Would you rather live in a world without science...or in a world without religion? Showing 351-400 of 12,463

[Bunnie]

noran,

you have a perfect right to believe what you want to-you don't have to worry about what other people say or do if your belief is strong.

[Travis]

Noran,
I've got no problem with belief and faith. Everyone has faith in something. Faith is an individual thing, which I take person by person.
You aren't hurting anybody, believe what you want.

My problem is with religion and the stranglehold it has on this country. Personal belief, no problem, it's folks that are saying 'I believe this and you all should too and be forced to follow my rules!'
Those guys are ruining it for the rest of you.

Sorry to hear you are going, but I also think you can't treat everyone that questions your beliefs as a stone thrower.

[cerebus]

Bunnie wrote: "cerebus--show me the proof that God exists and i'll go along with you-those people that hear voices should stop drinking."

Sorry Bunnie, not sure how you're reading my posts, but trust me, I'm very much an atheist....

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "hey you all, GOD did talk to me once-asked me if I believed in him-while I was in church. I said yes, for I knew I was not insane."

But do you not see that plenty of those who say they have heard god tell them to do awful things would say exactly the same thing "I was not insane". If I hear Bugs Bunny speaking directly to me, am I insane? If I hear Bilbo Baggins speaking directly to me, am I insane? If I hear my cat speaking to me, am I insane? If I hear god speaking to me, am I insane?

I'm sorry, but I see no way to distinguish between any of those instances....

I'm not saying you are insane btw, but how would you react to someone who sincerely believed their cat spoke to them, in their heads? Do you not see that there are some who see god doing the same thing as similarly improbable?

I'm repeating myself, but I should make it clear again, I'm fine with people having religious faith...I am not out to try and persuade you to change, but as with a discussion on any subject, such as sport, music, politics, etc, I reserve the right to disagree with you, and to question you on your position. Religion and faith should not have a privileged position where no question or discussion is allowed.

[cerebus]

Jason wrote: "I am a Christian and I believe we need both. As Albert Einstein (who was neither Christian nor Aitheist) said "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." I agree that p..."

Why do people always feel the need to quote Einstein with some of his vague comments about religion? He was certainly closer to being an atheist than a believer....
To be a scientist, and religious, requires you apply the scientific method to your work, but to ignore the scientific method when it comes to your faith. But why stop there? Why just religion? Should we be wary of scientists who believe in fairies? Astrology? Psychics? All of these, and religion, require you to abandon the requirement for evidence, and if you are willing to do that, how do we know (as a scientist) that you are not doing the same when, say, your results don't quite match what you were hoping for in an experiment?
For me, science and religion are not compatible in any way.....

[cerebus]

Travis wrote: "Sorry to hear you are going, but I also think you can't treat everyone that questions your beliefs as a stone thrower. "

I second Travis on this, I also am sorry to hear you are going, but would ask (if you haven't gone just yet) if you would feel ths same way if the discussion was on any other subject? This thread is on a Dan Brown page, would you leave if the discussion was on why you felt it was worth 5 stars and I felt it was worth 1 (actually I think 1 is kind, but it's as low as I could go)?

[cerebus]

Bunnie wrote: "noran,

you have a perfect right to believe what you want to-you don't have to worry about what other people say or do if your belief is strong."

And I agree with this whole-heartedly....

[Noran]

I work a psych ER I have dealt with people and their voices for decades now. I feel the ones like me shy away from telling-due people thinking we are crazy. God asked nothing of me, and told me nothing to do.
I feel that all subjects should be able to be discussed, but not attacked. I am very open minded-I have a wiccan friend, and a BBF that practically lives at church. I have an atheist friend, that I discuss how he handles the holidays , and Muslim friends that teach me the Koran/their culture. As a nurse I deal with all faiths/belief systems. Days I question God, heck I scream at him. I have to have a personal system that allows me to handle the stress of my job and my life.
I wish I had complete faith-though I have been given proof. I do not believe God tells people to kill/harm/destroy.

I have 4 cats--they do not talk human--ESP has not been proven yet between humans, no less between different species.

