Laugh? I nearly cried.
Now Professor Richard Dawkins thinks he is a 'cultural Christian'. He has spent a good deal of the last decade or more having a go at Christians (and those of other faiths) culminating in his latest book which I understand labels all believers in God as deluded. Not wanting to add to his wealth I haven't read it myself...but I think the basic message as reported in the media is quite clear without reading it.
Well, I'm afraid I've got some bad news for the professor...he is one of the deluded ones too if he thinks that there is such a thing as a 'cultural Christian'.
This is actually one of the biggest delusions around. Christianity is about faith not culture. Islam is about faith not culture. And it pretty much goes for all religions too. Including atheism. And as you know, I see atheism as a matter of faith and therefore also a religion.
I wonder why people, especially atheists like Dawkins, want so badly to associate themselves with the word 'Christian' even if 'only' in a cultural sense when they say they don't believe any of it? Nagging doubts, maybe? Hedging your bets?
Perhaps he hasn't thoroughly thought it through after all...
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Random musings of a random Moose
48 comments:
Wow, what a busy blog - I hope there's room on here for this comment!!
Moose, very interesting blog. I agree - he may be covering all the bases - just in case. After all, NONE of us knows what lies ahead. It's all down to faith, of course it is. I wonder what will happen if the atheists of this world really do encounter St Peter at the Pearly Gates!
I am heading off at 2pm today for a late lunch with MrS. Speaking of my lovely husband, I was walking down the street yesterday and I saw this guy in the distance who was the image of MrS. I thought "oh, he looks lovely". Guess what, it WAS MrS!! So ... THAT explains why I fancied the look of him!
Have a good day everyone.
C xx
I agree with you Moose- association for whatever reason is what the guy is after. I haven't read his book either and don't intend to but I'll be at church this morning watching as my Dad and my dog get blessed before they are sent on their way. I haven't made much comment on the blog but I have been lurking in the background quietly. Sleep hasn't come easily so it's been entertaining for me at some strange hours of the night.
I hope you're all well and perhaps you'd have a virtual toast to my Dad Cyril at 11.30 this morning with a choccie biccy dunk if it's tooearly for the hard stuff.
Luv
Lyndyloo
& Booboo
-x-x-
I have to say he is rather a bit of a numpty!! And I wouldn't want to buy his book either! He should have the guts to stand by his convictions and not pretend to be something else! I have never understood how folk can say 'I am a Christian' when they don't believe in Christ as God's son and our Saviour!
Chrissie - I did wish you happy birthday next door - but Er Or 502 keeps stealing my posts!! Did you have a fun day?! And how cute that MrS still rocks your boat!
Lyndyloo - I have lost all my mobile numbers (phones and loos do not mix!) so I'm glad you came on today. You and your family will be very much in my thoughts and prayers today, especially at 11.30am. Will definately have a cuppa in my hand at that time even though we will be surrounded by kids high from yet another Christmas party! Stay strong honey.
Huggles all round,
Susan <><
Lyndyloo, I'll be thinking of you and your mum today.
I'll be here at 11.30 - it will be my privilege.
C xx
Lyndyloo, I have set up a reminder for 11:20 to go and purchase a coffee. I will have a quiet moment with you, for Pops and Roobear!
DD out
Morning all!
Lyndyloo - thinking of you at this sad time. I will be having a virtual toast with you and yours at 11.30. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
A quick hello to everyone else. I have been lurking for a couple of days now but my injuries prevent me typing much. The healing is going to take a while but I will pop in when I can.
A x
To Cyril and Roobear.
Dunk. Slurp.
and a few nice reiki symbols for good measure.
xxxx
X
For Cyril
xx
Thankyou xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hiya,
Just popping in to say hello - hope everyone is o.k.
Anna and Caroline (with sincere apologies to Analog!) - have you seen this week's O.K. magazine? Marc & Cerys on the front cover.
I'm tellin' yer, it's not just Bingo Star who has a crystal ball! What did I say about the wedding in Barbados? Reckon that will be around June!
