Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism

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Topic:	Religions > Atheism
User:	"JPG"
Date:	16 Jan 2007 02:59:58 AM
Object:	Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism

http://www.statenews.com/op_article.phtml?pk=39233
Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism
John Bice
During my absence from the Opinion Page, it seems that atheism has gone
somewhat mainstream.
Richard Dawkins is enjoying well-deserved success with his brilliantly
constructed appeal to reason and clear thinking, "The God Delusion," a
New York Times best seller. Sam Harris also is on the best-seller list
with the diminutive book "Letter to a Christian Nation," an uncommonly
concise destruction of familiar Christian canards.
Those are just two examples from a flood of books on the subject, and
more are coming. As Richard Bernstein observed in The International
Herald Tribune, "When a figure of the scientific stature of Richard
Dawkins writes a book called 'The God Delusion' and the book climbs
onto the New York Times best-seller list and stays there, for 14 weeks
so far, you know something significant is taking place."
One encouraging aspect of the new popularity of atheism is that a
growing numbers of people are abandoning their religious faith in favor
of an evidence-based view of the world. "The Official Richard Dawkins
Website" (linkwww.richarddawkins.net) features "converts' corner," a
collection of previous believers who have renounced their faith.
In addition, to the dismay of many Christians, a somewhat amusing Web
site called "The Blasphemy Challenge" (linkwww.blasphemychallenge.com)
has given away hundreds of free DVDs of "The God Who Wasn't There," in
exchange for individuals posting a video of themselves publicly
"denying the holy spirit." Although most Christians would undoubtedly
have no qualms about publicly denying Isis, Thor, Ra, Shiva, Mithras or
thousands of other imaginary beings, many believers in the equally
imaginary "holy spirit" are quite upset by this admittedly silly
promotion.
These stories are nice, but the most important accomplishment of this
wave of atheistic sentiment is the disruption of the long-standing and
unjustified cultural taboo against publicly criticizing religious
belief. As the writer Douglas Adams pointed out, "If somebody votes for
a party that you don't agree with, you're free to argue about it as
much as you like. ... But on the other hand, if somebody says, 'I
mustn't move a light switch on a Saturday,' you say, 'Fine, I respect
that.'"
Cultural critic H.L. Mencken similarly noted, "The most curious social
convention of the great age in which we live is the one to the effect
that religious opinions should be respected." Regrettably, theocratic
Christians and insufferable self-anointed moral elitists have taken
advantage of this excessive deference, and have become increasingly
preoccupied with imposing their faith-based views on everyone. The
excellent book, "Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism," by
Michelle Goldberg, nicely details the disturbing trend.
In recognition of the growing popularity of atheism, which religious
fundamentalists have greatly aided in fostering, I've compiled a short
list of splendid books related to the subject of rationality and
religious criticism. Of course, these books aren't for everyone;
respect for evidence-based reality and reasoned arguments is necessary
to get much out of them. As Dawkins correctly points out, especially
devout believers, whom he refers to as "dyed-in-the-wool faith-heads,"
are immunized by religious faith against such argumentation.
As a simple test, ask yourself if you agree with the following
statements: 1) The earth is less than 10,000 years old, 2) Every word
of the Bible is supernaturally inspired, literally true and free from
contradiction or error, 3) Communion wafers and wine transubstantiate
into the body and blood of Jesus, 4) Evolutionary theory is unsupported
by evidence. If you agree with any of those statements, you're likely
too blinded by faith to be reachable. You may as well stop reading now
and go back to inspecting your cinnamon bun for a likeness of the
Virgin Mary.
For everyone else, my top 10 recommended books are: 1) "The God
Delusion," Richard Dawkins, 2) "The Demon-Haunted World," Carl Sagan,
3) "Atheism: The Case Against God," George H. Smith, 4) "Why I Am Not a
Christian," Bertrand Russell, 5) "The Blind Watchmaker," Richard
Dawkins, 6) "Letter to a Christian Nation," Sam Harris, 7) "The
Varieties of Scientific Experience," Carl Sagan, 8) "Misquoting Jesus,"
Bart D. Ehrman, 9) "Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience,
Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time," Michael Shermer, 10)
"Tower of Babel: The Evidence against the New Creationism," Robert T.
Pennock.
John Bice is an MSU staff member and State News columnist. Reach him at
bice@msu.edu
.

User: "Dan Listermann"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	16 Jan 2007 08:02:33 AM

I think that religion needs to be called exactly what it is, just another
form of superstition.
"JPG" <j_peasemold_gruntfuttock@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168937997.573401.231830@m58g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...

http://www.statenews.com/op_article.phtml?pk=39233

Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism

John Bice

During my absence from the Opinion Page, it seems that atheism has gone
somewhat mainstream.

Richard Dawkins is enjoying well-deserved success with his brilliantly
constructed appeal to reason and clear thinking, "The God Delusion," a
New York Times best seller. Sam Harris also is on the best-seller list
with the diminutive book "Letter to a Christian Nation," an uncommonly
concise destruction of familiar Christian canards.

