Comments for Esoteric Dissertations from a One-Track Mind

Comment on A Different Response to Virginia O’Hanlon by codesmithy

codesmithy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:19:49 +0000

Really? What do you find cynical about it?

Comment on 90 Minutes in Heaven: One Atheist’s Perspective by Linda

Linda — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:04:30 +0000

I am interested in and study religious beliefs and practices, though I claim none. Too corrupted by man. There is a belief called Swedenborgianism which claims that whatever one believes will happen is what happens in the death experience. Piper has a strong belief in a heaven with pearly gates, and that’s what he got. Why he claims he was in heaven for 90 minutes I cannot understand as he was outside the gates of heaven by his own admission. He claims a glimpse, but not actual entrance.

Women, how did you feel about his thought process regarding his wife? He says he was the decision maker of the family and his wife was forced into that role by his inability to perform, so God gave her wisdom to make those decisions. Aparently she had none prior to his accident.

Horrible book. I found it so difficult to believe that it made the best seller list that I looked it up to confirm.

Comment on A Different Response to Virginia O’Hanlon by Paula

Paula — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:32:31 +0000

I like the original response better. This one is too cynical.

Comment on The Only Show On Earth: The Evidence for Creation by keval

keval — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:26:26 +0000

Thanks, useful material. Has added your blog in bookmarks.

Comment on 90 Minutes in Heaven: One Atheist’s Perspective by Rene Jorgensen

Rene Jorgensen — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:53:36 +0000

It’s a good book and Piper should be congratulated for sharing his Near Death Experience. Only readers should be aware of one serious mistake he makes in the book which is to jump from hearing songs praising Jesus and meeting fellow Christians in heaven to religious fundamentalism. Research of Near Death Experiences show that there is no evidence to support that heaven is exclusively for Christians, or a narrow interpretation of the Bible, as experiences of heaven happen in all cultures and religions. Cross cultural studies of Near Death Experiences show that the Golden Rule truly means that we must love our neighbor – even if this person is of another faith – and “hell” is not something we can simply throw around when we disagree with people. If you have not fallen asleep in Christ and want to know what people who have Near Death Experiences truly experience in Heaven, have a look at my book Behind 90 Minutes in Heaven.

Comment on The Spell of Delusion by codesmithy

codesmithy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:29:37 +0000

@bill

Please, I was using it as an example of how you make sure your bet never gets called.

But as for the truth of the matter, my view is apolitical in this case. Here is what John McCain said:

I think the ad is dishonest and dishonorable. As it is none of these individuals served on the boat (Kerry) commanded. Many of his crewmates have testified to his courage under fire. I think John Kerry served honorably in Vietnam.

http://www.factcheck.org/republican-funded_group_attacks_kerrys_war_record.html

The fact that the swift boaters disagree with other witnesses and the official record puts the burden of proof on them, not the other way around. The fact that they were signing affidavits years afterwards makes their case even weaker. The fact that Elliot also recanted part of his affidavit doesn’t help. So the question is: why do you believe the swift boaters accounts over other witnesses, who had more direct experience with Kerry, and the official record which is more contemporaneous with the events?

Furthermore, Harun Yahya claims that not a single transitional form has ever been found. He apparently offers a lot of money to any one who will present him such a fossil. He hasn’t paid the bet. Does that mean we haven’t found a transitional fossil?

Comment on The Spell of Delusion by bill

bill — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:04:45 +0000

otherwise, I like what you’re saying.

Comment on The Spell of Delusion by bill

bill — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:03:44 +0000

the delusion is yours. nobody, including the fraud Kerry was ever able to refute the claims of the Swift Boat Vets.

The idiot Kerry was delusionaly claiming to be in Cambodia when he wasn’t. what a self-deluded fraud.

and nice try on slipping in your political views under the guise of being rational. If you believe yourself well then off to the self-deluional loony bin with you.

Comment on 90 Minutes in Heaven: One Atheist’s Perspective by codesmithy

codesmithy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:29:06 +0000

My believer bingo card tells me that the explanation will probably include the word “quantum.” Although, I doubt that explanation will ever be found in a peer-reviewed journal on the subject.

Comment on 90 Minutes in Heaven: One Atheist’s Perspective by Erik

Erik — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:06:27 +0000

I would be most interested to hear from the perspective of a neurophysicist his/her opinions on how a disembodied spirit could collect information from another plane of existence (heaven) and imprint it on the gray matter upon reentry to the body.

I don’t doubt that if a spirit/soul exists, it should be able to remember things, but the physics behind rewiring the brain’s synapses to store ethereal memories is quite a concept.