Volconvo Debate Forums - Blogs http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php A Debate Forum featuring political, news, religious and other relevant debate forum topics. en Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:25:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.volconvo.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Volconvo Debate Forums - Blogs http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php My dialog with a young ex-Muslim woman, Part 2 http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=289 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:53:21 GMT Reply from Mona to Atheist Exile:
#1). “What would it take to reform Islam, if it is reformable?”
Like Wafa Sultan once said, I don’t believe the Quran can be reformed!
I’ve thought about this a lot and asked other Muslims but I always get the same response, “No! The Quran is the word of Allah”
The problem is, Muslims are taught that every word in the Quran is the exact words that the prophet heard from the angel Gabrielle. It’s punishable to change a single word in the Quran.
The reason Muslims believe that Islam is the truth and the sole religion after the other Abrahamic religions, is that Allah said, “Jews and Christians failed, because they changed the holy books”. So the Quran came as the last revelation and it’s illegal to ever change the Quran.
I think the only way to make Islam, as a whole, a more moderate religion, will be to remove the hadiths and sharia law and only leave the Quran for people to live by. But even that would not make Islam much more moderate, because the Quran contains many violent and oppressive verses.
If moderate Muslims ever want to make this happen, it would have to be in a different day when there are fewer religious Muslims to oppose their ideas. As we all know, Muslims will use violence and I don’t think that any one has the courage to stand up to them.
Sadly, that’s how I see it :(
#2). “Do you believe the fundamentalist doctrines and dogmas of Islam produces values that are incompatible and irreconcilable with Western values?”
Yes, there really is no wiggle room here either. Islam opposes so much of what humanity and human rights stand for, in my opinion. Sure, a few verses might sound lovely and good but Islam and the Quran are incompatible and irreconcilable with Western values!
#3). “What do traditional Muslims mean when they claim that Islam is a "tolerant" religion?”
Lol funny heheh…
They see themselves as ”good people”, so they favor the good verses from the Quran. It’s the pick and choose thing religious people love to do. Here’s the verses…
4:29 “and kill not one another”
5:32 “that whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind”
109:2 “I worship not that which ye worship; nor worship ye that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.”
They use them to justify that Islam is tolerant… and most of them haven’t even read the whole Quran. Yet they act like the violent verses don’t exist. They don’t know enough about their religion.
Islam is not tolerant period!
#4). "When we hear that, 'Islam is a religion of peace', doesn't that mean, 'as long as you uphold Islam.'"?
Yes it does. You know a lot about Islam. It’s great to read your questions. That’s exactly it…the world will not be peaceful until Islam rules the world. It’s not a religion of peace. There’s no discussing it! They must be confusing the word Salam with Islam, I guess. That’s the only peaceful explanation I can come up with hehe.
The problem is that they will only keep demanding more and more. Sure, now it’s all about the politics and the wars and Israel but, in the end, they will demand more and more of us. The free world will have to live as dhimmis. We need to prevent that from happening and, for starters, we should not be so gullible and accepting of everything that peaceful Muslims say.
I’m not saying that every single one of them are liars. Sure, they might believe what they say themselves but they are the classic examples of gullible people who accept everything their parents say without questioning it. I know, because I used to defend Islam like that myself.
Thanks for the questions, I hope you’re satisfied with the answers and I’d love to answer more if you have any :)
Reply from Atheist Exile to Mona:
Thanks for your reply, Mona,
I appreciate your thoughtful answers. Over the last day, I've been debating an interesting woman, on Facebook, about Islam and the West. I've seen people like her before: they repeat what they've been told but actually don't know anything from their own independent investigations. She's never read the Quran but pretends this doesn't matter.
So many people in the west are like I used to be. I thought that Islam, as the second-largest religion in the world, was a great religion that provides a spiritual road map to life. There's a LOT of wisdom in smaller religions . . . who would have believed that the second-largest religion is so devoid of spirituality and wisdom?
Reading the Quran really opened my eyes. I saw how the terrorists are actually following Muhammad's example. I understood why Islamic expansion into the world is always accompanied by violence. I understood why it's the regions with harsh environments or harsh economies that Islam thrives in . . . because Islam is a harsh religion. Take a look at the world. Where does Islam thrive? It thrives in the poorest of places: the Middle East, Africa, Asia.
Does Islam improve conditions for its adherents? Not unless there's oil in abundance. Why is that? In one phrase: the subjugation of women. How does any country prosper when half its population is minimized? What kind of men are produced in countries where the women are pathetically powerless and kept under thumb? Courtship, sex and family are important to mental health. Yet Muslim men face a cultural reality of women valued less than their children and not much more than slaves. The women themselves, with gut-wrenching sincerity, will defend the system: so inured are they to their lot in life.
Is it any wonder there's no shortage of suicide bombers? Muslim countries will never prosper as long as they subjugate their women. Their sexually frustrated men will fill the ranks of Jihadis and peace will remain anathema to these male-dominated cultures.
Reply from Mona to Atheist Exile:
I agree. Thank you for these wise words. I love to see the insight non-Muslims have into Islam.
The older I get, the more I appreciate this planet, love and peace. That’s the reason Islam has been making me feel so bad. That's why I can't believe in it. It goes against the three things I appreciate the most: humanity, love and our planet.
It’s so clearly a false religion. WHY THE HELL have we turned the world upside down for it? It blows my mind. It makes me cry. My tears are streaming down as I write this and I’m afraid we will never see the day when these barbaric religions will be exposed for what they are. It’s just tragic and sad.....:(
Reply from Atheist Exile to Mona:
I’m crying with you, Mona. I wish the whole world could know what you know. ]]> AtheistExile http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=289 My dialog with a young ex-Muslim woman, Part 1 http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=288 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:52:10 GMT This discussion, from an atheist website, involves a young ex-Muslim woman (Mona) and me (Atheist Exile). It will be posted in 2 parts.