Those are just two examples from a flood of books on the subject, and
more are coming. As Richard Bernstein observed in The International
Herald Tribune, "When a figure of the scientific stature of Richard
Dawkins writes a book called 'The God Delusion' and the book climbs
onto the New York Times best-seller list and stays there, for 14 weeks
so far, you know something significant is taking place."

One encouraging aspect of the new popularity of atheism is that a
growing numbers of people are abandoning their religious faith in favor
of an evidence-based view of the world. "The Official Richard Dawkins
Website" (linkwww.richarddawkins.net) features "converts' corner," a
collection of previous believers who have renounced their faith.

In addition, to the dismay of many Christians, a somewhat amusing Web
site called "The Blasphemy Challenge" (linkwww.blasphemychallenge.com)
has given away hundreds of free DVDs of "The God Who Wasn't There," in
exchange for individuals posting a video of themselves publicly
"denying the holy spirit." Although most Christians would undoubtedly
have no qualms about publicly denying Isis, Thor, Ra, Shiva, Mithras or
thousands of other imaginary beings, many believers in the equally
imaginary "holy spirit" are quite upset by this admittedly silly
promotion.

These stories are nice, but the most important accomplishment of this
wave of atheistic sentiment is the disruption of the long-standing and
unjustified cultural taboo against publicly criticizing religious
belief. As the writer Douglas Adams pointed out, "If somebody votes for
a party that you don't agree with, you're free to argue about it as
much as you like. ... But on the other hand, if somebody says, 'I
mustn't move a light switch on a Saturday,' you say, 'Fine, I respect
that.'"

Cultural critic H.L. Mencken similarly noted, "The most curious social
convention of the great age in which we live is the one to the effect
that religious opinions should be respected." Regrettably, theocratic
Christians and insufferable self-anointed moral elitists have taken
advantage of this excessive deference, and have become increasingly
preoccupied with imposing their faith-based views on everyone. The
excellent book, "Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism," by
Michelle Goldberg, nicely details the disturbing trend.

In recognition of the growing popularity of atheism, which religious
fundamentalists have greatly aided in fostering, I've compiled a short
list of splendid books related to the subject of rationality and
religious criticism. Of course, these books aren't for everyone;
respect for evidence-based reality and reasoned arguments is necessary
to get much out of them. As Dawkins correctly points out, especially
devout believers, whom he refers to as "dyed-in-the-wool faith-heads,"
are immunized by religious faith against such argumentation.

As a simple test, ask yourself if you agree with the following
statements: 1) The earth is less than 10,000 years old, 2) Every word
of the Bible is supernaturally inspired, literally true and free from
contradiction or error, 3) Communion wafers and wine transubstantiate
into the body and blood of Jesus, 4) Evolutionary theory is unsupported
by evidence. If you agree with any of those statements, you're likely
too blinded by faith to be reachable. You may as well stop reading now
and go back to inspecting your cinnamon bun for a likeness of the
Virgin Mary.

For everyone else, my top 10 recommended books are: 1) "The God
Delusion," Richard Dawkins, 2) "The Demon-Haunted World," Carl Sagan,
3) "Atheism: The Case Against God," George H. Smith, 4) "Why I Am Not a
Christian," Bertrand Russell, 5) "The Blind Watchmaker," Richard
Dawkins, 6) "Letter to a Christian Nation," Sam Harris, 7) "The
Varieties of Scientific Experience," Carl Sagan, 8) "Misquoting Jesus,"
Bart D. Ehrman, 9) "Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience,
Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time," Michael Shermer, 10)
"Tower of Babel: The Evidence against the New Creationism," Robert T.
Pennock.

John Bice is an MSU staff member and State News columnist. Reach him at
bice@msu.edu

User: "Scott Richter"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	17 Jan 2007 09:01:57 AM

JPG <j_peasemold_gruntfuttock@hotmail.com> wrote:

While much of this article is fluff, the central issue is captured this
sentence.
The real sea change of the last few years has been the tearing down of
religious taboos and changing the conversation about religion. This is
where Dawkins, Harris, and others have been hugely influential.
I think we're only beginning to see the effects of this change on
society. We are in for some turbulent times, because clearly, entrenched
religious organizations will not give up without a fight. I am
cautiously optimistic that this country can emerge from the shadow of
Christian fundamentalism.
.

User: "Pangur Ban"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	16 Jan 2007 07:49:07 AM

JPG explained on 1/16/2007 :

I think this is not a very good example. Voting for a political party
has an effect on many people other than one's self; not moving a light
switch in (I assume) one's home on a Saturday affects only one's self
and one's family. Respecting what someone decides to do in his/her own
home as long as it is not illegal is appropriate, imo.

