October 11, 2005 10:30 AM tng said...
Nice discussion on the role of religion in society and how fanatical religionists affect rational discourse. As both you guys know I'm an atheist of the "hard" variety. That's to say a 'hard atheist' is someone who asserts that there is no god. As for myself I tend to view my own position as being that the evidence for a god so closely approaches zero that my disbelief defined as the inverse function approaches certainty.

Yet, I would never view a believer as having less intelligence than I. The world is such a difficult place to get by (especially today) and our culture is so thoroughly steeped in religious beliefs that it is very easy for me to see both how and why someone would believe. That being said, I will not hesitate to ridicule extreme fanatical beliefs that are in direct opposition to reality and a danger to modern, secular society.

It's important though that believers and nonbelievers have rational, respectful discussions and for that I applaud Rich nd John. You won't find this kind of stuff on NPR! :-) I'll have to see if I can get the gang over at my site to listen to the show and give their reactions.

For now I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from a old dead guy in the funny white robes.
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
— Epicurus (341-270 BC)
October 11, 2005 8:12 PM John said...
Thanks!
Something that disgusts me is the way contemporary media insist on pitting opinions against each other, instead of contrasting them in a thoughtful and interesting way. The more spectacular the clash, the better the ratings. The better the ratings, the higher the advertising rates. What are the the real casualties? Humanity and Respect.

Like I said on the show, I'm a religious person, but I absolutely respect Rich's agnosticism as I absolutely respect your atheism. Each person has intrinsic (and equal) value, despite their beliefs (or lack-thereof). Hopefully our show can serve as an example by illustrating how people can enjoy a respectful conversation while holding differing opinions. If that condemns us to low ratings, so be it.
October 11, 2005 9:30 PM tng said...
I don't think having well thought and reasoned opinions without engaging in a shouting match will condemn you to low ratings. I really think that a very large portion of the population craves that kind of discussion.

Of course, I'd go with the audio dramatizations of famous porn movies just to be safe. ;-)
October 12, 2005 9:17 PM liz said...
awesome show ! it is so refreshing to know there are people out there who can agree to disagree and have rational discussions about such a sensitive topic as religion.

beautiful words John. part of the reason why i am vegan is that i believe every human being and animal has equal value. we should respect every individual regardless of what he/she does/doesn't believe in.

...and... if it was up to me, you'd have the HIGHEST ratings !! you guys rock ! :-)
October 13, 2005 1:39 PM Rich said...
Hey! Our ratings are VERY high! :-)
October 13, 2005 2:42 PM John said...
They are?