Posted by Mona:
I'm 20 and I live in Norway, Oslo. My name is Mona & I love ♥
I began my “quest” to find the truth 3 years ago! It all started with trying to become more religious, I never was a practicing Muslim and I've always asked questions I never seem to get a proper answers to. But still, I could never imagine myself leaving Islam, simply because I never thought I could.
I'm sorry to say I was brainwashed. I look back at my life and feel very deceived. I agree with Dawkins when he say's that childhood indoctrination is a form of child abuse. I was afraid to think and afraid of hell. I've still not told my family. Although they know I'm not religious, they believe it's just a phase!
Many people around me are becoming more and more religious as the days go by. I'm shocked and frightened by this and I find myself crying many times because people are wasting their lives on a big fat lie.
Anyway, I'm very happy I had the guts to question my religion. Learning more about evolution through natural selection is what finally made me an atheist.
I'm not too vocal about my atheism at the moment because I still live at home and the people around me are not the most open-minded. But I hope someday in the future I'll be able to be all that I wish to be and not apologize for it.
I'm happy I found this site. It's my favorite so far.
And it’s great to find a place where I get to talk to like minded and beautiful people ♥
Peace and much love.
Reply from Atheist Exile to Mona:
Hi Mona,
Thanks for that great introduction.
You say you were never very religious . . . but were you indoctrinated into Islam? Were you taught the Quran and ahadith? Are you familiar with the mindset of religious Muslims?
I ask because I'm on my second reading of the Quran and am convinced that a devout Muslim would have a mindset that most Westerners just won't understand. This has many implications for the future: as the world gets smaller, we need more understanding . . . not more divisions. If you grew up in a Muslim culture, you might well be able to shed light on the differences between Islam and the West.
I have no idea if that's something you would want to do but it seems worth asking. If so, I have a lot of questions for you.
By the way, are you familiar with Wafa Sultan? If so, what do you think of her?
Reply from Mona to Atheist Exile:
Yes, I was very indoctrinated, in fact I was politically & religiously brainwashed. Right after 9/11, I was very passionate and went to demonstrations and all that, but I was never a religious person in practise, like praying or wearing modest clothes, the only thing was, I never eat swine and I do fast sometimes.
Yes, I'd love to shed light on Islam and I'm here to do that. I know how dangerous Islam can be and I really don't think people have a clear idea of how much brainwashing and fear is put in typical Muslim children. Its very sad and, to be honest, I still observe it everyday. I'd love to answer all questions you may have, just ask :)
Yes, I know all about Wafa Sultan. :D That woman is truly inspiring, and is the first ex-Muslim to give me the courage to go back to the Quran, and have the guts to question it without thinking that god might strike me dead or something, LOL...
Peace :)
Reply from Atheist Exile to Mona:
Hi Mona,
Great! I don't know any Muslims, here in the Philippines . . . and if I did, I wouldn't be crass enough to ask them the questions I want answered. You, on the other hand, I now feel more free to ask.
I'll just list my top 4 questions. Sorry for stating the questions with background information that you probably already know: I'm framing the context for the benefit of all readers here (who might not know much about Islam).
#1).The Torah and Old Testament encourages or condones slavery, the subjugation of women, and a warrior mentality -- just as the Quran does. Christianity, in particular, has a violent and sadistic history. However, Judaism and Christianity have enjoyed reforms over the centuries that have rendered them less powerful and much more peaceful than they used to be (I consider the Palestinian problem to be a unique, special, situation). What would it take to reform Islam, if it is reformable?
#2).The God of Abraham is a jealous God. The Torah and Old Testament advocate death for heresy -- just as the Quran does. The death penalty for heresy or apostasy is an obvious mechanism for enforcing fundamentalism. So are other laws, moral tales and parables that reward obedience or punish disobedience. But the Quran is neurotically obsessed with obedience versus disobedience; believers versus nonbelievers. It enforces fundamentalism at every turn, repeating the same warnings and threats over and over. If you removed such verses from the Quran, there wouldn't be much left. There is no wiggle-room in the Quran for liberal interpretations. Do you believe the fundamentalist doctrines and dogmas of Islam produces values that are incompatible and irreconcilable with Western values?
#3).Islam translates to "submission" (to Allah). Jihad translates to "struggle" (for Allah). Umma is the whole community of Islam. Shariah is the divine path of obedience to Allah, as defined by the Quran and ahadith. Together, these core ideas divide the world into Muslims and kafir (those who refuse to submit to Allah/Islam) -- and drives Islam to push out the kafir. The Quran mandates that kafir convert to Islam or die. Dhimmis (Jews and Christians) are allowed to live without converting but must suffer jizya (a dhimmi tax) and various legal and (im)practical restrictions. What do traditional Muslims mean when they claim that Islam is a "tolerant" religion?
#4).The House of Islam (Dar-al-Islam) must struggle against The House of War (Dar-al-harb or non-Muslims) until the House of Islam is all that's left. The ultimate goal of Islam is to prostrate the entire world, bowing toward Mecca and repeating the Shahada. Peace will finally reign on Earth. Until then, Jihad (the struggle) is inevitable. When we hear that, "Islam is a religion of peace", doesn't that mean, "as long as you uphold Islam"?
Thanks, in advance, for your reply. I look forward to your answers. ]]> AtheistExile http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=288 Question of the day: Toyota http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=287 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:22:02 GMT If you give your wife a new Toyota for her birthday, are you: 1) a loving and considerate husband, 2) the worst kind of spousal abuser or 3) a smart shopper taking advantage of the inevitable rock-bottom prices Toyota will be charging while they attempt to remake their image? If you give your wife a new Toyota for her birthday, are you: 1) a loving and considerate husband, 2) the worst kind of spousal abuser or 3) a smart shopper taking advantage of the inevitable rock-bottom prices Toyota will be charging while they attempt to remake their image? ]]> Jack http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=287 Thinking about the Summoner Guide in 2 Moons(Part Two) http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=286 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:19:25 GMT Thinking about the Summoner Guide in 2 Moons(Part Two)


