middleageman

I've been thinking about the basics in the last couple of days. What I mean by this is, I posted earlier mentioning peoples beliefs in Evolutionary Theories and how therefore, all that matters is that, in essence; - we are born, we learn survival instincts, until we are old enough to 'sow our seeds', raise our young and then job done. We are Animals. But, if we are Human, are we then, not more than animal? Look what we've achieved, speech, tools, fire, language, the wheel, religion, art, philosophy, engineering, science, technology and Trials! (i've maybe missed a few). We have soared above our planets neighbours onto a whole new intellectual level of backslapping and smugness. But in all that we think we've learnt so far, doesn't Darwinism (or any other evolutionary theories), just make all of this nonsense? Haven't we just wasted our time, working all of this out, to leave us back at square 1? - we are born, we f**k, we die? Don't the 'animals' already do this quite happily? Maybe, with all our years of progression and knowledge, you may call it an animal instinct, 'survival of the fittest'. But maybe, we could have advanced to ultimate intellectuality. But maybe, a word, one little word, has stopped us in our tracks. This word may be the 'missing link between us and the Animals. This word has led Humans throughout the ages to imagine the impossible, to trust in the unknown, to fundamentaly question everything that is real. I believe that word is 'Why?' MAM preemptive edit: for spellings and nonsense.

I think some people are seriously missing the point of the Bible here. I am also very much doubt, (as I expressed in a previous post), that they have actually sat down, read and tried to understand it? Would a person be able to discuss and argue the philosophies and intricacies of the plotlines, behind the series of the 'Star Wars' episodes, if they hadn't even watched a single film, or would they be relying on hearsay and appear rather foolish? I imagine the same people who maybe claim to believe in Darwinism and such, have not actually read any studies of his work and theories? Or maybe the 'Big Bang' theorists also? Maybe to 'follow the crowd' I hope you get my point. Most of the established Religions are based on teachings of Faith and Wisdom. I feel it would be rather naive to take the New Testament, Old Testament, Talmud, Koran, Veda, Tao-Chi-Ting or any Holy books or scriptures for there word. I haven't personaly read and understood all of these from cover to cover, so I'm can't really allow myself to berate those who have, and those who believe in them. At this point, I probably should mention, I'm presantly an open minded aethiest! Most of the posts I've read here, seem only be too ready to mock other peoples faiths and belief's, but offer no alternative conviction of thier own? I gather evolutionary process is a favourite, maybe concerning our Planet and the Universe. But do you really believe in this? The hard, cold facts I've learnt from this basic Evolutionary theory are that, as Humans, we are simply animals that are born by chance. and all we do, is learn enough to survive till an age where we can procreate, raise our young and die. Do you believe that is all 'Life' holds for us? Then why do you contemplate your own existence? MAM.

Why not buy some Venus Flytraps? A carnivorous plant that catches and digests animal prey. Maybe the slowest way to exterminate them, but surely the most macabre! Uurrgghh, A carnivorous plant that catches and digests animal prey, sort of reminds me of a photo of my ex- !!!

Seen as I'm fairly new to TF, I can only comment on my own experience. Ben John-Hynes was the 1st person to welcome me to the forum after my initial post, and I suppose you never forget that. Later on, he slated me for my rather 'wordy' approach to the Forum, (fair enough), but then sent me an apology via PM (sorry if I've dented your 'rep' Ben ). I've always found his approach to the NMC rather amusing and tongue in cheek myself. I don't know the fella, but I'll back his corner. edited: for spellingz.

Thanks, I shall look forward to that. M.A.M

Crikey man, I bet your a laugh in the pub! No offence intended. Edit: I must apologise to you Ben, my comment was rather shallow and rude. I will admit that most of your post's, go over my head like an Irish Priest's cassock over a choirboy's head. What do YOU actually believe? I'm lost as to whether your commenting on your own beliefs or Religion in general? I am generaly interested in your views, as I like to keep an open mind and you obviously have learning and passion in this field. Could you maybe reply in layman's terms for those of us with less religiously educated minds please? Or PM me? Cheers M.A.M.

I'm still working on mine - 'The Trackstand!' The Wife reckons I may find it easier if I'm not holding a glass of wine and cigarette. Pfft, women eh!

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Right, I've got a theory of my own. It's a bit f**kin out there, but bear with me. Well, you know we are just 'delving' into genetic engineering and such; (cloning sheep etc. although experiments are widely frowned upon, but have gone on for decades). Maybe, the Scientists, against all that we consider our esscence to be Human, but maybe, they're trying to create the ultimate 'human being', - ie; fit, healthy, disease free (cancers etc.) is this such a bad thing? It will happen. Is this good or bad? It maybe a different topic entirely. But my veiw is this: You know how people, who see "Aliens", (usually some guy from mid America and such), but they always draw the same image? The image we've become to know as our 'typical' alien. Through documentaries, films and such. You know, big eyes, pointy head, thin physique. Where did this portrayal begin? You know how people depict 'Aliens' as having the same look? You know, skinny, white, thin limbs, big head/eyes etc.? Well what if this 'ourselves'? Genenitacly purified? Looking back from 'the future'? Just a thought. Edited: for spelling. middleageman.

Ha ha! I'd trust you above a bunch of 'believers!' anyday!!!

I absolutely agree with you! (see my previous posts) But, we are also force fed with 'our teachers' present views on Life - we know nothing, and probably, we never will. edit: ahh shit! the Devil made me double quote.

Correct me if i'm wrong? But maybe most, who are denying Christianity in this post, have you actually read the Bible? Or any 'Sacred Scripts'? Or are you just guessing???

