Atheists must be exposed?

Atheism unveiled « Conservative Christian Commentary

So apparently, according to this blogger, the atheists that are becoming more, and more vocal should be exposed? Well, the first problem with this is the fact that vocal atheists are already exposing themselves. They have to if they are going to be vocal.

(I have since done some digging, and this guy has run for office! Seriously? A man with views like this should be nowhere near office!
http://twitter.com/#!/CCCommentary
Please spread this if you can.)

This E. Allen Griffith's seems, apparently, to think that atheists will say whatever they will to enforce, or empower their own views. He clarifies this by quoting scripture. Irony is seemingly lost on this individual. The ridiculous, and intensely arrogant argument he puts forward is quite simple.

"Every atheist, regardless of his arguments, knows there is a true and living God. I submit his rationalizing is as much an effort to relieve his own mind about the truth of God’s existence, as it is to try to convince others"

Is this man really attempting to put across a point about atheism here, or does his rather simplistic view of the world simply make him look incredibly closed minded? I would suggest that the atheist has no belief in God, contrary to Griffith's assertion. A simple look at a dictionary would sort that little issue out.

A-Theist which basically means without God... You cannot acknowledge someone as an atheist, and then tell them they actually believe in a God. It is logically weak, and comes across, as I said, as arrogant. He genuinely believes his own religious beliefs are in actual fact the only way anyone can think, and if they don't, then it must be a tangent version of what his beliefs are. It's quite worrying. he continues with more bible scripture, (why do they think that bible scripture means anything to anyone other than those that believe?).

As to this false claim he makes regarding atheists..

"The reader can be sure that every atheist once believed in God. In reality, each atheist still believes in God, but claims unbelief outwardly"

At no point in my life have I ever believed in a God. It was always kept in the same drawer as fairies, and hobgoblins. For you to make such a spurious claim belittles not only my own thoughts on the world, but that of every atheist out there who was not a God Botherer at any point. You come across as arrogant, weak, and so desperate to weight your own side, and beliefs, that you seem to think we all thought the same, and simply wandered from the path. Sorry, but that is frankly bullshit. Of course you KNOW I am lying here, because you are some sort of psychic, (well, you may as well have other irrational notions apart from your religious beliefs), and there has been a lot in my life that I consider to be 'bad' in some way, but not one iota of it has been blamed on any imaginary friend.

You are right about one thing;

"Some think God is unfair. Sin and suffering are unfair. The reality of a place called Hell is unfair"

I think anyone who has read the bible, and thinks about the notion that is God, can see that he is unjust, and indiscriminate. Suffering is aplenty, and so on, and so forth. I'm sure you have heard the argument before. However, being the psychic that I am, you will no doubt respond with;

"God moves in mysterious ways, brah!", or some such nonsensical kop out answer, that doesn;t go any way near to answering why things are as they are on earth. No doubt you'll prattle on about sin, or even, if I'm really lucky, spout some verse at me. However, none of this will answer a single thing about the original question in hand, and how YOUR god, that you worship, allows what he does on HIS creation.

Your blog post basically boils down to one thing... You are a fundamentalist Christian, and whatever anyone else thinks, it's because they are wrong, and you are right, and damn them if they think they can argue about it using logic and reason. You have your bible at hand with which to beat them with, for it is a heavy book, and ideal for hand to hand combat.

Atheism is NOT the rejection of God. It is the simple lack of anything convincing about it. How can I reject something I don't believe in. I simply think it is baloney. There is no rejection in the same way that you are not rejecting Vishnu, or Zeus... It just isn't in your make up to believe in it.

Shmuley talking crap again...

Godlessness has doomed Britain - JPost - Opinion - Columnists


For some reason, everything Shmuley seems to say just comes across as "shout, mumble, shake fist, aargh"... This all stems from the debate he took part in with the magnificent Christopher Hitchens many moons ago. Looking at what he writes, and says, ever since I first came to know him just makes him seem even more ludicrous as time progresses, and this is another example...

His essential point is that the rise in American Power is correlated with their religious fervor, and the fall of the British Empire is due to the fall in the religious... A spurious conclusion at the very least. he then goes on to describe Britain as a country of hooligans, the degradation of women, and out of wedlock birthrates. Really, Shmuley? Is this the best you can come up with? How about the other statistics. Child mortality rates, life expectancy, social care, and so on. Are these not worthy, or do you simply see what YOU see as bad points as down to a nations lack of religiosity?

He couldn't have put his other point any better, however. The difference in the US and the UK when it comes to religion, and it's organisation. The UK DOES have a state religion, and yet religious followers are dropping. Why is this, Shmuley? You don't actually offer any explanation for it at all.

You say that Churches, especially evangelical ones, are led by their commercialism. That is indeed correct, and yet you seem to see this as some sort of plus point. I don't get that at all. IS religion just a business to you? Does commercial success equate to holiness, or spirituality? Does the more money one make mean that church is any more, or less spiritual than another?

Basically, Shmuley, you seem to make absolutely no point whatsoever in your article. You don't mention the proportion of religious in prisons, you don't mention the level of violent crime, and gun deaths in the US. Apparently people dying is of no concern to you, despite how religious the country may be. You also fail to mention the other religious countries in the world... The Sudan, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, and so on, and so forth.

Poor point, poorly made...

And the debate I mention... Boteach vs Hitchens...

YouTube - ‪An illiberal consensus‬‏

Pat Condell's latest rant. Another superb job about saying what needs to be said.

YouTube - ‪An illiberal consensus‬‏

The God of the Old Testament...

Great article on RDF about Dawkins famous phrase, "The God of the Old Testament..."

Brilliant read.

The God of the Old Testament ... - Ignorant Amos - www.richarddawkins.net - RichardDawkins.net

Tony Blair... Naive? Out of touch?

Is Tony Blair the most naive man on the planet, these days, when it comes to religion. he seems to have an opinion borne out of fluffiness, and nicety, and yet he seems to be able to utterly disregard the vast downsides that religions seem to bring. He wants equality for all minorities, (in this vein talking about religion), and yet the very tenet of these religions is that THEY are the one true religion, and all others are either inferior, false, and the believer, or non-believers of the others will all go to hell, and burn for eternity. You CANNOT have equality under those circumstances.

Like the Hitchens Blair debate, he is simply showing himself to be utterly simplistic in his view, and out of his depth.


"A ruling class that is "religiously illiterate" cannot lead in the 21st century" - Vatican Insider

YouTube - ‪Madman or Something Worse - Part 1‬‏

Interesting video about the teachings of Jesus, and compares it to other 'moral sources'

YouTube - ‪Madman or Something Worse - Part 1‬‏

He's on a mission from god | thetelegraph.com.au

Well, God certainly moves in mystewrious ways. In this instance, pissed out of his skull, and crashing cars, at least his 'messenger on earth' was anyway. The latest in a long line of religious excuses to get away with something. We have Carlos who throws children from cars, who said God told him too, and we have the foreign Islamic student who sexually assaulted people, and got away with it because he was culturally excluded and lonely because of his religion.

He's on a mission from god | thetelegraph.com.au

Lonely, I'm so lonely!

Carlos throws child from a car... God told him.

YouTube - ‪Yeoman Warden At Tower Of London, Part 1 Of Four‬‏

If you watch anything on youtube, make it this 4 part series... The guy is a star! Yeoman at the Tower of London. Nothing to do with Atheism, but a giggle none the less!

YouTube - ‪Yeoman Warden At Tower Of London, Part 1 Of Four‬‏

Which God?

So you’re a theist... here is a list of Gods... You don’t believe in most of them, all except for one, (if you’re a monotheist, or a few if you’re a polytheist)... See, you are an atheist too, just when it involves other peoples gods.