Yes, if you hear Bugs Bunny telling you to blow up Elmer-you should seek help. :

[cerebus]

Noran, glad to see you are still here :)

Noran wrote: "ESP has not been proven yet between humans, no less between different species."
Just to make it clear where I am coming from, it is the same lack of evidence you cite for not believing ESP that led me to becoming an atheist....

Noran wrote: "Yes, if you hear Bugs Bunny telling you to blow up Elmer-you should seek help. :"

I most certainly will :)

[Noran]

I feel that people have been negative toward me-so I deleted previous posts. I had a friend hate me because of her religion of the month hated Catholics. When she changed-I did not accept her friendship-for she was not a true friend. The book comment you made 1 vs 5 stars-that is off tangent and silly. This site is all about rating based on personal preference, and does not allow you to dislike reviews. Also frowns on negative comments to others reviews.

I can tell you that my father told me at age * that man created Gods to explain the unknowns of the world, Now only one God exists-to explain the greatest unknown-death and what may happen after you are worm meal. Hey, he went to church just to play both sides.

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "I feel that people have been negative toward me-so I deleted previous posts. "

I apologise if any of my posts came across as being negative to you, I don't always get the intended tone right in these things....sometimes I enjoy a good discussion or argument a bit too much and forget to consider the tone of a typed piece of text.

"The book comment you made 1 vs 5 stars-that is off tangent and silly. This site is all about rating based on personal preference, and does not allow you to dislike reviews. Also frowns on negative comments to others reviews."
The intent with that comment was more to relate discussions about religion to discussions about other topic, than to suggest that (as you say) personal preferences can be empirically proven.

My experience in the past has been that people have been more than willing to have in-depth discussions about virutally any topic, books or politics for example, but as soon as the topic turns to religion they shut the discussion down, saying that religion is somehow exempt from these kinds of discussions and disagreements. The point they make is that they are entitled to their faith and that I should respect that. The thing is I agree with them, and I do respect that, in the same way I agree that they are entitled to love a book I hate (or vice versa) and I respect their right to that opinion, but that does not mean it is not open to a discussion. I am an atheist, and I expect religious people to respect that, but by all means ask me about it, and try and make me think about it....

[Noran]

Just because proof has not been found for ESP, does not mean it does not exist. It is the If a tree falls in the forest-does it make a sound? Yes--does a human have to be around to justify it's existence. I belief does not come ease--I am a very science based person. Religions are man created--God created God--is is silly that humans know how he thinks/feels/acts/still exists even! Maybe my father is right-logical. Maybe my mother was right, but her prayers were not answered nor mine for her. So why speak to me-when others are in greater need?

I just try to accept people are they are and learn about them. Heck there is a friend that believes black and white angels surround you, depending on your faith. well, I like my coffee black these days.

Many nurses drink/gamble/smoke/etc to deal with the stress of the cases we care for day to day. I little belief is all I have, and that I try to make a person's life better for the time I care for them.

My only child will be raised Catholic, with exposure to others, When she is 18-she can change to anyone or nothing--I will still love her the same.

[Noran]

It is so hard to have discussions via the net-you cannot see facial expressions, gauge tone, ,and read body language. Sorry, that I took your enthusiasm for the discussion as a negative toward me. I hope you accept this. I used silly as a dash of humor. :)
Religion-like sexual rights-can make people close up, instead of open up and learn about each other. Gee, my Er is so closed minded on such things.

Bahia Faith, if you are not aware of it, has a very
peaceful basic concept--all faiths/paths lead to the
same place/God.

You are an atheist-so I do not know how to make you think about nothing? I am afraid that you can be so right, and I so wrong. It is the fright that keeps me from complete faith. A priest once told me, those that question have true faith. Not the lambs that just show up to church every week.

I could sometime email you my view on the bible--people often do not like that one. It is historical/science based. :)

I respect your place in this world. Thank you for respecting mine.

