tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post7231374562335561649..comments2023-09-24T07:53:50.826-05:00Comments on The Atheist Experience™: Atheist Alliance International - Epic FailUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-28067471221928024502009-11-11T20:05:01.826-06:002009-11-11T20:05:01.826-06:00@leo-rcc
To be honest, I've only noticed this...@leo-rcc<br /><br />To be honest, I've only noticed this shift since it was announced he was getting the award. Even as recently as interviews about Religulous he's given impression that he thought atheists were just as arrogant as theists, something that demonstrates a clear misunderstanding of atheism.<br /><br />Granted, he may have corrected that now, and I commend him for it if so, but....given his history on the subject and some strange anti-scientific stances he holds on certain issues, I still don't think he was a good candidate for the award. I wish him well in everything and hope that he gets his crazy anti-medicine conspiracy bullshit under control but...beyond that, I dunno.Sparrowhawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16520765821903563677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-81105057280212572992009-11-11T09:13:45.926-06:002009-11-11T09:13:45.926-06:00In an interview with Don Imus, Bill Maher has stat...In an interview with Don Imus, Bill Maher has stated repeatedly that he is indeed an Atheist.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By-sL59SdjA<br /><br />His position must have shifted after talking to Dawkins and Hitchens.leo-rcchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03503345282887617911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-14889691823621859312009-10-04T08:16:45.715-05:002009-10-04T08:16:45.715-05:00"I'm late to this party, but the first th..."I'm late to this party, but the first thing I thought when I read the criteria--that the award goes to an "atheist"--was that I have heard Maher state publicly, repeatedly, he's not an atheist. Wouldn't that disqualify him?"<br /><br />Sure, but I guess rules are made to be broken (as I mentioned elsewhere http://diaphanus.livejournal.com/1794457.html).Ian Andreas Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10103464386296743152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-1718521652807352162009-08-02T08:11:07.689-05:002009-08-02T08:11:07.689-05:00I'm late to this party, but the first thing I ...I'm late to this party, but the first thing I thought when I read the criteria--that the award goes to an "atheist"--was that I have heard Maher state publicly, repeatedly, he's not an atheist. Wouldn't that disqualify him?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-77289995597743322692009-07-28T15:27:57.222-05:002009-07-28T15:27:57.222-05:00I like Bill Maher. I get a douchy vibe from him, b...I like Bill Maher. I get a douchy vibe from him, but he seems like a fun person to have a conversation with. I enjoyed his film, but I don't agree with the AAI decision, either.<br /><br />He's made it very clear - several times over - that to take a stance in either direction of the theological compass is somewhat arrogant. I wonder what his acceptance speech will say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-80530351701158848762009-07-28T05:15:41.461-05:002009-07-28T05:15:41.461-05:00I actually might defend the Penn and Teller choice...I actually might defend the Penn and Teller choice since I know personally their Bullshit! on the Bible was a big influence on dispelling my negative views of atheists.Inghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13024689390434414829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-19631920053225590012009-07-26T16:41:21.168-05:002009-07-26T16:41:21.168-05:00Chaos song,
What bothers me most isn't just t...Chaos song,<br /><br />What bothers me most isn't just the nontheist life stance statement but the fact that it says "uncompromising nontheist life stance". I get what they mean by nontheist life stance, I don't think they mean a nontheist lifestyle or are implying a set of beliefs inherent to nontheism, I think they just mean taking a firm stance that you are indeed a nontheist. And by uncompromising I don't think they mean dogmatic of course, I think they mean something like unapologetic, but the choice of words is still very poor because it could be seen to imply that Richard Dawkins is uncompromising on his stance as a nontheist, which would not be a good quality. We are constantly having to explain that we are open to new evidence and are open to the possibility that god exists if his existence were to be demonstrated. So to have an award for a uncompromising nontheist life stance is not a very good portrayal of atheists.Shane Doylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07752806437324506805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-88587807883233913812009-07-25T12:48:29.455-05:002009-07-25T12:48:29.455-05:00@ Sparrowhawk
It's certainly true that atheis...@ Sparrowhawk<br /><br />It's certainly true that atheism does not necessary imply rationalism (Rael anyone?). But IN ADDITION to being atheists, most folks here are ALSO rationalists. So I can see why there is interest in this kind of award.<br /><br />Maybe it's the humanism evoked by the words "nontheist life stance" that are pushing your buttons. <br /><br />Of course, atheism does not necessarily imply humanism either, but I'm not as confident that most folks here would classify themselves as humanists in addition to being atheists...<br /><br />I wondered about this myself, are they talking about a "nontheist life" stance or a nontheist "life stance"?ChaosSonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09210391390287355639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-16455647557365664112009-07-25T08:32:41.070-05:002009-07-25T08:32:41.070-05:00I agree with everyone on Thunderf00t. I sort of ag...I agree with everyone on Thunderf00t. I sort of agree with him sometimes with regard to his feelings about the word atheist. Sometimes it feels like it's the ONLY time I have to define myself by something I DON'T espouse (belief in god).<br /><br />But, he is decidedly an atheist and he is a strong advocate for science and "nontheist life life stance".<br /><br />Speaking of which...I thought there was no such thing as an atheist life stance, philosophy or world view. So why does this award contain so much of that language? Is this even an award we should really care much about if it's full of stuff like this? Stuff that we're constantly arguing...against?Sparrowhawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16520765821903563677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-46015134197431397042009-07-25T06:19:57.840-05:002009-07-25T06:19:57.840-05:00KaylaKaze