Chow!
C xx
Chrissie - no apologies necessary. I share an office with several Heat and Closer addicts!
Sorry I was quiet last week - was rather distracted by a poorly puss cat but he appears to be on the mend now and so I've got lots of catching up to do.
Hope you're all well ...
G'morning all - apologies for continued absence. While everyone else seems to be slowing down for the festivities, my workload is increasing daily and I'm starting to get panicky that it won't all get done. Then I remember that in 3 weeks' time I'll be flying to the sunshine and suddenly, I'm calm again!
Lyndyloo - I was with you at 11.30am on Thursday, but just didn't get a chance to let you know. My love to you, your mum and Booboo xxxx
jollygit xx
Good morning Lovelies!!!
Moose - thoroughly agree with your last Blog and as for the Archbishop - I fully support his actions. I for one am at a loss at how supposed 'civilised' nations can meet with a murdering, plundering thug like Mugabe. Zimbabwe should be excluded from the UN until Mugabe and his gang have gone. THEN, the whole world should unite to help the country get back onto its feet. There.
Lindyloo - I am so sorry for your loss honey. I've been such an erratic reader of this blog and CLP's, that I'd completely missed your heartbreaking news. Thinking of you, your mum and Booboo.
S xx.
Hello everyone
Thanks for all your continued support, the weekend was kind of strange but we've got through it and today I've got to look at the things that I should have been doing since I got back from the Bananas which seems a very long time ago.
Talking of which if Mark & Cerys do get hitched I know a lovely spot in the Bahamas on Long Island they could use!
I made a goegeous tiramisu yesterday for pud and if anyone wants to know the recipe then give us a shout.
h and another thing that you might find amusing... Booboo jumped in the bath last night, I only just got out in time! SHe now smells beautiful on the outside (it's just her breath that lets her down).
Luv
Lyndyloo
& Booboo
-x-x-
I did see it Chrissie and i am now trying to battle with myself over buying it/not buying it. I am so sad. But i just cant help being a sucker for a love story - PR stunts need not apply.
Im on Christmas wind down now. Except that there appears to be some marital issues facing several friends and family members. Makes me thankful for him in doors!
if i dont get chance again, have a good one all. Merry Christmas and a Happy NEw Year. Lyndyloo in particular, I'll be thinking of you and your family.
see you soon.
xx
Afternoon all!
I am sitting indoors, frantically one finger typing, as am plastered for Christmas, Wahey!, but no I mean plaster of paris for Christmas, it would appear that I have broken a bone in my hand and am cast from fingers to elbow.
Fantastic
A week to go, and chaos now reigns, all of our plans are changing as it becomes apparent that i am unable to do what was previously planned. For example, we were supposed to be going to the Blues Brothers at the NEC next weekend, as I am unable to change gear, I cant drive therefore we may need to go by train and stay overnight in a hotel due to a shortage of trains back. Damned annoying.
but it's Chriiiiiiistmaaaas
DD out
Anna- thanks I'm sure we'll make the most of it whatever happens.
DD- the NEC is only 20 minutes away from me so I'll be able to wave at you and Mrs Dissing from my roof top! Shame about your broken hand though...
See 2008 can't come quick 'nough!
Apparently it's not at the NEC, but at the NIA!
Still waveable Lindy?
DD out
It's lovely to see some familiar names on here!
DD - what a shame about your hand! Is the plaster really itchy?! There's no good time of year for this to happen, but it's a real b*gger at Christmas!
Anna - I am very good at resisting buying OK and Hello, but I must confess I bought OK today. Haven't read it yet, but I did succumb!
Over the years, several friends of ours and certain members of our family have had broken relationships at Christmas - it must be the time of year for reflecting and deciding "enough is enough". However, hope you and him indoors have a lovely Christmas!
Jollygit - how wonderful your holiday is so near. It's a nightmare trying to get everything done before you go away, but you'll manage it, I'm sure.
