Atheism 101 ?

An odd title for such a beautiful morning! Azaleas are their full glory. Iris is blooming & sunshine is glittering through my window. I’ve been away from the blogs b/c it has been just like THIS for several days now! Today, though, I feel inspired to put my fingers on the keys…

Lately I’ve encountered another blogger @ Cristina’s site, where she had posted the following:

Atheism

The belief that there was nothing and nothing happened to
nothing and then nothing magically exploded for no reason, creating everything
and then a bunch of everything magically rearranged itself for no reason
whatsoever into self-replicating bits which then turned into dinosaurs…Makes
perfect sense.

It was a rather clever summation of atheism, & I left a comment saying so. However, an atheist had stopped by too, & wasn’t pleased. I tracked back to his homepage, finding a blog seemingly entirely devoted to atheism.

From the intellectual nature of his language, I deduced that science & math were the basis for his atheism. Having done a bit of science in my day, I was curious about his perspective. (I’ll admit my pride was stung, too, having been down-right insulted when Cristina’s blog was belittled.)

See, I don’t tend to partake in arguing the “How it happened” of Creation/Evolution. To me, that’s a frustrating, circular dispute, resulting in one party’s presumed intellectual superiority, & the other party’s presumed spiritual superiority. I’m more of a mind to insist that the “Who” discussion is the most important part. In other words, Creation could have taken God 7 days or 500 million years (which to Him may have been 7 days…). It doesn’t really matter to me, because “How it happened” was God’s prerogative (& His Mystery), not mine. But the “WHO” of creation is absolutely critical. Anyway, our discussion @ this new blogger’s site went something like this:

My comment to A – “I'm truly curious, A. What makes me ignorant b/c I believe that God created it all? I'm fascinated by math…I'm riveted by the beauty & creativity of science...I'm awed by the magnificent creation that is the human body…I'm continually thankful for modern medicine's progress…I respect these disciplines & those who practice them. I do not discount science, but I acknowledge that the One who created all of it is a greater Mind than mine could ever fathom...Respectfully I ask, why is that ignorant?”

A’s reply: “I didn't say that you were ignorant for your beliefs. I said that the person who posted that was ignorant about atheism and what science says about the origin of the universe. You are certainly entitled to believe in your god, but I find the Christian god to be logically incoherent. What science tells us about the universe points to a completely natural process that does not require a creator, and until there is actually evidence of such an entity, I find it irrational to believe in he/she/it.”

My next comment to A:
“…I've studied 'what science says about the origins of the universe.' Though I don't claim science as a profession, I find it extraordinary & fascinating. Indeed, it is 'a completely natural process.'

Here's where we differ: it's more plausible in my mind to believe that there exists an Architect of this 'completely natural process' than to deny it…

Here's my question: what or Who do you believe…is responsible for the organization of any molecule, for the exquisite structure of the double helix? For the mathematic perfection of the circle, the sphere? Who or what do you think is responsible for the mind boggling nature of pi? What about the absolutely astounding creativity & variety of animals/plants in the rainforests? or deserts? I suppose your hypothesis might be that it all arose out of the natural qualities of molecules…Even if you look at an atom, the mind blowing structure of protons, neutrons, electrons. Who decided how these things would function & interact? Laws of matter or antimatter? Perhaps. But what or Who is/was the organizing force of such 'laws'? Nature? Of course. I read here: God…

I'm not one who believes that sincere, evangelical Christianity & science are mutually exclusive... In my mind, all-the-above is all the 'evidence of such an entity' anybody ever needs. I believe God has given us our lives to study, mull over, & chew on it. In my mind, God gave us this richness in order to draw us near, that we would take joy in it! That's much more fun, I would think; living joyfully...”

Though I was sincere in my questions, there has been no further response from this new friend.
I ask you, though, & I wonder myself -- How someone can look at this:

Or this:

Or this:

