Happy Atheist Forum

There is no point any longer in debating atheism vs. theism. I had a feeling this might happen When I saw that Stephen Hawking had come out with a new book, The Grand Design, that states there is no need for God.

I got the book a couple of days ago, and in it he says that there is no need for God because there are many universes that just pop into existence out of nothing, and apparently for no reason.

My dismay comes from the fact that if Stephen Hawking, the most brilliant cosmologist in the world since sliced bread, can support the idea that something can pop into existence out of nothing, then there is no logic anymore.

Or at least, there's no ultimate academic authority on logic anymore. The world has gone over to magical thinking.

Because, even if it's true, if something can pop into existence out of nothing--anything can be true. If anything can be true, then nothing can be argued.

Not to mention I recently listened to a radio debate from 1948 between Bertrand Russell and Fr. Frederick Copleston. These are two of the most intelligent logicians possible, in my opinion, and in the end Bertrand Russell simply would not concede that the question of the cosmological first cause had any meaning. Of course, Copleston felt it did.

If these two could not reach a conclusion, what the hell are we in here arguing about?

Thus, I have concluded that knowledge, real knowledge about God or atheism cannot be had other than subjectively. There is simply no point in arguing it. As you've heard it said before: To the one who believes, no proof is necessary; to the one who does not, no proof will suffice.

Personally, I'm going back to dream interpretation and astrology. I've always been very good at both, and those are constructive pursuits rather than destructive. You atheists can do whatever you want: destroy the world, devolve humanity, whatever. You really can't do anything God doesn't prompt you to do anyway.

This is the only forum I'm making this announcement in. I will come back, and within reason, address replies. I'm deleting my blog, however, and I won't be visiting any other religious or atheist sites. I'm getting older, and of the things I do well I have to pick one and stick with it all the way. There's no more time for mere potential.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"Or at least, there's no ultimate academic authority on logic anymore. The world has gone over to magical thinking.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi52.tinypic.com%2Fjuz6s0.jpg&hash=74baa32c8f2774cadcc3fda7386795c457b0671d)
Wait, so the lack of a need for a magical being to speak the universe into existence is magic?  What?

QuotePersonally, I'm going back to dream interpretation and astrology. I've always been very good at both, and those are constructive pursuits rather than destructive.

If by "constructive" you mean "pointless", yes.

That DDOS finally get to you?  It must be tough being the lone voice of reason anywhere.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"This is the only forum I'm making this announcement in.

To what do we owe this honor?

Quote from: "PoopShoot"That DDOS finally get to you?  It must be tough being the lone voice of reason anywhere.

Yes, I noticed you started it up again. It doesn't matter. And for the love of God, don't post your picture. You look...just as I imagined.

Quote from: "i_am_i"

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"This is the only forum I'm making this announcement in.

To what do we owe this honor?

I can't pull up my usual atheist site at work.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"Yes, I noticed you started it up again.

I'm still wondering how I am singlehandedly DDOSing you from 3000 miles from home.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"And for the love of God, don't post your picture. You look...just as I imagined.

Oh and just because you asked nicely, here's a picture of me eating a pussy.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi39.tinypic.com%2F5kkm5d.jpg&hash=ee20c5e4fce128ae999084394561fc8d90fcd5d6)

Can an Edward the Theist exist without theism?
I'm going off to ponder this paradox.  

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"I got the book a couple of days ago, and in it he says that there is no need for God because there are many universes that just pop into existence out of nothing, and apparently for no reason.

Yeah, you didn't read the book.

QuoteMy dismay comes from the fact that if Stephen Hawking, the most brilliant cosmologist in the world since sliced bread, can support the idea that something can pop into existence out of nothing, then there is no logic anymore.
Or at least, there's no ultimate academic authority on logic anymore. The world has gone over to magical thinking.
 

You definitely didn't read the book.

QuoteYou atheists can do whatever you want: destroy the world, devolve humanity, whatever. You really can't do anything God doesn't prompt you to do anyway.

"At HAF we know that atheists are often happy ethical people just like anyone else. It is our goal to help dissolve negative stereotypes currently held towards atheists and facilitate productive dialogue with those of differing viewpoints."

Please go away. Seriously, you're an obnoxious troll who has left me in bewilderment that you've yet to receive a perma-ban. If you're really stupid enough to believe we're the root of all evil then just leave us to our diabolical plans.

Quote from: "Sophus""At HAF we know that atheists are often happy ethical...

Sophus, I don't give a shit.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"

Quote from: "Sophus""At HAF we know that atheists are often happy ethical...

Sophus, I don't give a shit.

That response is far too honest for a theist, you know...  

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"

Quote from: "Sophus""At HAF we know that atheists are often happy ethical...

