BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 03:46 AM

" ... many others have complained, or even left the forum, because of the aggressive/abusive posting."

I suspect that those "many others" are precious, over-sensitive idiots with over-inflated egos (egoes?) or are insecure in their opinions. I've never been offended by anything that I've read on Mudcat ... sticks & stones etc. I derive a lot of harmless amusement from it, though!

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: akenaton
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 04:46 AM

The "many others" are largely the folks who set this place up in the beginning..... When I joined many years ago, we had respectful debate on any subject, bad behaviour was recognised for what it was, a wrecking tool!

Two or three people were removed for being personally abusive, or trying to attack forum administration.
It was a great place to come to....plenty of heated arguments on controversial subjects all underpinned by a respect for the opinions of other members whether we agreed with them or not.

Some of the present contributors have worked out that personal abuse is no longer regulated and use it in place of reasoned argument.
Now some members may think this is OK, as the bullying tactics often scare off opponents of the point at issue, and the point is regarded as won.

But!!   In the long term these tactics will destroy this forum, as more thinking people turn off.

I have much sympathy for the mods, who perhaps don't have the confidence, or authority to take the appropriate action...a thankless job.

Shimrod.....Don't like to bring this up, but I remember you being subjected to a disgusting personal attack...during which I among others supported you....the situation was then dealt with by admin.

I remember, that you were rightly.....Very offended indeed.
It did not amuse me to see such behaviour.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:13 AM

"Shimrod.....Don't like to bring this up, but I remember you being subjected to a disgusting personal attack...during which I among others supported you....the situation was then dealt with by admin."

Well, thank you for supporting me, akenaton, but I honestly have no memory of this incident. Obviously it did me no lasting harm!

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: akenaton
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:18 AM

Moderators...."we simply do not know how to moderate among those who will not debate civilly"

Simple, you are the LAW here and there are only two or three people who behave in this manner. Keep an eye on them if they use degrading language or continually call names without addressing the point at issue, delete their posts.
The abuse will stop immediately, and we can get back to civilised debate.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:33 AM

Not as easy as that I'm afraid, Ake. Abuse takes many forms. The least of which is name calling and bad language. Where do you want the mods to stop? Insults? Bad language? Offensive ideas? Propagation of homophobic principles? There are plenty of occasions where I believe a post should be deleted and very few of them have anything to do with 'degrading language' or childish name calling. And there are plenty more than the 'two or three' people who happen to disagree with you. What you are asking for is a moderation policy that favours one viewpoint over another. It will not and should never happen.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 06:13 AM

One of the wonderful aspects of debates on mudcat.org is that if you exhibit behaviours the last generation fought a war to put a lid on, you gradually find yourself with nowhere to go, no support, no opportunity to push your offensive agenda.

Lovely to think a bit of name calling and childish abuse helps somewhat. It's what I like doing according to some. Doubt it is clever of course, but best keep clever comments for clever people.

Reminiscing over when hate was socially acceptable is perhaps the last gasp and tomorrow a butterfly might appear from the worm. Be nice to discuss dogs, deep fried Mars bars and haggis appreciation but not easy when he is wearing his black shirt.

Mind you, you can't educate pork.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 06:48 AM

you can't educate pork

Oh, I dunno, Messiah M. I trained a couple of pieces of pork to be very tasty old-English dry cured bacon this morning...

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: TheSnail
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 07:12 AM

Wow, Steve, I never expected to hear you call Darwin a fool.

Just as a matter of passing interest, what do you think of Stu's assertion that people should "familiarise yourself with the philosophies and methodologies that make 'science' what it is"?

Just askin'.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: TheSnail
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 07:18 AM

Musket

Anyway, how would I know my co Messiah? He plays a gob iron for starters and mummy always told me to give them a wider berth than banjoists even.. plus his football affiliations are somewhat skewed. He may be a Messiah but he knows bugger all about footie.

So what do you think of his "Evolution is true." version of science?

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 07:18 AM

Just noticed

we have a built in moderator on this thread. An associated gnome

I can see what you are getting at Messiah M but I must point out that I am very rarely moderate in anything

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 07:41 AM

You could be as left field and irrational as you like but you'd still make more sense than the learned philosophers spouting bollocks. At least you actually say bollocks.