My cat is telling is time to take a nap-have trauma class at 0715, so I need to pray to the spaghetti creature. :)

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "Just because proof has not been found for ESP, does not mean it does not exist. "
Absolutely, but the scientific view of this is that there is no reason to believe in it's existance without proof. There are those who claim to have ESP, and science is happy to test these claims, and they have been found not to be demonstrating ESP. Science does not say there is no ESP, it says there is no evidence for it, so there is no reason to believe in it....but the beauty of science is if that (repeatable!) evidence is found then scientists will change their minds.
As an atheist religion is the same for me, I have never claimed proof of no gods, but I have said that the lack of any credible evidence to say there is means I find no reason to believe in a god. Despite what some would argue, atheism is not a religion, in exactly the same way not collecting stamps is not a hobby. I don't have a different set of beliefs to you, I just don't have a particular set of beliefs that you do have. Another way to look at it is to say that you are an atheist when it comes to religions such as Islam, Hinduism etc....I would assume you lay no claims to being able to disprove the existance of their gods, but you don't believe they are real? In my case I go one god further, with the Christian god.

"Many nurses drink/gamble/smoke/etc to deal with the stress of the cases we care for day to day. I little belief is all I have, and that I try to make a person's life better for the time I care for them."
and I have no desire to take that away from you, believe it or not :)

"My only child will be raised Catholic, with exposure to others, When she is 18-she can change to anyone or nothing--I will still love her the same. "
And similarly I raise my kids to ask questions, to research, to think for themselves, and if at any stage that process leads them to religion, then I have no issue with that and it won't change my relationship with them one iota. If they ask about religion now, I certainly don't teach them that there is no god, I tell them that I don't believe in one, and that other people do. If they want to know why I don't believe, I'll tell them that too, but I will not tell them that they should believe the same as me......

[Noran]

Again-I know you not trying to convert me. I do understand from my friend, atheist believe in nothingness as he called it. No God, no afterlife, no miracles, no etc. Some are from a science base, while others just believe it-due to personal reasons.

Thanks for the chat-I enjoyed it. My cats is telling me I have to say good night and Meow!

[Noran]

PS-I would like to know what you think about what my father told me about. I will stick around. You taught me a lesson today in fact--have courage to speak your thoughts-though you are afraid--you might not get stoned, and in fact have a good exchange of thoughts.

[Noran]

PSS
I answer God to the original question, for I feel he uses science to do things. That is kindergarten level of my thoughts on that-kittie is unplugging the laptop now.

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "PS-I would like to know what you think about what my father told me about. "

I would agree with what your father said to you about man needing to create god. It is one of the reasons I became an atheist....there is the lack of evidence reason, but I can also see how much as humans we have a need to know about the world around us, and about ourselves too. For me that need to know led me to study science (and has left me with a lifelong love of learning). To me it makes sense that, thousands of years ago, that exact same need to know but without the scientific knowledge would lead to a need to invent gods as a way to explain things (of course, they wouldn't have seen it as 'inventing god', to them it would be the best (only?) possible explanation). Every culture has done it; whilst the Greeks came up with their pantheon the Native Ameicans came up with their creation stories and the Australian Aborigines came up with their dreamtime stories.
As scientific knowledge increased, the need to explain thse things with supernatural causes decreased, so whereas in the past, say, thunder would be explained as angry gods, now even the most fundamentalist believer would accept the scientific explanation. But at the same time as now accepting that scientific explanation, they would reject some newer explanation for something else, e.g. evolution, saying that that still requires god. (this is just the god-of-the-gaps argument)

As for being worm-food, I agree with that too (although I read a recent article which means I now want to be liquified when I die, apparently it has the lowest environmental impact). Some people see that as giving their life no-meaning, and a sense of "well, why bother", but I disagree strongly with that. To me it gives my life as much meaning as it is possible to give it because to me *this is all I get*, so I need to make the most of it while I can. Of course that sometimes gets mis-interpreted as meaning "I can do whatever I can and should get as much for myself as I can while I can", but that is not the case....I still have morals and ethics and empathy, and I still believe the best legacy I can leave is my kids, so I need to do the best to make them the best people I can.....

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "PSS
I answer God to the original question, for I feel he uses science to do things. That is kindergarten level of my thoughts on that-kittie is unplugging the laptop now."

I wouldn't say that is kindergarten level at all, it is quite a common explanation, particularly amongst scientists who are religious.

