Speak your mind

[Fedaykin]

Anyone interested in a debate/discussion thread? We could discuss anything we want. Preferably in an objective manner? Religion, politics, morals, ignorance, peace, war, you name it.

I myself love debating with anyone and everyone. At least when it's done i a proper manner, with as little bias and subjectivity involved as possible. We can all learn a lot from each other just by speaking our minds and listening to what others have to say.

Anyway just let me know if you guys are interested. I was looking to see if there a thread like this but didn't find one, so I thought I'd start one and see if we could get something going. Let me know.

[LadyFox]

There is no god. Boom! Debate.

[Fedaykin]

There is no god. Boom! Debate.

That's as good a start as any I guess. I agree. I do not believe in the existence of God and thus the validity of religion in the real world. Anyone else?

[LadyFox]

If there really were a god, I don't think he/she would allow the things that go on in this world to happen. I don't understand the concept of life still though. As far as various religions, I think they're means of coping with the unaswerable.

[Umbrae]

I'm not arguing religion here, but only the existence of God.

(This following statement is not directed at anybody)

If you take a college level science class (physiology, organic/inorganic chemistry, botany), you realize how amazing the world is. How everything works and operates in a way you cannot deny the existence of a higher power.

I just can't think all this was an accident.

[Fedaykin]

If there really were a god, I don't think he/she would allow the things that go on in this world to happen. I don't understand the concept of life still though. As far as various religions, I think they're means of coping with the unaswerable.

Yes that's true, religions seek to explain the unexplainable. But in so doing they also seek to control the way we live our lives. They seek to manipulate into believing their way is the only way, with no proof of their claims.

[LadyFox]

I'm not arguing religion here, but only the existence of God.

(This following statement is not directed at anybody)

If you take a college level science class (physiology, organic/inorganic chemistry, botany), you realize how amazing the world is. How everything works and operates in a way you cannot deny the existence of a higher power.

I just can't think all this was an accident.

I feel that way too. It's really a big headache to think about it all. I mean, if you just look at the blueprint for a human body. It's remarkable. Everything has specific purpose... but then there's the whole evolution business. Were our bodies always this complicated? We've got parts that we utilize so much as we would have hundreds of years ago. I was just initializing a topic of conversation. I wouldn't call myself Athiest because I do have doubts. I tend to tag myself Agnostic. I don't believe in god but I do question the presence of something to have initiated all of this.

[Fedaykin]

I'm not arguing religion here, but only the existence of God.

(This following statement is not directed at anybody)

If you take a college level science class (physiology, organic/inorganic chemistry, botany), you realize how amazing the world is. How everything works and operates in a way you cannot deny the existence of a higher power.

I just can't think all this was an accident.

The universe is built up of building blocks(quarks>atoms>molecules>etc.). These building blocks give way to more and more complex structures(metals, organic matter, gases, life.). The scope and complexity is extremely overwhelming, it would take millions of years to understand it all, especially it's origin. Thus man seeks to explain it by attributing it to a "higher power", something beyond our reach which created and understands that which we cannot. The millenia have passed and this is the dominant explanation humanity uses for it's surroundings. An infinite number of other explanations could have arisen, why is God(any form of god/s) the right one? What proof do you have besides faith.

Of course I don't have any proof that God does not exist, the same as you don't have any that he/it does. But is that really a valuable excuse to validate his existence?

I'm going to sleep. Feel free to continue while I am gone. See ya tomorrow.

[Umbrae]

Do you know why you drink water and eat food? It's because the pleasure pathway in your brain gets stimulated. If that doesn't happen, we get no urge to drink or eat which would result in death.

Not considering monozygotic twins, there are no people alike on the planet. We all have different DNA structure. Why? What would happen if we all had the same genes? Other than looking like each other, the whole species would be wiped out if a virus or a disease came about. Having different genetic code guarantees our survival.

I have never been on a ship, but I've seen them on TV. You know how much they weigh? A lot. And yet they stay afloat because wood's density is less than water.

Women's body produces milk when they get pregnant. And the infants get the protection they need from the mother's immune sytem throught that milk.

You get my point? I just can't believe that there might not be an intelegent creator.

[Heiae]

Of course I don't have any proof that God does not exist, the same as you don't have any that he/it does. But is that really a valuable excuse to validate his existence?
The fact that you simply can't explain it isn't an excuse to validate his nonexistence, either. You haven't any clue the scope of the universe itself, nor any evidence that God doesn't exist.

Of course, I believe there is a God. It's not a coping mechanism - there just has to be. Someone had to set all of this in place, create a beginning point for everything, to create the rules and processes. It wasn't just an accident.

Arguing something like the existence of God isn't a very good thing to get into, though, because it basically comes down to if you believe or not. Arguing either way isn't going to shift anyone's opinion, and there's endless possibilities for "evidence" either side can present that's largely subjective.

[AlucardsFate]

Ask Richard...I'm a stalwart never give up debater/arguer...

