A few posters above have mentioned logical positivism. Hey, that sounds good to me so I think I'll go with that until something better comes along. Besides, everything else seems all so philosophically incoherent.
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Dagny - she - is exactly right! Pascal Boyer devotes a considerable portion of his book "Religion Explained" to discussing Dagny's point. Though religious notions are, in fact, delusional that is not an indication of mental illness, rather, it is merely the way the human mind works. But I like Dagny's manner of speaking because even a theist could understand. In case you're intereste
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Was the project a kit or did you have to buy parts individually?
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Can't help you with the design (sorry!) but when you get one finalized let me know and I'll buy one.
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The article seemed to be fair and reasonable. One person commented "the sacred is more experiential than it is physical". In other words, things that are considered sacred or holy are what we experience on the inside rather than an outward manifestation. In that I agree. The problem as I see it, however, is that there is a great deal of hypocrisy when it comes to my sacred versus you
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This question comes up from time-to-time on this board and I'm always happy to give my answer. My breaking point was science, pure and simple. I had been teaching the Gospel Essentials class (don't know if it's still called that) in any case, the class for investigators and new members. The first several lessons pertain to the godhead, creation and fall of Adam and Eve. On occasion, questions
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One comment that I thought was especially significant was when Zach stated that, unless someone knew his background, no one would ever guess or have reason to believe he had come from a home with two lesbian parents. That guy would make any parents proud!
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The scenario as you described it is accurate. How to explain it or make sense of it? Don't try!
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Just goes to show there are more Mormons living on Planet Wingnut than I thought!
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Regulated, maybe - maybe not but taxed - ABSOLUTELY!!
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Though your evidences are right on target and completely obvious to all of us, they may not be so "common sense" to the hard core TBM. Why? Because our old nemesis Cognitive Dissonance overwhelms the minds of the faithful and prevents them from seeing the obvious. In other words, cognitive dissonance slams the door and bolts the lock on trying to understand much less investigate claims
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As Misfit (above) suggests Bart Ehrman and Israel Finkelstein provide easily readable yet thorough treatises. Both have several books on various facets of biblical criticism. Another suggestion is Geza Vermes who also has provided much insight into Bible life and times. His small books on "The Nativity" and "The Resurrection" are well worth reading. E.P. Sanders and A.N. W
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The YouTube video is great but is only the tip of the iceberg, so-to-speak. If you're really into this stuff, by all means, read the book. Good stuff!
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THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE By Steven Pinker “The Better Angels of our Nature” by Steven Pinker is a must read. The basic premise is that violence of all types has been in decline throughout history and precipitously so since the end of World Wars I and II. If this sounds counter-intuitive, I leave it to you to read the evidence supporting his theory. His chapter on the Long Peace (1
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Nice appearance! Neat, well-organized with pleasant eye-appeal. Can't wait to see the finished product!
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One more step in the right direction. I'll certainly be glad for the day when this is a non-issue. Dagny is right, too, religion (LDS Inc. in particular) will only change after much kicking and screaming and gnashing of teeth.
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Actually, there is a growing body of reliable evidence to support the idea that people are born gay. If you are interested, a good place to start reading would be "What's Going On In There" by Lise Eliot. It's a book about the development of the brain from conception to age five. Eliot only touches on the development of sexual orientation but it's a good jumping off point for further re
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I can think what I want, read what I want, say what I want, eat or drink what I want, do what I want when I want to do it and NO DAMNED BORING MEETINGS TO ATTEND!! For all that I am indeed thankful.
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What determines a person's sexual orientation is programmed into a person's brain prior to birth. It's in the brain, pure and simple. Being born homosexual is not abnormal nor is it a choice decided later in life. Homosexual orientation is about as common as being born left-handed (as am I), or with hazel-colored eyes or red hair. A person is just born that way. What "makes someone gay"
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Amen, Brother! Do whatever you want, as much as you want or nothing at all. Ain't it grand?
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1. The first clue (and still one of the biggest) was the Book of Abraham. My testimony and acceptance of Moism all began to unravel with the realization that the BoA was B-o-g-u-s! 2. Second was the science that negates just about everything in the Book of Mormon. 3. Last but IMO most is Amerindian DNA! The last nail in the Mormon coffin.
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It seems to me that "Satan" is a metaphor for PEOPLE who use the tactics of fear, threats, shunning, guilt, unquestioning obedience, etc. to manipulate or control other people. In that sense, LDS Inc. is, indeed, Satan.
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For a much lengthier discussion might I suggest you read "The Believing Brain" by Michael Shermer.
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because it reaches the most people.
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The most difficult doctrine to abandon was the idea of someday becoming a god and having my own universe and so on. Silly me!! But the biggest "revelation", the "AHA!" moment, the "EUREKA!!" discovery was realizing that the priesthood is absolutely powerless and meaningless. The only authority the so-called Melchizedek or Aaronic priesthoods have is the authority
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The book is on order and even as I write this it is somewhere in the U.S. Postal system on its way to me. When I've had a chance to digest it (which may be awhile), I'll give my opinion for what it's worth. I found it interesting that Reed Smith would confess to this: "In truth, I do not keep up as much anymore with the populist literature on this issue, unless it is particularly provo
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I want to suggest five books that have everything to do with Mormonism without ever once mentioning anything specific to Mormonism. "Guns, Germs & Steel" by Jared Diamond "Religion Explained" by Pascal Boyer "Minds & Gods" by Todd Tremlin "The Believing Brain" by Michael Shermer "The Supernatural and Natural Selection" by Steadman &
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Reed gives a very good answer and I concur. Please allow me to give the short version: Humans do not have a "God gene" nor are we hardwired to believe in gods or supernatural beings. However, we are hardwired TO BE ABLE to believe in gods or supernatural beings. In other words though we CAN believe in gods it is not inevitable. May I suggest four books that might help? "Minds an
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Honestly, don't change a thing. Very well written as is. Best wishes to you.
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If Jesus did all that stuff, how would anyone live by faith? Hmmm?? People must be allowed to, as Mark Twain said, believe in what they know ain't so - in other words, live by faith. And anyway, hasn't he showed up on grilled cheese sandwiches? And stains on windows? And gnarly knots in trees? And in Mel Gibson movies? Or was that Mel Brooks? Or was it both, I forget. Everybody knows, when
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