To me though I see it as adding an extra level of un-necessary explanation.....it is possible that it is correct (I cannot disprove it anymore than I can disprove god) but it doesn't add to a scientific explanation. If you have a scientific explanation for something without the belief that god is directing it, the explanation still works.
It is also for that reason that i reject concepts like intelligent design because in that case the 'science' *does* require (a) god behind it directing things, but is unable to provide the required evidence that this is the case.

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: " I do understand from my friend, atheist believe in nothingness as he called it. No God, no afterlife, no miracles, no etc. "
I can see where that view comes from, but to me it's still slightly off as it still implies that belief is involved. To me atheism does not require belief in that way, it is simply the abscence of a belief to the contrary. Now I realise this is fairly picky semantics, but it's an important distinction to me.

"Thanks for the chat-I enjoyed it."
And thank you, I've enjoyed it too :)

[Travis]

I think it was Douglas Adams that talked about how not only are we not allowed to question religious belief, but we are also not allowed to question why we are not allowed to question religion.

Course, he said it funnier and in an english accent.

and I'd be more than willing to leave the religions alone, if they'd leave me alone.
I've been patient, but four decades later, you guys still haven't gotten your acts together.
So, it's time to ask questions and call some of that stuff out.

[cerebus]

Travis wrote: "I think it was Douglas Adams that talked about how not only are we not allowed to question religious belief, but we are also not allowed to question why we are not allowed to question religion.
"
Yup, and it was that very article (I'm pretty sure it's the same one I'm thinking of) that made me realise that it is not a privileged topic....and also made me realise that talking about these things isn't a bad thing, anything that makes people *think* isn't bad....in some cases it can change minds, in some cases it can strengthen beliefs, but either way at least people are *thinking*. I think the biggest problem these days is people don't think, we allow ourselves to be told what to think, what to read, what to buy, *who to vote for*, by the idiot box in the living room.* I don't expect people to agree with me on everything, that would be a boring world.....but I do expect people to have thought about why they do what they do, whether that is religion, politics or whatever. And as I said, it was that Adam's article (which I read, but from memory was a transcript of a talk he gave) which made me realise that *nothing* is taboo, it is all open to question and debate.....it's such a pity he died so young, he had a lot more to offer the world.

*this is the only reason I can come up with to explain the likes of Idol, and X-Factor etc....a concept so cynical that up-front they tell you they are going to manufacture some 'artist', they're going to show you how they do it, and they know you're going to buy it at the end of the day.....

[Bunnie]

cerebus--ok we have hit upon another problem--that is the discussion of religion--you are right when you say that religious people want to opt out of any discussion-i have made the mistake of saying things that are not very nice concerniing religious beliefs and find that i should maybe keep my mouth shut. you can never change the mind of truly believing people or they you-so why even discuss it. i do have a hard time figuring out why anyone would beleive in an imaginary figure or place-so maybe all of us !!! should just keep to books and allow the believers to live in peace.my apologies to you Noran!!

[Noran]

Cerebus and I had a lovely time typing away to one another. I learned some things about atheist, that I was not clear on. I also liked the discussion about my father;s explanation for gods/God. Bunnie, if I can be okay with your views, why can't you be okay with mine. I was Catholic raised, and now by choice. I also Like Zen and Bahia faiths. I like learning about others-I will not try to convert you, and you not convert me. I do not want to opt out of friendly discussions. I do not truly completely believe-oh how I wish I did every day. My father's comment stays with me, as does my mother's prayers every night. Ying and yang.

I deeply believe in the freedom from religious persecution, that led to the founding of this country. I also believe in the freedom for you to not believe. Equal rights under the law. Now you could get me going on some of the fringe religions out there today-money making off people and their good intentions.

I guess Bunnie, a story I read recently sums up your last thoughts. A cat walked a great distance in ancient Japan-till it arrived at a place that never saw a cat before. They were in fear and called it a demon-chasing it away-without getting to know really what the cat was all about. You never have believed, and I have never been without some glimmer of faith. Yet we both exist and are nice persons. I am sorry I got off on a bad footing with this thread.

