Neil Degrasse Tyson, Agnostic

[Whateverist]

So Neil probably wonders why we have a forum to discuss something, theism, which the great majority of us don't participate in.

http://youtu.be/CzSMC5rWvos

I suspect, as an educator, he is mostly being strategic by not wanting to go off message on religion when his mission is science. I doubt that he himself is a theist, he probably just doesn't think there is any urgent reason to take apart religion.

So why are we here? What about what doesn't interest us is interesting enough to discuss? Perhaps we're here to support each other in getting clear of the social/religious networks into which we're born. Personally I lean toward avoiding proclamations about the status of gods. When it comes to shit we don't even know exists, why hurry to judgement?

[Reforged]

Hes a scientist, period.

[KichigaiNeko]

I can agree with Neil. I far too busy finding out shit to be bothered with religion and make believe.

[Norfolk And Chance]

He's making fun of atheists a little there and trivialising the effect of religion..."do we have a word for those that don't play golf? do we have a word for those that don't ski? Do they have meetings about how they are non skiers?".

Hang on a minute Mr Tyson, do skiers go around claiming knowledge without supporting evidence? do skiers start wars with skaters? are policies made based on the belief in skiing? Do skiers infest every facet of life? No. That's why there are no "skiing opposition groups" That's why there are no "agolfers".

"Atheists are active, in your face, they want to change policies"...saying it like its a negative thing. He's entitled to his opinion of course, and maybe he is annoyed at being "claimed" by a group that he says he doesn't belong to, so I can understand that, but I don't agree with the points I've highlighted here.

[pgrimes15]

He's making fun of atheists a little there and trivialising the effect of religion..."do we have a word for those that don't play golf? do we have a word for those that don't ski? Do they have meetings about how they are non skiers?".

Also everyone who is asked "Are you a golfer ?" can answer yes or no, not "I'd prefer not to be encumbered with a label so I will dodge that question"

Regards

Grimesy

[Norfolk And Chance]

"I may play golf but it doesn't define me"

[pgrimes15]

I have nothing against individual golfers - indeed I have some friends that are golfers - so long as they don't try and force it upon me. That may drive a "wedge" between us.

Regards

Grimesy

[Zen Badger]

Golf was was originally devised by the Scots as an exquisite form of torture to inflict upon their ancient enemies, the English.

Of course the Scots failed to take into consideration the fact that the English are masochistic by nature(look at their "cuisine"), and in fact took to this torture with relish.

They would have been better advised to stick to their earlier weapons of mass destruction, the bag pipes.

Because if I for one saw a horde of skirt wearing madmen coming towards me while biting the tail of a cat they were clutching under one arm, I'd fuck off in the other direction quick smart.

[Whateverist]

Or .. this world doesn't really matter. It merely makes it possible to afford greens fees. When I golf, I go to a better place.

[pgrimes15]

I am looking at the Alpha Course in a new light.

Regards

Grimesy