The point isn't that Bill Maher doe...KaylaKaze<br /><br />The point isn't that Bill Maher doesn't call himself an atheist. The point is that he is not one. Yes, Thunderf00t when asked what word he wants to use to describe himself says PEARList rather than atheist, but if you ask him if he believes in God, his answer will be no, which means he is an atheist. Bill Maher on the other hand says says he does beleive in god or some force he would describe as god, and so that makes him not an atheist. It has nothing to do with what you call yourself. I could call myself a deist who believes in a personal god, but since that doesn't make any sense one could just call me an idiot instead.Shane Doylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07752806437324506805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-68291085929421636142009-07-25T05:55:00.745-05:002009-07-25T05:55:00.745-05:00However, he is an atheist, whether or not he wants...However, he <i>is</i> an atheist, whether or not he wants to call himself such. Also, he would probably be one of the few people mentioned so far to be most deserving of this award.Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17826753884766997746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-28990124961927471382009-07-25T05:52:58.480-05:002009-07-25T05:52:58.480-05:00I should point out to the person who suggested Thu...I should point out to the person who suggested Thunderf00t that he also doesn't like the word "atheist" but calls himself a "Pearlist"KaylaKazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07558865889432635272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-13337953394565864852009-07-24T22:43:25.998-05:002009-07-24T22:43:25.998-05:00@Chaos
"I'm not convinced that Penn &...@Chaos<br /><br />"I'm not convinced that Penn & Teller have either; and I'm pretty darn certain that Bill Maher has not."<br /><br />I agree with you. None of them have advanced science.<br /><br />"I will concede that there may be a better nominee than Carlin - someone more like Daniel Dennett than Penn and Teller, but you should admit that Carlin is a better choice than Maher."<br /><br />No. I don't think Carlin is a better choice than Maher. They're pretty similar in every aspect except that Carlin defined himself as an atheist. That's about the only difference I see between the two.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08017515698151324805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-15866603928542964972009-07-24T20:34:14.262-05:002009-07-24T20:34:14.262-05:00Remember when some Fundies were protesting Gardasi...Remember when some Fundies were protesting Gardasil because the vaccine would lead to teenagers having more sex, and it would be better for them to die of cancer? I was curious as to which side would the notorious anti-Christian and anti-vaxxer Maher would take. Apparently, his pro-sex tendencies won out because his proclamation was, "HPV shots don't cause promiscuity, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxzr6qpL0aQ" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow">tequila shots do </a>." Maybe not sufficient to win the RDA, but still funny.KellyMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12749023296816659642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-83710962407624332352009-07-24T19:24:42.224-05:002009-07-24T19:24:42.224-05:00@ Donna
Yes I know...which is why I have a low op...@ Donna<br /><br />Yes I know...which is why I have a low opinion of both of them. As funny as Maher is honestly Coulter does bring him down A LOT by association. His odd science and all that views don't help. I honestly don't see how someone can publish a book, encouraging the rest of America to try you for TREASON and still be you're friend. Sorry when you accuse me of federal and/or war crimes for being the way I am I can't respect you.Inghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13024689390434414829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-36398485524306146452009-07-24T19:20:53.442-05:002009-07-24T19:20:53.442-05:00@ Andrew
Ya, okay point taken that Carlin didn...@ Andrew<br /><br />Ya, okay point taken that Carlin didn't do much to advance science. I'm not convinced that Penn & Teller have either; and I'm pretty darn certain that Bill Maher has not.<br /><br />I do believe that Carlin acted more the misanthrope than he really was - at the end of his Ten Commandments routine he had a very gentle message about being kind to others without all the crap.<br /><br />I will concede that there may be a better nominee than Carlin - someone more like Daniel Dennett than Penn and Teller, but you should admit that Carlin is a better choice than Maher.ChaosSonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09210391390287355639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-64599046207715078822009-07-24T18:33:50.852-05:002009-07-24T18:33:50.852-05:00I found the comments on Ann Coulter interesting (s...I found the comments on Ann Coulter interesting (see posts by "Ing") because Bill Maher and Ann are actually friends. They did a few live appearances together this past spring.Donna Mullerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02845844403515791634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-55594791984410904422009-07-24T17:11:23.294-05:002009-07-24T17:11:23.294-05:00Sparrowhawk-I think there is a 50-50 chance that M...Sparrowhawk-I think there is a 50-50 chance that Maher is either an atheist or a deist, as he sometimes seems to doubt the existence of God enough to be qualified as an atheist . But if he is atheist, he is not conscious of it, or does not want to recognize it.<br /><br />But you are perfectly right, the problem with him receiving the award is his complete misunderstanding of the term. Then there is also his disregard of science, which surprises me.Guillaumehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12376749604845793465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-57170984674777653862009-07-24T16:17:54.913-05:002009-07-24T16:17:54.913-05:00@Chaos: I'm sorry, but Carlin isn't even d...