(December 17, 2011 at 5:00 pm)padraic Wrote:

Quote:Needless to say that I'm getting my ass reamed on Facebook by this argument, and I will probably lose

Lose an argument on Facebook? WHY are you bothering?

NEVER conflate winning or losing an argument with being [necessarily] right or wrong.

I just hate to loose an argument about religion because it looks like their beliefs are right and mine are wrong. Note if the situation were reversed it would not be that they, the Christians, are wrong it's just another failed conversion attempt. Either they didn't present the information well enough (a failure on the individual not the belief system) or the atheist couldn't bring him or herself to believe in the truth that was clearly presented. Either he or she didn't have enough faith or was under spiritual oppression and couldn't overcome Satan's deception.

(December 17, 2011 at 3:37 pm)Ziploc Surprise Wrote: I am debating with someone on Facebook about this issue. He sees nothing wrong with it.

Remind him that you're pursuing happiness by supporting its removal and that he should not take offense.

Oh god, this shit's getting worse. Just when you thought the bullshit in that small Texas town was deep enough, read this:

http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top...scene.html

(December 17, 2011 at 6:40 pm)Ziploc Surprise Wrote: Oh god, this shit's getting worse. Just when you thought the bullshit in that small Texas town was deep enough, read this:

http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top...scene.html

Amazing how people can get worked up about trivialities like that while at the same time ignoring real, terrible, and sickening injustices, like institutionalized clergy paedophilia, or incarceration without trial (Gitmo).

(December 17, 2011 at 6:50 pm)Rokcet Scientist Wrote:

(December 17, 2011 at 6:40 pm)Ziploc Surprise Wrote: Oh god, this shit's getting worse. Just when you thought the bullshit in that small Texas town was deep enough, read this:

http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top...scene.html

Amazing how people can get worked up about trivialities like that while at the same time ignoring real, terrible, and sickening injustices, like institutionalized clergy paedophilia, or incarceration without trial (Gitmo).

Well you know the pedophilia thing was done by Catholics, protestant fundies don't need to concern themselves about this. All that situation does is make prod. fundies look good. As for torture at Guantanamo that's far away. It's better to fight the battles that are accessible and easy to win. Winning makes you feel good especially when it's an easy win. *note my sarcasm please*

(December 17, 2011 at 7:01 pm)Ziploc Surprise Wrote: the pedophilia thing was done by Catholics, protestant fundies don't need to concern themselves about this.

True, they've got their own Ted Haggards c.s. to worry about.

I've had the misfortune to be in Texas on two occasions. One was during my graduate studies, the most miserable two years of my life. The other was when I took my first CDT exam (certification for my field). I passed all parts of the test until the end when my laser welder literally burst into flames and I was unable to complete the test. I've decided never to set foot in that state again if I can help it.

If I die and find myself on the campus of SMU in Dallas and some idiot wearing a 10 gallon hat walks up to me and says "Howdy son, this is where you're spending eternity", I'll say "Shit, it's real and the fundies were right. Who knew?"

Here's my friend's new reply:

Quote: "These people that demand "separation of church and state", in my opinion are weak minded, illerate in meaning, lazy and paranoid concerning their own faith an belief. Instead of lissoning, learning, and studying what they believe, they want to muzzle all other beliefs and opinions.

I'm speechless. I don't know how to reply to this. I know If I do it will open a whole new world of bullshit.

I have also had the misfortune of visiting Texas a few times, though not by choice. I see no reason that I would ever want to return.

There are very few places I can say that about.

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(December 17, 2011 at 7:49 pm)Ziploc Surprise Wrote: Here's my friend's new reply:

Quote: "These people that demand "separation of church and state", in my opinion are weak minded, illerate in meaning, lazy and paranoid concerning their own faith an belief. Instead of lissoning, learning, and studying what they believe, they want to muzzle all other beliefs and opinions.

I'm speechless. I don't know how to reply to this. I know If I do it will open a whole new world of bullshit.

Wow. Clearly this person has no clue that it is not the display itself that is objectionable, but it's location and taxpayer funding that is.

I wonder if this person would object to a Muslim or Buddhist display on the courthouse lawn.

(December 17, 2011 at 7:52 pm)Cthulhu Dreaming Wrote: I have also had the misfortune of visiting Texas a few times, though not by choice. I see no reason that I would ever want to return.

There are very few places I can say that about.

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(December 17, 2011 at 7:49 pm)Ziploc Surprise Wrote: Here's my friend's new reply:

Quote: "These people that demand "separation of church and state", in my opinion are weak minded, illerate in meaning, lazy and paranoid concerning their own faith an belief. Instead of lissoning, learning, and studying what they believe, they want to muzzle all other beliefs and opinions.

I'm speechless. I don't know how to reply to this. I know If I do it will open a whole new world of bullshit.

Wow. Clearly this person has no clue that it is not the display itself that is objectionable, but it's location and taxpayer funding that is.

I wonder if this person would object to a Muslim or Buddhist display on the courthouse lawn.

I remember one story where people had a fit over a WICCAN display. I would also assume (perhaps wrongly) that an atheist/agnostic display that is tasteful (now crucified Santa's and the like) but informative would not be appreciated either.

As for Texas itself, I love it here. There are many very good things about this state. Though religion is bad here it is milder here than in other Bible belt states. I have lived all over the country and by far this has been the nicest place I've lived.