Snail. My take on my co Messiah's pronouncements are revealed only at the closed session of our synod. I break rank when it comes to footie and real musical instruments but science fact and philosophy are his domain not mine.

I think therefore I am.
I don't think therefore I'm Muskets pet greyhound.

Easy.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,the artist formally known as concerened
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 08:50 AM

Blaah! Blaah!..blahtiddy blah................. all the usual flummery, mummery mixed in with ripe smell of bullpoo..you are like a lot of kids in the playground.. did the naughty man say something nasty, shaw you fraud? or are the comments a little to uncomfortably near the truth? if you cant stand the heat get out of the furnace;
A lttle light banter livens up the day I find;

if you are pointing the finger at me any of you..please show me in any posts were I was racist, propagated homophobic principles, used bad language and I will withdraw very willingly from this forum.. until then I will keep exposing frauds and phony's.

It should be me complaining about you lot and the insults that rain down on me every time I post..but no..I am good..I can forgive. I don't keep howling for the thread police every time someone says something I do not like.

to sum up for shaw, wizzjet and the rest..

"do not judge or you to will be judged": Mathew 7:1

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 09:40 AM

please show me in any posts were I was racist, propagated homophobic principles, used bad language and I will withdraw very willingly from this forum

This is too tempting a promise to be passed up: You used bad language by writing "cant" which should be spelled "can't" (or "cannot"; Musket will know yet another spelling). Now withdraw. The alleged homophobic is akenaton. You are rarely being addressed, since even in the role of a troll you are miscast.

until then I will keep exposing frauds and phony's

You have not started yet exposing anything, have you? If you follow a Christian agenda (- which seems not too probable given your spelling "Mathew" -), your style would make for some surprise, if there were any substance behind it.

Probably you posted to Mudcat before under different nicknames, presumably with similar success.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 09:46 AM

Wow, Steve, I never expected to hear you call Darwin a fool.

Huh? You really are barking, aren't you? (Quite an achievement for a gastropod...)

So what do you think of his "Evolution is true." version of science?

A word in your shell-like, old bean. "Evolution is true", as I have been at pains to explain to you, is not a version of science. It is a declaration of the self-evident, as in "one's left testicle is to the left of one's right testicle, unless one happens to be viewing them from the front, in which case vice versa". There, not a modicum of science in that lot. An immutable truth applying to all twin-betesticled bilaterally-symmetrical individuals since the dawn of time, no science needed to make it true. All the science (wot is the finest product of all human endeavour, along with art) comes in the explanations and interpretations. Now do try to get this under your mantle once and for all.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 10:38 AM

Don't be too harsh, Grishka. Every village needs it's idiot and I wouldn't like to think of poor old Conc being made redundant. He has a harsh enough life as it is, racing from one important meeting to the next, picking up degrees like litter and talking complete and utter bollocks. Without us he would be sat in that padded room with nothing better to do. Just think of it as care in the community.

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Stu
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 11:09 AM

"Acrimonious bickering and insults seem to be a sort of 'hobby' to some--- especially in the UK"

This is part of the US-UK dichotomy and is shown endlessly on Mudcat. Sincere, passionate debate is part of the culture of our islands. We reserve the right to say we think something is total bollocks if we think it is, and all around family dinner tables on a Sunday, in pubs and social clubs, as we're eating our tea in front of the telly, at bus stops, in cafes or in fact anywhere you get more than one person from these islands you will find vigorous, robust and animated debate occurring. It might look odd to those who are unfamiliar with discussing things this way, but that's your loss in all honesty. We've been here for thousands of years doing it, and that's how our society works.

There are no sacred cows here, or in any discussion. Bollocks to that.


"Isn't it all a gigantic waste of time? Let people believe what they wish, they are as likely to be right as any scientist?"

No, they're not. You might think it's a waste of time, but then you typed that on a computer that uses technology developed from methodologies that science have used to investigate the universe etc.