Isn't religious bashing, just a form of bullying?

oh yeah, has anyone seen my dummy? ....

Incredible. The amount of passion and feeling, viewpoints and opinions volunteered on this topic are 'beyond belief'. How, when people with no religious faith, are so convinced that science 'as we know it' has the answer? Does that not make 'science' - a faith/ belief/religion in it's own right? You might reply 'facts' - stick 'em up your arse! Everything we've learnt so far was fact, until it was disproved. I've decided that I am not religious, agnostic, an aethiest or a nihilist. i'm born, i grow, i f**k, i die. All the rest is a bonus. I suggest you all shut the f**k up whinging and get on with the basics ....IMO...

"Does anyone else collect stupid crap?!"......Welcome to my world! My collecting hobbies started when I was 9 years old. Whilst on holiday in the Lake District, I found a rather intriguing matchbox on the pavement. It had a pretty picture of a hotel on the front. It had been raining, so the box was damp. As I carefully opened it, to my utter joy it was full of matches, but they were made of black wood, with white heads! So began an obsession. I ended up with over 1000+ matchboxes, from all corners of the globe (full and unspent), stored in the drawers under my bed. Thinking back, if any had ignited, I would have been the 1st boy in space, on a mattress. My interests then developed to collecting, knives, beer bottles, pieces of found metal, wood and interesting stones. Weirdly, I don't seem to have grown out of this. I now collect, not unsually, records, cassettes, Cd's, magazines, musical instruments and such. But, to the extent that when buying our house, my Wife insisted we get one with an extra room to house all my 'crap' Cool! I'm sat typing this surrounded by my 'collectables' But I suppose the most irrational ones, are the cupboard full of foam packing I keep at work, (Yes, my workmates take the piss, but they can't see the overall 'plan'). Oh yeah, I also have a tendency to hoard boxes and tins. My shed is full of useful storage containers, but they contain nothing within, except box within box, tin within tin. 'Russian Doll' syndrome? But I suppose my weirdest collection, is a ball of 'magazine snot'. You know, the stuff they use to stick CD's to the cover of magazines? Well I've been collecting it over the years and formed a ball of it slightly bigger than a golf ball. I tried to take a picture of it to post on here, but it fell off the desk and got stuck with some dog hair and 'unmentionables' and it didn't really look fit for 'human consumption'. I probably regret posting this reply, but f**k it! Has anyone collected anything weirder?

What??? I've made most of my decisions in life either drunk or hungover. Rule 573? My 'book of Life' only went up to Rule No. 572 - "Do everything whilst being drunk or hungover". I must buy a revised copy!

When I was in my late teens, I used to cycle race. I was out training one day with a friend in North Wales and we were descending a local hill called the Horseshoe pass. Now this road descends from 1300ft in about 2 miles and it's possible to hit 40+ mph and overtake cars and coaches on the way down. So I'm going down at full pelt and there is a cattle grid 2 thirds of the way down, which is always best to bunnyhop at speed. As I'm concentrating on this, I clear the grid, look up and a sheep has wandered into the road! Granted, not an unusual sight in rural Wales, but I'm flying on a rather light cycle at great speed. For a split second, time seemed to freeze, she was looking at me, I was looking at her. I made the choice to swerve to the right, so did the sheep, right into my back wheel. Unbelievably, I managed to hold the bike up until stopping at the roadside, looked round and the sheep had gone. My freind who was following saw the collision, he said the sheep hit the deck, sprang up and charged off up the road. The only damage to my bike was a slightly buckled rim ( ahh... Mavic!) and some blood and wool on my spokes.

You're 'speaking in tongues' man! It maybe a result of you starting a theological debate? Glossolalia!

Respect Sir! I congratulate you on your courage and conviction in proclaiming your Faith in God. I imagine your beliefs must provide you with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and purpose. Personaly speaking, it's not easy being an aetheist. It can be a lonely place sometimes. I'd be interested to hear your views on those of us with no 'Faith'?

I'll get me coat....

Cogito ergo sum. I just told this to my favourite Sunflower, he couldn't cope, shed a tear and promptly disappeared in a puff of smoke.

When you and him have this chat, while he's talking, just randomly punch yourself in the face... He'll think your a nutter and leave you alone.

A Theological discussion? (rolls metaphorical sleeves up!) Religion is based on faith. What is faith? It maybe the hope that a 'higher power' is guiding us through this life. That 'it' will provide us with; A purpose to life? An end to the all? A reason to 'be'? ..A belief in a 'plan'. I personaly do not choose this path, but I cannot understand why people criticize the beliefs of others? We all have our 'crutches' to get us through the day, be it religion, adrenalin, drink or drugs. Also, of course, how can we deny our prerequiste instinct to Love or to Hate? ( oh yeah, I suppose I've just answered my own argument there). No-one can possibly claim to be right, because simply, we don't know the truth. And I doubt we ever will. Perhaps we should take a glance at the rest of our living neighbours. The plants, the animals. Do they indulgently sit and ponder their own existence? Or do they live life to the full? Eating, sleeping, procreating, dying. Are we, as Human Beings, maybe cursed with reason and thought? (But then again, by who!)

Mmmn, maybe? I placed an internet order, late on a Thursday night. I thoroughly expected an employee of Tarty's would have cycled up to North Wales overnight, I would have been awoken with a gentle tapping on my door on the Friday morning, with my goods, presented on a silver cushion. Instead I had to go through the humiliation of a 'postal worker' on my doorstep asking me to "sign" for my parts on the Saturday morning at 7 am. You just can't get the staff.........