Syndicated political columnist and “On Faith” panelist Cal Thomas has a twice-weekly column that appears in over 500 newspapers around the world. A graduate of American University, Thomas is a veteran of broadcast and print journalism. He has worked for NBC, CNBC, PBS television, and the Fox News Channel where he currently appears on the weekly media critique show, “Fox News Watch.” Thomas has authored ten books, including Blinded by Might: Can the Religious Right Save America?, A Freedom Dream, Public Persons and Private Lives, Book Burning, Liberals for Lunch, Occupied Territory, The Death of Ethics in America, Uncommon Sense and Things That Matter Most. His latest was The Wit and Wisdom of Cal Thomas. In 1995, Thomas was honored with a Cable Ace Award nomination for Best Interview Program. Other awards include a George Foster Peabody team reporting award, and awards from both the Associated Press and United Press International. Common Ground, which Thomas writes for USA Today, offers insightful discussion of contentious social issues with his friend and political counterpart, Bob Beckel. The two are working together on a book to be published in 2007.
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Cal Thomas
Syndicated political columnist
Syndicated political columnist and “On Faith” panelist Cal Thomas has a twice-weekly column that appears in over 500 newspapers around the world. A graduate of American University, Thomas is a veteran of broadcast and print journalism.
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Your comment about the so-called bad judgment of a Pagan concerning the nature of the universe has shown you do not have nearly enough knowledge about Paganism to be talking about the subject.
What a moron. You should learn more about a subject before you decide to write about it. At least read a few SENTENCES on Paganism from a reliable source before you go spouting off about it.
Someday :) As you do not seem to know anything about Paganism (a collection of different beliefs, not a single religion) and the following is just your ignorant opinion.
>Still, I wonder about a person's judgment if >he, or she, has embraced paganism with all of >the evidence available concerning an orderly >universe and the creative mind behind such >order. Having judged incorrectly concerning the >great "I Am," would a pagan be considered wise >enough to judge temporal things? And, in an age >when virtually every politician claims some >kind of religion, could a pagan win?
"Religious arguing is pointless, because people do not form their religous beliefs based on arguments with people trying to convert them or change them. The development of belief is a mysterious confluence of experiential contingencies, moderated and filtered by the acuity of ones own senses, and the dexterity and cleverness of ones own inteligence"
It's especially pointless when the question at hand is not whether or not everyone should believe in my religion, but rather, if my religion should be treated fairly under the American law which promises as much.
"I am not here to "blog hog" anything. I believe that science along with theories of natural selection and evolution do a much better job of explaining the universe than a belief in a "creative mind(s)". If I have no evidence, then what evidence do you have that some floating being or beings in some other-worldy place suddenly zapped the universe into existence?"
Shhh... It's OK.
Pagans do not construct our worlds in some way that means our belief in the Gods is supposed to override reason.
I mean, yes, we'll possibly *laugh* and say, "Why?" when you say, "Prove your Gods Exist On My Terms!"
But that's possibly cause we don't run around telling you to obey our Gods. (at least not 'cause We Say So.')
This is a little different. In some important ways. :)
For one, we don't claim 'authority' over you in the name of a book which claims this authority descends from ideas the Universe was 'zapped into place.'
It does little good to reject nonsense if you still can't seem to see the world in any other way.
This is not what we're about.
OK?
As for the 'blog hog' thing, that's what ConcenedChristian calls you when you don't answer his defamatory crossposting on every thread.
He's mostly talking about how big the weapon he's completely missing his own straw men with is, anyway. :)
Religious arguing is pointless, because people do not form their religous beliefs based on arguments with people trying to convert them or change them. The development of belief is a mysterious confluence of experiential contingencies, moderated and filtered by the acuity of ones own senses, and the dexterity and cleverness of ones own inteligence.
The emergence of belief is something that comes to you as you mature; it seeps into your mind, and is sculpted and formed by your own personal doubts, and by your own psychological reactions to doubt and its consquent fears. The emergence of belief is something mysterious, as mysterious as just about any other aspect of our lives. You cannot argue me out of mine, nor I argue you out of yours.
A person cannot "know" of the existence of God, and I do not say that I do. And I think, logically, most true "people of faith" would have to admit that that is how they also think.
It is only when religion becomes all wrapped up in political affairs and institutions that the truth of one belief or another has real political meaning, or threat, that it becomes necessary to "prove" your religious belief beyond doubt, and to label people of differnt beliefs as heretics, apostates, or infidels.
When Christians, Moslems, or Jews become upset with atheists and call them foolish, and alot worse, what they really mean is that atheists are "heretics, apostates, and ifidels." But, this is, of course, all childish nonsense.
If, I, as a Christian, say I believe in God, it is by no scientific proof that I would say such a thing. For I know that there is no scienctific evidence pointing to the existence of God, and I definitely do respect science as a very successful and credible way of looking at the world.
A sincere belief in God, is a sort of way of looking at mysteries, which we cannot really explain, and a way to set your mind on a peaceful course; faith does not mean knowlege; these are two very different concepts; yet, I aknowlege, few people would make the distinction, in trying to impose their own beliefs on others.
I am a Christian. Neither belief in Intelligent Design nor Creationism science is a requirement for Christian belief, in any Christian scheme. Some Born-Again-Protestant-Evangelicals have "added-on" quite a bit to Christianity, including belief criteria along the lines of Intelligent Design and Creationism Science; but this is all just "made up."