[FONT=Tahoma]In [COLOR=#810081]2 Moons[/COLOR],they have nice attack speed and effect.
Level([COLOR=#0000ff]2moons powerleveling[/COLOR])1-7 stay in the castle catching little bugs and the alligator looking things.
Level ([COLOR=#0000ff]2moons gold[/COLOR])8-15 stay in north morte/ares.
Level 15- 24 Stay in denebe.
Level 25-34 You highly recommend on Heinharp,it is the easiest place and the most efficient.From levles 25-28 or so,you recommend going on parties or getting plvled.Plvl is pretty easy there,what you do is,see if a higher level dude is around,by that it mean like levels 60+.Tell them to invite you to party,if so follow them and they do the killing and the rest.
34-45 Go to Nunvice.It is extremelyhigh exp and that is located in requires beach.You get there by going to denebe and look the map.
45-55 Go to Norak/Castor 2nd floor.It is the most boring stage of the game.You almost quit there and you will have to walk a lot till level 50,when you get to 50 you can transport there.
55-60 Go to Crespo.Awesome EXP and fun contrary to the boring caves you faced for a couple of levels earlier.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma]
From level 60, you will pretty much get the game.Train in the Instant dungeon in crespo in parties.It's hard for summoners to get a party there because they like to exclude us.Don't worry!Either get a friend or guild to go with and you'll be fine.But remember it costs 300k to enter.Be ready to do the best,unless there's a segnale in the party.Once you die you gotta come all the way back.It takes time.[/FONT] ]]> ttggbb http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=286 <![CDATA[A “great” writer]]> http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=285 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:15:14 GMT There was once a young man who, in his youth, professed a desire to become a “great” writer.