@Chaos: I'm sorry, but Carlin isn't even deserving of the award either. He does not advocate increased scientific knowledge at all. In fact, he's pretty anti-civilization. Better education is a shit idea to him. Honesty in politics is a shit idea to him. Technological advancements is a shit idea to him. Everything was going down the tubes for him. <br /><br />Sure he was an outspoken atheist, but that's as far as he went. There's more criteria to the award than simply bashing Christianity every five seconds.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08017515698151324805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-89746876678724933582009-07-24T12:53:32.363-05:002009-07-24T12:53:32.363-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11808046374934603869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-86980282983969829242009-07-24T11:29:13.218-05:002009-07-24T11:29:13.218-05:00More on Bill's understanding of atheism, from ...More on Bill's understanding of atheism, from <a href="http://www.avclub.com/articles/bill-maher,14307/" rel="nofollow">an interview he did with the Onion AV Club</a>. I know the Onion is a satirical paper, but this is a seperate site and as far as I know, the interview is indeed his words and he is being serious when he discusses this:<br /><br /><i>I don't say in the movie that I'm an atheist. I don't like that term, because I think it mirrors the certitude of religion.</i><br /><br />And then there is a quote from <a href="http://www.avclub.com/articles/is-there-a-god,1413/" rel="nofollow">this interview</a> with the same site. I admit this one is 6 years before the one I just mentioned, but this one coupled with the latest one sort of show me that he hasn't really understood this stuff for quite a while and probably continues to do so:<br /><br /><i>I said, "I'm not an atheist. There's a really big difference between an atheist and someone who just doesn't believe in religion. Religion to me is a bureaucracy between man and God that I don't need. But I'm not an atheist, no." I believe there's some force. If you want to call it God... I don't believe God is a single parent who writes books. I think that the people who think God wrote a book called The Bible are just childish. Religion is so childish.</i><br /><br />Just for clarification, the first part in quotes there is Bill paraphrasing himself in the interview from an earlier date. But the part afterwards, which is part of the actual interview, seems to echo the paraphrase.<br /><br />So, assuming he hasn't drastically changed his views, he seems like one of those touch-feely people who still think atheist and agnostic are mutually exclusive terms, and who hates church but still believes in a "force". In other words, it looks like Bill Maher is a deist.<br /><br />Please, correct me if I'm wrong.Sparrowhawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16520765821903563677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-17977387948519875412009-07-24T11:13:19.276-05:002009-07-24T11:13:19.276-05:00I agree with Matt D. here. I have nothing against ...I agree with Matt D. here. I have nothing against him, in fact I love watching clips from his show and Religulous is a very entertaining film. I just think that someone who doesn't even seem to grasp the basics of what atheism is shouldn't get an award that is for...atheists. I mean, yeah, he's very critical of religion and he makes fun of the talking snake and he's very good, but I have on NUMEROUS occasions heard him speak about athiesm and commit the same fallacy that most theists commit: That atheism is a faith or a belief system. And this is recent, at least as recent as religulous.<br /><br />Bill is fine and he may or may not actually be an atheist, but he has a fallacious understanding of the concept, and his views on science and vaccinations are pretty depressing too. All in all...no, he does not deserve this award.<br /><br />And...<br /><br />@Tony: This isn't about Maher being "atheist enough". I mean...forgive me but I don't even see how that makes sense. How can someone be more atheist? My understanding of what it means to be an atheist is that if you answer anything other than "yes" to the question "Do you believe in any gods?" then you are ...an atheist. How does this allow for degrees of atheism? Does being more vocal make you "more" of an atheist? No, our problem here isn't that Bill isn't atheist "enough", it's that he completely misses the point on what it even IS.Sparrowhawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16520765821903563677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-40207886576701485882009-07-24T08:21:44.681-05:002009-07-24T08:21:44.681-05:00I know that Bill Maher does not consider himself a...I know that Bill Maher does not consider himself an atheist, and I would qualify him as "agnostic deist", but is he really anti-science and anti-vaccination? That surprises me. He didn't strike me as so critical towards atheists when he interviewed Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. That said, yes, he should not get the award.Guillaumehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12376749604845793465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-89053170416645230842009-07-24T01:28:25.653-05:002009-07-24T01:28:25.653-05:00Yup Bill Maher is certainly the wrong person for t...Yup Bill Maher is certainly the wrong person for this award. I wouldnt be surprised if Bill actually refuses the prize.<br />A possible plus from this is that it may actually give someone the opportunity to educate Bill Maher on what atheism actually is, as he has seemed terribly ill informed up til now.Jasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05616923620409893568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33241741.post-75602423083097149252009-07-24T00:55:10.709-05:002009-07-24T00:55:10.709-05:00If Maher deserves this, then my Papal knighthood m...If Maher deserves this, then my Papal knighthood must be just around the corner...TheBrainFromPlanetAroushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04656561052157326830noreply@blogger.com