  l, As-ava, Ausaitis, Austeja, Ayt'ar, Baba Yaga (Jezi Baba), Belobog (Belun), Boldogasszony, Breksta, Bugady Musun, Chernobog (Crnobog, Czarnobog, Czerneboch, Cernobog), Cinei-new, Colleda (Koliada), Cuvto-ava, Dali, Darzu-mate, Dazhbog, Debena, Devana, Diiwica (Dilwica), Doda (Dodola), Dolya, Dragoni, Dugnai, Dunne Enin, Edji, Elena, Erce, Etugen, Falvara, The Fates, The Fatit, Gabija, Ganiklis, Giltine, Hotogov Mailgan, Hov-ava, Iarila, Isten, Ja-neb'a, Jedza, Joda-mate, Kaldas, Kaltes, Keretkun, Khadau, Khursun (Khors), Kostrubonko, Kovas, Krumine, Kupala, Kupalo, Laima, Leshy, Marina, Marzana, Matergabiae, Mat Syra Zemlya, Medeine, Menu (Menulis), Mir-Susne-Khum, Myesyats, Nastasija, (Russia) Goddess of sleep., Nelaima, Norov, Numi-Tarem, Nyia, Ora, Ot, Patollo, Patrimpas, Pereplut, Perkuno, Perun, Pikuolis, Pilnytis, Piluitus, Potrimpo, Puskaitis, Rod, Rugevit, Rultennin, Rusalki, Sakhadai-Noin, Saule, Semargl, Stribog, Sudjaje, Svantovit (Svantevit, Svitovyd), Svarazic (Svarozic, Svarogich), Tengri, Tairgin, Triglav, Ulgen (Ulgan, lgn), Veles (Volos), Vesna, Xatel-Ekwa, Xoli-Kaltes, Yamm, Yarilo, Yarovit, Ynakhsyt, Zaria, Zeme mate, Zemyna, Ziva (Siva), Zizilia, Zonget, Zorya, Zvoruna, Zvezda Dennitsa, Zywie
Hindu (72):
Aditi, Adityas, Ambika, Ananta (Shesha), Annapurna (Annapatni), Aruna, Ashvins, Balarama, Bhairavi, Brahma, Buddha, Dakini, Devi, Dharma, Dhisana, Durga, Dyaus, Ganesa (Ganesha), Ganga (Ganges), Garuda, Gauri, Gopis, Hanuman, Hari-Hara, Hulka Devi, Jagganath, Jyeshtha, Kama, Karttikeya, Krishna, Krtya, Kubera, Kubjika, Lakshmi or Laksmi, Manasha, Manu, Maya, Meru, Nagas, Nandi, Naraka, Nataraja, Nirriti, Parjanya, Parvati, Paurnamasi, Prithivi, Purusha, Radha, Rati, Ratri, Rudra, Sanjna, Sati, Shashti, Shatala, Sitala (Satala), Skanda, Sunrta, Surya, Svasti-devi, Tvashtar, Uma, Urjani, Vach, Varuna, Vayu, Vishnu (Avatars of Vishnu: Matsya; Kurma; Varaha; Narasinha; Vamana; Parasurama; Rama; Krishna; Buddha; Kalki), Vishvakarman, Yama, Sraddha
Japan (53):
Aji-Suki-Taka-Hi-Kone, Ama no Uzume, Ama-terasu, Amatsu Mikaboshi, Benten (Benzai-Ten), Bishamon, Chimata-No-Kami, Chup-Kamui, Daikoku, Ebisu, Emma-O, Fudo, Fuji, Fukurokuju, Gekka-O, Hachiman, Hettsui-No-Kami, Ho-Masubi, Hotei, Inari, Izanagi and Izanami, Jizo Bosatsu, Jurojin, Kagutsuchi, Kamado-No-Kami, Kami, Kawa-No-Kami, Kaya-Nu-Hima, Kishijoten, Kishi-Mojin, Kunitokotatchi, Marici, Monju-Bosatsu, Nai-No-Kami, No-Il Ja-Dae, O-Kuni-Nushi, Omoigane, Raiden, Shine-Tsu-Hiko, Shoten, Susa-no-wo, Tajika-no-mikoto, Tsuki-yomi, Uka no Mitanna, Uke-mochi, Uso-dori, Uzume, Wakahirume, Yainato-Hnneno-Mikoi, Yama-No-Kami, Yama-no-Karni, Yaya-Zakurai, Yuki-Onne
India (43)
Agni, Ammavaru, Asuras, Banka-Mundi, Brihaspati, Budhi Pallien, Candi, Challalamma, Chinnintamma, Devas, Dyaush, Gauri-Sankar, Grhadevi, Gujeswari, Indra, Kali, Lohasur Devi, Mayavel, Mitra, Prajapati, Puchan, Purandhi, Rakshas, Rudrani, Rumina, Samundra, Sarasvati, Savitar, Siva (Shiva), Soma, Sura, Surabhi, Tulsi, Ushas, Vata, Visvamitra, Vivasvat, Vritra, Waghai Devi, Yaparamma, Yayu, Zumiang Nui, Diti
Other Asian: (31)
Dewi Shri, Po Yan Dari, Shuzanghu, Antaboga, Yakushi Nyorai, Mulhalmoni, Tankun, Yondung Halmoni, Aryong Jong, Quan Yin , Tengri, Uminai-gami, Kamado-No-Kami, Kunitokotatchi, Giri Devi, Dewi Nawang Sasih, Brag-srin-mo, Samanta-Bhadra, Sangs-rgyas-mkh, Sengdroma, Sgeg-mo-ma, Tho-og, Ui Tango, Yum-chen-mo, Zas-ster-ma-dmar-mo, Chandra, Dyaus, Ratri, Rodasi, Vayu, Au-Co
African: 250 Gods, Demigods and First Men
Abassi , Abuk , Adu Ogyinae , Ag, Agwe , Aida Wedo , Ajalamo, Aje, Ajok, Akonadi, Akongo, Akuj, Amma, Anansi, Asase Yaa, Ashiakle, Atai , Ayaba, Aziri, Baatsi, Bayanni, Bele Alua, Bomo rambi, Bosumabla, Buk, Buku, Bumba, Bunzi, Buruku, Cagn, Candit, Cghene, Coti, Damballah-Wedo, Dan, Deng, Domfe, Dongo, Edinkira, Ef�, Egungun-oya, Eka Abassi, Elephant Girl Mbombe, Emayian, Enekpe, En-Kai, Eseasar, Eshu, Esu, Fa, Faran, Faro, Fatouma, Fidi Mukullu, Fon, Gleti, Gonzuole, G, Gua, Gulu, Gunab, Hammadi, Hbiesso, Iku, Ilankaka, Imana, Iruwa, Isaywa, Juok, Kazooba, Khakaba, Khonvum, Kibuka, Kintu, Leb, Leza, Libanza, Lituolone, Loko, Marwe, Massim Biambe, Mawu-Lisa (Leza), Mboze, Mebeli, Minepa, Moombi, Mukameiguru, Mukasa, Muluku, Mulungu, Mwambu, Nai, Nambi, Nana Buluku, Nanan-Bouclou, Nenaunir, Ng Ai, Nyaliep, Nyamb, Nyankopon, Nyasaye, Nzame, Oboto, Obumo, Odudua-Orishala, Ogun, Olokun, Olorun, Orisha Nla, Orunmila, Osanyin, Oshe, Osun, Oya, Phebele, Pokot-Suk, Ralubumbha, Rugaba, Ruhanga, Ryangombe, Sagbata, Shagpona, Shango, Sopona, Tano, Thixo, Tilo, Tokoloshi, Tsui, Tsui'goab, Umvelinqangi, Unkulunkulu, Utixo, Wak, Wamara, Wantu Su, Wele, Were, Woto, Xevioso, Yangombi, Yemonja, Ymoa, Ymoja, Yoruba, Zambi, Zanahary , Zinkibaru,
Australian: 93 Gods, Goddesses and Places in the Dreamtime
Alinga, Anjea, Apunga, Arahuta, Ariki, Arohirohi, Bamapana, Banaitja, Bara, Barraiya, Biame, Bila, Boaliri, Bobbi-bobbi, Bunbulama, Bunjil, Cunnembeille, Daramulum, Dilga, Djanggawul Sisters, Eingana, Erathipa, Gidja , Gnowee, Haumia, Hine Titama, Ingridi, Julana, Julunggul, Junkgowa, Karora, Kunapipi-Kalwadi-Kadjara, Lia, Madalait, Makara, Nabudi, Palpinkalare, Papa, Rangi, Rongo, Tane, Tangaroa, Tawhiri-ma-tea, Tomituka, Tu, Ungamilia, Walo, Waramurungundi, Wati Kutjarra, Wawalag Sisters, Wuluwaid, Wuragag, Wuriupranili, Wurrunna, Yhi,
Buddhism: 10 Gods and Relatives of God
Aizen-Myoo, Ajima,Dai-itoku-Myoo, Fudo-Myoo, Gozanze-Myoo, Gundari-Myoo, Hariti, Kongo-Myoo, Kujaku-Myoo, Ni-O,
Carribean: 62 Gods, Monsters and Vodun Spirits
Agaman Nibo , Agwe, Agweta, Ah Uaynih, Aida Wedo , Atabei , Ayida , Ayizan, Azacca, Baron Samedi, Ulrich, Ellegua, Ogun, Ochosi, Chango, Itaba, Amelia, Christalline, Clairm, Clairmezin, Coatrischie, Damballah , Emanjah, Erzuli, Erzulie, Ezili, Ghede, Guabancex, Guabonito, Guamaonocon, Imanje, Karous, Laloue-diji, Legba, Loa, Loco, Maitresse Amelia , Mapiangueh, Marie-aime, Marinette, Mombu, Marassa, Nana Buruku, Oba, Obtala, Ochu, Ochumare, Oddudua, Ogoun, Olokum, Olosa, Oshun, Oya, Philomena, Sir�ne, The Diablesse, Itaba, Tsilah, Ursule, Vierge, Yemaya , Zaka,
