tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58992230920363681272024-03-13T07:16:23.515+00:00The Random FishI'm a humanist. And an atheist. And a nice person.
Welcome :-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-13598346114763577702009-11-04T16:51:00.004+00:002009-11-04T17:04:36.606+00:00Transexual Jesus!Made you look!<br /><br />Anyway here is the story<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8342056.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8342056.stm</a><br /><div class="mxb"> <h1> Transsexual Jesus sparks protests </h1> </div> <!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --> <div> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46665000/jpg/_46665394_-7.jpg" alt="Jesus, Queen of Heaven poster" border="0" height="282" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="226" /> <div class="cap"><span style="font-size:78%;">Jesus, Queen of Heaven portrays Christ as a transsexual</span><br /><br />Wasn't meant to spark controversy? Yeah riiight!<br />But an interesting comment was made that if we had Mohammed portrayed as a transexual, then you can be sure all hell(tm) would have broken loose!<br /><br />So in the interests of f airness, I wish to redress (see what I did there!) the situation and add another (badly drawn) picture.<br /><br /></div> </div><br /><h1><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h3-I3vJzR5LRqndKjj059dzBgM6Hp20ReH9suq-_E8lsoD4aQyO5GeSSKMH6i3hgLdo3iQFg4GWlCddu4vRCh_xz17qUZ9SbDhPsjloOlWgyX13UKK5kmp4vOcsp2L1m087RFTWWYjYr/s1600-h/Untitled_1.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 63px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h3-I3vJzR5LRqndKjj059dzBgM6Hp20ReH9suq-_E8lsoD4aQyO5GeSSKMH6i3hgLdo3iQFg4GWlCddu4vRCh_xz17qUZ9SbDhPsjloOlWgyX13UKK5kmp4vOcsp2L1m087RFTWWYjYr/s320/Untitled_1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400294663237632290" border="0" /></a></h1> There you go. Mohammed in a dress.<br /><br />Please can crazy people limit themselves to one death threat in the comments section please.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-77217424861944818772009-10-25T21:45:00.001+00:002009-10-25T21:47:28.155+00:00Gloves are off!<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8324820.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8324820.stm</a><br /><br />Seriously! Rebrand Christmas!?!<br /><br />It wasn't even a christian festival originally! F**kwit. As for proudly wearing crosses, then I shall have to wear my atheist symbol in school.<br /><br />Grrr.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-40227121808720858302009-09-21T19:27:00.004+01:002009-09-21T19:34:47.912+01:00Referendum for god!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZf6i4z5Cbp4EuFMF-RfX6W4FSWtlcJtJKWv1QXopRcTVcjBn5JgFagPmzeWwIbZyn3SENfRBtncBYSugb63ARgYTwfWHL9DmHFGp0BrnL5R4FSJQF3bScW_k9h-BGzc8UN_zmJD1NvxO/s1600-h/My+Vote.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZf6i4z5Cbp4EuFMF-RfX6W4FSWtlcJtJKWv1QXopRcTVcjBn5JgFagPmzeWwIbZyn3SENfRBtncBYSugb63ARgYTwfWHL9DmHFGp0BrnL5R4FSJQF3bScW_k9h-BGzc8UN_zmJD1NvxO/s320/My+Vote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383989559747035218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Alpha Course are dropping leaflets through doors. It looks to me like a referendum!<br /><br />Well, I've voted :-)<br /><br />You can register your vote to Mrs Peta Chater at the Ramsgate Town Centre Mission.<br /><br />I don't want her to get unwanted spam but if you wish to vote, her address is her first name, followed by a 'dot' then surname @gmail.com.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-77605404186361273742009-09-20T16:23:00.003+01:002009-09-20T17:07:23.228+01:00I'm feeling sorry for theists.This all started because I got an Alpha Course pamphlet on my desk. (It was placed as a joke.)<br /><br />We all have those 'awareness' moments. The sense of 'I' and sometimes they can be pretty intense! Impending, unstoppable death. Why are we here? Looking at your family and realising one day you will say a final goodbye to them and hope that they understand the joy they have brought to your life. Weighing up whether you have done enough positive things to merit people thinking you are a good person. Railing against injustice in the world and overcoming a feeling of powerlessness when things are wrong in society.<br /><br />Blimey, no wonder people turn to a religious comfort blanket!<br /><br />The benefits are obvious:<br />They say you will go to a heaven and be blissfully happy FOREVER! (Because this wonderful planet is not good enough.)<br />That a benevolent being is looking after you. (Provided you accept the correct being - there are, after all, SO MANY false gods! Irony.)<br />You will have a moral compass. (Because you didn't have one before - think of it as a free gift when you join.)<br />And be a better person. (Although you are not allowed to say that - that's rude. But all the gang secretly know it.)<br /><br />But choosing and believing in what is (statistically a certainty) a lie/ misrepresentation/ false hope/ a con/ cult/ wishful thinking/ ignorance/ brainwashing/ threat/ etc. [delete as appropriate] is such an injustice to understanding.<br /><br />So it might make them happy. I'm not authorised to deny them their happiness. Good luck to them.<br /><br />Some <span style="font-style: italic;">claim</span> to have no doubt. And these are the ones I feel most pity for. It's the equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and denying all possibilities. A fear of being wrong. To have that sense of being special, the Earth being made specifically for YOU, taken away.<br /><br />Am I a shameless zombie, denying a god's loving light? Am I ungrateful whelp, deserving of a punishment from a all powerful being? Am I tainted by a devil's knowledge, intent on corrupting the kind and good? Am I clearly too STUPID not to see what makes religious people so blissfully happy?<br /><br />No.<br /><br />My mind is open to all the possibilities. I have been vainly trying to find some, any, evidence for existence of a god. I would go to an Alpha course with an open mind, but I could not bear the thought of being 'taught' by someone who has closed their minds to the possibility that they don't need their metaphysical metaphors to lead a good life.