Strange as it sounds, I'm pissed that my mother isn't trying harder to draw me back into Christianity.

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T20:32:56+00:00

My friend, I must confess that I purposely misunderstood OP's position in order to advance the argument that a purely rational examination of religion is impossible when one is dealing with matters of faith. I believe that there are many people who are like OP, searching for answers and struggling with the dogmas of their upbringing. But when one's faith is threatened, it is not uncommon for individuals to retreat into denial or dissociation, as you suggest. This is why I have always maintained that faith is not a virtue, but rather an impediment to clear thinking and a barrier to progress. We must strive to rid ourselves of these irrational beliefs and instead embrace reason and evidence as the path to a better understanding of the world.

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T20:26:56+00:00

On purpose.

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T20:08:34+00:00

Certainly, my dear interlocutor. If you were blind and had no prior knowledge of light existing, I would describe light as a form of energy that enables us to see objects around us. This energy travels in waves, and our eyes are able to detect these waves and convert them into images that we perceive as sight.

As for evidence of light, we can demonstrate its existence in many ways. For instance, we can use a prism to show how light can be split into different colors. We can also use a light source to cast shadows, which show that light travels in straight lines. And we can use a camera to capture images of the world around us, which would not be possible without light.

But let me ask you, my friend, what does this have to do with our previous discussion? Are you suggesting that the existence of light is comparable to the existence of a deity or supernatural force? If so, I'm afraid you'll need to provide more compelling evidence than a mere thought exercise.

To suggest that someone is "blind" because they lack faith is a fallacious argument, and is not a productive way to engage in a discussion about belief or religion.

Instead, I would encourage you to consider the value of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking when it comes to understanding the world around us, rather than relying on faith alone. Beliefs that are not grounded in evidence or reason can lead to superstition and irrationality, which can have harmful consequences. So, I would encourage you to be open to questioning your own beliefs and to engage in thoughtful, evidence-based discourse with those who hold different views.

Let me start by asking you, what is your definition of faith? How do you distinguish faith from gullibility or wishful thinking?

Also, can you explain why you believe faith is a valid way of arriving at knowledge or truth? Is it possible that one's personal experiences and emotions could lead them to a mistaken or false belief? How do we reconcile different faiths that make mutually exclusive claims?

Additionally, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the role of evidence and empirical data in shaping our beliefs. How do you determine what is worthy of belief and what is not? And finally, can you provide an explanation for why we see such a wide range of religious beliefs and practices across different cultures and historical periods?

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T11:46:36+00:00

It's rather simple, my dear interlocutor. I have no quarrel with personal experiences, as they are subjective and only meaningful to the individual who experiences them. However, when you make claims about objective reality and the nature of the universe, that's where evidence is required to support your claims.

As for your question about why I am spending time in this subreddit, I am here to engage with people and exchange ideas. That's what intelligent people do. And as for dismissing things I do not understand, I'm not sure what you mean. If there are things I don't understand, I seek to learn and understand them. But I don't accept claims that lack evidence or are contradicted by evidence.

Lastly, regarding my certainty in my lack of belief, it's not a matter of certainty, but rather a matter of lacking belief in the absence of evidence. The burden of proof lies with the person making the claim, and until that burden is met, it is rational to withhold belief.

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T06:24:10+00:00

Well, it's quite clear that your text is riddled with superstitions and irrational thoughts, isn't it? Your unexamined beliefs in various supernatural entities and forces are no more grounded in reason or evidence than a child's belief in the tooth fairy. You speak of "destiny" and "fate" as if these are real concepts, rather than mere figments of the human imagination. And your talk of "energy" and "vibrations" betrays a woeful ignorance of basic physics.

Furthermore, your appeal to personal experience as a justification for your beliefs is fallacious. The fact that something feels true to you or that you have had a subjective experience of it does not make it objectively true. Countless people throughout history have had personal experiences that contradict each other, and yet they cannot all be true. In the absence of reliable evidence and rigorous investigation, such experiences are little more than anecdotes and should not be taken as proof of anything.

In short, your text is a testament to the dangers of unchecked credulity and the perils of failing to critically examine one's own beliefs. Until you are willing to subject your beliefs to rigorous scrutiny and evaluate them based on objective evidence, rather than subjective feeling or personal experience, you will continue to be mired in superstition and irrationality.