"No, I am not completely certain that evolution happens because I take a scientific view of the world, not a pseudo-religious one. Science doesn't do "completely certain". I can't agree with "Evolution is true" because, as others on this thread have pointed out, science doesn't do absolute truth."

How do we decide something is true? At what point do we as a society say "this is an established fact?". Although we can't say for 100% evolution is true, we can say it's as near a dammit that it has occurred and is occurring. I can't say for sure a living blue whale exists as I've never seen one myself, however the evidence for the existence of blue whales is overwhelming and although until I see one and recognise it for what it is I can't say 100% for sure they exist and are alive, I say they are and do as other people (not least among them scientists) have established their presence in the world's oceans.

In the case of evolution, we're near as dammit sure it has and is happening but we are still working to understand the details as it is a very complex process. We are not certain of the mechanisms of evolution but we are pretty sure those mechanisms are there and working right now, on a daily basis. So we can say "evolution is true" because as far as we know it is, and there is no evidence to the contrary; also, we can affect evolution via selective breeding (such as Darwin's pigeons for example) so there is some solid evidence many of us can see.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Musket curious
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 11:54 AM

Sorry to have to tell you this Stu, but if you hadn't noticed this is a pseudo religious thread.




And your last post was number 666.






Just saying like.

Perhaps St Michael may use this opportunity to wade in with a conspiracy theory along those lines?

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 12:16 PM

Stu,

Sincere, passionate debate is part of the culture of our islands. We reserve the right to say we think something is total bollocks if we think it is

In my opinion, that would not pass as "acrimonious bickering" in the sense of Ake and that anonymous Mudelf, not even as a full-fledged insult, just "strong language". Actually there is a British tradition of faked taunting and sneering as a branch of comedy; think of John Cleese. Musket seems to claim a part in that tradition. However, he does not only fall short of it, but misses it completely, first of all because he is not funny, secondly because he cannot always hide his emotional involvement. Steve, on the other hand, neither claims to be a comedian at all (witness his rare lame jokes) nor tries to hide his "fierce" emotional involvement (27 Oct 13 - 09:06 PM). The only thing that is funny about him is that he calls others neurotic. Jack the Sailor is his fitting mirror. All this has been observed many times even in the few threads I have read; no psychology is needed. Sad to see, but not mine to cure.

To be scientifically exact, there is a faint possibility that some extremely clever people might have tediously faked some of those personalities completely - but for what secret agenda? In the eyes of a good observer, most of the bickerers effectively work for the opposite agenda they claim, thus neutralizing each other. (It seems clear though that Conc is indeed a fake by one of our crusaders.)

A real pity is that casual readers who want to learn about the topics of the threads may not only be frustrated, but thoroughly misled.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 12:50 PM

A real pity is that casual readers who want to learn about the topics of the threads may not only be frustrated, but thoroughly misled.

Sorry, either I just don't get that, Grishka or else you don't understand that to learn about science and religious philosophy you don't come to a forum on folk music. What is more, if you want to learn anything at all I would highly recommend that you stay away from forums altogether as you have not the slightest idea whether those 'teaching' you are qualified to do so or not. A 'casual reader' is as likely to stumble across this thread as Conc is likely to win the Nobel prize for anything.

You are reading far too much into this non-debate than is good for you and are coming to some quite remarkable conclusions yourself. At least you have gained fans in Ake and Conc. If that is any consolation at all.

BTW - You never did let us know what the Russian connection was.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Musket with red nose
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 01:01 PM

Ah. Comedy.

Never tried that.

I say I say I say.
What do you say?
Grishka is talking out of his arse again!

See. No punch line. That's my problem. 10/10 for accuracy but sod all entertainment value.

Sob! My emotional attachment has woken up again. Woah is me.........

Anyway, how do spell neurowhstchamacallit?

I'll say to you the same as I said the worm earlier. If I want to be analysed, I'll ask Goofus to do it. I like his posts. Haven't got a bloody clue what he us speaking about but his self proclaimed cv makes conc look like a neet.