<br /><br />I have NEVER met an atheist who has stated that there is no god AND states that there is no evidence that they would accept to change their minds. Theists on the other hand HAVE to think this way. (It's 100% or nothing!)<br /><br />And the insulting fallacy is that some theists see this as a weakness. (Hey! They could be persuaded!) Or have the cheek to call us close minded!<br /><br />And this is why I feel so sorry for theists.<br /><br />Just bask in the chaos of nature, the almost infinite random possibilities that lead us to this exact point in time, appreciate that we are creatures made from stars, that there is wonder in the expanses of space, beauty in a single grain of sand, that all life on this planet is connected...<br /><br />We are all monkeys with big brains. If only some of us would use it more.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-73274075874329168382009-09-19T09:17:00.003+01:002009-09-19T09:21:17.332+01:00Evil corporate empire will not deny us our religious rights!<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/18/jedi-religion-tesco-hood-jones">http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/18/jedi-religion-tesco-hood-jones</a><br /><br />I feel somewhat persecuted.<br /><br />Yet I don't feel the need to start a holy war, a jihad, kidnapping, blow up a public place or demand the death of someone...<br /><br />Maybe I'm not religious enough... ;-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-57780034771236963612009-09-16T19:01:00.003+01:002009-09-16T19:47:52.371+01:00Thought I'd answer this anoymous person on the main blog. :-)<h4><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Been a bit shy on the blogging front lately... however, this gem landed in my comments section.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">My new comments are, quite helpfully, coloured red.</span><br /></h4><h4>7 comments: </h4> <dl class="" id="comments-block"><dt class="comment-author anon-comment-icon" id="c1968754383862315650"> <a name="c1968754383862315650"></a> Anonymous said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>Until your god, Science, can keep you from dying you will have to deal with the real one at some point. <br />Scientific studies show that belief in Jesus greatly reduces stress, anger, and hostility in most people...if you believe those sort of studies.</p></dd><dt><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">So I replied... </span><br /></dt><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-what-have-scientists-ever-done-for.html?showComment=1253045806218#c1968754383862315650" title="comment permalink"> 15 September 2009 21:16 </a> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1785047066"> <a href="delete-comment.g?blogID=5899223092036368127&postID=1968754383862315650" title="Delete Comment"> <img src="img/icon_delete13.gif" /></a></span></span></dd><dt><br /></dt><dt class="comment-author blogger-comment-icon" id="c8458237123206051135"> <a name="c8458237123206051135"></a> <a href="profile/17310503800143231901" rel="nofollow">Randomfish</a> said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>Science is not a god.<br />Belief in a deity will reduce stress if you are the kind of person who worries about death and ghost stories.<br />A lot of people who call themselves christians are, in my opinion, LESS tolerant of others. At worst they see themselves as morally superior or at least, a better person for having that 'belief'.<br />A lot of christians ARE less hostile, but too few will turn the other cheek as recommended by Jesus. I have a great deal of respect for nice people. I just don't think that being a believer makes the slightest bit of difference. I personally would rather trust a genuine nice person than someone who is doing it because they are 'told to' or will 'go to heaven'.</p></dd></dl><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">So 'anonymous' made quite a few reply statements...</span><br /><dl class="" id="comments-block"><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-what-have-scientists-ever-done-for.html?showComment=1253046483423#c8458237123206051135" title="comment permalink"> 15 September 2009 21:28 </a> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-456499502"> <a href="delete-comment.g?blogID=5899223092036368127&postID=8458237123206051135" title="Delete Comment"> <img src="img/icon_delete13.gif" /> </a> </span> </span> </dd><dt class="comment-author anon-comment-icon" id="c4685054295897085096"> <a name="c4685054295897085096"></a> Anonymous said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>Science is not a god.<br />- - - - - -<br />I'm glad I'm getting through to you.</p></dd><dd class="comment-body"><p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">AARRggghh!!! Since WHEN has ANY atheist EVER thought 'Science' was a 'god'. This is an utterly ridiculous statement that has no merit answering. (They should try getting their nose out of a bible and try a dictionary for a change!)</span><br /><br />...but too few will turn the other cheek as recommended by Jesus.<br />- - - - - -<br />We do try harder than the folks who sit in the bleachers calling the fouls.</p></dd><dd class="comment-body"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sorry, I'm not sure what this statement means. :-) Being British and all that. But in my personal experience and opinion (it is MY blog after all) I have found NO difference to the many atheists that easily forgive others. Forgiveness is not the exclusive right to religious folk. Declaring a 'Holy war' on the other hand...<br /></span></span></span></span></dd><dd class="comment-body"><br /></dd><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-what-have-scientists-ever-done-for.html?showComment=1253075473264#c4685054295897085096" title="comment permalink"> 16 September 2009 05:31 </a> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-286671441"> <a href="delete-comment.g?blogID=5899223092036368127&postID=4685054295897085096" title="Delete Comment"> <img src="img/icon_delete13.gif" /> </a> </span> </span> </dd><dt class="comment-author anon-comment-icon" id="c5658385530864352056"> <a name="c5658385530864352056"></a> Anonymous said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>You exhibit very little tolerance in your post for those you claim are intolerant. <br />Why complain about Christians who don't turn the other cheek? Isn't this an indication that they are rejecting what you also despise? Perhaps they are well on their way to your side. Otherwise, if you are in agreement with this teaching, then you concede that Christianity does carry some merit.