I'll join the many others that have thanked you for the warm welcome. A "hug" is nice. For now, I'll pass on the ORIGINS group.

Thanks for the invite and welcome!

Thank you very much :)

Thank you Dr. Meaden for the appreciated welcome.  

Thank you Dr. Meaden for the warm welcome!

Thank you for the page warming.

thank you for the kind invite.

my son has down's syndrome and just turned 30. he is amazing. i can't imagine spending one minute in a place that does not welcome the greatest person i have ever met. amazing the excuses i hear that god has a place for him.     B.S.

i look forward to spending time in this community.

tim

Thank you for the welcome.  It will be nice to have a place where I don't have to see everyone and their mother posting messages about praising God for helping them find their lost keys.

Thank you. I'll take a look around...

Thank you.  I will defiantly check it out :)

Thank you for the welcome. I will look into the group.

Thank you for your welcome message! I look forward to the discussions in the origins group! :)

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. 

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.

Thanks for the welcome.

'I look forward to contributing

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'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 

Thanks Terry

I heard about the site on a podcast so  I thought I should check it out.

Jim