Alot of Christians argue for Intelligent Design or Creationism Science by saying, look at all this complicated "creation," a creator MUST exist. This is an argument that is designed to convince ONESELF, but cannot convince others.
Alot of the physical existence of living things now present on the earth has been explained by science through evolution. Among scientist, there is no controversy. Among non-scientists, there is a pretend, or imagined controversy, as though Intelligent Design or Creationism Science might have some scientific legitimacy, but alas, they do not; and whatismore, this fact should have no relevance to Christianity nor Christian thinking.
I am not here to "blog hog" anything. I believe that science along with theories of natural selection and evolution do a much better job of explaining the universe than a belief in a "creative mind(s)". If I have no evidence, then what evidence do you have that some floating being or beings in some other-worldy place suddenly zapped the universe into existence?
If some creative mind created order in the universe, then it only follows that the creative mind must be just as sophisticated or more sophisticated than the order that he or she or it created. If believers think that order indicates a creative mind, then surely the same rule would apply to the being behind all of the order, especially since that being would have to be of an even higher order than the order he or she or it created. This being the case, then someone please tell me who created the being behind all of this order?
That was my biggest question regarding this post too. Cal, unlike some other commentators, never participates in the conversation that ensues following his sensationally absurd statements.
You continue to make commentary about the number of Pagans, Muslims and Jews in the US military and how many have died in Iraq but never give references to back your statements. Such conduct mutes much of what you say.
I could wile away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain
-- lyrics by EH Harburg and music by Harold Arlen
In my descent into curmudgeonhood, I find myself no longer able to suffer the foolish notion that a believer in one religion or belief system can logically prove or disprove his own or another's religion or belief system.
Somehow, the semantic opposition between logic and faith has been lost. My thanks to you, Mr. Thomas, for bringing that fully to my attention.
Hey, now, if 'all religions must commit atrocities,' give us half a chance. They keep saying we just sprang up out of nowhere and don't have the 'legitimacy' of a history of killing a bunch of people yet.
Really, 'The truth.' If that was 'The Truth,' then we should be uniquely qualified to be the good guys, because apparently we just pulled Paganism out of nowhere, and thus surely haven't killed anyone...
Oh, right, lots of people like to connect us with insane Roman Emperors as murderers, but also say we lack legitimacy cause we're modern.
I'll tell you what.
In my belief system, you don't have to believe in my belief system to be a good person and maybe even please the Gods. Why don't you just go do that and let us have our civil rights. It'll be *ok.*
Well, if you can be OK.
Just a bit of a note to atheists who cleave to reason, yet not the bit of reason that says, 'Yes, lots of people have said religion is silly in this thread already,'
...Yes, we heard you say that. OK? Right now we're apparently having a problem with legitimacy for being *too* tolerant.
Pagans, Christians, Muslims and any others who belive in a god or gods are delusional. He or she or it simply does not exist. Considering all of the attrocities, wars and suffering that people have brought upon each other in the name of their religion or because of religious differences, I don't think any believer, Pagan or otherwise, is qualified to hold office.
And, they made a leader or two of the mob that brutally killed Hypatia... saints for destroying all that knowledge. And one of the greatest minds of the time.
Don't forget, it was Pagan Greece that made up the concept of an "orderly universe."
Pagans built the Library of Alexandria and learned from it. Rabid Christians intent on stamping out all knowledge other than that of the Church burned it.
As in so many things, Cal knows not of what he writes. That an "orderly universe" should be incompatible with Paganism is like saying Christianity has nothing to do with salvation.
Why are people of his generation so closed-minded, bigoted, and hateful???
Your post reminds me -I haven't had lunch yet. Here's my recipe for:
Summer Salad
1 pound rice noodles
3 large cloves garlic
½ cup fish sauce
2/3 cup water
½ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup rice vinegar
¼ to cup brown sugar
1 to 2 hot peppers
6 to 8 leaves Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
8 scallions, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
½ cup tightly packed cilantro leaves, chopped
2 grilled or roasted chicken breasts, shredded
1 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook for one minute. Drain the noodles into a colander, rinse with cold water, drain well and place them in a large bowl.
Place the garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse to mince. Add the fish sauce, water, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and chilies, and purée them together. Pour dressing into serving bowl.
Toss the vegetables and cilantro with the noodles, and mound the mixture on a platter. Scatter the chicken and peanuts over the top, and enjoy.
If you can keep everyone from eating it all -the leftovers get better. I always make extra.
JWS: Don't mention the Giant Spaghetti Monster in print, you know that's blasphemy! Oh no, I mentioned the Giant Spaghetti Monster in print, now I guess I'm doomed to eternity in the marinara sauce. Sorry, Giant Spaghetti Monster.
Oops! I did it again!
I would say that Many Forms of Paganism are far closer aligned with objective reality than Christianity or any of the other religions of the book. Not that well aligned, but not in open denial of overwhelming evidence of evolution for example.
"the evidence" Cal? I agree, the evidence must guide us. Let us not ignore some of the evidence, cherry pick that which is to our preconceived notions.
The Bible is a proved hoax. However, http://www.hoax-buster.org/sellyoursoul examines the evidence. We are still waiting to hear, "listen, if you have ears" and we're all ears waiting for the tiniest shred of evidence that the Christian God isn't really the biggest Devil of them all, Lucifer.
