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“Science doesn’t concern itself with the non-existence of something. The periodic table of imaginary thing would be too big for a classroom- infinitely big in fact, and rather pointless. It’s not trying to prove the non-existence of anything supernatural. All it knows is there is no scientific proof of anything supernatural so far. When someone presents a jar of God it will test it.” - Ricky Gervais
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The amount of impassioned pleading in prayers for idiotic and trivial things has to be amazing.
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Anonymous asked: This person was trying to say that atheists are hypocritical for complaining about religious symbols in public schools and buildings; her reasoning is that if there were no religious symbols in schools etc, the LACK of religious symbols would offend her because it suggests that they're "supporting atheism" in a place that's paid for by her taxes. I know this isn't a question but I thought I would share my annoyance. It's hard to argue when the logic is that twisted.
I know exactly what you mean because this kind of thing is incredibly common among American Christians who have a hugely over inflated sense of entitlement. Every time there is a controversy like not saying a prayer before a high school football game, or removing the prayer banner in RI, or not having a prayer before graduation some Christian will think they have an honest point when they stand up and yell “Not having it offends me!”. The point is, who cares? People have every right to be offended at anything they decide they want to be offended by, no one at all has the right to NOT be offended.
If the lack of something in a public place offends someone perhaps that person should take a good long look at their sense and sensibility. If removing a prayer from a public place offends someone, they’re obviously an oppressive bigot who has no understanding that there are other religions and non-religious individuals out there. They feel entitled because of their privilege and bigotry to be able to push others around to their will. They feel as if the world should cater to their whim simply because they feel they are in the majority. I hate those people. Until they realize just how bigoted and idiotic statements like that are they will continue to live in a self-centered delusional world where Christians control everything and all others can stay quiet.
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I apologize for the poor quality of my camera phone but I drove past this today and had to take a picture. The house may look slightly like it went through a fire but it is an area where well over half of the homes are condemned and boarded up. The other sides of the house are all covered in spray paint and tags as well. I can’t understand, religious graffiti or are they telling people where to complain? Either way just a bit down the road is a small church, which also appears closed down.
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Anonymous asked: Ideologically, which country would be best to live in as an Atheist, what country is the most accepting? I'm just curious.
I would say it would be a close call between a few European countries. Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark all come to mind. Not only are they some of the most secular people in the world but they are often the most happy, successful, and personally fulfilled people.
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Anonymous asked: Can an atheist believe in spirits (an example)? Like supernatural powers and the like? I, myself, do not believe in those things, but am curious about this because in my country's wikipedia it's saying that atheists don't believe in any supernatural things, but I've heard before that's possible? I'm now confused...
The only thing required to be an Atheist is to not believe in any god or gods. Beyond that Atheists can believe anything and everything they want no matter how crazy it is. I’ve talked to Atheists who have sincere belief that we have been visited by and influenced by life outside of our planet, that believe in ghosts and spirits, even some that put belief in horoscopes/psychics/tarot cards. Generally speaking most Atheists don’t put any belief in these things but that is not a requirement to be an Atheist.
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Atheist Temple Being Built In London →
I am not entirely sure yet how I feel about this news, but felt I should share it for those interested.
Atheists have long criticised devout followers of faith. But now it seems Atheism is stealing from that very religious tradition by erecting a temple of worship.
Author Alain de Botton announced plans to build an Atheist temple in the U.K., reports DeZeen magazine.
A collaboration with Tom Greenall Architects, the structure will be built in the City of London.
Dedicated to the idea of perspective, the black tower will scale 46 meters (150 ft), with each centimeter honoring earth’s age of 4.6 billion years, notes Wired.
But a place of worship isn’t the only attribute from organized religion that Atheists can benefit from, says de Botton. In his newly released book “Religion For Atheists,” the author points to design, art and community to inspire and attract a following.
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Anonymous asked: What are you thoughts on Science and Spirituality ("Spirituality" as in finding oneself, to become "enlightened"- as an example people might use parts of Buddhism and some might use psychedelic drugs to further they're understanding of themselves.) Do you think Science and spirituality work together or should be kept separately on the search for understanding and knowledge? I know this is vague but I think you'll get my question. I feel like it's discussed quite often.
It is vague which makes it a little difficult for me to totally understand where you’re going with it but I’ll give it a try. I do think that “self exploration” is an important aspect of life and think it is one very often overlooked by many people. We have to spend our entire lives with ourselves yet we don’t take a lot of time to just relax and listen to exactly what our body and mind are telling us. We can learn a lot about ourselves and gain more understanding.
I was a fan of meditation when I did it and would like to return to it some day. When I was doing it a lot I was fairly good but being a bit out of practice it can take a while to get in to the “zone” and I have a hard time finding enough time to really devote to it. I also have had quite a few experiences with psychedelics in the past, mainly psilocybin mushrooms, which I think were positive experiences. I think science is learning more and more now just how beneficial they can be. They have shown to have positive effect on depression and mood that lasts for years to come. I also think it personally gave me a different and new perspective to the world that I would of otherwise probably not of experienced.
The human brain is still an area filled with mystery and is one of the frontiers science is still exploring. We can explore it ourselves in some ways and the more we explore our own thoughts and emotions the more we can understand who we are and why we behave the way that we do. In that sense if it has to be considered “spirituality” then I would say it is beneficial but I consider it more about self exploration. I just feel that the “spirituality” name gives it too much of a mystic, pseudo-science, new age type vibe.
I think that learning the full effects of psychedelics and personal aids deemed “spiritual”, like meditation, is something science is starting to take more seriously. I am certainly all for science learning everything it can so we can know just how many of these things are valid and how many of them may be pushed by less scrupulous people with their own agendas. The information we could find has the possibility to be astounding. Especially if something like the “stoned ape” theory actually has any type of merit to it.
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