Cultural critic H.L. Mencken similarly noted, "The most curious social
convention of the great age in which we live is the one to the effect
that religious opinions should be respected." Regrettably, theocratic
Christians and insufferable self-anointed moral elitists have taken
advantage of this excessive deference, and have become increasingly
preoccupied with imposing their faith-based views on everyone. The
excellent book, "Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism," by
Michelle Goldberg, nicely details the disturbing trend.

A trend which should be curbed ... or better ... fought against and
stopped. ANY belief which directs people to be intolerant of others, or
to interfere in private decisions (abortion, for example), or to impose
their own beliefs on others is wrong. Those kinds of beliefs should be
fought, criticized, and voted against.

In recognition of the growing popularity of atheism, which religious
fundamentalists have greatly aided in fostering, I've compiled a short
list of splendid books related to the subject of rationality and
religious criticism. Of course, these books aren't for everyone;
respect for evidence-based reality and reasoned arguments is necessary
to get much out of them. As Dawkins correctly points out, especially
devout believers, whom he refers to as "dyed-in-the-wool faith-heads,"
are immunized by religious faith against such argumentation.
As a simple test, ask yourself if you agree with the following
statements: 1) The earth is less than 10,000 years old,

Ridiculous!

2) Every word
of the Bible is supernaturally inspired, literally true and free from
contradiction or error,

Absurd.

3) Communion wafers and wine transubstantiate
into the body and blood of Jesus,

Cookies and milk, please ... oh, forgot, I'm diabetic.. skip the
cookies.

4) Evolutionary theory is unsupported by evidence.

Pfffft. Silly statement!

If you agree with any of those statements, you're likely
too blinded by faith to be reachable. You may as well stop reading now
and go back to inspecting your cinnamon bun for a likeness of the
Virgin Mary.

Can't eat cinnamon buns - and have no clue what a fictional person may
have looked like in the writers' imaginations.

For everyone else, my top 10 recommended books are: 1) "The God
Delusion," Richard Dawkins, 2) "The Demon-Haunted World," Carl Sagan,
3) "Atheism: The Case Against God," George H. Smith, 4) "Why I Am Not a
Christian," Bertrand Russell, 5) "The Blind Watchmaker," Richard
Dawkins, 6) "Letter to a Christian Nation," Sam Harris, 7) "The
Varieties of Scientific Experience," Carl Sagan, 8) "Misquoting Jesus,"
Bart D. Ehrman, 9) "Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience,
Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time," Michael Shermer, 10)
"Tower of Babel: The Evidence against the New Creationism," Robert T.
Pennock.
John Bice is an MSU staff member and State News columnist. Reach him at
bice@msu.edu

--
Pangur Ban - nonchristian theist
.

User: "Neil Kelsey"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	16 Jan 2007 08:30:24 AM

Pangur Ban wrote:

JPG explained on 1/16/2007 :

http://www.statenews.com/op_article.phtml?pk=39233

Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism

John Bice

During my absence from the Opinion Page, it seems that atheism has gone
somewhat mainstream.

Those are just two examples from a flood of books on the subject, and
more are coming. As Richard Bernstein observed in The International
Herald Tribune, "When a figure of the scientific stature of Richard
Dawkins writes a book called 'The God Delusion' and the book climbs
onto the New York Times best-seller list and stays there, for 14 weeks
so far, you know something significant is taking place."

One encouraging aspect of the new popularity of atheism is that a
growing numbers of people are abandoning their religious faith in favor
of an evidence-based view of the world. "The Official Richard Dawkins
Website" (linkwww.richarddawkins.net) features "converts' corner," a
collection of previous believers who have renounced their faith.

In addition, to the dismay of many Christians, a somewhat amusing Web
site called "The Blasphemy Challenge" (linkwww.blasphemychallenge.com)
has given away hundreds of free DVDs of "The God Who Wasn't There," in
exchange for individuals posting a video of themselves publicly
"denying the holy spirit." Although most Christians would undoubtedly
have no qualms about publicly denying Isis, Thor, Ra, Shiva, Mithras or
thousands of other imaginary beings, many believers in the equally
imaginary "holy spirit" are quite upset by this admittedly silly
promotion.

These stories are nice, but the most important accomplishment of this
wave of atheistic sentiment is the disruption of the long-standing and
unjustified cultural taboo against publicly criticizing religious
belief. As the writer Douglas Adams pointed out, "If somebody votes for
a party that you don't agree with, you're free to argue about it as
much as you like. ... But on the other hand, if somebody says, 'I
mustn't move a light switch on a Saturday,' you say, 'Fine, I respect
that.'"

You're missing Douglas Adams' point. His point was that it's absurd
that we can argue politics, but it is taboo to argue religion. Why
should there be automatic respect for belief? If someone tells me they
can't turn on the light switch on Saturday, that's taking it out of the
home. And imposing your beliefs on children within the home is
questionable too.

As a simple test, ask yourself if you agree with the following
statements: 1) The earth is less than 10,000 years old,

Ridiculous!

