NationStates Jolt Archive

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

the holy book of NSG.

1984

The Swiss Railway Timetables is a very reliable publication.
99% of the predictions come true.

1984

I wasn't talking about fictional works, although it was an uplifting story.

the encyclopedia britannica

its not perfect but its mostly right

In none of them, but I reason that the Origin of the Species is the most likely to be scientifically accurate, although the Bible is more interesting to read, and has an interesting historical background.

Das Kapital is crap. It gets my loathing.

Mein Kampf.

I've found that, increasingly, I disagree with everybody about pretty much everything.

I also believe in 1984, after all, it has been the most accurate book out of all of them.

In order, from most to least accurate:
1. The origin of species, because it's (in general, not specific) proven science.
2. I think you're refering to The communist manifesto, and I think it's oversimplified but a pretty good idea, at least in theory.
3. The bible, because I put about as much weight on the bible for factual accuracy as on Greek myths. It's got true bits, but overall it's false.

Now, that's for accuracy. You didn't ask which one I liked the most.
That would be the bible, because the origin of species is too dry and the communist manifesto is too angry, and neither of them aim for entertainment, which the bible does.

Well, although it's disheartening to see so few people believe in the Bible, it is encouraging that half of you don't place faith in evolution, either. There may yet be some progress made.

I wasn't talking about fictional works, although it was an uplifting story.

Uplifiting? Either you haven't read it, or you're being sarcastic.


Or you somehow see, "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face— forever" as uplifting.

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

I find it sad that people actually think the bible is in any way factual, or contains any accuracy as it is complete fiction, written by men who died for stupid reasons over 2000+ years ago, and would have been no-names in the modern world if they hadn't jumped on the messiah bandwagon.

Oh, and I place the most 'faith' in The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx.

"On the Origin of Species" does not equate to "evolution." Sorry. Having "faith" in that particular book is not the same as accepting the theory of evolution as scientifically valid. Nor does NOT voting for that option here show that people do not support evolution.

Have a nice day, naziboy. Good to see you trolling around these forums again.

That's a great song.

The Qur'an.

Well, although it's disheartening to see so few people believe in the Bible, it is encouraging that half of you don't place faith in evolution, either. There may yet be some progress made.

No, everyone that has posted so far (AFAIK, maybe I missed someone) believes in evolution going on other posts and just doesn't want to feed the troll.
And you're becoming increasingly trollish.

2. I think you're refering to The communist manifesto

Why would he be?

Das Kapital is a separate (and far superior) work.

I place my faith in the Bible for personal morality and the Origin of Species for the development of life on Earth. Das Kapital is interesting, but given the failure of Communism I'm not too keen in putting any confidence in it, let alone faith.

Well, at least the Bible is amusing (http://www.thebricktestament.com/) - especially this part (http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/index.html).

The Qur'an.
An improvement over the Bible...

No, everyone that has posted so far (AFAIK, maybe I missed someone) believes in evolution

Then how come half of the people do not believe On the Origin of the Species to be accurate? Isn't that the book which laid out evolutionary theory?

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

Its a silly question as the answer is fairly obvious

Origin of the species is a scientific work - lots of groundwork done before
ever putting pen to paper and the fundamental thrust of what was in it
has been proven to be accurate

Das Kapital as a criticism of capitalism is personal opinion but logically argued
so it would come in 2nd

The Bible - ahem
nothing to say about that
3rd

If the hobbit had been included it would have been third and pushed the bible into 4th
If a phone book had been included it would have come in at 2nd

Why would he be?

Das Kapital is a separate (and far superior) work.

Das Kapital talks more about capitalism then communism, so if the OP wants to know what we think about communism, he would want to know what we think about the communist manifesto more then Das Kapital.

Then how come half of the people do not believe On the Origin of the Species to be accurate?

Because it's about a hundred fifty years out of date.

Then how come half of the people do not believe On the Origin of the Species to be accurate? Isn't that the book which laid out evolutionary theory?

