There is a piece she did about having a NDE which could be referring to the same thing. But in all honesty I am actually a bit skeptical of its authenticity. I am not saying that this thing doesn't happen, but from some of her works she has written I don't get a sincere feeling here. If I were to put something like this out, especially after having produced other works of of fiction, I would take my time to make it perfectly clear that this is the absolute truth. She just jumps right in and it reads a bit like a story. It also lacks the gritty baggage that pains them to write that many other people have shown here when trying to convey a traumatic event. I am not saying it absolutely isn't true or that that in anyway detracts from the in-group out-group mentality and dehumanization that religion causes, but I can't say I completely trust this story.

 

It's probably a good policy not to trust anything that shows up on blogs. But for me, the truth of the story isn't especially relevent, although I'd be very happy if it turned out to be a complete fabrication.

But even if it was a work of fiction, it would still be worth our having the discussion that ensued.

 

Absolutely, I don't think it is unrealistic and the ideas are still important.

 

OMFG! This is so funny.

-S-

http://xkcd.com/154/

 

Agreed, but there is a difference between writing a fictional piece of literature and foisting same as factual.

There are more than enough factual examples of atrocious acts in the name of religion and in the name of non-religion. (ie: communism)

And while it is funny to some like Shake to post the cartoon a few posts up, he (and others) find it offensive if one were to do the opposite.

 

The opposite of what? Post a comic that shows creationists making fun of evolutionists? I wouldn't find it offensive, I'd find it ridiculous and silly. But if it was funny, I'd still laugh at it.

But perhaps you meant something else. If so, please explain.

-S-

 

Folks get their panties in a wad around here if you ridicule them for being atheists, present company included.

 

Such a sad story. Sad because the girl had to go through it, sad because it happens everyday. I can relate with her, and I hope she can get into a community that isn't ignorant. I didn't have the physical abuse, but the emotional was there (mainly from a pastor). Ugh, it's just horrible and it's something that gets brushed aside so much!

 

I don't get my panties in a wad. If you want to ridicule me for my [lack of] beliefs, go right ahead. I'm a big boy, I can take it. But I would expect you to have supporting reasons for such, otherwise I would dismiss you the same as I dismiss baller when he gets in a tizzy about it. I am not offended that someone thinks differently than me. That, I think, is a telling difference between people of faith and people of no faith.

-S-

 

Be aware, there is some suspicion that the story in is not genuine. I should have stated that in the OP but I didn't. It did cross my mind and not saying so was irresponsible of me.

-S-

 

Then why do you appear to get delight in baiting those who do believe in a creator? Every time you post a cartoon or a comment, it is apparent.

Supporting reasons be damned, it is an arrogant attitude that offends. My beliefs are my beliefs, your arguments will probably not change them, nor would mine yours, so to debate is foolhardy.

 

No debate is foolhardy, no matter how closed-minded or sure of themselves the participants are. Why should religion be taboo as a subject of debate?

 

Yeah, there is always that chance that things on the internet is not true. Either way, the story was put together well, and it makes one think. Even if this story in particular isn't true - that doesn't change the fact that things like this happen everyday. And even christian's are abused for their beliefs as well, so it's not a one-way street.

 

Because to honestly debate you must have an open mind, one or both parties in a religious debate has a closed one. Therefore it is foolhardy.

 

Because I find them silly. But silly is not the same as offensive. But you could say debate is fool hardy about many things. We debate because it sharpens the mind and it passes the time and you never know, we just might learn something. That's always a good thing.

Your position begs the question, why are you so easily offended by the criticism of these beliefs? What is it about religion that sets people off like nothing else? Religion and politics, right? the big no-no's of polite conversation in our society. Why? Especially when they are the two of the main driving forces of our societies. Why are these things sacred? I hold that they are not and should not be sacred. When things like religion hold sway over so many aspects of our lives, whether we want them too or not, then I think we must talk about them. When the U.S. is the laughing stock of the intellectual world because so many of us don't believe in such a fundamental principle as evolution, I think it must be talked about.

And what she said. We don't agree very often, but on this we are totally in line. It's almost enough to make you believe in miracles.

And I do have an open mind. The problem is that faith doesn't provide me any reason to change it. I have yet to see any evidence of a God that is convincing. If god is all around us and in everything, why can't we find him? You'd think it would be simple. There isn't even any proof of Christ's existence. In that respect, Mohammed is a much more likely savior than Christ because we have documentation of his existence that is independent of any holy book. No such evidence for poor Jesus. You want me to take your beliefs seriously, show me why I should.

-S-

 

Truth, I am not offended, my liberal side feels the pain of those who are.

Although something you might ponder just a bit. Why were some of the past scientist and present world's great thinkers religious, if they knew so much why didn't they see your side?

 

I don't know why, but I'm fascinated by that movie. Nothing like watching a man snap in slow motion.

 

Yes it was both sad and understandable at the same time.

 

Actually, surveys of scientists show a very high incidence of atheism, agnosticism and deism. Very few of them believe in anything remotely resembling the biblical God.

 

I particularly like the scene in the Whammyburger...