The worm appreciates you though, and as brother gnome points out, that may be consolation. I wouldn't shout about it all the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 01:24 PM

I think Grishka and Conc are actually the same person BTW. Think about it. Jekyll and Hyde? Ying and Yang? Bubble and Squeak?

Well, neither can scientifically prove that they are not anyway.

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 01:42 PM

Alas, I cannot choose my fans. I am not here to get as many "followers" as I can; actually I am glad whenever I read something I had not thought of or known before - which does not imply that I agree with the author's intentions.

What do we want to learn here? Not science, to be sure, but some excerpts of people's minds and opinions. If someone says he is XXXist, I hope to learn something about XXXism, and how a typical XXXist may feel towards YYYists. If they turn out to be something else than they claim, or to have no idea of their own convictions, I am not satisfied (though not disappointed in the sense that Mudcat owes us a representative collection). Casual readers may be misled, in particular they may think all those XXXists are as unreflecting as their self-declared representatives here.

Summary: I am not complaining, just pointing out the difference between good British bickering and parts of this thread.

Musket, you often claim not to be serious and intending laughters. If you meant to be laughed at rather than laughed about - sorry, I misunderstood.

Russian: yes, some of my ancestors were Russians. I spent a couple of decades in England - no ancestors from there, but loads of bickering. No problem with outspoken criticism, love good comedy and clever sarcasm when in the mood.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 01:57 PM

Couple of things then, Grishka. Firstly

What do we want to learn here? Not science, to be sure, but some excerpts of people's minds and opinions.

If you believe you have any insight into my mind by reading my posts on here than you are indeed as deluded as poor old Conc. You have no idea whatsoever about what makes me tick or what I am like in real life and I have even less idea what you are like. Once again, if you want to learn anything about anyone, go and meet them. Keep off web forums.

Secondly

just pointing out the difference between good British bickering and parts of this thread.

Followed by I spent a couple of decades in England

Yet you believe you have a better insight into the British psyche that those of us who were born and have spent our lives here? I am beginning to think my theory on the dual personality here is gaining ground all the time!

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: akenaton
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 02:55 PM

Its all a bit sad really. Why come to what was a proper discussion forum if all you want to do is "troll" or wind people up?

Are you really saying that you, Ian and Steve don't really mean what you write here and it's all just some sort of convoluted joke?

I think I can work out what people are really like by what they write here, and you three are easy.
As Grishka says, your emotional responses give you away.

Would you not be better entertained on facebook?....or do you enjoy being the prize exhibits?

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 03:17 PM

Sigh. Another amateur psychologist. Carry on Ake. You may as well join the rest of the club.

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Musket evolving slowly
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 03:35 PM

Have you noticed how those of us who are accused of not posting seriously are not ashamed of our identity being revealed but those complaining about it are too ashamed to reveal themselves?

Take the worm as an example. Not a good example but that's life. He ridicules what he doesn't understand, he encourages hatred of what he doesn't share and enjoys anonymous standing so as people don't point out the little Hitler in the corner if he mingles with people who might have read his diatribe.

In the meantime he takes every opportunity to ensure that when he feebly tries to make me look bad that he gets the Ian behind the Musket into the thread. He complains when I call him worm instead of Akenaton but by the same token refuses to call me Musket, Muskrat or any other nonsense.

But. . But point out the senseless hurtful outrageous filth coming from his keyboard and he wants you thrown off his pet website to allow him to find fellow homophobes in peace. I assume he posts hate mail here because even social networks have sussed him.

Yours truly

Musket. The best bang since the big one.



With apologies to the late Douglas Adams and a certain ex girlfriend. ....

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:15 PM

To be scientifically exact, there is a faint possibility that some extremely clever people might have tediously faked some of those personalities completely - but for what secret agenda? In the eyes of a good observer, most of the bickerers effectively work for the opposite agenda they claim, thus neutralizing each other. (It seems clear though that Conc is indeed a fake by one of our crusaders.)

To be scientifically exact, you need evidence. Now here's your problem. You find people here who are at odds with your rather prosaic, conventional world view. So they must be mentally ill, on too much wine or faking their identities. Here's a hint for you, old chap(ess). Dump your loser's sour grapes, do a bit more homework, leave your baggage at the door and engage the arguments. It's much more fun than whatever it is you seem to be doing. To be scientifically inexact.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:22 PM

Are you really saying that you, Ian and Steve don't really mean what you write here and it's all just some sort of convoluted joke?

