DJS

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Posts by DJS

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  33

  As I move further away from theWT.....

  by Viviane in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  i've, over the years, looked into many religions.

  obviously, from those that have seen me post here, i've become an atheist simply because i couldn't find any reason to believe in god.

  recently, though, over the past few months, a new change has started.

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  DJS

  pronomono,

  Take your time; there is no hurry. I always had issues with existence of a god. The last few years in the Borg (an elder at that) I began thinking of the WT as the truth (hate that effing word now) that acted like a cult. Upon exiting, which was before the full advent of the wonderful world wide web and all of its access to cult information, I took my time, knowing that the journey would end with digging up the foundation - a belief in god, jesus, bible. I've referred to it before as a Pink Floyd sojourn, another brick in the wall.

  I removed each brick methodically, analyzed it carefully, and then threw it away. When the wall was gone, all that was left was the foundation. I dug that up and threw it away, and it is the best thing I've ever done. I am free to be who I am, and I like myself much more now than when I was a narrow minded, judgmental theist/Xtian/Dub, waiting impatiently on god to destroy billions of people for my benefit.

  Kinda sort sick now that I think about it.
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  33

  As I move further away from theWT.....

  by Viviane in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  i've, over the years, looked into many religions.

  obviously, from those that have seen me post here, i've become an atheist simply because i couldn't find any reason to believe in god.

  recently, though, over the past few months, a new change has started.

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  DJS

  Viviane,

  What do you mean Star Trek or Star Wars?? The real debate is Star Trek or Star Trek Next Gen. Kirk vs. Picard. I avoid all religions and religious discussions, even trying to on this site. Religion is the problem; it will never be the solution.

  As I've stated before, we will never reach the full potential locked in our DNA until religion ceases to exist. It is a crutch for the weak, an excuse for the malfeasant.
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  80

  God is not an element both in religious fanaticism and atheism alike

  by exWTslave in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  in my intimate conversations with many of my atheists friends i have found that their real problem is the human rights abuse of the religious fanaticssomething which god hates (not the lack of proof for gods existence) (means when the religions went to one extreme, their opponents go to another extremethus god is not at all an element in religious fanaticism and atheism alike) atheists shun, belittle or resist proofs for the existence of god, because they fear it will only further strengthen the religion from which the fanaticism arisethus object of atheists attack is fanaticism (not god) .

  hence what atheists do is really a service to the humanity (while fanaticism is a crime against humanity).

  hence when the atheists ask for proof for the existence of god, one need not take it seriously.

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  DJS

  Another one,

  This one is the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone. It is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and have a decent standard of living. The UN's HDI top 20 is dominated by the most secular/atheistic nations, including when other factors such as gender equality are included. http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/exporting-data-and-understanding-api.

  There are other less quantitative surveys, such as the happiest countries list, which illustrate the same thing: the more atheistic and secular a nation the more functional it is likely to be.
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  80

  God is not an element both in religious fanaticism and atheism alike

  by exWTslave in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  in my intimate conversations with many of my atheists friends i have found that their real problem is the human rights abuse of the religious fanaticssomething which god hates (not the lack of proof for gods existence) (means when the religions went to one extreme, their opponents go to another extremethus god is not at all an element in religious fanaticism and atheism alike) atheists shun, belittle or resist proofs for the existence of god, because they fear it will only further strengthen the religion from which the fanaticism arisethus object of atheists attack is fanaticism (not god) .

  hence what atheists do is really a service to the humanity (while fanaticism is a crime against humanity).

  hence when the atheists ask for proof for the existence of god, one need not take it seriously.

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  DJS

  Another, Dumbass,

  They say that religion is the opiate of the masses, but it seems that the opiates of the religious are antidepressants.

  A study released recently confirmed that Mississippi remains the most religious state in the Union, followed by a handful of its southern belt brothers: Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, as well as the Mormon stronghold of Utah. The Gallup poll showed that 58 percent of all Mississippians identify as “very religious.” The least religious states in the U.S. are the former stomping grounds of the very,very religious Puritans: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire.

  But life in these highly faithful states doesn’t seem to be all its cracked up to be. The most religious states in the U.S. share another trait: the highest use of anti-depressants.