Are those who worship not at all or have the obviously false Pagan gods not more qualified to lead us than Devil worshipers like W, Jerry Falwell and yourself? Maybe Wickie Poo would listen to the Oracle when she warned W that if he attacked an evil administration would fall? W didn't and now look what happened. You can trust the Oracle but can you trust Pat Robertson, one who speaks to the being Moses made the deal with?
"And with so few Pagans in the military why are we discussing this issue?????"
Because, as has been pointed out in other threads that I know you've been in, there are other religions with even less of a population in the military that have Chaplains. If they have less, and have Chaplains, why shouldn't Pagans?
http://www.milpagan.org/media/statistics.html is the cited source of the # of Pagans in the US military. A Defense Department reference would be the only real source of accurate information.
But let us do the math anyway: 4300 Pagans/6702 military bases (http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2004/01bases.htm) or less than one Pagan per base on average.
There are probably more Pagans working for Wallmart. Maybe they should add a few Pagan chaplins to the "welcomers".
And there are probably a heck of a lot more atheists in the military. Another positive for atheism. No chaplins required!!
And with so few Pagans in the military why are we discussing this issue?????
If you would like to view lunacy and madness -its not in Cal Thomas' columns. Its in the Hamas childrens tv. Now that they have killed Mickey Mouse wannabe Farfur: They are telling their children they must rise up and fulfill ancient islamic prophecy.
I mean, come on, Cal, you wrie all his stuff abou our 'theory' saying my people *can't* (theoretically) exist, be good Americans, have faith, have brains, care for others, fight hard and well, heal hard and well...
I've seen your smugness on TV in front of a hand-selected sympathetic audience, ...your assumptions, your fallacies, in fact, your partisanship.
I say, 'big man,' you want to see our *judgement,*
...ask us.
You may find your 'theory' doesn't match with 'reality.'
Frankly, Terra, I think this guy has a lot of nerve trying to call *us* on 'Theory vs Reality,' given the religious claims he makes vs the effects of the 'pious' actions of the people he supports.
I mean, hey, Cal Thomas.
Christian.
You wanna use your 'theory' to say our 'reality' isn't what it is,
I think you should learn more about Paganism before you judge. After all, in the US, Paganism is the fastest growing religious group. Christianity and Judaism are both in decline. I wouldn't dream of saying that Christians and Jews lack judgment because of their spiritual perspective.
The only people who are allowed that judgement are those who have tangible proof of the Creator(s) We all know that it's not possible. So let's stop the snide remarks and embrace our differences.
I, for one, fail to see the logic of voting for a presidential candidate based solely on his Evangelical Christian values (i.e. George W. Bush). Judging from that example, a Pagan would make a MUCH better president than an Evangelical Christian!
And since when is the Pagan pantheon (or rather, panetheons) devoid of creative minds? I'm pretty sure we've got Christianity beat on that front.
Besides, every day there is increasing evidence that our world and our universe is far more complex and interconnected than we ever thought. Why should cosmic creation be reserved for a single entity?
A Pagan (and please, for Godssakes, please capitalize the proper name of an umbrella term for any religion. I do the same for you.) would have just as much of a chance of winning an election if there were fewer people in the world like you: people who don't bother to read up on anything before they make a decision.
I'd dread the fate of the planet if everyone made decisions like you do.
Perhaps it would be best if Cal and his friends remain at the kiddie table for now. As soon as they outgrow this phase we could let them try to join in the adult conversation.
I keep trying to make a comment on Cal Thomas and Chuck Colson, but I give up. They are of the same bag...and I have stones in mine.
So..
How you all doing? I thought I would just chat.
I have a question.
I have heard that christian Cal wants to have the same rights as any Pagan. Do you think with his problem with seeing some life as better then others, that he can be balanced in his decisions?
Cal Thomas worries about the judgment of other people, which is kind of funny since he has been systematically and demonstrably wrong about most of the largest issues of our day. The nice thing about being a pundit, though, is that nobody keeps score, and you don't need to have any qualifications on a subject to pontificate about it.
An al-Qaida-inspired computer expert who dubbed himself "the jihadist James Bond" was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday for running a network of extremist Web sites and hoarding videos of the murders of Americans Nick Berg and Daniel Pearl.
Morocco-born Younis Tsouli, 23, who prosecutors said uploaded guides to building suicide vests onto the Internet, used the online ID "irhabi007" _ the Arabic word for terrorist and the code number of the fictional British spy.
it is said that many religions worship the sun ,this is a misunderstanding to the the unenlightened secondary person who call themselves"teachers" most of the so called "spiritual" teachers are false ! the SUN and the SKY are metaphors... only those who have an ACTUAL experience will understand... the sky is the INNER sky the field of blue light seen in deep meditation... the SUN is the SON I.E. the son of(or daughter) of GOD that the one meditating becomes also called satori,nirvana,born again kingdom of heaven, at-one-ment (not atone-ment),divine grace the eternal now (Nostradamas) and many other names. there are to many distortions of the TRUTH (REALITY) from the many with no ACTUAL EXPERIENCE! just taking your money! if no one knows the truth..... then who can call them frauds... beautiful words and colorful ceremonies do make spiritual teachers .... www.greatpath.org will answer many questions for those who truly seek .....remember your first love i.e. being in the state of eternal spirit.. do not worship the new golden calf of the intellectual bio-computer brain and its self created programing very sincerely
Inayat Bunglawala, 36, the media secretary for the Muslim Council of Britain, is understood to have been selected as one of seven "conveners" for a Home Office task force with responsibilities for tackling extremism among young Muslims, despite a history of anti-Semitic statements.
