Most Bizarre Sueprstition
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:35:20 PM
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What's the most bizarre superstition you've encountered or heard about?
To me, it's the theater superstition that considers it bad luck to wish someone good luck before a play starts.
To me, it's the theater superstition that considers it bad luck to wish someone good luck before a play starts.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:49:19 PM
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Quote: NareedWhat's the most bizarre superstition you've encountered or heard about?
To me, it's the theater superstition that considers it bad luck to wish someone good luck before a play starts.
The groom seeing the bride before the wedding. I think he should take a good hard look at her and decide if he should head for the hills or not.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:55:45 PM
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The one that I consider bizarre is that a pregnant woman should not be in a cemetery or at a funeral. Something about the dead causing harm to the unborn child.
-B
-B
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:01:27 PM
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Watching the World Cup, it was somewhat strange to see some players, "kissing" the turf as they entered the stadium.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:09:31 PM
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It is easy to point at other people and cultures for bizarre superstitions, like the recent thread about pregnant women and solar eclipses. However, in my opinion, all superstition is equally ridiculous.
I point just as harsh a finger at western beliefs that would probably look equally ridiculous to somebody in Timbuktu. For example, don't Catholics believe that in a priest really can turn bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus? Meanwhile protestants believe that by babbling gibberish they are really speaking directly to god in a foreign language, known as "speaking in tongues." Unless one is totally without superstition, and I hope I am, I think it is hypocritical to judge others' beliefs in them. Not making any judgments about anyone here, mind you, just going off on a rant.
I point just as harsh a finger at western beliefs that would probably look equally ridiculous to somebody in Timbuktu. For example, don't Catholics believe that in a priest really can turn bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus? Meanwhile protestants believe that by babbling gibberish they are really speaking directly to god in a foreign language, known as "speaking in tongues." Unless one is totally without superstition, and I hope I am, I think it is hypocritical to judge others' beliefs in them. Not making any judgments about anyone here, mind you, just going off on a rant.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:09:39 PM
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Quote: AyecarumbaWatching the World Cup, it was somewhat strange to see some players, "kissing" the turf as they entered the stadium.
Hmm. Not as strange as what they did once they were let loose on the playing field :P
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:33:37 PM
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It is a bizarre superstition for others, but what do we engage in?Quote: NareedWhat's the most bizarre superstition
If we say "God Bless You" when someone sneezes, do we really mean to affirm the ancient belief that a sneeze expels a portion of a person's soul? What happens if we do NOT say God Bless You or acknowledge the politeness of someone else?
We enter a theater row by turning our backs to the audience, in Scandinavia it is proper to turn your back to the stage to do so. Is one right and the other wrong?
If we pour out a libation for the gods, is this a superstition that it will bring us good fortune to have pleased them and ill fortune to not share our bounty with the gods? Or is it simply that the surface of a beverage is the portion most likely to have become contaminated and merely a healthful practice that was encouraged via fanciful stories?
Must we really clink our glasses to show that we are willing to exchange the contents and therefore have not poisoned them? Is it bad luck to fail to touch drinking glasses in such a manner? Or is this a vestige of the warnings about drinking with the De Medicis?
Break a leg to an actor? Its about as useful as saying Good Luck. The critics will say what they choose to say irrespective of your wishes about luck or legs.
A lucky rabbits foot? Did the rabbit die of old age? If not, he was probably not so lucky.
Spit three times into a stream before crossing it?
Is it bad luck to deal from an uncut deck? Ah heck, go ahead and cut the cards... we can clink our glasses, rub our rabbit's foot, throw salt over our left shoulder ... and win some money. So what if we have to carry our winnings only on our left side and depart only on an even hour?
July 24th, 2010 at 6:25:18 AM
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I rarely say God Bless You. Since I, and I assume most reasonably intelligent people, would not believe that the soul is expelled, then its kinda sacreligious to say it. I also tend to not say thanks if someone says it to me.Quote: FleaStiffIf we say "God Bless You" when someone sneezes, do we really mean to affirm the ancient belief that a sneeze expels a portion of a person's soul?
