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September 12, 2009, 10:51 am SP in the Studio, New Web Site

Smashing Pumpkins are back in the studio now. Check out SP.com for the details.

Also Billy Corgan has started a new web site about God. Check out http://www.everythingfromheretothere.com/

Comments: [Post Comment]
Reply November 14, 2009, 7:11 pm - Posted by Guest You have missed the point. Since you say you're not coming back, I won't spend time forming much of a reply, let me know if you do come back and I will spend some time on it. Your view (that 'god' is poorly understood) doesn't seem to be novel at all. The dichotomy to which you refer is false. True, god either exists or not, but within existence there is a huge range of room for what that means (evidenced by the huge number of relgions/mythologies that have existed; + anything you can come up with). Most religious people will ignore that, brainwashed into their chosen (or their parents) ideology. Most atheists will shun it as unimportant as a lot of atheists really don't give a shit anyway - and fair enough too since we accept that religion doesn't hold the answer so unless someone is really passionate about this issue they're not going to spend a huge part of the time trying to come up with anything else. However, in our society religion is a scourge that needs to be wiped out. When I see people like bush urging us to pray for hurricane victims, or willing god to help your troops, or a soccer player (for our national team) thanking jesus christ for their win (does he really think there's a god up there who wants New Zealand to win soccer but not the other team for some reason!!!!????? what a moron...) it's easier for me to take a slightly different argument: religion is true vs religion is false, and refer to that argument in terms of god is real vs. god is false; it's not that far off if I rephrase it as 'your god is real vs your god is false'. You seem to accept that religion is false, and that the truth ought to be sought. You then however, criticise science for seeking that truth which I find bizarre. If not through science, then how are we to seek truth? You say that atheists fail to accept reality is poorly understood. I can't speak for all atheists, as we do not adhere to dogma, but I for one disagree with you entirely. I know reality is poorly understood, that's why I'm a research scientist. If reality was fully understood then I would be wasting my time! My life IS BASED on the fact that reality is not understood. And yes I am aware of all of the "we cannot know reality as we depend on our senses"/"cogito ergo sum" arguments which I have argued for myself a thousand times - but does that mean we should give up and turn in to our minds solely as religion/superstition does, would that give better results? (the answer is obviously no). If you do reply, in your answer please address "If not through science, then how are we to seek truth".
Uhhh November 8, 2009, 1:34 am - Posted by Guest I probably will not come back to see if anyone replied to this, because a) Its been a month since the debate below and b) I've heard both of your sides a hundred times over including any rebuttal to this particular message. You're both approaching this wrong. This debate already existed long before the two of you came along to reinforce previously stated opinions about a topic that has been around for so long that only two sides to it ever get heard. Why do you think it is allowed to exist that way? A subject that could potentially encompass all of existence, and you're limited to having one of two accepted opinions? Thinking outside the box may be a little cliche, but it is extremely applicable in situations such as this one. I believe you are both wrong, as most people are. I do not believe that that makes me right, although it is evident in the history of mankind that the greatest, most revolutionary ideas started out being overwhelmingly unaccepted, disagreed with, and even shunned. I'm not going to say what I think because I've only been giving the issue any thought for a few years. I will say that the way "god" is generally defined makes it easy to accept without thinking, and even easier to denounce with thinking. Using christianity as an example, the bible is both heartwarming, and extremely illogical, which allows for the firm opinions to be quickly developed. This makes it hard for either party to really be able to rationalize an existence of "god". Those who buy into it live with unrealistic views of what "god" should be and how they should be in turn, while those who don't have an extremely easy argument as to why the whole thing is a bunch of bullshit. It is typical human nature to stick with what you're given in this type of situation, but neither side is really ever given an opportunity to define life or "god" for themselves. One of the best arguments for believers is also one of the worst when talking to a non-believer. Since non-believers by definition believe that they are in control of their lives, the notion that "god is god and if god doesnt want to be proven then god won't be proven" can easily be considered an excuse, and is often regarded to be absolutely hilarious. But since no one is as open-minded as they think they are, it could be an error to disregard something based on it's fantastic nature. There is a great amount of irony involved in people trying to use science to denounce a "god", when the further we push science, the more fantastic and phenomenal it becomes, and the harder it becomes to have reason and rationality as a cause for existence. The problems for both sides are as follows. Those claiming to have "realistic" views driven by logic and such do not seem to understand that we really do not understand the nature of reality yet, and thus have no grounds to determine what exactly is realistic. On the other hand, some people feel emptiness and that we're missing out on some big thing, but rather than try to figure out what that thing is, they just latch on to whatever religion comes along, or what they've been bred into. That being said, I'd like to apologize if I missed what you guys were talking about, cause I just assumed that it was the same old yes/no bullshit that you can read in any athiest/theist debate on the internet.