I just might be drawn by some writings to try to be a better person-anon as they are. Just like any other book in this site. Maybe some of us just need the hope it offers us on cold/lonely nights. Or when I tell the 200th family in my career that their loved one is gone. I need it, and you do not-that is a way to look at it.
It is my vice. that and books! :)

Please feel free to chat here. I finally did--by learning I get to know others better. I promise not to sprinkle holy water on you! LOL Actually Bunnie, I learned from your postings, there is an atheist group here on GR site. I thought that was fascinating-My Spock coming out of me there. My parents blessed my with an open mind and heart.

[Noran]

Sorry I got defensive last night everyone-I get scared when I tell people about my faith-I often am the target of jokes/mocking at my job. Gee, I cannot even speak about my support for gay rights-all equal under the law. Very narrow minded =the atheist at the job does not like to chat about their position because of the same concerns as mine.

Thanks again for the learning experience and opening my eyes more to others views.

[Kevin]

Victoria wrote: "Sabore wrote: "World without science...I feel science tears us apart easier than religion..."

Consider that in a world without science child mortality would be high, and you probably wouldn't li..."

Yoshii wrote: "Sabore wrote: "World without science. Science is interesting and very fascinating and wonderful we can be sure of things, but i'd prefer a world where we have hope and love and religion. I feel sci..."

I'm just stating my opinion :) I totally realize that science is essential in the world, and I definitley understand where both of you are coming from, and Yoshi, I agree with your statement on religion needing Tolerance, and Victoria I agree completeley about the what a necessity science really is. The question above asks which I'd rather live without though, and I say i'd rather live without science, just my opinion not really going to change it but I definitley agree understand what you are saying

[Merna]

World without religion. That was easy!

[Bunnie]

Noran wrote: "Just because proof has not been found for ESP, does not mean it does not exist. It is the If a tree falls in the forest-does it make a sound? Yes--does a human have to be around to justify it's e..."

[Noran]

`bunnie-so what is your point quoting me?

[Bunnie]

noran,-you are perfectly right in your assertion that people have a right to believe what they want or have been taught in their young lives by parents or church--and WE ( i mean those of us that made nasty remarks should be ashamed) it does take awhile to figure out that our opinions are not the only opinions--i listened to a program about mulitverses recently and even though it sounded far out--I thought --WHO KNOWS POSSIBLE--we do not know all do we?

[Bunnie]

Noran wrote: "`bunnie-so what is your point quoting me?"

[Bunnie]

noran, because i felt that i insulted you and your beliefs--i have always been extremley opinionated and maybe i should be more understanding of others opinions-it does me no good to hurt your feelings.
i think all of us should get back to the books and stop worrying about the beliefs of others.
enough said?

[Noran]

Bunnie-can you tell me more about this program on multiverses and how I have hear it. I so agree with you--we do not know all. That is why I read so much and so varied since I was wee. It is cool sharing ideas and learning things. Glad we have met! :)

[Bunnie]

Noran wrote: "Cerebus and I had a lovely time typing away to one another. I learned some things about atheist, that I was not clear on. I also liked the discussion about my father;s explanation for gods/God. ..."

[Noran]

Bunnie this is a Zen story that has taught me much.

Two monks were returning to the monastery in the evening. It had rained and there were puddles of water on the road sides. At one place a beautiful young woman was standing unable to walk accross because of a puddle of water. The elder of the two monks went up to a her lifted her in his alms and left her on the other side of the road, and continued his way to the monastery.
In the evening the younger monk came to the elder monk and said, "Sir, as monks, we cannot touch a woman ?"
The elder monk answered "yes, brother".
Then the younger monk asks again, " but then Sir, how is that you lifted that woman on the roadside ?"
The elder monk smiled at him and told him " I left her on the other side of the road, but you are still carrying her "

I have put past me all ready the old comments, and I am not carrying them with me. I look forward to the new comments ahead. I have no ill feels toward you at all, and forgotten them all ready. I really would like to know about the multiverses program-so I could maybe find it.

Also I was wondering if I could ask you and other atheist a few questions that I have? It would help me greatly to plan for later on in life.