Celtic: 166 Gods, Goddesses, Divine Kings and Pagan Saints
Abarta, Abna, Abnoba, Aine, Airetech,Akonadi, Amaethon, Ameathon, An Cailleach, Andraste, Antenociticus, Aranrhod, Arawn, Arianrod, Artio, Badb,Balor, Banbha, Becuma, Belatucadros, Belatu-Cadros, Belenus, Beli,Belimawr, Belinus, Bendigeidfran, Bile, Blathnat, Blodeuwedd, Boann, Bodus,Bormanus, Borvo, Bran, Branwen, Bres, Brigid, Brigit, Caridwen, Carpantus,Cathbadh, Cecht, Cernach, Cernunnos, Cliodna, Cocidius, Conchobar, Condatis, Cormac,Coronus,Cosunea, Coventina, Crarus,Creidhne, Creirwy, Cu Chulainn, Cu roi, Cuda, Cuill,Cyhiraeth,Dagda, Damona, Dana, Danu, D'Aulnoy,Dea Artio, Deirdre , Dewi, Dian, Diancecht, Dis Pater, Donn, Dwyn, Dylan, Dywel,Efnisien, Elatha, Epona, Eriu, Esos, Esus, Eurymedon,Fedelma, Fergus, Finn, Fodla, Goewyn, Gog, Goibhniu, Govannon , Grainne, Greine,Gwydion, Gwynn ap Nudd, Herne, Hu'Gadarn, Keltoi,Keridwen, Kernunnos,Ler, Lir, Lleu Llaw Gyffes, Lludd, Llyr, Llywy, Luchta, Lug, Lugh,Lugus, Mabinogion,Mabon, Mac Da Tho, Macha, Magog, Manannan, Manawydan, Maponos, Math, Math Ap Mathonwy, Medb, Moccos,Modron, Mogons, Morrig, Morrigan, Nabon,Nantosuelta, Naoise, Nechtan, Nedoledius,Nehalennia, Nemhain, Net,Nisien, Nodens, Noisi, Nuada, Nwywre,Oengus, Ogma, Ogmios, Oisin, Pach,Partholon, Penard Dun, Pryderi, Pwyll, Rhiannon, Rosmerta, Samhain, Segidaiacus, Sirona, Sucellus, Sulis, Taliesin, Taranis, Teutates, The Horned One,The Hunt, Treveni,Tyne, Urien, Ursula of the Silver Host, Vellaunus, Vitiris, White Lady,
Egyptian: 85 Gods, Gods Incarnate and Personified Divine Forces:
Amaunet, Amen, Amon, Amun, Anat, Anqet, Antaios, Anubis, Anuket, Apep, Apis, Astarte, Aten, Aton, Atum, Bastet, Bat, Buto, Duamutef, Duamutef, Hapi, Har-pa-khered, Hathor, Hauhet, Heket, Horus, Huh, Imset, Isis, Kauket, Kebechsenef, Khensu, Khepri, Khnemu, Khnum, Khonsu, Kuk, Maahes, Ma'at, Mehen, Meretseger, Min, Mnewer, Mut, Naunet, Nefertem, Neith, Nekhbet, Nephthys, Nun, Nut, Osiris, Ptah, Ra , Re, Renenet, Sakhmet, Satet, Seb, Seker, Sekhmet, Serapis, Serket, Set, Seth, Shai, Shu, Shu, Sia, Sobek, Sokar, Tefnut, Tem, Thoth,
Hellenes (Greek) Tradition (540 Gods, Demigods, Divine Bastards)
Acidalia, Aello, Aesculapius, Agathe, Agdistis, Ageleia, Aglauros, Agne, Agoraia, Agreia, Agreie, Agreiphontes, Agreus, Agrios, Agrotera, Aguieus, Aidoneus, Aigiokhos, Aigletes, Aigobolos, Ainia,Ainippe, Aithuia , Akesios, Akraia, Aktaios, Alalkomene, Alasiotas, Alcibie, Alcinoe, Alcippe, Alcis,Alea, Alexikakos, Aligena, Aliterios, Alkaia, Amaltheia, Ambidexter, Ambologera, Amynomene,Anaduomene, Anaea, Anax, Anaxilea, Androdameia,Andromache, Andromeda, Androphonos, Anosia, Antandre,Antania, Antheus, Anthroporraistes, Antianara, Antianeira, Antibrote, Antimache, Antimachos, Antiope,Antiopeia, Aoide, Apatouria, Aphneius, Aphrodite, Apollo, Apotropaios, Areia, Areia, Areion, Areopagite, Ares, Areto, Areximacha,Argus, Aridnus,Aristaios, Aristomache, Arkhegetes, Arktos, Arretos, Arsenothelys, Artemis, Asclepius, Asklepios, Aspheleios, Asteria, Astraeos , Athene, Auxites, Avaris, Axios, Axios Tauros,Bakcheios, Bakchos, Basileus, Basilis, Bassareus, Bauros, Boophis, Boreas , Botryophoros, Boukeros, Boulaia, Boulaios, Bremusa,Bromios, Byblis,Bythios, Caliope, Cedreatis, Celaneo, centaur, Cerberus, Charidotes, Charybdis, Chimera, Chloe, Chloris , Choreutes, Choroplekes, Chthonios, Clete, Clio, clotho,Clyemne, cockatrice, Crataeis, Custos, Cybebe, Cybele, Cyclops, Daphnaia, Daphnephoros, Deianeira, Deinomache, Delia, Delios, Delphic, Delphinios, Demeter, Dendrites, Derimacheia,Derinoe, Despoina, Dikerotes, Dimeter, Dimorphos, Dindymene, Dioktoros, Dionysos, Discordia, Dissotokos, Dithyrambos, Doris, Dryope,Echephyle,Echidna, Eiraphiotes, Ekstatophoros, Eleemon, Eleuthereus, Eleutherios, Ennosigaios, Enodia, Enodios, Enoplios, Enorches, Enualios, Eos , Epaine, Epidotes, Epikourios, Epipontia, Epitragidia, Epitumbidia, Erato, Ergane, Eribromios, Erigdoupos, Erinus, Eriobea, Eriounios, Eriphos, Eris, Eros,Euanthes, Euaster, Eubouleus, Euboulos, Euios, Eukhaitos, Eukleia, Eukles, Eumache, Eunemos, Euplois, Euros , Eurybe,Euryleia, Euterpe, Fates,Fortuna, Gaia, Gaieokhos, Galea, Gamelia, Gamelios, Gamostolos, Genetor, Genetullis, Geryon, Gethosynos, giants, Gigantophonos, Glaukopis, Gorgons, Gorgopis, Graiae, griffin, Gynaikothoinas, Gynnis, Hagisilaos, Hagnos, Haides, Harmothoe, harpy, Hegemone, Hegemonios, Hekate, Hekatos, Helios, Hellotis, Hephaistia, Hephaistos, Hera, Heraios, Herakles, Herkeios, Hermes, Heros Theos, Hersos, Hestia, Heteira, Hiksios, Hipp, Hippia, Hippios, Hippoi Athanatoi, Hippolyte, Hippolyte II, Hippomache,Hippothoe, Horkos, Hugieia, Hupatos, Hydra, Hypate, Hyperborean, Hypsipyle, Hypsistos, Iakchos, Iatros, Idaia, Invictus, Iphito,Ismenios, Ismenus,Itonia, Kabeiria, Kabeiroi, Kakia, Kallinikos, Kallipugos, Kallisti, Kappotas, Karneios, Karpophoros, Karytis, Kataibates, Katakhthonios, Kathatsios, Keladeine, Keraunos, Kerykes, Khalinitis, Khalkioikos, Kharmon, Khera, Khloe, Khlori,Khloris,Khruse, Khthonia, Khthonios, Kidaria, Kissobryos, Kissokomes, Kissos, Kitharodos, Kleidouchos, Kleoptoleme, Klymenos, Kore, Koruthalia, Korymbophoros, Kourotrophos, Kranaia, Kranaios, Krataiis, Kreousa, Kretogenes, Kriophoros, Kronides, Kronos,Kryphios, Ktesios, Kubebe, Kupris, Kuprogenes, Kurotrophos, Kuthereia, Kybele, Kydoime,Kynthia, Kyrios, Ladon, Lakinia, Lamia, Lampter, Laodoke, Laphria, Lenaios, Leukatas, Leukatas, Leukolenos, Leukophruene, Liknites, Limenia, Limnaios, Limnatis, Logios, Lokhia, Lousia, Loxias, Lukaios, Lukeios, Lyaios, Lygodesma, Lykopis, Lyseus, Lysippe, Maimaktes, Mainomenos, Majestas, Makar, Maleatas, Manikos, Mantis, Marpe, Marpesia, Medusa, Megale, Meilikhios, Melaina, Melainis, Melanaigis, Melanippe,Melete, Melousa, Melpomene, Melqart, Meses, Mimnousa, Minotaur, Mneme, Molpadia,Monogenes, Morpho, Morychos, Musagates, Musagetes, Nebrodes, Nephelegereta, Nereus,Nete, Nike, Nikephoros, Nomios, Nomius, Notos , Nyktelios, Nyktipolos, Nympheuomene, Nysios, Oiketor, Okyale, Okypous, Olumpios, Omadios, Ombrios, Orithia,Orius,Ortheia, Orthos, Ourania, Ourios, Paelemona, Paian, Pais, Palaios, Pallas, Pan Megas, Panakhais, Pandemos, Pandrosos, Pantariste, Parthenos, PAsianax, Pasiphaessa, Pater, Pater, Patroos, Pegasus, Pelagia, Penthesilea, Perikionios, Persephone, Petraios, Phanes, Phanter, Phatria, Philios, Philippis, Philomeides, Phoebe, Phoebus, Phoenix, Phoibos, Phosphoros, Phratrios, Phutalmios, Physis, Pisto, Plouton, Polemusa,Poliakhos, Polias, Polieus, Polumetis, Polydektes, Polygethes, Polymnia, Polymorphos, Polyonomos, Porne, Poseidon, Potnia Khaos, Potnia Pheron, Promakhos, Pronoia, Propulaios, Propylaia, Proserpine, Prothoe, Protogonos, Prytaneia, Psychopompos, Puronia, Puthios, Pyrgomache, Python, Rhea, Sabazios, Salpinx, satyr, Saxanus, Scyleia,Scylla, sirens, Skeptouchos, Smintheus, Sophia, Sosipolis, Soter, Soteria, Sphinx, Staphylos, Sthenias, Sthenios, Strife, Summakhia, Sykites, Syzygia, Tallaios, Taureos, Taurokeros, Taurophagos, Tauropolos, Tauropon, Tecmessa, Teisipyte, Teleios, Telepyleia,Teletarches, Terpsichore, Thalestris, Thalia, The Dioskouroi, Theos, Theritas, Thermodosa, Thraso, Thyonidas, Thyrsophoros, Tmolene, Toxaris, Toxis, Toxophile,Trevia, Tricephalus, Trieterikos, Trigonos, Trismegestos, Tritogeneia, Tropaios, Trophonius,Tumborukhos, Tyche, Typhon, Urania, Valasca, Xanthippe, Xenios, Zagreus, Zathos, Zephryos , Zeus, Zeus Katakhthonios, Zoophoros
Native American: 711 Gods, Heroes, and Anthropomorphized Facets of Nature
Aakuluujjusi, Ab Kin zoc, Abaangui , Ababinili , Ac Yanto, Acan, Acat, Achiyalatopa , Acna, Acolmiztli, Acolnahuacatl, Acuecucyoticihuati, Adamisil Wedo, Adaox , Adekagagwaa , Adlet , Adlivun, Agloolik , Aguara , Ah Bolom Tzacab, Ah Cancum, Ah Chun Caan, Ah Chuy Kak, Ah Ciliz, Ah Cun Can, Ah Cuxtal, Ah hulneb, Ah Kin, Ah Kumix Uinicob, Ah Mun, Ah Muzencab, Ah Patnar Uinicob, Ah Peku, Ah Puch, Ah Tabai, Ah UincirDz'acab, Ah Uuc Ticab, Ah Wink-ir Masa, Ahau Chamahez, Ahau-Kin, Ahmakiq, Ahnt Alis Pok', Ahnt Kai', Aholi , Ahsonnutli , Ahuic, Ahulane, Aiauh, Aipaloovik , Ajbit, Ajilee , Ajtzak, Akbaalia , Akba-atatdia , Akhlut , Akhushtal, Akna , Akycha, Alaghom Naom Tzentel, Albino Spirit animals , Alektca , Alignak, Allanque , Allowat Sakima , Alom, Alowatsakima , Amaguq , Amala , Amimitl, Amitolane, Amotken , Andaokut , Andiciopec , Anerneq , Anetlacualtiliztli, Angalkuq , Angpetu Wi, Anguta, Angwusnasomtaka , Ani Hyuntikwalaski , Animal spirits , Aningan, Aniwye , Anog Ite , Anpao, Apanuugak , Apicilnic , Apikunni , Apotamkin , Apoyan Tachi , Apozanolotl, Apu Punchau, Aqalax , Arendiwane , Arnakua'gsak , Asdiwal , Asgaya Gigagei, Asiaq , Asin , Asintmah, Atacokai , Atahensic, Aticpac Calqui Cihuatl, Atira, Atisokan , Atius Tirawa , Atl, Atlacamani, Atlacoya, Atlatonin, Atlaua, Atshen , Auilix, Aulanerk , Aumanil , Aunggaak , Aunt Nancy , Awaeh Yegendji , Awakkule , Awitelin Tsta , Awonawilona, Ayauhteotl, Azeban, Baaxpee , Bacabs, Backlum Chaam, Bagucks , Bakbakwalanooksiwae , Balam, Baldhead , Basamacha , Basket Woman , Bead Spitter , Bear , Bear Medicine Woman , Bear Woman , Beaver , Beaver Doctor , Big Heads, Big Man Eater , Big Tail , Big Twisted Flute , Bikeh hozho, Bitol, Black Hactcin , Black Tamanous , Blind Boy , Blind Man , Blood Clot Boy , Bloody Hand , Blue-Jay , Bmola , Bolontiku, Breathmaker, Buffalo , Buluc Chabtan, Burnt Belly , Burnt Face , Butterfly , Cabaguil, Cacoch, Cajolom, Cakulha, Camaxtli, Camozotz, Cannibal Grandmother , Cannibal Woman , Canotila , Capa , Caprakan, Ca-the-a, Cauac, Centeotl, Centzonuitznaua, Cetan , Chac Uayab Xoc, Chac, Chahnameed , Chakwaina Okya, Chalchihuitlicue, Chalchiuhtlatonal, Chalchiutotolin, Chalmecacihuilt, Chalmecatl, Chamer, Changing Bear Woman , Changing Woman , Chantico, Chaob, Charred Body , Chepi , Chibiabos , Chibirias, Chiccan, Chicomecoatl, Chicomexochtli, Chiconahui, Chiconahuiehecatl, Chie, Child-Born-in-Jug , Chirakan, Chulyen , Cihuacoatl, Cin-an-ev , Cinteotl, Cipactli, Cirap� , Cit Chac Coh, Cit-Bolon-Tum, Citlalatonac, Citlalicue, Ciucoatl, Ciuteoteo, Cizin, Cliff ogre , Coatlicue, Cochimetl, Cocijo, Colel Cab, Colop U Uichkin, Copil, Coyolxauhqui, Coyopa, Coyote , Cripple Boy , Crow , Crow Woman , Cum hau, Cunawabi , Dagwanoenyent , Dahdahwat , Daldal , Deohako, Dhol , Diyin dine , Djien , Djigonasee , Dohkwibuhch , Dzalarhons , Dzalarhons, Eagentci , Eagle , Earth Shaman , Eeyeekalduk , Ehecatl, Ehlaumel , Eithinoha , Ekchuah, Enumclaw , Eototo, Esaugetuh Emissee , Esceheman, Eschetewuarha, Estanatlehi , Estasanatlehi , Estsanatlehi, Evaki, Evening Star, Ewah , Ewauna, Face , Faces of the Forests , False Faces , Famine , Fastachee , Fire Dogs , First Creator , First Man and First Woman, First Scolder , Flint Man , Flood , Flower Woman , Foot Stuck Child , Ga'an, Ga-gaah , Gahe, Galokwudzuwis , Gaoh, Gawaunduk, Geezhigo-Quae, Gendenwitha, Genetaska, Ghanan, Gitche Manitou, Glispa, Glooskap , Gluscabi , Gluskab , Gluskap, Godasiyo, Gohone , Great Seahouse, Greenmantle , Gucumatz, Gukumatz, Gunnodoyak, Gyhldeptis, Ha Wen Neyu , Hacauitz , Hacha'kyum, Hagondes , Hahgwehdiyu , Hamatsa , Hamedicu, Hanghepi Wi, Hantceiitehi , Haokah , Hastseoltoi, Hastshehogan , He'mask.as , Hen, Heyoka , Hiawatha , Hino, Hisakitaimisi, Hokhokw , Hotoru, Huehuecoyotl, Huehueteotl, Huitaca , Huitzilopochtli, Huixtocihuatl, Hummingbird, Hun hunahpu, Hun Pic Tok, Hunab Ku, Hunahpu Utiu, Hunahpu, Hunahpu-Gutch, Hunhau, Hurakan, Iatiku And Nautsiti, Ich-kanava , Ictinike , Idliragijenget , Idlirvirisong, Igaluk , Ignirtoq , Ikanam , Iktomi , Ilamatecuhtli, Illapa, Ilyap'a, i'noGo tied , Inti, Inua , Ioskeha , Ipalnemohuani, Isakakate, Ishigaq , Isitoq , Issitoq , Ite , Itzamn, Itzananohk`u, Itzlacoliuhque, Itzli, Itzpapalotl, Ix Chebel