You may have wondered why I call myself a born-again atheist. I was an avowed atheist during my high school and college years. When I moved up to Johannesburg from Durban, around 1987, I became entranced with a Hindu religious group, joined and practiced their form of religion for nearly twenty years. It was easy to become ensnared, as I had moved away from family, was basically living on my own, and this organization provided comfort, friendship, solace, and a sense of belonging.
During my formative years in Durban, being an atheist was a way to rebel against the establishment. My atheist beliefs back then, was based, not on a sound understanding of religious beliefs (dogma) or the human psychological condition, but on basic scientific principles. Creation was scientifically impossible; evolution was more logical. Noah was a fairy-tale: you cannot build a boat large enough to hold all the various species of plant and animal life on earth. If you had the power to turn water into wine, then you could just as easily turn a donkey into a Rolls Royce (if you don't see where I'm leading with this, then your mind is clouded with irrational religious thoughts). Also, it was quite thrilling to argue with my peers and elders, at that young age about religion with what in hindsight, amounted to an immature level of knowledge on the subject.
Back in Johannesburg, during the last few years of my re-acquaintance with religion, I began to see more clearly; the practices and behaviours of the priests and even the congregations, became increasingly puzzling, illogical, erratic, disturbing and downright crazy. I began to see how priests could mesmerize and mislead their followers; how gullible these people could be. I slowly began withdrawing from the clutches of these delusional people. I started reading more about comparative religion, esoterica, history, the sciences and whatever I could find that would make me understand how I came to be so mislead.
Therefore I now prefer to be known as a re-born atheist. I now understand the strange hold religions have on people and why they will even give up their lives for it. I'm just so glad I was able to get out in time, and strengthen myself to live free of superstition and the fear of the unknown.I fervently hope that some day, you will all join me in clear and rational thought, and true freedom.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Obsessed with Religion
A colleague at work, asked me today, why I spend so much time studying religion whereas I profess to be an atheist. It's very simple: I figure that it would be highly hypocritical of me to criticise theists if I did not know anything about their beliefs. So, I spend an inordinate amount of time researching different religions and religious beliefs, in order to understand why they have such a hold on believers. This may sound lame, but I have learnt quite a bit about religion and people's psyche, in the process.
I am happy to report that thus far, I have found not a single shred of evidence to believe in a God or Gods. In fact, the more I research, the more evidence I find of the non-existence of such an entity.
I am happy to report that thus far, I have found not a single shred of evidence to believe in a God or Gods. In fact, the more I research, the more evidence I find of the non-existence of such an entity.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
An Educational Weekend
After Friday night's concert featuring Korn, Chris Cornell, Muse, 30 seconds to Mars and Good Charlotte, it was quite a come down on Saturday and Sunday when we visited Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humankind, a world heritage site. From head-banging to heads in glass cases, well skulls really.
What a fascinating tour back in time, learning about the origins of mankind, the true beginnings - evolution. While viewing the exhibits (Mrs. Ples and the Taung Child skulls among many others) it dawned on me that certain organizations had gone through great lengths to put together an exhibit such as this, with real specimens of pre-historic man and other fossils to prove the theory of evolution. Yet, I have never heard of, nor seen any exhibition, with real specimens that was put together to prove the theory of creation. I suppose it must be pretty hard to find and display "airy-fairy" anywhere on earth, to prove that we were created.
Makes you think, doesn't it?
What a fascinating tour back in time, learning about the origins of mankind, the true beginnings - evolution. While viewing the exhibits (Mrs. Ples and the Taung Child skulls among many others) it dawned on me that certain organizations had gone through great lengths to put together an exhibit such as this, with real specimens of pre-historic man and other fossils to prove the theory of evolution. Yet, I have never heard of, nor seen any exhibition, with real specimens that was put together to prove the theory of creation. I suppose it must be pretty hard to find and display "airy-fairy" anywhere on earth, to prove that we were created.
