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Moloth
Coin Operated Boy
Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 23062
Local time: 12:43 PM
Location: Warner Robins, GA
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 Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:11 am Post subject: oh.. good grief... |
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An email i got (TO my work e-mail) from my boss (a cultural Jew, turned bible-thumping Christian):
| Quote: | I noticed you have Dawkins book on your computer…not sure if for my benefit in seeing it or just you are reading it (or have read it) and want everyone to know.
But since you appear to be reading it or have read it, I have questions. I have no intention of reading that book, and if you read to the end of my point and my questions you will see why.
Am I correct in stating that the message in the book is that the natural world is all there is (i.e. quantitative or substantive at least).
Q: Why is it important that this message be understood and accepted by all humans?
Am I correct in saying that according to Dawkins, the news is “there’s nothing else” or at best, “hope for advanced alien civilizations to rescue us.” Very compelling, the second “Star Trek” message, but there’s not a lot of solid evidence of that (crackpots galore). (My quotes, I’m not trying to quote the book since I have not read it)
Q: If I am correct in my supposition of the message, then according to this message, God in any version is a false hope. Why should those who know the “truth” of this want to remove this false hope from those who are deluded by it if it can be used to ultimately control them versus leaving them hopeless?
Q: If there is no hope except for a brief life and then nothing, why be so venomous about religion being a “virus”? Shouldn’t human dignity require that these beliefs simply be left to continue since ultimately a false hope and a true non-hope lead to the same place?
If religion is a “virus”, history would appear to show that it cannot be exterminated physically, since this kind of persecution (punishment, slaughter, exile) seems to make it grow all the more. The nature of the “virus” is to change the perception of those infected and infect them with a false hope. Hope being such a strong attraction to humans, it’s almost impossible to “enlighten” someone out of that.
Q: If this “virus” is so dangerous, and those infected so deluded, isn’t it hopeless to try and enlighten them, thereby promoting the violence that is so dangerous?
Q: If the “virus” is a false hope, and we all die anyway, isn’t death not increased one way or the other (dying violently versus peacefully)?
My point is, IF everything Dawkins says is true, wouldn’t it follow that writing such a book is contrary to his own beliefs, that if we are truly to believe what is in this book, we should believe that there’s no need or reason to publish it at all.
Q: So, in the end, why did Dawkins write his book? Maybe for entertainment, or to make money and live well by the publishing proceeds. In the end, if religion is a virus leading to death, then those books are also published so the authors can profit, and only for that reason. Why take away hope even if it’s a false hope?
My last point is this. The only way this book would be a serious message worth telling people would be this belief: “God exists, but He is a false hope.” I tend to think Mr. Dawkins personally holds this opinion.
--(name removed) |
so... i responded:
| Quote: | I noticed you have multiple Bible passages on several walls in this office building, in your personal office, on your computer, on your desk and a gospel ring-tone for your phone AND you leave your written bible study material laying around conspicuously… not sure if its for my benefit in seeing it or if you just want everyone to know that you've read the Bible.
I would to point out that i have never taken it upon myself to remark on that fact nor complain about it, to you or anyone else. However, since you have, once again, come to me on this topic, i feel obligated to reply.
1..your assumption of a "Star Trek" message is incorrect. There is no such point made in the book.
2, 3, 4, 5… ad naseum.. are also all incorrect because your very FIRST premise and assumption, about book that you have never read and proudly state that you will never read (heaven forbid you would "challenge yourself", eh? Giving advice is much easier than taking it yourself, I see.), is incorrect.
I notice how you have formed an opinion on what "Mr. Dawkins REALLY thinks"… based on, not from reading his own words, but on your own presuppositions. After all, why should facts or truth have any place in the opinion-forming or decision-making processes of a rational, sane human being? Now, you could be satisfied with your baseless, forgone conclusion… or, you could
If you would like to continue this conversation, I would prefer if it were outside of professional work hours. Surely, you can see the possible conflict with having a conversation, of this nature, between an employee and his employer. If you wish to continue this, I request that you respond to this email address. I do not, however, check it during normal work hours.
--
-=The Believer is Happy; the Skeptic is Wise=- |
i'm just stunned by his arrogance, audacity and uncouthness in sending this to me, at work, to my work e-mail addy. wtf? should i nail this guy for discrimination or what??
and yes... there ARE bibles passages all over the walls here. not in MY personal office, though, so i don't care. and he HAS insulted me, bluntly, by telling me... ME of all people... that i need to 'challenge my beliefs'.. how, you ask? by attending his church.. lol.
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www.Moloth.com
Last edited by Moloth on Tue Feb 30, 2026 13:61 am; edited 426 times in total |
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Basilosaur
Forum Plebian
Joined: 11 May 2008
Posts: 149
Local time: 1:43 AM
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:22 am Post subject: |
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HHAHAAH  |
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howgoyoufar
Revelation
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 596
Local time: 12:43 PM
Location: Alexandria VA
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:37 am Post subject: |
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I want to see you decimate him in a debate so, so badly...
But my advice, obviously, would be to not do so, since he is your boss, and he sounds like the kind of guy who would fire you for "insulting" his beliefs.
Of course, then you could sue him. 
Oh, anyone remember that guy who's school wouldn't let him make an atheist club? Do we know what happened about that?
/derail.
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Moloth
Coin Operated Boy
Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 23062
Local time: 12:43 PM
Location: Warner Robins, GA
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:40 am Post subject: |
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I don't mind talking about this stuff... i truly welcome it. i think it NEEDS to be talked about.
but his hypocrisy, condescension and utter lack professionalism just REALLY rubbed me the wrong way.
