Posts by passwordprotected

33

Belief in God, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, and Fairy God Mothers

by frankiespeakin in

when we were a young child full of wonder at the world, so new, so innocent, we believed what ever mommy and daddy told us, if they said there was a tooth fairy why we believed it until we got older(hopefully) especially when we get our permanent teeth.. santa was probably discarded around the same time as the tooth fairy give or take a few years depending on gullibility or lack of it.. well lets face it we probably figured out the easter bunny first for the simple reason you only got some eggs,, which you can have any day of the week and you get to eat a lot of chocolate bunnies ears off not very pious mind you, nor do you fear the bunny might seek revenge for the impious act in some way like god might do remembering: the ark and ussa or wassa or something.

that definately should be considered as a contributing factor as to why and what order they get debuncked tooth fairy danta the benifit factor need to be brought in.. god too has to go in time, eventually, just like not all at once and for everybody.

religion to control the mind is on a head on course with human species vastly excellerated enlightenment.

passwordprotected

Why do some adults believe in god?
Why do some believe the earth is flat?
Why do some believe in alien abductions?
There's all kinds of stupid out there.

Well, that's that settle, then. Good work.

1

This Guy's a Puzzler

by passwordprotected in

jw
friends

alister mcgrathfrom wikipedia, the free encyclopediaalister edgar mcgrath.

born23 january 1953 (age 56).

belfast, northern irelandresidenceuknationalitybritishfieldshistorical theologyinstitutionsoxford university, king's college londonnotable awardsroyal society of artsreligious stancechurch of england (rev.

passwordprotected

bttt for my own gratification.

8

Derren Brown - How to Control the Nation

by Mickey mouse in

derren brown has a series of popular shows running in the uk at the moment called the events.

this week's episode purported to show him predicting the national lottery numbers live on television; he employs suggestion, mentalism, psychology and trickery in his work and in this instance it was mostly camera trickery.. next week's looks interesting, he claims he will use the power of suggestion to prevent people from being able to get out of their seats at home.. http://derrenbrown.channel4.com/derren-brown-the-events-control.shtml.

the good thing about derren brown is that he never claims to be psychic or have special powers; his act often reveals how so called spiritualists were able to give the impression of special powers when all that was involved was illusion.. the best part is that he is bringing into the public domain information about the power of mind control.

passwordprotected

Very, very interesting stuff.

33

Belief in God, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, and Fairy God Mothers

by frankiespeakin in

when we were a young child full of wonder at the world, so new, so innocent, we believed what ever mommy and daddy told us, if they said there was a tooth fairy why we believed it until we got older(hopefully) especially when we get our permanent teeth.. santa was probably discarded around the same time as the tooth fairy give or take a few years depending on gullibility or lack of it.. well lets face it we probably figured out the easter bunny first for the simple reason you only got some eggs,, which you can have any day of the week and you get to eat a lot of chocolate bunnies ears off not very pious mind you, nor do you fear the bunny might seek revenge for the impious act in some way like god might do remembering: the ark and ussa or wassa or something.

that definately should be considered as a contributing factor as to why and what order they get debuncked tooth fairy danta the benifit factor need to be brought in.. god too has to go in time, eventually, just like not all at once and for everybody.

religion to control the mind is on a head on course with human species vastly excellerated enlightenment.

passwordprotected

What cameo-d said.

33

Belief in God, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, and Fairy God Mothers

by frankiespeakin in

when we were a young child full of wonder at the world, so new, so innocent, we believed what ever mommy and daddy told us, if they said there was a tooth fairy why we believed it until we got older(hopefully) especially when we get our permanent teeth.. santa was probably discarded around the same time as the tooth fairy give or take a few years depending on gullibility or lack of it.. well lets face it we probably figured out the easter bunny first for the simple reason you only got some eggs,, which you can have any day of the week and you get to eat a lot of chocolate bunnies ears off not very pious mind you, nor do you fear the bunny might seek revenge for the impious act in some way like god might do remembering: the ark and ussa or wassa or something.

that definately should be considered as a contributing factor as to why and what order they get debuncked tooth fairy danta the benifit factor need to be brought in.. god too has to go in time, eventually, just like not all at once and for everybody.

religion to control the mind is on a head on course with human species vastly excellerated enlightenment.

passwordprotected

Here's a good example of someone who went from atheism to faith;

Francis Collins.

