Newbie - abuse me and amuse me.

Always Amused · September 22, 2011, 11:25:44 PM

Short life history: Raised with strong worth ethic, high expectations, good student, avid reader, liked sports. Never did anything half-way: all or nothing mentality. Sought "THE Truth" about life. Agnostic by age 14. Experimented with a lot of hallucinogens in high school (1970-72.) Far out, man. Lot's of trouble and confusion in adolescence, obviously. Evangelized by fundamentalist Christians. Graduated from a fundamentalist university. Ordained, entered ministry, administrated Christian school, pastored church.

Disenchantment with fundamentalism grew as I aged. Eventually left ministry, sought moderation, blah blah.

Studied philosophy, religion, spirituality, and science from a non-committed standpoint. The agnostic method, as stated by Thomas Henry Huxley, is a principle which I have found helps me stay balanced:

"...as in matters of intellect, do not pretend conclusions are certain that are not demonstrated or demonstrable." Thomas Henry Huxley

I know what I know and what I don't know. Probability and civility are the other two principles which have helped me the most.

In forum discussions, I will quickly address the difference between knowledge and belief and abandon discussions which inexorably blur the two.

DeterminedJuliet · September 23, 2011, 12:30:23 AM

Welcome!

It sounds like you are eager to contribute to our little gang

viriditas · September 23, 2011, 12:35:38 AM

Nice to meet you, you sound like fun.

xSilverPhinx · September 23, 2011, 03:51:02 AM

Welcome!

The Magic Pudding · September 23, 2011, 04:10:02 AM

Ah no, not another monkey.
(That was the abuse part)

Amuse is tricky, I don't know you very well but I'll try.

kbush · September 23, 2011, 04:11:56 AM

welcome! (:

Tank · September 23, 2011, 09:11:22 AM

Hello Always Amused

I hope you get through the 10 post probation as I'm sure with a background like your's you'll add a lot to the serious discussions.

Welcome to HAF

Regards
Chris

Too Few Lions · September 23, 2011, 10:10:28 AM

Welcome to the forum fellow simian, one day we will inheret the Earth!

Always Amused · September 23, 2011, 03:44:03 PM

Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on September 23, 2011, 12:30:23 AM
Welcome!
It sounds like you are eager to contribute to our little gang

Gonna try.

Always Amused · September 23, 2011, 03:44:49 PM

Quote from: viriditas on September 23, 2011, 12:35:38 AM
Nice to meet you, you sound like fun.

I get laughed at a lot. Does that count?

Always Amused · September 23, 2011, 03:55:02 PM

Quote from: The Magic Pudding on September 23, 2011, 04:10:02 AM
Ah no, not another monkey.
(That was the abuse part)

Uh, that was not a monkey. Or a gorilla. But my mother thinks I 'm cute.

Quote
Amuse is tricky, I don't know you very well but I'll try.

I remember that picture from W's 60th birthday party. What a partier!

Always Amused · September 23, 2011, 04:08:34 PM

Quote from: Too Few Lions on September 23, 2011, 10:10:28 AM
Welcome to the forum fellow simian, one day we will inheret the Earth!

Obviously, you have read the works of The Lawgiver and the gospel according to Dr. Zaius.

Always Amused · September 23, 2011, 04:11:45 PM

Tank,
Working on the 10 post probation. Do my silly, inane attempts at humor count?

Always Amused · September 23, 2011, 04:15:56 PM

Viriditas, xSilverPhinx, kbush, and all,
Thanks for the welcomes!

Tank · September 23, 2011, 04:35:18 PM

Quote from: Always Amused on September 23, 2011, 04:11:45 PM
Tank,
Working on the 10 post probation. Do my silly, inane attempts at humor count?

Oh yes, they're perfectly ok. I thought you were going to reply to everybody individually there, which would have been perfect!

News:

Newbie - abuse me and amuse me.