I can see why people want to enlighten religious people about why it's very unlikely there is a God/any form of religion being correct, but it does come across very preachy and we've all heard the argument. I've basically been an agnostic since 1st grade and get equally annoyed by atheist preachers as I do with the Jehovah's Witness that come to my door when I'm sleeping.

Is it really that hard to believe that we don't know if there is a higher being? We barely know anything about the planet we live on or our own bodies/minds. But from all our infinite wisdom and observations of the world in 20ish years of existence, we've guaranteed there is nothing but us on a rock.

No one has been preaching in here really??

I don't see how hoping/wanting people to see how their beliefs are inconsistent with any sort of logic and/or science etc. isn't +EV for the everyone, whether they know it or not.

Letting someone who's religious believe's believe human's were put on earth by a inter-galactic warrior a few thousand years ago lead one of the largest and most powerful nations in the world can't be an optimal approach...the fact these type of things aren't a bigger deal baffles me.

I'm all for increasing people's utility and everything, I've seen spirituality help people through difficult stuff in life, I just don't understand why it has to be synonymous with these dangerous and wreck-less belief systems so often. Seems a valid concern imo

If higher beings exists, they're extremely advanced aliens, it seems impossible there isn't considering the vast, mind boggling expanse of space. But even they didn't 'create' a universe and all the things in it, that's ridiculous. My problem with religion is vast, and I could endlessly tirade about why I'm against it, but as a basic gist, like NxtWrld stated, it's simply the complete ignorance and stupidity that goes with it. I think it has a part to play in certain scenarios like the one Panny mentioned, i.e. dealing with grief, comforting one's self when times are tough and providing a motivational factor to carrying on with life, as it did in times past. Yet that's still the human brain treating itself, not based upon any sort of factual basis. Humans created 'God' and religion, the reasons are well documented, but to treat what they preach as bible (pun intended) in this day and age, in my opinion is ludicrous. It's no coincidence that a large majority of the most intelligent people alive today scoff at religion, while the uneducated masses flock to it in droves. If that makes me come off as a 'preachy' atheist then so be it.

This times a million.

Wait, so the world wasnt created just a few thousand years ago? Blasphemy

I would guess from your post that as Panny pointed out your problems were more with the actions of churches rather than the religions themselves.

I would also likely snap book a bet that there is no significant difference in intelligence demographics between people who do believe in God and those who are atheists.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religio...d_intelligence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religiosity_and_education

I would re-SNAAAAAP your arm off to book that if it were possible, but it's not thus we'll just agree to disagree... vehemently.

I understand your bias, as from what I gather you're Irish thus likely have Catholic connections and many friends and family who are Catholic as well. Though other variables are often present i.e. lack of education, third world country etc, would you really disagree the average person who's highly religious is equally as intelligent as someone who isn't. Have you ever been to America?

I will bet you there is a correlation between level of intelligence/level of education and religious beliefs.

END THIS!

That's a man, bro.

Well the bet wasn't about "highly religious", i wouldn't really bet on belief bordering on fanaticism on either side. But basically my point is that there's been a shift in the last 30(?) years in media perspective from

"This person is speaking out against organised religion/God, lets blackball him/brand him an idiot"

To

"This extremely smart person (such as Dawkins) is speaking out against God, lets give him a platform (usually against some bible thumper who's hopelessly outmatched)"

and

"let's show the absolute worst aspects of organised religion (westboro church, creationists, muslim zealots) as an indication or religion as a whole"

I think its tough to argue that peoples perception of religion (and the demographics attached to believers/non-believers) has changed considerably in that timeframe, and its not because an increase in intelligence or education (people may be more informed, but are not really more "educated"). Smart religious people really aren't represented anymore in the media, and I don't think you can say its because they dont exist. IMO the process has been basically circular from

"Organised religion giving people an easy way to judge and feel intellectually superior to people" -> "Atheism now giving people an easy way to judge and feel intellectually superior to people"

I don't feel like one side is smarter than the other, i think they're equally represented, and as blockheaded as each other to interact with as beliefs get stronger.

And you couldn't be more wrong about a bias. Yes I am Irish/live in Ireland, but Ireland has probably had one of the biggest demographic change overs of any catholic country during that time (we were also likely one of the most repressed by this particular religion, with the church having more power than the legal system). I don't think I have a single friend who's a practicing Christian, and maybe not even one who believes in God. What I do have is a steady stream of friends who post atheist memes and dumb statuses all days long though....

And yes i've lived in America twice and visited it more than any other place.

Hey guys.

I'm writing on article about poker / gambling on spec for a few Canadian magazines...and I would love to interview someone from this forum MSNL / HSNL.

Just a few questions about poker, not so much strategy but what the lifestyle is like and perhaps a few tips.

I would need to talk to someone by the end of today. Sorry about this tight deadline.

If you are interested PM me. Thanks a ton.

BTW I've written an article about fellow members Syous and Cheet. you can find it here

Induce_You

Nope, I double checked you can fap to that.

God does exist.

that last gif is so funny ! lol

Got a $100 sweepstake for the Pokerstars All star Showdown going on in HUNL.

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/58...stake-1260746/

Post in the thread if you're interested.

At least this one won't go on hiatus like the Durrr challenge

Yeah I'm quite looking forward to it actually.

1 more space left in $150 sweepstake, winner takes $1050, 2nd keeps his money. No need for escrowing as long as you're not a complete unknown.

edit: sweepstake full

gl gregy207343409

x2
TID

hurricane gregy > hurricane sandy

That interviewer is absolutely brilliant!

that was the longest 3handed I will ever rail in my life.

lol live poker

2/5 nl at wynn vegas 9 AM in the morning. All participants are 100% sober and am pretty confident that none of them know each other.

UTG Indian guy limps, one other limper, sb completes, bb checks.

AQ3 rainbow

checks through

3

checks through

Q

SB lady from Orlando bets $5, BB raises to $50, UTG shoves for $300, lady goes all-in for $800, BB calls.


BB made a bad call with Q6 (you would think given the action).
UTG has A5 (uh, wat!)
Lady has J9o (Next destination, Florida)