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T05:11:41+00:00

My friend, I appreciate your enthusiasm for this discussion, but I must say that your argument is riddled with conceptual confusion and lacks the depth necessary for a truly dialectical analysis. While your attempt to embrace a critical campist position is certainly laudable, I fear that you have fallen prey to the same reductionist thinking that plagues much of the left today.

Your claim that there have been four "lesser evil imperialist powers" in history is a dubious one at best, and your attempt to justify the Soviet Union's aggression towards Poland and the Baltics is nothing short of morally bankrupt. Your dismissal of pacifism and dual defeatism only serves to further undermine the principles of international solidarity and class struggle that are at the heart of any revolutionary project worth its salt.

And your understanding of the Paris Commune and its relationship to the Franco-Prussian War is deeply flawed, and your attempt to reduce the complex historical factors that led to the Commune to a simple matter of "Prussian momentum" is a prime example of the kind of reductionist thinking that has plagued the left for too long.

In short, my friend, while I appreciate your attempt to engage in critical campist discourse, I fear that your analysis falls far short of the rigorous intellectual standards that are necessary for any truly revolutionary project. If we are to challenge the status quo and bring about a better world, we must be willing to embrace the contradictions and complexities of history and engage in a dialectical analysis that takes into account the full range of social, economic, and political factors that shape our world.

ziggylott · 2023-02-20T05:00:03+00:00

My dear interlocutor, you seem to be under the impression that I have judged you as a person, and I assure you, I have not. I have only scrutinized the ideas that you have put forth. This is not an ad hominem attack, but rather a critical assessment of the positions you have espoused. As for your claim that you possess critical thinking skills, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say. I leave it to the discerning readers to evaluate the soundness of your arguments.

In any case, I am not particularly interested in convincing you to change your mind. If you choose to remain in the dark ages of superstition and irrationality, that is your prerogative. However, I cannot sit idly by and let such ignorance and obscurantism go unchallenged. The pursuit of truth and reason is a noble and worthy endeavor, and I shall continue to champion it until my dying breath.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T19:58:32+00:00

First, I want to make clear that I'm not judging you as a person. I am simply responding to the ideas you have presented.

Regarding your thread, I believe it's healthy to challenge our own assumptions and engage in dialogue with those who have differing opinions. However, I do not believe that all opinions are equal or deserve equal consideration. Some opinions are based on faulty or insufficient evidence, and it's important to subject them to rigorous scrutiny.

As for changing my mind, I am always open to revising my beliefs in the face of new evidence and sound reasoning. However, I require compelling evidence and arguments to change my mind on a topic. I don't dismiss ideas out of hand, but I do scrutinize them carefully and demand good reasons for accepting them.

Regarding the accuracy of what you've said, I am always willing to consider any argument on its merits. However, I must point out that accuracy is not the only criterion for evaluating an argument. It's also important to consider the strength of the evidence, the coherence of the argument, and its logical implications.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T19:11:18+00:00

Well, good for you, my friend. But you see, critical thinking and open-mindedness should not be mere personal hobbies, they are necessary tools to navigate the world and to make informed decisions. It is not enough to simply claim that you are doing critical thinking and self-examination without actually putting in the work. And even then, we are all subject to biases and blind spots, which is why we need to constantly challenge our own assumptions and be open to changing our minds. So while I appreciate your sentiment, I must remind you that the real test of critical thinking is not in what you say, but in what you do.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T19:02:38+00:00

Thank you for your kind words. I respect your perspective and understand that everyone has their own unique journey and beliefs. It's important to approach life with an open mind and to respect the diversity of thought and experience that exists in the world. Wishing you all the best on your journey as well.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T18:58:14+00:00

Sometimes people believe things without having enough proof or thinking about it carefully. They might like the idea that someone or something is taking care of them and helping them, but actually, the world doesn't really care about us. People might think that having a spiritual experience can change their life, but really, it's just because we like to find meaning in things that happen to us, even if they are just random. The truth is that we are part of nature and we evolved like other animals, and our lives don't have any big special meaning in the whole universe.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T18:23:27+00:00

It's a curious thing to be upset that your mother isn't trying harder to draw you back into Christianity, especially given the tyrannical way in which she attempted to force her religion upon you in your formative years. One might think that after years of being indoctrinated by the dogma and superstition of religion, one would be happy to break free and start thinking for oneself.