But I have no real strong opinion here...

So it's merc time!

Whomever gives me something...I will argue in there favor! Buy my never say die attitude!

Special Skills:

*I can send Heiae into a rage
*Making things that would otherwise seem illogical make sense
*Yuna! Yuna! Yuna!

[Heiae]

*Making things that would otherwise seem illogical make sense


This is the main reason our arguments never end! Because these illogical things only make sense to YOU! Hahaha..

[AlucardsFate]

This is the main reason our arguments never end! Because these illogical things only make sense to YOU! Hahaha..

Bazing!

I feel so joked upon!

But I liked "Yuna! Yuna! Yuna!" Better...

[Fedaykin]

The fact that you simply can't explain it isn't an excuse to validate his nonexistence, either. You haven't any clue the scope of the universe itself, nor any evidence that God doesn't exist.

Of course, I believe there is a God. It's not a coping mechanism - there just has to be. Someone had to set all of this in place, create a beginning point for everything, to create the rules and processes. It wasn't just an accident.

Why does there HAVE to be a God? You humanity has been thought for thousands of years believe in the existence of God. From the moment you said your first words you were probably taught to believe in God. Man has what we call reason, it allows him to see the world in a different way than any other animal. But it also has it's drawbacks: it creates doubt, loneliness, fear of what is to come, of death, feelings that are unique to humans. At least in a cognitive sense, not instinct.

Thus man asks himself his purpose in life and what will happen after he dies. Religion is simply the easy way for humanity to cope with all this and live his life happily. He has something to go back to when he is in doubt,something he can rely on.

If you were born a Muslim you would hold to that belief system. If you were born alone in a vast uninhabited forest you would believe in nothing like the rest of society, maybe you make up your own god/gods, or a whole other different form of "religion". Maybe you would never even have such thoughts beyond that of your next meal.

Point is you hold on to these beliefs the same reason you put on clothes, because you have always been told to. You have never been told to think for yourself, to question everything around you.

[KomodoAce]

I take on the same opinion as Umbrae. I do not believe everything in this world was created by "chance".

EDIT: Just saw the latest post and I have to put argue that. Yes, a parents upbringing can play a huge role in what you believe in as you grow up.

But as time passes, you soon gain enough intelligence and insight to figure out for yourself whether you wish to continue believing in a higher power.

Some people change, others don't.

As for coping, in some ways that makes sense. But you can't tell me these missionaries going to volatile countries to spread the word of God are doing it as a way of "coping".

Personally, I used to be a Seventh Day Adventist. We went to "sabbath" like a Jew. We followed the Torah word for word.

No dancing, no eating shellfish, etc.

But around the age of 13 or so, I changed to just a regular Bible-believing Christian.

Why?

Because as I read the Bible more and more, I realized that there were certain laws and rules that never applied to non-Jews in the first place.

[RimDot]

The universe is built up of building blocks(quarks>atoms>molecules>etc.). These building blocks give way to more and more complex structures(metals, organic matter, gases, life.). The scope and complexity is extremely overwhelming, it would take millions of years to understand it all, especially it's origin. Thus man seeks to explain it by attributing it to a "higher power", something beyond our reach which created and understands that which we cannot. The millenia have passed and this is the dominant explanation humanity uses for it's surroundings. An infinite number of other explanations could have arisen, why is God(any form of god/s) the right one? What proof do you have besides faith.

Of course I don't have any proof that God does not exist, the same as you don't have any that he/it does. But is that really a valuable excuse to validate his existence?

I'm going to sleep. Feel free to continue while I am gone. See ya tomorrow.

Yes but, who/what made the atoms and the molecules? Who made the planets and the stars? Who invented the idea's of sight, hearing and smelling? As humans we always think someone has to make something. How else would it get made? We just don't understand. I don't think we could even have the capacity to understand if we found out. Lets say there is a God. He's probably been living for billions and gagillions of years. You know that saying that "everything happens for a reason"? What if it does? What if we really are his children and he has been raising us for thousands of years.

I see nothing really wrong with religion. Religions like Christian and Buddhism have some very wise teachings. Is it wrong for us to look to a higher power, even if it doesn't exist? Doesn't it make our lives better? Think of how of how many lives religion has saved. It's difficult to answer. Say if there wasn't religion some guy instead of becoming a church going man becomes a Murderer or a homeless bum. Think of how many wars it has stopped. Don't get me wrong it's started plenty too. It gives so many people hope. Even for someone who doesn't believe in religion if they were in life threatening danger how many of them wouldn't start praying?

I'm not saying we will never quite understand the workings of the universe. Think how far we have come in the past thousand years. Now think of were we'll be in the next thousand years.

[Heiae]

It's my opinion that there has to be, my man. Notice my last paragraph in my last post - arguing this crap is retarded to me because I feel a specific way and there's near limitless "evidence" either side kind throw out as if it can explain something ethereal that may or may not exist.