  Utah has long been the nation’s capital of happy pill popping, with its citizens twice as likely to be on anti-depressants than the general U.S. population. But the rest of the observant states aren’t far behind. Of the top-ten most religious states, nine have higher than average use of anti-depressants.

  Some states have startlingly medicated populations. In Utah, Louisiana and Arkansas–the 2nd, 4th and 5th most religious states in the Union– nearly 20 percent of the population is on some form of anti-depressants, according to a 2006 study by one of the largest prescription companies.

  This is just talking about anti-depressants. Do you want to see the empirical data on other dysfunctions??
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  80

  God is not an element both in religious fanaticism and atheism alike

  by exWTslave in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  in my intimate conversations with many of my atheists friends i have found that their real problem is the human rights abuse of the religious fanaticssomething which god hates (not the lack of proof for gods existence) (means when the religions went to one extreme, their opponents go to another extremethus god is not at all an element in religious fanaticism and atheism alike) atheists shun, belittle or resist proofs for the existence of god, because they fear it will only further strengthen the religion from which the fanaticism arisethus object of atheists attack is fanaticism (not god) .

  hence what atheists do is really a service to the humanity (while fanaticism is a crime against humanity).

  hence when the atheists ask for proof for the existence of god, one need not take it seriously.

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  DJS

  More from the 2005 study, Dumbass.

  Journal of Religion & Society Volume 7 (2005)

  ISSN 1522-5658

  Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies (2005) (Off Site PDF) by Gregory S. Paul

  “There is evidence that within the U.S. strong disparities in religious belief versus acceptance of evolution are correlated with similarly varying rates of societal dysfunction, the strongly theistic, anti-evolution south and mid-west having markedly worse homicide, mortality, STD, youth pregnancy, marital and related problems than the northeast where societal conditions, secularization, and acceptance of evolution approach European norms."

  "Indeed, the data examined in this study demonstrates that only the more secular, pro-evolution democracies have, for the first time in history, come closest to achieving practical “cultures of life” that feature low rates of lethal crime, juvenile-adult mortality, sex related dysfunction, and even abortion. The least theistic secular developed democracies such as Japan, France, and Scandinavia have been most successful in these regards. The non-religious, pro-evolution democracies contradict the dictum that a society cannot enjoy good conditions unless most citizens ardently believe in a moral creator. The widely held fear that a Godless citizenry must experience societal disaster is therefore refuted. Contradicting these conclusions requires demonstrating a positive link between theism and societal conditions in the first world with a similarly large body of data – a doubtful possibility in view of the observable trends."
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  80

  God is not an element both in religious fanaticism and atheism alike

  by exWTslave in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  in my intimate conversations with many of my atheists friends i have found that their real problem is the human rights abuse of the religious fanaticssomething which god hates (not the lack of proof for gods existence) (means when the religions went to one extreme, their opponents go to another extremethus god is not at all an element in religious fanaticism and atheism alike) atheists shun, belittle or resist proofs for the existence of god, because they fear it will only further strengthen the religion from which the fanaticism arisethus object of atheists attack is fanaticism (not god) .

  hence what atheists do is really a service to the humanity (while fanaticism is a crime against humanity).

  hence when the atheists ask for proof for the existence of god, one need not take it seriously.

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  DJS

  Another one:

  The godless commit less crime, have longer marriages and are more highly educated than almost any other group in America.

  According to Federal Bureau of Prisons data, the number of responding people in prison acknowledging they were Catholic was 39 percent; Protestant, 35 percent; Muslim, 7 percent; Jewish, 2 percent; and godless, 0.2 percent (20 percent did not respond). Since the number of godless is estimated to be 10 percent of the general population, all things being equal you would expect their prison population to be 10 percent.

  If, as many people assume, the godless do not lead moral lives, you would expect the number to be greater than 10 percent. The fact that the actual number is 50 times less than expected can lead to only one of two conclusions: either the godless commit less crime than the religious or they’re too smart to get caught very often.

