Looking for me in Ashland?

I can't bear the thought of doing anything without a beer or four in me.

But that's because I have a problem.

Damn, I wanted to come see your talk more than anything. I wanted my Jehovah's Witness father to come with me-- we've had a lot of difficulty because I "came out" recently.

I thought it'd be nice because he (and my mom, for that matter) has a lot of misconceptions about atheists and has said some very hurtful things to me.

But he won't come. Apparently he's (1) too busy working, (2) it conflicts with his religious beliefs and (3) he's just not interested.

Not interested shouldn't mean a thing. I do whatever they want me to do with their church friends-- I go to get-togethers, the memorial of Jesus' death and even bow my head respectfully when they pray before dinner. I don't have to do any of that-- I'm "not interested"-- but I do anyway because it's important to them.

The fact that he shot the idea down immediately with "sorry, I can't because I have to work"-- and would have left it at that if I hadn't pushed him for a real answer-- without even sounding sincere makes me question that being his main motive.

Ahhhh... sorry guys. T^T

I would be there in a heartbeat if I didn't have other obligations today. Pity I don't like beer. Maybe tonight I'll do a shot or three of Yazi Ginger Vodka in your honor :)

Not to be confused with Ashland, VA which bills itself as "the center of the universe." ;{)>

I won't be in Southern Oregon, but I badly wish I could be. Standing Stone is one of my favorite small breweries on the West Coast, and an evening of (decreasingly) intelligent discussion there sounds pretty damn nice. Be sure to try the Double IPA.

man, I take my boy on that Evolution Walk everyday after work! it's near my house. Maybe if I can talk the wife into it, I can sneak away to Standing Stone as well! yeehaw! What an exciting day!

Dagnabbit! Why'd I have to be born in Canada?

Dagnabbit! Why'd I have to be born in Canada?

When a mommy Canadian and a daddy Canadian love each other very much....

M.L. @ 2

Sorry to have to break this to you, but there's like zero chance that your folks' attitude about this will ever change.

Kamaka

kamaka @ 9

I don't understand it and I think it's a terrible shame to ruin a relationship over their fairy tales.

But then again, it used to be very real to me too... I can only imagine the pain they feel over "losing" a child to "Darwinism." After all, I won't be saved and their family will be incomplete. I'm also their first child and only daughter.

I realize that it'll probably never change but it's very hard for me to accept the way my parents-- especially my father-- see(s) me now. I'm still the same person, but I've come to different conclusions. I tried very hard to explain to him that I'm making the decisions for the same reasons as I always have: I want truthful, satisfying answers. I'm just as passionate and caring as I ever was-- if not more. Evolution and naturalism have really helped me to appreciate the world around us, more than I ever did if I believed in a Creator.

He just can't appreciate that. AHHHH T^T

I think it's a terrible shame to ruin a relationship over their fairy tales.

Their fairy tales require them to (ruinously) disapprove of your viewpoint.

it's very hard for me to accept the way my parents-- especially my father-- see(s) me now.

His disapproval is entirely his problem. The eternal-lifers build a wall between themselves and a real love of life and a real love of the people around them in their concern for some immortal soul.

Evolution and naturalism have really helped me to appreciate the world around us

It's sad, really. They deprive themselves of the true wonder of all of life and the awesome beauty of the cosmos thinking their imaginary heaven is "even better".

Kamaka

OK, the really important question if you're in Ashland: what plays are you seeing.

Standing Stone is definitely one of my favorite spots in Ashland. We make the drive up 5 every year to see the OSF (mid-August, only a few months away...), and always end up having dinner and drinks there at least half of the nights we're in town. Enjoy!

Mariana Lynch,

May I respectfully respect that your relationship with your Jehovah's Witness father might improve if you discussed matters with him instead of publicly criticizing him on an internet forum?

Am I the only one here, who "heard a lot of disrespect in the respect"?

James,

May I respectfully suggest that you mind your own (non)goddam business and let Mariana deal with her situation in any way she feels fit?

One of the thing I really like about Pharyngula is the way that it can work as a kind of atheist support group.

My own parents still refer to me as "our heathen son". :-/ I feel your pain Mariana.

James @ 14

Said like a True BelieverTM.

"Discussing matters" with a dogmatist is an exercise in futility, as any Pharyngulite knows all too well.

That was a fun and informative walk-- Len Eisenberg was the guide, and he's done a lot of work on this project! (Check out "http://evogeneao.com".)

PZ chuckled at one of my bad jokes! He also answered basic biology questions with considerable patience.

Ohhh, my husband had to work late last night and we missed it! Oh please PZ, come back to Oregon someday!