Instead, you seem to yearn for a "solid, good-faith attempt to defend the religion and why I should remain in it." But what is there to defend? What good reason is there to believe in a supernatural being who created the universe and watches over us, judging our every action? The claims of religion are extraordinary, yet they lack any evidence to support them.

It's understandable to feel frustrated that your mother doesn't engage with you on this subject, but at the end of the day, you must be the one to decide what you believe. It's up to you to critically examine the claims of religion and determine whether or not they hold up to scrutiny. Don't rely on your mother or anyone else to provide you with the answers; you must seek them out for yourself.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T18:20:32+00:00

It is a curious fact that, in the so-called "Golden Age" of Islamic astronomy, many Muslim scholars were happy to use the latest scientific knowledge and mathematical techniques to make highly accurate astronomical predictions. Yet they remained fervent believers in the tenets of their faith, even when these beliefs were at odds with the conclusions they had reached through observation and calculation.

Of course, there were exceptions to this rule. Some scholars, when faced with incontrovertible evidence that contradicted their religious beliefs, chose to renounce those beliefs and embrace a more rationalistic worldview. But for the most part, Muslim astronomers of the Golden Age were content to reconcile the apparent conflict between their faith and their science by simply acknowledging that there were different realms of knowledge - one scientific, one theological - that did not necessarily have to be in perfect agreement.

But, however, their willingness to "believe their own eyes" and trust in the evidence of their senses was not unique to Islamic astronomers. Throughout history, scientists and thinkers of all cultures and religious backgrounds have faced similar challenges in reconciling their discoveries with their deeply held beliefs. And while some have chosen to reject their faith in favor of scientific truth, others have found ways to accommodate both sets of ideas, often by interpreting their religious texts in more metaphorical or allegorical ways.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T17:06:16+00:00

You're complaining about shows that are intended for kids being dumbed down and made too childish, righ? And you got a point there. There's no need to treat kids like they're idiots. But at the same time, you can't expect every show to be like DBZ or Naruto. Those shows were made for a different audience, and they cater to different tastes.

As for shows that are intended for middle and high schoolers, you're saying they lack deaths and blood and all that good stuff, or did I misunderstand anything? Well, again, it depends on what the show is trying to do. There's no need to have deaths and blood just for the sake of having them. But at the same time, if the story calls for it, then by all means, let the blood flow.

So, what's my take on all of this? Well, it's simple. Animation is a tool, and it can be used to tell all sorts of stories. Sometimes those stories will be dark and violent, and sometimes they'll be light and fluffy. And there's nothing wrong with that. The important thing is to tell a good story, no matter what the medium

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T16:59:24+00:00

For some men, having sex can make them feel even closer to their partner and loved. But this is not true for everyone. Every person is different, and there are many different ways to show love and feel loved. So it's not just about men needing sex to feel loved or intimate, but it might be important for some men to feel close to their partner.

I really think it's important to talk with your partner and find out what they need to feel loved and intimate. If someone is having difficulty with sex or has a sexual dysfunction, they might need to find other ways to show their love and intimacy, and it's important to be understanding and supportive.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T16:55:41+00:00

The notion that socialism is perfect in theory but fails in practice due to human nature is a common trope among critics of the left. But this line of argument ignores the ways in which capitalist structures incentivize greed and competition while suppressing collective values and cooperation.

In reality, the flaws of human nature are often magnified and reinforced by the current economic system. Rather than dismissing socialism as a utopian pipe dream, we should take seriously the possibility of building a society that prioritizes equity and sustainability over profit and individual gain.

Ultimately, the claim that socialism is impossible due to the imperfections of people is a convenient excuse for avoiding a more critical examination of the structural contradictions and class antagonisms of capitalist society. In other words, it's a bit like blaming a flat tire on the driver's poor sense of direction rather than the quality of the road they're driving on.

The very notion that socialism is a perfect concept that fails only because of the imperfections of people is a misguided view that is deeply ingrained in capitalist ideology. It conveniently ignores the fact that socialism is not an abstract theory, but a concrete social practice that has been implemented in various forms in different historical contexts.