  According to a Barna Research Group report, an evangelical Xtian polling firm, fundamentalist Christians have the highest divorce rate, followed by Jews and Baptists. The godless are tied with Catholics and Lutherans for the lowest divorce rate. It seems that some groups that claim to follow the Bible most strictly are not putting their money where their mouths are. The godless who are thought to be without morals seem to take their vows more seriously.

  According to a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Survey, the least-educated Americans are Jehovah’s Witnesses, followed by black Protestants and fundamentalist Christians. The most highly educated are reformed Jews, followed by Unitarian Universalists and the godless.

  Some groups seem to like their flocks ignorant so that pastors’ interpretations of God’s edicts are not questioned. Other groups prize scholarship and achieve more in their lives here on Earth.

  In fact, a review of worldwide studies found that criminality and religion go hand in hand. The countries with the most religious people have the highest crime rates, highest sexually transmitted diseases and the highest teen pregnancy rates.

  This is also true in the United States. The more religious a state’s population, the higher the crime, STD and teen pregnancy rates.

  So what conclusion can be reached? It is obvious that you do not have to believe in a higher power in order to live a moral and successful life. Quite the opposite.
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  80

  God is not an element both in religious fanaticism and atheism alike

  by exWTslave in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  in my intimate conversations with many of my atheists friends i have found that their real problem is the human rights abuse of the religious fanaticssomething which god hates (not the lack of proof for gods existence) (means when the religions went to one extreme, their opponents go to another extremethus god is not at all an element in religious fanaticism and atheism alike) atheists shun, belittle or resist proofs for the existence of god, because they fear it will only further strengthen the religion from which the fanaticism arisethus object of atheists attack is fanaticism (not god) .

  hence what atheists do is really a service to the humanity (while fanaticism is a crime against humanity).

  hence when the atheists ask for proof for the existence of god, one need not take it seriously.

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  DJS

  kalos,

  I'm trying really hard not to refer to you as a dumbass, but you are making it very difficult. On numerous occasions we have presented voluminous amounts of empirical data which illustrates that the more atheistic and secular a person, region or nation is, the more likely they are to be ethical, intelligent and functional. And yet you continue to spew utter bullshit. Here is one of them. We got lots. Atheists appear to behave better, on average, that theists regardless of which make believe god the yocals believe in.

  Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (2005) (Off Site PDF) by Gregory S. Paul In this landmark study, Gregory S. Paul compares rates of religiosity and societal dysfunction between 18 democratic nations in the developed world in order to "test whether high rates of belief in and worship of a creator are necessary for high levels of social health." Paul finds that "in almost all regards the highly secular democracies consistently enjoy low rates of societal dysfunction," demonstrating that widespread religious belief does not improve societal health, and that moreover there is a positive correlation between a first-world country's level of religiosity (e.g., the degree of confidence that a traditional monotheistic God exists) and level of social dysfunction (e.g., homicide rates).
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  102

  It is official they're selling off Kingdom Halls in Britain

  by raymond frantz in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  i posted here a week ago some disturbing news for congregations being consolidated in britain.

  my goodness that was nothing !

  a letter was read today from bethel addressed to all congregations in britain that can only be described as the biggest news for years.the main points:.

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  DJS

  It seems that the Borg's actions reek of desperation. I hope that isn't my wishful thinking getting in the way. I'm a bit surprised at the pace of these financial dealings, as it suggests, like many of us have been saying, that the Borg is in or nearing dire straits (not the rock group). Here are what appear to be the facts; those of you who understand this topic better than I straighten me out if I'm wrong.

  1. The growth in Western and indu$trial countries is stagnant and will likely start receding. The long term projection that this will reverse itself isn't any better.

  2. Growth in poor countries is a net cash loss. It will cost a lot to serve the newbies and they aren't and likely won't be self supporting for the projected future.

  3. Various government restrictions have cut into cash flow, and this trend is likely to continue. Long term projections would suggest that it won't reverse itself, as governments tire of religion and need their own $ to balance budgets.

  4. As you all have noted, the pedophilie cases will likely run into the hundreds of millions of dollars before they are over.