[Bunnie]

noran,maybe it is good to CHAT with others-tell me what did you learn about atheists?it sounds terrible like we have some disease. i went back and read what Cerebus had to say-it was THINKING--not letting others tell you what to think or how--probably the cause of my lack of belief was the absence of anyone teaching what to believe-since i wasn't taught anything when i was a child i devised my own picture of the world-of course i have changed ideas since--so if a child is not taught what to think --how do they think? they don't get the idea that you are born a sinner-that it is a sin to dance or wear make up--masterbation is even more of a sin and you are going to die and go to hell and of course if you happen to be a black person you have no worth at all.back before any knowledge of the cause of some diseases-it was thought the GODS were angry and so to placate them they killed members of their own tribe--that is another reason why i am glad i do not believe in any particular religion.On the other side--i know there are very real nice dedicated people who belong to various religions--wo do good works for the betterment of their fellow men--i suppose it's a matter of who taught what to whom and when. you said something about being made fun of for your beliefs--i always felt that i couldn't say anything about what i believe or i would not be liked because i wasn't a christian. you are not alone!

[Bunnie]

noran,ask away--anything i can help you with--can i ask you what do you truely believe and where did you learn this?
this is a friendly discussion i hope?

[Noran]

I never felt atheist were bad or a disease, or evil. I thought it was another belief system- personal belief. I learned it is different things to different people. It just is to some. To some science has been the basis of their atheism, others the evils that religions have caused. Other always feel this way, others change their personal beliefs later. I know I do not use the right terms/words. It is not a disease-a way of living in this world. Sorry I have distressed you much.

[Noran]

You can ask me anything, but that does not mean I am going to open up all private areas of my life and heart to a stranger. I just get a vibe from your writings just now--you are angry or upset. I could be wrong-that is an issue to net communications. I am deeply truly sorry if I have caused this.

I believe in God, and that he has shown me personal proof that he exists. My faith is weak at best--I am haunted by my fathers statement-it is so logical. I was raised Roman Catholic, and married in the church. I rarely attend due to working weekends. I hate the corruption history of the Catholic church. But it also gives me structure, in its teaching. My husband believes something is out there. My atheist friend is a well respected and liked person with great family and kids. He talks to me, because I just ask questions to learn, NOT to judge as others do. I was raised in an open minded poorer household. I was raised not to hate/dislike due to race/creed/color/faith. It was actually attend Catholic CCD classes, that weaken my faith. When you write your heart out in a paper about your faith in God and the church, and your favorite Catholic teacher gives you a B minus--that really screws with a young kid on so many levels. It still has me messed with. I attended public school week days, and read a lot. My father was a scientist-chemist in the coating industry. He loved sciences and logic. I was the only kid that really liked spending time talking with him. He was raised Baptist, but converted to marry my mother. For her, just to date a non-Catholic was a huge thing back then.

I adore sciences-every elective I could take was science-though chemistry not my strong suit. I live in Northwest Indiana-white-polish on my mother and English for 200 plus years on my father's side.

I have struggled hard with my faith, over the decades. I even questions getting married in the church, when the first priest to marry us had a meeting with us. It was almost--why bother afterwards. He ended up not being available, and met father Tony--I was rather frank with him and he the same. He also attended my father's burial. I still wish the priest ill, that did my mother's burial. How dare deny last rites, just because she was dead. I wanted them for her-to full fill her wishes. My brother-dead at 47 sits in my sister's closest due to the infighting of my siblings about services still-after 5 years. I just want him in the ground with my parents, as he wished.
I have not been to church in long time, but there is something about being in one that comforts me-even changes me, my hubby says. I do not follow the Popes as a lamb, but question things, and disagree with others.

I had a friend that was so pro-choice, she converted me to pro-life. This is personal to me. I do support Pro choice for others, though is is not for me. I hate working at a Catholic ER, that cannot discuss nor offer full treatment to rape victims. Its sucks! I also adored when we had sister Timothy around-she crossed all barriers/creeds/races. Her existence and devotion was proof to me. You just felt something being with her. Yet, her order would not allow to attend my wedding or my daughter;s shower/baptism. Yeah, I am still heated about that still. Heck Her housing is across from the church for heck. She did visit me, when I gave birth. Seeing her hold Vir-was such a cherished moment for me, since my parents are both long gone.