In January 1993, Mr Bunglawala wrote a letter to Private Eye, the satirical magazine, in which he called the blind Sheikh Omar Abdul Rahman "courageous" - just a month before he bombed the World Trade Center in New York. After Rahman's arrest in July that year, Mr Bunglawala said that it was probably only because of his "calling on Muslims to fulfil their duty to Allah and to fight against oppression and oppressors everywhere".
Five months before 9/11, Mr Bunglawala also circulated writings of Osama bin Laden, who he regarded as a "freedom fighter", to hundreds of Muslims in Britain. (read more at utube link)
During the duration of the Rhino party, many claims, promises, and the like were made - most of which were completely impossible. Here are some select promises.
*
Moving the Rocky Mountains one metre west as a 'make-work' project.
*
Alternatively, tearing down the Rocky Mountains so that Albertans could see the Pacific sunset.
*
Repealing the law of gravity.
*
Providing higher education by building taller schools.
*
Building sloping roads and bicycle paths across the country so that Canadians could 'coast from coast to coast'.
*
Breeding a mosquito that would only hatch in January so that 'the little buggers will freeze to death'.
*
Putting the national debt on Visa.
*
Declaring war on Belgium because a Belgian cartoon character, Tintin, killed a rhinoceros in one of the cartoons.
*
Painting Canada's coastal sea limits so that Canadian fish would know where they were at all times.
*
Making Canadians stronger by putting steroids in the water.
*
Replacing the Canadian Armed Forces with clones of Vladislav Tretiak.
*
Adopting the British system of driving on the left; this was to be gradually phased in over five years with large trucks first, then buses, eventually including small cars and bicycles last.
*
Selling the Canadian Senate at an antique auction in California.
Elizabeth Hurley as the Devil. Hot Stuff baby! And you get a look up her skirt! Yea, I'd vote for that too.
Actually, I may not be the most conservative guy, or like republicans, but I'd consider Ron Paul right about now.
But I am waiting for Gore to run............oh well.
All decent Muslims agree with Ms. Taylor who summerized the following verse in her short article.
Koran. 2.177
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believes in God and the Last Day and the a
All Comments (117)
Your comment about the so-called bad judgment of a Pagan concerning the nature of the universe has shown you do not have nearly enough knowledge about Paganism to be talking about the subject.
March 31, 2008 1:49 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on March 31, 2008 01:49
What a moron. You should learn more about a subject before you decide to write about it. At least read a few SENTENCES on Paganism from a reliable source before you go spouting off about it.
September 6, 2007 7:44 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on September 6, 2007 19:44
Someday :) As you do not seem to know anything about Paganism (a collection of different beliefs, not a single religion) and the following is just your ignorant opinion.
>Still, I wonder about a person's judgment if >he, or she, has embraced paganism with all of >the evidence available concerning an orderly >universe and the creative mind behind such >order. Having judged incorrectly concerning the >great "I Am," would a pagan be considered wise >enough to judge temporal things? And, in an age >when virtually every politician claims some >kind of religion, could a pagan win?
Yvonne Taylor
August 22, 2007 12:34 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 22, 2007 12:34
Cal, that was ignorant and arrogant.
July 28, 2007 11:34 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 28, 2007 23:34
epfiswt gqpsolm obcduhiz tdozjhk ufmil xcweqvn xvyzcndrb
July 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 13, 2007 13:30
" Daniel:
"Religious arguing is pointless, because people do not form their religous beliefs based on arguments with people trying to convert them or change them. The development of belief is a mysterious confluence of experiential contingencies, moderated and filtered by the acuity of ones own senses, and the dexterity and cleverness of ones own inteligence"
It's especially pointless when the question at hand is not whether or not everyone should believe in my religion, but rather, if my religion should be treated fairly under the American law which promises as much.
July 11, 2007 4:52 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 11, 2007 16:52
Hi, 'The Truth.'
" The Truth:
"I am not here to "blog hog" anything. I believe that science along with theories of natural selection and evolution do a much better job of explaining the universe than a belief in a "creative mind(s)". If I have no evidence, then what evidence do you have that some floating being or beings in some other-worldy place suddenly zapped the universe into existence?"
Shhh... It's OK.
Pagans do not construct our worlds in some way that means our belief in the Gods is supposed to override reason.
I mean, yes, we'll possibly *laugh* and say, "Why?" when you say, "Prove your Gods Exist On My Terms!"
But that's possibly cause we don't run around telling you to obey our Gods. (at least not 'cause We Say So.')
This is a little different. In some important ways. :)
For one, we don't claim 'authority' over you in the name of a book which claims this authority descends from ideas the Universe was 'zapped into place.'
It does little good to reject nonsense if you still can't seem to see the world in any other way.
This is not what we're about.
OK?
As for the 'blog hog' thing, that's what ConcenedChristian calls you when you don't answer his defamatory crossposting on every thread.
He's mostly talking about how big the weapon he's completely missing his own straw men with is, anyway. :)
:)
July 11, 2007 4:48 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 11, 2007 16:48
Thanks, Daniel. Although you may feel it a waste of time to be here, your comments are clear and helpful.
July 10, 2007 11:59 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 23:59
Dear "The Truth"
Thank you for asking me your question that way.