Hope everyone else is keeping warm. It's like, totally freezing here!
Lyndyloo, Amanda and Mary xxx
C xx
P.S. Hazel, how are you?
Ouch DD - but at least you can still hold a pint in your other hand and just think how much washing up you won't be able to do! Hope it knits together soon.
It's a tad chilly here too Chrissie - and the wind is whistling in round/through the window frames so I'm sitting in a permanent draft (draught?). Could I claim an industrial injury do you think??
Best wishes to all of you with troubles various - let's hope that 2008 is a bit better all round.
Analog,
Last week I was saying just how cold my part of the office is because of the old window frames - so I sympathise! I came in this morning and stuffed rolled-up copier paper in the bottom of all the windows - doesn't look too good considering we have a "designer" office, by it has been quite effective!
C xx
DD- You can just about see my fingertips if you stand on tipy-toes! The NIA is a great venue, have you got floor seats or raised? Some of the seats at the back give you vertigo!
Luv
Lyndyloo
-x-
Afternoon!
Surprisingly, my boss told me to take the afternoon off, as I don't have enough work to do and, he reasoned, I have six hours of travelling tomorrow, so take it easy. Hooray! Have a really heavy cold, so went to bed!!!
It's funny how things turn out... Special Friend (no more) keeps texting and despite the fact I ignore him, he can't seem to get the message. K and I went out on a 'celebrating singledom' night last week (TOTALLY platonic) and had the best night ever - we now have plans for this Friday too. H (whom I had a very short-lived dalliance with)fell head over heels for a girl he told me he was going to ask to marry him and is now single and on the phone every day telling me so. So here's my take on it:
Special Friend (but no more) likes the idea of a relationship, but when it comes to it, doesn't want to vary the very structured, neat life he has.
K also likes the idea of a relationship, but knows he's not ready and that actually good friends are all he needs (and a cuddle every now and then).
H says he doesn't want a relationship, but actually is so desperate for an all encompassing, passionate romance that he frightens off most women, that is, unless he gets bored first.
As for me, as Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman - "I want the fairy tale." In realistic terms, I know it is highly unlikely I will ever get that and as I will NOT settle for second best ever again, I have resigned myself to a life of singledom. Do you know what? I feel quite happy about it!
DD - v bad news about your hand honey - does it hurt much?
The NIA is in the centre of B'ham!!! If the weather isn't too good, I would suggest a taxi from New Street, rather than the walk.
I am seeing Army friend tomorrow - haven't seen him for over 12 months - we're just meeting for coffee - but it's so good to catch up with friends. Last Friday, I took my kids to have dinner with friends I haven't seen for 6 years! I fell out with them over my husband (of course they were right!), but got in touch again a few weeks ago - lovely!!
Anyhoo, life feels ok-ish at the moment and tonight, my son is singing in the church carol concert, which I love!
Have a lovely evening everyone,
S xx.
Chrissie S / Analog / Sammie,
Thanks for the kind words. To answer the questions. Yes I can still hold a pint YAY. Hand is not actually too bad now that it is in plaster, fortunately it's only on for a couple of weeks so not too bad. Plaster itches like da bitches! It's not even one of the new sexy coloured plasters, but the old skool white plaster that can be written on. So far my wife has written "Dave, You Plonker!" NICE!
Works Chrimble lunch tomorrow, already plastered so don't care now!
DD out
Morning all,
I would like to thank you all for your best wishes regarding my work issues and the grievance that has been taken out against me (The line manager). I can not believe just how much work goes into defending such a ludicrous accusation! Still my part is done for now and unless we do end up at an employment tribunal that could be the end of it. So thank lovely people! ;-))
After the hearing I headed off to London with Mrs NSBU for a little retail therapy in the west end. She bought loads; I ended up with a very nice leather jacket so we were both happy!
I am still loosing weight! As of last Sunday I have now lost 8 stone! I will just be taking it careful over the festive period not to do too much damage although I will continue train when I can. :-))
DD – I do hope your wrist heals soon. Why do these things seem to happen at inappropriate times ;-)
Sammie, kids singing carols at Christmas is my favourite thing this time of year even if they are not my own kids.