</p></dd><dt><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family: arial; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I readily admit, I like a good rant. Clears the air. Stops you bottling stuff up inside. I apologise but I really hate to see a waste of intellect. (This is the reason I became a teacher!) When someone informs me that the Earth is 4000 years old, my first thought is 'You poor, misinformed person.' If they carry on then I'll try to explain, reasonably, why they are wrong. And if they still carry on then I will mock them.</span><br /></dt><dt><br /></dt><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-what-have-scientists-ever-done-for.html?showComment=1253110864034#c5658385530864352056" title="comment permalink"> 16 September 2009 15:21 </a> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1785047066"> <a href="delete-comment.g?blogID=5899223092036368127&postID=5658385530864352056" title="Delete Comment"> <img src="img/icon_delete13.gif" /> </a> </span> </span> </dd><dt class="comment-author anon-comment-icon" id="c7738735572559795602"> <a name="c7738735572559795602"></a> Anonymous said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>I personally would rather trust a genuine nice person than someone who is doing it because they are 'told to' or will 'go to heaven'.<br />- - - - - - - - -<br />You must do some interesting screening when someone stops to help you fix a flat or pick up something you dropped on the ground....Sir, are you helping me because you want to go to heaven or because you think I might give you a tip? I hope you are helping me for no reason other than for evolutionary and scientific purposes, as this is a genuine motivation and will allow me to trust you in much higher matters such as babysitting my young daughters and managing my bank account.</p></dd><dt><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That was funny! :-) Actually I might start asking people who help me! Seriously. And this is what I predict. Most people will do nice things BECAUSE they are nice people. Not because they are hoping to go to heaven/ nirvanna/ valhalla/ reincarnate as a cow etc... My conclusion, they don't need a sky pixie. You may disagree. (And I'm sure you will...)</span></span></span></span></dt><dd><br /></dd><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-what-have-scientists-ever-done-for.html?showComment=1253111685931#c7738735572559795602" title="comment permalink"> 16 September 2009 15:34 </a> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1785047066"> <a href="delete-comment.g?blogID=5899223092036368127&postID=7738735572559795602" title="Delete Comment"> <img src="img/icon_delete13.gif" /> </a> </span> </span> </dd><dt class="comment-author anon-comment-icon" id="c2505594094897771105"> <a name="c2505594094897771105"></a> Anonymous said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>Belief in a deity will reduce stress if you are the kind of person who worries about death and ghost stories.<br />- - - - - - -<br />Belief in science will induce stress if you are the kind of person who worries about global warming and aliens.</p></dd></dl><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am actually getting my breath back from laughing out loud at this! Thanks. The idea of aliens would be wonderful! Science has been able to predict events about global warming and the scientific community are working together to provide alternative methods of energy supply. Scientific discoveries are improving lives, saving lives, getting us closer to understanding the wonderful world around us! Having a scientific knowledge has enhanced my life immeasurably. The very fact you are actually criticising science is only available to you because of .... wait for it... scientific discoveries!!! (Electricity, plastics, semiconductors, EM radiation, materials science, electrons.... oh I really could go on.)<br /><br />Science has made me (and billions of others) happier, safer and more aware of what is happening around us.<br /><br />If you think you will find all the answers in a holy book, I honestly, HONESTLY, pity you. :-(<br /><br /></span></span></span><dl class="" id="comments-block"><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/08/so-what-have-scientists-ever-done-for.html?showComment=1253112492360#c2505594094897771105" title="comment permalink"> 16 September 2009 15:48 </a> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1785047066"> <a href="delete-comment.g?blogID=5899223092036368127&postID=2505594094897771105" title="Delete Comment"> <img src="img/icon_delete13.gif" /> </a> </span> </span> </dd><dt class="comment-author anon-comment-icon" id="c5379250476219270506"> <a name="c5379250476219270506"></a> Anonymous said... </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>I have a great deal of respect for nice people. I just don't think that being a believer makes the slightest bit of difference.<br />- - - - -<br />So, you mean you consider yourself no nicer than the average ignorant ****wit? You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. <br />The truth is, you think you are better because you can be just as nice with no extra help from God...isn't that right?</p></dd><dt style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yes.</span></span></dt></dl><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sorry, did you want me to explain (again!)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyone who does nice things BECAUSE they believe in a god</span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> is a ****wit. I am a nice person (well enough people tell me anyway) and I will recieve NO benefit from some supernatural power who can mystically weigh up all my deeds.<br /><br />Simple version: An altruistic person is nicer than someone who expects a reward for their actions.