DJS

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Posts by DJS

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  35

  DOES BELIEF IN THE BIBLE DESTROY ONE'S INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY?

  by TerryWalstrom in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  based on information to be found at: http://www.csicop.org/si/show/when_dont_the_highly_educated_believe_in_evolution_the_bible_believers_effe/.

  the bible-believers effect.

  those who believe the bible is the word of god (bible believers) and those who dont believe the bible is the word of god (bible nonbelievers) differ in their beliefs that humans evolved from earlier species of animals.

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  DJS

  Fink,

  Well stated. And let's be honest. We can, with almost 100% accuracy, predict whether a poster is a theist or non-theist by reading their posts during secular, scientific or cultural issues that have nothing to do with religion or the bible and we don't know the theism of the poster. We all know it. This site is a laboratory in many ways. The dubs are the least educated and the poorest religious group in the US and likely other industrial lands. That doesn't directly correlate to IQ, but for god's sake we all know there is a correlation, a strong one.

  It is common for a lot of the ex-dubs on this site to make definitive statements about whatever because that's how they have been programmed, either genetically, culturally (religious) or both. We rationals beat our heads against the wall on a regular basis trying to get posters to do some actual research before taking a concrete stand, with their tiny little fists clenched and their Hobbit feet deeply pushed into the concrete. Not budging. At all. And by research I don't mean confirmation biased research.

  That, to me, is one of the best lessons derived from higher education. Having to develop and write research papers, including a Master's thesis (now working toward a PhD) teaches you to never, ever make definitive statements unless they are supported by reference (APA style) from empirically gathered data sources.

  Having taught at two colleges as an adjunct prof, I taught my students the same thing. Papers with opinions or statements without empirical support were bled all over in red ink.
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  20

  Breaking news: US mass shooting

  by Simon in

  1. social
  2. current

  it's getting to the point where cnn should start announcing "breaking news" if there *hasn't* been a mass shooting !.

  it's crazy.. i was watching the 70's documentary they are running and that's the point when media hype about mass serial killers seemed to begin the danger-gun-solution hype cycle.

  sure, people had guns before then but nowhere near like it is now.. when will it end?

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  DJS

  The copycat theory appears to be supported by high level law enforcement experts. In addition, two other patterns appear to be prevalent amongst those involved with mass shootings. They typically are either angry old white men (a recognized syndrome) or Millenial males. Lots of people are studying the why-s, but I think we can guesstimate the contributing factors.
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  35

  DOES BELIEF IN THE BIBLE DESTROY ONE'S INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY?

  by TerryWalstrom in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  based on information to be found at: http://www.csicop.org/si/show/when_dont_the_highly_educated_believe_in_evolution_the_bible_believers_effe/.

  the bible-believers effect.

  those who believe the bible is the word of god (bible believers) and those who dont believe the bible is the word of god (bible nonbelievers) differ in their beliefs that humans evolved from earlier species of animals.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  DJS

  Jhine and Caleb,

  Numerous studies suggest the two most successful groups in the US, based on household income, are the Jews and Hindus. So religion isn't necessarily an impediment for success or intelligence, as Jews and Hindus, at least those in the US, typically rate high in overall IQ.

  There are several reasons for this. Both Jews and Hindus (US) have cultures that encourage higher education, and both of these groups are among the highest educated in the US. Also, both of these groups are more likely to view being a Jew or a Hindu as a cultural identity rather than a religious one. I date a Hindu and know a lot of Hindus; their tolerance for other religions is exceeded, a lot of times, by their lack of interest in all things religious. Of course there are religious Hindus, but even they are doctors, lawyers and indian chiefs.

  It is similar with Jews (sorry Caleb - you are the expert here, not me - I am simply quoting a dear friend of mine, which also is supported by studies). I have a very good Jewish friend who was one of my MBA profs. He has 2 doctorate degrees and is now a counselor at West Point. He keeps kosher, deeply respects his religion and its culture, traditions and legacy, won't date a non-JAP (Jewish American Princess when I asked) - and he is an atheist. He tells me this is common amongst US Jews. Their culture, as the Hindus, is vitally important to them. Religion, or even a belief in god, not so much.
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  35

  DOES BELIEF IN THE BIBLE DESTROY ONE'S INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY?

  by TerryWalstrom in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  based on information to be found at: http://www.csicop.org/si/show/when_dont_the_highly_educated_believe_in_evolution_the_bible_believers_effe/.

  the bible-believers effect.

  those who believe the bible is the word of god (bible believers) and those who dont believe the bible is the word of god (bible nonbelievers) differ in their beliefs that humans evolved from earlier species of animals.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
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  DJS

  jhine,

  They aren't my assertions. They are based on historical facts and current practices amongst lots of religious faiths, including the Dubs, many Fundamentalist churches, Islam, etc. If you will re-read my post, and I say the same thing every time, these studies - by individuals with doctorate degrees utilizing empirical methods - suggest correlations.

  For thousands of years religious leaders have used emotions to control the rank and file. Throw them a miracle, a bleeding Jesus, weeping Madonna, an old shroud or appeal to their emotions for a better life by promises of pearly gates, playpens full of virgins and pandas but not before eradicating all the bad people - or people you just don't' like. It may as well be opium for the control it delivers. Give them anything that will make them feel and avoid thinking or requiring evidence about the men behind the curtain.

  Appealing to emotions traps an individual driven largely by emotions and can even serve to hinder the growth of normally intelligent and rational people. And religion, any religion, is 99% emotional/irrational and 1% rational. In order to believe one has to ignore facts and bury one's head in the sand. Or just want to believe. Really, really want to believe.