2) Every word
of the Bible is supernaturally inspired, literally true and free from
contradiction or error,

Absurd.

3) Communion wafers and wine transubstantiate
into the body and blood of Jesus,

Cookies and milk, please ... oh, forgot, I'm diabetic.. skip the
cookies.

4) Evolutionary theory is unsupported by evidence.

Pfffft. Silly statement!

Can't eat cinnamon buns - and have no clue what a fictional person may
have looked like in the writers' imaginations.

John Bice is an MSU staff member and State News columnist. Reach him at
bice@msu.edu

--
Pangur Ban - nonchristian theist

User: "Pangur Ban"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	16 Jan 2007 09:02:19 PM

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

Pangur Ban wrote:

JPG explained on 1/16/2007 :

http://www.statenews.com/op_article.phtml?pk=39233

Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism
John Bice

During my absence from the Opinion Page, it seems that atheism has gone
somewhat mainstream.

Richard Dawkins is enjoying well-deserved success with his brilliantly
constructed appeal to reason and clear thinking, "The God Delusion," a
New York Times best seller. Sam Harris also is on the best-seller list
with the diminutive book "Letter to a Christian Nation," an uncommonly
concise destruction of familiar Christian canards.
Those are just two examples from a flood of books on the subject, and
more are coming. As Richard Bernstein observed in The International
Herald Tribune, "When a figure of the scientific stature of Richard
Dawkins writes a book called 'The God Delusion' and the book climbs
onto the New York Times best-seller list and stays there, for 14 weeks
so far, you know something significant is taking place."
One encouraging aspect of the new popularity of atheism is that a
growing numbers of people are abandoning their religious faith in favor
of an evidence-based view of the world. "The Official Richard Dawkins
Website" (linkwww.richarddawkins.net) features "converts' corner," a
collection of previous believers who have renounced their faith.
In addition, to the dismay of many Christians, a somewhat amusing Web
site called "The Blasphemy Challenge" (linkwww.blasphemychallenge.com)
has given away hundreds of free DVDs of "The God Who Wasn't There," in
exchange for individuals posting a video of themselves publicly
"denying the holy spirit." Although most Christians would undoubtedly
have no qualms about publicly denying Isis, Thor, Ra, Shiva, Mithras or
thousands of other imaginary beings, many believers in the equally
imaginary "holy spirit" are quite upset by this admittedly silly
promotion.

I got the point - I think he would have had a better example had he
used politics and abortion, or gay rights, or stem cell research or a
variety of other matters opposed by too many theists. I just found a
light switch flip a bit too trivial.

Ridiculous!

2) Every word
of the Bible is supernaturally inspired, literally true and free from
contradiction or error,

Absurd.

3) Communion wafers and wine transubstantiate
into the body and blood of Jesus,

Cookies and milk, please ... oh, forgot, I'm diabetic.. skip the
cookies.

4) Evolutionary theory is unsupported by evidence.

Pfffft. Silly statement!

Can't eat cinnamon buns - and have no clue what a fictional person may
have looked like in the writers' imaginations.

John Bice is an MSU staff member and State News columnist. Reach him at
bice@msu.edu

--
Pangur Ban - nonchristian theist

--
Pangur Ban - nonchristian theist
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	17 Jan 2007 12:10:40 AM

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.
Different things in different cultures.
Douglas Adams was anything but Amero-centric.
:
--
.

User: "Pangur Ban"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	17 Jan 2007 06:13:08 AM

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

As I know very little about orthodox jews and their impact on any
society, I will have to take your word that light switches are not
trivial. Sadly, I really thought it was a kind of a joke or
exaggeration in the original post. I will have to do a google sometime
soon and add to my ever continuing education.
Thanks for the information -

Different things in different cultures.
Douglas Adams was anything but Amero-centric/

--
Pangur Ban - nonchristian theist
.

User: "stoney"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	21 Jan 2007 08:01:53 PM

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote in alt.atheism

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

Same thing for; tearing toilet paper, cooking, working or carrying
packages outside of a specific designated area. Several years ago when
the bomb went off in an Israeli hotel on Saturday killing many in a
wedding party and blowing holes through the floor of the multi-story
building rescue workers first had to get permission from the rabbi's to
search for or assist the victims!
Granted permission was immediately given, but that's not the point.
There are assorted other veboten things which go along with the Talmud.
--
Fundies and trolls are cordially invited to
shove a wooden cross up their arses and rotate
at a high rate of speed. I trust you'll
be 'blessed' with a plethora of splinters.
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	21 Jan 2007 10:16:01 PM

On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:01:53 -0800, stoney <stoney@the.net> wrote:
- Refer: <4h68r2dl929vo7qkj09d291s6mavj9t2f5@4ax.com>

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote in alt.atheism

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

Same thing for; tearing toilet paper, cooking, working or carrying
packages outside of a specific designated area. Several years ago when
the bomb went off in an Israeli hotel on Saturday killing many in a
wedding party and blowing holes through the floor of the multi-story
building rescue workers first had to get permission from the rabbi's to
search for or assist the victims!