<br /><br />Hope that clears things up. Thanks, as always for taking the time to respond to my blog. :-)<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><dl class="" id="comments-block"><dd><br /></dd></dl>Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-47850782188557003182009-08-12T14:55:00.004+01:002009-08-12T15:33:18.845+01:00So what have the scientists ever done for us?<span style="font-family: arial;">Looks like the UK have a new website to promote Science.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/">http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I've noticed quite a few 'pro science' programs recently. Lots of explosions, wacky experiments, etc to grab the ever decreasing attention span of our 'blipvert media generation'. People are being subtly turned on to science...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And more importantly, IMHO, people are finally being told what science has done for us already. All those creature comforts, all our understanding of the world, communication, travel, entertainment - we are lucky enough to be able to find out about what excites us, we can overcome disabilities, we can be artists, learn whole new skills, have a global voice...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I owe an awful lot to all those curious individuals who had the question... "Why?" and "What if...?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Which make me all the angrier when I hear ignorant f***wits, praising whatever flavour god they follow, and thanking it for all it has provided for them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are one of these people ,try this prayer instead...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;"><br />Dear figment of my limited imagination,<br />Bless you my insecurity<br />For stunting my understanding of the world<br />For my fears and ignorance<br />And for your benevolent indifference to us all.<br />Amen</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope that helps. ;-)<br /><br />Maybe science and religion can coexist. But it could never be on equal terms. Religion is going to be around a lot longer than me. Maybe in the climate of extremism we will see polarised groups emerge, possibly another War that will be defined by what sky pixie is best? Science has enabled us to communicate and see the world around us. We should be educating, learning, discovering... NOT adhering to some misinformed, vague superstitious crap that kept the masses in check thousands of years ago.<br /><br />We can only hope.<br /></span>Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-44607883358180947472009-08-11T15:54:00.003+01:002009-08-11T16:03:20.572+01:00So let's hear a Nun's POV...Sister Wendy tells us her point of view. Summary: if you PROPERLY study the bible, then you will follow god.<br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/8171293.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/8171293.stm</a><br /><br />Hmmm. Quite a few flaws in THAT idea. My main problem is that the MORE I study it, the LESS impressed I am.<br /><br />Seriously though. I reckon the best christians are the ones who are ignorant of all the racism, violence, sexism, persecution, narrowmindedness in the bible and just try to be like a 'disneyfied' Jesus. You know, be nice to each other and forgive people, don't judge others, set an example...<br /><br />At least she has a pop at fundamentalists too! Go Nun! ;-DRandomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-78636960595981555332009-08-11T15:37:00.004+01:002009-08-11T15:46:55.101+01:00So how has god done these last 10 years?From BBC Newsnight.<br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/8195025.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/8195025.stm</a><br />Click this link if your browser does not automatically play the video. :-)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What have the noughties done for God?<br /><br />Robert Pigott launches Newsnight's review of the first decade of the 21st Century by asking whether God's new millennium has got off to a bad start.<br /></span><br /><br />15 minutes.<br /><br />Enjoy! :-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-81993386924572869032009-07-25T07:37:00.000+01:002009-07-25T07:42:33.687+01:00I love my PSP!Updating my blog on my PSP! Takes too long to type a message though... (phew!)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-1300859503900375612009-07-06T22:16:00.005+01:002009-07-07T22:32:23.665+01:00Proof of atheism!Mitchell and Webb comedy sketch.<br /><br />Thanks to JL for letting me know about this. :-)<br /><br /><object width="400" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/omWzG2_ljXY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/omWzG2_ljXY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object>Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-1151340098865160152009-06-29T21:43:00.003+01:002009-06-29T22:31:04.625+01:00Finding God - Channel 4Been far too long between posts recently. The pressures of teaching in the last term of Junior school. :-)<br /><br /> But I have watched a fascinating program on Channel 4 about religion and the effect on society. Link <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/revelations/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1">here</a>.<br /><br /> Basically, it was about the success of the Alpha course and there were some interesting statistics. Apparently 1 in 8 people convert as a result of the Alpha course and since I have met several of these converts it was interesting to see what methods were used tjavascript:void(0)o convince them.<br /><br /> To its credit, it doesn't use strong arm tactics. Unless you count the 'feeling guilty' method of saying 'No thanks' to genuinely nice people. But there is still the common themes of 'You could be so much happier' or 'You are a sinner' or 'This is the REAL truth.' Not to the levels of catholicism or baptist churches, but in a more... 'nice' way.<br /><br /> The use of a quiet room to make suggestions to the groups, 'sincere' young people (usually female), the pamphlets produced to help the speakers (almost a script), going to an extremely well organised weekend away, questioning people's unhappiness and offering the 'solution' - I am deeply suspicious of these psychological appoaches to converting someone.