It Bewilders Me

[MTVike]

On the other board, an avowed atheist asked for prayers for a dying relative.

I know atheism is becoming more in vogue in our increasingly secularized society, but I found that request interesting, if not baffling.

Sure, there's no scientific "evidence" for God, just what we know from the scriptures, our culture/religion, and personal experience.

It is a personal spiritual mission in my opinon. You're not going to convince someone else of the exitence of God through your arguments. Maybe you can provide some type of example that will impell them to investigate your beliefs...but rational arguments don't go very far.

I believe there is a God, and even if there's no way to prove it on this Earth, I could never be an atheist.

[LSU]

On the other board, an avowed atheist asked for prayers for a dying relative.

I know atheism is becoming more in vogue in our increasingly secularized society, but I found that request interesting, if not baffling.

Sure, there's no scientific "evidence" for God, just what we know from the scriptures, our culture/religion, and personal experience.

It is a personal spiritual mission in my opinon. You're not going to convince someone else of the exitence of God through your arguments. Maybe you can provide some type of example that will impell them to investigate your beliefs...but rational arguments don't go very far.

I believe there is a God, and even if there's no way to prove it on this Earth, I could never be an atheist.


Sounds like he's merely trying to convince himself he's atheist and is more along the lines of agnostic.

Maybe not, but hedging his bets "just in case" doesn't sound so sure of his personal claims.

[pnkpanther]

he's probably agnostic and just doesnt really know the difference. But either way agnostic/atheist eventually a situation arises where the only hope they have left is turn to anything, even something they dont believe in or understand.

I'm agnostic and don't really believe in the power of prayer, but I dont think it hurts. Prayer allows you to feel like you're doing SOMETHING in a situation you have no control over and I think it helps a family get through tough times.

[MTVike]

he's probably agnostic and just doesnt really know the difference. But either way agnostic/atheist eventually a situation arises where the only hope they have left is turn to anything, even something they dont believe in or understand.

I'm agnostic and don't really believe in the power of prayer, but I dont think it hurts. Prayer allows you to feel like you're doing SOMETHING in a situation you have no control over and I think it helps a family get through tough times.

"There are no atheists in foxholes" type thinking? Probably.

I think he mentioned he doesn't believe in prayer either, but to send "thoughts" along anyway. Well, that's just not logically consistent, but I'll take it to mean he's a little desperate and looking for support, mainly for himself.

I pray, and truly believe I've gotten some wonderful things out of it...and not just originating in my own head.

[1-20-09]

prayers can also mean good will, well thoughts, or karma praising

[pnkpanther]

"There are no atheists in foxholes" type thinking? Probably.

I think he mentioned he doesn't believe in prayer either, but to send "thoughts" along anyway. Well, that's just not logically consistent, but I'll take it to mean he's a little desperate and looking for support, mainly for himself.

I pray, and truly believe I've gotten some wonderful things out of it...and not just originating in my own head.

People in grief are rarely logical. Prayer isn't "logical" either, or I don't think it is.

and when prayers aren't answered it's "God works in myserious ways"

People that pray for a job then lay on the couch waiting for phone to ring will never get a job.

People that pray for help finding a job then do everything they can to get a job, finally get a job, should they credit God? Their prayer? Maybe that prayer gave them confidence to help them find a job, I'll buy that, but I doubt that God told HR to hire that guy.

But thats not to say I devalue prayer either.

[LSU]

People in grief are rarely logical. Prayer isn't "logical" either, or I don't think it is.

and when prayers aren't answered it's "God works in myserious ways"

People that pray for a job then lay on the couch waiting for phone to ring will never get a job.

People that pray for help finding a job then do everything they can to get a job, finally get a job, should they credit God? Their prayer? Maybe that prayer gave them confidence to help them find a job, I'll buy that, but I doubt that God told HR to hire that guy.

But thats not to say I devalue prayer either.


I prefer to think in the Morgan-Freeman-playing-God-in-Evan-Almighty way of thinking.

If you ask God for courage, he's not going to give you courage. He will put you in a situation to be courageous. He doesn't give you anything, he puts you in the situation to accomplish it yourself.

At least generally speaking, that's how I view it.

[MTVike]

I prefer to think in the Morgan-Freeman-playing-God-in-Evan-Almighty way of thinking.