Is that due to superstition? Maybe in Scandinavia, theater rows have (or used to have) more legroom, making it easier to walk down the row that way. While having someone's butt in your face as they pass is unappealing, if the row is narrow, that's the only way to make the knees and waist bend to make passing possible.Quote: FleaStiffWe enter a theater row by turning our backs to the audience, in Scandinavia it is proper to turn your back to the stage to do so. Is one right and the other wrong?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
July 24th, 2010 at 2:59:13 PM
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Just wanted to say that speaking in tongues is considered pretty ridiculous to the majority of the protestant community and is only really accepted by a handful of ultra-charismatic churches. I know of only a couple in the greater Seattle area (that I stay away from).
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
July 24th, 2010 at 3:21:46 PM
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Sometimes I think that superstitions are a way to state that you belong to a society. For instance the superstitions about Macbeth are probably done out of respect to a four hundred year old tradition rather than any real belief that the play is "cursed".
Actors avoid saying its name (the euphemism "The Scottish Play" is used instead). Actors also avoid even quoting the lines from Macbeth inside a theatre, particularly the Witches incantations. Outside of a theatre the play can be spoken of openly. If an actor speaks the name Macbeth in a theatre, he or she is required to leave the theatre building, spin around three times, spit, curse, and then knock to be allowed back in.
There are several possible origins for this superstition. One is the assumption that the song of the Weird Sisters is an actual spell that will bring about evil spirits. Another is that there is more swordplay in it than most other Shakespeare plays, and the more swordplay must be rehearsed and performed, the more chances there are for someone to get injured.
The baccarat superstitions
The bizarre folding of the cards is so universal now that casinos would rather throw away hundreds of decks rather than try to discourage this behavior.
Actors avoid saying its name (the euphemism "The Scottish Play" is used instead). Actors also avoid even quoting the lines from Macbeth inside a theatre, particularly the Witches incantations. Outside of a theatre the play can be spoken of openly. If an actor speaks the name Macbeth in a theatre, he or she is required to leave the theatre building, spin around three times, spit, curse, and then knock to be allowed back in.
There are several possible origins for this superstition. One is the assumption that the song of the Weird Sisters is an actual spell that will bring about evil spirits. Another is that there is more swordplay in it than most other Shakespeare plays, and the more swordplay must be rehearsed and performed, the more chances there are for someone to get injured.
The baccarat superstitions
The bizarre folding of the cards is so universal now that casinos would rather throw away hundreds of decks rather than try to discourage this behavior.
July 24th, 2010 at 6:34:16 PM
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Quote: pacomartinSometimes I think that superstitions are a way to state that you belong to a society. For instance the superstitions about Macbeth are probably done out of respect to a four hundred year old tradition rather than any real belief that the play is "cursed"
Doesn't the superstition make performances of Macbeth impossible? Actors would have to quote all the lines, after all, and even say "Macbeth" several times :P
On to other points raised in the thread:
I don't have any superstitions. I confess to some habits, particularly when playing VP, but a) I don't believe they'll bring me "luck" and b) they change over time.
I think all religious beliefs are superstitions, too. I don't take any of them seriously, but then it helps I'm atheist.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 1st, 2010 at 11:14:20 AM
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I try not to be superstitious. I feel that it is unlucky to be superstitious.
August 1st, 2010 at 12:54:23 PM
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Value?
We can discuss some outrageously bizarre superstitions and their historical basis and perhaps the resultant sociological usefulness of the superstitions, but for a gambler is there any real benefit?
If we sit at the bar and discuss superstitions we are not subject to the dreaded House Edge. So perhaps there is indeed a benefit.
If we abide by a superstition despite our intellectual non-belief do we benefit? Well, I think if we bet the pass line whenever a female who has never rolled the bones before is about to shoot, we will benefit from that superstition ... about half the time anyway!
If we shift from the Dark Side when we ourselves are shooting, will we benefit? If the next roll turns out to be a seven, the answer is yes. If everyone at the table grumbles if we don't switch, we gain only if one of them is drunk and belligerent.
Why is it that gamblers are so sensitive about superstitions?
We can discuss some outrageously bizarre superstitions and their historical basis and perhaps the resultant sociological usefulness of the superstitions, but for a gambler is there any real benefit?
If we sit at the bar and discuss superstitions we are not subject to the dreaded House Edge. So perhaps there is indeed a benefit.
