mentor: profile 
about mentor
I am a freethinker...a scientific naturalist, if you will.
Freethought: a philosophical viewpoint that holds that beliefs should be formed on the basis of science and logic and not be influenced by authority, emotion, tradition, or dogma.
Philosophy is questions that may never be answered...
Religion is answers that may never be questioned...
Politically I would self-identify as a moderate, though some other golo members might still consider me a "moonbat." At times my political views tend to be more Libertarian, which is one reason I have so much admiration for Thomas Jefferson. It seems political points of view are treated as stereotypical caricatures by many members. It's always easier to attack your own cartoonish version of the other person's views than to understand what the other person's views actually are.
One of my favorite pastimes is studying the philosophers of history, especially in the area of religion. I spent years mentally "at sea" on the topic, knowing my Methodist upbringing wasn't ringing true in my mind...yet not being willing to entertain the possibility that what I had believed all my life might not really be true. I came across the writings of a man named Robert G. Ingersoll, and realized I had stumbled on what I was looking for. If you have never seen or read any of his speeches, do yourself a favor and do so! You can find his work (among others) at www.infidels.org He echoed all my unspoken sentiments about everything that was wrong with Christianity.
Why I Am An Agnostic (1896)
About the Holy Bible (1894)
I floated for a short while in the deist realm, along with the likes of (the much maligned) Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. After more study of the theist/non-theist debate, and soaking up all the modern evolutionary biology I could get my hands on, I began to realize that the universe is explainable without a god as a first cause...in fact it was more convoluted to insert a complex un-caused being at the beginning! Ockham's razor chops away the unnecessary complexity and leaves a simple conclusion: The universe, in some form or other, has always existed. A hard concept for us to grasp, but much simpler than a creator god who was there when it started - but who had done "god only knows" before that! (pun intended)
The hardest part of letting go of God is letting go of the idea of an afterlife...we all somehow feel we should continue on forever, even after our bodies die. I came to realize that this life is all we have. This bothered me for a bit, but it makes a lot more sense than tripping off into an eternity of existence after just a quick 'blip' of a biological life. Epicurus long ago noted that death need not be feared..."If I am here, death is not! When death comes, I shall not be here." Why fear something we will never "share the room with", so to speak? Mark Twain brought his wit and common sense to the topic as well when he said, "I was dead for millions of years before I was born and it never inconvenienced me a bit!" I expect it will be the same for all of us as well. My memory of 2112 will be the same as my memories of 1812! :-) The belief that our lives are just a quick prelude to some vague eternity to come later robs us of the full appreciation for the life we have right here, right now! When we can realize that this is our one and only life, it becomes all the more special and dear to us.
The other difficult part of letting go of religious belief is realizing that there will be no "final justice". Hitler is dead; simply dead. There is no hell for him to go to...his existence is ended except for the horrible memories of all the wrongs he perpetrated on humanity while he was alive. Horror was his legacy. Hopefully his miserable life will continue to teach us what the fruits of racial hatred and fascism really are.
You and I have our own opportunity to leave a legacy as well...hopefully a positive one! Maybe this is our shot at immortality after all - to leave behind good memories in the minds of people who knew us..to bequeath to the future all the best we could muster, seen through the eyes of our children.
But, I digress. If you want something to happen in your life, go out and make it happen! If you want justice, you will have to work for it. There is no celestial umpire that is going to call the game in your favor and fix all that was wrong with your life. Prayer is mind-talk and may help some people, but if you use your mind and your reasoning skills, one day you will realize that you're only talking to yourself. YOU are the architect of your future! Be proud of your successes, and don't beat yourself up over your failures. Life is short, and precious....live it for what it is: a rare and special opportunity!
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Fun YouTube Destinations!
MadTV Carlin sketch.
A few notable quotes.
A few thoughts from Sam Harris.
It's not always easy to be secular in the U.S.
"Of all religions, the Christian should of course inspire the most tolerance, but until now Christians have been the most intolerant of all men." - Voltaire
"I would defend the liberty of consenting adult creationists to practice whatever intellectual perversions they like in the privacy of their own homes; but it is also necessary to protect the young and innocent. - Arthur C. Clarke
The Bible is not my book, nor Christianity my profession. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma. - Abraham Lincoln
In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination. - Mark Twain
Fear is the mother of all gods. Nature does all things spontaneously by herself without their meddling. - Lucretius
About the name Mentor: Years ago, when I was running a bbs, I had a user with this handle. He was an old guy who had a way of bringing just the right mix of wisdom and common sense to a discussion. He's long gone now, and I use the name mostly as a tribute to him.