If you ask God for courage, he's not going to give you courage. He will put you in a situation to be courageous. He doesn't give you anything, he puts you in the situation to accomplish it yourself.

At least generally speaking, that's how I view it.

I can relate. I don't pray for things or events to change usually, but to try to find some understanding or wisdom or strength in times when I need some.

Also, when it is time to stop and ponder one's miniscule existence in the universe.

[LSU]

I can relate. I don't pray for things or events to change usually, but to try to find some understanding or wisdom or strength in times when I need some.

Also, when it is time to stop and ponder one's miniscule existence in the universe.


I try not to ask for specific things. But I find myself doing it here and there. For the most part, it's patience, strength (mental), and ease of pain for others. The usual stuff.

As for pondering a miniscule existence, I've never gotten that one. While I view myself far from important, the effects I can have (if I so choose) on the lives of people around me are quite important. That's not to say I don't sit and think about what's out there. It happens frequently, but not to the point of relegating my existence to being miniscule. Life is life. It's what you make of it.

[MTVike]

I try not to ask for specific things. But I find myself doing it here and there. For the most part, it's patience, strength (mental), and ease of pain for others. The usual stuff.

As for pondering a miniscule existence, I've never gotten that one. While I view myself far from important, the effects I can have (if I so choose) on the lives of people around me are quite important. That's not to say I don't sit and think about what's out there. It happens frequently, but not to the point of relegating my existence to being miniscule. Life is life. It's what you make of it.

I meant that in reference to how powerless and small I feel in the grand scheme of things and that I rely on a higher power to help me negotiate my path.

As a scientist, I know you probably have had discussions with the Saganists who are agnostic (at best) in their spirituality, saying things along the lines of, If it ain't observable and measurable, it don't exist. I don't think there's ever any chance that we will "know it all" and that it is folly to think we sometimes do.

[LSU]

I meant that in reference to how powerless and small I feel in the grand scheme of things and that I rely on a higher power to help me negotiate my path.

As a scientist, I know you probably have had discussions with the Saganists who are agnostic (at best) in their spirituality, saying things along the lines of, If it ain't observable and measurable, it don't exist. I don't think there's ever any chance that we will "know it all" and that it is folly to think we sometimes do.


No, I don't have religious discussions with co-workers. None substantial, anyway.

My boss is Methodist. Another student is also Christian, but I don't know what denomination. Lab manager is either atheist or agnostic, and annoyingly liberal. Two others were Catholic. A couple chicks from a few years back were agnostic at best. Another was Baptist (father a preacher).

It comes up casually, but it's not something we sit and talk about. Which should come as a great surprise that the evil liberal universities don't sit around and have coffee talks about how there's no proof of God. We must be the exception to that rule.

Anyone that actually holds to the tenets of science would laugh at the notion that if it's not measurable it's not real. For a long time, light was not measurable. Light wasn't not real because of it. Physicists are struggling with dark matter or anti-matter right now. Not knowing what it is or not being able to measure it or see it doesn't mean it's not there.

If everything were known, there'd be no need for science to search for answers.

I think a lot of confusion about the "observable" things in relation to God and religion stem from using religious beliefs as an answer to scientific phenomena. That's where the measurability comes in. Not so much the proof of the existence of God. Some DO go that route, but to me the question is more about the explanation of natural phenomena. Beyond that, it's someone else's argument in regards to science. Science and religion are mutually exclusive in my mind. You don't have to choose one or the other.

[residenceevil]

Perhaps the person to whom they are asking prayers is Religious and believes in God? In that case I could see where they'd be asking for prayers even though they may not believe they will do anything, but because their relative does.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

On the other board, an avowed atheist asked for prayers for a dying relative.

I know atheism is becoming more in vogue in our increasingly secularized society, but I found that request interesting, if not baffling.

Sure, there's no scientific "evidence" for God, just what we know from the scriptures, our culture/religion, and personal experience.

It is a personal spiritual mission in my opinon. You're not going to convince someone else of the exitence of God through your arguments. Maybe you can provide some type of example that will impell them to investigate your beliefs...but rational arguments don't go very far.

I believe there is a God, and even if there's no way to prove it on this Earth, I could never be an atheist. Given time, even an atheist or agnostic can become a believer.

