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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I've seen some of your posts prior to today, and value your insight. I can talk to and respect most anyone, unless they come on like gang busters like I'm some cretin spewing hate or just plain stupid. I'm sure you noticed in what I had to say today that I did not attack anyone, nor speak harshly to anyone. I am very capable of that, but it takes a certain attitude to provoke me to do that, and when I do, it's calculated.
May 30, 2008 11:33 p.m.
GOLO member since April 10, 2008
May 31, 2008 5:36 a.m.
Paul was a technician for the Christian Faith, not a historian. :-)
May 31, 2008 9:23 a.m.
You're a cat person, so I know you're ok! ;) Your meow gallery was fun to see.
Yes - I seem to enjoy 2 sorts of posting - the really serious religious philosophical discussions, or the really silly caption contests and the sophomoric humor. :-D Sometimes I slip into a political discussion, but politics on GOLO is usually discussed in such a polar, cartoonish fashion I kinda think it's a waste of time.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 31, 2008 9:30 a.m.
Indeed. And because I'm not much of an apologist for my gut feelings, I usually restrict any remarks I say to those of a fence sitter just making wise cracks. It's fun to stir the waters.....
May 31, 2008 10:03 a.m.
You appear to suffer from Village Atheist Syndrome
"The person afflicted with the syndrome also spends considerable time hunting up obscure facts, feeling that nothing should be overlooked to buttress his or her case. In the process village atheists often loses themselves in detail, ignoring the larger picture.
There are other factors also involved. We have found that a significant percentage of those with the village atheist syndrome were born into religiously orthodox religious traditions. Usually they themselves were very religious, until in their teens or in their twenties, they began questioning the tradition they grew up in and had accepted."
And I continue to reject the strawman argument of the label "free thinker" or "brights", i.e. only atheists are smart or intelligent. It's condescending and completely unfounded.
Are you brighter than C.S Lewis, an Oxford professor?
May 31, 2008 10:08 a.m.
You appear to suffer from Village Atheist Syndrome"
Another fun, ad hominem drive-by from the "st8k-meister"!
Have a nice weekend, ya hear? ;-)
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
May 31, 2008 10:15 a.m.
GOLO member since April 10, 2008
May 31, 2008 10:17 a.m.
Beth
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
May 31, 2008 7:36 p.m.
Unfortunately, text carries no inflection of voice and that post you refer was not intended to be an attack or carry a mean spirit. In all truthfulness, as I was reading that article you did come to mind. I did not mean to impart any ill will. I was attempting help in your free thought process (I believe this is the appropriate place to employ the internet memes of LOL or ROFL - sadly, I fear that someday we may actually speak in such manner).
If one were to be more technically correct in regards to the comment of "ad hominem", going back to may original post associated with your particular discussion with another poster in the 'religion & hate' blog, I think you would find that my comment was more of a Red Herring.
June 1, 2008 12:36 a.m.
All well and good, but your interactions with me thus far have all consisted of you telling me "what my problems are", and though I had thought once or twice that if I let your earlier insulting comments (in previous posts) roll off my back you might actually approach me with a cogent, logical argument. It will take time - you may not want to take the time, and that's ok, but hitting me with the latest bits you picked up on a website or mis-using debate terminology (like referring to 'begging the question' as a 'strawman') We will get nowhere. You are very good at asserting and assuming your conclusions, but it is you who have set up the strawmen here. "Atheists think they are more intelligent than everyone else!" That's a strawman - because it mischaracterizes your opponents position and aids you in mocking it...never mind that it isn't true.
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
June 1, 2008 10:11 a.m.
June 1, 2008 3:22 p.m.
I’d love to participate more in the more thought provoking blogs. I’ve just got to back away at times because with most out here, it’s fruitless (cause they’re fruity?). I think we concur on a lot of things.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
June 2, 2008 8:09 a.m.
I still love this line. And while I’ve let go of all the gods, I still have trouble with letting the afterlife go. Not that I’m scared of it. It’s just that it’s hard for me to imagine everything ceasing, despite my knowledge of human physiology.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
June 2, 2008 8:27 a.m.
June 3, 2008 1:48 p.m.
Indeed it does. Most pastors never go there, because it's such treacherous territory. It's a faith thing.... "For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God......" Hard theology. See Romans Chapter Nine about the potter and the clay.......
June 3, 2008 2:34 p.m.
June 3, 2008 3:05 p.m.