Modern evolutionary theory is not the same as "having faith in" that particular book. Darwinism is not the same as evolution.

Plz ignore this post too, or at least only respond to it with unreasonable non-arguments.

Then how come half of the people do not believe On the Origin of the Species to be accurate? Isn't that the book which laid out evolutionary theory?
Because Origin of Species was the initial framework that led to humans thinking about our development in terms of evolution. It isn't accurate because science has come so far, and it has used the original theories in Origin of Species to disprove the facts that Darwin laid out about life and evolution. If we didn't bother to expand on the knowledge of Origin of Species, evolution would be like Creationism, an irrelevant theory that explains nothing.

It is shown to be accurate because evolution involves change, and the advancement of knowledge.

Das Kapital talks more about capitalism then communism, so if the OP wants to know what we think about communism, he would want to know what we think about the communist manifesto more then Das Kapital.

He actually would be better off asking us about Critique of the Gotha Program or something if that was his intention, but whatever.

Many scientists today don't believe it to be correct. But, it is what laid out the idea of evolution.

Then how come half of the people do not believe On the Origin of the Species to be accurate? Isn't that the book which laid out evolutionary theory?

Evolution as Darwin wrote it is related to modern evolution in the way that the Model T is related to a modern car.
It's the same basic structure, but it's been very much improved since back then.

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

Aww, the funnny little troll tried to set a flamebait trap. Ain't he cute? Run along now, little boy. The grown ups are talking.

http://img319.imageshack.us/img319/6431/flamebaitsl9.png (http://imageshack.us)


http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/9202/trollvd8.png (http://imageshack.us)

I place my faith in the Bible for personal morality

How can you possibly reach consistent, coherent, and decent conclusions about morality with the Bible?

How can you possibly reach consistent, coherent, and decent conclusions about morality with the Bible?
You pick and choose, all while ignoring the glaring contradictions.

Pretty much sums it up...

How can you possibly reach consistent, coherent, and decent conclusions about morality with the Bible?

You can't. I don't take it literally, but take it in context.

I don't take it literally, but take it in context.

If you're going to go to lengths to bring Biblical morality in line with your own, why bother with it at all?

Here's the crucial question: if your honest, objective opinion was that the Bible, taken in context and all, advocated a particular moral position you find repulsive, would you go with the Bible or with your own sense of morality?

If you're going to go to lengths to bring Biblical morality in line with your own, why bother with it at all?

It has some good things in it.

Here's the crucial question: if your honest, objective opinion was that the Bible, taken in context and all, advocated a particular moral position you find repulsive, would you go with the Bible or with your own sense of morality?

With my own. Humans have an inherent sense of right and wrong for a reason, and most of the time it's a hell of a lot more moral than the stuff other people have put in to writing.

Webster's Dictionary

It has some good things in it.

Sure... but so what? The good things are not unique to the Bible, and not even particularly extraordinary.

With my own.

Then the Bible is useless as a moral guide - you will always get a better answer if you just consult your own mind.

Moby Dick.

I'd have to go with either Animal Farm or 1984.

The most accurate and life-changing book I ever read and devote the majority of my personal faith to is 'Horton Hears a Who'. *nod*

:D

Blessed is the Word of Darwin.
Blessed are the meek, for they will get the crap kicked out of them. :p

The most accurate and life-changing book I ever read and devote the majority of my personal faith to is 'Horton Hears a Who'. *nod*

:D

I agree.

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

When did communism become an alternative to science and religion? I must have missed that day at school.

When did communism become an alternative to science and religion? I must have missed that day at school.

Oh sure, it's the same day they taught you the good ol' chant "All hail Joseph McCarthy!"

I find it sad that people actually think the bible is in any way factual, or contains any accuracy as it is complete fiction, written by men who died for stupid reasons over 2000+ years ago, and would have been no-names in the modern world if they hadn't jumped on the messiah bandwagon.

Oh, and I place the most 'faith' in The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx.