My dad, for yearrrs, used to say that Catholcism- and religion in general- were nothing more than 'black magic'.

Then after he died, i had discovered that he had gone and gotten Baptized not long before he had passed away. Turns out, a friend of mine's family had him over for Bible study and he started attending regularly.

He had never mentioned this to me when i was in college and not living with him, so i didn't even know he had been Baptized.

He's buried in a Catholic cemetary.

[Hotpapa666]

I don't get it either.

Prayer doesn't do anything but make you feel good about yourself. Wheich ain't so bad I guess.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

I don't get it either.

Prayer doesn't do anything but make you feel good about yourself. Wheich ain't so bad I guess. How do you know, as fact, that a prayer you ever made *wasn't* answered???

Ya mean to say that nothing you ever wanted to have happen ended the way you wanted???

Or have you just not ever prayed??

[LSU]

How do you know, as fact, that a prayer you ever made *wasn't* answered???

Ya mean to say that nothing you ever wanted to have happen ended the way you wanted???

Or have you just not ever prayed??


That points directly to a prayer being answered?

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

That points directly to a prayer being answered?
True, but to a non-believer, they might think that since something did not end up the way they wanted that the prayer in question was not 'answered'.

[LSU]

True, but to a non-believer, they might think that since something did not end up the way they wanted that the prayer in question was not 'answered'.

If they're a non-believer, they should expect any prayer to not be answered whether or not the desired outcome occurred.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

If they're a non-believer, they should expect any prayer to not be answered whether or not the desired outcome occurred. Thus, when a desired outcome does not occur, they view it as nothing gained- and that hardens their resolve that no God exists.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Thus, when a desired outcome does not occur, they view it as nothing gained- and that hardens their resolve that no God exists. Here ya go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8evsSNdXcs

[Hotpapa666]

How do you know, as fact, that a prayer you ever made *wasn't* answered???

Ya mean to say that nothing you ever wanted to have happen ended the way you wanted???

Or have you just not ever prayed??

Double blinded studies indicate that prayer doesn't work. The definitive study hasn't been done but good ones have. Here's all the info I need: Mother Theresa prayed and worked her ass off in India and it's still a giant shithole. God doesn't answer her prayers, he ain't gonna answer mine.

[LSU]

Thus, when a desired outcome does not occur, they view it as nothing gained- and that hardens their resolve that no God exists.



Thus, when a desired outcome does occur, they view it as nothing gained- and that hardens their resolve that no God exists.

[residenceevil]

I think it's a matter of how much you believe God is actually paying attention to everyday BS in everyone's life.

Two teams make the Super Bowl each year, and a countless number of people I'm sure "pray" that their team wins. In the end, one team wins, the other doesn't. So was this God's will?

If yes, why in the heck would God care who wins the Super Bowl?

If no, why in the heck do people pray about their team winning the Super Bowl?

[giddyup4]

I think it's a matter of how much you believe God is actually paying attention to everyday BS in everyone's life.

Two teams make the Super Bowl each year, and a countless number of people I'm sure "pray" that their team wins. In the end, one team wins, the other doesn't. So was this God's will?

If yes, why in the heck would God care who wins the Super Bowl?

If no, why in the heck do people pray about their team winning the Super Bowl?

Selfish reasons.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Here's all the info I need: Mother Theresa prayed and worked her ass off in India and it's still a giant shithole. Meanwhile, India has become one of the superpowers in the world politically and technologically.

[Hotpapa666]

Meanwhile, India has become one of the superpowers in the world politically and technologically.

That's hilarious. They don't have running water in most of the country and they are a technological powerhouse.

[Hotpapa666]

Meanwhile, India has become one of the superpowers in the world politically and technologically.

You know how I judge if I am in a Technologically advanced country? If it stinks of human shit and everyone sleeps on the floor.

[Hotpapa666]

Meanwhile, India has become one of the superpowers in the world politically and technologically.

You know how else? When next to the toilet, where I would expect toilet paper, there is a tin cup on a chain.

[tichabou]

Meanwhile, India has become one of the superpowers in the world politically and technologically.

I think Mother Teresa was praying for a 2,600 per capita income.

[Hotpapa666]

I think Mother Teresa was praying for a 2,600 per capita income.