Yax, Ixbalanque, Ixchel, Ixchup, Ixmucane, Ixpiyacoc, Ixtab, Ixtlilton, Ixtubtin, Ixzaluoh, Iya , Iyatiku , Iztaccihuatl, Iztacmixcohuatl, Jaguar Night, Jaguar Quitze, Jogah , Kaakwha , Kabun , Kabun , Kachinas, Kadlu , Ka-Ha-Si , Ka-Ha-Si , Kaik , Kaiti , Kan, Kana'ti and Selu , Kanati, Kan-u-Uayeyab, Kan-xib-yui, Kapoonis , Katsinas, Keelut , Ketchimanetowa, Ketq Skwaye, Kianto, Kigatilik , Kilya, K'in, Kinich Ahau, Kinich Kakmo, Kishelemukong , Kisin, Kitcki Manitou, Kmukamch , Kokopelli , Ko'lok , Kukulcan, Kushapatshikan , Kutni , Kutya'I , Kwakwakalanooksiwae , Kwatee , Kwekwaxa'we , Kwikumat , Kyoi , Lagua , Land Otter People , Lawalawa , Logobola , Loha, Lone Man , Long Nose , Loon , Loon Medicine , Loon Woman , Loo-wit, Macaw Woman, Macuilxochitl, Maho Peneta, Mahucutah, Makenaima , Malesk , Malina , Malinalxochi, Malsum, Malsumis , Mam, Mama Cocha, Man in moon , Manabozho , Manetuwak , Mani'to, Manitou , Mannegishi , Manu, Masaya, Masewi , Master of Life , Master Of Winds, Matshishkapeu , Mavutsinim , Mayahuel, Medeoulin , Mekala , Menahka, Meteinuwak , Metztli, Mexitl, Michabo, Mictecacihuatl, Mictlan, Mictlantecuhtli, Mikchich , Mikumwesu , Mitnal, Mixcoatl, Mongwi Kachinum , Morning Star, Motho and Mungo , Mulac, Muut , Muyingwa , Nacon, Nagenatzani, Nagi Tanka , Nagual, Nahual, Nakaw, Nanabojo, Nanabozho , Nanabush, Nanahuatzin, Nanautzin, Nanih Waiya, Nankil'slas , Nanook , Naum, Negafook , Nerrivik , Nesaru, Nianque , Nishanu , Nohochacyum, Nokomis, Nootaikok , North Star, Nujalik , Nukatem , Nunne Chaha , Ocasta, Ockabewis, Odzihozo , Ohtas , Oklatabashih, Old Man , Olelbis, Omacatl, Omecihuatl, Ometecuhtli, Onatha , One Tail of Clear Hair , Oonawieh Unggi , Opochtli, Oshadagea, Owl Woman , Pah , Pah, Paiowa, Pakrokitat , Pana , Patecatl, Pautiwa, Paynal, Pemtemweha , Piasa , Pikvhahirak , Pinga , Pomola , Pot-tilter , Prairie Falcon , Ptehehincalasanwin , Pukkeenegak , Qaholom, Qakma, Qiqirn , Quaoar , Quetzalcoatl, Qumu , Quootis-hooi, Rabbit, Ragno, Raven, Raw Gums , Rukko, Sagamores , Sagapgia , Sanopi , Saynday , Sedna, Selu, Shakuru, Sharkura, Shilup Chito Osh, Shrimp house, Sila , Sint Holo , Sio humis, Sisiutl , Skan , Snallygaster , Sosondowah , South Star, Spider Woman , Sta-au , Stonecoats , Sun, Sungrey , Ta Tanka , Tabaldak , Taime , Taiowa , Talocan, Tans , Taqwus , Tarhuhyiawahku, Tarquiup Inua , Tate , Tawa, Tawiscara, Ta'xet , Tcisaki , Tecciztecatl, Tekkeitserktock, Tekkeitsertok , Telmekic , Teoyaomqui, Tepeu, Tepeyollotl, Teteoinnan, Tezcatlipoca, Thobadestchin, Thoume', Thunder , Thunder Bird , Tieholtsodi, Tihtipihin , Tirawa , Tirawa Atius, Tlacolotl, Tlahuixcalpantecuhtli, Tlaloc, Tlaltecuhtli, Tlauixcalpantecuhtli, Tlazolteotl, Tohil, Tokpela , Tonantzin , Tonatiuh, To'nenile, Tonenili , Tootega , Torngasak, Torngasoak , Trickster/Transformer , True jaguar, Tsentsa, Tsichtinako, Tsohanoai Tsonoqwa , Tsul 'Kalu , Tulugaak , Tumas , Tunkan ingan, Turquoise Boy , Twin Thunder Boys, Txamsem , Tzakol, Tzitzimime, Uazzale , Uchtsiti, Ud , Uentshukumishiteu , Ueuecoyotl, Ugly Way , Ugni , Uhepono , Uitzilopochtli, Ukat , Underwater Panthers , Unhcegila , Unipkaat , Unk, Unktomi , Untunktahe , Urcaguary, Utea , Uwashil , Vassagijik , Voltan, Wabosso , Wabun , Wachabe, Wah-Kah-Nee, Wakan , Wakanda , Wakan-Tanka, Wakinyan , Wan niomi , Wanagi , Wananikwe , Watavinewa , Water babies , Waukheon , We-gyet , Wemicus , Wendigo , Wentshukumishiteu , White Buffalo Woman, Whope , Wi , Wicahmunga , Wihmunga , Windigo, Winonah, Wisagatcak , Wisagatcak, Wishpoosh , Wiyot , Wovoka , Wuya , Xaman Ek, Xelas , Xibalba, Xilonen, Xipe Totec, Xiuhcoatl, Xiuhtecuhtli, Xiuhtecutli, Xmucane, Xochipili , Xochiquetzal, Xocotl, Xolotl, Xpiyacoc, Xpuch And Xtah, Yacatecuhtli, Yaluk, Yanauluha , Ya-o-gah , Yeba Ka, Yebaad, Yehl , Yeitso, Yiacatecuhtli, Yolkai Estsan, Yoskeha , Yum Kaax, Yuwipi , Zaramama, Zipaltonal, Zotz,
Norse, 111 Deities, Giants and Monsters:
Aegir, Aesir, Alfrigg, Audumbla, Aurgelmir, Balder, Berchta, Bergelmir, Bor, Bragi, Brisings, Buri, Etin, Fenris, Forseti, Frey, Freyja, Frigga, Gefion, Gerda, Gode, Gymir, Harke, Heimdall, Hel, Hermod, Hodur, Holda, Holle, Honir, Hymir, Idun, Jormungandr, Ljolsalfs, Loki, Magni, Mimir, Mistarblindi, Muspel, Nanna, Nanni, Nerthus, Njord, Norns, Odin, Perchta, Ran, Rig, Segyn, Sif, Skadi, Skirnir, Skuld, Sleipnir, Surt, Svadilfari, tanngniotr, tanngrisnr, Thiassi, Thor, Thrud, Thrudgelmir, Thrym, Thurs, Tyr, Uller, Urd, Vali, Vali, Valkyries, Vanir, Ve, Verdandi, Vidar, Wode, Ymir
Pacific islands: 99 Deities, Demigods and Immortal Monsters:
Abeguwo, Abere, Adaro, Afekan, Ai Tupua'i, 'Aiaru, Ala Muki, Alalahe, Alii Menehune, Aluluei, Aruaka, Asin, Atanea, Audjal, Aumakua, Babamik, Bakoa, Barong, Batara Kala, Buring Une, Darago, Dayang-Raca, De Ai, Dogai, Enda Semangko, Faumea, Giriputri, Goga, Haumea, Hiiaka', Hina, Hine, Hoa-Tapu, 'Imoa, Io, Kanaloa, Kanaloa, Kane, Kapo, Kava, Konori, Ku, Kuhuluhulumanu, Kuklikimoku, Kukoae, Ku'ula, Laka, Laulaati, Lono, Mahiuki, MakeMake, Marruni, Maru, Maui, Melu, Menehune, Moeuhane, MOO-LAU, Ndauthina, Ne Te-reere, Nevinbimbaau, Ngendei, Nobu, Oro, Ove, Paka'a, Papa, Pele, Quat, Rangi, Rati, Rati-mbati-ndua, Ratu-Mai-Mbula, Rua, Ruahatu, Saning Sri, Ta'aroa, Taaroa, Tamakaia, Tane, Tanemahuta, Tangaroa, Tawhaki, Tiki, Tinirau, Tu, Tuli, Turi-a-faumea, Uira, Ukupanipo, Ulupoka, Umboko Indra, Vanuatu, Wahini-Hal, Walutahanga, Wari-Ma-Te-Takere, Whaitiri, Whatu, Wigan,
South American: 53 Deities, Demigods, Beings of Divine Substance:
Abaangui, Aclla, Akewa, Asima Si, Atoja, Auchimalgen, Axomama, Bachu, Beru, Bochica, Boiuna, Calounger, Catequil, Cavillaca, Ceiuci, Chasca, Chie, Cocomama, Gaumansuri, Huitaca, Iae, Ilyap'a, Ina, Inti, Ituana, Jamaina , Jandira, Jarina, Jubbu-jang-sangne, Ka-ata-killa, Kilya, Kuat, Kun, Luandinha, Lupi, Mama Allpa, Mama Quilla, Mamacocha, Manco Capac, Maret-Jikky, Maretkhmakniam, Mariana, Oshossi, Pachamac, Pachamama, Perimb, Rainha Barba, Si, Supai, Toptine, Viracocha, Yemanja (Imanje), Zume Topana.