Granted permission was immediately given, but that's not the point.

There are assorted other veboten things which go along with the Talmud.

It is the empitomy of voluntary acquired insanity.
--
.

User: "stoney"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	24 Jan 2007 04:52:08 PM

On Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:46:01 +1030, Michael Gray <mikegray@newsguy.com>
wrote in alt.atheism

On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:01:53 -0800, stoney <stoney@the.net> wrote:
- Refer: <4h68r2dl929vo7qkj09d291s6mavj9t2f5@4ax.com>

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote in alt.atheism

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

Same thing for; tearing toilet paper, cooking, working or carrying
packages outside of a specific designated area. Several years ago when
the bomb went off in an Israeli hotel on Saturday killing many in a
wedding party and blowing holes through the floor of the multi-story
building rescue workers first had to get permission from the rabbi's to
search for or assist the victims!

Granted permission was immediately given, but that's not the point.

There are assorted other veboten things which go along with the Talmud.

It is the empitomy of voluntary acquired insanity.

Involuntary in the vast majority of cases.
--
Fundies and trolls are cordially invited to
shove a wooden cross up their arses and rotate
at a high rate of speed. I trust you'll
be 'blessed' with a plethora of splinters.
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	17 Jan 2007 04:59:24 PM

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.89397d7121f21f20.64065@worldnet.att.net>

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

While you are researching it, a good starting point may well be the
long standing habit of orthodox Jews to employ an non-Jewish
lift-operator (male of course) for the Sabbath, so they will not have
to walk up the stairs! (And not have to worry about someone else
breaking their law. How decent, and unselfish of them! Not.)
Bizarrely, the pressing of lift buttons is considered to be "using
fire", because of the minute spark created during connection).
This is banned on the Sabbath.
It would be far too hard for even such a gifted authour of crazy
fiction as Mr Adams to make this nonsense up.
No-one would believe it! (Thus your entirely excusable reaction.)
But it IS a true, and widespread, and long-lived bit of insanity, that
needs to be pointed out to reasonable people by way of example of how
otherwise rational peoples' minds can be transparently perverted by
organized religion.
--
.

User: "Nicola"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	17 Jan 2007 05:39:09 PM

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:29:24 +1030, Michael Gray wrote:

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.89397d7121f21f20.64065@worldnet.att.net>

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

While you are researching it, a good starting point may well be the
long standing habit of orthodox Jews to employ an non-Jewish
lift-operator (male of course) for the Sabbath, so they will not have
to walk up the stairs! (And not have to worry about someone else
breaking their law. How decent, and unselfish of them! Not.)
Bizarrely, the pressing of lift buttons is considered to be "using
fire", because of the minute spark created during connection).

This is banned on the Sabbath.

It would be far too hard for even such a gifted authour of crazy
fiction as Mr Adams to make this nonsense up.
No-one would believe it! (Thus your entirely excusable reaction.)
But it IS a true, and widespread, and long-lived bit of insanity, that
needs to be pointed out to reasonable people by way of example of how
otherwise rational peoples' minds can be transparently perverted by
organized religion.

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?
Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.
Nicola
--
Indoctrination => Extremism
banfaithschools.org.uk
.

User: "Robibnikoff"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 09:15:30 AM

"Nicola" <nicola@banfaithschools.org.uk> wrote in message
snip

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

I live close by a really big Hasidic community (Rockland County, NY) and
drove down a section of Route 59 that I hadn't been down in quite a while.
The Hasidics have really taken over that particular section; most of the
business are now owned by them (signs in English and in Hebrew); as it was
Saturday, there were a lot of them walking down the side of the road, women
wearing wigs, etc. They even took over a White Castle hamburger stand and
now it's a "Kosher Kastle". I kid you not.
--
Robyn
Resident Witchypoo
BAAWA Knight!
#1557
.

User: "stoney"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	21 Jan 2007 08:09:02 PM

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote in alt.atheism

"Nicola" <nicola@banfaithschools.org.uk> wrote in message

snip

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

But was that kosher?
--
Fundies and trolls are cordially invited to
shove a wooden cross up their arses and rotate
at a high rate of speed. I trust you'll
be 'blessed' with a plethora of splinters.
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 04:18:33 PM

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

"Nicola" <nicola@banfaithschools.org.uk> wrote in message

snip

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!
--
.

User: "Mike Painter"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 08:53:28 PM

Michael Gray wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

<snip>

I live close by a really big Hasidic community (Rockland County, NY)
and drove down a section of Route 59 that I hadn't been down in
quite a while. The Hasidics have really taken over that particular
section; most of the business are now owned by them (signs in
English and in Hebrew); as it was Saturday, there were a lot of them
walking down the side of the road, women wearing wigs, etc. They
even took over a White Castle hamburger stand and now it's a "Kosher
Kastle". I kid you not.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!

