy and the universe as the scientific facts they are, you are forced to accept that humans are simply projecting their own desires, fears, insecurities and narcissism in the form of their own wishful thinking.

The idea is motivating, but just because one is motivated, does not mean reaching that goal has any pragmatism or facts. I am quite sure those who supported Hitler, and even Hitler himself thought they were doing good. I see religion as really nothing more than a reflection of our species desire to control resources. The benefit is that it does create safety in numbers, but it is unfortunately mostly local and tribal and is a lousy way to conduct diplomacy with outsiders. Humans defend what they are familiar with and are used to.

(August 29, 2016 at 12:36 pm)LastPoet Wrote:

(August 28, 2016 at 6:30 pm)ScienceAf Wrote: There are none...

Except Arkilouge, he or she's pretty smart.

I know many in real life. In the forum also some. Arkilounge, is a new addition to the forum. There's Kingpin, CL, Rayaan, etc.

So yeah, WTTW, i would reserve judgement and go about it in a case by case mindset.

My ears were ringing......I heard a compliment.  

Hey LP!

(August 28, 2016 at 7:05 pm)Arkilogue Wrote:

(August 28, 2016 at 7:00 pm)KevinM1 Wrote: Funnily enough, not being a hypocritical dick isn't a novel idea.

Some are more self disciplined than others.  What's the best way to safely navigate a sea of hypocritical dicks?

Clench up, smile politely as you pass through, and focus on making your fantasies less wierd. I don't judge though, whatever stokes your fires.