But I have to say just because you're raised a way doesn't mean you have to be that way. Just because I was raised a Christian doesn't mean I always have to be a Christian. There was one point in my life that I almost considered myself atheist, but I found more to life than what is simply there.

I find it very insulting that you are insinuating that I can't think for myself. I'm quite honestly ANGRY at that comment. Your complete argument is shattered by the simple fact that YOU ASSUMED that one such as myself, whom believes in God, is a simple child following his parents beliefs blindly without question.

It's our choice to believe in what we wish. You can believe there is no god and cling to your descriptions of flimsy evidence linked to the human mind and society but I, my friend, choose not to follow that path. Simply because I realize that the human mind is capable of QUESTION and not simply a machine following a program implanted by our parents.

Well, you recognize that the mind can question, but assume Religion or tradition taught somehow dumbs that process down to the point where you can't. That's a very silly way to think, my friend. Far, far too silly to take seriously.

[Robobvious]

I think every atom is a tiny universe.

[Heiae]

Yeah. I've gotta stay away from here. The internet rarely angers me, but I'm seriously mad right now.

[RimDot]

It's my opinion that there has to be, my man. Notice my last paragraph in my last post - arguing this crap is retarded to me because I feel a specific way and there's near limitless "evidence" either side kind throw out as if it can explain something ethereal that may or may not exist.

But I have to say just because you're raised a way doesn't mean you have to be that way. Just because I was raised a Christian doesn't mean I always have to be a Christian. There was one point in my life that I almost considered myself atheist, but I found more to life than what is simply there.

I find it very insulting that you are insinuating that I can't think for myself. I'm quite honestly ANGRY at that comment. Your complete argument is shattered by the simple fact that YOU ASSUMED that one such as myself, whom believes in God, is a simple child following his parents beliefs blindly without question.

It's our choice to believe in what we wish. You can believe there is no god and cling to your descriptions of flimsy evidence linked to the human mind and society but I, my friend, choose not to follow that path. Simply because I realize that the human mind is capable of QUESTION and not simply a machine following a program implanted by our parents.

Well, you recognize that the mind can question, but assume Religion or tradition taught somehow dumbs that process down to the point where you can't. That's a very silly way to think, my friend. Far, far too silly to take seriously.

But, see that's the thing, maybe that's what he wanted. I do believe in free will. But, Imagine if someone was placing things all through out your life to inspire you. Be it a movie or a piece of string. Even the littlest thing can put you on a different path.

"But I have to say just because you're raised a way doesn't mean you have to be that way. Just because I was raised a Christian doesn't mean I always have to be a Christian. There was one point in my life that I almost considered myself atheist, but I found more to life than what is simply there." That sounds a lot like me. I never could understand the people who just follow a religion so blindly. It's stupid.

[RedWizard]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: as a community, we, the members of Foxkei, should make an effort avoid the three topics of conversation that are avoided in the workplace: sex, religion, and politics.

[Heiae]

Honestly, Red, I didn't see myself being dragged into this because I do usually avoid the topics you mentioned. Well, specifically the last two. But it happened.

Damn myself! Hahaha!

[RimDot]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: as a community, we, the members of Foxkei, should make an effort avoid the three topics of conversation that are avoided in the workplace: sex, religion, and politics.

I don't know. I think it's kinda fun. Though it's difficult to tell when you're upsetting another member.

What's wrong with talking about sex? I like sex. That's all there is to it. Who's going to say "I don't like sex".

Though I never quite understood what made him upset. This kinda talk just doesn't bother me. I think it's fun and interesting

[Crunkman2000]

I don't like sex. It's rough and it gets everywhere.

...Actually, I don't know.

[RedWizard]

I don't like sex. It's rough and it gets everywhere.



...

That's the funniest thing I've ever heard.

[WanderingMind]

Personally, I used to be a Seventh Day Adventist. We went to "sabbath" like a Jew. We followed the Torah word for word.

No dancing, no eating shellfish, etc.

But around the age of 13 or so, I changed to just a regular Bible-believing Christian.

Why?

Because as I read the Bible more and more, I realized that there were certain laws and rules that never applied to non-Jews in the first place.

I'm Jewish, but I consider myself agnostic. I went to temple almost every Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur until I was 15 because those are the two important high holidays and therefore the only reason I would ever go to services. We usually went on Friday nights instead of Saturday mornings.

I went to Sunday school until I was 13 and then got a Bar Mitzvah.

Around the age of 15, I started to question the existence of a God. The stuff that was going on in my personal life is what made my change my mind. I was an atheist for a while and then became an agnostic, which is where I am today. I think that there may be a God, but I believe he isn't very involved in the day-to-day life of people as some make him out to be. I believe in free will.

Komodo, you followed the Torah more than I ever was. I never went sabbath and I never kept kosher. In fact, my family hasn't been to temple in a couple years.

There are three different levels of Judaism: Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. Reform is just like the name implies. Conservative is one step above Reform, which sometimes means that people will keep kosher. Orthodox follows the rules more strictly than Conservative. Then you have the Hasidic Jews. That's a level above Orthodox.

