I particularly enjoy corresponding with folk who have a real education, since I've none beyond high school.
I might have gone into physics (like my best friend from the US Navy did after he was disabled and the Veterans Administration set him up with college, and even sent him to CERN last summer on the government dime for an internship), but the VA declared me unemployable and took my college benefits.
So now I am married to a woman (BethKz here) with two college degrees (computer science and business administration). She has one for each of us.
Hi, Terry,
Thanks for the welcome! Do you think Atheists need a written set of ethics and values to live by? I'm basically a realist how can one be anything else living on Social Security? Yet, I also lean toward idealism.
I was raised Catholic, at 18 I saw the terrible flaws, lies and superstitions, yet some of the good values are still with me. I read "The Age of Reason", this book alone is convincing if anyone questions. I read all the time any subject that catches my interest. I'm interested in any Science, Evolution, Earth etc. I will not insult anyone's religion, I feel anyone who still needs to be told how to live and how to think hasn't evolved to the point of letting go and thinking for oneself. I feel if Atheists set examples this might help some people see the truth and embrace freethinking.
Love to hear from you.
Mandy
Thank you for the welcome Terence. I added part of my real name because FrustratedAtheistDad was getting a bit too long for conversation. I will check out the group you posted. Thanks.
I'm half way done my MMS at the moment. The book will be short, so might it garner some of your attention, perhaps for a chapter or two? I estimate being finished it ahead of schedule. I know another Oxford-educated prof who's willing to take a gander... but I'd appreciate as much involvement from as many people as possible. RSVP!
At 6:16pm on December 14, 2012, James Gibson said…
Thanks Terry
I heard about the site on a podcast so I thought I should check it out.
Thanks for the welcome. I've read your thoughts above and although I may agree with all or none, I believe one fact should be considered in any conversation about atheism or any belief in a supreme being.
Most folks, not through any fault of their own, do not possess the capability to think beyond a certain intelligence level. The relatively small percentage of humans that acheive higher learning are born with that ability to grow intellectually. And yet some of the brightest minds choose to believe in a higher power. Why? I am persuaded there are many reasons.
My point: Even though I don't agree with many that choose to "believe" they don't upset me to the point that I have to deride them. I am not that intelligent to the extent that I am an elitest, so I have compassion for folks that don't see things as clearly as I.
My understanding and patience with "believers" (not religious activists) is explained in a few words of Paul Simon's song "Quiet".
"If they say you are not good enough.....the answer is - your not!
But who are they? And what is it? That eats at what you've got?"
So I choose to liken civil "believers" as a children believing in Santa Claus. If it comforts them in this world of problems - created by greed, selfishness and the pursuit of power - let them pass through this life without us looking down on them with disdain, contempt and ridicule. Just because they may 'seem' not as intellectual or educated as us we must be patient, understanding and compassionate for folks that don't meet our standards.
Thank you for your welcome.This site is my sanctuary from the world of nonsense currently going on around me. I want to retreat to a silent room to block out the sounds of jingle bells etc.
Thank you very much for the welcome, it is an honour to have been accepted and eagerly looking forward to learn from you all Learned & freethinkers friends, thank you
At 12:28pm on December 11, 2012, JOHN FOSTER said…
There is nothing common about common sense. What is considered common sense is neither sense nor common. Most people's stories change as a result. Early childhood education should be liberal in the sense that a child should be left to left to the natural wonders of the world: starry nights, small mountain streams in the summer, wildlife in forest, and mixed farms.
"Yes, not everyone thanks a deity for their survival and nobody should thank their god for a vicious tornado that wiped out so much of what people owned and even took lives, especially the lives of innocent children.
Brandi Amari Williams"
"Tony, I love that clip! "Wolf Gets Blitzed"...tee-hee.
Did anyone read the comments below the You Tube version? they were almost all like, "Yeah, thank the lard for sending a ghastly tornado to kill more than 50…"
"Great clip, Tony. People need to realize that not everybody superfluously and automatically thanks god in a time of crisis. Maybe he's learned a lesson and become a smarter man. "
"And then, just to confuse things, there's polymath, which is from the Greek poly = much and manthanein = to learn. So, someone who knows a lot. Or at least enough to know that you can get a second crop from that field! Sorry, couldn't…"
Dr. Terence Meaden's Comments
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Thank you for the warm welcome!
thank you for welcoming me, greatly appreciate all the support and what everyone does
Dr Meaden,
I particularly enjoy corresponding with folk who have a real education, since I've none beyond high school.