<br /><br /> Alpha converts seem to have the same profile:<br />> An unwillingness to even entertain the idea they could be 'unconverted'.<br />> Total acceptance of scriptures as proof. (Despite contradictions, errors, fantasy, stolen myths, acts of genocide, racism and intolerance.)<br />> Dismissal of verified and researched scientific data - Sometimes even gross misconceptions about the scientific principles. (eg Evolution, Earth dating, Fossils, Flood myths, Astronomy, Quantum theory etc)<br />> They are usually, despite all the above, amiable, pleasant people!<br /><br /> I'm pretty convinced that the Alpha course could not convert me. It would be pompous to say that they never could - I am open minded and would be more than willing to accept a god that I thought was worthy of my praise.<br />For a start, I am happy with myself. I consider myself lucky in that respect. There are too many people who have low self esteem and christians are openly there to offer 'advice' and 'hope'. It was even suggested to me that atheists are too 'smug and self absorbed' to offer others advice. A pathetic statement that I had dismissed with disdain - there are after all, thousands of hardworking volunteers, groups, practitioners that offer help - the majority with no religious affiliation.<br /> Secondly, I have researched both sides of the argument - and I have not come across a single reason for me needing a god, a moral reason to have a god, a spiritual 'hole' to fill and lastly (and it is the least important in my opinion) no scientific evidence for a god.<br /><br /> Oh yeah, and the 'speaking in tongues' was downright hilarious!Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-82970836112686679062009-06-14T09:32:00.004+01:002009-06-14T10:08:03.864+01:00Those damn, happy atheists!!! Curse them!I'm seriously getting fed up with religions claiming they have ownership of morality. Apparently, they have 'true' rules to live by since they were given by a supreme, perfect being.<br /><br />Hmmmm.<br /><br />Some religions like to soften up the 'rules' by saying they are 'guidance' and <span style="font-style:italic;">of course</span> you are free to to choose your path. Some religions take it to an extreme and use it as a blunt instrument to control or persecute people - quite often, their own believers!<br /><br />Either way, eventually, if you don't follow the rules, you don't go to heaven - which means you go elsewhere. Nasty.<br /><br />Nice way to live your life. Trying to follow the rules of a perfect being. Of course you CAN'T. Because YOU are not perfect. YOU will make errors of judgement. YOU are a deeply flawed individual. YOU have been corrupted by all the nasty little temptations in life. YOU may have even listened to <shudder> ATHEISTS!!!<br /><br />Us atheists eh? Look at us, living our lives without worrying about whether we might upset god(tm). Using our OWN moral judgements, considering what effect it will have on others around us, ENJOYING life, freethinking, gasping with wonder at the universe - the chaos - the very LIFE! Hey, we don't even have 'self worth' issues about having a common ape-like ancestor - we revel in the fact that all life is linked. We don't need fairy tales to help us understand the 'difficult' science.<br /><br />But if you are a believer in whatever plethora of gods that really most likely don't exist, don't worry about it.<br /><br />Seriously.<br /><br />Those damn, happy atheists will not be laughing when YOU prove them wrong. When you have lived a flawless life. Given up your gut instincts and followed someone else's moral code. Picked the ONE TRUE religion (or splinter group of that religion) out of the tens of thousands. Chosen how EXACTLY how to interpret the holy book and know which phrases did not really apply and reinterpret some phrases so they are more <span style="font-style:italic;">convenient</span> for you.<br /><br />You KNOW there is a true god(tm). So you simply can't be wrong...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Personally, I'll remain a damned, happy atheist, than you very much. :-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-41896305647556861172009-06-11T22:31:00.003+01:002009-06-11T22:45:17.924+01:00Yep, still alive. No devils.So I'm still alive. No devils, dreams or draughts.<br /><br />My boiler stopped producing hot water for a while though...<br />WITCHCRAFT!!! (Obviously)<br /><br />Maybe I should try winding up some of the more obscure religions?<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanic_Neopaganism">Odinism </a>is gaining popularity.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-18784262325015522632009-06-10T21:13:00.003+01:002009-06-10T22:08:05.942+01:00I'm a bit of a boardgame geek...I love a good boardgame. The challenge, the interaction - you don't get the same 'feel' from a computer game (and I love playing computer games). I'm talking about games like Agricola, Puerto Rico, Small World, Carcassonne and Munchkin and many more (at least another 50!)<br />I have the idea for designing a game based on religion. Well, why not? I know quite a bit about it. :-)<br /><br />The premise being you have to create a religion and persuade as many social groups as you can to follow your ideals. You have the choice of being nasty or nice, use wealth or corruption and even brainwashing. Get enough followers and you can dump them to gain new followers that will be more effective in spreading the 'truth'.<br /><br />Add a heavy dose of sarcasm, sprinkle it with irony and roast in the fiery pits of hell and I'm hoping to create a fun filled family game of humour and megalomania.<br /><br />L Ron Humbug, I owe you a 'thanks' in the credits!<br /><br />If I get a prototype going, then I might need some play testers and feedback or ideas from the blogging community. (Remember - I want my boys to be able to play this game too! So lets avoid the kiddy fiddling priests... always best to, I find!)