I was Reform back when I actually practiced Judaism.

[RimDot]

Well, Who Wants to start on politics now?

Ok

So how shitty of a president will Obama be? (Speaking of Obama, I love your new avatar Heiae.) I think pretty shitty.

[Robobvious]

What's wrong with talking about sex? I like sex. That's all there is to it. Who's going to say "I don't like sex".

Asexuals.

[WanderingMind]

Well, Who Wants to start on politics now?

Ok

So how shitty of a president will Obama be? (Speaking of Obama, I love your new avatar Heiae.) I think pretty shitty.

I just hope he's better than Bush. Period.

[RimDot]

Asexuals.

Like Barbra Walters? Man, I hope she is. Ewwwwwwwwwww!

He's not as funny as Bush. Even if Bush didn't know it. hahahaha

Actually make that not funny at all. Obama isn't funny. He has no emotion. *gasp*! Obama is a ROBOT! The Cybermen are coming! The CYBERMEN ARE COMING!

[WanderingMind]

Like Barbra Walters? Man, I hope she is. Ewwwwwwwwwww!

He's not as funny as Bush. Even if Bush didn't know it. hahahaha

I know one thing for sure: no more really funny quotes.

"You teach a child how to read and he or her will pass a literacy test."

[Crunkman2000]

What's with the hate for Capt. Texas? Sure, he didn't really do anything good, but think about this:

He's Texan, and he has ninja relfexes, and he's crude sometimes.

My theory? He's actually Earthquake (Samurai Shodown) after Weight Watchers.

[Robobvious]

Bush is a Dick.

[RimDot]

I know one thing for sure: no more really funny quotes.

"You teach a child how to read and he or her will pass a literacy test."

Hahahahaa! What is SNL going to do with Obama. I mean he's a robot. Well there we go. Obama is a robot. Send that to SNL.

[WanderingMind]

Bush should have never been elected in the first place. Stupid recount...

[AlucardsFate]

Bush is a Dick.

I still maintain...that while he is an idiot...and shouldn't run anything...

He looks like he is a fun guy...

Like if you were to hang out with him...(He seemed to like to make jokes during conferences)

I'd go bowling or something with him...he seems fun...

[RimDot]

I still maintain...that while he is an idiot...and shouldn't run anything...

He looks like he is a fun guy...

Like if you were to hang out with him...(He seemed to like to make jokes during conferences)

I'd go bowling or something with him...he seems fun...

Now imagine going bowling with Bush and good ol' Bill Clinton. Now that sounds like a fun time.

[AlucardsFate]

Now imagine going bowling with Bush and good ol' Bill Clinton. Now that sounds like a fun time.

Lets do it!

[RimDot]

Ok, you call Georgy. Be careful he's been a bit moody lately. I'll call Bill.

[WanderingMind]

Hahahahaa! What is SNL going to do with Obama. I mean he's a robot. Well there we go. Obama is a robot. Send that to SNL.

Funny video of Obama:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zVtE6_cjsLo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zVtE6_cjsLo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Fedaykin]

It's my opinion that there has to be, my man. Notice my last paragraph in my last post - arguing this crap is retarded to me because I feel a specific way and there's near limitless "evidence" either side kind throw out as if it can explain something ethereal that may or may not exist.

But I have to say just because you're raised a way doesn't mean you have to be that way. Just because I was raised a Christian doesn't mean I always have to be a Christian. There was one point in my life that I almost considered myself atheist, but I found more to life than what is simply there.

I find it very insulting that you are insinuating that I can't think for myself. I'm quite honestly ANGRY at that comment. Your complete argument is shattered by the simple fact that YOU ASSUMED that one such as myself, whom believes in God, is a simple child following his parents beliefs blindly without question.

It's our choice to believe in what we wish. You can believe there is no god and cling to your descriptions of flimsy evidence linked to the human mind and society but I, my friend, choose not to follow that path. Simply because I realize that the human mind is capable of QUESTION and not simply a machine following a program implanted by our parents.

Well, you recognize that the mind can question, but assume Religion or tradition taught somehow dumbs that process down to the point where you can't. That's a very silly way to think, my friend. Far, far too silly to take seriously.

I'm sorry you feel insulted, but you misunderstood my meaning. I was just giving an example as to how religion is implanted into the minds of children. Yes when you grow up you can think for yourself and thus are not a machine. I'm sorry for not phasing my words properly. I do agree with your point that arguing about all this is pointless to some extent, but I do believe it's healthy because there ARE some people who do follow belief systems unquestioningly. But it was not my intention to imply you were such a person.

Could you clarify what you meant by this: "Well, you recognize that the mind can question, but assume Religion or tradition taught somehow dumbs that process down to the point where you can't. That's a very silly way to think, my friend. Far, far too silly to take seriously." I didn't quite understand what you meant those first to sentences.