Lyndyloo, still thinking of you and you family. Xx
Has Hazel got her absence chit signed miss?
Later all
Keith the NotSoBigUn
xx
Keith, I am sooo impressed - 8 stone is a huge amount to lose. Congratulations!
I've managed just 6lbs, but after a fish'n'chip lunch things that might not the case ...
The view from my window has improved today - there's some chaps erecting scaffolding outside, and whilst it's not exactly Diet Coke break time and the one in the balaclava isn't doing himself any favours it's better than staring at an empty roof!
Hope this finds you all tickety boo. I'll bring some chips back with me and share them out later.
Absolute panic stations in our office this week! But .... there's always time to blog!
Analog - fish & chips - my favourite food! Even if I went for lunch to The Plaza in New York, I'd want fish & chips!
Keith - well done! You really must feel as though you are a new man!
I'm trying really hard, but I do not have a Christmassy bone in my body! I wonder if it's my age? I really mean this. Perhaps when you have had 50 Christmasses, this is how you feel?
I am going for it though - some gifts to wrap up this evening, get on the Rat Pack Christmas CD and hopefully I'll start to get in the mood! For Christmas, I mean!
C xx
Sorry there were no chips left and I had to save the fish skin for the stray cat that lives in the hedge outside our building ...
Thought I'd let you all know that Hazel cannot get on to this blog - gremlins in the system. For some reason, she can visit next door, but not here!
See you soon, Hazel!
C xx
Myself and 'im indoors went to the NEC Arena on Saturday night to see Jasper Carrott's 'Rock with Laughter' show. It's an annual event now - we combine it with a trip to see his mum & brother - and there are always some really good acts on. It's not everyone's cup of char, but we saw Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Chris de Burgh (much better than I thought he'd be), Dame Edna (she was so rude and v.v. funny), Shakin' Stevens (not so good), Ray Quinn (one of last year's X-Factor finalists) and The Manfreds featuring Paul Jones & Mike D'Abo (they were brilliant).
Mind you, it took us 15 minutes to get back to the car!!!
I'm currently feeling outraged that Radio 1 - of all bloody stations - have banned the fantastic Pogues' song 'Fairytale of New York' because the words 'faggot', 'your arse' etc might offend people!!! Apparently they're going to edit it so that it's not so offensive. Flippin' heck ..... as one person wrote in, would the controller of the BBC like to be with me when I open my Xmas presents, in case I get a paper cut!!! The world's gorn mad!
jollygit - disgusted of Kent xx
Morning people. I'b still suffering wid a nasdy coed and dot much fun but will baddle on enyway!
DD- are you feeling any better?
Chrissie- stay warm!!
HL- you knwo we're missing you
Sammie- you seem to have sooo many men in your life, how do you manage it?
NSBU- Fantastic!!!! Well done you!
Analog-6lb is good too
Jollygit- I soo agree about the fairytale of New York... it's PC gone mad and ridiculous as they all played it up till now
Luv
Lyndyloo
& Booboo
-x-x-
Loobyloo,
I feel fine in myself just a bit plastered which, whilst stopping the pain in my wrist, is an inconvenience generally.
Interesting Chrimbo lunch yesterday, very difficult cutting guinea fowl with arm in plaster. Even more difficult if you almost set light to the plaster cast and bandage on a festive candle. Strange burning smell, Oh it's alright it's just Dave's arm!!!
I'm sorry so many of you are suffering with the sniffles, sore throat, aching bones, etc. but please keep it to yourself and get well soon!
DD out
Afternoon Folks!
Lindyloo - they may be in my life, but they're not, if you know what I mean?
Keith - WELL DONE! You deserved your shopping trip - you must have loads of BIG clothes hanging round! Top tip - keep one of the largest items you have, to remind you of how well you've done.