From Wikipedia;

Religious views

Collins has described his parents as "only nominally Christian" and by graduate school he considered himself an atheist. However, dealing with dying patients led him to question his religious views, and he investigated various faiths. He familiarized himself with the evidences for and against God in cosmology, and used Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis [ 13 ] as a foundation to re-examine his religious view. He eventually came to a theistic conclusion, and finally became an evangelical Christian during a hike on a fall afternoon.

In his 2006 book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, Collins considers scientific discoveries an "opportunity to worship." In his book Collins examines and subsequently rejects creationism and intelligent design. His own belief system is theistic evolution which he prefers to term BioLogos.

In an interview with National Geographic published in February 2007, interviewer John Horgan, an agnostic journalist, criticized Collins' description of agnosticism as "a cop-out". In response, Collins clarified his position on agnosticism so as not to include "earnest agnostics who have considered the evidence and still don't find an answer. I was reacting to the agnosticism I see in the scientific community, which has not been arrived at by a careful examination of the evidence. I went through a phase when I was a casual agnostic, and I am perhaps too quick to assume that others have no more depth than I did." [ 14 ]

During a debate with the biologist Richard Dawkins, Collins stated that God is the explanation of those features of the universe that science finds difficult to explain (such as the values of certainphysical constants favoring life), and that God himself does not need an explanation since he is beyond the universe. Dawkins called this "the mother and father of all cop-outs" and "an incredible evasion of the responsibility to explain", to which Collins responded "I do object to the assumption that anything that might be outside of nature is ruled out of the conversation. That's an impoverished view of the kinds of questions we humans can ask, such as 'Why am I here?', 'What happens after we die?' If you refuse to acknowledge their appropriateness, you end up with a zero probability of God after examining the natural world because it doesn't convince you on a proof basis. But if your mind is open about whether God might exist, you can point to aspects of the universe that are consistent with that conclusion." [ 15 ]

In reviewing The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine by Alister McGrath [ 16 ] , Collins says "Addressing the conclusions of The God Delusion point by point with the devastating insight of a molecular biologist turned theologian, Alister McGrath dismantles the argument that science should lead to atheism, and demonstrates instead that Dawkins has abandoned his much-cherished rationality to embrace an embittered manifesto of dogmatic atheist fundamentalism.", [ 17 ] [citation needed]

Collins remains firm in his rejection of intelligent design, and for this reason was not asked to participate in the 2008 documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, which tries, among other things, to draw a direct link between evolution and atheism. Walt Ruloff, a producer for the film, claimed that Collins was "toeing the party line" by rejecting intelligent design, which Collins called "just ludicrous." [ 18 ]

In 2009, Collins founded the BioLogos Foundation to "contribute to the public voice that represents the harmony of science and faith." He served as the foundation's president until he was confirmed as director of the NIH. [ 19 ]

33

Belief in God, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, and Fairy God Mothers

by frankiespeakin in

when we were a young child full of wonder at the world, so new, so innocent, we believed what ever mommy and daddy told us, if they said there was a tooth fairy why we believed it until we got older(hopefully) especially when we get our permanent teeth.. santa was probably discarded around the same time as the tooth fairy give or take a few years depending on gullibility or lack of it.. well lets face it we probably figured out the easter bunny first for the simple reason you only got some eggs,, which you can have any day of the week and you get to eat a lot of chocolate bunnies ears off not very pious mind you, nor do you fear the bunny might seek revenge for the impious act in some way like god might do remembering: the ark and ussa or wassa or something.

that definately should be considered as a contributing factor as to why and what order they get debuncked tooth fairy danta the benifit factor need to be brought in.. god too has to go in time, eventually, just like not all at once and for everybody.

religion to control the mind is on a head on course with human species vastly excellerated enlightenment.

passwordprotected

So you're admitting you don't have any proof or evidence to back up the claims;

- it's rare for someone to go from being an atheist to believing in God

- belief in God stems from infant indoctrination

But without such proof, how can we believe what you're saying without faith?