Hilarious.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

You know how else? When next to the toilet, where I would expect toilet paper, there is a tin cup on a chain. A co-worker of my wife's grew up on a farm that didn't have indoor plumbing. Yup, they had an outhouse.

Guess we're not a technologically advanced country either.

[Hotpapa666]

A co-worker of my wife's grew up on a farm that didn't have indoor plumbing. Yup, they had an outhouse.

Guess we're not a technologically advanced country either.

Ha. When I went to India I was in a city of over a million people and had I not been prepared and brought a roll of TP, I would've been whipping my ass with my hand. Ask your wife's co-worker if she grew up whipping her ass with her hand.

There is no argument that you can make that will change the FACT that India is a shithole.

[tichabou]

I think Mother Teresa was praying for a 2,600 per capita income.

That's in dollars of course.

Single dollars. 2,600 single dollars per person. My prayers have been answered!

[Hotpapa666]

Ha. When I went to India I was in a city of over a million people and had I not been prepared and brought a roll of TP, I would've been whipping my ass with my hand. Ask your wife's co-worker if she grew up whipping her ass with her hand.

There is no argument that you can make that will change the FACT that India is a shithole.

I think I meant wiping.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Ha. When I went to India I was in a city of over a million people and had I not been prepared and brought a roll of TP, I would've been whipping my ass with my hand. Ask your wife's co-worker if she grew up whipping her ass with her hand.

There is no argument that you can make that will change the FACT that India is a shithole. You are definitely the master at thread drift here. Kudos.

Your attempt to use Mother Teresa's work to show that 'prayer' doesn't work is about as much of a fallacy as anything i've ever read from you.

[Hotpapa666]

You are definitely the master at thread drift here. Kudos.

Your attempt to use Mother Teresa's work to show that 'prayer' doesn't work is about as much of a fallacy as anything i've ever read from you.

Thank you. I enjoy reading your posts as well. I especially like it when I have an opportunity to show you the err of your thinking; I feel like I am educating, making a difference.

So, what'd your wife's co-worker say about wiping her ass with her hand?

[Vegas]

Thank you. I enjoy reading your posts as well. I especially like it when I have an opportunity to show you the err of your thinking; I feel like I am educating, making a difference.

So, what'd your wife's co-worker say about wiping her ass with her hand?

She probably said that you should give yourself another high five.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Thank you. I enjoy reading your posts as well. I especially like it when I have an opportunity to show you the err of your thinking; I feel like I am educating, making a difference.

So, what'd your wife's co-worker say about wiping her ass with her hand? Welp, first off the co-worker is a male not a female.

And growing up he has said that he had it worse in some cases than some in a 'third-world country' might have had it.

Meanwhile, you continue to drift off the topic of prayer and how it is you know, for a fact, that i won't or hasn't worked.

[Hotpapa666]

She probably said that you should give yourself another high five.

Friday is a strictly pat-on-the-back day.

[Hotpapa666]

Welp, first off the co-worker is a male not a female.

And growing up he has said that he had it worse in some cases than some in a 'third-world country' might have had it.

Meanwhile, you continue to drift off the topic of prayer and how it is you know, for a fact, that i won't or hasn't worked.

We had a whole discussion on this before. Do a search, I'm tired of teaching you today.

[Vegas]

We had a whole discussion on this before. Do a search, I'm tired of teaching you today.

You have a very different definition of what teaching is.

[Hotpapa666]

You have a very different definition of what teaching is.

Care to elaborate?

[Vegas]

Care to elaborate?

You make snide comments, talk in circles, and then claim to have won arguments or to have taught someone. That's not teaching.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

You make snide comments, talk in circles, and then claim to have won arguments or to have taught someone. That's not teaching. Rep.

[Hotpapa666]

You make snide comments, talk in circles, and then claim to have won arguments or to have taught someone. That's not teaching.

I do make snide comments, I don't talk in circles. My arguments are well concieved and linear. I'm really quite good at it.

[Vegas]

I do make snide comments, I don't talk in circles. My arguments are well concieved and linear. I'm really quite good at it.

I'll agree 100% that you're good at making snide comments.

[Hotpapa666]

I'll agree 100% that you're good at making snide comments.

Thank you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I like writing them.

[Hotpapa666]

Look at this Vegas, we have been interacting for several minutes and you haven't resorted to neg. repping me. I think you are warming up to me. Maybe you can come over with Kinja for some coffee. I have some special coffee from East Timor, I could fire up the vacuum pot....

