Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on January 25, 2013 at 11:29am

So why look to the Bible for that Josiah, when you can find it in the writings of Confucius, 300 years BCE, and in the works of many other philosophers? Why do you need religion to be humane?

Hitler was very religious - how did that work out for everyone?

"Who says I am not under the special protection of God?"
-- Adolph Hitler --

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Permalink Reply by josiah vanvliet on January 25, 2013 at 11:35am

I wouldn't look to the Bible, I agree there are much better sources. And I don't think, and didn't say that you need religion to be humane. I was just pointing out that what had been said about books didn't make sense. 

Also, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_Hitlerum 

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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on January 25, 2013 at 11:57am

In my example, Josiah - interesting choice of names for a leader of an 1100-member atheist group - I fail to see the fallacy. You implied there were teachings in the Bible that could make us better people, I demonstrated that though there are likely teachings there that could improve our behavior, if adopted, many who have professed to accept that Bible in its entirety, have amply demonstrated that it has done them no good.

I can find as many guidelines to good living in a volume of Emily Dickenson poetry as I can ever find in the Bible, and don't have to wade through volumes of hogwash to find them.

Are you sure you're an atheist?

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Permalink Reply by josiah vanvliet on January 25, 2013 at 12:04pm

Archaeopteryx,

If you are going to respond to things I didn't say while ignoring what I was talking about then this is not a dialog. And I will not waste my time in dueling monologues. 

Good day sir,

Josiah

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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on January 25, 2013 at 12:21pm

Ooooh, touchy --

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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on January 25, 2013 at 1:22pm

Interesting, Blaine, "Josiah" only joined TA 16-17 hours ago. Suppose doug sent him an SOS?

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Permalink Reply by josiah vanvliet on January 25, 2013 at 1:31pm

Oh wait, you've gotten my interest again. This is fantastic. What is our secret agenda?

Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on January 25, 2013 at 1:37pm

Too little, too late, you've lost mine. Go back to your flock, this board doesn't need a faux atheist. Or stay, as you like, but I suspect your effectiveness has diminished significantly.

Permalink Reply by Strega on January 25, 2013 at 9:36pm

If others treat you poorly out of blindness, I will try and shine a light. But if you see that I am acting blindly, please show me the way.

Now this is a statement lifted directly from your blog.  Do you think that it is a true reflection of your approach here?  You join a club, TA, and almost immediately pick arguments with members who are greatly valued amongst our existing forum posters.  Why is that? 

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Permalink Reply by josiah vanvliet on January 25, 2013 at 10:37pm

I take your point, I have behaved poorly here, thank you for pointing that out. 

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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on January 25, 2013 at 11:19pm

My pleasure --

Permalink Reply by Unseen on January 25, 2013 at 11:21pm

Say, are you related to Capt. Beefheart?

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