| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Tombstone Blues |
Posted - 23/09/2007 : 18:30:39
http://www.one2believe.com/
Hours of fun! |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| BLONDIE |
Posted - 13/03/2010 : 12:38:57
There was an earthquake and the Christian Brothers Monastery was levelled. All fifty Bothers were were transported to Heaven.
At the Pearly Gates, St. Peter said, "Let's go through the entry test as a group. Now first question. How many of you have played around with little boys?"
Forty nine hands went up.
"Right" said St.Peter "You forty nine can go down to purgatory and take that deaf bugger with you!"
NB
How do you make a nun pregnant?
Dress her up as an alter boy. |
| Fluffy Sheep |
Posted - 11/03/2010 : 18:09:36
Sadly, I have to agree, Anubis, there`s a lot of absurdity coming from the Vatican of late. |
| Anubis |
Posted - 11/03/2010 : 15:50:05
quote:
Originally posted by Fluffy Sheep
O Bugger, here we go again...
Anyway, whether folks believe them or regard them as myth, there were some good stories - so why not make action figures of them, if there`s a market - no more bizarre than some of the action figures around!
There are already two very traditional and well-loved `playsets` that come to mind -
Noah`s Ark and the pairs of animals, and the Nativity set.
Both of these I`ve seen in wood, plastic, cloth and knitted materials. And young kids LOVE `em!
(Regardless of whether they are told the stories behind them, whether they believe anything, or not!)
You make some excellent points here, Fluff -- sorry it's taken me three years to get around to saying so! A few weeks ago, I acquired an interesting little book, written by an Episcopal priest (he has written a dozen or so books on the Christian faith). It's 350 pages of a scholarly analysis of the text of the first chapters of the Bible, comparing (and providing!!) the Hebrew, Greek, Latin versions of the text for comparison and attempting to fathom the deeper intents of the writers rather than argue about the 'literal truth' of the writings themselves.
I suppose when Tombstone opened the site (again!), the intention was to save it for the 'way out' weird beliefs regularly discovered in the thousands of obscure sects around the world ... but as we discover almost on a daily basis, you couldn't get weirder than looking at the pinnacle of each and every individual 'faith'. Fellow posters will, no doubt have spotted the latest absurdities from Vatican City itself:
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| BLONDIE |
Posted - 23/02/2010 : 13:11:50
That's telling 'em ! |
| Anubis |
Posted - 22/02/2010 : 08:55:55
Just to finalize any thoughts Australia's 'shadow' Prime Minister has regarding women, for a practicing Christian his homilies are really quite moderate. Christian teachings on the 'woman question' are much more neanderthal.
Paul taught (I Timothy 2:11-15): "Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent. . . . woman will be saved through bearing children. . . ." Additionally, Peter (3:1-6) ordered wives to "be submissive to your husbands" and have "a gentle and quiet spirit." …. behaving to their husbands "as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord." Titus (2:5) insisted women be "keepers at home."
For centuries these biblical doctrines were taken seriously; women were treated as inferior beings, excluded from important professions. Modern advances in the position of women have occurred because society became less Christian, more secular.
Our Australian friend, a Catholic politician, more 'in tune' with the teachings of the Bible and (most probably) the doctrines of 13th century Catholic theologian, Thomas Aquinas, who argued, "Good order would have been wanting in the human family if some were not governed by others wiser than themselves. So by such a kind of subjection woman is naturally subject to man, because in men the discretion of reason predominates."
Don’t imagine all the blame belongs to the Catholics, however. Martin Luther, ‘founder’ of Protestantism, decreed: "Women should remain at home, sit still, keep house and bear and bring up children.", adding, "If a woman grows weary and at last dies from childbearing, it matters not. Let her die from bearing, she is there to do it."
Themes of women's inferiority remain in today's Christian fundamentalist movement. Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson has proclaimed: "God Almighty says that when you enter into a marriage, Jesus Christ is the head of the man, and the husband in turn is the head of the wife. . . . In important decisions, if there is any kind of dispute, the ultimate authority needs to be the husband."
But, forgive my repetition, St Paul (who more than any other person, 'founded' the Christian church, must therefore be the supreme source of what Christianity has to say on the topic of women .... and he really says it all, doesn't he?
"Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent. . . . woman will be saved through bearing children. . . " .... or, in a nutshell. In modern parlance:
'keep your legs open and your mouth shut' !
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| Anubis |
Posted - 21/02/2010 : 09:31:39
Now here's an interesting insight into the Catholic mind!