[Vegas]

Look at this Vegas, we have been interacting for several minutes and you haven't resorted to neg. repping me. I think you are warming up to me. Maybe you can come over with Kinja for some coffee. I have some special coffee from East Timor, I could fire up the vacuum pot....

For someone who claims not to care about his negative rep, you sure do whine like a nancy about it.

[Hotpapa666]

For someone who claims not to care about his negative rep, you sure do whine like a nancy about it.

It's not whining. I think the term "snide comments" would be better.


The offer for coffee stands, maybe next September after I get settled in. Any advice on where I should live in Vegas? The economy out there is really shitty I see so I should be able to get a really nice place maybe a pool and a place for my wine....

[Vegas]

It's not whining. I think the term "snide comments" would be better.


The offer for coffee stands, maybe next September after I get settled in. Any advice on where I should live in Vegas? The economy out there is really shitty I see so I should be able to get a really nice place maybe a pool and a place for my wine....

The economy here isn't really so bad, but housing prices are down. You can buy a place at very attractive prices compared to a couple of years ago.

I'll definitely pass on the coffee offer.

[Roy Munson]

Dear Lord baby Jesus, lyin' there in your ghost manger, just lookin' at your Baby Einstein developmental videos, learnin' 'bout shapes and colors. I would like to thank you for bringin' me and my mama together, and also that my kids no longer sound like retarded gang-bangers.

[Hotpapa666]

The economy here isn't really so bad, but housing prices are down. You can buy a place at very attractive prices compared to a couple of years ago.

I'll definitely pass on the coffee offer.

Probably not looking to buy. We are probably only going to be there 1-4 years and I have NO desire to live Vegas long term.

Maybe cocktails by the pool? Beer? I saw that picture of you, you look like you enjoy a brew.

[Roy Munson]

Dear Lord Baby Jesus, we also like to thank you for my wife’s father Chip, we hope that you can use your baby Jesus powers to heal him and his horrible leg. It smells terrible and the dogs are always bothering with it.

[Vegas]

Probably not looking to buy. We are probably only going to be there 1-4 years and I have NO desire to live Vegas long term.

Maybe cocktails by the pool? Beer? I saw that picture of you, you look like you enjoy a brew.

The rental market is very good these days. There's a lot of speculator houses that became rental properties instead of a quick flip & $100k profit as had been going on for a few years. The number of properties for rent has bid rental prices down pretty low.

[Roy Munson]

Dear Eight Pound, Six Ounce, Newborn Baby Jesus, don’t even know a word yet, just a little infant, so cuddly, but still omnipotent. We’d just like to thank you for all the races I’ve won and the $21.2 million, LOVE THAT MONEY! That I have accrued over this past season. Also due to a binding endorsement contract that stipulates I mention PowerAde at each grace, I just wanna say that PowerAde is delicious and it cools you off on a hot summer day and we look forward to PowerAde’s release of mystic mountain blueberry. Thank you, for all your power and your grace, Dear Baby God, Amen

[Roy Munson]

The rental market is very good these days. There's a lot of speculator houses that became rental properties instead of a quick flip & $100k profit as had been going on for a few years. The number of properties for rent has bid rental prices down pretty low.
Who wants to buy a quick flip with some weekend warrior doing all the work to try and maximize profit?

[Hotpapa666]

The rental market is very good these days. There's a lot of speculator houses that became rental properties instead of a quick flip & $100k profit as had been going on for a few years. The number of properties for rent has bid rental prices down pretty low.

That's my hope. Though, for economy's sake, I probably don't want to big-a place. On the other hand, I would have a lot of extra space for the hoes.

[Roy Munson]

Meanwhile, India has become one of the superpowers in the world politically and technologically.
You do understand that the "technology" coming out of India is vastly overrated, right? We have 9 developers on a team in India and I've checked in more code than that entire team this year. What a fucking waste of money. I swear its one motherfucker over there with 9 names just stealing money from my company. Managers don't care though, we need to spread skills around the world and can't sell our product in that country if we don't have a presence there.

