T Delfino

Has it been officially banned? If so, for what reason? If not, where can I find it? Last time I checked, the book had been confiscated from Kinokuniya Bookstore.

Religion no doubt still plays a major role - in politics, governance, society, family units and individual lifestyles. But it certainly seems as if the influence and popularity of religion is decreasing gradually and will become something of a traditional past time in the future.

Is religion a sort of "trend" that is phasing out?

The growing perception is that Asian students are more likely to excel in studies. Do you agree? If yes, why? Is it because education systems in most Asian nations are more academic and exam-orientated?

I am an Asian student myself.

Should that come at the expense of genuineness of intent?

If so, should they be allocated a quota of pollution they can produce and be taxed for exceeding it? Or are developing countries also responsible? Should they be made to pay such a tax?

If so, why? If not, why? It is a step in order to stop smoking, no?

If you were the only human being on this planet, would you exist? I don't mean physically, you'd certainly exist physically. But philosophically, if no one else can consciously acknowlegde your existence, do you exist? Is existence defined by people seeing and noticing your presence?

Wouldn't humanity and the world be better off with less humans? Is our ability to expand the human population at the expense of quality of life(especially in poorer nations) and condition of the environment?

Many believers tend to claim that god has the form of a human being. Isn't it arrogant for them to suppose so? For all we know, god may be a dog, an insect or maybe even a plant, no?

Theists often claim that morals are derived from religious scripture. But I can't help but think that if religious scripture was used as a basis for our morals and ethics, then there would be a lot more violence and wars. If we did derive our ethics from 'holy' scripture we'd probably still be living in ancient times, no?

I think morals and ethics are social constructs for society. full stop.

Theists often claim that we wouldn't have ethics and morality without religion. They claim that morals are derived from religion.

If we were to use scripture(regardless of religion) as basis for our morals and ethics, wouldn't there be even more murders and wars?(especially if you consider what's written in the Bible)

A 39th Premier League game in a country in some other continent?! Come on...

With the exception of Current Events and Sports of course.

As far as I know, that certainly seems to be the case. A bit arrogant to say the least, no?

Sure, human beings are intelligent creatures, no doubt about that. But isn't it arrogant to assume that we are the cleverest/smartest/intelligent being around?

I know it's the date when one was born and signifies the turning of age, but I don't think it justifies the need to celebrate. Is there any significant purpose in celebrating birthdays? Or is it a commersialised occasion to make money?

Just a thought.

1) The Platypus has features of a bird(duck-like bill), a mammal(fur and beaver-like tail), a reptile(lays eggs and lives in water &land), an amphibian(webbed feet), and a fish(um, able to swim?). Of all earthly beings, surely the platypus is the most likely to be god.

2) The platypus has a bill that can detect electrical energy in nerve impulses AND has venom from a spur on its hind legs.

3) The platypus is one of the most intelligent beings on Earth. The fact that it evolved into how it is now is extraordinary. Platypi fossils have also been found, proving that it existed millions of years ago, its features brilliantly adapted to survive.

Although unlikely(very) that God exists, assuming that he/she/it did, wouldn't it be relatively logical and reasonable for me to speculate that God is a platypus?

No joking, think about it.

Monty python's Life of Brian - I think it's a splendid film, one of the funniest I've ever watched, if not the funniest(I just love all of their works, but wait I'm digressing).

Isn't the opposition it received from Christians and other religious groups just absurd and foolish? Or was any of the cristicism justified, you think?

Personally, I find it unbelievably silly and childish of the people who attempted to ban the movie.