Ana - 6lbs is great - well done you - just visualise 6 packs of lard - thats how much fat you've lost!!! Next time you're in the supermarket, pick up 6 packs of lard - you'll be surprised at how heavy they feel!
DD - love the imagery conjured up by your plaster on fire!
Anyhoo - my new job is a breeze at the moment, not sure it will stay like this, but for now, I'm quite happy. Just another two days at work, then I'm off for the duration!
Have a date tonight (Can't keep a good woman down Lindyloo!) and am tingly and nervous! Feel like I'm 16! Let's just hope he's as nice in the flesh (oo-er) as he is on the phone.
Met up with Army friend yesterday - he met me at St Pancras and travelled with me to work - he even brought coffees with him! Always nice to catch up with old friends.
Am ging to do dome of that there work stuff now, but will dip in later.
Have a good day one and all,
S xx.
Did anyone see the "friends" episode when Phoebe had "sexy phlem"? Well I confirm mine is "not" sexy and I'm getting very bored with this cold!!!!
Marry Crimble apart from that xx
Lindy - "sexy plegm" - yuck!!! Makes me heave....
S xx.
Greetings!
19th December - starting to panic just slightly! Lots of gift shopping still to do on Saturday, and then food shopping Sunday. Did everyone else do the sensible thing and order on-line? I promised myself last year that I would do that this year. Did I? What do you think?!
Jollygit - I think that sounds like a terrific show you saw. Even old Shakin Stevens would be good value, I would think! And I saw Dame Edna in Glasgow years ago - hilarious!
DD - I can only imagine at the inconvenience a plaster causes. Among other things, getting washed must be a nightmare!
Hope everyone else is o.k. Moose - how are you doing?!
C xx
je suis ici. J'ai mal a nez et le frote et la tete.
...but, Lord Dave of Dissingshire seems to be running (because he still can) away with the 'Wots Wrong With Me' prize...
Lyndyloo, I'b sibilar do yube in that I hab a code and feel lige shid generally, but having had the fortnight off sick, then three days leave last year...as we finish tomorrow (hoo bleedin ray) I didn't dare take today off too...as well as yesterday...before which I could only get Beebeeceeb interweb...
Anyhoo, I shall catch up with any other events at my leisure whilst singing carols just because I like the choon.
And because I can
love
hazel
x
ps thank you for missing me, it means a lot...x
last YEAR? Gawd 'elp us.
Last WEEK. Three days leave last WEEK.
Nice to see you back Hazel - but plese keep your gerbs to the South East corner of the blog.
The scaffolders are back too - mmm the day just got better!
Welcome back Hazel!
So, you're fast asleep and the person next to you is obviously mid-dream. You know his arm is in plaster. There's lots of thrashing about, moaning and screaming? He says "It's got my arm! Get it off of my arm!"
What do you do?
Do you
A) try to gently wake him and bring him out of a bad dream?
or
B) Wait for him to rip the plaster cast off of his arm and then lay there laughing as he tells you what was the cause of the bad dream?
Mrs Dissing this morning at 3 o'clock chose option B) as the plaster cast flew across the room, she finally woke me and proceeded to kill herself laughing as I told her that in the dream we were on safari and a lion had got hold of my arm. I obviously was not best pleased about this and tore my plaster cast off whilst trying to remove the lions mouth from my arm!
NICE!!!
For those sniggerers amongst you! Enjoy!
DD Out
PS That's the last time I have a curry during the week!
PPS 4 candles!
Oh DD you made me smile - sorry but I just had to. Have you got plastered again yet???
One more day to go before I pack up for the hols - yippee!
Back tomorrow
PS Got any Ps?
Hi all,
DD - OMG - have you been plastered again today? V funny - sorry, but you have to admit it even to yourself!
S xx.
Morning all,
Further to the dream sequence from yesterday!
I was woken in the middle of the night by Mrs Dissing groping up and down the back of my entire body. Very happy with this turn of events I obviously turned over! Wahey thinks I!