…& really believe that there is no God? That, dear friends, is more of a puzzle to me than Quantum Physics, Organic Chemistry, Micro-neurosurgery, or the mysterious Black Holes of the outer universe will ever be.

~~~

Feminists: Listen, for once...

Janine, the “uber-cool” Leftist activist has just made me cranky. (Sorry, Bluepit, I watched the posted video again.)

Really, friends, women like HER are the reason I started this blog. Jim said in last post's comments, “I think you’re confusing J.Garf. with someone who matters.” That’s just it. We can no longer afford to believe that women like her don’t matter. She & her kinswomen have been the sole voice at the mic. on Women's Issues for decades, & our society’s children have taken a sad turn downward (see Mustang's post) as a result.

In my humble opinion, the downward slide began with women like J. Garf., trying to eradicate the necessity of Manhood from our culture. Does anyone remember Gloria Steinem’s quote, “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle…”? It was all downhill for kids-who-need-fathers after that, & Hollywood, et. al was only so happy to perpetuate the concentric circles of such a notion.

Wait. Do you hear the shrieking? Is it coming from the video below? or from my TV? I can hear it, “She just said that women should be needy & dependent, & should be ruled by men!!!” Oh please, Janine, Gloria, Whoopi, Joy, Barbara, Oprah -- grow up… I said no such thing & meant no such inference. (And, no Janine, I’m not suffering “Stockholm Syndrome”, oh Wise One of the psychiatric community.) LISTEN, for once, to women like me!

As I've said before ,Sarah Palin’s candidacy brought for the "first time ever on the national stage – a woman who represents me. She's not an angry woman trying to be a man; not a woman who claims to champion my views, but who is so far out of step w/ me that she may as well be on Pluto.

She is a woman who loves & respects her man, loves her children, loves being a mother. She is not afraid to be smart & savvy, but won't beat you about-the-head-neck-&-face w/ it. She is unapologetically committed to her faith, & she is conservative politically... She gives me real hope that conservative women now have a voice in the Women's Conversation of our time; that the left no longer has a monopoly on "issues that women care about." She is a role model for thousands of women - who now see & know that you don't have to be abrasive & shrill in order to be tough & strong."

And the culprits above are scared out of their pumps (or combat boots), because they’re starting to sense the shift away from their monopoly:

"That's why they've been trying to kill her (Palin) voice, kill her reputation, kill her credibility - literally kill it, before (shhhhhh!) any other women get the Big Idea that the feminist agenda has challengers...The media part of it has been beastly, and yes, quite personal. Because when the media tear her apart, they're tearing apart women like me. "

And Jim, I will have it no longer. I will not allow Ms. Garf. to speak without being challenged. I believe that little-by-little, women like me are coming out of the shadows (just ask Melonie, Z, BetteJo, Cristina, Mary, Frasypoo, Conservative Women, Terri, Sandy, etc., etc.) who now have the same idea. You see, we’re starting to not feel so small anymore. We’re starting to Get Some Big Ideas.

~~~

And just one more thing. Thank you, thank you, friends for such an interesting & challenging string of comments these past several days. It has been delightful & even exciting to see the enthusiasm pouring onto the blogs. Thanks so much for stopping here to share yours!

~~~

In which MSNBC's Keith Olbermann gives voice

Oh boy.
Just so you know, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann is at it too. In a feat of daring, he invites world renowned Historian, Neuroscientist, Psychiatrist & Potentate over all Women's Issues Janine Garafalo (oops! I forgot Melonie's "uber-cool activist") to postulate & theorize on tax Tea Parties.



Sorry Keith, Janine, but you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. You guys are the 'fomenters.' Did you even GO to a Tea Party? I'll not even try to defend myself against the racism accusation. People who know me, know. As I said...sneering, smug, dismissive...

Enough said.

~~~

In Which the Left Reports Tax Tea Parties...

You know, I'm actually surprised they reported it at all. If the MSM wanted to salvage any journalistic integrity, this was their chance. Friends, they just couldn't help themselves. What's the old saying? "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear..."

Lone Ranger came to the rescue by leaving a very helpful comment @ Mark's blog .

This is Greg Gutfeld w/ Fox's Red Eye. (Warning: Offensive material)

This is Gutfeld's entire panel discussion. (Warning...)

Oh, & here's MSNBC's Rachel Madow's classy take. (Warning. again.)

So. If I'm hearing them correctly...When the George Soros ilk finances the traveling band of Cindy Sheehans (bless their hearts), it is headline news, intense journalism. But when I call a few friends, buy poster board & markers, make signs w/ my own hands, then drive to a site having NO idea what or how many await me (only to find almost 2,000 have done the same thing-with very little financing & organizing, save our own wallets & personal emails), to exercise my right to Free Speech...When hundreds of thousands across the country have simultaneously done the same... This, this is MSM's fodder for sexual ridicule, dismissed as peasantry, wholly written off with sneering, smug dispatch.