Makes you think, doesn't it?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
My Coke Fest 2008
On a lighter note; to all those who will be joining me at the My Coke Fest 2008 at Newmarket, you're going to have one helluva great time. It's going to be rock-heaven once again. Imagine, Korn, Muse, Good Charlotte, Chris Cornell, Kaiser Chiefs, 30 seconds to Mars, Prime Circle and Crash Car Burn all sharing the same stage, on the same night? Wow!!!
Check it out at http://www.mycokefest2008.co.za/
Check it out at http://www.mycokefest2008.co.za/
When the lights went out
When the lights went out, lunacy came out to shine. I'm referring, of course, to those morons at Eskom who think that asking for 53% increase to be added to the cost of electricity for customers, is reasonable. This added to the 14-15% increase already implemented in December last year. Their reasoning is that South Africans are paying too little already for electricity compared to the rest of the world. But, that's not all: they are asking us to pay 53% more for something they cannot supply in the first place. Are they seriously expecting us to pay more for electricity on a whenever-we-can-supply-it basis.
There's more: the other idiots in this sorry saga, the government that is, are actually going to set up a committee to consider this request from Eskom. And, apparently part of this committee's function will be to gauge public acceptability to this ludicrous idea. Yes, these neanderthals in government actually believe they need to spend millions on a useless committee to ask the public if they will accept Eskom's request. These government fat-cats are so out of touch with the needs of the public (and reality for that matter) that they feel the need to waste time deliberating on such an absurd request.
Aah, when the lights go out, the Southern tip of Africa slowly recedes back into darkness....
There's more: the other idiots in this sorry saga, the government that is, are actually going to set up a committee to consider this request from Eskom. And, apparently part of this committee's function will be to gauge public acceptability to this ludicrous idea. Yes, these neanderthals in government actually believe they need to spend millions on a useless committee to ask the public if they will accept Eskom's request. These government fat-cats are so out of touch with the needs of the public (and reality for that matter) that they feel the need to waste time deliberating on such an absurd request.
Aah, when the lights go out, the Southern tip of Africa slowly recedes back into darkness....
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Feed or Fast
Recently, a truly honourable man of great moral authority, Archbishop Desmond Tutu invited South Africans to join him in a fast for 40 hours over this past weekend. You could go without food or for those so inclined, without technology ie. no computers, i-pods, cell-phones etc. (aptly named a "techno-famine").
My friends and I however decided to go a different route, a familiar route we have been following every month for a few years now - we decided to feed some of those less fortunate. It was just coincidental that we chose this particular weekend, as we normally either utilize the first or last weekend of the month. I make no excuses for the fact that we did not fast ourselves nor did we forgo the use of technology. We personally just do what we can in our own way. However, I do think the 40-hour famine is a noble scheme to aid World Vision in supporting hungry and destitute children and whole communities across Africa. I therefore fully endorse the effort and encourage others who are not inclined to become involved in feeding schemes of their own, to support World Vision.
I do not believe that this call for a 40-hour fast is a once-off appeal, and World Vision requires donations, sponsorships etc. on an ongoing basis. If you require further information, please visit http://www.worldvision.org.za/component/option,com_40hourfamine
My friends and I however decided to go a different route, a familiar route we have been following every month for a few years now - we decided to feed some of those less fortunate. It was just coincidental that we chose this particular weekend, as we normally either utilize the first or last weekend of the month. I make no excuses for the fact that we did not fast ourselves nor did we forgo the use of technology. We personally just do what we can in our own way. However, I do think the 40-hour famine is a noble scheme to aid World Vision in supporting hungry and destitute children and whole communities across Africa. I therefore fully endorse the effort and encourage others who are not inclined to become involved in feeding schemes of their own, to support World Vision.
I do not believe that this call for a 40-hour fast is a once-off appeal, and World Vision requires donations, sponsorships etc. on an ongoing basis. If you require further information, please visit http://www.worldvision.org.za/component/option,com_40hourfamine
Friday, March 14, 2008
Traffic Intersection Panhandlers
Have you noticed the proliferation of university, college and even school kids at traffic intersections recently, "collecting" funds for some lame "educational" trip or sports event. I'm accosted nearly every day, mostly in the afternoons, on my way home from work. I'm not shelling out money to these obviously privileged individuals, when I can contribute to genuine poor beggars, competing with them for space at these intersections, and who have more need of the money.