Sophus, I don't give a shit.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fready2blast.com%2Fhaters-gonna-hate.gif&hash=20cd7e740ed0813646042cc079cdfbb397d317c4)

The book must be really awesome for threads like this to pop up. Gonna go give it a read now.

In the official forums for the game Eve online, posts such as this are generally referred to as ragequit posts. Ragequit Posts are usually followed by 'can i have your stuffs?' by other players.


Can i have your stuffs?

Quote from: "karadan"Can i have your stuffs?

Let's PLUNDER!  

Quote from: "Ultima22689"(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fready2blast.com%2Fhaters-gonna-hate.gif&hash=20cd7e740ed0813646042cc079cdfbb397d317c4)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpwnersgonnapwn.com%2Fgators-gonna-gait.gif&hash=638e2be99078680168c4cff04ac76ca13bd60ff8)

Baters gonna bate
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.tinypic.com%2F15dkjya.jpg&hash=1f159cc6c7fa31b81bf73de29f29495ad4c7a40f)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fteleburst.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwaitress.gif&hash=b0e4df02a45ba47e345597292924c18c0c7a7658)

Waiters gonna wait

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F41LWIIC-5IL.jpg&hash=f845bf26ab1c937f7c2eee4ec3f9bbf24160af63)
shakers gonna shake

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.memegenerator.net%2FHappy-Baker%2FImageMacro%2F2186530%2FMediumThumbnail.jpg%3FinstanceText%3DBakers-Gonna-bake&hash=61a29bfaf75622a59394926fa8429afecceea308)

Somehow I knew that was going to be next.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"Or at least, there's no ultimate academic authority on logic anymore. The world has gone over to magical thinking.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi53.tinypic.com%2Fmhafxg.jpg&hash=d51e29acaebd342ddad7717b9932eadee918c82a)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.memegenerator.net%2Fquakergonnaquake%2FImageMacro%2F2385599%2Fquakers-gonna-quake.jpg&hash=8af950f8405c3d7ea0c34aa5c7c644fe3500d584)

Quakers gonna Quake.

Just thought I'd give it my 2 cts.

It's been interesting to witness the changes you've gone through in the past couple of months, Edward.  From ' Veridican' to Christian crusader against atheism to Christian astrologer?  It seems to me that you're searching for a position regarding your beliefs that's comfortable for you.  I hope you find it, and I wish you well. I know you didn't ask for advice, and no doubt will discount anything I or anyone else here says.  Still, I offer an old aphorism for your consideration:

 ~~  Primum non nocere.  ~~

Hmm, perhaps he can't afford to keep his internet any more.

Oh, I almost forgot:

Daters gonna date

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.encentra.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F02%2Fgay-dating.jpg&hash=be658a545a026b3718998700a1d83273a76a3cc1)

Sorry, too lazy to look for a scriptor.

Quote from: "Thumpalumpacus"Sorry, too lazy to look for a scriptor.

http://memegenerator.net/ (http://memegenerator.net/)

Don't they (theists) always seem to self-destruct, eventually?  I think it's the weight of their god on the brain.  I can kind of relate, though; I've felt a little "explosive" trying to deal with what I perceived as idiots.  So, I guess the little guy LOVES his magic.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"

Quote from: "Sophus""At HAF we know that atheists are often happy ethical...

Sophus, I don't give a shit.

I've noticed. You just spew out the same crazy nonsense about how we're destroying society without "giving a shit" about how truly inane you sound.

Quote from: "MartinTK"Don't they (theists) always seem to self-destruct, eventually?

What do you mean by self-destruct?

Since we're all at this:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn2.knowyourmeme.com%2Fi%2F000%2F060%2F424%2Fsmall%2FNADER.jpg&hash=c05db88c0f9bc8654dc69a6b07c8f2ba28c16d26)

Funny,

No one even addresses the original post which details the reason for my quitting this game. It's like you all just sit back and say, "Well, if Steven Hawking said it, I guess I better believe it."  

Hasta La Vista

Edward the Theist

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"No one even addresses the original post which details the reason for my quitting this game.

Bullshit.  Several did.  I personally pointed out the irony of your failed logic that scientific thinking isn't "magic" simply because it wasn't started by a magic man.

QuoteIt's like you all just sit back and say, "Well, if Steven Hawking said it, I guess I better believe it."  

It's more like you took your ball and went home, so we started playing tag instead of football.

Sayonara.

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"Funny,

No one even addresses the original post which details the reason for my quitting this game. It's like you all just sit back and say, "Well, if Steven Hawking said it, I guess I better believe it."  :brick:

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"Funny,

No one even addresses the original post which details the reason for my quitting this game. It's like you all just sit back and say, "Well, if Steven Hawking said it, I guess I better believe it."  

Hasta La Vista

Edward the Theist

That's because you didn't address it.  Anyone who visited your blog could see you were taking the worst of it, and had cultivated no following at all.  In other words, you convinced no one.