When asked to define “great” he said “I want to write stuff that the whole world will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly emotional level, stuff that will make them scream, cry, wail, howl in pain, desperation, and anger!”

He now works for Microsoft writing error messages. ]]> Jack http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=285 <![CDATA[Obama's NWO (New World Order)]]> http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=284 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:53:46 GMT > > > My name is Mel Sanger, an international political researcher. I and my group of political research analysts were asked by members of a Major American Christian Church (can't name it for obvious reasons) to investigate whether Barack Obama had any involvement with the implementation of the new world order. The Christian organization had received numerous calls and emails from its congregational members asking whether Barack Obama was the Biblical Antichrist. It would seem that there were a number of members who were being influenced by what they were seeing on the internet which was conflicting with the organization's overall general major public support for Obama. The confusion was causing major issues inside the church and they wanted a political research team without any ties to the organization or political biases to address the matter and report back on the findings. So we gladly accepted the task of tackling this subject . . . http://www.antichristidentity.com/Obama-New-World-Order.htm http://www.antichristidentity.com/Sneak_Preview.htm http://www.antichristidentity.com/Purchase_Report0.htm =================== C2NN Care2 News Promo Article: "Obama's New World Order - Rise of the Antichrist": > > > > http://www.care2.com/news/member/510010530/1408403]]> *** URGENT ***

"The Evidence Provided Below on Obama's Frightening Involvement with the New World Order Agenda is Under a threat of Being Taken Offline. You Must Act Now to Receive it...Fast"

WARNING: This Report is under threat of being taken offline due to its content. It is important that you read below to know how to access the rest of the information before the Report is taken offline.

Chaos In A Major Christian Denomination Regarding Obama!

The Message Excerpt: > > > >

My name is Mel Sanger, an international political researcher.

I and my group of political research analysts were asked by members of a Major American Christian Church (can't name it for obvious reasons) to investigate whether Barack Obama had any involvement with the implementation of the new world order.

The Christian organization had received numerous calls and emails from its congregational members asking whether Barack Obama was the Biblical Antichrist.

It would seem that there were a number of members who were being influenced by what they were seeing on the internet which was conflicting with the organization's overall general major public support for Obama.

The confusion was causing major issues inside the church and they wanted a political research team without any ties to the organization or political biases to address the matter and report back on the findings.

So we gladly accepted the task of tackling this subject . . .

http://www.antichristidentity.com/Ob...orld-Order.htm

http://www.antichristidentity.com/Sneak_Preview.htm

http://www.antichristidentity.com/Purchase_Report0.htm

===================

C2NN Care2 News Promo Article:

"Obama's New World Order - Rise of the Antichrist": > > > >

http://www.care2.com/news/member/510010530/1408403 ]]> Robert Marsh II http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=284 Spirit sex http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=283 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:14:02 GMT
Quote:
Quote by: yukonmuffin View Post
Reminds me of the south park about Michal Jackson.
"no, no! your just being ignorant!"
Cute. So this is what debate has become. Slapping yourself on the back for South Park comebacks.

If anyone here is mature enough to actually carry on a discussion I'd be happy to. I will freely admit my knowledge of what this is that I'm experiencing is limited at best. However, I do stand by my belief that it is real. I didn't include graphic depictions of my experiences because that's not really the focus of what I thought was worthy of debate.