Those of you who, like me, grew up reading the myths and legends of the ancient Gods of all peoples, will recall that all primitive religions believe their gods visit earth, from time to time, to have sex with attractive females -- the rape of Leda by the supreme God Zeus is the subject of a very famous painting, once treasured by its then-owner, Adolf Hitler. Read the book of Genesis and learn how the heavenly angels regularly copulated with earthly maidens -- indeed, Paul, in the New Testament, warns that women must cover their heads in worship so they do not tempt the angels watching from above. Obviously Jehovah fancied the 'virgin' Mary, if we are to believe these tales. Books have been written on this topic -- enough from me.
Given that human women are in constant danger of losing their virginity to the Gods and their agents, it makes sense then, I suppose to perceive the young females 'virginity' as in some sense a gift from Heaven .... anyway, that's how one of the Catholic bigwigs (leader of the Federal opposition) on the current Australian political scene sees it ... one can understand his 'logic'!
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/womens-virginity-a-precious-gift-says-opposition-leader-tony-abbott/story-e6frea8c-1225823535955 |
| Fluffy Sheep |
Posted - 15/02/2010 : 13:30:51
OK, Anubis. There are occasionally times when I DO wish to offend and do so gladly and quite effectively - last time was a (now ex-) neighbour who tried bullying a single mum and some of the kids here. I`m glad that you are not going to be offended. I do think it`s just as well you aren`t a religious chap though, as you`d probably be a real missionary! |
| Anubis |
Posted - 14/02/2010 : 16:21:47
quote:
Originally posted by Fluffy Sheep
Anubis, I used the word `fervent` referring to Daveb`s post "fervently trying to disprove or ridicule these beliefs". Sorry if I made you feel defensive by doing so!
Please DON'T ever apologize for anything you say -- I know that anything you say is quite genuinely believed by you (or you wouldn't say it). You will never 'offend' or make me feel 'defensive'. There is no point in discussing anything if the participants are frightened to say what they genuinely believe to be true.
I hadn't assumed it was me in your firing line, anyway. If it had been me, it would have only demonstrated (to me) I should be more careful in constructing my posts to ensure readers understood exactly what my opinion was (like everyone else, I sometimes look back, a few days later, on what I've written and realize I should have written more clearly!).
The people we talk about on this site (which I accept sometimes are not always really 'national news'!) -- Dawkins, Hitchins ... and yes, Anubis -- none of them, in my opinion, fit the 'fervent atheist' category .... as I said, I can't think of anyone, past or present, who does. That's why I asked the question.
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| Fluffy Sheep |
Posted - 14/02/2010 : 13:44:10
Anubis, I used the word `fervent` referring to Daveb`s post "fervently trying to disprove or ridicule these beliefs". Sorry if I made you feel defensive by doing so! |
| Anubis |
Posted - 14/02/2010 : 10:56:30
quote:
Originally posted by Fluffy Sheep
Your post about `fervent` atheism ....
If the expression (fervent atheism) refers to those who act as though they "believe in atheism" (assuming that's a possible thing to 'believe in'!) and make their prime objective attacking theological beliefs and concepts -- then I agree with you both, wholeheartedly. However, I can't, off hand, think of anyone I know, or have heard of, who fits that category. So, while respecting your wish NOT to pursue this topic under the 'National News' heading, Fluff, I'd appreciate your indicating whom you have in mind as representing the 'fervent atheist' school of thought. |
| Fluffy Sheep |
Posted - 13/02/2010 : 17:33:28
I was thinking that myself Daveb, but didn`t like to say so as I`ve no wish (or need!) to sound defensive, and no wish to debate this as a `national news` topic. Your post about `fervent` atheism comes better from another atheist, I reckon! |
| Daveb |
Posted - 13/02/2010 : 15:41:54
I have long "believed" that religion is a great way of controlling the uneducated masses. Religion does however give people a sense of belonging. There again so does supporting a football team.
I was simply putting the idea into the pot that fervently trying to disprove or ridicule these beliefs could become a religion! |
| BLONDIE |
Posted - 13/02/2010 : 13:03:28
What amazes me the most are the practicioners of the many hundreds of religions. The great majority attended schools and trained to become priests. Regardless of how one feels about these people, they are well educated, intelligent persons, but how such people can dispense their religious beliefs of invisible Gods'is beyond my comprehension. Like you Anubis I opted out at a very early age. Being forced to get up at the crack of dawn to attend church in the bitter cold of the English winter. One thought I had from early on was how can this bloke sit up on a throne in Rome and make a decree that one shall only have sex with one's wife for the sole purpose of having children. It is /was a sin doing it for pleasure. My late Aunt and Uncle were devout RC's' had four children and lived from hand to mouth all their lives never having two brass farthings to rub together, and it was only the fact that at the age of thirty that he had an accident that left him bedridden. I often wonder how many more childres they might have had. The World's poorest countries are Catholic and the Catholic church has much to answer for if the "day of reckoning" ever comes. |
| Anubis |
Posted - 12/02/2010 : 22:54:57
quote:
Originally posted by Daveb
If I may play "Devil's" Advocate for a mo.
