And coincidentally today's Daily Puppy is a black Great Dane cross.

Having only the word "atheist" to describe both of those people makes for circular discussions.

Oh, yeah. And, actually, it happens in Christianity circles too. It’s like blind faith or something… Some people seem to believe that once they’ve given faith in God that that’s enough, and they never do much more beyond that. It is crazy-making.

And through this study, I have also come away with a healthy respect and admiration of many religions, religious people, and some tenets of faith, even if I do not share that faith.

And back atcha. Actually, I’ve been thinking that if I leave my current church, I may do some serious theological study so I can try to figure out where I really stand and why churches keep messing up around me.

The Golden Compass

This is also on my reading list. I want to read it before I see the movie. There’s so much hoopla about all this right now in some of my circles, and I want to see what *I* think.

WindSparrow, that behavior is really bizarre!

I just found a flight to LA at the end of January for $96.00.

Holy cow! That’s insanely cheap!

My grandmother said, "You didn't think I'd put him in a suit, did you?" So wherever he is now, he's dressed for sailing.

Oh, wow. I love that. That’s perfect. And more thoughts to you and your whole family, Jessica.

There's no excuse for ignorance, people.

Well. There are people who don't believe in any spiritual force, have never believed, and aren't really interested in finding out what other people do believe. And why should they?

Mind you, that doesn't excuse acting like you know all about it when you really don't. That's never okay.

ION, Aimee? Whereabouts are you guys living? And is Joe home?

And just so I can totally take over the board, I shouldn't even be here today! I was totally promised we'd never have school if it was snowing. It snowed! We should not have school! And yet we do.

Pity me, for I am... you know, at work.

Speaking as someone whose path was remarkably similar to Sean's, I have to say I'm uncomfortable with the notion that you have to earn the right to disbelief, or to discussing that disbelief and having it taken seriously.

I don't doubt that there are some jackholes in that comment thread, but I'm inclined to be a little more charitable in this case because I'm sorry, that article was incredibly offensive.

ION, Aimee? Whereabouts are you guys living? And is Joe home?

Not Aimee, but...

We are living in Ypsilanti. I am not home.

I'm an atheist as well, and have a very solid background in religion and theology. In fact when I entered college I was planning to be a Pastor. I come by my current thinking through quite a bit of study and very difficult decisions.

I have to say I'm uncomfortable with the notion that you have to earn the right to disbelief, or to discussing that disbelief and having it taken seriously.

I'm not sure that was what Hil was saying (not that I can speak for her). I took it as she was saying that it's difficult to discern how they got to the place they are at, because both are lumped under one group--atheist.

My grandmother said, "You didn't think I'd put him in a suit, did you?" So wherever he is now, he's dressed for sailing.

My granddad was laid out in a plaid shirt and tan windbreaker-type jacket and a fishing hat, with his beat-up old bugle tucked in the crook of his arm. I mean, it still didn't look like him, but at least he was dressed like him.