No, Mrs Dissing is fast asleep and mid-dream, and upon waking her, I find out she was checking a random person for injuries, in true first aid stylee!
Gutted, I then try to go back to sleep.
She only had some toast for dinner.
DD out
PS Must check that "I can't believe it's not" is still in date!
Morning all!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and health and happiness for 2008.
I hope to be back up to full strength sometime very soon, I have been lurking away in the background though.
DD - Hope your hand recovers soon - my elbow is taking an age as is my leg and I am very frustrated at being so immobile. No driving for at least 6 weeks (am currently into week 3) and then it will depend on how my leg is as to whether I can resume or not! Oh and plenty of rest! With a 7 and a 5 year old that is realistic isn't it!?!
Jo - just had to wish you and yours a wonderful first Christmas with your little one.
Lyndyloo - you will be especially in my thoughts over Christmas. x.
To the rest of you - have a great time and I will pop in if I can over the festive period.
Take care everyone!
Amanda x
hello everyone
Lyndyloo - my thoughts are with you at such a sad time, keep your chin up, girl.
I'm well blocked up, bunged up, croaky and red eyed, and so is lovely child, so we are both off school...there was crying yesterday because she'd miss the P4 Christmas Party and they'd learnt Scottish dances and everything.... poor lamb.. her temperature was too high to go to school - so we snuggled up in bed with tissues, juice, oranges and black beauty; it was a bit of a squeeze but we managed!
I hope the various ailments that you lot have clear up, drop off or exorcise themselves in time for Christmas day.
Even though I'vebeen a fairweather blogger/commenter in the last few months, I do appreciate your virtual friendships..Thanks Moose for keeping it going.
Wishing you all, and your families, a happy, peaceful Christmas and a rocking new year!
With love from Caroline, Mr Caroline and the wee one xxx
Caroline, Amanda, DD, Hazel and anyone else on here who's suffering from aches, pains or just getting plastered once too often - healing thoughts to you!
Lyndyloo - thinking of you, your mum and Booboo at this time, and to anyone else missing loved ones xxxxxxxx
Am due to head home at about 2pm so in case I don't get back here before then, have a lovely Christmas one and all, and a Happy New Year to you too. I for one can't wait to kick 2007 into touch, and am looking forward to a sun-filled January, BAA strikes permitting, of course! I could be spending the planned NZ holiday time queueing at Heathrow ...... fingers crossed I don't, eh?!
Take care everyone and lots of love all round.
Moose - thanks as always for providing us with such a great place to offload worries & fears, catch up on good news (Jo & George - have a wonderful 1st Christmas as a family), laugh our wotsits off and generally misbehave badly, but virtually so it doesn't count!
Now I'm off to do the real thing!!!!
jollygit xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Good afternoon!
Just thought I'd drop by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.
You've all been such a source of inspiration to me, during what has been quite a tricky year.
Moose - thanks for prompting me to find my Moose (sorry - Muse) and start writing again. The poems are flowing and plans for my first novel are well and truly underway.
Lets hope that for all of us, 2008 is a wonderful year.
Love and best wishes,
S xx.
P.S. - Lindyloo - waved to you from the train on the way into Brum for the German Market yesterday. Hope you saw me - best wishes also to your mum. X
Just a little hello to everyone from BHX airport where I'm waiting for my delayed flight to Barcelona so I can get up to Andorra for my New Year break. We had a pleasant enough Christmas day with my friends making a big fuss of Mum and making some seriously fantastic food for us as well. It was strange without Dad but I felt he was with us being happy to watch from a place out of pain.
Thank you to you all for the support that you've shown me in 2007 it has been a great comfort to me in times of stress and anguish.
In the New Year I'm intending to be more active on my own blog again as I've neglected it of late. If there's one thing that 2007 has taught me it's that every day is precious and we should make the most of the time that we have here on this wonderful place which is earth.
Happy New Year to you all ...
Here's to a great 2008!!!!
Luv
Lyndyloo
& Booboo
-x-x-x-
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