[Vegas]

You do understand that the "technology" coming out of India is vastly overrated, right? We have 9 developers on a team in India and I've checked in more code than that entire team this year. What a fucking waste of money. I swear its one motherfucker over there with 9 names just stealing money from my company. Managers don't care though, we need to spread skills around the world and can't sell our product in that country if we don't have a presence there.

That's one that a lot of people don't take into account. We're running into the same problem in China. They want more development people in China if they're going to continue to buy product. We get very little for the money over there, but we keep the government happy and they buy product.

[Roy Munson]

Welp, first off the co-worker is a male not a female.

And growing up he has said that he had it worse in some cases than some in a 'third-world country' might have had it.

Meanwhile, you continue to drift off the topic of prayer and how it is you know, for a fact, that i won't or hasn't worked.
as a child, how many times did he pray for indoor plumbing?

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

as a child, how many times did he pray for indoor plumbing? None that i know of.

He's a gay atheist.

[Hotpapa666]

as a child, how many times did he pray for indoor plumbing?

One more question and Jesse is going to have to make a list.

[Hotpapa666]

None that i know of.

He's a gay atheist.

You better ask, just to be sure.

[Roy Munson]

That's one that a lot of people don't take into account. We're running into the same problem in China. They want more development people in China if they're going to continue to buy product. We get very little for the money over there, but we keep the government happy and they buy product.
exactly, as long as we keep making more in the region than we're losing on the shitty employees, then all is good... even if we have to handcuff a few teams with worthless work. The one guy checked in 1 fucking defect this year that changed one line of code.... one fucking line of code.

String a = "you suck donkey cock";
System.out.println(a);

I just eclipsed that fucker's workload for the year.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

You better ask, just to be sure. Why ask him when you seem to have all the answers regarding atheists and non-believers.

[Roy Munson]

None that i know of.

He's a gay atheist.
I doubt he was an atheist as a child, unless he was one of the few that didn't have religion jammed down his throat.

[Roy Munson]

Why ask him when you seem to have all the answers regarding atheists and non-believers.
I'm also guessing a believer isn't who people should be going to for answers about atheists.

[Hotpapa666]

Why ask him when you seem to have all the answers regarding atheists and non-believers.

I have most answers, not all. I need this particular piece of information from this particular person. So please ask him for me. Also, ask him if he's a top or a bottom.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

I doubt he was an atheist as a child, unless he was one of the few that didn't have religion jammed down his throat. I was one of 'those few' who didn't have religion jammed down my throat.

I wasn't Catholic until i turned 12 and wanted to be Baptized.


Is that what you were pining for??

[Vegas]

exactly, as long as we keep making more in the region than we're losing on the shitty employees, then all is good... even if we have to handcuff a few teams with worthless work. The one guy checked in 1 fucking defect this year that changed one line of code.... one fucking line of code.

String a = "you suck donkey cock";
System.out.println(a);

I just eclipsed that fucker's workload for the year.

Wow. I've dealt with some bad workers in those situations, but that's impressive. 1 line of code?

[Roy Munson]

I have most answers, not all. I need this particular piece of information from this particular person. So please ask him for me. Also, ask him if he's a top or a bottom.
whether you're pitching or catching, you're still playing the game...

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

I have most answers, not all. I need this particular piece of information from this particular person. So please ask him for me. Also, ask him if he's a top or a bottom. I don't think he'd be your type.

[Roy Munson]

Wow. I've dealt with some bad workers in those situations, but that's impressive. 1 line of code?
It was an amazing thing to see when I looked up the defects by userid.

[Vegas]

It was an amazing thing to see when I looked up the defects by userid.

Did you show that to everyone? I would have. That's so sad it's funny.

[Hotpapa666]

I don't think he'd be your type.

I'm not looking for love buddy. Just ask him. Will it help if I say please? Please ask him, there I said it.

[Roy Munson]

Did you show that to everyone? I would have. That's so sad it's funny.
We all had a good laugh gathered around the team lead's computer after our meeting... then we all cried a little.

[Vegas]

We all had a good laugh gathered around the team lead's computer after our meeting... then we all cried a little.

Look on the bright side. They probably pay that guy as much per line of code produced as they pay you.

[Roy Munson]

Look on the bright side. They probably pay that guy as much per line of code produced as they pay you.
I have indoor plumbing...

[Vegas]

I have indoor plumbing...

And toilet paper.

