Visiting

[TheRocketSurgeon]

Please tell me your username doesn't refer to the "roadrunner tactic" of debate If you don't know what I'm talking about, then all is well

The username comes from when I first started on Delphi forums, and was creating a username for a motorcycle forum.  Delphi is huge, so each name I chose was already taken.  At that time, I had "roadrunner" internet from time warner, and tried that (as it was on the mouse pad I had in front of me). It seemed to go with the purpose I was joining, and I do like Looney Tunes.   I've used that on other forums, and decided to keep it here. 

While it sounded familiar, I did have to look up the "roadrunner tactic".  I would say I'm more familiar with the form called a "suicidal argument".  What is your issue with it? If someone rejects the conclusion using there own reasoning, when applied to something else, then why should I accept their reasoning?   It's often a quick way, to show absurdity, and if someone doesn't live by their reasoning, then why should I?

Emphasis mine.

I mean no disrespect, but I literally have no idea what this pair of sentences means in any normal context or application to conversations here. I'm sure you mean something, but you lost me. But this is an introductory thread, so that's the kind of thing probably best hashed-out in another arena.

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Two useful features, here. The "Alerts" button lets you know when someone has replied to you specifically, as above, linking you directly to that reply.

Secondly, I make heavy use of "Today's Posts" button, rather than bothering to surf each individual thread, since it lists the most recent conversations, in order, and lets you know which discussions are active. 

As for the settings, I'm sure one of the Original Gangstas here will explain soon. I'm pretty new here, myself, and I can't parse what you were even asking, for most of the above! (Sorry!)

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Thanks,  I love that quote from "The Princess Bride" in your sig by the way.  I've used it with those who don't really understand a fallacy, but seem to latch on to it, and use it for everything (or whenever I can really).

Thanks! Yes, I get a lot of anti-evolution discussions going, here, from theists who just seem to absolutely refuse to learn what evolution actually is, or what it actually claims... and they'll throw terms around that just baffle me, in terms of how badly they are being misused. It gets really frustrating because they simply refuse to listen, and will even go so far as to say, "Well evolutionists claim..."

And I'm sitting here, often with my fiancee right here with me (she, who is a Methodist and also still working as an evolutionary biologist, likes to watch and mock, but not participate, as I argue on the forum), they'll tell me (totally wrongly) "what scientists say", then tell me it's impossible to be a Christian and an evolutionist. So, since my Beloved and I love The Princess Bride, I thought it fitting (given the rocky terrain).

[Lemonvariable72]

Hello,

I am a reformed (protestant) Christian, and I'm interested in discussion about theology, science, and history (history being a more recent and a weaker area of study for me).  I reviewed a few other forums, where I didn't feel, that this would happen, and decided that there might be a place for me here.  Bad arguments drive me crazy; even if I agree with the conclusion, and my goal is to hopefully refine arguments on both sides in the search for truth.  I want to clear up misconceptions and strawmen from others and in my own assertions. 

If I'm honest, I'm not very impressed; with the leaders of the new atheist movement.  Many argument may have appeal on the surface, but there is little substance when investigating deeper.  Further my experience with a number of militant atheist hasn't been very positive either, or encouraging towards thoughtful discussion.  I'm hoping to change that here. 

A little background on myself.  When I was a child, I went to church with my grandparents (my parents where never very religious).  As I became older I was given the choice to attend, and decided not to.  Then in my later teens, I was convinced by my cousin to attend the youth group at the same church.  It was fun, it a good group of people, and I liked the girls who attended .  At this point, I had belief in God, and the history, but would not consider myself a Christian.  Through college, I had moments of conviction, but was for the most part not active in any way with Christianity.  This also continued, as I moved away, and back again over a course of about 6-7 years.  During a time, when I was about 23-24 years old, I can't explain why, but I started watching some late night televangelist.  One (who is largely heretical and primarily teaches the prosperity gospel) had a message one night that spoke to me.  From there I committed myself to God as Lord, and immediately started gaining interest in scripture and Christian speakers.  It's difficult to explain to others, but I can clearly pinpoint the change within myself.  Especially early on, and through much of my journey, this has been apart from the Church, and without any peer pressure.

I am an Electrical Engineer, who programs, builds, and troubleshoots machine controls.  I am very analytical (and realize this sometimes annoys people), and I'm familiar with logic.  I apologize for the long intro, but wanted people to know where I'm coming from and any expectations.

I have a question for you. Are you willing to change your mind is the evidence is against the Christian God?

[RoadRunner79]

What kinda bike RoadRunner? I'm a custom motorcycle builder. (Used to be a biologist, but I like this better.)

Sounds like more fun to me!!!!