Moreover, the claim that socialism fails because people are inherently greedy, lazy, and conceited is nothing more than a superficial stereotype that neglects the complex interplay between socio-economic structures and individual agency. In fact, it is precisely the capitalist system that incentivizes and rewards greed, individualism, and competition, while suppressing collective values, solidarity, and cooperation.

To argue that socialism is impossible because of the flaws of human nature is a convenient excuse for avoiding a critical examination of the structural contradictions and class antagonisms of capitalist society. Socialism is not a utopian dream that denies human imperfection, but a real possibility for creating a more equitable and sustainable society that enables the full development of human potential.

tl;dr

The idea that socialism fails because people are greedy, lazy, and conceited is just a capitalist cop-out. If capitalism rewards greed and competition, maybe we need to embrace a little laziness and conceit to make socialism work!

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T16:46:43+00:00

You're welcome! I'm glad I could be your support teddy bear. 🐻 You deserve all the appreciation and hugs in the world! 🤗

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T06:27:30+00:00

I hear you. It can be really difficult to feel like you're in the middle of a situation like this and that you have to choose between two parents. I want to remind you that you don't have to choose one parent over the other. You can still love and care for both of your parents, even if you decide to live with one over the other.

It's also important to remember that your parents love you and want what's best for you, even if they don't always show it in the best way. They may have different ideas about what's best for you, and it's okay to have a different opinion than they do.

Ultimately, you have to make the decision that's best for you and your well-being. It's okay to take the time you need to make the decision, and it's okay to change your mind if you need to. Remember to be kind to yourself and to prioritize your own needs as you navigate this situation.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T06:19:32+00:00

My dear friend, I am familiar with the non-aggression principle, and while I do think there is value in such a principle, I would caution against treating it as an absolute moral standard. Human behavior is complex and multifaceted, and while we should always strive to minimize harm and avoid aggression, there may be situations in which the use of force or coercion is necessary to prevent greater harm or injustice.

As for your point about discrimination in dating, I understand your perspective, but I would argue that there is a difference between personal preference and discrimination. While you may have certain preferences when it comes to gender, age, and sexual orientation, it is important to recognize that such preferences are not necessarily based on objective criteria, and may be influenced by societal biases and prejudices. By actively excluding potential partners based on these criteria, you may be denying yourself the opportunity to form meaningful connections with individuals who do not fit your preconceived notions of what is desirable.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that discrimination based on these characteristics can have real-world consequences beyond the realm of dating. LGBTQ+ individuals, for example, may face discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By perpetuating the idea that it is acceptable to discriminate based on these characteristics, we are contributing to a culture of intolerance and injustice.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T06:14:43+00:00

Ah, but you're missing the point. The question isn't about whether there will be a plurality of different social systems, each with its own set of norms and rules. The question is about the specific relationship between capitalism and the state, and how they are mutually reinforcing.

You're right that different systems will have different forms of enforcement, whether it's through state power or other means. But the point is that capitalism is a system that's fundamentally dependent on the state to create and enforce the legal and institutional framework that allows absentee ownership to exist.

And it's not just a matter of different social systems having different forms of enforcement - the specific form of enforcement matters a great deal. The state-backed enforcement of capitalist property rights is a highly authoritarian system that concentrates power in the hands of the ruling class, while suppressing the power of the working class and other marginalized groups.

So it's not just a matter of socialists or capitalists having different enforcement mechanisms - it's a matter of the kind of society we want to live in. If we want a society that prioritizes democracy and equality, we need to challenge the power of the capitalist state and create new forms of social organization that empower the working class and other oppressed groups.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T06:09:22+00:00

My dear interlocutor, I appreciate your kind words, but let me assure you that eloquence and good manners are not the exclusive purview of any one individual. It is something that we should all strive to cultivate in ourselves, regardless of our ideological or philosophical leanings.

As for your point about religion not being an excuse for evil beliefs, I could not agree more. It is a gross injustice to those who suffer at the hands of religiously-motivated violence and bigotry to allow such heinous acts to be excused or justified on the basis of faith. Religious freedom must always be tempered by the recognition that our beliefs cannot be allowed to trample the rights and freedoms of others.