To the rest. Yes in a way it's smart to avoid these subjects in a community such as this, to some extent. The only upside of that really is to avoid conflict. But conflict is a way of life, through conflict we learn, we become wiser, less ignorant than before. Plus you have to admit that an occasional rant is exactly what you need to relieve some stress. And I apologize in advance if I insult anyone in the future, I try to avoid that but sometimes I don't re-read what I type and people can get the wrong conclusions. Or sometimes it's just unavoidable no matter what way I say it. But again, that's how we learn, I admit my mistakes.

[Umbrae]

Alright, this is gonna go nowhere. Let's move on to another topic.

So what do you guys think about global warming?

[Fedaykin]

Alright, this is gonna go nowhere. Let's move on to another topic.

So what do you guys think about global warming?

"If the earth dies we die, if we die the earth survives".

[Umbrae]

Hehehe~ It's true.

[Heiae]

No worries, Fredaykin. Sometimes, I just get mad for no good reason.

[Fedaykin]

No worries, Fredaykin. Sometimes, I just get mad for no good reason.

We all do at one point or another. And it's Fedaykin not Fredaykin(though that almost sounds like a name, Fred Aykin jeje).

[Robobvious]

Now imagine going bowling with Bush and good ol' Bill Clinton. Now that sounds like a fun time.

Nah, I wanna go bowling with Dick Cheney, that guy'd get a seven-ten split and then use his demonic powers to make the earth tremble and rip open to give himself a strike. That'd be cool. I just wouldn't go hunting with him.

[Heiae]

We all do at one point or another. And it's Fedaykin not Fredaykin(though that almost sounds like a name, Fred Aykin jeje).
Check out my spelling skills! And I even like Dune. I can't believe I misspelled it!

[KomodoAce]

Global warming.

I mentioned this in the Everything or Nothing thread before, but there is contradicting evidence to whether or not it exists.

Past history has shown us that the Earth gradually heats up and cools down, regardless of human effect.

But I would be an idiot to say that humans didn't have an adverse effect on the climate of the world.

I also think the term "global warming" shouldn't be used. "Climate change" is a more appropriate term imho.





BTW, the book "State of Fear" by Michael Crichton talk about global warming a lot and is bias towards the notion.

Not the best book in the world, but I thought it was interesting. It even cited sources for the various claims made by the fictional characters in the book.

[Robobvious]

It's natural, the human element is just causing it to get a little more extreme. Will it kill us? Possibly, but then again most anything could, asteroids, the distrubance of the Earth's orbit/rotation, nuclear war, bioengineered disease, god's wrath, aliens, robots, zombies, the hadron collider, 2012, supernova, etc. So if it is going to kill us, don't bother worrying about it, just everyone switch to electric cars and hope that's enough.

[RimDot]

I think it's all a load of bullshit.

Well, I'm already bored of this thread.

...Right!

[Umbrae]

Wow. You need to do more research, Rimdot.

There was a great two-day even on Discovery a few weeks ago which talked about this issue.

It's no B.S., I tell you that.

[KomodoAce]

No way man, the mainstream media WANTS you to think there's a problem.

They're all part of the plan.




in case you can't figure it out, I'm playing the part of the paranoid guy

[LadyFox]

Wow, this thread advanced since I've been gone. Um... Where to start... seeing as how I just read all 4 pages...

Heiae - Ha Ha Ha. I think it's funny you got mad.

Obama Vs Bush - Bush has a mad high evasion level. I voted for Obama. If anyone's a robot, it's McCain. That is one stiff person and Joe the plumber? References to Mario are not going to help fix the economy. I think Obama is the best choice for what we're dealing with right now.

God - Why do you still refer to god as 'HE' and not 'SHE' or 'IT'? Religion helps, religion hurts. Everything in this world is a double edged sword. There can be no good without bad otherwise how would we define either? What would a person who never interacted with another human being think? If they just lived out in the wild somewhere with no religious influences, would they also come to the conclusion of a god?

Global Warming - We're F*cked. People are more aware of the environment's condition yet they continue to be wasteful and destructive.

The Literal Meaning Of Life? - Maintenance and Ultimatums

The Mental Meaning Of Life? - An individual's quest for ultimate happiness.

Those are my thoughts.

[AlucardsFate]

Doesn't matter how religious you are...we can all agree...

The Buddy Christ rocks!

http://www.mydigitallife.co.za/images/Rade/buddy%20christ.jpg

[Fedaykin]

True

[LadyFox]

I prefer Baby Jesus myself. I just finished packing him up along with all the other Christmas decorations,... That's my mom.

[Umbrae]

Here's the real Jesus:

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7887/jesusdinosaurvw6.jpg

[Fedaykin]

One of my favorite quotes. I have more if anyone wants em'. In 1280x800 res.

[Fedaykin]

God each day I hate young people more and more. I realize how stupid we all were when we were young(talking teenage years here). I'm probably gonna be one of those old hermit who despises youngsters...