I think I can work out what people are really like by what they write here, and you three are easy.
As Grishka says, your emotional responses give you away.

So Achy Tony seeks to build on Grishka's analysis of those with whom Achy Tony disagrees. We're unstable, mentally-ill boozers with fake identities who don't mean what we say and we're emotionally fraught to boot. Nice one, old chap. And you call us trolls, without a trace of irony, of course. You silly, silly fellow!

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:25 PM

Dave, I wrote minds and opinions (that is so-called English for умы и мнения), not psyches. I want to learn from what people volunteer to tell me. I never claim to analyze a person, not on Mudcat, not in "real life", no Briton, no Russian. Actually you do not (yet?) seem interesting enough that I would take the trouble if I could. The only self-appointed psychologist here, who calls others neurotic, is Steve (27 Oct 13 - 09:06 PM). Go figure.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:47 PM

Steve, I definitely do not think that you are faked; I just mentioned the theoretical possibility for sake of completeness. Actually you do have some honesty (for want of a better word) and other traits that would speak in your favour if you let them. Whenever you want to engage in a clear-cut argument with me again, you are always welcome.

Evidence that Conc is a fake? Here is an clue (not a proof): who has ever seen a genuine full-time troll suddenly quote Matthew? Actually I do have an idea who might hide behind that mask; the elves can check the IP addresses and pronounce their usual warnings (as they did long ago when someone else posted from my computer).

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 06:30 PM

No, sorry Grishka. No cigar this time either. Do you really believe that something as prosaic as "Actually you do not (yet?) seem interesting enough" would provoke some sort of reaction? If you do indeed want to learn from what people tell you, and I very much doubt that statement, then I am afraid you need to be a lot better than you seem to be at the moment:-)

As someone pointed out earlier, the more honest of us post, if not with our real names, at least with our identities openly known. Those who chose not to do so are perfectly entitled to their little secrets. Just as we are perfectly entitled to believe that, like your identities, your motives are not what they seem.

Now, if anyone wants to get back to talking complete bollocks I am happy to engage in the morning but, for now, off to the land of nod.

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 07:22 PM

Just as we are perfectly entitled to believe that, like your identities, your motives are not what they seem.

You asked me and got an answer. My statements of motive give you something at hand in case you find me not acting accordingly, so you should be glad. Some other posters refuse to let themselves be measured by any of their previous statements at all.

As for my name and address: what do you and Musket want that for, if not for inflicting damage on me, in the real world or in other Internet places? Do you think I deserve that, for insulting you?

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 09:04 PM

Actually you do not (yet?) seem interesting enough that I would take the trouble if I could.

Posted without irony from the most boring poster on the forum...

Steve, I definitely do not think that you are faked; I just mentioned the theoretical possibility for sake of completeness. Actually you do have some honesty (for want of a better word) and other traits that would speak in your favour if you let them.

Twattery personified. How good of you to defend my honesty (from one who seems scared of the planet knowing their name and whereabouts - your business, of course). My name's Steve Shaw, I live near Bude, I post controversially and anyone who wants to could track me down in a heartbeat. Cut the bullshit why don't you!

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 09:06 PM

Yeah, Dave, let's go back to talking bollocks. The rest is shit!

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: akenaton
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 04:46 AM

Ah Grishka!.....you seem to be flushing them out :0)

I have given my real name and address to only two trusted friends here, I don't need the hassle which would ensue if a someone like Ian got hold of it. Ian has kindly reported me to Stonewall for my views on ways of reducing the very high rates of sexually transmitted disease amongst male homosexuals.
I eagerly await my letter of commendation.

You have some cheek Steve, to describe Grishka as "boring".
You may be slightly more honest than your two friends, but interesting or informative you are not.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 05:50 AM

Steve, would you like to report me as well? Or send me a letter bomb? How brave of you! You know very well that nobody would bother to send you a poisoned harmonica, because reasonable people have better things to do.