Could it be considered that it is obsessive behaviour to so passionately persue tales of radical or irrational religious belief?
You may indeed have a point, Daveb! Anubis had decided he was a 'non believer' at a very early age (certainly by the age of eight or nine years) ... but was never-the-less forced to attend Sunday School/Church by parents ....
I am myself conscious of my almost irrational (?) aggressive hostility to established 'religion' -- the refusal of 'believers' to objectively examine their 'beliefs' -- that last word isn't the appropriate one; most 'believers' don't really believe the nonsense they say and celebrate; question them and you will find they don't really know what they are asserting in their creeds, prayers .... |
| Daveb |
Posted - 12/02/2010 : 21:12:15
If I may play "Devil's" Advocate for a mo.
Could it be considered that it is obsessive behaviour to so passionately persue tales of radical or irrational religious belief?
Anubis could start a cult of if everyone else is a religious loony then we MUST be sane!
A kind of negative reality inversion.
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| Anubis |
Posted - 12/02/2010 : 20:00:44
What always digs me is when a vicar stands up in his church and tells his congregation to do what the Holy Bible tells them to do!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250464/Curate-outrages-congregation-telling-women-silent-submit-husbands.html?ITO=1490 |
| Anubis |
Posted - 12/02/2010 : 08:51:38
quote:
Originally posted by camelot
The real miracle here is that the shop owner and patron/employee across the counter did not use automatic weapons on the guy. I've been to Texas many times and I'm convinced I am the only one not armed in the state. Signs posted outside some petrol/convienience stores ask patrons to leave weapons in their car when they enter. YaHOOO!
On reflection -- maybe there's more to this incident than meets the eye, Camelot.
It DOES help if the person about to rob you is a church attender who has
doubts about his immortal soul -- perhaps he'll be back in the shop with an
apology, then he'll hand himself over to the cops, develop a relationship
with the shop assistant while he's in jail, they marry and appear on Dr Phil
or Oprah. A BIG career opportunity for him, with only an 8-10 yr downside;
naturally he eventually becomes one of America's best known churchmen! |
| camelot |
Posted - 12/02/2010 : 05:47:37
The real miracle here is that the shop owner and patron/employee across the counter did not use automatic weapons on the guy. I've been to Texas many times and I'm convinced I am the only one not armed in the state. Signs posted outside some petrol/convienience stores ask patrons to leave weapons in their car when they enter. YaHOOO!
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| Anubis |
Posted - 11/02/2010 : 09:56:21
My friends! Maybe we've had it wrong! Maybe we should fall on our knees and ask the Creator's forgiveness of our doubting sins!? The TRUTH can be found in the columns of today's METRO -- and, no doubt, in many others newspapers:
 |
| Dingo |
Posted - 19/01/2010 : 19:49:38
And dragging down the standards of the thread even further...... :-)
http://orangecow.org/pythonet/sketches/piranha.htm
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| No Expert |
Posted - 19/01/2010 : 13:41:02
No Krays discussion is complete without: "They never stole off their own"
And
"They loved their mum." |
| Anubis |
Posted - 19/01/2010 : 13:06:51
quote:
Originally posted by Ian
quote:
Originally posted by BLONDIE
As far as I can remember the notorious Kray brothers never carried a 'shooter'.
I would think the Krays, just like major criminals today, got their sidekicks to carry their weapons.
Not always, Ian! I've just pinched this from the web:
On March 9, 1966, Cornell and his friend Albie Woods entered the saloon bar of The Blind Beggar pub, ordered some light ales and then sat upon stools next to the bar. At around 8:30pm, both men were approached by Ronnie Kray; on seeing him, Cornell sneered with sarcasm "Look who's here". Ronnie Kray walked towards Cornell, took out a 9 mm Mauser, and calmly shot him once in the forehead, just above his right eye. Cornell slumped against a nearby pillar, the bullet, apparently, passing straight through him. Moments earlier the barmaid, who was later to become a key witness in the trial, had put a new record on the jukebox, "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" by The Walker Brothers; after Cornell was shot, the record stuck on the words "anymore...anymore". |
| Ian |
Posted - 19/01/2010 : 10:49:48
quote:
Originally posted by BLONDIE
As far as I can remember the notorious Kray brothers never carried a 'shooter'.
