xianghong's Xanga

The Best Humour is Often Unintentional

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:25:12 GMT

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=2e7cf54968b00cb4ecea

Hilarious Christian take on porn. The guy literally gets down on his knees to please Jesus... and I think he can't wait to feel His Salvation all over his face.

Atheism is an abject failure

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:50:40 GMT

Atheism is an abject failure.

As atheists we are in a unique situation. While we are ostracized, marginalized, persecuted, prosecuted, abused and generally deprived of our rights by unsympathetic regimes and autocratic systems in the real world, it is in cyberspace where we can express ourselves freely to some substantial degree. It is in this virtual realm that we dare challenge theists and other proponents of illogicality and come away truly victorious.

However, these victories, impressive as they are, cannot but feel hollow. For all the reasoning and logic which made us, dare I say it, ubermensch, we are unable to demonstrate our superiority where it really matters. Dawkins and Hitchens might have made the world stand up in recognition of the fallacies of religion, but is this proliferation of truth and rationality changing the way people really behave?

Sadly, the answer is no. Superstition still holds sway. To many, atheism is a passing fad. People remain attached to their cherished beliefs. After all, knowing the truth does not equate its acceptance. Not only do people want to believe in something, they need to feel wanted. Religion provides a very strong support in satisfying this emotional need, as evident by the number of support groups, cell groups, social and community structures the religious have put together to bind its adherents.

It must be intoxicating knowing that ‘Someone’ will always love you. That ‘Someone’ will look after you in every situation and never falter in His efforts. To have this preposterous notion ‘validated’ by your fellow humans who actually help you in times of difficulties while the ‘Someone’ never makes an appearance must seem an affirmation to the desperate. What religion does so effectively is to make each and everyone of its followers feel special. Logic goes out of the window in the face of this compelling emotional assault. It is an irony, considering that rationality is painted over by a very real human need which in turn is satisfied by an illusion instead.

This is where atheism fails so miserably. Atheists do not help each other just because they believe in the same creed. The theists, however, help their own kind because their doctrine specifically wills it. For all our arguments and justifications we do not deign to help one another because we take the point of ‘not giving a damn about God’ one step further to include ourselves. I see friends who are Christians help each other within their own church and cell groups. What do I see when I look upon my fellow atheists?

Theist : 1 Atheist : 0.

Our endless debates with theists achieve little. We are wasting precious time trying to convince people who do not want to be convinced. People would rather live a happier life believing in a lie than accept things as they really are and being less happy as a result. Reading about the articles atheists post on the Internet makes me think that all these well-meaning writers want are to amass as many hits for their sites and to comment favorably on each other’s writings in the hope that the praised party, overjoyed at being appreciated, would return the favor. We hide behind monikers like ‘infidel’ and ‘heretic’, perhaps to impart some perceived quality in our cause, but we do not back our words with concrete action. I have more respect for the religious folk (the non-violent ones) who preach their gospel and live their life accordingly than for self-proclaimed atheists who cannot even be bothered to scrap their addled brains off the computer screen to think: I am an atheist. What does this mean? What do I do?

Atheism is on precarious ground in this respect. And it is time to stop the rot.

We must acknowledge that we are on our own. We have no god(s), no temples, no institutions and nothing to rely upon. Social structure and cultural norms, influenced to some extent by religion does not give the atheist credence. In many parts of the world, atheism is punishable by stoning. In more civilized climates, a priest who incites violence against non-believers is at the most given a slap on the wrist – he might even be lauded for his sense of justice. But an atheist who gives credible reasons for his rejection of religion, and quotes from reliable sources – he is making ‘seditious’ remarks and persecuted for being ‘anti-religion’. It is obscene. You can say that people are treated equally in these modern times, but you cannot deny that some are more equal than others.

In view of the many difficulties atheists face, I propose we take care of our own. And we can do this through support groups.

A support group need not have a club-house or a fixed physical location where members can convene. We can host a bulletin board (forum) in cyberspace, much like what Atheisthaven is doing. However, instead of ‘ghost members’ and people who pack only rhetoric and little else, such a group must consist of dedicated individuals who genuinely want to make a difference. While we do not restrict the membership to atheists (the non-religious, freethinkers, agnostics, even Buddhists - especially those leaning towards a philosophical bent may join), members must be committed. As this commitment takes the form of certain obligations, we want positive individuals who truly believe in improving themselves and others. Atheism by its own nature, promotes self-reliance and an internal locus of control. All efforts should have an egalitarian spirit in its core, mutual aid as its strength, and self-actualization its ultimate goal.