<br /><br />I'll let you all know how it goes... :-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-12591071301752338422009-06-08T20:36:00.005+01:002009-06-09T23:04:21.614+01:00Summoning demons...OK, so as an atheist I have to look at differing opinions of the 'believer'. So lets have a look at satanism. And in particular - summoning demons! Yay!<br /><br />I have been warned by many people over the years about studying, learning or even having a fleeting interest in anything considered remotely 'occult'. But it is fascinating. (That is EXACTLY the thing I should be worried about, apparently...) And they say the devil has all the best tunes - probably because 'christian-rock' is so utterly sh*t.<br /><br />It has been suggested that atheists do the 'devil's work' with all our disbelief, and criticism and I'd thought I'd balance the situation.<br /><br />If there is evidence of ghosts, spirits, demons, djinns, fauns, faeries etc. then the argument for an afterlife / heaven / higher plane of existence becomes a better probability. Interestingly, if you believe in a god, then by default you are expected to believe in the personification of evil. (As if the original idea wasn't silly enough. Talking snake! Tsk!)<br /><br />The site I browsed was <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/empire/serpentis666/DEMONOLATRY.html">here</a>. And I can't fail to be impressed with the excuses if you fail to summon a demon. But if you are looking for '<span style="font-style:italic;">proof</span>'<br /><br />BTW - You can tell if a demon has visited by the following:<br />1) There might be a breeze.<br />2) You might get a 'feeling'.<br />3) A candle might flicker.<br />4) You might have a dream about a demon.<br /><br />Oh yes. I am SO convinced. ( But then I did dream about pasta once which can only prove the existence of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. )<br /><br />There are some gullible idiots out there. But hey! If any satanists are reading this, please feel free to send me any demonic proof. Since, according to christians, I am going to be sent to your mythical retirement home, maybe even some kind of 'welcome pack' perhaps? Or even an imp or two? Maybe my shoelaces won't untie!!! Oh what devilry!<br /><br />ps. In satanist's defence, the ONE I have knowingly met and talked to was quite a nice chap with strong moral beliefs that I would not have expected. He did have a bit of hero worship for Hitler - which failed to impress me but you seriously could not have picked him out of a crowd.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-17388267903958619472009-06-02T17:47:00.003+01:002009-06-03T08:50:42.740+01:00When christians attack!!!Is it just me or are christians getting a little more aggressive?<br /><br />Not physically, but that would give a whole new meaning to 'bible thumping'! It's just that they seem quite ready to attack popular scientific ideas and ridicule scientific explanations.<br /><br />I have (in my rational quest for proof) looked at many of these 'proofs' and found them to be embarrassingly poor and a waste of my time. Actually that's not true - I've had quite a few laughs!<br /><br />Lets look at some of them...<br />4000 year old Earth<br />Carbon dating being wholly inaccurate (About 80% actually but still only one of many methods used)<br />Fossils on the tops of mountains. (Hey! I ACTUALLY saw these on Mount Snowdon!)*<br />Evolution errors (Ahem - misconceptions or more likely a p**s poor understanding of what evolution is.)<br />False fossils (So OBVIOUSLY hundreds of thousands of fossils MUST ALL BE FAKE!!!)<br />Half-evolved creatures (cow-frogs etc. LOL. Just. Too. Stupid.)<br />Dinosaurs existing with humans. (Jurassic park has A LOT to answer for!)<br /><br />(These are just the scientific attempts that people have tried over the last two years... the philosophical 'proofs' have their <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/04/proofs-of-god-part-1-intro.html">own post</a>.)<br /><br />* I walked up Mt Snowdon (Tallest mountain in UK) with my family and we saw the fossils on the summit. 500 million years ago - that creature was alive! Now THAT is incredible. :-P 4000 years, my arse!<br /><br />Scientific thinking has been at the forefront of trying to understand these things and offered plausible explanations to satisfy our curiosity. The fact that we are STILL looking at these concepts to refine our understanding and remove misconceptions is one of the greatest achievements of humankind.<br /><br />So as church numbers continue to decline and organised religion is under scrutiny for the next case of fraud or sexual abuse, we seem to be getting to a hardcore of those who are ready to fight for their cause. And some willing to die for it too. Martyrs are held in high regard and, for many christians I have spoken to, seem to consider it the ultimate test of faith.<br /><br />I find that worrying.<br /><br />I have no problem with people questioning commonly held scientific ideas - science THRIVES on being challenged. But when people consider death as a martyr - death for a non-existent, mythological entity - death that they think will inspire others - and let's be honest, they think they will get a FAST PASS to sky pixie's magical kingdom - then I DO have a problem with it.<br /><br />STOP BEING SO F**KING STUPID. Seriously.<br /><br />But on a darker, humorous note... go ahead. One less idiot out of the gene pool.<br /><br />Rant over. Time for the theists to have their say...<br /><br />>>Edit - Snowdon is the second highest. I was tired. Sorry Scotland.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-16099846749809585012009-06-01T18:19:00.002+01:002009-06-01T18:36:29.116+01:00Am I obsessed?Ahhh. Week's holiday. Time to post my wisdom to the masses or just annoy people. (Your choice)<br /><br />Am I obsessed about 'god'?<br /><br />Now I've had this comment offered to me several times. That I think about 'god' so much, or I am obsessed about her. (Or 'him' - her seems more likely IMHO - although an 'it' would make a least illogical choice... but I am rambling...)<br /><br />I posted this reply on my "<a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/05/raising-atheist-kids.html">Raising atheist kids?</a>" post which I think sums up my opinion.