In response to the earlier comment that my terminology used to describe my take on the sensations as "unmistakable" does not hold up to logical criticism is well taken. I will clarify and declare instead that the sensations are clear and well defined to the point of not only feeling touching, etc but also seeing movement on my skin.

There is much in existence we know little or nothing of.

By the way. I'm not a kid. I'm a 50 year old retired attorney. I'm well enough trained in thought, study and observation to feel confident in what I know and also appreciate looking at issues from different perspectives. ]]> mikeyshea http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=283 Fortifying Guide in 2Moons (part two) http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=282 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:02:30 GMT Fortifying Guide in 2Moons (part two)


[FONT=Tahoma]Success Rates and Costs : The success rates are not exact, they are really close test results. These are the weapon success rates, and the armor rates are 5% more on each upgrade. [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma]+9 means 5% (1,500,000 - 2,000,000 [COLOR=#0000ff]2moons gold[/COLOR]). [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma][/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma]+8 means 10% (1,000,000 - 1,500,000 2moons gold). +7 means 15% (800,000 - 1,000,000 2moons gold). +6 means 25% (400,000 - 600,000 2moons gold). +5 means 40% (200,000 2moons gold). +4 means 55% (80,000 2moons gold). +3 means 70% (40,000 2moons gold). +1 means 90% (10,000 2moons gold) +2 means 80% (20,000 2moons gold).

When you upgrade weapons in [COLOR=#0000ff]2Moons[/COLOR], their damage increases by ALOT, basicly if you manage to get a weapon to +9, it double the base damage of the weapon. Example, weapon dmg 1000-1500 +0, and then weapon dmg 2000-3000 +9.

When you upgrade certain peices of armor, it adds extra stats to the armors. Gloves which is upgrading gloves give them an extra % chance to crit, the extra stats adds on only after +4 upgrade.

Legs which is upgrading legs give them an extra % of magic restistance to all (poison, lightning, fire, ice, curse), the extra stats adds on only after +4 upgrade. Boots which is upgrading boots give them an extra % chance to guard, the extra stats adds on only after +4 upgrade. Our [COLOR=#0000ff]2Moons powerleveling[/COLOR] service will make your character stronger.[/FONT] ]]> ttggbb http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=282 <![CDATA[Other people's beliefs]]> http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=281 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:27:51 GMT
Quote:
Someone who believes that a guy fathered himself in order to send himself to earth in order to kill himself in order to appease himself for the very sins to which he himself convicted mankind as retribution for having fallen for a trick effected through the agency of a TALKING SNAKE doesn’t get to call other people’s beliefs “ridiculous”.
The Wise Sister ]]> Jack http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=281 Good Fish - Bad Fish http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=280 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:27:34 GMT Matthew 13:47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. Matthew 13:48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. Matthew 13:49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous...This is just one of the many illustrations that Jesus used to describe the kingdom of heaven in the book of Matthew. The world is described as a sea, and the people in the world are described as fishes caught in a net, who will be sorted out on the last day. Jesus will take those who are his into the kingdom of heaven, and cast away those who are not. He promises that anyone who wants can be included in the kingdom of heaven in his word in John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. We all need to know Christ as our Savior and ask God to be included with the "good fish", because he is going to catch us in his net and we will be sorted with one group or the other. What About Jesus? ]]> Glowing Lamp http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=280 Why Christians oppose the atheist bus campaign http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=279 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:39:27 GMT It’s the belief of the religious that we should all live by their rules, open opposition is not allowed.

Their dogma allows for illogical censorship, book burnings, prohibitions. They see nothing wrong with denying everyone the chance to make their own decisions and reach their own conclusions.

They avoid being exposed to anything that challenges their beliefs. And since they’re in the majority in many countries, they have weight to throw around. Bullies always bully others out of fear.

Quote:
The NZ Atheist Bus Campaign, which late last year raised in excess of $20,000 from public donations, has met a set back in their plans. Nationwide bus company NZ Bus, who had tentatively approved the campaign’s ads on buses in major city centres, have now rejected them.