This is strictly an informal group. No membership fee is required. We only ask that members make an effort to know each other and to interact, preferably face-to-face. This fosters cohesiveness which is very important because people tend to help their own friends than relative strangers.

What form should this aid take? At the most basic level, information exchange. People who have questions can post them on the group site, and those with the answers can promptly reply. Questions can range from anything – potential job openings, which university to choose, even where to get the best bargains! At a deeper level, members can work on some task together or maybe enjoy a little soiree.

While we encourage members to look after each other’s interests, we do not look kindly to people who join for ulterior motives. This is not a MLM (multi-level-marketing) scam, nor is it a dating agency. Promoting any political agenda is also a no-no. In a nutshell, the group is similar to a normal theist cell group, minus the praying and speaking in tongues. Think of it as a secular social network, where normal people (without a faith) make friends and chill out.

We must succeed in this endeavor. If sodden theists can organize themselves, it would be a crying shame if intelligent atheists cannot even produce a similar response. The time has passed for talking. Let us show people that we are capable of doing great things, even without divine edicts… because in Humanity we trust.

Liu Weixian, Liang Xianghong

AtheistHaven

Singapore

Jesus Lovin'

Tue, 16 May 2006 14:28:48 GMT

>> >>Husband Store
>> >>
>> >>A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City,
>>where
>> >>a
>> >>woman may go to choose a husband.
>> >>Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how
>>the
>> >>store
>> >>operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!
>> >>
>> >>There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as
>>the
>> >>shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch... you
>>may
>> >>choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go
>>up
>> >>a
>> >>floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!
>>So,
>> >>a
>> >>woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband...
>> >>
>> >>On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
>> >>Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the
>>Lord.
>> >>
>> >>The second floor sign reads:
>> >>Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.
>> >>
>> >>The third floor sign reads:
>> >>Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are
>> >>extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled
>>to
>> >>keep
>> >>going.
>> >>She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:
>> >>
>> >>Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are
>> >>drop-dead
>> >>good looking and help with the housework.
>> >>"Oh, mercy me!"she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"
>> >>Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:
>> >>
>> >>Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are
>> >>drop-dead
>> >>gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic
>>
>> >>streak.
>> >>She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and
>>the
>> >>sign
>> >>reads:
>> >>
>> >>Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor.
>> >>There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as
>>proof
>> >>that
>> >>women are impossible to please.
>> >>
>> >>Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as
>>you
>> >>exit
>> >>the building, and have a nice day!
>> >>
>> >>Please send this to all men for a good laugh and to all the
>>women
>> >>who
>> >>can handle the truth!

That means I will not make a Good Husband as I'm not a gay necrophiliac (i.e. doesn't Love the Lord)!

Monday, May 08, 2006

Mon, 08 May 2006 06:07:25 GMT

Blogging about politics and criticizing religion in my country is tantamount to baring your ass in front of Dick Cheney while he's holding a Winchester. So I thought, hey why not do both? Here's a little limerick I made up about a local Christian "pretty boy" politician who was caught by his wife for taking naughty photos of his maid and also declared he would step out of politics if he lost in the recent elections (which he did):

Lost domestic help for racy shoots

Blew all the aunties'* votes and now oops!

Big Voyeur-in-the-Sky

Seems to also despise

The Little Exhibitionist Guy!

*Middle-aged female homemakers

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:44:22 GMT

It's fun to blog, I've got great ideas to blog about but the lazy, procrastinating bastard in me refuses to lift a finger to type. Gawdammit.

Update!

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 09:36:52 GMT

Oh dear this site is getting quite outdated isn't it? I wonder if they might delete my blog for inactivity? Time to get my act together and start updating it again... in a month. =]

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 08:00:54 GMT

Bush bashing part of Berkeley holiday spirit

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Sat, 24 Dec 2005 18:40:58 GMT

Today is the day we celebrate the birth of the godman who died and was resurrected, the Light of The World, who ascended to heaven and brought the salvation of mankind.

I'm talking about the sun god Mithras, of course. Merry Winter Solstice folks!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 03:12:33 GMT

What exactly are they waiting for? They've long had more than sufficient reasons and it's way overdue- impeach the chimp!

Conservative Scholars Argue Bushâ€™s Wiretapping Is An Impeachable Offense

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 11:40:29 GMT

"I donâ€™t give a goddamn. Iâ€™m the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way... Stop throwing the Constitution in my face. Itâ€™s just a goddamned piece of paper!â€ - George W. Bush, Democratically-elected (and also God-appointed) 43rd President of the United States, on the Constitution he swore to uphold