If this is what the MSM calls free press journalism, somebody get a bugle & play Taps. We just witnessed its dying gasp.

~~~

Memo to Napolitano: Tea Party Report

Taking heed of Janet Napolitano’s 4-7-09 memo to US Law Enforcement offices, I accepted an undercover mission to root out man-made-disaster experts in their dens of antipathy. The mission required that I carefully craft a disguise, as not to be outed a spy. I wore red/white/blue, waved an American flag & took my mother (mild-mannered Grandmother of 8, Bible study leader, Garden Club member) & her neighbor (also Grandmother & wife to retired Naval Officer) with me. These women exuded threat & diverted any suspicions of my spy-status. While they frothed at the gills with rage in their eyes, I remained calm & steady. It was vigorous work, & I even had to carry protest signs: “TEA: Taxed Enough Already” & “Stop the Looting” in order not to be suspected an infiltrator.

Their group was almost 2,000 strong in the small city of Winston-Salem, NC (the closest den of hate we could find) & I was swimming in a sea of propaganda. By the time the speakers finished spouting their Right Wing Terrorist propaganda of Life, Liberty, & the pursuit of happiness, the value & meaning of the US Constitution, radical ideas of People keeping wages in their own wallets, & forcing the Government to be accountable for spending of the People’s money, I was thoroughly disgusted. Toughing it out, I channeled my inner ‘Susan Sarandon’ & acted the part: chanting “USA, USA, USA…” & cheering wildly for Government accountability/responsiblity. Let me tell you, it was grueling work, but I got the goods. I have the evidence:


These people were menacing, threatening & dangerous. They must be reigned in – before they take over the country!

~~~

He can be taught...

He did the right thing. The Captain is safe. The pirates are dead.

We on the Right can question his motives, his timing, the political angle & make a big deal about it…but it’s wasted energy & diminishes us; makes us look like the Bush-hating Left. So don’t do it. Please.

There was a crisis. It needed to be handled quickly & fiercely, showing the world that America will not tolerate such. The rest of the world can continue to pay ransoms if they choose. They can continue to be held hostage by rogues & pirates, but we will not.

The concentric circles of this action will show in time, & we can follow them, commenting when necessary. The crucial point, though, is that he did the right thing. He allowed our best & finest-trained to care of business in searing fashion. Hallelujah!

There’s a lot to be thankful for, folks: 1) We have the world’s most brilliantly trained military personnel – three shots, in the DARK, perfection. Wow. 2) Our President is the most Left-wing liberal we’ve ever had, but in a pinch - he can be taught.

Thank you, Navy Seals for your courageous & outstanding service. What would we do without you? Thank you, Mr. President for going against your superior judgment & doing the right thing.

Now, I’m off to make some posters. I’ve got a Tea Party to attend…

~~~

Life ~ tender & sweet

Every so often, a person has to lighten up, ya know? (God seems to know just when I need to, & gives me a way.)

Yesterday, I got the sweetest chance I've had in a long time. Our 6 year old daughter lost both her two front teeth on a school field trip. And they even came home w/ the teeth...

& I happened to be at school when they got back...

& I happened to have my camera in my bag (for our 10 year old's Multiplication Tournament)...

When I saw her, she was standing in the midst of her teachers, the Principal & a small bunch of fascinated K'garteners. She was grinning from ear to ear, a big snaggle tooth smile, eager to show me her new mouth & take pictures.

Children lose teeth every day, I know. But to lose both her front teeth in the same day??

We know the Tooth Fairy is a busy pixie, but she had double duty at our house last night. Not to have Tooth Fairy out-done by Santa’s milk & cookies, our little Cookie even left her a hand-made ‘welcome’ letter, complete with an invitation to look under the pillow.

Life is a tender, sweet thing, dear friends. And time is fleeting.

Find the sweetness, soak it in, & smile!

~~~

Memo: We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation.

Holy Week...Turkey, 4-6-09
Memo to the world:


Our President has decided: “We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation (or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation), we consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are, bound by ideals and a set of values…”

Upon exactly which ‘ideals’ and ‘set of values’ does he think our nation is based? It is historical FACT that our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values. (I’ll spare you the litany of historical documents with God’s fingerprints all over them.)

Our President goes on, “…what we’re seeing, in both countries [USA & Turkey], is the promise of a secular country that is respectful of religious freedom, is respectful of rule of law, respectful of freedom; upholding these values & being willing to stand up for them on the international stage…if we are joined together…then I think that we can have an extraordinary impact.”

The ‘promise’ of a country that is respectful of religious freedom, rule of law, etc.? Is our country not already precisely that? (Oh, I left out ‘secular’? Maybe that’s what he’s after…)

As for ‘extraordinary impact’… if Mr. Obama had been to church even once since he took office, he may recall scripture that assures us when we cut ourselves off from God, our ‘impact’ disappears. It was true of the Jews, it’s true of me individually, & I believe it’s true in the corporate & national sense also.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I’m sorry Mr. President. You may NOT rewrite the history of our country like this. You may NOT speak for our entire nation, erasing our past, cutting the roots of our historical faith, snapping the tender shoots that are struggling for sunlight & strength. You may NOT prune as you see fit the future of the faith of our nation.

This is not a matter of debate. Historical facts are facts. Subjectively speaking, I am incensed with you over this, & will not allow it to go unchallenged.