  Again, these are not my assertions. They are based on facts and the socio-evolutionary progress, or lack thereof, of humans. This isn't rocket science jhine. These are predictable outcomes. If it doesn't fit your church right now in the year 2015, that is excellent. It means x-tianity, at least some of it, is evolving - which I have alluded to previously. But jhine, look in your rear-view mirror at the recent and distant past of your church. It isn't likely pretty.
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  35

  DOES BELIEF IN THE BIBLE DESTROY ONE'S INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY?

  by TerryWalstrom in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  based on information to be found at: http://www.csicop.org/si/show/when_dont_the_highly_educated_believe_in_evolution_the_bible_believers_effe/.

  the bible-believers effect.

  those who believe the bible is the word of god (bible believers) and those who dont believe the bible is the word of god (bible nonbelievers) differ in their beliefs that humans evolved from earlier species of animals.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
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  DJS

  Terry is citing references used before on this site. These studies suggest correlations, sometimes strong correlations between theism and (lower) intelligence, for example, or a lack of belief in evolution/science and (lower) intelligence in this example.

  The studies never suggest direct correlations (cause/effect), because there isn't a direct correlation. As such, they are accurate. Of course there are intelligent theists and bible believers. But the only thing required for Faith is Feelings, and religious people often suffer from the very worst confirmation bias, as their leaders dictate to them what they can read/consider. Just like the Catholic church did for centuries and the Dark Lords have for a century. Sound familiar? The leaders know that when people begin using their entire intellect, the bible and theism will suffer. There isn't much expansion of the brain cells when all you 'study' is confirmationally biased tripe and the primary fuel for your engine and how and when you make decisions is emotions (e.g., Fisherman).

  It's like one of my old college profs said, a man with a doctorate in divinity, the only place belief in god is in short supply is a seminary. Caleb's culture is different, so much so that it is likely anomalous to studies such as these.

  This isn't rocket science.
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  323

  Question and answers for fisherperson regardingy time at bethel

  by _Morpheus in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  so fisherperson sent me a pm asking a bunch of questions re my time at beth hell.

  rather than respond in a pm i will post the q/a here as i have nothing to hide.

  q:what years did you serve in brooklyn bethel?

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  DJS

  Morph,

  Fish is simply grasping for something that would appear to give him the moral high ground. He lacks the self control to avoid the keyboard and the humility to acknowledge calling you a liar and violating the site protocols. So he is keenly looking for something, anything, that might reverse the ass kicking he has received. To see the bottom right now Fish would have to look up.

  Humility would do it, but he hasn't any of that. Fish, I'm trying to help you but you have to let me. Had you shown humility and managed this OP correctly, you would have owned it after 2 pages. Here we are on page 30 and you are looking sorrier and more pathetic with each of your posts. Help me. Help you.

  Desperation talking. Pathetic, really.
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  25

  Elderly sister disgusted with obscene Bethel 'Happy Song'

  by Esse quam videri in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  it is reported that one elderly sister in british columbia expressed complete disgust at what she considered an obscene act in the bethel 'happy song'.

  now everything is, of course, subject to perspective.

  i would imagine her perspective is just as valuable as anyone elses.

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  DJS

  The only thing disgusting in this is the old lady's heart and mind and that she can't keep her narrow minded viewes to herself.
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  323

  Question and answers for fisherperson regardingy time at bethel

  by _Morpheus in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  so fisherperson sent me a pm asking a bunch of questions re my time at beth hell.

  rather than respond in a pm i will post the q/a here as i have nothing to hide.

  q:what years did you serve in brooklyn bethel?

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  2. 
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  DJS

  Fish,

  Your actions are typical of an immature, self centered, egocentric child who has to be right and always get their way. Is there a Ms. Fish? If so I would love to get a couple of drinks in her and ask her if you ever get over anything or if you have ever admitted you were wrong about anything. I would just sit back, keep the drinks coming, and listen to her rant about you.

  You have whined, cried, stomped your feet like Rumpelstiltskin, called people names for 27 pages and 266 posts looking for someone, anyone, who would confirm your childish viewpoint. It doesn't matter that the greater wrong was committed by you, and you have yet to admit to any wrongdoing. Nor does it seem to matter that the consensus view, the legal view, the you started it view, is nearly 98% against your sorry ass.

  But keep going. As long as you continue to act so childishly the posters and lurkers and those who dig this OP up a decade from now will see what a churlish, whiney-ass person you are. And avoid you, as I have until this OP.
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  23

  Facing up to the reality of the world

  by purrpurr in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  since becoming atheist i have been paying more attention to world events and issues.

  this is giving me some worry's when i see what's going on.

  as a jw i could just dismiss stuff saying "armageddon is coming, jehovah will look after us" etc etc now of course i can't do that.

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  DJS

  Purr,

  What Truthseeker said. We live in the best time of all human history. Yes, there are problems, but believe it or not there was more of the bad stuff previously than now. And remember Purr, atheists should demand or require evidence, which means that we look at everything - not just the bad.

  Purr, the average life expectancy for humans, for 100,000 years, was about 24 - 34. In the year 1900 the average life expectancy in the US was 34. Thirty four. And if you were lucky enough to live longer, god forbid that you break something, get a rash, lose a tooth, etc. You lived with it and its dysfunction until you died. Pretttttty.

  Which time period would you prefer living in?
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  6

  Mexico could make North America the world leader in oil production.

  by James Mixon in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  anyone have info why this have not been explored.

  mexico has reserves of.

  oil estimated by industry analysts at 60 billion to 120 billion barrels in the.

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  DJS

  Ditto to what Clambake said.