>_<
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Last edited by Moloth on Tue Feb 30, 2026 13:61 am; edited 426 times in total |
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RyanDzundza
Sock Puppet
Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 5243
Local time: 5:43 PM
Location: Manchester
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:45 am Post subject: |
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| howgoyoufar wrote: | I want to see you decimate him in a debate so, so badly...
But my advice, obviously, would be to not do so, since he is your boss, and he sounds like the kind of guy who would fire you for "insulting" his beliefs.
Of course, then you could sue him.
Oh, anyone remember that guy who's school wouldn't let him make an atheist club? Do we know what happened about that?
/derail. |
i think he got one in the end, albeit with a changed name iirc
also, i think you handled yourself quite well, your boss is an idiot
has he said anything tp you about it? or have you not seen in person yet
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Moloth
Coin Operated Boy
Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 23062
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Location: Warner Robins, GA
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:48 am Post subject: |
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he sent a terse replying saying "Sorry to offend. Peace."
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-=The Believer is Happy; the Skeptic is Wise=-
www.Moloth.com
Last edited by Moloth on Tue Feb 30, 2026 13:61 am; edited 426 times in total |
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RyanDzundza
Sock Puppet
Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 5243
Local time: 5:43 PM
Location: Manchester
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:50 am Post subject: |
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haha
IOW you win
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HxC
w00t
Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 985
Local time: 12:43 PM
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:56 am Post subject: |
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why would he try to tear the book apart without reading it?
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baddogma
antitheist
Joined: 01 Feb 2006
Posts: 9230
Local time: 2:43 AM
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:58 am Post subject: |
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Good job Mo, you handled that very well as I'm sure your mind was racing given the relationship.
I have no doubt you could hand him his ass on ANY debate as you have 21,029 practice rounds under your belt lol. Just don't let him find out 21,023 of those were on company time.
Runs*
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Can omnicient god who knows the future find the omnipotence to change his future mind?
I'm ashamed of what I did for a Klondike bar.... |
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pr126
resident misanthrope
Joined: 03 Jan 2005
Posts: 8452
Local time: 5:43 PM
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: |
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Well, theist claim that they know the mind of god, what god thinks and what god wants them to do.
So knowing what other people think must be much easier.
In reality, they project their own thoughts onto an imaginary god and thereby avoiding any responsibility and guilt for their actions.
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"Orwell was a visionary. He just got the date wrong." |
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howgoyoufar
Revelation
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 596
Local time: 12:43 PM
Location: Alexandria VA
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:04 am Post subject: |
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| Moloth wrote: | he sent a terse replying saying "Sorry to offend. Peace."
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This, kiddies, is a prime example of win.
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Came out of the changing room, and absolutely fuck all had changed.
My siggy is are FTW.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck shit cock whore fuck. |
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BarkAtTheMoon
O Captain, my Captain
Joined: 20 Dec 2004
Posts: 4896
Local time: 1:43 PM
Location: Wilmington, DE
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:06 am Post subject: |
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Every time someone posts something like this, it makes me a little more happy that I live in the northeast. So...thanks.
I don't think it's worth going to HR or anything about, and his reply shows you got your point across and thoroughly burned him, but I'd hang on to that email and any like them or jot down a note about any similar incidents in the future...just in case.
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"The very existence of flame throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, 'You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done.' - George Carlin
"I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people." - Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey |
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pr126
resident misanthrope
Joined: 03 Jan 2005
Posts: 8452
Local time: 5:43 PM
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:10 am Post subject: |
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| Moloth wrote: | | he sent a terse replying saying "Sorry to offend. Peace." |
Now if he was from the religion of peace and tolerance, I'd watch my back.
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"Orwell was a visionary. He just got the date wrong." |
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baddogma
antitheist
Joined: 01 Feb 2006
Posts: 9230
Local time: 2:43 AM
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:15 am Post subject: |
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| BarkAtTheMoon wrote: | Every time someone posts something like this, it makes me a little more happy that I live in the northeast. So...thanks.
I don't think it's worth going to HR or anything about, and his reply shows you got your point across and thoroughly burned him, but I'd hang on to that email and any like them or jot down a note about any similar incidents in the future...just in case. |
Good advice...CYA first rule.
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Join http://www.sefora.org/
Can omnicient god who knows the future find the omnipotence to change his future mind?
I'm ashamed of what I did for a Klondike bar.... |
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Moloth
Coin Operated Boy
Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 23062
Local time: 12:43 PM
Location: Warner Robins, GA
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| Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:26 am Post subject: |
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| HxC wrote: | | why would he try to tear the book apart without reading it? |
because, being a christian means that you believe in what is right. if it wasn't right, you wouldn't believe it! therefore, what he believes, is always right.
This is the same guy who said "Why would the early writers of the bible DIE for what they wrote, if they knew it was a lie or made up?"
to which i responded, "If willingness to die for a belief is the criteria is on which it is determined to be true, then Allah must be god because of what happened on 9/11."
he then immediately changed his tactic to saying that the Bible of today is an EXACT and perfect copy of the original books.. because the Jews had a 'sum checking' method of copying lines of text... LOL..
this guy is no mental giant.
| baddogma wrote: | Good job Mo, you handled that very well as I'm sure your mind was racing given the relationship.
I have no doubt you could hand him his ass on ANY debate as you have 21,029 practice rounds under your belt lol. Just don't let him find out 21,023 of those were on company time.
Runs* |
lol.. no no.. you're quite right on all accounts!
_________________
-=The Believer is Happy; the Skeptic is Wise=-
www.Moloth.com
Last edited by Moloth on Tue Feb 30, 2026 13:61 am; edited 426 times in total
Last edited by Moloth on Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:27 am; edited 1 time in total |
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