Bacon and cheeze on a bagel.
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	19 Jan 2007 01:13:27 AM

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:53:28 -0800, "Mike Painter"
<mddotpainter@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <EoWrh.33921$QU1.4417@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net>

Michael Gray wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

<snip>

I live close by a really big Hasidic community (Rockland County, NY)
and drove down a section of Route 59 that I hadn't been down in
quite a while. The Hasidics have really taken over that particular
section; most of the business are now owned by them (signs in
English and in Hebrew); as it was Saturday, there were a lot of them
walking down the side of the road, women wearing wigs, etc. They
even took over a White Castle hamburger stand and now it's a "Kosher
Kastle". I kid you not.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!

Bacon and cheeze on a bagel.

With a side order of Lobster.
And on the Sabbath.
And use a prayer shawl as a napkin.
--
.

User: "Robibnikoff"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	19 Jan 2007 08:34:00 AM

"Michael Gray" <mikegray@newsguy.com> wrote in message
news:7rr0r2h5n90epedtvr61g0qef83okc2h7d@4ax.com...

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:53:28 -0800, "Mike Painter"
<mddotpainter@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <EoWrh.33921$QU1.4417@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net>

Michael Gray wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

<snip>

I live close by a really big Hasidic community (Rockland County, NY)
and drove down a section of Route 59 that I hadn't been down in
quite a while. The Hasidics have really taken over that particular
section; most of the business are now owned by them (signs in
English and in Hebrew); as it was Saturday, there were a lot of them
walking down the side of the road, women wearing wigs, etc. They
even took over a White Castle hamburger stand and now it's a "Kosher
Kastle". I kid you not.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!

Bacon and cheeze on a bagel.

With a side order of Lobster.
And on the Sabbath.
And use a prayer shawl as a napkin.

You guys are weird ;)
--
Robyn
Resident Witchypoo
BAAWA Knight!
#1557
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	19 Jan 2007 06:12:09 PM

On Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:34:00 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <51c2t7F1jkj17U1@mid.individual.net>

"Michael Gray" <mikegray@newsguy.com> wrote in message
news:7rr0r2h5n90epedtvr61g0qef83okc2h7d@4ax.com...

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:53:28 -0800, "Mike Painter"
<mddotpainter@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
- Refer: <EoWrh.33921$QU1.4417@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net>

Michael Gray wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

<snip>

I live close by a really big Hasidic community (Rockland County, NY)
and drove down a section of Route 59 that I hadn't been down in
quite a while. The Hasidics have really taken over that particular
section; most of the business are now owned by them (signs in
English and in Hebrew); as it was Saturday, there were a lot of them
walking down the side of the road, women wearing wigs, etc. They
even took over a White Castle hamburger stand and now it's a "Kosher
Kastle". I kid you not.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!

Bacon and cheeze on a bagel.

With a side order of Lobster.
And on the Sabbath.
And use a prayer shawl as a napkin.

You guys are weird ;)

<Sniff>
That's the kindest thing that anyone has ever said to me!
Thankyou, I shall wear it with pride!
(Wait till I tell the folks back home.
A *real* Knight has dubbed me with the seal of weird!
"Ayatollah Gray, SoW")
--
.

User: "Neil Kelsey"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 04:23:04 PM

Michael Gray wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

"Nicola" <nicola@banfaithschools.org.uk> wrote in message

snip

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!

Oh, THAT would help. Jews eating Germans. I guess it's inevitable.
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 05:05:34 PM

On 18 Jan 2007 14:23:04 -0800, "Neil Kelsey" <neil_kelsey@hotmail.com>
wrote:
- Refer: <1169158984.146350.313770@l53g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>

Michael Gray wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:15:30 -0500, "Robibnikoff"
<witchypoo@broomstick.com> wrote:
- Refer: <519gv2F1irq7mU1@mid.individual.net>

"Nicola" <nicola@banfaithschools.org.uk> wrote in message

snip

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

Go and ask for a real HAMburger!

Oh, THAT would help. Jews eating Germans. I guess it's inevitable.

In New Guinea, it's called "Long Pig".
The Catholics call it "Wafers".
--
.

User: "Neil Kelsey"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	17 Jan 2007 08:39:37 PM

Nicola wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:29:24 +1030, Michael Gray wrote:

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.89397d7121f21f20.64065@worldnet.att.net>

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

While you are researching it, a good starting point may well be the
long standing habit of orthodox Jews to employ an non-Jewish
lift-operator (male of course) for the Sabbath, so they will not have
to walk up the stairs! (And not have to worry about someone else
breaking their law. How decent, and unselfish of them! Not.)
Bizarrely, the pressing of lift buttons is considered to be "using
fire", because of the minute spark created during connection).

This is banned on the Sabbath.

