Are you an atheist?

Are you an atheist?

  • I am 100% atheist, no evidence could convince me there is a god

    Votes: 65 18.5%

  • I am an atheist, but if god appeared before me tomorrow I would change my mind

    Votes: 97 27.6%

  • I am an agnostic, I just don't know!

    Votes: 52 14.8%

  • I am not sure there is a god, but isn't it better to assume there is just in case?

    Votes: 11 3.1%

  • My god is the only god and he definitely exists.

    Votes: 126 35.9%
  • Total voters
    351
Homosexuality is common in many other species, particularly giraffes. What do you put this down to?
 
So they have 100% proof that if a certain combination of genes are present the person is gay? Or is this still speculation at this point?
 
A combination of genes that causes homosexuality has not been found.

But then the combination genes for most aspects of humans have not been determined either.

Remember to that the encoding sections of the genome are not the only things that determine the characters of an organism. The vast non-encoding sections of the genome that some originally referred to as "junk dna" are steadily being shown to control the expression of genes.

Hence despite having the same gene sequences two individuals can express them quite differently.

During fetal development many crucial sections of brain wiring occur. Different environment conditions even for a matter of a few days while the foundations of sexuality are connected can make a big difference.

Moreover the environmentally caused changes to gene expression during gestation have been shown to affect not only the individual but their children and grandchildren.

The whole issue is far too complex to presume a specific gene or combination of genes can predict homosexuality.
 
Today I received a pm from aziz saying that he will not be posting on this thread anymore as he is under the threat of disbarment for upsetting a mod.
I don't know the circumstances but I can see nothing in the thread so can only assume that an exchange of PMs took place or the mods are showing an over sensitivity.

Pity as I haven't had a chance to respond to Aziz's last resonse to me.

Brian
 
Galaxiom said:
Brain, you are part of the problem!

By what logic do you claim that wanting marriage equality is "too much"?
Click to expand...

The militant gays want the right to marry in church, this would require a change to the church service, why cannot they respect other people's belief's when it has no impact on their lives.

I may not be religious and disagree with many of their views and practices, but when they do not impact on the lives of others then I see no reason to ride roughshod over them.

Brian
 
Brian, I concur with you on the issue of marriage in a church. The church is a club and if one wants to be in a club then the club rules apply.

However, despite their protestations, the churches do not own the institution of marriage. Yet they are opposed to same sex couples being allowed to marry under any circumstances.

Like the majority of Australians I fully support the right of same sex couples to be "married", not simply limited to a "civil union" as proposed by the churches.

In Australia the majority (about 2/3) of marriages are already performed by civil celebrants rather than religious ministers. The debate here is about allowing same sex couples to be married in these ceremonies.
 
Brianwarnock said:
Today I received a pm from aziz saying that he will not be posting on this thread anymore as he is under the threat of disbarment for upsetting a mod.

I don't know the circumstances but I can see nothing in the thread so can only assume that an exchange of PMs took place or the mods are showing an over sensitivity.
Click to expand...

I have seen nothing in Aziz's posts that would warrant action of a moderator less still the threat of a ban.

I will paraphrase a quote often attributed to Voltaire.

Although I disagree vehemently with Aziz's arguments I defend his right to express them.

BTW The famous quote was actually written by Evelyn Hall (under the pseudonym Stephen G. Tallentyre) as she paraphrased Voltaire in his Essay on Tolerance — "Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too."
 
This is another vote for aziz to be allowed to continue to air his views. ( I don't see any reason to prevent his views being expressed )
 
Brianwarnock said:
Today I received a pm from aziz saying that he will not be posting on this thread anymore as he is under the threat of disbarment for upsetting a mod.
I don't know the circumstances but I can see nothing in the thread so can only assume that an exchange of PMs took place or the mods are showing an over sensitivity.

Pity as I haven't had a chance to respond to Aziz's last resonse to me.

Brian
Click to expand...

Here's what happened:

Rabbie:
We should be grateful to Aziz for constantly reminding us of the meaningless way some religious people use quotes as a substitute for thinking.


aziz:
We should be grateful to Rabbie for a lack of intelligent thinking.

.
.

Rabbie pm to aziz
Final Warning

If you make any more personal remarks about anybody you will be barred. Do I make myself clear? Remember I am a mod and should be treated with respect.

Sounds familiar to me...
 
Ken: The fact which you have failed to even attempt to address is:

Sexual preference is nobody's business except for consenting adults who choose to be together.

Please explain exactly why you are so disturbed by others' homosexuality.
 
KenHigg said:
(Quoting Rabbie)?
Remember I am a mod and should be treated with respect.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I disagree with moderators being treated as Gods.

Moreover I don't feel Aziz's comment was particularly outside the tone of the thread.
 
Galaxiom said:
Ken: The fact which you have failed to even attempt to address is:

Sexual preference is nobody's business except for consenting adults who choose to be together.

Please explain exactly why you are so disturbed by others' homosexuality.
Click to expand...

I'd rather get clarification on if it's a choice or hardwired. The difference takes the discussion in two entirely different directions...
 
KenHigg said:
I'd rather get clarification on if it's a choice or hardwired. The difference takes the discussion in two entirely different directions...
Click to expand...

You have already shown your disdain for homosexuality in the post where you introduced this diversion from the main topic of the tread.

Despite having no evidence either way it sure looks like you have made up your mind.

Why should it make any difference if it is chosen or hardwired? Seems like you are avoiding the real issue by choosing to focus on something that cannot yet be independently proved either way.

I have friends who are gay and they say it was something they have been aware of from quite a young age.
 
Ok. Unless you think otherwise, we're deadlock. You think its hardwired, I think its choice. I don't see how we can discuss it any deeper, were always going to boil it back down to these.

btw, when a person (in this example gay), puts their hand in my pocket or trys to convience me a particular lifestyle is ok, they make it my business.
 
LOL
After posting I thought he is just going to say 'both' or 'yes' , thanks for not letting me down. :)

Think I'll go and get lunch.

Brian
 
KenHigg said:
btw, when a person (in this example gay), puts their hand in my pocket or trys to convience me a particular lifestyle is ok, they make it my business.
Click to expand...

"Putting their hand in you pocket" is a sexual assault regardless of the sexuality or the gender of the perpetrator.

Painting all homosexuals with the same brush is stereotyping.

Many homosexual people are highly committed to exclusive relationships. You would be surprised how many people with whom you are acquainted that are homosexual and you would never realise.

Trying to convince you a lifestyle is OK is free speech just as you have the right to indicate your disdain for it.

However you should be prepared to back your case with facts, something you have not done here. Otherwise be prepared to be called a bigot.
 
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