Skeptic Sage

04/08/2024

If “Free Will” is used as an explanation for the flaws and imperfections in Humanity, then why an all-knowing and all-powerful deity would choose to create beings who have the ability to make choices that go against his will?

If god is all-knowing, he must have known in advance what choices Humans would make, and if he is all-powerful, he could have easily prevented those choices from being made.

Doesn't these instances seems to contradict the concept of free will, as it implies that our choices are predetermined or controlled by a higher power? This suggest that free will is difficult to reconcile with determinism and it often leads to several issues like the problem of evil, the problem of luck etc.

06/07/2024

29/06/2024

In this age of fake news and alternative facts, only skepticism can helps us distinguish between what is true and what is not.

03/06/2024

People need to develop logical and critical thinking skills. It's an important part of learning and enlightenment. We have to question premise or assumptions, seek out multiple perspectives, and think critically about the information we receive.

If we constantly keep doing so, we can become more effective problem-solvers and make informed decisions that benefit ourselves and others. Even uneducated can learn critical thinking, not the educated one alone. This is why many adults, despite their educational background, frequently accept myths without engaging in critical thinking.

28/05/2024

Many theists often link atheism to concepts like evolution and the Big Bang. Some even expect atheists to provide answers about evolution and Big Bang because they do not believe in god. They assume that if atheists don't believe in a god, then they should have answers about the universe and life.

This is mistake theists often do. Being an atheist does not mean we have all the answers about theological or scientific questions, including how the world began or how evolution functions. It simply means that we are not convinced by the claim that gods exist due to lack of compelling evidence. Those who think that Evolution or Big Bang has something to do with Atheism are woefully uninformed.

The main challenge now is that theists are unable to provide evidence for the existence of their god. They've been trying to provide evidence for thousand of years and none of them come up with actual concrete proof or evidence. That is the crux of our debate. Without concrete proof/evidence, atheists will continue to exist.

18/05/2024

It's funny that some Christians don't follow the rules in their holy book. You can't say you believe in the Bible and only do what you want from it based on your own interpretation/cultural beliefs.

16/05/2024

How Science and Religion Operate.

How science works:

The scientific method is a systematic approach to gaining knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Science work by constantly challenging claims. If a claim cannot accurately describe or predict something else, it is discarded or view as hypothesis.This approach helps guard against human self-deception. Scientists are encouraged to challenge each other's claims and ideas in order to refine their understanding and to eliminate false or misleading information. Through all these process, science can build a body of knowledge that is continually updated and refined as new evidence becomes available.

How religion works.

Religious beliefs often involves a belief in a higher power or deity, as well as a set of moral and ethical guidelines for how to live one's life depending on different religions. Religious practices include prayer, meditation, rituals, and gatherings for worship. Religion operates through faith and beliefs without constant questioning or doubt. It emphasizes belief in ancient religious texts; doubting or questioning is often viewed as disrespectful and unacceptable. Anyone making fun of religious beliefs or try to disprove them is seen as heretics, and sometimes face consequences of his/her actions.

10/05/2024

Many ancient religious texts are replete with depictions of ugliness and brutal acts attributed to monstrous deities.

09/05/2024

Don't Use Personal Experience/Feelings To Change Your Opinions. Rather, Use Facts To Change Your Options.

For us to change our opinion using facts, first, we needs to be open to new information. Next, we should gather facts from reliable sources. Then, analyze these facts carefully. After that, we should compare them with our current beliefs. If the facts contradict our opinion, we can try to consider adjusting our viewpoint based on the new information. By doing this, we can attain enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the world.

08/05/2024

A brief history lesson and the illusory truth effect, with some colorful commentary.

The illusory truth effect is a cognitive bias where something seems true (regardless of actual accuracy) the more one is repeatedly exposed to it. This tactic has been common practice in politics since time immemorial---a fact which (hopefully) surprises zero people. See the link to learn more about the research on this bias. Or don't. This is a social media post, not a court order.

https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/illusory-truth-effect

There is a good chance that you have read an infamous quote that is attributed to the leader of N**i propaganda in WWII, Joseph "f**k that guy" Goebbels. It (in part) reads, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” This quote has been repeatedly attributed to this piece-of-sheisse across social media, news outlets, websites, households, chatrooms, etc. Hades, I wouldn't be surprised if you found it in a comment somewhere on PornHub. (No need for a link; I'll take your word for it this time).

Let's be clear about something: the alleged quote most definitely and accurately portrays the N**i Richard-cranium propaganda tactics that spewed vile lies and hatred across the face of Europe like the world's worst adult bukk... erm... multi-performer film. This propaganda played no small role in the genocide of millions, during which almost an entire branch of my family tree was lost. So I harbor zero love for n***s.

However, *raises an index finger in the air after adjusting monocle* there is no evidence (at least none that I've ever seen) that shove-a-pineapple-up-his-arse Goebbels ever said this quote. In a way, I guess this irony makes the history lesson even more important by---get this---using the power of the illusory truth effect to talk about the illusory truth effect. Mind. Blown.