  5. The Dark Lords are likely expecting an exodus post 2014 similar to the one which occurred post 1975. Those exiting are very unlikely to return, and this time they are more likely to take others along with them via attrition. The rank and file are sheeple, but assuming they have even one functioning brain cell they should start to wake up to the scam.

  6. This may be the most ominous. Much of the above would seem to be addressable by a change in the Borg's teachings and a letting go of the draconian controls. That doesn't seem to be in the near or long-term future. If I'm a strategist that's one of the first things I put on the table.

  7.The wonderful world wide web and all its glory in exposing dumbass cults.
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  80

  God is not an element both in religious fanaticism and atheism alike

  by exWTslave in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  in my intimate conversations with many of my atheists friends i have found that their real problem is the human rights abuse of the religious fanaticssomething which god hates (not the lack of proof for gods existence) (means when the religions went to one extreme, their opponents go to another extremethus god is not at all an element in religious fanaticism and atheism alike) atheists shun, belittle or resist proofs for the existence of god, because they fear it will only further strengthen the religion from which the fanaticism arisethus object of atheists attack is fanaticism (not god) .

  hence what atheists do is really a service to the humanity (while fanaticism is a crime against humanity).

  hence when the atheists ask for proof for the existence of god, one need not take it seriously.

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  DJS

  WTF? I really don't know where to start. I've read and re-read the OP and I'm lost as to wtf it is about. It seems to be yet another attempt by a theist to tell me what I don't believe and why I don't believe it.

  Unless your (imaginary) atheist friends number in the thousands, have been randomly selected and you have developed a robust data gathering tool that has been vetted by a screening committee of experts, I would suggest that your limited anecdotal and experiential dataset is pure bullshit.

  I thought I was an atheist because I'm angry at god (yeah, THAT makes sense). But I suppose now I'm an atheist because religion screwed everything up, so I guess I'm just angry at religion and I'm taking it out on god. WTSlave, I'm an atheist becase I spent decades meditating, thinking, studying, researching and questioning. At the end of that very long sojoun it was clear to me that based on the (lack) of evidence, there was no god. If she changes her mind and provides irrefutable evidence of her existence, I will believe.

  Emotion had nothing to do with my atheism.

  That, based on your very limited access to (imaginary) atheists, you would make definitive statements and assertions rather than posing a question or asking for atheist feedback strongly suggests that you are a delusional narcissist who wants the posters and lurkers on this site to think of you as a wise sage. Oh, and you love the sound of your own voice.

  Next time ask a question. Handling it in the manner you did reveals your true intention.
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  118

  Christian Pastors ORDERED to Marry Gays or Face JAIL TIME & FINES $$$

  by oneyeopen in

  1. social
  2. current

  o.k just worked out how to start a new post/thread, just came across this and wanted to share with anyone that may be interested.. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/20/idaho-citys-ordinance-tells-pastors-to-marry-gays-/.

  coeur dalene, idaho, city officials have laid down the law to christian pastors within their community, telling them bluntly via an ordinance that if they refuse to marry homosexuals, they will face jail time and fines.. read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/20/idaho-citys-ordinance-tells-pastors-to-marry-gays-/#ixzz3ibe4kyvq follow us: @washtimes on twitter.

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  DJS

  Practice your bible beliefs in the sanctity of your domicile and your religious institution of choice. When you bring your bible beliefs out into the real, secular world, the US Constitution, and specifically how it is interpreted by the SCOTUS, both suports those beliefs and trumps them when they are deemed to be in disagreement with the Constitution. Deal with it. Or re-locate. You could try to join the White Supremists, the End-of-Timers, Preppers, Preparers and the other getting ready for the big-A groups in the hills of Idaho, but you would still be under the legal restrictions of the US Constitution. When you own a business serving the public and you withhold services based on discrimination as indicated by the Constitution and SCOTUS, you are breaking the law. That's what this OP missed, but that's what it is about.

  Haven't you all been paying attention for the past, I don't know, freaking forever? If you would get your collective heads out of the bible and your collective asses long enough to observe the real world, this wouldn't seem so scawwy. Or I suggest a new strategy R2: lose the hate.

  BTW, I felt exactly the same way bout this topic decades ago when I was in the Borg.