July 10, 2007 4:36 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 16:36
Religious arguing is pointless, because people do not form their religous beliefs based on arguments with people trying to convert them or change them. The development of belief is a mysterious confluence of experiential contingencies, moderated and filtered by the acuity of ones own senses, and the dexterity and cleverness of ones own inteligence.
The emergence of belief is something that comes to you as you mature; it seeps into your mind, and is sculpted and formed by your own personal doubts, and by your own psychological reactions to doubt and its consquent fears. The emergence of belief is something mysterious, as mysterious as just about any other aspect of our lives. You cannot argue me out of mine, nor I argue you out of yours.
July 10, 2007 4:32 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 16:32
A person cannot "know" of the existence of God, and I do not say that I do. And I think, logically, most true "people of faith" would have to admit that that is how they also think.
It is only when religion becomes all wrapped up in political affairs and institutions that the truth of one belief or another has real political meaning, or threat, that it becomes necessary to "prove" your religious belief beyond doubt, and to label people of differnt beliefs as heretics, apostates, or infidels.
When Christians, Moslems, or Jews become upset with atheists and call them foolish, and alot worse, what they really mean is that atheists are "heretics, apostates, and ifidels." But, this is, of course, all childish nonsense.
If, I, as a Christian, say I believe in God, it is by no scientific proof that I would say such a thing. For I know that there is no scienctific evidence pointing to the existence of God, and I definitely do respect science as a very successful and credible way of looking at the world.
A sincere belief in God, is a sort of way of looking at mysteries, which we cannot really explain, and a way to set your mind on a peaceful course; faith does not mean knowlege; these are two very different concepts; yet, I aknowlege, few people would make the distinction, in trying to impose their own beliefs on others.
July 10, 2007 4:28 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 16:28
Daniel,
Then please tell us, how do you know that God exists?
July 10, 2007 2:37 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 14:37
Concerned The Christian Now Liberated,
Sorry, I mistakenly thought your last comment was directed at me and I mistook you for Paganplace.
July 10, 2007 2:27 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 14:27
I am a Christian. Neither belief in Intelligent Design nor Creationism science is a requirement for Christian belief, in any Christian scheme. Some Born-Again-Protestant-Evangelicals have "added-on" quite a bit to Christianity, including belief criteria along the lines of Intelligent Design and Creationism Science; but this is all just "made up."
Alot of Christians argue for Intelligent Design or Creationism Science by saying, look at all this complicated "creation," a creator MUST exist. This is an argument that is designed to convince ONESELF, but cannot convince others.
Alot of the physical existence of living things now present on the earth has been explained by science through evolution. Among scientist, there is no controversy. Among non-scientists, there is a pretend, or imagined controversy, as though Intelligent Design or Creationism Science might have some scientific legitimacy, but alas, they do not; and whatismore, this fact should have no relevance to Christianity nor Christian thinking.
July 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 12:44
I am not here to "blog hog" anything. I believe that science along with theories of natural selection and evolution do a much better job of explaining the universe than a belief in a "creative mind(s)". If I have no evidence, then what evidence do you have that some floating being or beings in some other-worldy place suddenly zapped the universe into existence?
July 10, 2007 11:21 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 11:21
Paganplace,
Again, nice try!!! but you have no references to back your statistics and you are here simply to to "blog hog" paganism.
July 10, 2007 10:34 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 10:34
If some creative mind created order in the universe, then it only follows that the creative mind must be just as sophisticated or more sophisticated than the order that he or she or it created. If believers think that order indicates a creative mind, then surely the same rule would apply to the being behind all of the order, especially since that being would have to be of an even higher order than the order he or she or it created. This being the case, then someone please tell me who created the being behind all of this order?
July 10, 2007 9:40 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 09:40
"Cal, unlike some other commentators, never participates in the conversation"
Cal's been busy. He's in his element. Wow! Cal Thomas, I love you too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCIiXOftVQY&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feeXK6uVhRo&mode=related&search=
July 10, 2007 9:06 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 09:06
Jonny,
That was my biggest question regarding this post too. Cal, unlike some other commentators, never participates in the conversation that ensues following his sensationally absurd statements.
July 10, 2007 8:13 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 08:13
"with all of the evidence available concerning an orderly universe and the creative mind behind such order."
I shudder to think of what Thomas considers to be "evidence."
July 10, 2007 5:56 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 05:56
Actually, Concerned, you just keep spamming every thread with the question and ignoring the answers. If you're so 'concerned,' you look it up.
July 10, 2007 1:11 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 10, 2007 01:11
Paganplace,
You continue to make commentary about the number of Pagans, Muslims and Jews in the US military and how many have died in Iraq but never give references to back your statements. Such conduct mutes much of what you say.
July 9, 2007 11:52 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 23:52
Post hoc ergo propter hoc.
I could wile away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain
-- lyrics by EH Harburg and music by Harold Arlen
In my descent into curmudgeonhood, I find myself no longer able to suffer the foolish notion that a believer in one religion or belief system can logically prove or disprove his own or another's religion or belief system.
Somehow, the semantic opposition between logic and faith has been lost. My thanks to you, Mr. Thomas, for bringing that fully to my attention.
July 9, 2007 9:35 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 21:35
Hey, now, if 'all religions must commit atrocities,' give us half a chance. They keep saying we just sprang up out of nowhere and don't have the 'legitimacy' of a history of killing a bunch of people yet.
Really, 'The truth.' If that was 'The Truth,' then we should be uniquely qualified to be the good guys, because apparently we just pulled Paganism out of nowhere, and thus surely haven't killed anyone...