I guess I have babbled and written scattered enough. Ever watch the original Star Trek? It taught me a lot growing up as a kid.

[Bunnie]

noran. never fear you have not distressed me--i think you are a very reasoable person to talk to--i hope all of us mean no harm in these discussions--like i said if no one teaches you about something you devise others ideas--
i can't quite remember what station or program i saw that was about Multiverses--the speaker was a physisist-last name GREEN (i think)very different idea which at first i thought (balloney)but then -WHO KNOWS--THERE ARE THINGS WE DO NOT KNOW OF IN THIS WORLD. i will rack my brain (ha) and try to remember where i saw it.
remember now anything you want to know just ask me the one with the superior intellect!!






























discussion not a put down--i just wonder--you have probably taken care of some patients like this.i know i have.
did you ever wonder what kind of religious beliefs they might have oon a far away planet

[Bunnie]

Noran wrote: "You can ask me anything, but that does not mean I am going to open up all private areas of my life and heart to a stranger. I just get a vibe from your writings just now--you are angry or upset. ..."

[Noran]

Thanks for the positive note! :) What patients have you wondered about? The bright light thing? I have several views on that one for sure. I Have wonder about religions on other world. I like Dr. Who for that one. I am leaving for my 12 hour night shift in the ER now. My brother is in IMCU there, 60 and awaiting open heart tuesday for valve repair.

Hey do you say bless you when someone sneezes? I have noticed in the last decade, God bless you-has disappeared. I do not if due to PC of other religions or what. It is silly to think, it is the only noise humans make, that we say something for! Thought to be the soul could leave the body, when you sneezed. I actually was lead to believe, by some sneaky girls, that if you sneeze-you loss a minute of your life-as a kid. Boy did I ever try to hold them in,

[Noran]

I see our posts are passing each other on the net, not in order. I get the vibe thing from the wiccan I work with.
There are vibes, then gut feelings, and so on.

[cerebus]

Bunnie wrote: "...not letting others tell you what to think or how..."
Hi Bunnie, I think it's very important, as you say, not to let others tell you what to think, and whilst I think I see where you are coming from with not letting people tell you *how* to think, I'd just like to clarify that when I say it is important to teach people how to think, I don't mean in the sense of trying to force particular beliefs (of any kind, religious, political etc), I mean it is important to give people the skills in thinking for themselves, asking questions, evaluating information etc. It is these kinds of critical thinking skills that I see as "how to think".....

[cerebus]

Bunnie wrote: "..-the speaker was a physisist-last name GREEN.."
Most likely Brian Greene then (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Gr...)....

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "Hey do you say bless you when someone sneezes?"

Actually, I do :) More out of habit than for the meaning of it of course :) I did spend a while thinking about what an atheist should say instead, but never really came up with anything!

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "Also I was wondering if I could ask you and other atheist a few questions that I have? It would help me greatly to plan for later on in life. "

Can't answer for anyone else, but from my perspective, ask away! :)

[Bunnie]

noran, little be it for me to say anything --you are having a personal crisis with your belief--that's ok--think and think and you will be fine-it makes you wonder who decided on these rules and what are their purposes? what is this thing about the burial? i can see you are suffering about this--i am so sorry--do you know what the reason for this is? what a terrible thing especially your mom and brother.i hope offering my friendship helps a little--i wish i could help more -you need a shoulder to cry on.you sound bitter--how about a grief councillar? seriously!

[Bunnie]

Noran wrote: "Thanks for the positive note! :) What patients have you wondered about? The bright light thing? I have several views on that one for sure. I Have wonder about religions on other world. I lik..."

[Bunnie]

noran--i have good wishes for your brother--my neighbor next door just had a five way bypass--he is doing well--my good friend had a valve replacement a few months ago and is doing well--the surgeries today are so much better now-
you said 12 hour shifts nights--i liked it because i worked part time then.have a good day for now--keep up your good spirits!