I've even come across people who are "collecting" funds for some or the other church or religious organization. As a matter of principle, I refuse to contribute money to any religious organization, which uses it to further religious goals. I will contribute to anyone collecting money for charitable organizations, though. Put another way, I am more inclined to assist with putting food into some one's belly, than religious crap into their minds.
I've even come across people who are "collecting" funds for some or the other church or religious organization. As a matter of principle, I refuse to contribute money to any religious organization, which uses it to further religious goals. I will contribute to anyone collecting money for charitable organizations, though. Put another way, I am more inclined to assist with putting food into some one's belly, than religious crap into their minds.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Imagine by John Lennon
I don't know why this song keeps popping up in my head. Maybe it's just that it has to be the most beautiful peace of poetry ever written. John Lennon was a genius.... Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Gun Control
I've had some time to think about handing in my firearm for destruction and I'm gonna go for it. The old cliché that guns don't kill people; people kill people doesn't wash with me. Guns make it easier to kill, period. Michael Moore, this one's for you...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
South African mini-bus Taxis
If you're a driver on South African Roads, then you've most probably had a run-in with a mini-bus taxi (driver) at some stage. I've had more than my fair share; in fact come to think of it, it happens nearly every day. Yes, I've been peeved and vented my anger by shouting out the obligatory expletives; sometimes even gave the finger salute.
You're wondering why I'm admitting this much. Well, this morning some idiot called in on a radio talk show and blew his gasket: he insisted that all mini-bus taxis (and drivers) be removed from the roads. Strangely enough, the talk-show host, Gareth Cliff, who is normally inclined to agree with such outburts directed at the transport industry or government in general, lambasted this poor fool. Gareth pointed out, rightfully off course that millions of South Africans depend on these "death traps" to get to work and in the absence of any viable alternative transport system, these unfortunate millions had no choice. The removal of the mini-bus taxis from our roads, without ensuring alternative replacement transport infrastructure, would create chaos and even more problems.
This got me thinking about the root causes of the mini-bus taxi driver's behaviour on the roads. Why do they anger so many other drivers, seemingly quite intentionally. After careful consideration, it is evident that taxi drivers, don't drive any worse than any other South African motorists. I have observed all drivers in general on South African roads, and I can say with conviction that you are are about as bad as taxi drivers. Admit it, you also drive in the barrier line when it suits you, you drive at high speeds in your fancy luxury cars, you fail to stop at stop streets, you fail to stop when required at traffic lights; you all break the rules of the road with reckless abandon. It is plainly hypocritical to just single out taxi drivers, even racist. If you consider the amount of time they spend driving every day, it is logical to conclude that taxi driver's acquire superior driving skills to the other users of the road - consider how they always seem to squeeze effortlessly into the smallest of gaps between following vehicles, weave across multiple lanes into the barrier line, pick up passengers, then still manage to get ahead of you in traffic again. No, you need superior driving skills to pull off feats such as these. Honestly, the taxi driver breaks the rules of the road simply because it is a means to increase his take-home pay. For the taxi driver, the equation is simple: break rules of road + ignore other motorists anger = more trips/more money. They do not anger other motorists, intentionally; it is just business.
So what are the root causes? For one, it has to be the unscrupulous and greedy taxi bosses (mini-bus taxi owners) who force these drivers to break the rules of the road in order to earn enough money to be able to pay the taxi boss a fixed daily amount and still go home with enough to look after his or her family. Secondly, government failure to regulate the industry sufficiently and also failure to provide a decent public transport system. I'm also willing to bet that senior government members are actually taxi bosses as well. When you are on the road again, try to be more courteous to taxi drivers, who knows, they might in time, even learn to reciprocate. By the way, I do not drive or own any taxis, in case you were wondering.