1

This Guy's a Puzzler

by passwordprotected in

jw
friends

alister mcgrathfrom wikipedia, the free encyclopediaalister edgar mcgrath.

born23 january 1953 (age 56).

belfast, northern irelandresidenceuknationalitybritishfieldshistorical theologyinstitutionsoxford university, king's college londonnotable awardsroyal society of artsreligious stancechurch of england (rev.

passwordprotected

Alister McGrath

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alister Edgar McGrath

Born	23 January 1953 (age 56) Belfast, Northern Ireland
Residence	UK
Nationality	British
Fields	Historical Theology
Institutions	Oxford University, King's College London
Notable awards	Royal Society of Arts
Religious stance	Church of England (Rev.)

Alister Edgar McGrath (born 23 January 1953 ) is a Christian theologian, who holds both a DPhil (in molecular biophysics) and an earnedDoctor of Divinity degree from Oxford. He is noted for his work in historical, systematic and scientific theology.

In his writing and public speaking, he promotes "scientific theology" and opposes antireligionism. McGrath was until recently Professor ofHistorical Theology at the University of Oxford, but has now taken up the chair of Theology, Religion and Culture at King's College London since September 2008. Until 2005, he was principal of Wycliffe Hall.

Early life and education

McGrath was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and grew up in Downpatrick, County Down, where he attended Down High School. In September 1966 he became a pupil at the Methodist College Belfast, where his studies focused on mathematics, physics and chemistry. He went up toWadham College, Oxford in 1971 and gained first class honours in chemistry in 1975. He claims to have felt that he held atheistic notions as a young student of science but that he reconsidered these notions of atheism while attending Oxford and then subscribed to Christianity. He began research in molecular biophysics in the Oxford University Department of Biochemistry under the supervision of Professor Sir George Radda, FRS and was elected to an E.P.A. Cephalosporin Research Studentship at Linacre College, Oxford, for the academic year 1975-6, and to a Domus Senior Scholarship at Merton College, Oxford, for the period 1976-8. During these three years, he carried out scientific research alongside studying for the Oxford University Final Honour School of Theology. He was awarded an Oxford D.Phil. for his research in molecular biophysics (December 1977), and gained first class honours inTheology in June 1978. [ 1 ]

Career in theology

McGrath then left Oxford to work at Cambridge University, where he also studied for ordination into the Church of England. In September 1980, he was ordained deacon, and began work as acurate at St Leonard's Parish Church, Wollaton, Nottingham, in the English East Midlands. In 1983, he was appointed lecturer in Christian doctrine and ethics at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and a member of the Oxford University Faculty of Theology. McGrath spent the fall semester of 1990 as the Ezra Squire Tipple Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at the Divinity School of Drew University, Madison, New Jersey [ 1 ] .

McGrath was elected University Research Lecturer in Theology at Oxford University in 1993, and also served as research professor of theology at Regent College, Vancouver, from 1993-1999. In 1995, he was elected Principal of Wycliffe Hall, and in 1999, was awarded a personal chair in theology by Oxford University, with the title "Professor of Historical Theology". He was awarded an Oxford Doctorate of Divinity in 2001 for his research on historical and systematic theology [ 1 ] , and was a founding member of the International Society for Science and Religion [ 2 ] On 1 September, 2008 McGrath took up the Chair of Theology, Ministry and Education in the Department of Education and Professional Studies at King's College London. [citation needed]

McGrath is a prolific writer. His work often refers both to the early Church Fathers and to contemporary evangelical stalwarts such as Thomas Torrance and J. I. Packer. His areas of expertise include doctrine, Church history, the interaction of science and faith, and evangelical spirituality. [original research?]

In 2005 he resigned as Principal of Wycliffe Hall, whilst remaining President of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics which was based there. In June 2007 a private letter expressing his concerns about his successor was leaked [ 3 ] .

Views

In 2004 McGrath suggested in The Twilight of Atheism that atheism was in decline.

