I watch nature videos of animals playing and enjoying themselves (otters sliding down snowy embankments, elephants eating fermented fruit) and believe that they're conscious of having a good time. It's not always a struggle for survival .
Spoletta
JoinedPosts by Spoletta
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210
Morality Without Deity
by cofty inone of the most persistent arguments for belief in god centres on the necessity of an ultimate law-giver and epitome of goodness.. a softer version is seen in the genuine concern that a loss of faith will result in a corresponding loss of a moral compass - a more strident argument links the existence of good and evil with proof of the reality of god.
it is often asserted that without god, moral decisions degenerate to nothing more than personal preferences and the victory of "might is right".. i want to succinctly lay out my response as an atheist, and show that a supreme being is not required for objective morality.. it is helpful to distinguish between absolute morality, objective morality and subjective morality.
christian apologists frequently conflate the first two, and secular debaters often fail to point out the difference.. theists who disagree on everything else, are unanimous that god is perfectly good.
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19
Trumps Inaugural Address - Comparisons
by azor ini thought i would start a new post about trumps inaugural address.
has anyone here seen "the new pope"?
jude law gave a stirring performance playing the pope.
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Spoletta
Anyone see a resemblance to a certain Organization that continually harps upon how "bad" everything is, using alternative facts, choosing to ignore the good, and promising only THEY can save us all.
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Bill introduced to remove the US from all participation in the UN
by ILoveTTATT2 inapparently there was a bill introduced to congress asking for the removal of the us from the participation on the un.. you can read about it here:https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/193/textwhat do you think jw's will make out of this?.
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Spoletta
"Peace and Security" anyone?
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210
Morality Without Deity
by cofty inone of the most persistent arguments for belief in god centres on the necessity of an ultimate law-giver and epitome of goodness.. a softer version is seen in the genuine concern that a loss of faith will result in a corresponding loss of a moral compass - a more strident argument links the existence of good and evil with proof of the reality of god.
it is often asserted that without god, moral decisions degenerate to nothing more than personal preferences and the victory of "might is right".. i want to succinctly lay out my response as an atheist, and show that a supreme being is not required for objective morality.. it is helpful to distinguish between absolute morality, objective morality and subjective morality.
christian apologists frequently conflate the first two, and secular debaters often fail to point out the difference.. theists who disagree on everything else, are unanimous that god is perfectly good.
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Spoletta
In the past I would look at suffering in the world and pray for others. Now I just send a donation to Mercy Corps.
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Young People Ask: I’m Attracted to the Same Sex—Does That Mean I’m Gay?
by pale.emperor ineurgh!
more patronizing and uninformed reasoning from the "experts" at bethel.
this time tackling the sensitive subject of those attracted the the same sex.
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Spoletta
Young people in my area seem to have a very accepting attitude that gives me hope.
When I was in high school a million years ago, the only known homosexual was a fellow who was a national baton twirling champion. Now of course, I know that there were many others that we didn't realize were among us. How sad that they had to hide back then.
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BETH-SHAN: Images of Rutherford's Bomb Shelter
by Bloody Hotdogs! infor any who are interested, rutherford's infamous bomb shelter at "beth-shan" has been officially documented by the city of san diego historical resource board.
they have photographs, plans, and an interview with the couple who built their home on the land (5330 le barron rd).
a pdf of the full report can be found here:.
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Spoletta
Wonder if there's a "safe room" at Warwick for the Governing Body.
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Trumps Inaugural Address - Comparisons
by azor ini thought i would start a new post about trumps inaugural address.
has anyone here seen "the new pope"?
jude law gave a stirring performance playing the pope.
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Spoletta
No matter what you may think of him, I think that Obama's eloquence will be missed.
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Attitude in Kingdom Hall vs. in church
by Yesu Kristo Bwana Wangu inso, today i went to a different church than the jw's for the first time in over three years.. it is a protestant african church.
my first thoughts: for people who are 'trapped in babylon the great (according to watchtower) these people really seem genuingly happy and sincere in their adoration for god.
what a freedom compared to the witnesses!
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Spoletta
Went to a local church in December, got there early and found a Christmas bazaar going on in the basement. Hustle and bustle, cheerful people, and the smell of fresh pine needles.
In the Sanctuary later, the organ was playing a beautiful Bach prelude, then the choir processed in with a lovely arrangement of "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming", while the people around me smiled and enjoyed it all.
After the usual responses and other rigmarole, they called up the children and had a cute little Bible lesson which was thankfully free of Doctrine.
More rituals, then a wonderful sermon on being kind to one another, helping out the less fortunate, and some non-self serving anecdotes.Thoroughly enjoyable.
Looking through the Missal, many notices in back about opportunities to volunteer for worthy causes, youth groups, adult groups, and general notices.
After the service, everyone very friendly, generally a nice warm atmosphere.
Left feeling good.
Next week, regular meeting at Hall. Need I say more?
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Like Mom and Dad?
by compound complex inapart from the obvious -- "you have your mother's nose" and "you got dad's cleft chin" -- do you see any of your parent's behavioral traits and attitudes in yourself?
likewise, do you observe how your own children are 'apples fallen not far from the tree'?
the good, the bad, and the ugly?.
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Spoletta
Somehow got a combination of OCD from my dad, I'm always rearranging things to what I think is most logical (lots of complaining from the wife), but losing things like my Mother. Once a week I search for all the coffee cups (more complaining from my wife, I just can't win!).
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So, the Womens March ... What Is It For?
by Simon init seems like mobilizing after the election, which seems pointless.
i keep hearing demands for equal rights but don't understand what rights they are missing exactly.. normally a march is to show the support (and potential votes) for a cause, but ... votes for what?
... and the election happened already.. is anyone else confused?
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Spoletta
I have to say Simon, your OP's are the most fun. You play Devil's Advocate perfectly, and push all the right buttons to keep up a spirited debate. I always look forward to them!