My first bike was a Honda Shadow 750.  I road that bike all over the east coast (US) and loved it.  Now I have a Victory XC (~3 Years now).  Have about 15,000 miles on it and cannot think of anything that I would trade it for (although wouldn't mind adding to the garage...  people look at me funny, when I talk about my bike collection, and I only have one).  Road the Tail of the Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles for those unfamiliar)  last spring.  Bike went from full lean one way, to the other way effortlessly. Buddy says I should get a sport bike, but I like pushing the limits at a little slower speed (<100MPH).

[Cyberman]

Welcome RoadRunner! Help yourself to this nice free seed... no, it's not a trap...

[houseofcantor]

You can change viewing options in the user control panel (user cp) under edit options. Welcome n00b. 

[RoadRunner79]

[quote pid='1066926' dateline='1443556756']

Emphasis mine.

I mean no disrespect, but I literally have no idea what this pair of sentences means in any normal context or application to conversations here. I'm sure you mean something, but you lost me. But this is an introductory thread, so that's the kind of thing probably best hashed-out in another arena.

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Thanks,  I love that quote from "The Princess Bride" in your sig by the way.  I've used it with those who don't really understand a fallacy, but seem to latch on to it, and use it for everything (or whenever I can really).

[quote pid='1066926' dateline='1443556756']
Thanks! Yes, I get a lot of anti-evolution discussions going, here, from theists who just seem to absolutely refuse to learn what evolution actually is, or what it actually claims... and they'll throw terms around that just baffle me, in terms of how badly they are being misused. It gets really frustrating because they simply refuse to listen, and will even go so far as to say, "Well evolutionists claim..."

And I'm sitting here, often with my fiancee right here with me (she, who is a Methodist and also still working as an evolutionary biologist, likes to watch and mock, but not participate, as I argue on the forum), they'll tell me (totally wrongly) "what scientists say", then tell me it's impossible to be a Christian and an evolutionist. So, since my Beloved and I love The Princess Bride,  I thought it fitting (given the rocky terrain).

In regards to your first comment... I agree, the introductory page is not the place to hash it out.  I'll just try to clarify what I meant, and perhaps if needed start a conversation on it.  Basically it boils down to reasoning, that an OP has to deny in another context (without providing a reason why it doesn't apply correctly) or be forced to change their views.

In your second comment, I am skeptical of common descent evolution with a slight leaning against it, and think that the neo-darwinist views are fairly bankrupt.  (Neither for theological reasons for the most part).  I look forward to some interesting conversations with you, and do hope that you can teach me.

[JesusHChrist]

Welcome RoadRunner!

I'm an old atheist with a new atheist mouf. Find the whole concept of invisible beings quaint at best, and extremely dangerous at worst.

Finance degree, work in the computer industry, into music, cars, cooking, the great outdoors and long walks on the beach.

[RoadRunner79]

I have a question for you. Are you willing to change your mind is the evidence is against the Christian God?

Yes,  however in my experience when people talk about evidence against the Christian God, and I ask them to show to show the evidence for those claims; they normally retreat to a burden of proof escape, even though they made a claim, and don't want to live up to it.  It's my belief that hard atheism is fairly untenable, and reasonably so.

[TheRocketSurgeon]

In your second comment, I am skeptical of common descent evolution with a slight leaning against it, and think that the neo-darwinist views are fairly bankrupt.  (Neither for theological reasons for the most part).  I look forward to some interesting conversations with you, and do hope that you can teach me.

Well, I'll be glad to answer any questions you have, via PM or in the forums, as you prefer. By the way, being skeptical of something is a practice that we smile upon, here.

I may have quit the field for my favorite hobby, but I still love biology. If I may recommend a book, rather than trying to tackle such a complex field (or a wide array of fields, really) that evolutionary biology encompasses, I think you would be well-served to buy and read The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by evangelical Christian (also former head of the Human Genome Project, and Science Adviser to the last two U.S. Presidents) Dr. Francis S. Collins. I'm glad to answer your questions, but most people simply aren't asking the right questions, due to a huge amount of misinformation floating around out there (especially online) about what science actually says, and what we know about the subject. That book is what my Christian fiancee gave to me, a few years ago, when I first asked her how she could be a Christian and an evolutionary biologist.

By the way, you still haven't told me about what bike you ride!

I have a '96 Honda CBR900RR, a 2013 Harley CVO 110ci Anniversary Edition Road King, and am working on a custom Café Racer based on a 72 BSA Rocket3 750cc triple engine... in between riding and working on customers' bikes, of course.

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Addendum: I see you did answer about the bike. My bad, I just missed it.

[ignoramus]

Welcome matey...
Hey Tubby, what do you mean you know bugger all about theology? You've heard of God, yes? OK, all you have to do is make up the rest! Done!
I've got your doctorate here ready for you to pickup! Hehe