[Hotpapa666]

I have indoor plumbing...

And toliet paper. You do have toliet paper right?


The best thing about the tin cup by the toliet was that they had to chain it because someoone would'a stolen it. A shitty, beated up tin cup, someone would view that as valuable enough to steal.

[Roy Munson]

And toilet paper.
I not only have TP... I have wet wipes too.

[Vegas]

I not only have TP... I have wet wipes too.

I have a bidet.

[Hotpapa666]

I not only have TP... I have wet wipes too.

Got the squirts do ya?

[Hotpapa666]

I have a bidet.

I tried the bidet function on a toliet over here. I didn't care for it.

[Roy Munson]

Got the squirts do ya?
no, I just like to stay fresh.

[Hotpapa666]

no, I just like to stay fresh.

Gotcha.


I had a friend who was taught in high-school that a dump should take 30 seconds or fewer, be solid and have no smell. For some reason, I think that is funny.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Gotcha.


I had a friend who was taught in high-school that a dump should take 30 seconds or fewer, be solid and have no smell. Now, how would he change that behavior in HS if he had been doing it all wrong up to that point???
lol

[giddyup4]

Here's all the info I need: Mother Theresa prayed and worked her ass off in India and it's still a giant shithole. God doesn't answer her prayers, he ain't gonna answer mine.

Did you ever think that Mother Theresa did what she did because she was just being a good person? And not because she was trying to change the economic downfall of the people she lived with? I dont know if God answers prayers or not but if it leads you to living a better life than have at it.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Did you ever think that Mother Theresa did what she did because she was just being a good person? And not because she was trying to change the economic downfall of the people she lived with? I dont know if God answers prayers or not but if it leads you to living a better life than have at it. God obviously sent Mother Teresa to answer prayers in India from people who were Hindu & Buddhists.

They must've gotten a wrong number on that prayer-line since she didn't change their economic situation.

[Hotpapa666]

Did you ever think that Mother Theresa did what she did because she was just being a good person? And not because she was trying to change the economic downfall of the people she lived with? I dont know if God answers prayers or not but if it leads you to living a better life than have at it.

I think she did it almost entirely because she was a good person. Did the Catholic church make it easier for her to do her good dead? I'm pretty sure it did. I was kinda kidding with that statement, but mostly getting in a dig at India.

On the other hand, I wonder if India would simply be a better place if it had no religions. Like Hinduism which for centuries defined who could lead based on blood lines, not merit. Or, the Budhists who took the message of Budha and destroyed it for the purposes of maintaining their own power. I propose that a meritocracy is far better than theocracy.

[Hotpapa666]

God obviously sent Mother Teresa to answer prayers in India from people who were Hindu & Buddhists.

They must've gotten a wrong number on that prayer-line since she didn't change their economic situation.

Yeah. God, in his infinite wisedom answered their prayers for a dignified death, not for a dignified life. How sweet.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Yeah. God, in his infinite wisedom answered their prayers for a dignified death, not for a dignified life. How sweet. Hey, it wasn't me who first brought up the idea that India's problems weren't solved with a pray to God or Mother Teresa's help.


Hello, God....we could use a few billion in cash down here.....or one Catholic.

[Hotpapa666]

Hey, it wasn't me who first brought up the idea that India's problems weren't solved with a pray to God or Mother Teresa's help.


Hello, God....we could use a few billion in cash down here.....or one Catholic.

SO we agree? God did a shitty job answering Mother Theresa's prayers.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

SO we agree? God did a shitty job answering Mother Theresa's prayers. And you wanna be my teacher???

No, re-read my post again.

The Hindus must've prayed to the wrong God. Their prayers must've been answered with one person who didn't have the ability to turn India into a sparkling, shiny country like you'd like it to be.

[Hotpapa666]

And you wanna be my teacher???

No, re-read my post again.

The Hindus must've prayed to the wrong God. Their prayers must've been answered with one person who didn't have the ability to turn India into a sparkling, shiny country like you'd like it to be.

Ahh. As, your teacher, let's get a little Socratic here for a moment:

So, it's like having the wrong number when the Hindus paint their faces those silly colors and burn all of that incense in prayer? But, why does god care about their diginity in death? God should never care, he should never get the message if he can't hear their prayers, no?