NZ Bus stated that they have received a number of complaints from the public about the proposed ads, which read “There’s probably no god. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

Advertisements with identical wording ran in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Spain. Similar campaigns also ran successfully in Croatia, Finland, Holland, Italy, America and across the Tasman in Australia.

“We are gravely concerned that in New Zealand we’re unable to present an atheistic message, showing that we do not have the same practical freedom of expression as in other first world countries. It highlights why this campaign is so necessary.” said spokesperson Simon Fisher.
http://www.nogod.org.nz/2010/02/athe...pite-set-back/ (Emphasis added)

Let's break the message down and see if we can find what's so objectionable.

There’s probably no god.
An opinion rather mildly offered. Nothing like the presumption of absolute knowledge claimed in religiously influenced public postings. There's no condemnation of believers or of any particular religion. It's perhaps the mildest expression of disagreement with religious belief I've ever encountered. Yet it seems to make religious people apoplectic.

Now stop worrying and enjoy your life
Oh, well, yeah, there it is. The complete antithesis of religious belief. A direct challenge to the faith. Now I see why theists have raised such a stink over these banners.

OK, no, I really don't. Does god want us to worry? (Actually he does. The Bible, for example, encourages believers to live in fear and trembling of their god. If I thought for a moment that their god was real, I'd fear their god, too. He's portrayed as one mean sum-bitch. )

Is it anti-theistic to suggest that everyone should be able to enjoy their lives? Are those values which somehow conflict with religious belief?

If anyone thinks they can clearly present an intellectually satisfying explanation for why these signs should be opposed I'd love to hear it. ]]> Jack http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=279 The Problem of Free Will: Solved http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=278 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:39:37 GMT Just to make sure that we all understand what I mean by determinism, I'll define it here: "Determinism is the principle that causality is responsible for all events in the universe: that everything is determined by causality."

With linear time, the future hasn't happened yet. Wait . . . that phrase is monolithic: it's as if the future is some sort of all-encompassing entity. The fact is: the future occurs locally, and aggregates globally. The birth and death of an entire galaxy is irrelevant to us if it's so remote we can't even see it. Similarly, while the senseless death of a starving child in Africa is tragic and heartbreaking, you'll undoubtedly never know about it on a personal level. The point is that causality permeates the entire universe and makes its mark on everything: whether or not any particular event seems momentous or even noteworthy. But how do these events affect eternity? Will anything we do stop the universe expanding? The Big Bang has predetermined the demise of the universe . . . so aren't our own lives equally predetermined?

With this frame of reference, I propose that the future does NOT exist and is NOT predetermined everywhere, for everything. The futures of inanimate objects, however, ARE predetermined unless they fall under the control of (intelligent) animate beings. Wherever life leaves an impression, the future is not necessarily predetermined. What I'm talking about is the distinction between animate and inanimate modes of response to causality -- the difference between us and rocks. This distinction is most clear when we use humans as the example of the animate mode of response. This is because humans, unlike other lifeforms, embody ALL the major phenomena of life -- motility, consciousness, intelligence and, yes, free will.

The law of causality states that: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is true of both animate and inanimate objects. The difference between the animate and inanimate modes of response to causality is that inanimate objects have only one potential, immutable, reaction to an action while animate beings have variable potential reactions to an action. One major reason for this is that animate beings are complex systems. They have many functional parts that integrate, holistically, into a single entity. Animate beings are much more complex and much less predictable than inanimate objects. I'll be discussing determinism versus free will, so, for animate beings, let's stick with humans.

Whether or not you believe in determinism or free will . . . or believe free will is compatible with determinism (as I do), it's pretty difficult to deny causality (and, therefore, determinism). Without a single scientific experiment for support, we can, at any time, observe that cause always precedes effect. Conventional wisdom holds that free will is antithetical to determinism . . . but I hope to show that determinism (causality) actually creates free will.

Human identity and experience presents a problem for determinism. We all live as if we have free will: we work, play, think and plan as if we have free will. On the other hand, we can see that causality determines all events. How do we reconcile the difference? First, we need to acknowledge there might not be a difference. What if causality creates free will?

That's my basic premise: causality (determinism) creates free will. Nothing I've written, above, is essential to what follows -- I just wanted to frame free will in context of animate beings: of life.