If we abide by a superstition despite our intellectual non-belief do we benefit? Well, I think if we bet the pass line whenever a female who has never rolled the bones before is about to shoot, we will benefit from that superstition ... about half the time anyway!
If we shift from the Dark Side when we ourselves are shooting, will we benefit? If the next roll turns out to be a seven, the answer is yes. If everyone at the table grumbles if we don't switch, we gain only if one of them is drunk and belligerent.
Why is it that gamblers are so sensitive about superstitions?
August 1st, 2010 at 3:13:55 PM
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i'm not superstitious, maybe just a littlestitious
August 1st, 2010 at 3:39:05 PM
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There are no more greater people of faith in this world then atheists.
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
August 1st, 2010 at 4:10:16 PM
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Quote: NareedTo me, it's the theater superstition that considers it bad luck to wish someone good luck before a play starts.
I rarely wish people good luck since if I did wouldn't that mean there is less luck available for me?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 1st, 2010 at 5:45:57 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanI rarely wish people good luck since if I did wouldn't that mean there is less luck available for me?
You can spare it.
Studies show that by not breaking a mirror you get seven years of good luck. By my calculations, the average driver in the average commute does not break three mirrors several times per trip. That should garner enough good luck to last a lifetime, each trip!
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 1st, 2010 at 5:55:15 PM
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Nareed, you didn't need to tell us you're an atheist, but I now see very clearly why you want me to disappear from the face of the earth. Basically, you're in a group that often displays hatred, discomfort, unhapiness, enjoys finding fault with others, and almost always blames their woes on anyone but themselves.
Good luck going forward. Remember: Change We Can Believe In!
Good luck going forward. Remember: Change We Can Believe In!
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:28:32 AM
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That's a description I've seen used to describe all sorts of different variations of religion.
Being an atheist is easy and requires no faith what so ever, just an absence of belief. I could be wrong, but I don't worry about it in this matter....
Being an atheist is easy and requires no faith what so ever, just an absence of belief. I could be wrong, but I don't worry about it in this matter....
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:30:01 AM
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I still say a church steeple with a lightening rod on top shows a lack of confidence.
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:59:59 AM
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You are wrong.Quote: thecesspitBeing an atheist is easy and requires no faith what so ever, just an absence of belief. I could be wrong, but I don't worry about it in this matter....
Most atheists have very strong beliefs. One of those beliefs is that there is no supernatural power or overseer. Athiests believe that. It is NOT the absence in the belief that the supernatural exists.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:45:25 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearYou are wrong.
Most atheists have very strong beliefs. One of those beliefs is that there is no supernatural power or overseer. Athiests believe that. It is NOT the absence in the belief that the supernatural exists.
Show me your evidence for God, then we'll talk about belief.
BTW, when I say evidence I mean evidence. Not arguments, old books, logic-chopping or ignorance (ie, "Then what caused the Mars-sized mass to hit the proto-Earth?")
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:50:52 AM
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Quote: NareedQuote: DJTeddyBearYou are wrong.
Most atheists have very strong beliefs. One of those beliefs is that there is no supernatural power or overseer. Athiests believe that. It is NOT the absence in the belief that the supernatural exists.
Show me your evidence for God, then we'll talk about belief.
BTW, when I say evidence I mean evidence. Not arguments, old books, logic-chopping or ignorance (ie, "Then what caused the Mars-sized mass to hit the proto-Earth?")
The only thing you guys believe in is negativity. That's why you're all angry individuals needing proof of anything and everything or else to you it just cannot be. Atheists lead very sour lives because of it and they all put on a phoney cover because they internally are embarrassed that they feel the need to be different & difficult in a world that gives us all the opportunity to experience good and understand why we believe in God. Atheists = hate.
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:03:19 AM
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Quote: NareedQuote: DJTeddyBearYou are wrong.
Most atheists have very strong beliefs. One of those beliefs is that there is no supernatural power or overseer. Athiests believe that. It is NOT the absence in the belief that the supernatural exists.
Show me your evidence for God, then we'll talk about belief.
You misunderstood what I said.
I said that athiests do not simply FAIL to believe that God exists - they BELIEVE that God DOES NOT exist.