Hmmmm lets see ...In the Book of Revelation it talks about the Bear coming from the North and the Kings coming from the East with an Army of 200,000,000 to march on Israel to destroy her ....It seems to me the Bear is Russia and sits North of Israel and China has a standing Army of 200.000,000.
So the Bible is'nt factual huh?

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

I would say that the book I have the most faith in is the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Hmmmm lets see ...In the Book of Revelation it talks about the Bear coming from the North and the Kings coming from the East with an Army of 200,000,000 to march on Israel to destroy her ....It seems to me the Bear is Russia and sits North of Israel and China has a standing Army of 200.000,000.
So the Bible is'nt factual huh?

China doesn't have a standing army of 200,000,000.

Also, I don't recall Revelation saying any of that.

The poll choices suck.

I think they should be like what do you belive, string theory or transubstantiation?

Revelation 16, the River Euphrates in Iraq is dried up so that the army of the Kings of the East can cross it to the Battle of Armageddon. It is interesting that a severe drought was drying up the River Euphrates in 1999, this was the worst drought in Iraq in this century, and also Turkey is building dams upstream which could dry up this river, so this is another sign that Armageddon is approaching.

Revelation 16:12 "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water therof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."

Also referring to the dragon is Revelation 12:3:
"And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon..." 12:9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent...he was cast out into earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

I'm still checking on the other facts ....Seems to me U.S News and World Report said that Chinas army was at that troop strength ...

You do realize that Darwin was NOT an Atheist, right? His proposal was that God created the laws of nature, and then provided the initial spark of life. After that, he let man develop according to the laws he set forth. I personally am an atheist, and I don't care for any of the books in the poll. However, while on the topic of evolution, I'd recommend reading Carl Sagan's Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence. It's quite a fascinating read.

Well, although it's disheartening to see so few people believe in the Bible, it is encouraging that half of you don't place faith in evolution, either. There may yet be some progress made.

If one doesn't believe in what the Bible proposes, isn't evolution the only alternative left? Unless you were implying that these people were at least following another religion. If not, then are you proposing that we were just pulled out of the Cosmic Ass and now we're here?

If one doesn't believe in what the Bible proposes, isn't evolution the only alternative left? Unless you were implying that these people were at least following another religion. If not, then are you proposing that we were just pulled out of the Cosmic Ass and now we're here?

You could believe that the world was sneezed out of some deity's nose.

Why is the question in the poll different from the question in the subject?

And what do you mean by accurate? Literally accurate? Spiritually accurate? One can certainly put faith in the Bible without considering it to be literally accurate in all things.

Dawkins is mah hero. I'm an anti-theist. The bible is full of crap, if not the crazy stories then the stupid rules.

The book I place the most faith in is Peter McWilliams' "Ain't Nobodies Business if You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in a Free Society"

A great book for anyone with a socially libertarian bent.

When did communism become an alternative to science and religion? I must have missed that day at school.

Most communists tend to cling to their failed ideology in a fashion shockingly similar to religion.

Most communists tend to cling to their failed ideology in a fashion shockingly similar to religion.

Not in my experience. Most of us are pretty reasonable.

Not in my experience. Most of us are pretty reasonable.

Do you ever sit naked in a chair watching Are You Being Served?

I have faith in none of them.

Origin of the species is, however, the one with the most evidence for its case.


faith is belief without proof.

I am proud to say that I have no faith at all.

The Alphabet of Manliness.

Alcoholics Anonymous

The real experience of individuals taking action rather than simply spouting opinion or conjecture

Why are you sullying the name of those of us who are atheists with this thread? Faith? Pah.

Do you ever sit naked in a chair watching Are You Being Served?

No.

Hmmmm lets see ...In the Book of Revelation it talks about the Bear coming from the North and the Kings coming from the East with an Army of 200,000,000 to march on Israel to destroy her ....It seems to me the Bear is Russia and sits North of Israel and China has a standing Army of 200.000,000.
So the Bible is'nt factual huh?