Engage in arguments: Stringsinger started this thread to discuss about organized atheism. I went about discussing some aspects and a prominent protagonist; the others including the OP dodged. Musket feels insulted by the thread title.

Stu and Dave, are you suggesting this thread to be a model of British culture? Is TheSnail guilty of Un-British Activities?

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 06:00 AM

As for my name and address: what do you and Musket want that for, if not for inflicting damage on me, in the real world or in other Internet places? Do you think I deserve that, for insulting you?

We don't. I just think it is more honest to let people know who you are. Your address is not needed for that, nor is your real name but unless you can demonstrate that you are the same person in real life how can anyone trust you? My name and interests are well known on here. Like Steve and Musket I could be found in an instant by anyone with an inkling to do so. We know nothing at all about Grishka and akenaton apart from their real identities are not known.

And why on earth do you think anyone would to 'inflict damage' on you for something as trivial as an internet discussion? No, I don't believe you deserve that but people often measure others by their own standards. Do you wish to inflict damage on others because of anything that happens on here? We know ake wants to stick needles into gay man against their will but I thought better of you.

D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Musket clarifying
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 06:08 AM

Don't flatter yourself. I reported Mudcat.org via the local authority where I live to the Stonewall service for monitoring hate. Due to agreements, should the UK police decide an insignificant little shit who has failed to influence anyone is possibly worth having a word with, Max would be required by the police in his state to supply your log in credentials.

I doubt they will bother, but for all the shouting at the poor moderators, they have missed so he genuine incitement to hatred, put about by the person behind Akenaton.

Grishka, you waded in to a thread spawned by a thread that had become a silly game. Some of us carried the game in this thread. The more people were outraged, the funnier it was.

Pricking the bubble of pomposity is a well judged activity. In fact the only stain on this thread isn't you, isn't starry pete, isn't (or wasn't) Jerk the sailor even. We can laugh both with and especially at you.

No. The stain is Akenaton chipping in. I want to wash my phone or iPad after seeing his posts. There is nothing funny, sensible or debate worthy in what he types. He has no sense of the shame people feel knowing their DNA is nearer to his than a fruit fly. No place in respectable company for his views. Luckily, he only exists in cyber land. I have no wish to know who he is. Clapton forbid that I should find myself in the same pub. As I said before, in such circumstances I would sup up and leave, wiping my feet on the way out.



Ok. Back to talking bollocks. Anyone up for seeing my impersonation of Jesus on a rubber cross?

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 06:45 AM

I have three nails - Can you put me up for the night?

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:18 AM

Oh, and before I forget again

Stu and Dave, are you suggesting this thread to be a model of British culture?

There is no such thing as a model of British culture. Having spent 2 decades here you should know that. There is no such thing as a typical Brit and to stereotype a whole culture in such a way is tantamount to racism. In a way, this thread and the whole of Mudcat are good examples of all cultures. Bits are outstandingly good, bits are horrendously bad but in the main we are all OK with slight hints of the extremes.

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:22 AM

Steve, would you like to report me as well? Or send me a letter bomb? How brave of you!

Silly, neurotic and offensive (I'm just about the least violent person on the planet, and anyone who's gonna argue with that gets a bunch of fives yeah?). As I don't take offence, let's just leave it at silly and neurotic.

My favourite scene from Fawlty Towers:

Much-provoked spoons salesman (Bernard Cribbins), after having decked Basil: I'm not a violent man, Mr Fawlty..."

Basil (muffled voice from floor behind reception desk): Oh yes you are...!"

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:24 AM

Grr. All those little sideways vees put me right off my speech marks there. Grr.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:11 AM

Dave,

unless you can demonstrate that you are the same person in real life how can anyone trust you?

What is "the same person in real life"? All you can expect from a forum is that all posts signed "Grishka" are by the same person; this does not solve your problem though. (If Mudcat offered password-protected GUEST accounts, without cookies etc., I would use one.) If I were claiming the authority of, say, two Cambridge Ph.D.s, you could rightly ask me to produce references. But the sort of authority I want can only be gained by sensible messages.