Personally, if I was getting pwnd on my own blog, I'd probably move to Montana and start farming dental floss, too.  I know I wouldn't make a big production number of leaving the debate scene, though.  That's too drama-queen for my taste.

Edward, why are you being such a pussy, if you pardon the expression?

If you wanna quit whatever game it is you play, no-one here will hold you back. Why do you feel such a need to involve us in your private personal reasons for doing anything as long as that anything does not affect us in the slightest?

We do not respond to your quitting because we don't really give a damn. (I dare speak for the majority here) since you haven't really proved to be a valuable or even interesting member nor have you proved to be a member who can and should be taken seriously. Our response to you has nothing at all to do with what Hawking said or didn't say, only with what YOU said.

Get a friend or two, or get laid or something. Whining to strangers will get you nowhere.

Quote from: "Thumpalumpacus"Oh, I almost forgot:

Daters gonna date

There is a slang usage of date.

QuoteDate : arse[hole] ("get off your fat date")

I'll bet you spell "hemophilia" with two "a"s, too.

Quote from: "Thumpalumpacus"I'll bet you spell "hemophilia" with two "a"s, too.

Leave him alone.  Until he spells the word for anal ulcer similar to the word for the tool that drives nails, there's no reason to have that beef here.  Don't make me get the fonzie.

hahahhahah, some things just stick in my mind.

So Edward the Theist is gone. He's going back to the constructive pursuits of dream interpretation and astrology, both of which he's always been very good at.

It makes me wonder. How does one know if one is very good at dream interpretation and astrology?

Quote from: "i_am_i"So Edward the Theist is gone. He's going back to the constructive pursuits of dream interpretation and astrology, both of which he's always been very good at.

It makes me wonder. How does one know if one is very good at dream interpretation and astrology?

If you possess an inherent confirmation bias these skills come naturally.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.memegenerator.net%2FAc-Slater%2FImageMacro%2F2582142%2FSlaters-gonna-Slate.jpg&hash=033107f6cc7b30d345f7f50723798683fcd00c88)

To be honest, I don't think the forum will weep for your departure Edward.

Don't forget "Haighters gonna haight"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haight-Ashbury


(It's a counter culture refference and not one I could easily capture in a pic)

If a concept can not be captured in the form of an internet pictorial meme, it has no relevance or value to modern humanity

I'm surprised Maters Gonna Mate (http://www.smosh.com/PC/smosh-pit/photos/11-maters-gonna-mate) hasn't made its way to this thread already.

What initially looked to be a rather dull thread, has in fact turned into one with significant value to the forum.

And thus he hauled ass...

So,

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_l2wunzFfVO1qacjs1o1_400.jpg&hash=c11644b36bd3296cbd45c5abe384c94c264da7e5)

Quote from: "Martin TK"

Quote from: "Edward the Theist"Funny,

No one even addresses the original post which details the reason for my quitting this game. It's like you all just sit back and say, "Well, if Steven Hawking said it, I guess I better believe it."  :brick:

I agree, but there are a few reasons why I don't believe everything Steven hawking says.

1. He has been wrong before. To completely trust everything someone says is not what a true open minded person would do.

2. Discoveries in the last few decades have made Hawking improve his theory countless times. So to trust in it now is silly, because who knows what we'll discover in the near future?

3. I take the knowledge that Hawking and other scientists give, and interpret it into my own. blinding following just one of the thousand of brilliant minds in this world is, again, not open minded.

Just because alot of atheist's trust in Hawkings findings and theories, does not mean we believe everything he says. Including me.
 

Oh yeah, almost forgot.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi466.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Frr27%2Ftymygy%2Ffai.jpg&hash=12f0db30d5546f918baa073739643ea60e655492)

 

Quote from: "Thumpalumpacus"I'll bet you spell "hemophilia" with two "a"s, too.

QuoteDaters gonna date

I didn't mean my post to be anti gay.
Is it offensive to slip in the alternative definition for what our daters are going to do?
I admit it wasn't the best play on words, but it wasn't meant to be at any ones expense.
I assume the slang usage of date isn't widespread.  
Of itself it isn't considered any more offensive than bum or arse.

Quote from: "Tanker"Don't forget "Haighters gonna haight"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haight-Ashbury
(It's a counter culture refference and not one I could easily capture in a pic)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moonbattery.com%2Farchives%2Fhippies.jpg&hash=2192a27dc8f372d7a3393c5bb4e7ab8dfffa4acb)

Quote from: "The Magic Pudding"

Quote from: "Thumpalumpacus"I'll bet you spell "hemophilia" with two "a"s, too.