Oh, right, lots of people like to connect us with insane Roman Emperors as murderers, but also say we lack legitimacy cause we're modern.
I'll tell you what.
In my belief system, you don't have to believe in my belief system to be a good person and maybe even please the Gods. Why don't you just go do that and let us have our civil rights. It'll be *ok.*
Well, if you can be OK.
Just a bit of a note to atheists who cleave to reason, yet not the bit of reason that says, 'Yes, lots of people have said religion is silly in this thread already,'
...Yes, we heard you say that. OK? Right now we're apparently having a problem with legitimacy for being *too* tolerant.
That's not helping.
July 9, 2007 8:01 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 20:01
Pagans, Christians, Muslims and any others who belive in a god or gods are delusional. He or she or it simply does not exist. Considering all of the attrocities, wars and suffering that people have brought upon each other in the name of their religion or because of religious differences, I don't think any believer, Pagan or otherwise, is qualified to hold office.
July 9, 2007 6:14 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 18:14
And, they made a leader or two of the mob that brutally killed Hypatia... saints for destroying all that knowledge. And one of the greatest minds of the time.
July 9, 2007 5:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 17:30
Don't forget, it was Pagan Greece that made up the concept of an "orderly universe."
Pagans built the Library of Alexandria and learned from it. Rabid Christians intent on stamping out all knowledge other than that of the Church burned it.
July 9, 2007 5:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 17:21
As in so many things, Cal knows not of what he writes. That an "orderly universe" should be incompatible with Paganism is like saying Christianity has nothing to do with salvation.
Why are people of his generation so closed-minded, bigoted, and hateful???
July 9, 2007 3:54 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 15:54
Kierkegaard:
Your post reminds me -I haven't had lunch yet. Here's my recipe for:
Summer Salad
1 pound rice noodles
3 large cloves garlic
½ cup fish sauce
2/3 cup water
½ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup rice vinegar
¼ to cup brown sugar
1 to 2 hot peppers
6 to 8 leaves Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
8 scallions, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, shredded
½ cup tightly packed cilantro leaves, chopped
2 grilled or roasted chicken breasts, shredded
1 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook for one minute. Drain the noodles into a colander, rinse with cold water, drain well and place them in a large bowl.
Place the garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse to mince. Add the fish sauce, water, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and chilies, and purée them together. Pour dressing into serving bowl.
Toss the vegetables and cilantro with the noodles, and mound the mixture on a platter. Scatter the chicken and peanuts over the top, and enjoy.
If you can keep everyone from eating it all -the leftovers get better. I always make extra.
July 9, 2007 3:42 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 15:42
'So Few,' Concerned?
Fourty three hundred is 'So few?'
That's just the ones serving openly, anyway.
That's also more than have died in Iraq.
More than died on 9/11.
Should those people have been excluded from equal consideration because they were 'so few' compared to some other number?
4300 serving openly, ...that's more than there are Muslims in the military, and *they* have multiple chaplains.
Obviously, there are a lot of incentives to hide, anyway.
Let's remove one.
July 9, 2007 3:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 15:29
JWS: Don't mention the Giant Spaghetti Monster in print, you know that's blasphemy! Oh no, I mentioned the Giant Spaghetti Monster in print, now I guess I'm doomed to eternity in the marinara sauce. Sorry, Giant Spaghetti Monster.
Oops! I did it again!
July 9, 2007 3:08 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 15:08
I would say that Many Forms of Paganism are far closer aligned with objective reality than Christianity or any of the other religions of the book. Not that well aligned, but not in open denial of overwhelming evidence of evolution for example.
July 9, 2007 2:36 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 14:36
Is Deism a form of paganism?
I think Thomas Jefferson was a pretty good president.
July 9, 2007 2:24 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 14:24
"the evidence" Cal? I agree, the evidence must guide us. Let us not ignore some of the evidence, cherry pick that which is to our preconceived notions.
The Bible is a proved hoax. However, http://www.hoax-buster.org/sellyoursoul examines the evidence. We are still waiting to hear, "listen, if you have ears" and we're all ears waiting for the tiniest shred of evidence that the Christian God isn't really the biggest Devil of them all, Lucifer.
Are those who worship not at all or have the obviously false Pagan gods not more qualified to lead us than Devil worshipers like W, Jerry Falwell and yourself? Maybe Wickie Poo would listen to the Oracle when she warned W that if he attacked an evil administration would fall? W didn't and now look what happened. You can trust the Oracle but can you trust Pat Robertson, one who speaks to the being Moses made the deal with?
July 9, 2007 1:01 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 13:01
A. Thorn,
And the official numbers of religious groups/cults in the US military are? Specific journals, reports, books, websites??
And what religious group/cult has fewer than 4300 members in the US military but still has chaplains?
July 9, 2007 11:19 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 11:19
CtCNL,
"And with so few Pagans in the military why are we discussing this issue?????"
Because, as has been pointed out in other threads that I know you've been in, there are other religions with even less of a population in the military that have Chaplains. If they have less, and have Chaplains, why shouldn't Pagans?
July 9, 2007 10:37 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 10:37
Cal writes:
"Still, I wonder about a person's judgment if he, or she, has embraced paganism..."
I wonder about a person's judgment if he, or she, has embraced Christianity.
July 9, 2007 10:32 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 9, 2007 10:32
http://www.milpagan.org/media/statistics.html is the cited source of the # of Pagans in the US military. A Defense Department reference would be the only real source of accurate information.