It would be far too hard for even such a gifted authour of crazy
fiction as Mr Adams to make this nonsense up.
No-one would believe it! (Thus your entirely excusable reaction.)
But it IS a true, and widespread, and long-lived bit of insanity, that
needs to be pointed out to reasonable people by way of example of how
otherwise rational peoples' minds can be transparently perverted by
organized religion.

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

Can you describe that? I've only seen video clips of guys nodding back
and forth while chanting something. Is that what you mean?
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 12:36:59 AM

On 17 Jan 2007 18:39:37 -0800, "Neil Kelsey" <neil_kelsey@hotmail.com>
wrote:
- Refer: <1169087977.735276.150330@l53g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>

Nicola wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:29:24 +1030, Michael Gray wrote:

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.89397d7121f21f20.64065@worldnet.att.net>

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

While you are researching it, a good starting point may well be the
long standing habit of orthodox Jews to employ an non-Jewish
lift-operator (male of course) for the Sabbath, so they will not have
to walk up the stairs! (And not have to worry about someone else
breaking their law. How decent, and unselfish of them! Not.)
Bizarrely, the pressing of lift buttons is considered to be "using
fire", because of the minute spark created during connection).

This is banned on the Sabbath.

It would be far too hard for even such a gifted authour of crazy
fiction as Mr Adams to make this nonsense up.
No-one would believe it! (Thus your entirely excusable reaction.)
But it IS a true, and widespread, and long-lived bit of insanity, that
needs to be pointed out to reasonable people by way of example of how
otherwise rational peoples' minds can be transparently perverted by
organized religion.

I worked very briefly in an hotel where a bunch of Orthodox Jews were
staying. One man had his wallet stolen from his room. Turns out that the
guests had taped the locks open as using an electronic card-operated lock
was not permitted during religious holidays. They also had to use the back
door to the hotel, avoiding the main (electric) door. The one I found most
bizarre was the women wearing wigs so that god couldn't see their hair -
but they looked no different. Seems god doesn't like natural hair but he's
fine with the synthetic stuff?

Nothing really compares to seeing the Wailing Wall though. If you're
familiar with stereotypy, it's a very disturbing sight.

Can you describe that? I've only seen video clips of guys nodding back
and forth while chanting something. Is that what you mean?

They are only distinguishable from asylum inmates because of their
different headgear.
--
.

User: "j.m. #1491"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity ofatheism	17 Jan 2007 11:42:16 PM

Nicola wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:29:24 +1030, Michael Gray wrote:

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.89397d7121f21f20.64065@worldnet.att.net>

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

While you are researching it, a good starting point may well be the
long standing habit of orthodox Jews to employ an non-Jewish
lift-operator (male of course) for the Sabbath, so they will not have
to walk up the stairs! (And not have to worry about someone else
breaking their law. How decent, and unselfish of them! Not.)
Bizarrely, the pressing of lift buttons is considered to be "using
fire", because of the minute spark created during connection).

This is banned on the Sabbath.

It would be far too hard for even such a gifted authour of crazy
fiction as Mr Adams to make this nonsense up.
No-one would believe it! (Thus your entirely excusable reaction.)
But it IS a true, and widespread, and long-lived bit of insanity, that
needs to be pointed out to reasonable people by way of example of how
otherwise rational peoples' minds can be transparently perverted by
organized religion.

A little personal experience:
"How to turn the AC on. Without turning it on."
Background: You are an industrial strength ultra orthodox Jew. You live
in Orlando, Florida. It is summer. And Sabbath. You planed to spend the
day praying, swaying and following other rituals, because that's really
really important.
The problem:
Your stupid atheist roommate turned the AC off before driving to the
beautiful and cool Atlantic Ocean to enjoy the day in an unproductive
and godless manner [1].
The heat might become an issue. You want the AC on.
But it is electric.
Big problem. You are not allowed to turn it on.
But you want it on.
But the God said no fires on Sabbath. And the rabbi said 'Fire' includes
'Sparks'. And electricity is 'Sparks'.
Oiiii, Oiiii, Oiiii.
It's getting warm. And humid.
Warmer.
You could go out.
No, you can't. There are rules for that. You have to study Torah. And
where would you go? Without car? In Orlando?
Still getting warmer. One could say, it's getting hot.
After much thinking, the idea:
You have been lucky. You noticed the problem while the temperature is
still rising.
You push the temperature dial upwards to max.
Then you turn the power switch to "ON".
Because the Thermostat is on max, the AC does not actually start up. No
sparks. The God is happy.
You folks may notice a problem: The house is still not getting colder.
But we know how to solve that.
But it is risky. Anguish. Agony.
You push the temperature dial down. Close to the current temperature.
Not too far!!!! If the AC turns on, you will be punished. And your
children. And children's children. Up to the tenth generation. Close,
but not too close, that is the trick. CAREFUL!!
Like here. A few degree above current room temperature.
Now you wait. Hope.
Waiting.
More hope.
Some prayers.
HAH!!! It runs. The AC started. All alone. Nobody did anything to it.
It's not YOUR fault that the room temp still went up. And turned the AC
on. It just happened, right? No God can say you made a fire, right? It's
like blaming you for lightning, right? YOU BROKE NO RULES!!!!
But now, after the AC is already running, there is no restriction
stopping you from pushing the temperature dial down to freeze.
No rules have been broken, the God is happy, punishment has been
avoided. The house is freezing, the rituals run smooth and easy.
Why is your roommate looking like that when you tell him what you did
during the day?
THE END
[1] I didn't think about his little problem. Really. Don't look at me
like that!
Other stories by the same author include:
'The light bulb in the fridge and what happened to it?'
'The ride home on a Friday afternoon AKA THE SUN IS SETTING! ARGHHHH! IT
IS SETTING! AKA Why does your roommate stop when the sign says "STOP"
even AFTER you told him you are in a hurry'
'Hurricanes, Sabbath and the Phone'
'The new lease AKA Is the landlord Jewish enough?'
--
j.m.
#1491
.