The difference is subtle, but it's there.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:08:03 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBear
You misunderstood what I said.
I said that athiests do not simply FAIL to believe that God exists - they BELIEVE that God DOES NOT exist.
The difference is subtle, but it's there.
Well, you can't group atheists by what they believe as if they were a religious group.
I don't believe in God because I've found no evidence that it exists. I also don't believe in any number of other things and/or beings for which there is no evidence (ie astrology, the Mayan gods, psychics, etc).
I'd be willing to admit to God's existence when I see evidence of it.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:20:50 AM
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Boy, we're getting off topic here, but, in short, yes you can.Quote: NareedWell, you can't group atheists by what they believe as if they were a religious group.
As you may or may not know, in addition to being a DJ, I am an Ordained Clergy Person. I use the title of Reverend. The Church thru which this Jewish boy was ordained is the Church of Spiritual Humanism. The Church is recognized by most states as a religion, which allows members such as myself to perform wedding ceremonies.
The Church BELIEVES and professes (until proven otherwise) that God does not exist.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
August 2nd, 2010 at 4:27:39 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearBoy, we're getting off topic here, but, in short, yes you can.
As you may or may not know, in addition to being a DJ, I am an Ordained Clergy Person. I use the title of Reverend.
Talk about blasphemy & corruption....
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:23:34 PM
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Nietzche said God is dead. His philosophy gave us Hitler who borrowed the superman concept and came up with "the master race"
Next Christmas count all the Atheist's Army collection boxes.
Next Christmas count all the Atheist's Army collection boxes.
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:46:55 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearThe Church BELIEVES and professes (until proven otherwise) that God does not exist.
fine. But not all atheists are members of your church, neither do all of us believe whatever it is you do. No more than anyone who believes in God can be ipso facto labeled a Christian.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:08:15 PM
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Quote: NareedWell, you can't group atheists by what they believe as if they were a religious group.
I don't believe in God because I've found no evidence that it exists. I also don't believe in any number of other things and/or beings for which there is no evidence (ie astrology, the Mayan gods, psychics, etc).
I'd be willing to admit to God's existence when I see evidence of it.
Nareed - I'm just curious: What do you think about Bigfoot? Do you think the Patterson-Gimlin film was a hoax?
"Bite my Glorious Golden Ass!" - Bender Bending Rodriguez
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:46:02 PM
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Quote: Toes14Nareed - I'm just curious: What do you think about Bigfoot?
Myth. I'm sure in ancient times people would have claimed to have seen minotaurs, satyrs and other mythical creatures.
Quote:Do you think the Patterson-Gimlin film was a hoax?
Never heard of it.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:13:11 PM
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Quote: Nareed
Never heard of it.
That is a film allegedly of bigfoot, which invariably gets shown during any television debate on the topic. I, of course, dismiss it as a hoax -- a simple home movie of somebody in an ape suit.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:00:34 PM
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Quote: DeMangoNietzche said God is dead. His philosophy gave us Hitler who borrowed the superman concept and came up with "the master race"
Next Christmas count all the Atheist's Army collection boxes.
Actually it was Martin Luther that gave Hitler his master race BS, and any Hitler-loving (American) Neo Nazi alive today will indeed proclaim themselves to be Protestant Christian, even if that proclamation is quite warped.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_and_antisemitism
As far as charity, I imagine that DJ's Humanist "Church" is making inroads in the atheists' public relations campaign along those fronts. Surely there are not many blatantly atheist charities out there as you state, as it would be hard to get donations that way in a Christian nation but there are most definitely numerous secular charities that atheists do indeed contribute to. And as to you mentioning Christmas...that is sad if you think there is only one time of year to be charitable.
(I am neither a Believer in the God of Abraham nor an atheist, by the way.)
Solo venimos, solo nos vamos. Y aqui nos juntamos, juntos que estamos.
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:16:50 AM
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No, I think that Bigfoot has evolved to have a large metal buckle in the fur on his back.Quote: Toes14Nareed - I'm just curious: What do you think about Bigfoot? Do you think the Patterson-Gimlin film was a hoax?
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:36:20 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffNo, I think that Bigfoot has evolved to have a large metal buckle in the fur on his back.