But let us do the math anyway: 4300 Pagans/6702 military bases (http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2004/01bases.htm) or less than one Pagan per base on average.
There are probably more Pagans working for Wallmart. Maybe they should add a few Pagan chaplins to the "welcomers".
And there are probably a heck of a lot more atheists in the military. Another positive for atheism. No chaplins required!!
And with so few Pagans in the military why are we discussing this issue?????
July 8, 2007 11:02 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 8, 2007 23:02
Somebody Else:
If you would like to view lunacy and madness -its not in Cal Thomas' columns. Its in the Hamas childrens tv. Now that they have killed Mickey Mouse wannabe Farfur: They are telling their children they must rise up and fulfill ancient islamic prophecy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSwpAX1xvrc
Frightening?
July 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 8, 2007 15:37
Thank You Cal.
If we had a few more of christ's reps like you,
America would be as secular as Europe is now.
Keep up the lunacy!
If church offers the answers for eternal life and social bliss, there's no need for our evolving politics and medicine.
When you have a heart attack, do you call on medicine or god?
When your spouse is killed by mugger, do you call the police or god?
July 8, 2007 7:47 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 8, 2007 07:47
You've gotta love this big guy:
"Come to Glasgow and we'll set about you."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCqprbH7mrg&NR=1
July 7, 2007 6:50 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 7, 2007 18:50
I mean, come on, Cal, you wrie all his stuff abou our 'theory' saying my people *can't* (theoretically) exist, be good Americans, have faith, have brains, care for others, fight hard and well, heal hard and well...
I've seen your smugness on TV in front of a hand-selected sympathetic audience, ...your assumptions, your fallacies, in fact, your partisanship.
I say, 'big man,' you want to see our *judgement,*
...ask us.
You may find your 'theory' doesn't match with 'reality.'
How bout it, big guy?
July 7, 2007 6:19 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 7, 2007 18:19
Frankly, Terra, I think this guy has a lot of nerve trying to call *us* on 'Theory vs Reality,' given the religious claims he makes vs the effects of the 'pious' actions of the people he supports.
I mean, hey, Cal Thomas.
Christian.
You wanna use your 'theory' to say our 'reality' isn't what it is,
You got a lot to learn on 'Theory Vs Reality.'
Can I have my civil rights, now?
July 7, 2007 6:13 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 7, 2007 18:13
mad Love,
Perhaps you are right. Maybe I needed to get more balloons, they tend to fight over who owns what.
terra
July 6, 2007 11:17 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 23:17
I think you should learn more about Paganism before you judge. After all, in the US, Paganism is the fastest growing religious group. Christianity and Judaism are both in decline. I wouldn't dream of saying that Christians and Jews lack judgment because of their spiritual perspective.
The only people who are allowed that judgement are those who have tangible proof of the Creator(s) We all know that it's not possible. So let's stop the snide remarks and embrace our differences.
Rev Anastasia Keech
July 6, 2007 8:32 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 20:32
Hmm, it's too bad you feel that way.
I, for one, fail to see the logic of voting for a presidential candidate based solely on his Evangelical Christian values (i.e. George W. Bush). Judging from that example, a Pagan would make a MUCH better president than an Evangelical Christian!
And since when is the Pagan pantheon (or rather, panetheons) devoid of creative minds? I'm pretty sure we've got Christianity beat on that front.
Besides, every day there is increasing evidence that our world and our universe is far more complex and interconnected than we ever thought. Why should cosmic creation be reserved for a single entity?
A Pagan (and please, for Godssakes, please capitalize the proper name of an umbrella term for any religion. I do the same for you.) would have just as much of a chance of winning an election if there were fewer people in the world like you: people who don't bother to read up on anything before they make a decision.
I'd dread the fate of the planet if everyone made decisions like you do.
July 6, 2007 1:35 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 13:35
Nivedita:
You're a bigger peron than I am if you can feely pity for Cal Thomas. All I can manage is nausea.
July 6, 2007 12:33 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 12:33
You write stuff competely devoid of logic. First you made me angry, but now I feel only pity for you and your ilk.
July 6, 2007 11:52 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 11:52
Terra
Perhaps it would be best if Cal and his friends remain at the kiddie table for now. As soon as they outgrow this phase we could let them try to join in the adult conversation.
July 6, 2007 1:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 01:54
I keep trying to make a comment on Cal Thomas and Chuck Colson, but I give up. They are of the same bag...and I have stones in mine.
So..
How you all doing? I thought I would just chat.
I have a question.
I have heard that christian Cal wants to have the same rights as any Pagan. Do you think with his problem with seeing some life as better then others, that he can be balanced in his decisions?
all thoughts welcome.
Goddess Bless,
terra
July 6, 2007 1:29 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 01:29
Cal Thomas worries about the judgment of other people, which is kind of funny since he has been systematically and demonstrably wrong about most of the largest issues of our day. The nice thing about being a pundit, though, is that nobody keeps score, and you don't need to have any qualifications on a subject to pontificate about it.
July 6, 2007 12:09 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 6, 2007 00:09
An al-Qaida-inspired computer expert who dubbed himself "the jihadist James Bond" was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday for running a network of extremist Web sites and hoarding videos of the murders of Americans Nick Berg and Daniel Pearl.
