Heaven is a Fairy Story

I put very little investment into anything Stephen Hawking says. I know there are some that nod their heads on every word he speaks, but I am not one of them. I don't think he'd get half the buzz if he were an able-bodied man, but he seems a lot more amazing in the physical condition he is in.
 
It makes sense. Heaven, religion etc. are just there as coping mechanisms to give people hope that there's more to their existence. I mean if you're some dirt poor person in Mexico or some starving person in Africa and you've been dealt a shitty hand I'm sure you'd like to believe that there's a reason for it and that there's something better up ahead.
 

Connor Macleod

Moderator
Staff member
I put very little investment into anything Stephen Hawking says. I know there are some that nod their heads on every word he speaks, but I am not one of them. I don't think he'd get half the buzz if he were an able-bodied man, but he seems a lot more amazing in the physical condition he is in.
I have to agree.

He's a rarity because he's one of the few scientists that is prepared to admit, publicly, when he gets it wrong. That lack of omnipotent arrogance in a scientist is highly refreshing.
That's true. I saw a show on the science channel where he was giving a lecture and stated a theory that so infuriated one scientist, the man spent years to prove Hawking wrong, and Hawking finally admitted that was indeed, wrong.



As for Hawking's statement, I've always felt that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that doesn't necessarily give you the right to express that opinion. He may know a lot about physics, but he doesn't know what awaits after death, so making this declaration just makes him look foolish. It reminds me of Carl Sagan once saying that aliens have never visited Earth, because we are too primitive. Whether they have or not, I don't know, but that one statement made me lose respect for him, and I never thought another of our great thinkers could say something so utterly stupid, but Hawking has proved me wrong.
 
These sorts of declarations only serve to stir the water. Does he have a new book or new special that has just come out or will come out soon? Religion and science are based on the same principles: Interpretation of the world around us based on the perspective and knowledge of our time. Four or five hundred years from now we could figure out some new universal “truth” that could completely change our perspective and create a whole new set of rules.
 
The idea of a god and a heaven is one that is fast losing credibility. Religion is a crutch for the weak and a mask for the devious and an excuse for the extremist.

I don't believe in either, for me to believe in anything I need proof. Solid, concrete, undeniable proof. Not blind faith in pieces of paper written centuries ago that have preaches and contradicts itself to the extreme.

People are content to live their lives to a set of rules penned 2,000 years ago, that now in modern context really show how inadequate they are today.

Kudos to Steve for taking a stand and saying what he believes.
 
People are content to live their lives to a set of rules penned 2,000 years ago, that now in modern context really show how inadequate they are today.

The funny thing is, most "believers" don't live by those rules.

Following the bible is an exercise in choosing to follow the parts you like and ignoring the parts you don't like.

:cool:
 
Religion is a crutch for the weak and a mask for the devious and an excuse for the extremist. .

Where do you people get this crap? I'm religious (more "spiritual" than religious, I would say, particularly at this point in my life), and I don't fit any of those labels you stated. I'm not "weak," "devious" or an "extremist."

Your labels are misguided and ignorant. :2 cents:

In a nutshell, you believe in a pinebox; I believe in a power greater than myself.
 
The idea of a god and a heaven is one that is fast losing credibility. Religion is a crutch for the weak and a mask for the devious and an excuse for the extremist.

I don't believe in either, for me to believe in anything I need proof. Solid, concrete, undeniable proof. Not blind faith in pieces of paper written centuries ago that have preaches and contradicts itself to the extreme.

People are content to live their lives to a set of rules penned 2,000 years ago, that now in modern context really show how inadequate they are today.

Kudos to Steve for taking a stand and saying what he believes.

Blaming the *** for ******* are we?

The problem with people lies within the fact fears drive them either way. The concept isn't the issue, people are. We corrupt everything, and that is the truth. Sadly, those who want concrete evidence don't even believe it when it's presented half the time anyway. Honestly, if something has been around for over 2,000 years, and has outlived all of the worlds top minds, I think I'm gonna pay it a little attention. This 'book of rules' has outlived every scientific theory and concept, and will outlive Hawking, but yet we put stock into the words of a physical invalid? A great mind who has created nothing and proven nothing that wasn't already existent? I'd much rather have faith in God than have faith in nothing while living on a planet with everything. Y'all can keep the excuses or your rejection otherwise.
 

Legzman

what the fuck you lookin at?
This is what I've been saying all along. Why no one listens to me?
 

Will E Worm

Conspiracy...
If he's so smart how come he can't think his way outta' that wheelchair???

:cool:

I know! He is a tool in a chair. :D:tongue:

I put very little investment into anything Stephen Hawking says. I know there are some that nod their heads on every word he speaks, but I am not one of them. I don't think he'd get half the buzz if he were an able-bodied man, but he seems a lot more amazing in the physical condition he is in.

:clap: The easily led masses follow him out of guilt.

It's not even their fault he is in a wheelchair.

Where do you people get this crap? I'm religious (more "spiritual" than religious, I would say, particularly at this point in my life), and I don't fit any of those labels you stated. I'm not "weak," "devious" or an "extremist."

Your labels are misguided and ignorant. :2 cents:

In a nutshell, you believe in a pinebox; I believe in a power greater than myself.

And..a mod no less. :tongue: Wonder if I could start a thread on Islam or Jews? Threads like this should not be allowed unless all can be mocked.

This is what I've been saying all along. Why no one listens to me?

:nono: We need to have a long talk.
 

TheOrangeCat

AFK..being taken to the vet to get neutered.
And..a mod no less. :tongue: Wonder if I could start a thread on Islam or Jews? Threads like this should not be allowed unless all can be mocked.

I think you should.

Hell, if we can laugh at moron Christians, I don't see why it should be different for anyone else.
 

TheOrangeCat

AFK..being taken to the vet to get neutered.
Christians are not morons and I should be able to start threads like that.

See, this is where you get yourself in trouble.

I didn't say Christians were morons, I said moron Christians.

My phrase singles out Christians who are morons. It makes no mention that their moronic behavior is directly linked to their faith.

If I'd wanted to say that I'd have written ' laughing at Christians, who are morons.'

To put it in simpler terms for you: I drive a silver Jeep. Does that make all Jeeps silver, or all silver cars Jeeps?

I hope this helps with both your continuing education, and psychiatric care program :hatsoff:
 
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