Let's adhere strictly to causality. After all, you can't have it both ways: if causality determines everything, then it determines what our brains do too. If we accept that effects can't exist without a cause, then the processes of the brain, such as memory, thought, analysis and imagination, can be thought of as effects caused by the brain. Of these effects, imagination is most relevant to free will . . . because imagination can be prescient. We can extrapolate cause and effect into the future to imagine potential scenarios that might occur. We then evaluate these potential scenarios and gauge the likelihood they might actually transpire. This is, essentially, the process of planning. We use our experience and intelligence to estimate future outcomes, then plan the steps and contingencies necessary to best ensure -- or avoid -- those outcomes. Of course, short term, simple plans are more likely to succeed than long term, complicated plans. Depending on our skill at prognostication, our success rates vary from person to person. But, on the whole, short term plans usually succeed. I know this, without question, from my professional experience as a project manager.

How does planning relate to free will? Here's the interesting, awesome, part. Our ability to mentally anticipate cause and effect represents a temporal advantage over causality. Causality must wait for the future to unfold in the present but we can keep steps ahead of causality by extrapolating it into the future. In other words, we can (in our imagination) go where causality can't . . . and bring back conclusions that greatly affect our decisions. Steered by these conclusions, our choices guide us through potential futures in accordance with our plans.

When causality meets human intelligence, we make decisions based on forecasts of events likely in our futures. There are other causal factors involved, like experience, heredity, education, circumstances, etc., but it's prescient imagination that steers our decisions in self-directed ways. When determinism meets human imagination, it becomes self determinism: free will.

Our individual destinies are NOT written in the stars (may the force be with you) -- our destinies are ours to make. We (as well as ALL life forms) might eventually face extinction as the universe grows cold and fades away. Our collective destinies might be extinction but our individual destinies are ours to make. Most of us will die obscure deaths but a select few -- as long as humanity survives -- will be remembered by history because they used their imaginations to fundamentally change our world. ]]> AtheistExile http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=278 <![CDATA["Atomic Jihad" - Chess-Fork Ahead!!!]]> http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=277 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:31:30 GMT Subject: Nuclear Iran. The world has a major decision to make very soon or it will be made for the global community automatically by default! Either the world must totally accept Iran as a nuclear power or else engage in a campaign of immense military confrontation and 'attempt' to slow therefore preempt their scientific advancements. The Obama Administration (The U.S. Government) is in the leading key-role position for creating a direct impact upon this world stage. These final decisions will affect our lives and those of many future generations to come (assuming there are any!?). > "Atomic Jihad" - Film Description: Since its Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has been the undisputed leader of Islamism, the worldwide movement for Islamic revival. Islamism seeks to resurrect Muslim society from 300 years of decline by returning to its historic formula for success: Islamic law and government over Muslim lands. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has carefully laid out the Islamist view of the world for several years. He depicts a morally superior Muslim society based on Islamic concepts of justice, equality, and human dignity, while proclaiming America selfish, corrupt, hypocritical, and oppressive. Islamist animosity toward America also focuses on U.S. alliances with autocratic regimes in the Muslim world like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well as American support for Israel, "the illegitimate offspring of the Great Satan." In order to achieve "a new beginning with the Muslim world," President Barack Obama has emphasized the"shared hopes and common dreams" of America and Islam, while expressing regret over past U.S. treatment of Muslim nations. Meanwhile, Obama is committed to diplomacy with Iran as the path toward nuclear compromise and reconciliation. However, despite having "generations of Muslims" in his family, does President Obama really understand Islam's world view? By tracing the history of Islam's great conquests and determined struggles against non-believers since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Director Joel Gilbert illustrates that Islam's values and goals are decidedly different from and mostly incompatible with Western secular society. "Marg-bar Amreeka (Death to America)!" Atomic Jihad leaves little doubt that Iran is in the final stages of preparing a Coming War for Islamic Revival. Meanwhile, by seeking to appease Ahmadinejad with "change" in U.S. Middle East policy, President Obama is ushering in the Politics of Defeat for America. If successful in its nuclear program, Iran and its allies will finally possess the means to achieve their ultimate goals - the defeat of America and the return of Islam to past glory. http://atomicjihad.com/home.html =================== > Care2 C2NN Promo Article: http://www.care2.com/news/member/510010530/1401093]]> *Preface:

> Subject: Nuclear Iran.