Religon is a strange concept October 13, 2009, 4:22 am - Posted by Guest I'm also an atheist pure and simple. For the very simple reason that there is no evidence to suggest that there was/is/will be a god or gods. I find it funny when a religious individual says they know of evidence that their faith exists. But it's kinda a contradiction in terms as faith in itself is just that...faith in something. It's about having no evidence, defying logic, contradicting facts etc... yet still having faith that it does exist. Well I don't have faith in maybe, never did and never will :) On the topic of religion and not faith as such...there have been beliefs in god/gods since the dawn of civilisation, we know Aboriginals in Australia used to worship spirits and elementals, we know the pagan nomadic early Europeans had gods as they introduced early forms of burial rituals. I can understand why the concept of 'god' was born and grew from our ancestors...but what I don't understand, is why it is still believed/worshiped today.
I'll have one last go October 5, 2009, 1:22 am - Posted by Guest I just read your first post again and would like to respond to each comment: Child wishing and blowing out candles - yes this is a wonderful thing and teh joy it brings is fantastic; but whether the wish actually comes true or not has nothing at all to do with them making that wish! Unless they then try harder to make it true etc. (which is natural, not supernatural). We tell kids santa isn't real when they get older, even though they have faith in santa and it brings them joy. If you're looking for evil you'll find it - maybe this is true. One for you to think about: If you're looking for god you'll find him (i.e. make him up), e.g. if it's a beautful day you'll probably thank god for the beautful day, if it rains on you're wedding day I doubt you'll curse the bastard for making it rain! Faith-hope-love, without faith you have none. That's rubbish, I have a lot of love and have a meaningful and fulfilling life without faith in a god - how would you know if love is possible without faith if you've never not had faith? Don't compare sins of people to faith in the creator: I understand the distinction and I know that most religious people are perfectly harmless good people. My problem isn't so much with religious people, but with religion itself. I used those examples to show that religion has bad effects. Can't see the wind, but feel it. I don't have to see something to believe it - I have many senses, vision, audition, tactile sensation, pain sensation, temperature sensation, vestibular sensation, my body even senses it's own blood pressure and regulates my heart rate and the arterial resistance. I can also devise experiments to measure things that I cannot pick up with my senses, e.g. I can use a CT scanner to look inside a persons body without running at them with a knife, I could also use a radiowave sensor to sense radio waves, although I've never done that. The point is, if something exists, it can be sensed in some way, because at the very least we could sense its EFFECT, if it has no effect then we can't sense it, but if it has no effect then it either doesn't exist or isn't worth praying to (unless you accept that your prayers are never ever answered). And I've already dealt with your last two claims.
Follow up... October 5, 2009, 12:51 am - Posted by Guest I am incredibly passionate about this issue because religion is holding the world back from addressing its issues. We're not doing anything about global warming because we only value human life and not nature. Why? Because we think nature was created for us. Why do we think this? Genesis (some stupid old book written by tribe in the desert who had no clue and are in no way different from the romans, greek, incas, etc. all of whose religions have been forgotten about), and arrogance, a lot of arrogance! The truth is easy to see for anyone with an open mind willing to assess the EVIDENCE - we evolved in nature, and are part of nature, it is not FOR us at all. Another example of why religion is some frustrating. I am a doctor and a scientist and am passionate about evolution - it explains so much in the world around us and is a beautiful inste of genius. Yet, I hear groups in the US continually calling for "intelligent design" to be taught in schools. Let me settle this- THERE IS NO DEBATE ABOUT EVOLUTION IN THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY it is FACT. Science is humble and never actually says that we know anything for sure, but we are as sure about evolution as the physicists are that the earth revolves around the sun (which is "just a theory" but one backed up by a lot of good evidence). How would a history teacher respond if everytime they tried to teach their students about the holocaust some group of misinformed ignorant holocaust deniers held a protest to "teach the controversy" - we wouldn't allow it! Yet the evolution thing is no different. I'm getting off topic because this is one of my pet peeves and really twists my nuts! Over here in New Zealand (I am a NZer) not long ago a woman died in an exorcism - AN EXORCISM!!! what the fuck! I thought we had escaped the dark ages. But I've since learnt these exorcisms are quite common. It's ridiculous! anyway... feel free to reply, I quite enjoy this debate! :D
