http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArdYLv4Ouj4&feature=related

Ship fairing:) more like pirates of the Caribbean:) The way forward? Well is easier than you think. But how will lead such a 7 billion strong troop)

Last post......a box of bananas anyone:)

Mankind has gotten here by the good luck, of the roll of the dice.

But now man has the power to destroy everything....and he will...so saith the lord.

Beam me up Scotty:)

cactus:)

The atheist Pope's spin:
<what an interesting thread. It’s reported that a bunch of atheists are gathering in Melbourne for a convention and somehow that demonstrates that atheists are intolerant or this is a part of the alleged intolerance they possess>

Is that all that was reported? What about:

<new enlightenment ... growing irrationality, fundamentalism and superstitious thinking around the world. ... and the menace of religious extremism threatening everyone’s quality of life, [and] what can be done to address the issues facing the globe....[and] It’s time we all cast off the superstitions of religion and move forward to bring justice and equality into this World. This can never happen while ever religions are allowed to poison the minds of people, inciting hate, fear and bigotry as they invariably do. We must learn from history and move forward into more enlightened times>

and that was just the kick off!
But it's not just the fundamentalists we need to fear; some atheists "are so far up themselves that their importance outweighs reality. They really don’t give a toss for anything but their own delusion of self importance".
And this after my "diatribe" (dissenting voice) has been simultaneously ignored (qualitatively) and roundly abused.
I ask again, and have asked repeatedly, what is your philosophy and what "specifically" do you propose to do "to address the issues facing the globe"?

In the penultimate post from his Lordship I am rhetorically condemned in the train of a villainous litany including tax havens, denial of dignified and merciful euthanasia, sexism, homophobia, denial of sex education, support for nuclear/biological proliferation, and "The end of times being a common bond"; as if all religious types and groups are necessarily intent upon such an agenda and the government is helplessly prey to them!
If this isn't intolerance--indeed rounding them up since they're all the same--I'd like to know what is!
For myself, I can only plead my innocence apropos the list of mortal sins recounted, and protest that my stated concerns here have been and are "patently" legitimate.
And now he invokes the Nazis. How apt!

Apparently, clear thinking is not for all. The “globe” is beset by many problems. There is no news in that.

Maybe I should uppercase this but I won’t. Atheism is not the answer to all things on the planet that need altering and no one is saying that, but that doesn’t mean that the problems it is trying to alleviate are not important.

Those looking for the E=MC squared of social ills could try and be a part of the solution of lesser equations rather than being a part of none. This only aligns themselves with being a part of the problems.

To keep banging away at this is frustrating, possibly beyond the comprehension or egotistical personalities who have lost or never had the ability to emphasise with their fellow humans.

Posting on generic type sites is good but I wonder if those I address would be so forthright in taking on atheists on an atheist site. My prediction is gutlessness would win.

If not, try this one. http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/index.php

David

You're a true leader, David--not a blush or hesitation, concession or backward step eh?
And now I'm a remote individual and your enlightened views are "possibly beyond the comprehension or egotistical personalities who have lost or never had the ability to emphasise with their fellow humans".

Wow, you see right through me, amazing! But have you considered the possibility of "psychological projection"?

Well I'm not too proud (or gutless) to hesitate and reflect on, or even regret taking a stand against an agenda I broadly support. But If I'm going to support or be represented by such a cohort I want to know they stand for something more than rhetoric and less than ideology.

Time permitting, I'll look in at your forum some time and hope to find some sympathy there.
In the meantime, I regret I can't go to the convention and I'm sure there will be some inspiring presentations, I only urge that all sides maintain a critical distance.

Psychological projection is only a valid assumption if the evidence can’t be produced for the claims of those allegedly using such a mechanism if they can’t be substantiated by empirical evidence.

In everything I have said, they can.

I mean no person any harm in my defence of reasoned thinking and take no joy in having to defend a position with firm words and concepts not generally discussed. This can lead to accusations of ‘intolerance’ and I understand that.

Nevertheless, I will persist with expressing a view that is growing in acceptance with the wider community as the alternative includes some very dismal predictions.

I would hope that anyone who wishes to expand upon the thoughts they hold dear to examine them with a wider audience and I applaud anyone willing to do that.

Pax

David

Bureau of Statistics figures show that in 2001 barely 10% (of Australians) named a Christian religion to which they adhered. Between 1996 and 2001 (a mere five years), the number of adherents dropped by 7%. The biggest denomination, Catholic was a mere 764,800 in 2001, amounting to a dismaying drop (for the church) of 13%. Anglican/Protestant, the next biggest denomination at 759,000, was steady.

These statistics are a bit old, does anyone have any later one's for church attendance in Australia. In Australia it's my understanding that of all persons who profess to being Christian only 2% attend church every Sunday. Most Australian 'Christians' are a bit like the 'golfer' who professes to loving the game but can never be bothered to play.