I think Bigfoot is blurry, that's the problem. It's not the photographer's fault. Bigfoot is blurry, and that's extra scary to me. There's a large, out-of-focus monster roaming the countryside. Run, he's fuzzy, get out of here.
(RIP Mitch)
Solo venimos, solo nos vamos. Y aqui nos juntamos, juntos que estamos.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:02:43 AM
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Quote: WizardThat is a film allegedly of bigfoot, which invariably gets shown during any television debate on the topic. I, of course, dismiss it as a hoax -- a simple home movie of somebody in an ape suit.
Thanks.
What I find ludicrous is that poeple would belive in a species made up entirely of one specimen, which apparently lives a very long time or is immortal.
To be sure new species are found from time to time. Usually this means new bugs no one had seen before, or some small bird, or even a new kind of mollusc or fish. Small animals and bugs that are easy to overlook (sometimes they are known to local populations, but not to the world at large).
A few years ago scientists found some kind of rodent in southeast Asia, and that caused a major flurry. No new mammals had been discovered in decades.
So if there were a species of large apes living in the Pacific northwest, they'd have been found and docummented long ago. Likewise if there were giant lizards in Africa, or humongous lake serpents in Scotland.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:23:22 AM
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RE: Bigfoot
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." -- Bertrand Russell
"The more ridiculous a belief is, the more tenaciously it tends to be held." -- Wizard
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." -- Bertrand Russell
"The more ridiculous a belief is, the more tenaciously it tends to be held." -- Wizard
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:37:40 AM
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Quote: DeMangoNietzche said God is dead. His philosophy gave us Hitler who borrowed the superman concept and came up with "the master race"
Next Christmas count all the Atheist's Army collection boxes.
Nietzche's philosophy was much more complicated than this statement implies... Nietzche's quote was almost a lament, a forlorn statement about what humanity had done to the beautiful concept of belief in God. Hitler used and abused a few philosophies. I think Nietzche's 'Will to Power' predicted something like Hilter would happen, but he didn't cause it.
Wisdom is the quality that keeps you out of situations where you would otherwise need it
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:06:15 AM
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Quote: DeMangoNietzche said God is dead. His philosophy gave us Hitler who borrowed the superman concept and came up with "the master race"
Next Christmas count all the Atheist's Army collection boxes.
And once again, on the internet, we have Godwin's Law.
An incorrectly applied Godwin, no doubt. Hitler was not an atheist, but raised in the Roman Catholic system, and also thought that the atheism led to Communism (or vice versa).
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:07:41 AM
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The most surprising development of the Bigfoot phenomenon to me has been the appearance of a couple of scientists giving some credibility to the possibility, particularly Esteban Sarmiento, but also a professor at one of the west's universities [Idaho?].
On the Monster Quest program cited below, I watched as these guys were shown to be sucked into what would surely seem to be a hoax. It involved an unseen "creature" throwing small stones at a cabin where it was believed that all the people were accounted for. Of course, if someone wanted to perpetrate a hoax, it should have been obvious to all how it could be done. For that matter, maybe the scientists expressed that same opinion, but their comments were edited out? I'd be surprised if they have been happy with their Monster Quest appearances.
Even worse is seeing seemingly serious people study that huge assortment of Bigfoot footprints, although I can't say I've seen those two do this.
Here is a quote from the Wikipedia entry on Sarmiento [easily found].
On the Monster Quest program cited below, I watched as these guys were shown to be sucked into what would surely seem to be a hoax. It involved an unseen "creature" throwing small stones at a cabin where it was believed that all the people were accounted for. Of course, if someone wanted to perpetrate a hoax, it should have been obvious to all how it could be done. For that matter, maybe the scientists expressed that same opinion, but their comments were edited out? I'd be surprised if they have been happy with their Monster Quest appearances.
Even worse is seeing seemingly serious people study that huge assortment of Bigfoot footprints, although I can't say I've seen those two do this.
Here is a quote from the Wikipedia entry on Sarmiento [easily found].
Quote:Sarmiento is one of the few mainstream experts to give serious attention to cryptozoology, particularly reports of Bigfoot. Sarmiento does not suggest that the existence of Bigfoot has been established, but that its existence is possible and that claims and evidence deserve careful scrutiny, stating, "If [Bigfoot is] real, this animal is exceedingly human-like [...] It would be our closest relative on earth. He has appeared on several episodes of the History Channel series Monster Quest discussing Bigfoot and other "cryptids."