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />It's more about knocking the stupid things that religious people do. ;-) I can assure you I am not obsessed with a god (just as I am not obsessed with a variety of non-things) but quite possibly on how this belief in the supernatural affects people, laws, freedoms and human morality. (Both for good and for bad) I'm like a dog with a bone - it's too fascinating a subject to ignore. (Agnostics just simply annoy me!)</span><br /><br />It's very easy to think that atheists are obsessed with god(s) since our public 'presented' image is simply that. "Your god is a silly idea!" and all that.<br /><br />I personally find it refreshing to be morally sound without having to worry about WWJD? And I certainly don't have to think about 'What would a humanist do?' My actions are considered and based on whether they are safe/ harmful/ economic/ environmentally sound/ pleasurable/ selfish/ insulting/ kind etc.<br /><br />Summary - I REALLY doubt I think about sky pixies more than a theist. And if I am - then there are some crap theists out there. ;-) LOLRandomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-41392624367690506232009-05-18T20:29:00.003+01:002009-05-18T22:34:56.531+01:00Raising atheist kids?Building up to a rant for a while now... partly brought on by this <a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/2009/02/explaining-death-to-atheist-kids.html#comments">rather unpleasant comment</a> to a post of mine. (Someone has issues...)<br /><br />It was a conversation I had about my children growing up. What they might become and that I will be proud of what they will achieve. Also if they happen to follow a faith, it would be <span style="font-style: italic;">their </span>choice.<br />But it was the comment (well intentioned) of 'that's good' about referring to faith that has been bugging me.<br /><br />Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't it a christian DUTY to raise your kids as christians? Certainly all the marriages and baptisms I've been to have STRONGLY suggested it.<br /><br />So it's OK for christians to educate/impose/indoctrinate beliefs but when an atheist puts forward their opinions...<br /><br />I was lucky enough to have been brought up in UK which is mostly agnostic or apathetic towards religion. And I was not influenced by my parents to what I should believe. I became an agnostic while in a church primary school and an atheist by the time I was in my teens. I came to my own decision after a lot of introspection. In my twenties I considered some form of spirituality but after observing and talking to a range of people I realised that you don't have to have a 'faith' to be good.<br /><br />I don't think I can bring myself to go as far as Richard Dawkins and claim that religious upbringing is a form of 'child abuse'. Parents have a right to bring up children by their moral standards and I have no right to criticise. I think I am doing my best; they honestly think they are doing theirs.<br /><br />However. I <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> teach my children to think critically. I will encourage them to question <span style="font-style: italic;">why</span>. I would <span style="font-style: italic;">expect </span>them to find out things for themselves and think seriously about why someone else might want you to believe what they believe.<br />I will encourage them to give people a chance. To try not to judge others on first impressions. Always try to end an argument; never to start one. Bare in mind the consequences of your actions. And try to do what you feel is right.<br /><br />It's a big task. And I suspect I will make many mistakes. What I will NOT do is bring up children on the morality of a flawed 'holy' book full of contradictions, mythology and patronising devotion to a personification of ancient mankind's ignorance. My children deserve better than that.<br /><br />Rant over. ;-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-86217506437033825612009-05-16T09:01:00.003+01:002009-05-18T22:36:30.453+01:00Richard Dawkins interview & Anti-religious bell ringingBit of a short post, but here are two links you might be interested in. :-)<br /><br />The 5 minute Richard Dawkins interview<br /><br /> <!-- This is the embedded player component --> <div class="videoInStoryA"> <div id="emp_8049711" class="emp"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/2.11.7978_8433/9player.swf" style="" id="embeddedPlayer_8049711" name="embeddedPlayer_8049711" bgcolor="#000000" quality="high" wmode="default" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="config_settings_language=default&config=http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/config/default.xml?1.3.114_2.11.7978_8433_20090514110202&playlist=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Femp%2F8040000%2F8049700%2F8049711.xml&embedReferer=http://news.bbc.co.uk/&embedPageUrl=/1/hi/uk/8049711.stm&config_settings_autoPlay=true&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true&config_plugin_fmtjLiveStats_pageType=eav1&config_plugin_fmtjLiveStats_edition=Domestic" width="400" height="323"></embed></div></div><br /><br />And <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8053103.stm">Liverpool Cathedral will play an 'anti-religious' song</a> with the church bells today!Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-41675619375111650692009-05-14T20:51:00.003+01:002009-05-14T21:02:30.977+01:00Jesus action figure - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu6NBViDqmkPJ88IxGW4Y_phavY5iiGeOd6qerkWtChLeW9JomhhC4nUsEu09Vc7r55AjI1QWS5HAi4CgAMI70jRYf5lLozMY3C_NM0UBE5MVeE5ZSsEYISsPLu8t1OFTQ-5sPcGOZf2h/s1600-h/2009-05-14-75077.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu6NBViDqmkPJ88IxGW4Y_phavY5iiGeOd6qerkWtChLeW9JomhhC4nUsEu09Vc7r55AjI1QWS5HAi4CgAMI70jRYf5lLozMY3C_NM0UBE5MVeE5ZSsEYISsPLu8t1OFTQ-5sPcGOZf2h/s320/2009-05-14-75077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335770347830817826" border="0" /></a><br />Straight from the pages of Ephesians 6:11-17<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.</span></span><br /><br />OK, so I couldn't find a 'belt of truth' but I think that the 'Axe of Unnatural Death' and the 'Power Glove of Heathen Smiting' more than make up for it. ;-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PRODUCT RECALL ALERT!!!