I would think the Krays, just like major criminals today, got their sidekicks to carry their weapons. |
| Anubis |
Posted - 19/01/2010 : 09:06:31
quote:
Originally posted by BLONDIE
One of the problems IN MY OPINION is that police are always armed. Guns beget guns as violence begets violence. The ordinary British 'bobby' on the street is not armed although he / she can call for armed back-up if and when required in a particular situation. There have been many instances IN MY OPINION that a firearm need never have been used. So called 'life threatening situations' are always given as an excuse. Mind you the gang wars in Melbourne and Sydney have tended to make Chicago look rather like Alice in Wonderland. But there again crime in the big cities in Britain was never at the end of a gun. As far as I can remember the notorious Kray brothers never carried a 'shooter'. The first policeman actually shot by a criminal was P.C. Gutteridge way way back in the late twenties. Even today the gun is rarely used in British crime. The criminal in Britain is always very cagey about 'shooters'.
No simple answer is apparent to me -- but the answer is surely to be found in sociological rather than technological considerations?!
I'm not convinced the prevalence of weapons is a 'cause' of gun crime. The two countries where proportionately the greatest number of citizens 'own' guns are the Czech Republic and Switzerland. In fact the Czech state is the only one where it is not an offence to carry a 'concealed weapon'! Neither of these countries registers a high rate of 'gun crime'! |
| BLONDIE |
Posted - 18/01/2010 : 23:56:53
One of the problems IN MY OPINION is that police are always armed. Guns beget guns as violence begets violence. The ordinary British 'bobby' on the street is not armed although he / she can call for armed back-up if and when required in a particular situation. There have been many instances IN MY OPINION that a firearm need never have been used. So called 'life threatening situations' are always given as an excuse. Mind you the gang wars in Melbourne and Sydney have tended to make Chicago look rather like Alice in Wonderland. But there again crime in the big cities in Britain was never at the end of a gun. As far as I can remember the notorious Kray brothers never carried a 'shooter'. The first policeman actually shot by a criminal was P.C. Gutteridge way way back in the late twenties. Even today the gun is rarely used in British crime. The criminal in Britain is always very cagey about 'shooters'. |
| Anubis |
Posted - 17/01/2010 : 20:34:02
Been looking at the daily press from my old home town ---- to be reminded that in Australia, the 'loonies' are often more skilful in surreptitiously making a few extra dollars on the side:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26590442-911,00.html
(more about the cult:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26590357-911,00.html
then again -- maybe Aussie cops can be a bit 'over the top' in their handling of some situations:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26590357-911,00.html |
| BLONDIE |
Posted - 16/01/2010 : 11:59:00
To use a well known Norfolk phrase, "It's a lot of old squit." |
| Anubis |
Posted - 16/01/2010 : 09:15:51
quote:
Originally posted by Fluffy Sheep
Any `televangelist` who`d DARE spout such crap should be instantly taken off air, have their words of daftness printed on recycled paper, and be made to eat them!
Actually, not sure I agree with you Fluff -- although I do not accept the existence of any gods, I can emphasize with these people. The 'true believer' looks forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ .. and the establishment of the 'kingdom of heaven' on earth ... like the early disciples he seeks for clues as to when that happy event will occur. So he reads his Scriptures -- especially that part of Matthew 24, where the disciples ask their Lord for 'signs' as to when that 'return' will take place: and the answer given by Jesus is that 'earthquakes', among other disasters, are indeed a "sign":
24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
I am sure the Almighty will forgive you for your intolerance of the other 'true believers', Fluff -- on the 'day of Judgement', I'll put in a good word for you, even if nobody else does! |
| Fluffy Sheep |
Posted - 15/01/2010 : 22:08:44
Any `televangelist` who`d DARE spout such crap should be instantly taken off air, have their words of daftness printed on recycled paper, and be made to eat them! No doubt they are asking for donations to keep their `missions` going rather than asking folks to donate to any emergency charity fund!
(I`ve just finished reading Bill Bryson`s `Lost Continent`, travels in small-town America, much food for thought there.) |
| Daveb |
Posted - 15/01/2010 : 18:24:16
As there appears to be much government or system of control perhaps this is an opportunity to see how the the chaos system Anubis longs for will work? |
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