But probably not, I'm a softie at heart. But man are kids getting stupider everyday, am I right?



P.S. Damn last post here was on February....

[Ed209]

Yeah, I was pretty dumb when I was young. I find young people more annoying as I get older.

I was reading the earlier posts, and the Jesus pics reminded me of Al Franken's hilarious "Supply Side Jesus" comic. Someone was good enough to animate it and put it on youtube for all to enjoy. My apologies to the conservatives out there.

YouTube - Al Franken's SUPPLY SIDE JESUS... animated - by Wes Ball

[Fedaykin]

Haha that was pretty cool, thx for sharing.

[Scion_of_Life]

It's amazing how different life can look when you just adjust your perspective. Maybe I am just speaking babble, but it seems to be true.

[Robobvious]

It's amazing how different life can look when you just adjust your perspective. Maybe I am just speaking babble, but it seems to be true.

One theory on human behavior states that who you are is based on the way your programmed to think, your perspective. So if you try to look at things in a way unlike yourself you will act differently and essentially become a different person.

[Scion_of_Life]

One theory on human behavior states that who you are is based on the way your programmed to think, your perspective. So if you try to look at things in a way unlike yourself you will act differently and essentially become a different person.

You know, I have never thought of it that way, but I am not quite ready to believe that I am programmed to think a certain way. Genetically speaking, I think we are more likely to think a certain way, but I could be wrong.

I do not disagree that events in our lives can and will impact the way we see and observe life. For example, my belief that Jesus has redeemed me has absolved my fear of death. I know where I am going when I die, so though I do not wish to die at this moment, I do not doubt the outcome.

[Robobvious]

You know, I have never thought of it that way, but I am not quite ready to believe that I am programmed to think a certain way. Genetically speaking, I think we are more likely to think a certain way, but I could be wrong.

I do not disagree that events in our lives can and will impact the way we see and observe life. For example, my belief that Jesus has redeemed me has absolved my fear of death. I know where I am going when I die, so though I do not wish to die at this moment, I do not doubt the outcome.

Well there are five main schools of thought on psychology.

Biopsychological: The Biopsychological approach believes that your behavior and underlying thought processes are caused by your internal body make up, enzymes, hormones, genes, etc.

Behavioral: The Behavioral approach says your behavior is the product of your environment. Friends, family, teachers, weather, and the reinforcement and punishment of your actions.

Psychodynamic: Based in the ideas of Sigmund Freud, this one claims that all of human behavior is the result of the unconscious mind. These hidden desires and conflicts will influence your behavior without your awareness.

Humanistic: Your behavior stems from your own self-image, free will, and a desire for personal growth.

Cognitive: The Cognitive theory says human behavior can be understood in terms of the mental processing of information. How it's stored and analyzed.

People develop their own ideas on behavior based off of these five schools of thought generally.

I think it's a mix of Cognitive, Humanistic, and Behavioral. I feel we all interpret and store information differently and are different people because of it, and we develop our own way of processing information as a result of our environment growing up and how we view ourselves and our desire for growth. But we can change who we are and how we act through self-examination of our behavior and thought.

[Scion_of_Life]

Well there are five main schools of thought on psychology.

Biopsychological: The Biopsychological approach believes that your behavior and underlying thought processes are caused by your internal body make up, enzymes, hormones, genes, etc.

Behavioral: The Behavioral approach says your behavior is the product of your environment. Friends, family, teachers, weather, and the reinforcement and punishment of your actions.

Psychodynamic: Based in the ideas of Sigmund Freud, this one claims that all of human behavior is the result of the unconscious mind. These hidden desires and conflicts will influence your behavior without your awareness.

Humanistic: Your behavior stems from your own self-image, free will, and a desire for personal growth.

Cognitive: The Cognitive theory says human behavior can be understood in terms of the mental processing of information. How it's stored and analyzed.

People develop their own ideas on behavior based off of these five schools of thought generally.

I think it's a mix of Cognitive, Humanistic, and Behavioral. I feel we all interpret and store information differently and are different people because of it, and we develop our own way of processing information as a result of our environment growing up and how we view ourselves and our desire for growth. But we can change who we are and how we act through self-examination of our behavior and thought.

Now I think I understand where you were coming from. Thanks for the clarification.

[Coral]

Global warming better hurry its ass up. What a terrible summer this has been, CHILLY till august. Unbelievable.

[Scion_of_Life]

Global warming better hurry its ass up. What a terrible summer this has been, CHILLY till august. Unbelievable.

I agree with you on the cool summer thing. It's been pretty cool here too. I could probably count on one hand how many times it reached 90 degrees this summer.

[Grand_OoF]

Wow...there's a thread like this here? Seriously?

I usually try to avoid these kind of things, because I come from a very starch, political background, and I, like Heiae, can get very, VERY heated in debate. But you Foxkei-ers seem to be generally pretty respectful...so...

God and Religion: I think there is a God. In fact, I know there is. I say that because personal experiences within my own life that I cannot explain through any scientific reasoning have lead me to know there is.