QuoteDaters gonna date

I didn't mean my post to be anti gay.
Is it offensive to slip in the alternative definition for what our daters are going to do?
I admit it wasn't the best play on words, but it wasn't meant to be at any ones expense.
I assume the slang usage of date isn't widespread.  
Of itself it isn't considered any more offensive than bum or arse.

It's not about that.  It's about the fact that it's NEVER used in America and is seen as a British thing, as is the usage of superfluous "a"s in words like "hemophilia", "hemorrhoid", "pedophile" and "ether".  He was making a tasteless joke by implying you were a British pedant (you can't blame him, his taste is all in his mouth).

Quote from: "PoopShoot"Of itself it isn't considered any more offensive than bum or arse.

It's not about that.  It's about the fact that it's NEVER used in America and is seen as a British thing, as is the usage of superfluous "a"s in words like "hemophilia", "hemorrhoid", "pedophile" and "ether".  He was making a tasteless joke by implying you were a British pedant (you can't blame him, his taste is all in his mouth).[/quote]
I'm glad that's all it was.
But don't you think these superfluous letters make for a more colourful language?

Quote from: "The Magic Pudding"But don't you think these superfluous letters make for a more colourful language?

About as much as I think speed bumps make for a more colorful drive.

Quote from: "PoopShoot"

Quote from: "Tanker"Don't forget "Haighters gonna haight"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haight-Ashbury
(It's a counter culture refference and not one I could easily capture in a pic)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moonbattery.com%2Farchives%2Fhippies.jpg&hash=2192a27dc8f372d7a3393c5bb4e7ab8dfffa4acb)

Except how would you tell that group of hippies from Haighter hippies. It's more about the location and what happened there which is hard to capture is a single pick ready for text memeing. (I maded a gnu wordz)

Quote from: "Tanker"Except how would you tell that group of hippies from Haighter hippies.

There's no real difference anyway.  Besides, anyone who understands ther reference ot Haight-Ashbury will understand it based on the presence of hippies alone.

Quote from: "Martin TK"Don't they (theists) always seem to self-destruct, eventually?  I think it's the weight of their god on the brain.  I can kind of relate, though; I've felt a little "explosive" trying to deal with what I perceived as idiots.  So, I guess the little guy LOVES his magic.

Being a theist never hurt my Mum, but then again she never was the sharpest tool in the box, bless her.

Does this retreat mean that Eddie's not going to write his book? Such a loss to the world if that's the case.

Quote from: "DaveD"Does this retreat mean that Eddie's not going to write his book? Such a loss to the world if that's the case.

Yes, I understand there's a shortage of wipe.  Now we must find another source.

I've missed so much in half a month.  This is what - the second time Ed has "threatened" to leave?  My prediction is he'll be back - possibly after witnessing a vision of Jesus in his mattar paneer and spreading an all new message of love and peas.

I call 'Shakers Law'. This was coined by member 'Shaker' at Richard Dawkins. It goes like this. 'The louder a member proclaims that they are quitting a forum the higher the probability is that they will return.' It has been proven highly predictive!

Quote from: "pinkocommie"I've missed so much in half a month.  This is what - the second time Ed has "threatened" to leave?  My prediction is he'll be back - possibly after witnessing a vision of Jesus in his mattar paneer and spreading an all new message of love and peas.

Maybe, but he did take down his blog.

Quote from: "Tank"I call 'Shakers Law'. This was coined by member 'Shaker' at Richard Dawkins. It goes like this. 'The louder a member proclaims that they are quitting a forum the higher the probability is that they will return.' It has been proven highly predictive!

I've witnessed this myself.

There's been some really amazing additions to this forum these last few months.

Quote from: "karadan"There's been some really amazing additions to this forum these last few months.

Yep.  And a couple of idiots like myself, too.

<runs and hides>

So mabye I'm dense here but did anyone else notice that Ed named his last thread very similarly to how the repeat spammer/troll names his treads. Mabye it was the human side of that particular douch actually trying human interation to get his point across...and still failing.

Quote from: "Tanker"So mabye I'm dense here but did anyone else notice that Ed named his last thread very similarly to how the repeat spammer/troll names his treads. Mabye it was the human side of that particular douch actually trying human interation to get his point across...and still failing.

No I did not notice that Hmmmmm.

Quote from: "Tanker"So mabye I'm dense here but did anyone else notice that Ed named his last thread very similarly to how the repeat spammer/troll names his treads. Mabye it was the human side of that particular douch actually trying human interation to get his point across...and still failing.

You mean Davidmabus/thewarofatheism/etcetc?

Hmm.

If you're talking about boobquake, it's not really that compelling, considering the title in question is a popular theme among evangelists, both famous and amateur.

The fact that both believe in woo that is otherwise condemned in Christianity, most notably fortune telling in the form of Nostradamus, dream interpretation and astrology, that's a big maybe, but is still more compelling than the mere title.