We now have a group for atheist/agnostic golo members! Please apply if you would like to be part of it:
An expanded blog on these topics is under construction on Wordpress HERE. Comments and discussion are welcome! If you prefer, you may reach me directly at free.thought2@gmail.com.
favorites
favorite music: now playing on youtube...movits! - fel del av gården
favorite movies: good sci-fi
favorite hobbies: computers - philosophy - astronomy - audio production
favorite tv shows: any good educational show covering science topics...the daily show... the colbert report
favorite restaurants: good mexican restaurants
favorite web sites: pandasthumb.org (recently)
favorite vacation spots: uhhh....vacation?
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GOLO member since April 10, 2008
April 11, 2008 5:42 a.m.
"I might have gone over to atheism, until I learned obout DNA coding in genes, and how they are read by transcribing enzymes."
The complexity of DNA is put forth as evidence of a supreme creator by a lot of creationists these days. There are pages of fascinating discussion on this very topic in the forums over on iddb.infidels.org Seeing intelligent design in the complexity of DNA is a seductive line of reasoning, but naturalists have realized that even DNA is most likely a product of gradual evolution by natural selection. Richard Dawkins provides a great deal of illumination on the topic in his book, "The Blind Watchmaker" It's a great read on the topic. We've all (myself at least) been conditioned from childhood to see the beauty before us and attribute it all to a supreme god who created it. (continued above)
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 14, 2008 9:22 p.m.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030114051.htm
Science may never give us absolutes where the origin of life is concerned, but incredible knowledge is gained daily in fields once thought to be out of reach of scientific inquiry. When you get right down to it, the universe looks naturally evolved. A supreme being (if it exists) - probably would have made a better replicator than the DNA molecule. As good as it is, it still generates a great many genetic coding errors, resulting in everything from hydrocephaly to down's syndrome. A supreme creator probably wouldn't have made 99.999% of the universe deadly to creatures like us (as it appears to be) As I said, I love discussing this - it's not easy when you only get 1k characters! :)
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 14, 2008 10:37 p.m.
April 17, 2008 7:19 a.m.
Thanks :) It seems the topics that spur my postings may capture your interest as well. I enjoy reading your comments!
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 17, 2008 10:03 a.m.
Our religious philosophy is very, very similar. Don’t be surprised if you’re accused of being me. :) You’ll find that those of us who have let go of god(s) are in a definite minority out here. You’ll also find that some of those professing Christianity can spew some of the most hateful and vile things. Hypocrisy runs rampant. I wear brass knuckles and carry a billy club because I’ve been attacked so much. :)
God(s) were initially created to explain the unknown, but as you’ve alluded to, today they are used to give hope and comfort in an afterlife. I’m not quite ready to entirely give up on the afterlife, but not in the form described by religion. I prefer to think of ourselves as the building blocks of the universe, and we continue to exist as part of the cosmos, whether conscious of it or not.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
April 17, 2008 11:01 a.m.
I wouldn't disagree with these ideas as I perceive them. The energy we all contain is going to go someplace...an outflow of residual heat...the energy consumed and recycled by our microscopic brethren as our remains slowly return to the natural state from which they originated. (a flowery description of decomposition eh? :-)) As for being conscious of it? Probably not...Since our mind seems to be the product of our brains I don't see how that can continue...but it sure would be cool if it could! I'm happy knowing that my energy might wind up in a blade of grass....or in a baby bird...or in a warm summer breeze...in the neverending cycle of nature. I am honored, btw, that you posted in my profile. I always enjoy reading your comments as well!
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 17, 2008 11:24 a.m.
I see the post you read originally has been flagged. (I guess) It's gone from the blog at any rate. What sort of originality are you looking for? This is Eastern NC...my views are far from "lock-step group-think". You have me confused with someone else. I take it your world views are adequately represented by quotes from C.S. Lewis and Robert Spencer? You like to grill sacred cows eh? It seems some sacred cows may be off limits.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 18, 2008 7:13 p.m.
I would not say adequately, but these are quotes with which I can agree. As a "free thinker" you shold be leading the charge against the religous zealots of Islam that would seperate you from your head, "infidel". Instead your free thinking is merely anti-Christian bigotry from someone who presumably proclaims to be "tolerant". You will also note that my Lewis quotes are secular in nature, and not dealing with Christian Apologetics. Your hatred for Christianity only adds to your ignorance. Would you care to refute or reply to the statements and sentiments expressed in those quotes? No, you simply rely on your mindless dogma and would disregard the thoughts simply because they came from an "Xtian". It also seems that these quotes may have struck too close to the bone for your sensitivities. You are no free thinker, you're simply a pretentious, self-absorbed bigot.