I might have gone into physics (like my best friend from the US Navy did after he was disabled and the Veterans Administration set him up with college, and even sent him to CERN last summer on the government dime for an internship), but the VA declared me unemployable and took my college benefits.
So now I am married to a woman (BethKz here) with two college degrees (computer science and business administration). She has one for each of us.
Thank you for the welcome, Dr. Meaden, i look forward to the discussions!
Thank you for the welcome, Terry, I appreciate it! :-) And thanks for the pointer to the group. I'll definitely check it out.
Thanks for the welcome! Do you think Atheists need a written set of ethics and values to live by? I'm basically a realist how can one be anything else living on Social Security? Yet, I also lean toward idealism.
I was raised Catholic, at 18 I saw the terrible flaws, lies and superstitions, yet some of the good values are still with me. I read "The Age of Reason", this book alone is convincing if anyone questions. I read all the time any subject that catches my interest. I'm interested in any Science, Evolution, Earth etc. I will not insult anyone's religion, I feel anyone who still needs to be told how to live and how to think hasn't evolved to the point of letting go and thinking for oneself. I feel if Atheists set examples this might help some people see the truth and embrace freethinking.
Love to hear from you.
Mandy
Thank you for the welcome Terence. I added part of my real name because FrustratedAtheistDad was getting a bit too long for conversation. I will check out the group you posted. Thanks.
Ok, thanks for the invitation. I'll take a look at the group.
Thanks.
Thanks for the welcome Terry!
Dear Terrance;
I'm half way done my MMS at the moment. The book will be short, so might it garner some of your attention, perhaps for a chapter or two? I estimate being finished it ahead of schedule. I know another Oxford-educated prof who's willing to take a gander... but I'd appreciate as much involvement from as many people as possible. RSVP!
Thanks Terry
I heard about the site on a podcast so I thought I should check it out.
Jim
Thanks for the welcome. I've read your thoughts above and although I may agree with all or none, I believe one fact should be considered in any conversation about atheism or any belief in a supreme being.
Most folks, not through any fault of their own, do not possess the capability to think beyond a certain intelligence level. The relatively small percentage of humans that acheive higher learning are born with that ability to grow intellectually. And yet some of the brightest minds choose to believe in a higher power. Why? I am persuaded there are many reasons.
My point: Even though I don't agree with many that choose to "believe" they don't upset me to the point that I have to deride them. I am not that intelligent to the extent that I am an elitest, so I have compassion for folks that don't see things as clearly as I.
My understanding and patience with "believers" (not religious activists) is explained in a few words of Paul Simon's song "Quiet".
"If they say you are not good enough.....the answer is - your not!
But who are they? And what is it? That eats at what you've got?"
So I choose to liken civil "believers" as a children believing in Santa Claus. If it comforts them in this world of problems - created by greed, selfishness and the pursuit of power - let them pass through this life without us looking down on them with disdain, contempt and ridicule. Just because they may 'seem' not as intellectual or educated as us we must be patient, understanding and compassionate for folks that don't meet our standards.
My best regards,
Ken
Thank you for your welcome.This site is my sanctuary from the world of nonsense currently going on around me. I want to retreat to a silent room to block out the sounds of jingle bells etc.
Thanks for the welcome.
'I look forward to contributing
Hello,
Thank for the warm welcome, as well as the invite. I am very happy to be able to share my views and opinions with other people without the judgement.
There is nothing common about common sense. What is considered common sense is neither sense nor common. Most people's stories change as a result. Early childhood education should be liberal in the sense that a child should be left to left to the natural wonders of the world: starry nights, small mountain streams in the summer, wildlife in forest, and mixed farms.
Thank you for your welcome message! I look forward to the discussions in the origins group! :)
Thank you for the welcome. I will look into the group.
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