Gun Control Debate thread

[PaoloSmythe]

Originally Posted by InfiniteEclipse

If I'm understanding you correctly, this seems like other tests where mice, for instance, would avoid a particular feeding zone for fear of shock. Its just recognizing patterns of pain/pleasure

pain avoidance is simple to test for. an appreciation of death and its irreversibility, is something completely different.

In addition, even if nelly #100 jumped the fence and ran off in reaction to looking down a bazooka pipe, it still goes without saying that the higher intelligence of humanoids allows us to appreciate the fragility of our lifespan, without first having to witness such a moribund scene.

humans for the win!

[InfiniteEclipse]

Agressive Atheist? You bet your ass!

[SPAZ]

Originally Posted by Snowolf

This more-so applies to Christianity. As a Jew, my religion utilizes modern science to actually further prove the testament (furthermore, we don't believe that there is a "new" testament, and I think many will agree that is the basis of many of Christianities flaws).
That video however, brings up the ignorance that many people in our country hold towards others opinions. What I cannot understand is why these people don't want to listen to/understand/accept anything reasonable. People should be open minded, and if these people also see that this is what has made the quality of human life better for the most part we can move forward.

[Donutz]

Originally Posted by SPAZ

This more-so applies to Christianity. As a Jew, my religion utilizes modern science to actually further prove the testament (furthermore, we don't believe that there is a "new" testament, and I think many will agree that is the basis of many of Christianities flaws).

Uh, yeah, the new testament is totally xian. Kind of grafted on to the "old" testament.

I have heard statements from jews who have said that the fundamentalist xians believe in literal genesis far more than jews do. Is this generally so, or is that a matter of personal opinion like in christianity?

And re your first sentence, it more so applies to christianity and JW and maybe to a lesser extent scientology because those are the religions that get in your face with proselytization.

[SPAZ]

I think that it is stressed more in orthodox judaism and convervative judaism than in reform judaism because reform allows for you to bring in more of your personal beliefs of g-d. We don't believe in g-d as an old man with a beard though, but more of a presence that is everywhere.

[PaoloSmythe]

Originally Posted by SPAZ

We don't believe in g-d as an old man with a beard though, but more of a presence that is everywhere.

the one tangible thing which most closely 'fits' the concept of g-o-d that i have learnt of, is also known as D-N-A.

[Perpetual3am]

Originally Posted by SPAZ

What I cannot understand is why these people don't want to listen to/understand/accept anything reasonable. People should be open minded, and if these people also see that this is what has made the quality of human life better for the most part we can move forward.

I guess the problem is that people like myself don't see the fundamentals behind most religions as being 'reasonable' and exactly the opposite. While I do agree to an extent that churchs have helped in the community (food banks, shelters, soup kitchens) I could argue that religion has caused more harm than good regarding the quality of human life when you look at how it's tried to ham-string science, sheltered pedofiles, marginalized the gay community and is a huge money making scam. While I think of myself as very open-minded, I can be no more convinced of the validity of religion than I can of Santa or the Easter bunny. Common sense just tells me otherwise.

[clubmyke]

This thread made no mention of God or religion - just a viewpoint on atheism.

In review of the replies - many of them attack God or religion rather than the defend the rather humorous viewpoint of the absurdity of atheism (a couple of the postings were agnostic - kudos for your honesty).

Regardless, rather than knock God or religion. The invitation to oppose the the definition is open for replies.
(it takes a huge leap of faith imo - but go for it and do your best).

In the meantime, peace out,

Mike

[InfiniteEclipse]

After four pages, I don't think anyone needs to defend a particular definition. It is what it is, and whether you agree with it or think its completely absurd is matter of your opinion and your opinion alone. No one needs to "do their best" to impress you while you frolic around "in the meantime".

[KIRKRIDER]

Originally Posted by clubmyke

This thread made no mention of God or religion - just a viewpoint on atheism.

In review of the replies - many of them attack God or religion rather than the defend the rather humorous viewpoint of the absurdity of atheism (a couple of the postings were agnostic - kudos for your honesty).

Regardless, rather than knock God or religion. The invitation to oppose the the definition is open for replies.
(it takes a huge leap of faith imo - but go for it and do your best).

In the meantime, peace out,

Mike

What is completely absurd, is that the default state of most people is "religion" and I have to explain the "absence of religion" where "religion" is a completely made up story. ALL of it.

Unless you have a problem understanding the definition and translation of a Greek word, I don't see what's absurd...beside your stubbornness.