Morocco-born Younis Tsouli, 23, who prosecutors said uploaded guides to building suicide vests onto the Internet, used the online ID "irhabi007" _ the Arabic word for terrorist and the code number of the fictional British spy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/05/AR2007070500964.html
July 5, 2007 8:51 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 20:51
should be "do NOT make spiritual teachers" sorry . ...i get very tired after my job! sorry again... raymond.
July 5, 2007 8:26 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 20:26
it is said that many religions worship the sun ,this is a misunderstanding to the the unenlightened secondary person who call themselves"teachers" most of the so called "spiritual" teachers are false ! the SUN and the SKY are metaphors... only those who have an ACTUAL experience will understand... the sky is the INNER sky the field of blue light seen in deep meditation... the SUN is the SON I.E. the son of(or daughter) of GOD that the one meditating becomes also called satori,nirvana,born again kingdom of heaven, at-one-ment (not atone-ment),divine grace the eternal now (Nostradamas) and many other names. there are to many distortions of the TRUTH (REALITY) from the many with no ACTUAL EXPERIENCE! just taking your money! if no one knows the truth..... then who can call them frauds... beautiful words and colorful ceremonies do make spiritual teachers .... www.greatpath.org will answer many questions for those who truly seek .....remember your first love i.e. being in the state of eternal spirit.. do not worship the new golden calf of the intellectual bio-computer brain and its self created programing very sincerely
July 5, 2007 8:17 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 20:17
"Providing higher education by building taller schools."
I think that may have adopted as one the provisions of No Child Left Behind . . .
"Breeding a mosquito that would only hatch in January so that 'the little buggers will freeze to death'."
Now *that's* something I think all of us here could support . . .
July 5, 2007 7:54 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 19:54
Brian:
Imagine that you have no idea what you're talking about? That's not hard to imagine.
And once again you reveal yourself to be a complete moron.
July 5, 2007 6:52 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 18:52
Sweet zombie Jesus, what an idiot.
July 5, 2007 6:35 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 18:35
Cal Thomas, You're a mensch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztww4E8cpKs
July 5, 2007 12:44 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 12:44
Fore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql3o7CJsmik
July 5, 2007 12:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 12:30
What is in England is in America?
Inayat Bunglawala, 36, the media secretary for the Muslim Council of Britain, is understood to have been selected as one of seven "conveners" for a Home Office task force with responsibilities for tackling extremism among young Muslims, despite a history of anti-Semitic statements.
In January 1993, Mr Bunglawala wrote a letter to Private Eye, the satirical magazine, in which he called the blind Sheikh Omar Abdul Rahman "courageous" - just a month before he bombed the World Trade Center in New York. After Rahman's arrest in July that year, Mr Bunglawala said that it was probably only because of his "calling on Muslims to fulfil their duty to Allah and to fight against oppression and oppressors everywhere".
Five months before 9/11, Mr Bunglawala also circulated writings of Osama bin Laden, who he regarded as a "freedom fighter", to hundreds of Muslims in Britain. (read more at utube link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZX2QcMTT4
July 5, 2007 12:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 12:21
We used to have the Rhino Party to fall back on here in the Great White North.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A5287845
During the duration of the Rhino party, many claims, promises, and the like were made - most of which were completely impossible. Here are some select promises.
*
Moving the Rocky Mountains one metre west as a 'make-work' project.
*
Alternatively, tearing down the Rocky Mountains so that Albertans could see the Pacific sunset.
*
Repealing the law of gravity.
*
Providing higher education by building taller schools.
*
Building sloping roads and bicycle paths across the country so that Canadians could 'coast from coast to coast'.
*
Breeding a mosquito that would only hatch in January so that 'the little buggers will freeze to death'.
*
Putting the national debt on Visa.
*
Declaring war on Belgium because a Belgian cartoon character, Tintin, killed a rhinoceros in one of the cartoons.
*
Painting Canada's coastal sea limits so that Canadian fish would know where they were at all times.
*
Making Canadians stronger by putting steroids in the water.
*
Replacing the Canadian Armed Forces with clones of Vladislav Tretiak.
*
Adopting the British system of driving on the left; this was to be gradually phased in over five years with large trucks first, then buses, eventually including small cars and bicycles last.
*
Selling the Canadian Senate at an antique auction in California.
--------------
Some days I really, really miss them...
Regards
A Hermit
July 5, 2007 11:44 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 11:44
I am voting for Michael Dudikoff. It would be awesome to have ninja congressmen (and women).
July 5, 2007 11:12 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 11:12
Hermit:
Ok then, I am voting for Michael Moore
July 5, 2007 10:47 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 10:47
Russell D.:
Ron Paul has too many suspicious ties to white supremacist loons. Be careful...
http://dneiwert.blogspot.com/2007/06/ron-paul-vs-new-world-order.html
July 5, 2007 10:09 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 10:09
Ron Paul ROCKS!
He's the clear choice for the thinking men and women of America.
The clear choice of the people.
All the others are Shills for the wealthy elite.
July 5, 2007 10:00 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 10:00
Luke, Anon:
All I have to say is this: Bedazzled.
Elizabeth Hurley as the Devil. Hot Stuff baby! And you get a look up her skirt! Yea, I'd vote for that too.
Actually, I may not be the most conservative guy, or like republicans, but I'd consider Ron Paul right about now.
But I am waiting for Gore to run............oh well.
July 5, 2007 9:55 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 5, 2007 09:55
All decent Muslims agree with Ms. Taylor who summerized the following verse in her short article.
Koran. 2.177
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believes in God and the Last Day and the a