</span><br />It appears that our 'One TRUE god(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tm</span>)' figures have been returned to stores amid claims that the box was empty. Sorry but NO refunds will be given as it is clearly not our fault you can't see it!Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-32948039189507462302009-05-14T18:23:00.002+01:002009-05-14T18:31:14.726+01:00God is watching you having sex.I LOVE the diversity of christianity!<br /><br />Behold a link about a polish priest (who is celibate) offering advice about sex in marriage. It's already sold out in Poland.<br /><br />"Every act - a type of caress, a sexual position - with the goal of arousal is permitted and pleases God."<br /><br />Now, if I was a believer... I would be a little unnerved! ("Oh, come on darling, let's do it for Jesus. Think of it as a prayer...") The same god, who I hasten to add, is pleased by the smell of a burning goat.<br /><br />Sorry, but the comedy is too much to bear. :-D<br /><br />Read the article <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8049853.stm">here!</a><br />... and feel free to add your own jokes / comments / opinions.Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-73473466713895964632009-05-13T22:36:00.004+01:002009-05-13T22:55:52.874+01:00Look what I got for my birthday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgkXjAMbXuRSVDwgcjKxMcSR_STkKjSuvxYbqx9XCzGhTfph-zmUy2Z3QHED-vmM6cTdmA4UUWuzCu_E1QWzagdG5yA6nlKKoL-fRaRgnjunbrVzsznE_t1kuSHgowEW3uOd3TMibK2fw/s1600-h/2009-05-13-81892.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 419px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgkXjAMbXuRSVDwgcjKxMcSR_STkKjSuvxYbqx9XCzGhTfph-zmUy2Z3QHED-vmM6cTdmA4UUWuzCu_E1QWzagdG5yA6nlKKoL-fRaRgnjunbrVzsznE_t1kuSHgowEW3uOd3TMibK2fw/s200/2009-05-13-81892.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335428551669217282" border="0" /></a>It's an action Jesus figure!<br /><br />OK, I'll admit that my eldest son thought he would look cooler with a 'Power glove' and an 'Axe of Unnatural Death'. But, hey! I could start a NEW sect of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">christianity</span> here! Someone is surely going to believe in it.<br /><br />This was a present from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JL</span> for my birthday, quite possibly because she has a faithful representation of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">FSM</span> (bless his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">noodly</span> appendages) hovering over her desk at school.<br /><br />Any ideas or adventures for Jesus, please feel free to add to the comments. :-)<br /><img src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Compaq_Owner.YOUR-447023AE6B/My%20Documents/LifeCam%20Files/2009-05-13-81892.jpg" alt="" />Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-68170335344700011722009-05-10T20:07:00.002+01:002009-05-10T20:17:26.796+01:00It's my birthday!<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ever since the 11th May 1971, the FSM has been kind enough to keep me from floating off into space for 38 orbits around the Sun! (Blessed be his noodly appendages!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">So let's all have a sing along! :-D</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Regular posting will commence soon... after all, I am in the middle of a '<a href="http://therandomfish.blogspot.com/search/label/JL">Fun-filled holy war</a>' where, I hasten to add, my VERY SOUL is at stake!!!</span><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/buqtdpuZxvk&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/buqtdpuZxvk&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899223092036368127.post-23259227953903142962009-05-09T11:51:00.002+01:002009-05-09T12:23:40.619+01:00I'm a happy atheist! So why don't people believe me?!? Aarrggh!!!I posted this on the Heaving Dead Cats blog and I thought it deserved a post on mine too. One of the accusations I have had made at me, several times of the years, is that I cannot be a happier person than someone who has discovered their imaginary friend. (Or has a 'relationship' with imaginary friend, or discovered the 'truth', or 'opened my eyes', or had an 'experience'... blah, blah...)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Being an atheist has made me a happier person. I adore the wonder of nature, the chaos of life, the randomness of quantum physics, the vastness of the universe, the possibility of ‘god particles’, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, seeing true altruism in strangers, learning about different cultures, art, music and love.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I love being free to enjoy, appreciate and have these experiences without having to worry about offending any non-existent creatures. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sheeple</span> (I love that term!) only demean themselves by having to attribute their ignorance to ‘god’."</span><br /><br />Seriously, how could I be happier? (OK, Arsenal in the Champions League final, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grrr</span>....) I have a great family, fantastic job, my health, kind friends and a sparkling wit only matched by my innate charm and wisdom. If unfortunate things happen, I don't whine, blame, pray, sue, beg etc... and I certainly don't (in a weakened state) seek an imaginary friend. If you are an optimist, you don't need false hope!<br /><br />We do NOT have a 'god shaped' hole in our hearts. That's just another bl***y stupid metaphor created to convince the weak minded. (Create a problem and sell the only 'cure' ) Having a 'god' in my life would mean I would have a new 'priority' - above my family, above my ambitions, dreams and humanity. And if you are the sort of person willing to do that for some perceived reward in one of the many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">afterlifes</span> on offer, then well done. Just don't expect me to be impressed.<br /><br />I am happy. And if you can't understand that, then I truly pity you.<br />(Rant over) ;-)Randomfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17310503800143231901noreply@blogger.com2