In contrast to the alleged quote from the disinformation-spewing, sheisse-gobbling Goebbels, below is something President Roosevelt (whom we can certainly criticize) said in that same era. I generally like FDR. He helped awaken the sleeping giant and cooperatively worked with other world leaders to release the dogs of war and kick some totalitarian ass. Yup, he had his flaws *cough cough* internment camps *cough cough.* But for all his failures, FDR was better than Goebbels by a huge margin. But then again, that is not exactly hard to do, so hold the applause. Still, IMHO (which is worth exactly what you pay for), we would be wise to remember both the misattributed quote from Goebbels and FDR’s quote because exactly zero of us hairless apes are immune from having our thoughts manipulated by disinformation campaigns.

*Glares at you know who*

Carpe Datum and Semper Sci!
[Sgt Scholar Actual]

08/05/2024

To keep your child away from religious fundamentalism. Teach books on philosophy, literature, poetry, etc
World Book Day 2024
fans

08/05/2024

Meaning of the quote: If someone has always lived within certain limitations or constraints, they may view freedom or the idea of breaking free as dangerous or unnatural. In this context, the bird represents a person who has never experienced true freedom and sees it as a threat to his/her well-being.

The 5 Minute Stoic

06/05/2024

Indoctrinating or brainwashing children with religion is child abuse because it limits their ability to think freely and make independent choices. This can also prevent them from learning new information, exploring different beliefs and understanding the world.

23/01/2024

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀.

1. If the congregation learn about controversial or negative aspects of their religion's history, such as instances of violence, oppression, or discrimination, it could lead to confusion, shame, and potentially cause some members to question their faith.

2. If the congregation discovers that key events or figures in their religion's history are based on myths or legends rather than actual historical events, it could lead to confusion and a loss of trust in their religious leaders.

3. If the congregation learns about inconsistencies or contradictions in their religion's historical narrative, it could cause confusion and undermine their faith.

4. If the congregation hears about theological debates or disagreements that have taken place throughout their religion's history, it could lead to confusion and potentially cause some members to question their own beliefs.

5. If the congregation learns about the influence of other religions or cultures on their own faith's development, it could lead to a reevaluation of their understanding of their religion's history and origins.

23/01/2024

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴.

When we hear or read something, we often make assumptions or form premises based on our own experiences or beliefs. But these assumptions aren't always true or accurate. To analyze, reason, and think critically, we need to question our or other people's assumptions and premises before accepting them.

For example, if someone says All goats or dog are aggressive, this is an assumption/premise. To analyze and reason critically, we need to ask questions like: Have you seen all dogs in the world? Or how do you know? Are there any non-aggressive goat? Are there any factors that could influence a goat's behavior, such as training or environment? By questioning our/other people's assumptions and premises, we can avoid making false conclusions and improve our critical thinking skills.

Note: Don't believe everything you hear or read. Think about it first and ask questions to make sure it's true.

31/12/2023

Five Myths in the Quran that Don't Match with Modern Society.

1. The Sun Setting in a Muddy River: According to the Quran, the sun sets into a muddy river called 'Lut' (Quran 18:17). This is a myth that contradicts modern scientific understanding of the solar system.

2. The Sun Being Held by God's Throne: The Quran states that God has placed the sun on a moving throne, and it travels around the earth (Quran 21:33). This contradicts modern astronomical knowledge about the sun's orbit and the fact that it is stationary.

3. The Seven Heavens: The Quran describes the existence of seven distinct heavens (Quran 67:3), which contradicts modern scientific knowledge about the universe having only one heavenly body, the Milky Way galaxy.

4. The Earth Being Flat: The Quran implies that the earth is flat and rests on water (Quran 24:44). This contradicts modern scientific understanding of the earth's shape and its position in relation to other celestial bodies.

5. The Miracle of the Quran: Muslims believe that the Quran is a miraculous text that cannot be replicated by humans, even if they try. This is a myth because there are many other religious texts that claim the same thing, and the Quran itself is not unique in its literary style or content.

31/12/2023

Five Myths in the Bible that Don't Match with Modern Society.

1. The creation story in genesis, where god creates the world in six days and rests on the seventh, is a myth that does not align with modern scientific understanding of the universe's origins.

2. The story of Noah's Ark, where god instructs Noah to build a giant ark to save his family and two of every animal species from a great flood, is also a myth that does not match with historical or scientific records.

3. The story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, where they are led by Moses through the Red Sea and receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, is a myth that lacks archaeological evidence and contradicts historical records.

4. The story of Samson, a biblical hero known for his superhuman strength, is a myth that does not align with modern understandings of human physiology and abilities.

5. The story of Jonah and the whale, where Jonah is swallowed by a whale and survives inside its stomach for three days, is also a myth that defies scientific explanation.

20/12/2023

Some reasons why individuals invented Beliefs System. To...

1. Develop explanations for experiences they cannot fully comprehend.

2. Find comfort and reassurance to continue facing challenges.

3. Create personal narratives to make sense of their lives.

4. Seek solace in beliefs that provide a sense of community or purpose.

5. Gullibility: believe in something greater than themselves, even if it is not entirely true or logical.