21 APR 2014 by ideonexus
Science was Inconvenient for Religion
Science’s contributions to the spread of disbelief is the least controversial segment of the virtuous cycle for which I am arguing in seventeenth-century Europe. For science’s methods are clearly troublesome for religion. The devout, to begin with, are not wont to view their precepts merely as propositions to be controverted or confirmed. The orthodox, as a rule, are used to arguments being settled by authority, not experiment. The hope belief offers does not always stand up well to obser...As scientific knowledge grew it revealed knowledge that conflicted with scripture.
04 AUG 2011 by ideonexus
The Atheist's Prayer
Our brains, which art in our heads
treasured be thy name. Thy reasoning
come. Thy best you can do be done
on earth as it is. Give us this day new
insight to help us resolve conflicts and
ease pain. And lead us not
into supernatural explanations;
deliver us from denial of logic.
For thine is the kingdom of reason,
and even though thy powers are limited,
and you're not always glorious,
you are the best evolutionary adaptation
we have for helping this earth now and
forever and ever.
So be it.
A play on the lord's prayer.
03 JAN 2011 by ideonexus
Internet Rule: Don't Get Into Silly Fights
If you forget this rule, the visibility you will have on the Net is likely to remind you. (Too often, people get into ridiculous flame wars that are embarrasing to all who watch.) In general, it is easier to walk away from conflicts on the Net than it may be in real life. You can refuse to read someone's mail and refuse to let him provoke you once you've left an argument. Just don't let public postings lure you back in.
If something or someone is holding you back or annoying you, you don't ne...A great principle for life online. Avoid flame wars. They just make you and the other person look silly to the whole world.