User: "Michael Gray"
Title: Re: Article: Rising numbers of nonbelievers increase popularity of atheism	18 Jan 2007 12:42:27 AM

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:42:16 -0500, "j.m. #1491" <j.m.1491@gmx.net>
wrote:
- Refer: <518flqF1jehs8U1@mid.individual.net>

Nicola wrote:

On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:29:24 +1030, Michael Gray wrote:

On Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:13:08 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.89397d7121f21f20.64065@worldnet.att.net>

Michael Gray submitted this idea :

On Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:02:19 -0700, Pangur Ban
<PangurBanTheist@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
- Refer: <mn.84b27d71709a4ad5.64065@worldnet.att.net>

After serious thinking Neil Kelsey wrote :

It is anything *but* trivial to orthodox jews.

While you are researching it, a good starting point may well be the
long standing habit of orthodox Jews to employ an non-Jewish
lift-operator (male of course) for the Sabbath, so they will not have
to walk up the stairs! (And not have to worry about someone else
breaking their law. How decent, and unselfish of them! Not.)
Bizarrely, the pressing of lift buttons is considered to be "using
fire", because of the minute spark created during connection).

This is banned on the Sabbath.

It would be far too hard for even such a gifted authour of crazy
fiction as Mr Adams to make this nonsense up.
No-one would believe it! (Thus your entirely excusable reaction.)
But it IS a true, and widespread, and long-lived bit of insanity, that
needs to be pointed out to reasonable people by way of example of how
otherwise rational peoples' minds can be transparently perverted by
organized religion.

A little personal experience:

"How to turn the AC on. Without turning it on."

Background: You are an industrial strength ultra orthodox Jew. You live
in Orlando, Florida. It is summer. And Sabbath. You planed to spend the
day praying, swaying and following other rituals, because that's really
really important.

The problem:
Your stupid atheist roommate turned the AC off before driving to the
beautiful and cool Atlantic Ocean to enjoy the day in an unproductive
and godless manner [1].

The heat might become an issue. You want the AC on.

But it is electric.

Big problem. You are not allowed to turn it on.

But you want it on.

But the God said no fires on Sabbath. And the rabbi said 'Fire' includes
'Sparks'. And electricity is 'Sparks'.

Oiiii, Oiiii, Oiiii.

It's getting warm. And humid.

Warmer.

You could go out.

No, you can't. There are rules for that. You have to study Torah. And
where would you go? Without car? In Orlando?

Still getting warmer. One could say, it's getting hot.

After much thinking, the idea:

You have been lucky. You noticed the problem while the temperature is
still rising.

You push the temperature dial upwards to max.

Then you turn the power switch to "ON".

Because the Thermostat is on max, the AC does not actually start up. No
sparks. The God is happy.

You folks may notice a problem: The house is still not getting colder.
But we know how to solve that.

But it is risky. Anguish. Agony.

You push the temperature dial down. Close to the current temperature.

Not too far!!!! If the AC turns on, you will be punished. And your
children. And children's children. Up to the tenth generation. Close,
but not too close, that is the trick. CAREFUL!!

Like here. A few degree above current room temperature.

Now you wait. Hope.

Waiting.

More hope.

Some prayers.

HAH!!! It runs. The AC started. All alone. Nobody did anything to it.
It's not YOUR fault that the room temp still went up. And turned the AC
on. It just happened, right? No God can say you made a fire, right? It's
like blaming you for lightning, right? YOU BROKE NO RULES!!!!

But now, after the AC is already running, there is no restriction
stopping you from pushing the temperature dial down to freeze.

No rules have been broken, the God is happy, punishment has been
avoided. The house is freezing, the rituals run smooth and easy.

Why is your roommate looking like that when you tell him what you did
during the day?

THE END

[1] I didn't think about his little problem. Really. Don't look at me