Dude! It's Dudeism!

OK, now I really shouldn’t be fucking arsed about actually posting this, as it's some what against the doctrine of the church... however, here is a link to my new spiritual home. I am done with the FSM. I almost choked on a bit of spaghetti not three days past, so I feel that marinara smeared deity is trying to kill me. Instead, I’m going to... Oh fuck it. Read it yourself... I’m off for a white Russian.

The Blair-Hitch Project

Debate Debacle

So whilst I’ve been in exile, getting my house sorted in Bulgaria, I missed the Hitchens - Blair debate on whether religion was a force of good in the world, therefore this is rather daftly late, but ho-hum, here I go. I was very much looking forward to this, mainly because I thought Blair might actually put up a decent fight. A renowned orator, well travelled, and intelligent politician, in relatively good standing, (relative to what, I can’t say), should in theory be able to string one or two arguments together. Hitchens, on the other hand, in his current medical condition, ‘should’ be rather fragile, and maybe not at his best. I love the Hitch, I really do, and to see him in that way is saddening to say the least, BUT, in a debate, you have to be tough, right, so this would be interesting.

So, in I tune, (to wherever it was I got the video from), and sat down, popcorn in one hand, and remote in the other, (I eat my popcorn trough style, by plunging headfirst into the box), and pressed play.

So, the Hitchmeister goes first. So he barrels forth with his usual wit, and heads straight into his argument. For those who have seen it, I won’t bore you with the details, but it runs pretty much along the same lines as his usual stuff. Original sin, North Korea, Redemption in exchange for critical faculties, and so on, and so forth. However, the part I want to concentrate on is the arguments of Blair. Responding to all these logical, and rational points, Blair seems to have one, and one argument alone.

“We’re not all bad”

Is that really the extent of Blairs debating powers on this subject? I was surprised, to say the least. Considering he has founded a religious foundation, you’d think he would have a slightly more incisive argument. he talks about charity, and all that guff, which in my opinion has nothing to do with religion.

So, they are not all bad. Well, maybe so, but that doesn’t alter the fact that the Church has some rather nasty doctrine, and dogma. The question of Aids in Africa, and the recent, and not so recent accusations of child abuse in the church, and we seem to get the same response.

“Well, we’re not all bad”

Well, not all Nazi’s were bad, but that doesn’t mean the Nazi’s weren’t a bunch of mass-murdering fuckheads (copyright Eddie Izzard). So how IS religion supposed to be judged? By the people following the religion, or by the decrees, and rulings of the authority of that religion? Well, to me, it should definitely be what the Church says as an authority, and the actions of the congregation should also be under the microscope. I’ve covered this before, in “Is religion Evil?”, so you can read what I think there.

Basically, the only 3 things that religion has going for it are these;

*Community activity
*Charity donations, (although they might come with a bible)
*Hope for the hopeless

Now, to me, that doesn’t seem like a purely religious ‘thing’. However, the bad things DO, I think outweigh the niceties by a considerable margin.

What do you think?

PS, All the best to ‘the Hitch’.

Meddlesome buggers!

I’m not a politician. Maybe I’m not even intelligent when it comes to politics, BUT, I do seem to get bloody irate when one of the powers does something stupid. Normally it might be a small thing like a comment in a speech, or what have you, but lately I’ve noticed it a lot more. It is by no means a new thing, either. The more we meddle, the more poo we seem to have to walk through before we get to a point on the other side. I’ve no idea what that point it, it’s a secret that politicians keep to themselves. I’m sure they will tell us when that goal has been achieved.

When I say meddling, i don’t mean in a small, ant on a horses back type meddle. I’m talking monumental, history making meddling, and the peculiar thing is that we never seem to come out of it smelling of roses. Even when we do come out with some semblance of a victory, or moral ground gained, it will soon inevitable come back and bite us in the arse. It happens every time.

*We had the British Mandate of Palestine, the Jewish terrorism, and then the eventual state of Israel. Yay, we hath created a state, and the Jewish can be a happy bunch... Ooops, why did no-one mention these other folks. That ended up being an almighty cock-up. Our well intentioned safe haven for the jewish folks ended up being a major headache in the Middle East... Bugger!

*We had the Iranian coup d’etat in 1953, (quietly helped by the west), which ousted a perfectly good, democratically elected President. In comes the Shah, who promptly bans lots of Islamic tradition, and people get antsy. This in turn gives the Islamic fundamentals a foothold and bish-bash-bosh, in 1979 the Islamic fanatics got in. Now, we ‘helped’ oust the original democratic government for oil reasons, and now we have a weirdo in control... Bugger!

*The Russians.. They are evil people aren’t they? At least that is what we were led to believe in the cold war days. We all know about Afghanistan due to the recent conflict. However, during the Iranian revolution of 1979, the government of Afghanistan was having a bit of trouble with some pesky rebel forces in its borders, called the Mujahideen. This band of Islamic rebels were giving the government a right pain in the gulliver, so they called for Russian help. Obviously, Russia was more than willing to give them a hand, and as we all know, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so the US decided it would give support to the rebels, (which included a certain Osama Bin laden). And so the Afghan war began. It was a long, bloody war, and it basically became the Russian Vietnam. The Mujahideen had won their battle, and took control. The Mujahedeen then went on to become the Taliban... Bugger!

*We obviously think that new Iranian government is evil... So very evil, so we decide to support his next door neighbour, a Mr Saddam Hussein, (stand up and take a bow please... Mr Hussein? Oh bugger, he was hung). So Iran and Iraq had a war, partly funded by the US, but also funded by other countries in the region, (namely Kuwait). An interesting side note to this was was the use of chemical weapons, which was allowed by certain western powers, (namely the US and UK), and their veto powers stopped a UN resolution stopping them from using it. Unfortunately the Kurds paid a dear price for it... bugger!

*Once the Iran-Iraq war was all done, and dusted, and I still have no idea who won. Over a million died, so winning is a moot point. Iraq then decided it needed to pay of its debt. Kuwait was a large loaner to the Iraqi during its war. Iraq was struggling with the repayments, so an agreement was set via OPEC, to keep production levels at a point to keep oil prices at a certain value. Job done. Iraq will make its payments, and keep its house! Woohoo! Alas, what is this? kuwait... Why are you upping production, kicking me in the teeth? Iraq went back to OPEC, and reiterated its need to keep oil at a certain value, and again it was all agreed! Lo, Kuwait is still playing its game. Now the US was a big supporter of Iraq, and Iraq sought advise from it;s big fat friendly friend over the water. “Do you mind, awfully, if we head over, and teach those Kuwaitis a lesson, after all, if we become bankrupt, Iran will be all powerful!”. “Nope,” the yanky said, “Arab concerns” are not our concern. So, Iraq gathered it;s chaps in camouflage, and over they went, to teach the Kuwaitis a lesson. There was a distant cry from the Americans, however... What the buggery are you doing? And lo, the Gulf War was brought into being. So from being a great friend, they became great enemies, all overnight... Bugger!


*Now, in order to expel Iraq from Kuwait the Taliban, and especially Osama Bin laden, formerly under the supervision, and training of the US, decided it wanted to help, and Osama own army wanted to repel the Iraqis. However, in his homeland he witnessed the infidels walking on his soil, his sacred, holy sil. Boy, was he pissed. Herein lies the beginning of the pissed off Bin laden fellow, and we all know how that went. USS Cole, and so on... Bugger!

As you can see... It is an extensive list of bits and bobs that may seem small at the time, but all are interlinked, and the meddling by the west really does seem to have helped in along in leaps and bounds. It doesn’t stop there either. As we talk, we have Israel attacking Syria, and Iran, (well, that was a few years back), bulldozing people out of their homes, and holding a blockade on gaza for whatever bloody reason. They are also testing their own missiles, which is nice. Of course, North Korea, which is certainly a big fucked up country that seemingly has no sense attached to it, testing its own missiles, accompanied by much international condemnation. Now, you can argue that a troublesome bugger like Kim Jong Il needs to be kept on a leash, but come on, naming N Korea, Iran, Syria, etc in a group called the axis of evil was hardly going to get a good response. After that event, do you really expect them to NOT go on the defensive? The odd thing is that a few moments after the N Koreans test their missile, the US tests one, and the condemnation was very silent indeed. It seems you can invade, begin civil wars, and generally lie about reasons for war however much you want. That is perfectly fine, but should you have the nerve to test a missile, you will be in deep doo doo, especially if you are in the axis of evil, (who have invaded, or attacked exactly no-one. Where is the logic there?

In my mind, the less we poke these countries with sticks, the less likely they are going to jump up and aim a kick towards our genitals. Do we bring about most of this ourselves? History would seem to agree. Do we seem to seem to make a compete hash of foreign affairs? Yup, seemingly we do. Are we meddlesome buggers? Yup... Bugger!

Pictures and words...

Isn’t the bible just so precious! If only we all used the bible as a guide to our lives, things would be so much better!

Sam Harris is a massive PDFile! :-D

OK, So maybe Sam Harris isn’t actually a massive PDFile, but he has actually produced one, along with his Reason Project organisation. It seems to be doing the rounds, so why not link it to!. Click the pic to open in browser, or right click and save as to download.

PS: Getting the picture of Harris above, I did indeed discover the uncanny resemblance to Ben Stiller? Twins, or simply an alter ego? Who knows? Has anyone seen them together?