April 21, 2008 10:35 a.m.
You mistake my frustration with the prevailing dogma for bigotry on my part. My sense (right or wrong) is you are a Christian (?) and have taken offense at some of what I have said...you have attempted to place derogatory "labels" on me in apparent retaliation. That said, certainly you and I have common ground where Islam is concerned. The secular humanist position opposes oppressive and dangerous "outputs" from ALL religions. Islam is not exempt. The holy text of Islam clearly sanctions the atrocities we see from their more fundamental practitioners. Their religion is basically another "Abrahamic" one with adhoc writings from yet another prophet.
I support the rights of people worldwide to have whatever religious belief they wish, but I do not support any aspect of their religion which sanctions oppression or violence, or intrudes on individual freedoms.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 21, 2008 11:31 a.m.
Nothing in my post should suggest a belief of any kind. I specifically mentioned the secular nature of the C.S. Lewis quotes and yet you assume that my "Christian" beliefs have been offended. That response illustrates directly my original point. Your bigotry towards people of faith taints your view of everything. You reject out of hand any thought expressed simply because they "believe". The freedoms that you enjoy in this country are based upon the concept of a Creator granting human rights. To eliminate the Creator is to place your rights in the hands of government. The Constitution grants no rights, it simply lists the rights you have from birth. If 'rights' are GIVEN, 'rights' can be TAKEN. Atheism is dangerous to FREEDOM. That's what I find offensive about you and your "free thinking".
April 21, 2008 12:36 p.m.
If you truly believe that statement, we are not that different. I do have problems with militant atheism. YOU specifically, I don't even know. The tenants you espouse I know too well. Secular humanism suggests we 'look to ourselves', does it not? I try to do so, too. I try not to be closed minded (and I DO NOT suggest you are), but I would only say look at ALL of the Big Picture, not just the parts that appeal to you. Don't dismiss anything simply dogmatically. I re-read some of our posts and I don't want mine to appear too personal. Freedom is a dear subject to me and to that end I would quote someone who is more eloquent than I...
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."
April 21, 2008 12:58 p.m.
I made that assumption in search of a reason for why you responded so vehemently in criticizing my views. I was accused of being arrogant, ignorant, and tied to group-think right out of the gate. If I was mistaken in my assumption that you are a Christian, I apologize.
I speak as a former believer, and I certainly would not call myself a "militant atheist". I simply do not believe a god exists. Could I be wrong? Certainly, but I have to go by the evidence presented by the natural world.
Most of the people I know are Christians...they are fine people and I have no ill will toward any of them. As long as they don't try to proselytize and 're-convert' me, we get along great. Some people I used to know through church have shunned me. I regret losing them as friends, but it was their choice. All I have done is to be as personally honest as I could.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 21, 2008 2:59 p.m.
You speak for yourself well enough -not- to require quotes from the famous. I will never give assent to the idea that the true understanding of freedom and human rights are the exclusive province of the religious. Saying our human rights are derived from God is no different that saying our human rights are derived from Thor! If you really understand why you don't believe in Thor, or Zeus, or Mithra, you will begin to understand my position.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
April 21, 2008 3:23 p.m.
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
May 2, 2008 3:52 p.m.
May 2, 2008 4:01 p.m.
"You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body." C.S. Lewis
"Luminous beings are we. Not this crude matter!" Yoda
Look to your own soul, not what men of the "cloth" or the souless lab coat tell you about it. Think yourself free, rather than think freely.
May 8, 2008 10:28 a.m.
Welcome back! - I don't believe that evolutionary theory has an agenda to disprove the existence of a deity. There are, in fact, plenty of contemporary Christians who merge the idea of evolution right into their faith, asserting that the process is "how" god created what we see. Evolutionary theory, in fact, makes no claims about the origin of life. (abiogenesis) On the flip side, creationists *do* seem to feel that if they can disprove evolution, they will have proven the existence of god by default. This isn't actually true. Further, to assert that evolutionists zealously refuse to consider alternatives is begging the question. Serious scientists arrive at conclusions through evidence.
As you noted, I do have problems with some organized religions because of the negative influences they have had on the world.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 8, 2008 11:29 a.m.
GOLO member since February 20, 2008
May 12, 2008 1:20 p.m.