You're wondering why I'm admitting this much. Well, this morning some idiot called in on a radio talk show and blew his gasket: he insisted that all mini-bus taxis (and drivers) be removed from the roads. Strangely enough, the talk-show host, Gareth Cliff, who is normally inclined to agree with such outburts directed at the transport industry or government in general, lambasted this poor fool. Gareth pointed out, rightfully off course that millions of South Africans depend on these "death traps" to get to work and in the absence of any viable alternative transport system, these unfortunate millions had no choice. The removal of the mini-bus taxis from our roads, without ensuring alternative replacement transport infrastructure, would create chaos and even more problems.
This got me thinking about the root causes of the mini-bus taxi driver's behaviour on the roads. Why do they anger so many other drivers, seemingly quite intentionally. After careful consideration, it is evident that taxi drivers, don't drive any worse than any other South African motorists. I have observed all drivers in general on South African roads, and I can say with conviction that you are are about as bad as taxi drivers. Admit it, you also drive in the barrier line when it suits you, you drive at high speeds in your fancy luxury cars, you fail to stop at stop streets, you fail to stop when required at traffic lights; you all break the rules of the road with reckless abandon. It is plainly hypocritical to just single out taxi drivers, even racist. If you consider the amount of time they spend driving every day, it is logical to conclude that taxi driver's acquire superior driving skills to the other users of the road - consider how they always seem to squeeze effortlessly into the smallest of gaps between following vehicles, weave across multiple lanes into the barrier line, pick up passengers, then still manage to get ahead of you in traffic again. No, you need superior driving skills to pull off feats such as these. Honestly, the taxi driver breaks the rules of the road simply because it is a means to increase his take-home pay. For the taxi driver, the equation is simple: break rules of road + ignore other motorists anger = more trips/more money. They do not anger other motorists, intentionally; it is just business.
So what are the root causes? For one, it has to be the unscrupulous and greedy taxi bosses (mini-bus taxi owners) who force these drivers to break the rules of the road in order to earn enough money to be able to pay the taxi boss a fixed daily amount and still go home with enough to look after his or her family. Secondly, government failure to regulate the industry sufficiently and also failure to provide a decent public transport system. I'm also willing to bet that senior government members are actually taxi bosses as well. When you are on the road again, try to be more courteous to taxi drivers, who knows, they might in time, even learn to reciprocate. By the way, I do not drive or own any taxis, in case you were wondering.
Mugabe the Madman
Strange how events occur which are linked to each other. I was watching the Last King of Scotland on TV on Sunday night, about the demented dictator, Idi Amin and wondered how it was possible for such a cretin to rule over Uganda for so long and be allowed to cause so much destruction.
Then on my way to work this morning, I caught a snippet of news on the radio about Robert Mugabe's (Africa's latest addition to the demented dictator mantle) intention to nationalize foreign-owned businesses in Zimbabwe. This is the latest addition to his hair-brained schemes to utterly destroy what's left of this pitiful country. Why do people tolerate such idiots? Why do they allow him to remain in power? Why the hell do people still support him. Now, I'm not an advocate of voilence, nor do I condone state-controlled executions (in other words, the death penalty), but for the love of all that is decent, please make an exception in Mugabe's case and put an end to this miserable specimen by guillotine, a' la' French Revolution style.
Once he is out of the way, however, I fear Africa will produce another despot to replace him. Africa always does....
Then on my way to work this morning, I caught a snippet of news on the radio about Robert Mugabe's (Africa's latest addition to the demented dictator mantle) intention to nationalize foreign-owned businesses in Zimbabwe. This is the latest addition to his hair-brained schemes to utterly destroy what's left of this pitiful country. Why do people tolerate such idiots? Why do they allow him to remain in power? Why the hell do people still support him. Now, I'm not an advocate of voilence, nor do I condone state-controlled executions (in other words, the death penalty), but for the love of all that is decent, please make an exception in Mugabe's case and put an end to this miserable specimen by guillotine, a' la' French Revolution style.
Once he is out of the way, however, I fear Africa will produce another despot to replace him. Africa always does....
Monday, March 10, 2008
Firearm Surrender
It's been on my mind for quite some time now; ever since I watched Bowling for Columbine by Michael Moore: surrender my handgun to the police for destruction. It's an option being offered with the change in firearm legislation in South Africa. The other options were to renew my licence by having to re-take the written and practical exam, or make the handgun in-operable through the services of a registered gunsmith.