Faith Comment: Response October 5, 2009, 12:32 am - Posted by Guest Thanks for your replies. You are right to sense anger. I am angry that people all around the world still believe archaic and primitive mythologies taught to them by men (and women in some religions, although most still have overtly sexist policies) who have no evidence for what they are teaching. I am angry that these beliefs continue to result in war, violence, and segregation! An example can be taken from your own reply "Whether you bow now or later; believe ME you will BOW" - how do you know this? Because you seem to be very sure of it, but for the life of me I can think of no possible way for you to have found out this information. If you do have a credible source for this and it is true then please let me know because it would change everything! But as it is, I am sure you have just heard this from a priest of some sort or some other person or book and in fact do not know it to be fact at all. To the comment "there are no atheists" - you are wrong, we are all atheists about most of the gods that have ever been invented, zeus, apollo, thor, some of us just go one further! I understand that religions offer comfort. I take comfort in seeing the world for what it really is, a wonderful, amazing, incredible place. I love learning about this world by experiencing it and by scientific enquiry in to how things really work - why does a bee take pollen from a flower? Why does the sun rise every day? Why do I love? The answer is not to be found in some old book, but in viewing these questions with an OPEN MIND free from the burden of having to cram any answer in to a religious frame work. When I die I know that I will rot in the ground. I know this because of my experience with neurological disorders. I have met patients with what is called frontal-lobe syndrome, it results commonly from a tumour in the frontal lobes of the brain and can (amongst other effects) change personalities. The amazing thing is that the personality changes back to how it was originally following surgical removal of the tumour. I, having an OPEN MIND, accept therefore that personality (and everything else we call "I") is a function of the brain, not of the soul. Therefore I can conclude that when a brain dies, so does the "person" that that brain created. I take comfort in this because I am free to enjoy my life fully, knowing that THIS IS IT, and without the false belief that it will continue after death just because I want it to. I leave you with the classic words of John Lennon (who was an atheist by the time of his tragic death), this song is about the causes of disharmony, and is a call to peace through amongst other things, atheism: Imagine there's no Heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one To the person who had me up about calling Billy a prick - you're right I was too harsh, I met him after a concert as a fan in between him and his ride, he would have been tired and his attitude towards the fans was understandable.
Renee'-I wrote the Faith Is Believing comment. October 2, 2009, 8:21 am - Posted by Guest If I misunderstood what you were trying to say please clarify.Not trying to brag but I met Billy too.Truly he is a humble man with a kind sweet soul: B.T.W.(Joey Ramon) was with him that night.(God Bless Your Soul Joey).We all have our moments; maybe he was having his.Just because he made it to the big time(SO What)he's still just a man.Sweep around your own steeps before you start judging people. You know clean your own house.I'm sure your Not spotless.
Faith is believing . October 2, 2009, 8:08 am - Posted by Guest I took the time out and read what you had to say.It seems to me that your lacking faith;Why?I sense anger and hurt in you.When a child makes a wish upon a star or when they blow out their birthday candles; they are doing so in an act of faith.If your looking for evil you'll find it;because your seeking it out.Faith-Hope-Love: without Love you have none.A bit of advice for you: don't compare the sins of people to faith in the Creator.Can you see the wind No but you feel it.Remember if your looking for evil you'll find it.B.T.W there are NO atheists ;every Knee shall bow thus says the Lord.Whether you bow now or later; believe ME you will BOW;will it be in shame or what is up to YOU.
Perfect example of what's wrong with america September 22, 2009, 12:15 am - Posted by Guest Faith = believing without evidence. Once you accept that believing in something without evidence is a virtuous thing you open yourselves up to all forms of evil. It's what allows suicide bombers to martyr themselves, and it's what allows HIV to keep spreading throughout Africa (this year the pope went to Africa and said that using condoms was an ineffective way of preventing HIV transmission - they are extremely effective by the way), and it's what keeps americans from understanding the world. Only 39% of americans accept evolution as fact - there is no debate in the scientific community, the only 'controversy' is with religious fundamentalists who won't accept the world as it is (even the catholic church accepts evolution!). This "faith" that we are in gods image is what allows the continued destruction of the environment - wake up america! Don't listen to this fool - I love the pumpkins, but I met Billy and he is a prick, and this just tops it off. Anyone remotely interested in enlightening themselves by turning their back on religion should have a search around the internet - there's a huge community of us atheists who can help you out, it sometimes helps if you can talk to people equally in tune with reality.
This site is a cumshot of suckage September 16, 2009, 10:11 am - Posted by Guest It's true.