It's easy for non-believers to say there is no God because he doesn't interact with us on a daily basis...that we understand anyway. And it's also easy to dismiss him because of all the attrocities in the world and that if God was a loving, generous God, he wouldn't allow those things to happen.

In MY mind, that's a selfish attitude. No one considers that bad things happen for good reasons. What do I mean? Like any good loving parent, sometimes you have to discipline your child. God is the same way. I don't think He causes bad things all the time, but no, He doesn't prevent them from happening either. I personally feel that this is another way of him trying to teach us. Consider War. It kills thousands of people, innocent and otherwise. But from it we can understand humanity's own limitations...our own weaknesses, our faults...and theoretically, we can LEARN from them, and stop wars from happening ever again.

Now, we don't and that's because of two things.

1.) As a whole, the human race is MIND BLOWINGLY retarted. We're self absorbed and focusing on the here and now rather than learning from the past or looking toward the future. We're just stupid, and because God gifted us with free will, we'll just continue to be.

2.) This is more or less part of number one, but in addition to being stupid (or because of) we also NEVER LEARN. The reason we keep running into disasters of the non-natural kind (and really...the natural kind too, if you think about it) is because we NEVER F**KING LEARN.

My step father once told me that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So there ya go. We're stupid and INSANE.

As for direct interaction with humans...how do you know that He doesn't? Sure, we have free will, but maybe there was a little suggestion at the back of someone's mind to give you a warm smile and a hug when you walked by. Or how do you know the sunrise isn't God's way of saying "Good morning"? We're dealing with an all knowing omnipotent being here. Who's to say He has to communicate us directly by our terms to communicate to us? That sounds awfully narrow minded to me.

And before LadyFox gets up the "Its"/"She" argument (assuming she's still around these days) I'm not denying that, as an omnipotent being, God can be a She or It or He. But as a Christian, and based on the general consenus of most major religions, God is a He. He's at least come to most as a He. And I know, that in my experiences with God, He's been a He. Also, I think that using that argument is kinda pointless and just doing it is done in a cheap attempt at "counter-culture" since there's just as much likelyhood as one versus the other.

As for religion, I won't deny that the hold religion can have on people can make it do terrible things. I don't personally agree with homosexuality, but the things that the Westboro Baptist Church does and says is horrifying, especially since they do it in the name of God.

That having been established, I don't think that religion is something people NEED. We're social creatures by design. It's something we WANT. We want to be around people who share our basic beliefs and values. Additionally, I don't see religion as any more harmful then the millions of people who hold science and "credible fact" up as the only true sources of wisdom and knowledge, in spite of the fact that science has just as many unsolved mysteries, loopholes and general guesses as most major religions do.

People can do bad things in the name of God. They do them in the name of science too *cough*ATOMBOMB*cough*. I on the other hand have had nothing but warm experiences and friendly faces with the churches I go to. I love my little chruch here in Marble Falls, and the Pastor is one of the kindest, wisest men I've met to date. I understand not everyone's been as blessed as me in that department, and my heart breaks for them.

So in my mind, it goes both ways, and segregating religion exclusively without thinking of the evils science can do is just as bad and narrowminded.

Politics: Welllllll in case it wasn't obvious by now, I'm conservative. And I'm probably the only conservative on Foxkei. Whatever. I'm usually the only conservative among the majority of my friends, so I've just sort of come to accept it by now.

I'm not a big fan of Obama. None of his actions up to this point have given me any reason to have faith in him, and he continues to do so. Between his muck up with the British Prime Minister, his INSISTANCE on using tele-prompters, and this whole health care thing he and others supporting it won't let die, he hasn't given me much reason to have faith in him.

I keep hoping I'm wrong. Honestly, I would like very much to be wrong. But all signs are not pointing in that direction at this moment.

It should be noted that I also wasn't a big fan of Bush or McCain. Not all conservatives just go with the flow because that's who represents the party, just like not all liberals do.

Sex: I have nothing to say on the topic. So instead, here's a cute animal clip from Youtube. Sorry about the music.

YouTube - Cute Animals Warning ! Can cause overdose of cuteness

Global Warming: I think it's a crock. Sorry. There's plenty of evidence that goes both ways on the subject, and I don't think it's as clear cut and dry as we're lead to believe.

Do I think we never have and never will have had negative impacts on our enviornment as a whole? Of course not. That's just ignorant. Do I think that alternative energies and recycling are stupid? No. I just don't think all the facts add up, and honestly, I'm surprised that if the issue is as big a deal as it is, that Prius' and the like aren't cheaper. Wouldn't you want MORE people driving those?

Stupidity and Youth: Personally, I agree with you sir. It seems to me that kids these days are significantly less intellgent. I suspect that I, like you, will grow old and be a bitter old man who watches re-runs of Batman: The Animated Series and laments on how kids have no taste and they're all stupid and what not. I suspect this because I'm not even 25 and I'm already doing it.