The world has a major decision to make very soon or it will be made for the global community automatically by default!

Either the world must totally accept Iran as a nuclear power or else engage in a campaign of immense military confrontation and 'attempt' to slow therefore preempt their scientific advancements.

The Obama Administration (The U.S. Government) is in the leading key-role position for creating a direct impact upon this world stage.

These final decisions will affect our lives and those of many future generations to come (assuming there are any!?).

> "Atomic Jihad" - Film Description:

Since its Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has been the undisputed leader of Islamism, the worldwide movement for Islamic revival.

Islamism seeks to resurrect Muslim society from 300 years of decline by returning to its historic formula for success: Islamic law and government over Muslim lands.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has carefully laid out the Islamist view of the world for several years.

He depicts a morally superior Muslim society based on Islamic concepts of justice, equality, and human dignity, while proclaiming America selfish, corrupt, hypocritical, and oppressive.

Islamist animosity toward America also focuses on U.S. alliances with autocratic regimes in the Muslim world like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well as American support for Israel, "the illegitimate offspring of the Great Satan."

In order to achieve "a new beginning with the Muslim world," President Barack Obama has emphasized the"shared hopes and common dreams" of America and Islam, while expressing regret over past U.S. treatment of Muslim nations.

Meanwhile, Obama is committed to diplomacy with Iran as the path toward nuclear compromise and reconciliation.

However, despite having "generations of Muslims" in his family, does President Obama really understand Islam's world view?

By tracing the history of Islam's great conquests and determined struggles against non-believers since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Director Joel Gilbert illustrates that Islam's values and goals are decidedly different from and mostly incompatible with Western secular society.

"Marg-bar Amreeka (Death to America)!" Atomic Jihad leaves little doubt that Iran is in the final stages of preparing a Coming War for Islamic Revival.

Meanwhile, by seeking to appease Ahmadinejad with "change" in U.S. Middle East policy, President Obama is ushering in the Politics of Defeat for America.

If successful in its nuclear program, Iran and its allies will finally possess the means to achieve their ultimate goals - the defeat of America and the return of Islam to past glory.

http://atomicjihad.com/home.html

===================

> Care2 C2NN Promo Article:

http://www.care2.com/news/member/510010530/1401093 ]]> Robert Marsh II http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=277 Action 7 The Tower Updated of 2Moons(part two) http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=276 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:13:50 GMT Action 7 The Tower Updated of 2Moons(part two)


[FONT=Tahoma]Ritual : The ritual is Actually proceeding is full of unknown magic energy which is A top floor of the tower. Please have a look on our [COLOR=#0000ff]2moons dil[/COLOR] service. Maybe you can got you need. The energy emitted out from here can be seen from the Draco Desert where is very far from here. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma]
Creature : This floor in [COLOR=#0000ff]2Moons[/COLOR] is protected by the creatures created by the executors of the ritual in order to prevent any interference from outside. The creatures live in here do not have their own will or mind, but strong instinct to kill outsiders. The boss, Modresh, is a mechanic creature the executors created for a long time.

Flooding : Here, the sunken place due to the distortion of magic power, is transformed for the creatures, the executors of ritual made, to move without any inhibition. A strong creature called 'Filatus' is at the center of this floor to protect the gate to the next floor. We have best [COLOR=#0000ff]2Moons powerleveling[/COLOR] service online.

Beast : The ritual for rebirthing Deux Marble produced a frenzy magic that fortifies their creatures. So the executors used this magic to beasts they captured in order to increase their savage instinct. Behemoth, the king of beasts, owns this place.[/FONT] ]]> ttggbb http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=276 <![CDATA[Life's little lessons]]> http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=275 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:55:04 GMT How to get left alone at family reunions:

Some obscure cousin, "Remember when you were ten and I used to give you baths?"

You (answer one), "No, I've done so much acid and 'shrooms over the last few decades I can barely remember yesterday".

You (answer two), "Yeah, I do. Tell me, was that as highly erotic an experience for you as it was for me?" ]]> Jack http://www.volconvo.com/forums/blog.php?b=275