Invasion of the Pagans!

The implications of life elsewhere for religion?

As I am not religious in anyway, shape or form, (thank God), so to me I would simply find aliens of whatever description to be an extension of life, and in no way an earth shattering discovery. The religious on the others hand, could take it any number of ways. They would have to decide...

1) …if those beings were simple organisms, or primitive creatures.

•Would they be considered subservient to man, and therefore retain their special place in Gods plan?
•Would this mean that the universe still retains the Earth as the place where God created those in his image?

2) …if those beings were actually on an equal intellectual level with ourselves.

•Would they also be children of God?
•How would they explain any cultural or moral differences between the species?
•Did God simply send Christ to Earth, or all of the planets with his little creations on?
•Why doesn’t the bible mention his other creations on other planets?

3) …if those beings were way more powerful than us?

•Do we welcome them as our new overlords, Kent Brockman style?
•Why would God forsake us with this relatively limited knowledge?
•Is it a test from God?
•Are they demons?
•If we pray hard enough will they go away?
•Why does the laser beam hurt?
•Did God create them too?
•Did he make them before, or after us?
•Are we one of many God projects?
•Why didn’t he mention them in the bible?
•Did they know Christ?
•Do they simply say “La, la, la, la, la, la” whilst thumbing a string of rosemary beads?
•Do they convert to their religion, if they have one?
•What if they don’t have one, and are atheists, realising many millennia ago that Gods are silly, do they agree, and embrace rationalism, or do they start a little holy war, and pretend to be the French resistance?
•Do they rewrite the bible, with a chapter written by John, or Paul, all about the alien folks…
•OR, did God do it?

I’d like to discover alien life simply to see what the religious do!

Reprogramming

Religion is a choice, isn't it?

If anyone says that religion is not a form of programming, ask a Christian why he, or she, isn't a Hindu. Upbringing and environment have more to do with what religion you are than anything else. Why else are you more likely to be a christian in a christian country, or a Muslim in a Muslim country. Choice seldom comes into it, especially for children, which is the ripe age where religion will sink it's filthy claws into you. I had no choice about being labelled a Christian. I was taken to an old building and doused in tap water, which apparently made me a Christian.

The religious then have your formative years in order to mould, and manipulate your logic circuits, so they don’t work properly anymore, and you thin that dinosaurs walked the earth with man, and that zombies are in fact a reality, and that it is perfectly fine to have cannibalistic rituals every Sunday.

I have a theory that children cry a lot during these occasions because although they cannot speak, they know what is going on, therefore they will make it as unpleasant as possible.

On the road ramblings II

5) Would you let God babysit?

Not on your fucking nelly. I'd rather have Fred West, or Jack the ripper. At least they limited themselves to less than a few hundred. God just doesn't know when to stop. He also doesn't seem to have any qualms whatsoever regarding who he kills off for some petty deed that they may not even have been guilty of perpetrating. The poor kids who happened to be born first in Egypt, for simply being a bit miffed at them. He almost had Abraham kill his son, but stopped him... Which was nice. The same could not be said of poor old Jephthah and his hapless daughter. He promised to sacrifice whatever came to his door after a battle, or a night on the town, or something, and his daughter turned up. Instead of God saying "no, we were drunk, don't worry about it... Say some hail Mary's and a couple of Our Fathers and well be good. Nope, the poor girl was burned alive. He decreed that children who dishonor their parents should be killed, as well as anyone who happened to follow another god. All in all, he comes across as a bit of a petulant child. Jealous, angry, pissed off, and for some reason, he seems obsessed with attention. Does God have ADD?

Why is someone allegedly so powerful, so loving, so quick to deal out death and destruction? (cheers Gandalf) it hardly seems like the actions of a loving God, or a God that has a desire for good to come of his flock. If God was a parent, or foster parent, and these things occurred, do you think people would be praising him, or do you think that they would have their kids taken away, and they be locked up in an institute? I don't think that is a difficult question to answer. So rather than being the delightful, caring overseer, he seems he'll bent on trying to be as scary as possible. It's a bit like the school bully. If you ignore them long enough, he will go away. Is God a Hitler type character? He really is a barbaric shit.


6) The odd things...

OK, not all of the god stuff makes too much sense to me. There are some questions that to me don't make sense, (aside from the rest), and I thought I'd pile them into one section.

Ok, so apparently the universe is only 6000 years old. So taking that as truth, what was god doing before that? Assuming that God is infinite, then what, exactly was he doing prior to the creation. What was he doing for the infinite expanse before that? Is he actually a completely lazy git, and his only work is a fairly gash universe, with multitudes of dead planets, and failing stars, complete with life that suffers pain,and all that stuff.
Why do we think he would actually care in the first place? Isn't that a bit like a scientist really caring about the bacteria in a Petrie dish?
Why did he create a perfect garden, and create some nice little humans, and then put a serpent in there? Why didn't he know that the serpent was in there, or what it's plans were? Why make the tree of knowledge in the first place? Why blame them for eating the fruit when it was he that made them the way they were?
Why the difference between the old testament and the new testament? The first thing I think of when comparing is "how can a supreme, all knowing, omnipotent being change his mind?" The fact he changed his mind is, in my opinion, proof that he is in fact not omnipotent, supreme or all knowing. It doesn't make sense. Where did hell come from? It wasn't mentioned in the OT so why the sudden inclusion? Did god change his mind, or was it purely a man made notion added later? It all adds up, in my mind, to the idea that God, and all the writings were man made, and not divinely inspired.
The Devil... Isn't that a bit like a batman letting loose the Riddler, or Joker, just to give himself purpose? Why on earth would he create something that could well cause the downfall of his creation? That makes no sense at all. If it was a plot line in a recognised fictional book, we'd all be pondering what a piss poor story it was. How can a perfect being create something so clearly imperfect, or contrary to the perfect beings wishes? Maybe they are business partners? A bit of a mutually beneficial relationship. A sort of "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" type scenario. What a load of piffle.


7) Things that go bump in the night

Ok, so religion pretty much relies entirely on the notion that the supernatural is an acceptable premise. The only problem with that is that, as the name suggests, it is supernatural. It is beyond what we can see, hear, touch, or detect in any way possible. It is beyond science. As such, science can say nothing about it. A lot of theists seem to get this part all horrible confuddled, and think that because science doesn't actually say anything about God, it is anti-god. It isn't. Far from it. For science to say anything on a subject, it has to have some sort of starting point with which it can formulate even a primitive or initial hypothesis. If there is absolutely no tangible, usable evidence, then that's it. There is nothing more to be said. It can search for possible evidence, but until that has been discovered, then science is utterly devoid of an opinion. Of course, if we did have even the smallest inkling of evidence, then it would not be supernatural, it would be material. Imagine if some sort of physical evidence was found. What exactly would that do for faith? Would it no longer be faith, but a science?
Now many people don't seem able, or willing to place deities in the same category as other supernatural bits and bobs. Unicorns, fairies, hobgoblins, the tooth fairy and Santa Claus. If we are to take the notion of a God seriously, as demanded by religious folks, then surely we should expect the same from everything else with zero evidence? That would, of course, open up the flood gates to reams and reams of made up, nonsensical entities, items, and events. Of course we know that this would not happen, as we already know that one believer of an invisible sky daddy will mock, dismiss, or het downright angry when another entity of equal evidence is brought forward.
So for God to be proven it would have to enter the material world. According to religious folks this happens all the time. For a miracle to occur, or for God to affect our world he MUST interact with the material world, so we should be able to detect him directly or indirectly. Until we can, God is relegated to the silly world of fairies.


8) Dear creationists...

Just want to tell you that it doesn't matter if you disprove DNA, palaeontology, chemistry, the theory of gravity, or than Ted Haggard is not a hypocrite, that does not mean God is true. You see, when you make a claim, in this case "There IS a God" then to prove it you have to actually provide evidence in it's favour. Just disproving an unrelated theory does not work for you. The sooner you realise this, then the sooner we can stop having those ridiculous circus events like the Dover trial, and all that creationist bullshit that you keep peddling. If you only put your resources into proving a God, rather than disproving something else, then maybe you would get somewhere. Oh, and why don't you endeavour to get some of your young earth theories peer reviewed. You keep saying you have evidence, but it's not really forthcoming, is it?

Bah... Home... I might add to this later, or remove it, or something. I don't really have the time to read it through. Have to be up early in the morning.. Booooo!

On the road ramblings...

Sat in the car on the way back from a long drive in NY, a few things running through my brain, so jotted them down when I got home!

1) Why does there have to be a God?


The first is, in my opinion, quite a simple one. Why does there have to be a God? 'm not talking about a personal God, or a deist God, but ANY God. What makes people think that SOMETHING had to have started it? We can look at the argument for causality, or whatever the buggery it is called, but that assumes that there was a finite beginning. Why do we think that way? Is it because we, as organisms on a little blue planet that will, at some point, be frazzled more then my sisters steaks at a summer BBQ? We see that in our existence we have a beginning, therefore everything else needs to have one? The entire problem with the "God did it" argument is that it doesn't actually answer anything. Instead it just transfers that question another place down. You then have to ask yourself "so what created God?" As the religious have already told us that something cannot come from nothing, I wonder if they are as quick to apply it to their own God? Of course they aren't. God lives on some other plane, or another reality. Whilst is may, to them at least, answer the question, you have to ask yourself the simple question,
"How do you know this?"