That having been said, kids are stupid by default. WE were stupid by default too. Ever go back to some long begotten memory and realize "Oh yeah. Man that was stupid."

Ignornance comes from lack of experience, and a lack of experience can best be summed up from being young and not having had the chance to experience life yet. Honestly, even now, I still consider myself as pretty stupid. I'm only 24. I've had my share of life experiences but they pale in comparison to those of my older brothers or parents. That's just a fact.
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I think that sums up everything. So, just to show that these are my opinions, and no hard feelings to anyone who disagrees with me...

Here's more cute animals.

YouTube - The Cutest Animals in the World

[Scion_of_Life]

Thanks for sharing your opinions on several subjects. I would say more, but I am still absorbing everything I read.

[Fedaykin]

Thanks for sharing OoF. I think I'll just leave it at that, cuz regarding religion I disagree on some stuff you said. but I also stated my thoughts on the subject. Plus this is the speak your mind thread, and I spoke my mind regarding that. And I definitely don't want this to become a flaming thread or anything close.

So let's keep the thread like that: Speak your Mind, not get into heated arguments with others. That way we're all happy.

/thread

This fucking heat/humidity make me want to move to Alaska or something -_-

[Grand_OoF]

Thanks for sharing OoF. I think I'll just leave it at that, cuz regarding religion I disagree on some stuff you said. but I also stated my thoughts on the subject. Plus this is the speak your mind thread, and I spoke my mind regarding that. And I definitely don't want this to become a flaming thread or anything close.

So let's keep the thread like that: Speak your Mind, not get into heated arguments with others. That way we're all happy.

/thread

This fucking heat/humidity make me want to move to Alaska or something -_-

Thanks Fedaykin. :) I know a lot fo what I said might have sent off little sensors in the back of your mind. lol. That happens to me too. But I appreciate that in spite of our differences of opinion, we can respect each other's views and opinions enough to still be friends in spite of our differences.

Now if the rest of humanity could learn the same. :D

As for religion, as I said, I understand everyone experiences things differently. Obviously, your experiences in life haven't lead you to any conclusion that God does exist. I hope that someday it might, but in the mean time, I'll be your friend all the same. That's the Christianly thing to do. :)

Thread/

Dude, Alaska is AWESOME. I went there for a visit once. It's just gorgeous. And yes, much much cooler.

[Fedaykin]

Thanks Fedaykin. :) I know a lot fo what I said might have sent off little sensors in the back of your mind. lol. That happens to me too. But I appreciate that in spite of our differences of opinion, we can respect each other's views and opinions enough to still be friends in spite of our differences.

Now if the rest of humanity could learn the same. :D

As for religion, as I said, I understand everyone experiences things differently. Obviously, your experiences in life haven't lead you to any conclusion that God does exist. I hope that someday it might, but in the mean time, I'll be your friend all the same. That's the Christianly thing to do. :)

Thread/

Dude, Alaska is AWESOME. I went there for a visit once. It's just gorgeous. And yes, much much cooler.

Glad you understand :) jeje you said 'in spite of' twice kekeke

Yeah Alaska looks amazing. I envy you.

[Scion_of_Life]

Alaska is awesome...but what is this humidity you speak of?

[Fedaykin]

I live in Puerto Rico. It's a tropical Island. Thus high humidity.

[Scion_of_Life]

I live in Puerto Rico. It's a tropical Island. Thus high humidity.

I see. I think the last time I felt humidity was back in July.

[Robobvious]

1.) As a whole, the human race is MIND BLOWINGLY retarted.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I lol'd at this. :D I'm actually not 100% sure it was an accident, but in the context of one, it's very funny. If it was accidental though don't sweat it because we all let spelling errors slip by occasionally, yours just happened to be funny in a very ironic way.

Otherwise great arguements though. :)

I've never really fleshed out my beliefs in god, I just don't worry about it. I figure if there is one he didn't put me here to sing his praises once a week, though some people do and that's fine. I figure if I'm a good person generally I'll go to heaven or whatever afterlife awaits me.

[Grand_OoF]

I'd be lying if I didn't say I lol'd at this. :D I'm actually not 100% sure it was an accident, but in the context of one, it's very funny. If it was accidental though don't sweat it because we all let spelling errors slip by occasionally, yours just happened to be funny in a very ironic way.

Otherwise great arguements though. :)

I've never really fleshed out my beliefs in god, I just don't worry about it. I figure if there is one he didn't put me here to sing his praises once a week, though some people do and that's fine. I figure if I'm a good person generally I'll go to heaven or whatever afterlife awaits me.

Oh man. I had a typo? In my argument about humanity's own stupidity?!

NOOOOOOOOOO!

:neko_032:

*sigh*

Well, anyway...that's not a bad way to approach life. The world needs more people just trying to be good.

[Scion_of_Life]

If everyone took a good look at the world around them, I think we would change ourselves quickly.

If only everyone would open their eyes...