With the cut-off date for exercising my option past due, I decided to visit a plice station today in Linden to find out the procedure for surrendering the handgun. My main concern was assuming I did hand over the firearm, what guarentee would I have that the handgun would indeed be destroyed and not fall into criminal hands, and be used at some later date in a criminal act. The SA Police are notoriously inept and do not enjoy the trust of the South African public. I posed these concerns to the officer on duty, and he could neither produce a documented procedure for the destruction of firearms, nor allay my fears in terms of the firearm falling into the wrong hands. All the process allowed him to do was to provide me with a receipt indicating that I handed the weapon in, and no proof would be furnished that it was actually destroyed.
Now you will appreciate, that this makes it difficult for a person to surrender a dangerous weapon, and not know what will become of it, especially given the circumstances under which the country finds itself in today - that of rampant lawlessness. I want to make a difference and do my bit to reverse this situation, and it would be great if I can help by ensuring one less firearm in circulation, but the police are not making it any easier. What should I do? I'll sleep on it for a while...
With the cut-off date for exercising my option past due, I decided to visit a plice station today in Linden to find out the procedure for surrendering the handgun. My main concern was assuming I did hand over the firearm, what guarentee would I have that the handgun would indeed be destroyed and not fall into criminal hands, and be used at some later date in a criminal act. The SA Police are notoriously inept and do not enjoy the trust of the South African public. I posed these concerns to the officer on duty, and he could neither produce a documented procedure for the destruction of firearms, nor allay my fears in terms of the firearm falling into the wrong hands. All the process allowed him to do was to provide me with a receipt indicating that I handed the weapon in, and no proof would be furnished that it was actually destroyed.
Now you will appreciate, that this makes it difficult for a person to surrender a dangerous weapon, and not know what will become of it, especially given the circumstances under which the country finds itself in today - that of rampant lawlessness. I want to make a difference and do my bit to reverse this situation, and it would be great if I can help by ensuring one less firearm in circulation, but the police are not making it any easier. What should I do? I'll sleep on it for a while...
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Hoax e-mails
I read an article this morning on MSN.com about hoax e-mails and it just re-inforces what I have believed for a long time: it's so easy to mislead people. You’ve all seen them. The one’s I really hate are the religious mumbo-jumbo mails– something along the lines off “if you pass this on to 10 people some god or the other will miraculously shower you with good fortune….” Then there are the faked (photo-shopped) pictures – great to look at, but I mean really, if the picture is logically too fantastic to be true, then it is most probably faked.
I receive these type of mails all the time, and I tried once to let the sender know that he was duped, but I got a reply that castigated me for pointing this out, not from the sender, but from one of the recipients - really strange. So these days, I just delete the mails without sending sarcastic replies to the sender.
Anyway, I have today sent out a mail to all my family and close friends warning them about hoax mails and to be more aware and circumspect about passing them on. Be aware, don’t get taken in – Microsoft/Bill Gates is not going to pay you any money nor is any imaginary god going to shower you with money. You want money, work for it, you want good luck, dream on…
I receive these type of mails all the time, and I tried once to let the sender know that he was duped, but I got a reply that castigated me for pointing this out, not from the sender, but from one of the recipients - really strange. So these days, I just delete the mails without sending sarcastic replies to the sender.
Anyway, I have today sent out a mail to all my family and close friends warning them about hoax mails and to be more aware and circumspect about passing them on. Be aware, don’t get taken in – Microsoft/Bill Gates is not going to pay you any money nor is any imaginary god going to shower you with money. You want money, work for it, you want good luck, dream on…
Friday, March 07, 2008
Day 1
Hi
My name is Lenny. While browsing, I found this site and thought, great, let's create an account and let the world know what I'm thinking. Now after setting up, I can't think of anything to say. Not a great start. I'm hoping to have better luck next time. Until then....
draft
My name is Lenny. While browsing, I found this site and thought, great, let's create an account and let the world know what I'm thinking. Now after setting up, I can't think of anything to say. Not a great start. I'm hoping to have better luck next time. Until then....
draft
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