2) God doesn't actually like us, does he?

So, this one has been spouted by elderly folks and children for many, many years, and whilst it may seem like a somewhat childish argument, it does have a simplistic beauty to it. It's also very difficult for them to argue against, especially since all they do is pray for peace on earth and all that guff.

Why is there so much suffering on earth, and possibly in the rest of the universe? The list of things that are not very nice for frankly any living thing is quite extensive. Just a select few are

Disease
War
Death
Genocide
Infanticide
Murder
Theft
Betrayal
Lying
Daytime TV
Blah, blah
It's not just us humans either. Animals are horrible to each other on a regular basis. Just check out the body count in a regular nature documentary! It would make hitler blush. All the praying in all the world does fuck all to halt the onset of misery for millions, upon millions of critters, be them human, or what we would list as 'other' on the census. It is either a quick, and painful death at the jaws of another creature, or a slow painful death due to disease, or crippling. People killing each other for one reason or another, (ironically religion has it's paws in there too), either on the individual scale, or on a scale that is so big that the human mind cannot quite grasp the numbers.
The little germs, and viruses that God created in all his wisdom, that mean things suffer internal bleeding, paralysis, and all that lovely loving stuff. Where is God during all of this? Why doesn't he just click his fingers, (does he have fingers?), and just magic it away? What exactly is the point of all this suffering? We are made in Gods image... Is god really this much of a shit? Well yes, that will be covered shortly. What exactly is the point of it all? Most freethinkers, atheists, and rationalists have yet to figure out the meaning of life, if there is actually one, which I doubt. The religious think we do have a point, and I'd like to know what that point is?


3) Prayers... Talking to the wall?

So there they are... Billions, upon billions of people, staring skyward, or towards Mecca, etc, all praying, and wishing for this, or that... How much of it actually comes true? What exactly are the effects of praying? Well, I can happily accept that maybe praying, like a placebo, can give a comforting, or psychological effect upon the praying person. That is all very nice, but I don't think it has any supernatural power any more than my nieces blue Teddy bear that she HAS to take to bed with her has. Nor does prayer have any effects beyond that of sugar pills, security blankets. So is it safe to say that whilst prayer might have an effect on the individual, it has no real physical influence on what they are trying to get rid of, be it debt, cancer, or that annoying shit in the apartment upstairs.

What does perplex me somewhat is the notion that this God listens to each and every one of these people, and that for some reason they think that they are special enough to have their special requests heard. Of course, if every person on the face of the earth all prayed at exactly the same time, for the same thing, (say, for example, Dave getting the legs back that were bitten off by one of Gods creations, the crocodile), then what do you think the odds are that Dave will suddenly grow back some lovely legs, and go running off into the sunset, praising the lord type fellow? Well, I wouldn't hold your breathe. In fact, I recall an experiment done by someone, somewhere, involving patients for a certain medical condition. They were split into groups. One knew they were being prayed for, the other did not know they were being prayed for, and the third group were not prayed for at all. It made absolutely no difference what so ever to the treatment they were receiving. Thousands upon thousands of people all praying for these certain people to get better, and alas, nothing happened. Oddly enough those in the group that knew they were being prayed for had more complications post op than the rest. Weird, ain't it! Anyway, prayers... What a load of bollocks. If a child keeps their security blanket past a certain age, they get looked at funny. The religious manage to get away with it.


4) Numpties in the desert -Gods attraction to illiterate peasants.

So there you are, sat on your rump on the sparsely vegetated land somewhere in the Middle East. It was here, ladies and gentlemen, that our great Lord and savious decided he would finally reveal himself to the whorl. What better place to do it than the Middle East. not Chine, Egypt, Greece, or any of the other advanced civilizations of the day. Nope, instead, it will be to goat-herders in one of the more primitive areas of the world. They will have been illiterate, and news of this great revelation would take hundreds of years, if not thousands to reach all corners of the earth. So why do it this way? Well, I think it is quite clear that he didn't. Why would he.. Its not logical.

God could have, and should have gone to the time period in which his message could be carried quicker, and easier, and without interpretation by the people. That would clearly be at least a few thousand years after his original time. He could have taken over satellite TV, HD radio, cinemas, sports events, email, and the Internet. Instead, he told some daft goat herders. Does that really sound like the actions of a normal supreme being? That has at LEAST got to show some form of utter incompetence on his part. Of course, one must also ask yourself the question, why wait until then? Whilst it was pointless revealing himself at that point, he might as well have done it far sooner, when we were coming down from the trees, and spreading out across the African continent. That would have made things a little simpler, even if we were monkeys, (not that God made us out of monkeys).

Nope, god made a huge mistake by not utilizing the Internet, email, and tele sales. For this reason, I think he is a silly God, even if he does exist.

The Crazies are heading to Washington!

So, now that Sarah Palin is dropping slowly off the map, there must be something equally as nutty to fill that void. Well, we have a positive stampede of silly people to fill in that rather large void.

There... Up in the sky! My word, it’s riding a broom, and turning people into newts! It’s our friendly neighbourhood masturbation control agent, Officer O’Donnell. Of course the irony of Christine, and her anti-masturbation rhetoric is that she is indeed worthy of a tug. You could have a tug to Palin if you so wished, but you’d always have that accent rattling around in your head, right on your vinegar stroke, and frankly it was a put off. O’Donnell on the other hand, is quite the nicely spoken, girl next door sort of MILF.
Still, the poor wee poppet has been in the papers of late. Not for her anti-wanking talk, but rather because she really doesn’t seem to know what she is talking about with regards to the US Constitution. In a recent debate with her local rival for the Delaware Senate seat, she took the somewhat rather odd action of questioning whether the first amendment actually forbid the separation of church and state. Now, many of the shock jock numpty radio, and Fox news types have charged to her rescue, saying that she was asking a genuine question of interpretation, however, the transcript shows otherwise. I suggest you have a little look see, and ponder it yourself. This is all aside from the fact she seems to think that ID is actually a valid scientific principle, which again is stupidity in itself.

http://www.slate.com/id/2271794/

Next we have the male nutjob weirdo from the Tea party, who seems to think that the phrase, “Separation of Church and state” was not actually said by jefferson, rather it was first said by Hitler, and that the next time one of those stinking liberal types mentions the phrase to ask them why they are Nazi’s! Really. It beggars belief. These are the people who will be your leaders if the stupid is not taken notice of.

http://belowthebeltway.com/2010/09/19/tea-party-candidate-for-congress-separation-of-church-and-state-came-from-hitler/

last but not least, we have the Tea Party chap who thinks that if the right do not win against the left, then the country should take up arms... So let me get this straight. If the democratic process is done as it should be, and the people decide they want the US to be run in a certain way, then the rest should grab their guns, and start a shootin? Well, yeeha, aren’t we just the wild west all over again. Doesn’t that make it more of an anarchic state, or a dictatorship if folks are going to force their beliefs against the majority? How odd, and undemocratic. How anti-liberty, and anti-freedom, watch words for the very same people who will be picking up their guns.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/10/22/912509/-House-GOP-Candidate-Says-Revolution-On-The-Table

Negative reaction

Well, just a short piece I wrote in response to something on ThinkingAloud.

I remember when I first got my apartment in the US. It was a crappy one, but had a shedload of land on it for walks, and relaxing, not to mention it was safe for my ferocious Mr Schmo to go out and sort out the local wildlife. My apartment was in a row of three, and next to my gaff was this weird redneck fellow who was a bit of a drunk, and an arsehole. His gaff was an utter pit, but I used to sit out front and offer him beer, and we'd chat away about sport, the weather, and just chew the fat. Anyway, one day we were chatting about something, and I mentioned I was an atheist. Well fuck me with a broom sideways, the guy changed instantly.

He accused me of being the reason America was going down the tubes, and was on the verge of getting fisty, (not in an anal way, in a knuckle-face interface type of way). Anyway, I managed to calm the inbred freak down, (I'm not a small fella), and the guy stormed off kicking stuff, etc. I never spoke to him for over a year.... PURELY because I never happened to believe in whatever faith he had. I think it was made worse because I had no faith at all. Is that worse than simply being with another religion? In the US, it would seem so.

From that moment on, I seldom told people I was an atheist, unless I knew them well. I think some folks in the US are a little backwards like that, and I must say they do tend to be the far right, staunch republicans, (not all, just some). I think their ideal land to live in would be a theocracy based entirely around Christianity, and yet their sworn enemies that all they prattle on about is Saudi Arabia, N. Korea, etc, which are the antithesis of what they want, isn’t it? Do they want to live in a country where intolerance is utterly mainstream, and it is essentially a dictatorship? That seems very un-American. I remember a poll that mentioned that Atheists are the most untrusted group in the US... That to me is scary indeed. Are Americans that shallow. Being a European, I had never felt the anger like that purely because of my belief, or lack of. Peculiar people anyway.