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:10:52 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearYou are wrong.
Most atheists have very strong beliefs. One of those beliefs is that there is no supernatural power or overseer. Athiests believe that. It is NOT the absence in the belief that the supernatural exists.
Well this atheist doesn't use any effort to believe in the absence of God or the Supernatural. Atheism is not a formal belief system like various flavours of Christianity, Islam, etc. Secular Humanism is just one variation on the theme.
I don't believe (sic) I am wrong :)
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:15:39 AM
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Faith by definition can not be proved or disproved by scientific evidence. If you limit your beliefs to that which has evidence, then you must believe Forensic Examination can prove all things. Such faith can also be ridiculed.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:22:36 AM
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Quote: odiousgambitFaith by definition can not be proved or disproved by scientific evidence.
1) It's not a matter of scientific evidence, but of empirical evidence.
2) Faith can and has been investigated by science.
Quote:If you limit your beliefs to that which has evidence, then you must believe Forensic Examination can prove all things. Such faith can also be ridiculed.
Hell, no. Forensics cannot prove a thing about particle physics.
Again, I'm talking about empirical evidence: things that can be seen, heard, touched, etc, and which can be recorded even if only as notes taken under observation. It doesn't take an explanation on the origins, nature and dynamics of asteroids, for example, in order to believe that asteroids sometimes impact Earth.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:40:14 AM
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I don't believe in gods, and the only time I ever think about it is when the discussion comes up. All the rest of the time, I don't think about it at all. I'm not interested in convincing anyone else, if you believe in a god or in gods, fine.
A falling knife has no handle.
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:42:18 AM
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Quote: NareedAgain, I'm talking about empirical evidence: things that can be seen, heard, touched, etc, and which can be recorded even if only as notes taken under observation....
Well, you see, a Forum cannot always find the answer, we are proving that now. Instead, we are disagreeing with each other's evidence, falling each of us back on our beliefs. [g]
As far as myself, I could be considered a Deist, which to simplify means someone who believes in God but not Revelation. Now the problem with me being a preacher and doing weddings [g] would be that Deism has about vanished since the 18th Century and isnt recognized as a Religion [I believe]. One reason that can be cited is that by definition, a Deist can't properly go to a Church, since there isn't any Revelation, Scripture, etc to discuss [g].
Deism is discussed at Wikipedia, by some people who didn't wish to simplify it like that [you do good if you can wade through it]. I guess some feel Unitarianism is modern Deism, but I know little about that.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:43:04 AM
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Quote: MoscaI don't believe in gods, and the only time I ever think about it is when the discussion comes up. All the rest of the time, I don't think about it at all. I'm not interested in convincing anyone else, if you believe in a god or in gods, fine.
You don't believe in Dice Gods?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:46:39 AM
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Quote: odiousgambitWell, you see, a Forum cannot always find the answer, we are proving that now. Instead, we are disagreeing with each other's evidence, falling each of us back on our beliefs. [g]
Ok. Then please prove that Huixilopoxtli doesn't exist, and why you shoulnd't be sacrificed in his name. It's been centuries since he has received an offering. I'm sure he's really thirsty for blood by now.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:51:35 AM
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Quote: odiousgambitQuote: MoscaI don't believe in gods....
You don't believe in Dice Gods?
Well, as for me, I know I have seen some pin-up/internet models who certainly qualify as goddesses.
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:59:59 AM
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Quote: NareedOk. Then please prove that Huixilopoxtli doesn't exist, and why you shoulnd't be sacrificed in his name. It's been centuries since he has received an offering. I'm sure he's really thirsty for blood by now.
Oh, no, you don't understand at all! You don't offer *yourself*, you see; if I was so unfortunate as to be getting this treatment from my enemies, I would just explain that I am a Deist. And, if you, you could explain you are an Atheist.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:02:20 AM
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Plus the old problem of proving a negative. We can assume Hitler, Elvis, and others were actually dead all along since another body has not showed up, but while the claims were hot that they were still alive it was hard to prove they were not.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