If anyone doubts my last post: “Sharia Law, coming…” please review the video above. Our President has just opened the door. I believe bluepitbull (commenter on Sharia piece) might be right. One of our next Supreme Court justices may just be one who’s fully willing & able to rule on Sharia.

After all, “we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation,” & we must be ‘respectful’ of all. Sure, kind of like the poor young woman in the video below.

You wanna know who summed this up best? My 10 year old son. After watching the news story (no commentary from his adoring mother), he bunched up his nose & said, “I thought he goes to church?”

Right.

~~~

Sharia Law: Coming soon to a country near you.

Have you wondered what our friends the Brits have gotten themselves into by allowing Sharia Law into their legal system ? Ever wondered what the implications for women would be if it were to be allowed in the US? I was inspired into a little research by USA_Admiral .

Do the research yourself & find that Muslims in Britain have pushed for decades to get Sharia law infused into the legal system. They finally wore down ‘the establishment’. In an apathetic climate, I dare say it’s an easy slide to a rise in theocratic ‘power’. And where does it go after that?

Ladies, especially you who value the power that our society affords you, I beg you to ask yourself if political correctness & pacifism is worth this: CAUTION-disturbing video

If Mr. Obama (& even Pres. Bush) still wish to insist that Islam is a religion of peace, then where is the OUTRAGE in the 'peaceful' Muslim community? Where is the United Nations resolution demanding that terrorist groups & Islamo-fascists cease this perversion of their faith? Where are the moderate, clear-thinking clerics? The American Feminists?? Listen. Carefully. Do you hear it? I don't either. Silence...

Nobody’s willing to say it; & if they do, they’re afraid of becoming a Benazir Bhutto. With this threat seething in terrorist-phile nations & slinking through modern Western societies, we desperately need heroes – people willing to publicly challenge Islamic theocrats who stoke, plot & finance terrorism. Our own Presidents have, & still are, denying the threat.

Benazir Bhutto was a hero, a martyr (if you will) for civilized society.
Here’s another one. She gets precious little news coverage (or none @ all), but her voice is strong & unequivocal ~~ Zohreh Arshadi: Ms Arshadi was a practicing lawyer in Iran prior to her forced exile to Europe. She is currently an advocate in France and is active in human rights and especially of the rights of women. She has been especially active in
defense of the rights of women in Iran.

In the excerpts from her article “Islamic Republic of Iran and Penal Codes”, she articulates Islamic Penal codes (i.e., Sharia Law). The Islamic Revolution of the 1970’s caused the “Restructuring [of] society on the basis of violence and sexual apartheid…What the clerics ruling Iran call an Islamic society and government denotes an underlying model that in two decades has brought about huge upheavals in the political, cultural, legal and ideological structures of Iranian society. This model can best be described by its two principal features: An administration based on naked repression and violence, and a society based on inequalities of gender, religion, politics and reinforced by a steadily widening class divide.

The theoretical foundation of the Islamic Penal Codes is a social model based on sexual apartheid….a belief that women are deficient in their natural and “innate” potentials and abilities, including their psychological-makeup and intellectual capacity. Second, a belief in a social and family order where men must be guardians over women, and women must submit. Third, a belief in an unequal system of rights…The Islamic Penal Codes are based on violence in its most primitive forms. These not only authorise organised state violence, but encourage male violence against women within the family and in society.”

Ms. Arshadi itemizes the legal Codes (Books, Chapters, Articles) which “give legal shelter to sexual apartheid”: We have…had women removed from the courts as legal specialists. Their absence in legal procedures and criminal courts means that misogynist and biased views of the law are put into practice with greater severity and force, and occasionally even added to, by male attorneys and judges most of whom are also priests. The Islamic punishments have encouraged a culture of violence against women, especially within the family and has spilled into violence against children…The fact that men receive a lighter punishment if they commit a violence against women undoubtedly encourages such violence. We saw how women could be killed with impunity...Stoning to death for adultery, although technically admissible for both sexes, has also been carried out mainly against women. Newspapers are full of accounts of wives, sisters, daughters, and children murdered...The family has become an institution of violence.

These are laws which in their entirety are more in keeping with a society still in the age of barbarism. At a time when most countries are banning the death penalty to have punishments such as cutting of hands, and feet, stoning to death, cutting off of tongues and gouging out eyes on the statutes is totally unacceptable.”

We need more heroes. This woman, living in exile from her own country, knowing the danger she brings upon herself, is willing to speak. We need more of her.

We. Need. More. Heroes.

Research. Think. Speak.

Be one.

~~~

NC Tax Tea Party!

Okay friends~

Need your help!! Some of us are going to the NC Tax Tea Party on April 15th. We need to go 'armed' w/ signage. Any ideas for slogans, phrases that are particularly sharp?


Let me know if you have any good ideas. 12 days & counting...

~~~