He has been highly critical of Richard Dawkins, calling him "embarrassingly ignorant of Christian theology". His book: The Dawkins Delusion? – a response to Dawkins's The God Delusion – was published by SPCK in February 2007, and the two had public debate on the topic, "Does religious belief damage the health of a society, or is it necessary to provide the moral and ethical foundations of a healthy society?" [ 4 ] McGrath has also debated with Daniel Dennett, at the Greer-Heard Point-Counterpoint Forum (February 2007) in New Orleans. [ 5 ]

He was interviewed by Richard Dawkins about his book Dawkins' God and faith in general for the television documentary The Root of All Evil? McGrath's interview was not included in the final cut, but the unedited footage is available online. [ 6 ]

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Have a great weekend, everyone, I'm off to enjoy the sunshine.

33

Belief in God, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, and Fairy God Mothers

by frankiespeakin in

when we were a young child full of wonder at the world, so new, so innocent, we believed what ever mommy and daddy told us, if they said there was a tooth fairy why we believed it until we got older(hopefully) especially when we get our permanent teeth.. santa was probably discarded around the same time as the tooth fairy give or take a few years depending on gullibility or lack of it.. well lets face it we probably figured out the easter bunny first for the simple reason you only got some eggs,, which you can have any day of the week and you get to eat a lot of chocolate bunnies ears off not very pious mind you, nor do you fear the bunny might seek revenge for the impious act in some way like god might do remembering: the ark and ussa or wassa or something.

that definately should be considered as a contributing factor as to why and what order they get debuncked tooth fairy danta the benifit factor need to be brought in.. god too has to go in time, eventually, just like not all at once and for everybody.

religion to control the mind is on a head on course with human species vastly excellerated enlightenment.

passwordprotected

Rare? Where is your evidence for this claim that it's rare from someone to go from disbelief to belief? And why would the reasons need to be complicated?

Does parental influence or parental atheistic programming affect children, causing them to become adults who don't believe in God?

16

Practicing Christian Deism- long.

by Lillith26 in

when jesus said, "you shall love .

what did jesus mean by "love your enemy?

so what did jesus mean when he said, "love your enemy"?

passwordprotected

The fact that we have life through no decision or action of our own is evidence that life has been given to us. In using the word "life," I am referring to the individual "self" or personal consciousness that you perceive within your physical body. This is sometimes called "soul" or "spirit" or "being." Jesus used the term "spirit." He said, "It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail," that is, the physical body is of no value without the spirit (John 6:63). This, of course, is stating the obvious because without "life" we cannot have consciousness, and our physical body is of no use without personal consciousness.

Gnostic for sure.

Why do people not want to acknowledge Jesus as God, as the fully-divine, full-human person he was? Just curious. All of the Christian Deism stuff sounds quite new age.

If Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life, why not just come to him and have done with it rather than dancing around philosophies that sort of acknowledge him, but reduce him to a decent dude who spoke some cool things.

If we follow his story through to the last book of the Bible we find him as a victorious King, a tattoo on his leg, the blood of his enemies on his white robe and a sword coming out of his mouth. Jesus said we were to honour him, just as we honour his Father in heaven and that he has the authority to be mankind's judge.

Let's imagine he does return and he does judge. What will we say to him? "Woah, JC, dude...I dig your little stories, but c'mon...worship you? Get real, fella!"

Seriously though, it's worth thinking about; who really was Jesus?

33

Belief in God, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, and Fairy God Mothers

by frankiespeakin in

when we were a young child full of wonder at the world, so new, so innocent, we believed what ever mommy and daddy told us, if they said there was a tooth fairy why we believed it until we got older(hopefully) especially when we get our permanent teeth.. santa was probably discarded around the same time as the tooth fairy give or take a few years depending on gullibility or lack of it.. well lets face it we probably figured out the easter bunny first for the simple reason you only got some eggs,, which you can have any day of the week and you get to eat a lot of chocolate bunnies ears off not very pious mind you, nor do you fear the bunny might seek revenge for the impious act in some way like god might do remembering: the ark and ussa or wassa or something.

that definately should be considered as a contributing factor as to why and what order they get debuncked tooth fairy danta the benifit factor need to be brought in.. god too has to go in time, eventually, just like not all at once and for everybody.

religion to control the mind is on a head on course with human species vastly excellerated enlightenment.

passwordprotected

What about adults who were atheists or agnostic who later in life - without any parental influence - chose to belief in God?