Musket,

Grishka, you waded in to a thread spawned by a thread that had become a silly game. Some of us carried the game in this thread. The more people were outraged, the funnier it was.

Commonly called trolling. Skillful trolls can do a good job of exposing unreasonable outrage. Those who do all the name-calling themselves have failed, all the more so if they cannot credibly plead satire.

Pricking the bubble of pomposity is a well judged activity.

It would be. Instead, you created glorious martyrs, and, worse, committed treason of your claimed rationality and scientific education. If you had fun, your condescendingly appointed "co-Messiah" definitely does not seem to share it. Too bad for him.

Generally, messages to Mudcat should not tacitly require knowledge of other threads. In particular, critical comments should always state the exact message they refer to. For example, accusing others of hate crimes takes some elementary rhetorics, either satirical or serious, to be credible to neutral readers.

Steve, I take your word for it, for the time being. (In fact, I have seen Islamists shouting "We are gentle people, peaceful and pious, strictly against all violence, suffering silently, never harming a fly. But if those bastards insult the Prophet, of course they must all die!" Also, I remember you feeling "sniped at" in an argument about - drum roll - Beethoven!)

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:23 AM

Up until recently this thread was, at least, entertaining. Now, suddenly, it's become quite boring and a bit ... well ... odd! It seems to have been hi-jacked by a couple of censorious individuals who, whilst having no real opinions of their own, seem to believe that other people shouldn't have opinions.

As far as I can make out, among all of the mis-spellings, 'free-form' grammar and strange references to 'ginger' things, 'concerened' is of the same ilk - but at least he is entertaining!

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: TheSnail
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:28 AM

Steve Shaw
Now, Snailie One. Evolution happens. Are you a fool? ......... Otherwise, do try to make the distinction between self-evident reality (not science) and the human interpretation of it (science).

I posted a passage from Origin of Species which clearly showed that Darwin did not think that evolution was self-evident and presented a case to support it that went over more than ten pages of the Penguin Classics edition. You are calling him a fool.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: TheSnail
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:39 AM

Stu
Although we can't say for 100% evolution is true, we can say it's as near a dammit that it has occurred and is occurring.

Fine by me but that is fundamentally different from saying it is true. I'd be interested in hearing your ideas about "the philosophies and methodologies that make 'science' what it is", concepts that Steve utterly rejects.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:42 AM

Agreed, Shimrod. It was vaguely entertaining before. Now someone wants to use it to gain an insight into other peoples minds:-S Ah well. It takes all sorts.

Grishka

What is "the same person in real life"?

I suspect you are being disingenuous as I would have thought the answer to that was obvious. Without knowledge of who you really are how are we to know that you are not one of the anonymous guests who causes so much disruption on here? You are, of course, perfectly entitled to your anonymity but remember that people cannot trust what they do not know. Unless of course you are of the religious persuasion which brings us back to this thread!

The co-Messiahs and I, along with dozens of other people on here, are all openly transparent. Anyone can trace who we are. We feel no need to hide behind a fake persona. We are the same people in real life as we are on here. We have no need to blindly follow nor any need to expect other people to do the same.

Seemples.

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: GUEST,the artist formally known as concerened
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 09:51 AM

What is a real person gnomet? who are we? what are we but vessels( some empty ones agreed)

But there again playmates,judging by some of the begrudgery and bickering that has crept into this thread, some of you need a little compassion in your lives.

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke6:35

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 10:07 AM

""to sum up for shaw, wizzjet and the rest..

"do not judge or you to will be judged": Mathew 7:1""

Take a look in the mirror, and consider the full import of that quotation, as it applies to your own comments!

In addition, we have to put up with the epithets, misnomers and unadulterated crap of which your posting history is composed.

You believe that we are phonies!

We believe that you are an uneducated teenage Walter Mitty clone, making up spurious deeds and mythical qualifications.

The solution is simple. Address the topic and show us this wisdom which you claim to possess!

Tell us where and how we are, in your opinion, going wrong!

If you cannot do that, STFU!

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Militant atheism has become a religion p
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 11:03 AM

700!