continuing proofs America is wacko

That was a brilliant example of proof by reducto ad absurdum, Petty. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Whether atheism is a form of faith I would say depends on the reason for being an atheist. If you feel that science disproves God, then....science depends on faith that the universe behaves in a reproducible manner. If you are an atheist just because the concept of God annoys you, then I'd say it's not based on faith.

There are other reasons too, though. Personally, I dislike the notion of faith on philosophical grounds. I'm not trying to disparage people who have religious faith, but for my part, I prefer to structure my beliefs about life, the universe, morality, and other such topics on evidence, logic, and reason (whichever is most fitting; evidence won't really help you come up with a moral theory but I don't think it's reasonable to treat God as an arbiter of morality based on his track record of destruction and murder in the Bible). I'm not trying to make anyone else believe that way, but I think it's a legitimate basis other than just being annoyed at God.

Well put, Halfwise.

halfwise wrote:.... reducto ad absurdum = Petty.

Couldn't agree more, Halfwise.

Eldorion wrote:There are other reasons too, though. Personally, I dislike the notion of faith on philosophical grounds. I'm not trying to disparage people who have religious faith, but for my part, I prefer to structure my beliefs about life, the universe, morality, and other such topics on evidence, logic, and reason (whichever is most fitting; evidence won't really help you come up with a moral theory but I don't think it's reasonable to treat God as an arbiter of morality based on his track record of destruction and murder in the Bible). I'm not trying to make anyone else believe that way, but I think it's a legitimate basis other than just being annoyed at God.

Why can't we have a God with kind eyes, a pipe and comfy slippers?

Somewhere across the storm-tossed sea, on a small island off the coast of Scotchobbitland, Petty is fiendishly praying for the soul of Orwell....

reducto ad absurdum = Petty.- Halfwise


Couldn't agree more, Halfwise.- Orwell

I am pretty sure that is NOT what Halfwise said!

Was posting my rage as you were posting Halfwise- how well you read me!

Pettytyrant101 wrote:I am pretty sure that is NOT what Halfwise said!

Oh no, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what he meant, old friend. That's why I acted as editor.

halfwise wrote:Somewhere across the storm-tossed sea, on a small island off the coast of Scotchobbitland, Petty is fiendishly praying for the soul of Orwell....

I knew it... A closet Rafartarian (???) or Gondolonian!

"A closet Rafartarian (???) or Gondolonian!"- Orwell

I'm not keen on beans and I dont like boats!

Orwell wrote:

Pettytyrant101 wrote:I am pretty sure that is NOT what Halfwise said!

Oh no, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what he meant, old friend. That's why I acted as editor.

You two do so keep me happy.

The trouble with you, Halfwise, is you don't take either of us seriously, and with Petty I can understand -- but ME!

I take you two so seriously I even made an avatar. No more hiding in dark corners for me! Equal footing now, that's what I say.

It's just how I imagined you! Spooky!

Pettytyrant101 wrote:But what about purple splongerous zones? I dont believe they exist either, seeing as I just made them up, doesnt make it an act of faith though surely?!
And I only have buckie.

Oh yeah? Well I just named the little corners of my attic where the mice run "purple splongerous zones", and I can assure you they DO exist. Bring that buckie on over and I'll prove it to you

"and I can assure you they DO exist. "- David

I'm confused! Does that mean I don't have to believe in them anymore because they exist now?

halfwise wrote:

Orwell wrote:

Pettytyrant101 wrote:I am pretty sure that is NOT what Halfwise said!

Oh no, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what he meant, old friend. That's why I acted as editor.

You two do so keep me happy.

I doubt even Petty or Orwell could ever win an argument or anything else over a person from Manhattan (if you are not from Manhattan you act amazingly like a native. I even smell money when I read your posts.) . I mean look at Seinfeld, a show about nothing, no one else could have done it, and they also have the soup nazi. I wish he would join this forum. "No words from you Petty and Orwell and Leelee, one year!)
But never mind we have the absolute brilliant Half Wise. er.........could I get your autograph, are you related to princess Mrs. Figg, shes awfully light on her feet as well.

as usual

My stars, are you flirting with me Leelee? (I wonder what an elf date would be like...wouldn't have a clue how to behave. Prolly make a beeline right for those ears.)

I'm not sure you should be smelling money; I have but a small (yet comfortable) hobbit hole up in the northern low-rent district of the island. But I get direct sunlight! A rarity worth more than money to me. And I'm not a native - very few are. They ARE a breed apart, though likely not in ways you would expect.

Orwell wrote:When people say they are praying for me, I want to punch them in the face. People should worry about saving their own souls, and leave mine out of it. I don't want to be mixed up in other people's delusions. It's insulting and dictatorial and ideological and plain rude. Religion is an insult to intelligence and an invasion of privacy. I mean it kindly though.


{{{Hey, you Agnostics and Atheists - I don't Really mean it kindly... }}}

I love you Orwell and I am always praying for you.

For all my shortcomings, I would never be so forward or disrespectful to you, leelee.

Orwell wrote:For all my shortcomings, I would never be so forward or disrespectful to you, leelee.

well, even if you meant every word , that does not make them true, at least to me, and that does not make me less inclined to care deeply for you and your welfare(especially in the light of your doings with Mrs. Figg) and ..............................to pray fervently for you every night, I think Ill bump it up to every day and night , that violent bent in you dearest. And never mind Orwell I am covered , can have half paid for plastic surgery after the whopping, so that's alright.
But you have to find me and catch me in order to whop me and I'll be ready for you.

Does it concern you at all that I don't give a hoot about your welfare?

Orwell wrote:Does it concern you at all that I don't give a hoot about your welfare?

Nope. love you, praying for you, love you , praying for you. love you praying for you. love you praying for you. love you praying for you. love you, praying for you.
I have a disability, but it is not in the area of unconditional love. So take that grouchy yelling, punching, swearing , growling dear Orwell.