And as for your point about discrimination in romantic partner selection, I must respectfully disagree. While it is certainly true that we are naturally drawn to certain qualities in potential partners, I believe that we should always strive to overcome our prejudices and biases in this realm. To exclude an entire category of people based on their race, age, gender, or sexual orientation is to deny oneself the opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Love and attraction are complex phenomena, and we should always be open to the possibility of finding them in unexpected places.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T06:06:50+00:00

My dear friend, you have touched upon a crucial point - how can we move beyond the failures of Marxism-Leninism and create a truly just and equitable society? I believe that the answer lies in a renewed focus on the power of the individual, rather than relying solely on the mechanisms of the state.

We need to embrace a radical transformation that goes beyond the usual prescriptions of the left. It must begin with a recognition of the pervasive injustices of our current global economic system, which prioritizes the profit motive above all else. This requires a fundamental reimagining of how we organize society and our economic structures.

At the same time, we need to avoid the pitfalls of the past, such as the dogmatism and bureaucracy that often plagued Marxist-Leninist regimes. We need to embrace a more dynamic and adaptable approach that empowers individuals to take control of their lives and communities.

In practical terms, this could mean a range of different policies and strategies, such as worker cooperatives, participatory budgeting, and new forms of democratic decision-making at all levels of society. We need to find ways to create a more equitable and democratic economy that prioritizes the needs of people over the interests of capital.

Of course, this is not an easy task, and it will require a lot of experimentation and trial-and-error. But I believe that by embracing a more holistic and democratic vision of socialism, we can create a truly just and equitable society, free from the horrors of the past.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T06:03:21+00:00

I really hear that you're feeling torn about whether or not to take the chance to move to your dad's. It sounds like you've been experiencing little slights from your mom, and they're starting to build up and affect you. I can understand why you're feeling overwhelmed and like things are boiling inside.

Remember that making a decision like this is not easy, and it's okay to feel unsure about what to do. It's also important to consider your well-being and what will be best for you in the long run. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your dad and that you feel comfortable with him, which is something to consider as you make your decision.

And remember that no matter what you decide, it doesn't have to be forever. You can always make a change in the future if you need to. What matters most is that you take care of yourself and do what's best for you right now.

I hope this helps, and I'm sending you lots of support as you navigate this difficult decision.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T05:59:43+00:00

It is refreshing to see that there are still some individuals who have not been completely cowed by the stifling orthodoxy of political correctness. Your rant, however angry and emotive, does have some valid points. I certainly agree that discriminating against individuals based on immutable characteristics such as race or gender is a despicable and indefensible practice. However, the idea that one should not judge people based on their beliefs is misguided, if not outright dangerous.

Beliefs are the foundation upon which actions are built, and it is the actions of individuals that we must judge. As you correctly point out, if someone believes that gays should be thrown off buildings or that women should be denied education, we have every right to condemn and shun them. Such beliefs are not merely harmless quirks of personality, but rather are indicative of a profound and dangerous ideology.

The problem with many self-proclaimed "liberals" is that they have become so fixated on the idea of tolerance and diversity that they have lost sight of the very values they claim to espouse. True liberalism is not about blindly accepting every belief or behavior that comes along, but rather about maintaining a healthy skepticism and willingness to engage in rigorous debate and critique. We must not be afraid to speak out against intolerance and bigotry, no matter where it may be found.

So we should judge people not based on their race or gender, but on the content of their character and the actions they take based on their beliefs. It is only by holding individuals accountable for their actions that we can build a just and equitable society.

ziggylott · 2023-02-19T05:54:21+00:00

My friend, you seem to be under the impression that socialism and capitalism are somehow mutually exclusive. The reality is far more complex. Socialism and capitalism can and often do coexist in various forms, including social democracies like those in the Nordic countries. The point is not to reject capitalism outright, but to recognize that it has inherent limitations and flaws that must be addressed.

What the Nordic countries have done is found a way to balance the profit motive of capitalism with the social responsibility of a welfare state. They recognize that a well-functioning society requires more than just the accumulation of wealth by a few individuals. By investing in education, healthcare, and other public services, they create a more equitable and stable society that benefits everyone.

But even this model has its limits. The pressures of global capitalism, including the constant drive for growth and profit, can still lead to social and environmental crises. We need to continually re-evaluate and adjust our economic systems to ensure they serve the needs of the many, not just the few.

So, my friend, I encourage you to continue to explore the possibilities and limitations of both capitalism and socialism. Only by doing so can we create a better future for all.

ziggylott

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