That is what we call 'interpretation', based on a composition of modern geography and ancient scripture, which has no doubt been translated and transcribed repeatedly through history that there was something lost in translation.

If it was factual, you wouldn't have to interpret it as you have done here.

The part in bold is what you have interpreted part of Revelations to mean, when it could've meant something else. It was by human intervention that Russia embraces a bear as its national symbol.

Those facts are not facts at all; you taking symbolism and giving it relevance.

Why are you sullying the name of those of us who are atheists with this thread? Faith? Pah.

People do it because they think atheist are lacking spiritually because they have never made the effort to learn what atheism is truly about.

I have faith in the Bible, but not necessarily in my interpretations of it. The Bible was written by G-d, and sadly, humans have shown time and time again that they are not good at interpreting G-d's words.

On the other hand, evolution has come a long way since Darwin. Some of his ideas - such as that inheritance is a 'blending' process - have been disproven (though the central ideas are still intact).

I'm going to say the Bible.

In Which Book do you Place the most Faith

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

got your towel

got your towel

Yep

I think you're refering to The communist manifesto

Actually The Communist Manifesto is a different book than Das Kapital. And I haven't read Origin of the Species so i'm going to have to go with
Das Kapital.

I wasn't talking about fictional works, although it was an uplifting story.But you included the Bible in your list, which is altogether fictional?
Well then, I place more faith in the Silmarillion than the Bible.

Not a surprise the Bible is not trusted in.

I don't have faith. And I especially don't have faith in a book.

I'm not sure. Das Kapital is probably the most accurate, but I haven't read it to make sure.

Hmmmm lets see ...In the Book of Revelation it talks about the Bear coming from the North and the Kings coming from the East with an Army of 200,000,000 to march on Israel to destroy her ....It seems to me the Bear is Russia and sits North of Israel and China has a standing Army of 200.000,000.
So the Bible is'nt factual huh?Er...Lebanon sits north of Israel.

Well, although it's disheartening to see so few people believe in the Bible, it is encouraging that half of you don't place faith in evolution, either. There may yet be some progress made.

If I had to "place faith" in evolution it wouldn't be considered science. :rolleyes: If by "progress" you mean the backward progress of your mind, then you may be right.

1.On the origin of species
2. Das Kapital
3. None of them are accurate
.
.
.
.
.
4. The Bible

Well, although it's disheartening to see so few people believe in the Bible, it is encouraging that half of you don't place faith in evolution, either. There may yet be some progress made.

Which book do you feel is the most accurate?
The Bible.
On the Origin of the Species.
Das Kapital.
None of them are accurate.

I would have to vote for the 4th choice not because Darwin was wrong but rather it was the initial work and there are bound to be inaccuracies within it. I have faith in evolution but would choose an up to date explanation of that as more accurate.

Your interpretation of the results of the poll are wrong and suggest a poor scientific approach. I suspect that probably most people who voted other have a "faith" in other as well.

Although I value the bible as having an influence on my values often for the better I do not beleive in it as an actual true story.

the holy book of NSG.Word.

Well, although it's disheartening to see so few people believe in the Bible, it is encouraging that half of you don't place faith in evolution, either. There may yet be some progress made.

There's no point having faith in actual facts, is there?

Dune, by Frank Herbert. The original was an extremely worthwhile tome, I maintain; always makes me shake my head in wonder at mankinds inginuity and folly every time I re-read it.

How about we all just agree that Wikipedia is the source of all human knowledge?

How about we all just agree that Wikipedia is the source of all human knowledge?I'd have thought humans were the source of all human knowledge, and wikipedia is just the repository.
It's bound to be more accurate than the bible though ;)

I'd have thought humans were the source of all human knowledge, and wikipedia is just the repository.
It's bound to be more accurate than the bible though ;)

When people fiddle around with the fact in Wikipedia, people notice, and have the balls to fix it.

I'd have thought humans were the source of all human knowledge, and wikipedia is just the repository.
It's bound to be more accurate than the bible though ;)Facts should be the source of human knowledge. Humans are only the source of beliefs.