I understand. Belief in a supreme being is very important to many people. I spent 30+ years of my life wrestling with these issues, and finally found some clarity. (for me) If your life is made better by the relationship you have with your god, then you are deriving a benefit. You have every right to believe as you wish! I realize that rational skepticism is not for everyone, no matter how much I wish it were so... :-) I just want people to be able to really question their beliefs, and not be afraid to go where the answers may lead them.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 13, 2008 8:59 a.m.
Without revealing the content of the book, my conclusions were that Madison was the author of some, the co-author of some and Hamilton authored a few. It's a mixed bag.
GOLO member since September 6, 2007
May 13, 2008 12:01 p.m.
GOLO member since April 10, 2008
May 14, 2008 8:07 a.m.
That would probably be fun, but I guess we'll just have to keep the discussion in the blogs for now. :-) I am working on an expanded blog on wordpress.com that will have a lot more information, and allow you to post comments longer than 1000 characters as well. I am happy to discuss any aspect of these topics that may interest you! Thanks for stoppin' by.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 14, 2008 11:55 a.m.
:-D I do what I can ...
You know, some of them I truly feel sorry for due to their utter gullibility and simplistic ideas about how they believe the world works. It would be frightening if it weren't just so sad.
Not her though. She's just the wicked witch waiting for someone to toss the water on her, IMHO.
GOLO member since September 6, 2007
May 14, 2008 9:16 p.m.
Not at all...that would suck...LOL...you can designate folders in your system for the zune to automatically check for updates. I have about 2,000 LEGAL songs on my Zune right now, and I have yet to buy 1 of them off the market place. The only thing I have gotten from the market place are the podcasts...and they are free. The zune uses ALL microsoft audio and video formats...so it is quite easy and no converting...more easy then your sandisk, because the files install to it automatically. No dragging and dropping to the mass storage device...and, mine is 80gigs, nothing on my end to complain about. My kids got it for me for my birthday a couple months ago...I have about 2,000 songs, 417 pic, and 66 videos/video podcasts...and I still have only used 8.49Gigs...
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
May 14, 2008 11:15 p.m.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
May 14, 2008 11:18 p.m.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
May 15, 2008 2:07 a.m.
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
May 15, 2008 11:28 a.m.
May 16, 2008 10:59 a.m.
LOL... No I am not Lightfoot.
I'm laughing because - he was right! If you read further down in my profile I got a message from him telling me not to be surprised if people thought I was him! (I guess we have some similar views)
Thanks for stopping by!
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 16, 2008 11:26 a.m.
May 16, 2008 3:30 p.m.
You're right - his icon is gone and his profile is closed... (?) Hope he returns in a form we can recognize.....
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 16, 2008 3:57 p.m.
May 16, 2008 7:14 p.m.
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 20, 2008 10:14 a.m.
Classic!!
May 20, 2008 11:02 a.m.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
May 21, 2008 6:40 a.m.
GOLO member since April 10, 2008
May 23, 2008 8:42 a.m.
GOLO member since April 10, 2008
May 24, 2008 8:19 a.m.
I thought we had seen this one, but I guess not! We'll have to rent it soon and check it out...thanks for the recommendation BT!
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 27, 2008 11:32 a.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
May 27, 2008 8:50 p.m.
GOLO member since May 22, 2008
May 28, 2008 6:26 p.m.
(Translation) - Shut your eyes when you see rational responses. Reach out and grab for the "hallelujah hi-fives",:) and keep the warm fuzzy feelings flowing! Click to view my profile mentor GOLO member since March 18, 2008 May 28, 2008 11:19 a.m. Report abuse
You do not have to translate my posts. I say what I mean and mean what I say...I really do appreciate the effort, but it was for naught...Thanks, GodBless
May 28, 2008 7:51 p.m.
No offense intended towards you! The translation was more for the benefit of those whose posts you were calling "poo". If you would prefer non-believers to stay away from your proselytizing blogs you should say so. If you would like to step outside of your comfort zone and talk rationally about your faith - myself and others here would be happy to engage you...if not, I will certainly understand and respect your wishes. Best regards.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 28, 2008 11:57 p.m.
Thanks for the kind words! - You DO care! :)
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 29, 2008 12:04 a.m.
May 29, 2008 6:36 a.m.
ssh...don't say that too loud.....dem there people take that sport (ugh) serious...haha
May 29, 2008 9:54 p.m.
Have a wonderful Weekend.
Squirrel
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
May 30, 2008 5:17 p.m.
May 30, 2008 6:23 p.m.
May 30, 2008 7:42 p.m.
GOLO member since September 1, 2007
May 30, 2008 9:30 p.m.
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