June 3, 2008 3:09 p.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
June 4, 2008 1:37 p.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
June 4, 2008 1:38 p.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
June 4, 2008 3:02 p.m.
"Leave me alone ya big puzzy!"
The cat found him quite tasty - with just a hint of pizz and vinegar.
*sigh* it loses something with the mandatory silly spellings... :)"
I know, IMO some day we'll all be speaking in acromyms...AFS too!, lol!
:-D
I read your profile but don't have time right now to enter the site provided but I will...........very interesting, thanks.
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
June 5, 2008 12:20 a.m.
GOLO member since September 1, 2007
June 5, 2008 11:19 a.m.
GOLO member since September 1, 2007
June 5, 2008 11:36 a.m.
June 5, 2008 1:29 p.m.
June 5, 2008 1:30 p.m.
June 5, 2008 1:49 p.m.
.... and if you can't be, with the one you love...
love the one you're with........
June 5, 2008 2:24 p.m.
June 6, 2008 10:46 a.m.
GOLO member since June 6, 2008
June 6, 2008 10:57 p.m.
GOLO member since September 1, 2007
June 7, 2008 2:55 p.m.
// throws a rock //
June 7, 2008 3:07 p.m.
.... he's a Nut!
Guilty as charged.
June 7, 2008 9:20 p.m.
Beth
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
June 9, 2008 9:42 p.m.
Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue Playgrounds will laugh if you try to ask Is it cool?, is it cool?
Hee hee!!!! (That's those crazy lyrics). Have a great night.
Beth :-)
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
June 9, 2008 10:37 p.m.
You nailed it better than I was doing at the time with my composition.
I wish they'd just STOP using this 'god stuff' and get on with the business of what they are ranting about: politics.
Peace be with you
GOLO member since July 15, 2007
June 10, 2008 8:50 p.m.
June 11, 2008 12:08 p.m.
...or lithium?
GOLO member since August 31, 2007
June 11, 2008 1:42 p.m.
June 11, 2008 10:45 p.m.
GOLO member since November 21, 2007
June 13, 2008 9:01 a.m.
GOLO member since December 4, 2007
June 13, 2008 9:33 p.m.
GOLO member since March 12, 2008
June 14, 2008 4:09 p.m.
nc-atheists.golo.com
This is a discussion area primarily for non-theists, or persons who do not believe in any god or gods. Whether you consider yourself a "strong atheist" or a "weak agnostic", this is the place to talk about your experiences. I do not necessarily want to exclude theists who want to ask sincere questions and discuss their beliefs rationally, but I will exclude those who wish to disparage non-believers on behalf of their god. We also do not want to see proselytizing on behalf of your faith. I for one, have no plans to stir up trouble in the religious groups, and we expect the same respect here.
nc-atheists.golo.com
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
June 14, 2008 11:51 p.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
June 15, 2008 10:22 p.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
June 15, 2008 10:22 p.m.
GOLO member since August 2, 2007
June 16, 2008 11:51 a.m.
Well - I may have! I will be ecstatic if I can just avoid being piled on by the pious! ;-)
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
June 16, 2008 12:11 p.m.
Oh well.... I bit. Said my piece too. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Interesting.... for my pretty much non-participation in the religion arguments, the more I drop in on the agnostic/atheist blogs, the more sure I become of what I believe.
Thanks.... btw :-)
ps - you'd make a lousy evangelist for the atheist faith.... it is a faith, you know. You can no more prove the non-existence of God that I can prove His existence. Think about it, friend.
June 17, 2008 11:20 p.m.
Lightfoot mentioned them in his blog, and I've seen them a lot lately (the fresh-scrubbed lads on a mission) I think their beliefs are even more convoluted than most, but to be fair I did not include my opinions in the fact sheet.
As for thanking me for strengthening your faith, you're welcome sir! ;)
As for having faith the same as you...I disagree. I don't make any claims to knowledge. (you know what I'm going to say) I form beliefs based on evidence and I always have. I can push before you a mountain of evidence that suggests that the supernatural father in the sky is imaginary. I applaud (I think) your ability to have faith in God based on the 2 key things you have: 1- a canon of scripture you trust and believe 2- An emotional conviction within you that reinforces your belief. Did I leave anything out? Good stuff here. :)
GOLO member since March 18, 2008
June 18, 2008 12:41 a.m.
GOLO member since July 5, 2007
June 18, 2008 1:35 p.m.
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