Maybe you can tell me what goes wrong when the Guatamalans pray that puts them in such worse straights compared to the Italians, being as they share the same religion and the same sect. Shouldn't God hear and answer their prayers the same? Or are they both wrong, and the Italians are just lucky enough not to be punished in the same way as the wrong Indians, and the wrong Guatamalans? Maybe the Pentacostals are right. That would make me question why my neighbors, who were Pentacostals and bought the whole line, were cruising around in old cars and their pastor would visit in a new Caddy and lived in a huge house.

I await an answer without using the word faith. Faith's a cop out.

[giddyup4]

I think she did it almost entirely because she was a good person. Did the Catholic church make it easier for her to do her good dead? I'm pretty sure it did. I was kinda kidding with that statement, but mostly getting in a dig at India.

On the other hand, I wonder if India would simply be a better place if it had no religions. Like Hinduism which for centuries defined who could lead based on blood lines, not merit. Or, the Budhists who took the message of Budha and destroyed it for the purposes of maintaining their own power. I propose that a meritocracy is far better than theocracy.

I bet alot of places would be better off without religion.

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

Ahh. As, your teacher, let's get a little Socratic here for a moment: Wasn't Socrates gay???

:eek:

[Ed Who?]

On the other board, an avowed atheist asked for prayers for a dying relative.

I know atheism is becoming more in vogue in our increasingly secularized society, but I found that request interesting, if not baffling.

Sure, there's no scientific "evidence" for God, just what we know from the scriptures, our culture/religion, and personal experience.

It is a personal spiritual mission in my opinon. You're not going to convince someone else of the exitence of God through your arguments. Maybe you can provide some type of example that will impell them to investigate your beliefs...but rational arguments don't go very far.

I believe there is a God, and even if there's no way to prove it on this Earth, I could never be an atheist.

The good news for an atheist is that, at least with my God, God still considers him/her His child, and loves him. No matter how much he has turned away.

[Ed Who?]

SO we agree? God did a shitty job answering Mother Theresa's prayers.

The Indian government has done much to persecute and kill Christian pastors in the slums, especially those who have converted to Christianity from Hindu. God has immeasurable mercy, but I'm not surprised at the conditions in that country, given the fact they will even worship rats.

[Hotpapa666]

The Indian government has done much to persecute and kill Christian pastors in the slums, especially those who have converted to Christianity from Hindu. God has immeasurable mercy, but I'm not surprised at the conditions in that country, given the fact they will even worship rats.
Why didn't god save those pastors?

[Hotpapa666]

Wasn't Socrates gay???

:eek:

I don't know. Probably. I'm not the one who hates gays. I've had gays and lesbians at my table for dinner no worries there for me.

[Ed Who?]

Why didn't god save those pastors?

He did.

[Hotpapa666]

He did.

How do you know?

[Ed Who?]

How do you know?

"I Know" - Words and Music by MercyMe

Where do I begin with what to say,
I've played this conversation in my head so many times
I'm certainly not claiming to know everything
But what I do will save your life

I know, I know that God is able
I know, I know that He still reigns
I know, I know that love has found a way

No matter what it is you're going through
Even if you think you're far beyond where hope can see
I know there is a hand that's reaching out for you
Because He did the same for me

It wasn't that long ago when my own world fell apart (it fell apart)
And everything here inside me said to let go (you must let go)
I found myself crying out for the one who knows my heart (He knows your heart)
And holding tight to the few things that I know

[Hotpapa666]

"I Know" - Words and Music by MercyMe

Where do I begin with what to say,
I've played this conversation in my head so many times
I'm certainly not claiming to know everything
But what I do will save your life

I know, I know that God is able
I know, I know that He still reigns
I know, I know that love has found a way

No matter what it is you're going through
Even if you think you're far beyond where hope can see
I know there is a hand that's reaching out for you
Because He did the same for me

It wasn't that long ago when my own world fell apart (it fell apart)
And everything here inside me said to let go (you must let go)
I found myself crying out for the one who knows my heart (He knows your heart)
And holding tight to the few things that I know


You seriously listen to a group called MercyMe?

Did their last album go Gold, Frenkencense or Mir?

[Roy Munson]

The good news for an atheist is that, at least with my God, God still considers him/her His child, and loves him. No matter how much he has turned away.
woo hoo, so atleast my parachute will work.