Theory of Harmony by Arnold Schoenberg:D

Green Eggs and Ham

You could believe that the world was sneezed out of some deity's nose.

The Great White Handkerchief is coming! Great Green Arkleseizure, we praise you. ACHOO!!

But you included the Bible in your list, which is altogether fictional?


No, it's not.

Facts should be the source of human knowledge. Humans are only the source of beliefs.



Heheh there are no such thinmgs as facts, only belief, and thats a umm fact!:p

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.
In terms of which book best explains factual reality, I'd say Origin of Species probably wins out simply because more of that book is dedicated to TRYING to explain factual realities. Most of the Bible and Das Capital are not intended to be describing factual reality; they discuss morality and philosophy a whole lot more, and the accuracy of these portions of the text is purely subjective.

I think the comparison on these grounds isn't really fair, though. It's like comparing a biology text book to Huck Finn and asking which is more accurate. The fact that Huck Finn is fiction doesn't mean that it is "inaccurate," just that it isn't intended to address factual reality in the way that the biology text does. Instead, it discusses reality in a non-literal manner, using fiction to communicate moral/philosophical messages that don't require the factual existence of the particular characters or events described.

I don't tend to base my faith in inanimate objects.

My bankbook. It tells me what to do, and when to do it.

Harry Turtledoves alternative history books!!!Go Confederates

I wasn't talking about fictional works, although it was an uplifting story.

Then why did you include the bible?

Of course I also notice the difference in your first post question and the poll question...

I don't have faith in any of those books, or anything if we use the religious faith, but I would consider Origin to be more accurate than the other two. After all, it's the one based on evidence rather than opinion or myths.

The Cat in the Hat!

The only book I have faith in is the Dragon Lexicon Triumvirate (http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Triumvirate-Kenneth-Che-Tew-Eng/dp/097487650X). Historically accurate too. How could you not place your faith in a book with a dragon holding a pistol and a samurai sword on the cover?


Did RC troll and run?

But you included the Bible in your list, which is altogether fictional?

No, it's not.
Prove that the Bible is not pure fiction.

I don't really place faith in books per se, but the Origin of Species seems to be the most accurate of the bunch.

"Faith"?

The sinful bible. It's a misprint of the bible. It's only difference is that it reads "Thou shalt adulter"

The sinful bible. It's a misprint of the bible. It's only difference is that it reads "Thou shalt adulter"

That's one of my favorites, too. Most of the copies were called in and burned, and the printers were fined 300 pounds, which in 1631 was a huge sum, and the money was used to create a set of Greek type fonts. There are only 11 copies known to exist of this edition now.

I have noted as I have perused numerous topics that there is a preponderance of atheists who frequent this forum. They seem to have rejected God and opted instead to follow science or, more sadly, communism. So which book do you feel is the most accurate, out of the three: the Bible (the word of God), On the Origin of the Species, or Das Kapital? Poll coming.

I should point out that hardly anyone puts faith in Origin of the Species. It outlines a scientific thesis that has come under intense scrutiny. To have faith in Darwin's work is almost impossible because it has been found sound by many attempts to debunk it.

The Bible on the other hand has been driven into retreat by almost every single challenge to its authority and with every defeat the losers who championed it stand tall and triumphantly proclaim that the challengers were unable to do what they weren't trying to do, they only succeeded in winning the very minor victory of proving they were right about everything they believed and have completly failed to disprove anything that they weren't trying to disprove.

Das Kapital... Well like trickle down economics it was a nice idea that fell apart at the slightest bit of inquiry.

Prove that the Bible is not pure fiction.

It mentioned a place called Egypt, which I'm pretty sure really exists. That makes it only 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 999999999999999999999999999% fiction.

It mentioned a place called Egypt, which I'm pretty sure really exists. That makes it only 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 999999999999999999999999999% fiction.

Don't forget that there were prostitutes and leprosy around that time! so it's only 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 99999999999999998% fiction.