Jin-oh – Atheist|Geek|Nerd|Social

Tonight on ABC’s Q&A Programme we saw the likes of Prof. Richard Dawkins (evolutionary biologist and prominent Atheist), Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio (progressive Rabbi, Emanuel Synagogue), Prof. Patrick McGorry (Australian of the Year), Steve Fielding (Leader of Family First), Tony Burke (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and Julie Bishop (Deputy Leader of the Opposition).

Q&A (#QandA) was trending worldwide as the number one topic in the world. There were a number of questions asked but not as many answers as can be seen by the recording.

With The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention in only a few days. I found Dawkins and the viewers raised a number of questions pertaining to atheism and religion which weren’t answered by other panel members.

The opponents of atheism are more than welcome to comment here if they wish. But are reminded of my Disclaimer.

I would like to offer some general comments about tonight’s Q&A. But stress without the transcript which will be released tomorrow from 2pm, these are just general comments. I will be posting again tomorrow once they come out.

I agree by the sentiments that religion is a personal belief and no one has the right to impose their belief on others.

I also believe that children should be given a choice to choose what they believe in.

That’s all for now, I need my sleep. I shall post again tomorrow.

To all the Atheists, Rationalists, Sceptics, Free Thinkers and other like-minded people.

With The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention only days away. I wanted to pose a question to those attending and not attending.

What outcomes do you hope will come from the convention?

My pilgrimage is to meet with like-minded individuals to listen and discuss ways for promoting science, reason and secular values in Australian society.

Pilgrimage to The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention

I hope the convention will give the Atheist movement in Australia and abroad a boost for the long term and not just a few months after the excitement of the convention.

All Atheists, Rationalists, Sceptics, Free Thinkers and other like-minded people need to make sure that we raise the profile of Atheism both here and abroad.

By joining your local Skeptic / Atheist group or starting one if one doesn’t exist like I have in the Launceston Skeptics.

But also championing the notion of Atheism for those who are afraid to speak about it or those who are discriminated if they make themselves heard.

For those on the opposite side who wish to make comments, you are more then welcome to do. Please take note of my Disclaimer.

Earlier tonight I posted as a Facebook and Twitter status update.

That, “has lost #friendships because he is an #atheist #tolerance #acceptance #religion“.

Just because I don’t believe in a god, doesn’t mean I’m evil.

All I can say is “I Am An Atheist”. If that offends you, are we really friends.

I am hoping that #IAmAnAtheist will now become a trend.

After meeting someone tonight, I have decided to change the Launceston Atheists to the Launceston Skeptics to broaden the scope of the group. (I have deleted previous posts related to this, as they now point nowhere.)

Welcome to the brand new Launceston Skeptics! Launceston Skeptics aims to be a group of skeptics, atheists, agnostics, free thinkers, and other secular types who get together to socialise over drinks or dinner in Launceston, Tasmania.

With the “The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne” (12 – 14 March, 2010) upon us. One area of discussion for the group is ‘Atheism’ promoting science, reason and secular values in Australian society

2010 is great year to show that your not afraid of saying “I’m an Atheist” in Australia.

What better way to discuss being a skeptic, atheist, agnostic, free thinker, and other secular types then in a friendly environment with like mined people.

Jin-oh Choi
Launceston Skeptics

The ‘Pilgrimage’ for the religiously inclined is a search for answers, but often becomes a journey of questions.

Next week, I will be part of the largest gathering of Atheists, Rationalists, Sceptics, Free Thinkers and other like-minded people in Australia’s history attending The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention.

My pilgrimage is to meet with like-minded individuals to listen and discuss ways for promoting science, reason and secular values in Australian society.

I encourage you all to ask questions and be part of the debate surrounding the convention.

Sean the Blogonaut a fellow Atheist on his blog posted No Action = No Movement = No Change.

I echo these sentiments. It’s time for us to bring change and the only way is to act.

PS. I plan to blog when I can during the convention (I emphasise ‘plan’). If you’re interested in guest blogging get in touch with me.

For all the Facebook users out there and the readers of my blog.

Which aren’t that many, but who knows this might drum up some readers.

In light of The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention coming up in just over 2 weeks. (So excited, can you tell)

I thought I would create the Facebook Page to grab some attention.

I’m also looking for a banner or logo for Jin-oh – Atheist|Geek|Nerd|Social, so if you have some ideas, shoot me an email.

PS. I thought I’d use the Facebook vs Google image just because MAC vs PC ads are funny. (Plus it’s better then just the plain Facebook logo, not that I have anything against Google)

PPS. (I never know if that is right) For those who would like to add me on Facebook.

Occasionally Atheists have arguments too, no-ones perfect.

Former members of the now sadly defunct RichardDawkins.net Forum (RDF) our congregating in a number of new / temporary locations.

I’m not going to argue the points for and against here. Just wanted to let former members know where everyone is meeting.

• AFA Forums
• RDF Refugees – Atheist Nexus

I believe we need to continue supporting Dawkins via [RichardDawkins.net & Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science (RDFRS)] and to stop supporting the good work of them based on a bit of bad forum administration is a bit short-sighted.

Prof. Dawkins is a voice of sanity in this insane world, he needs our support so the message is not drowned out by the louder and dividing religious opponents.

Did you know that in Australia there are only about 200 organ donors each year? Yet there are around 1800 Australians on the official waiting list at any one time.

Take up the Organ Donation Challenge this Organ Donor Awareness Week (21-28th February)

Organ and tissue donation can change lives:

• Corneas can restore sight
• Kidney transplants can take people off regular dialysis and back to a normal life without regular hospital visits
• Pancreas transplants can cure type II diabetes
• Liver, Heart and Lung transplants save lives immediately

Transplantation means that a very sick person can return to a normal life and be an active member of the family again and return to work.

DonateLife

I’m an organ donor and I think you should be one as well.

Remember to Discuss Organ Donation With Your Family.

If you still have questions, have a look at some of the common Organ Donation Myths & Misconceptions.

Position Vacant : Guest Bloggers

The Rise Of Atheism | 2010 Global Atheist Convention is only a few weeks away. Like many other Free-Thinkers, I will be fortunate enough to be at this once in a lifetime event.

So I thought I would start the hunt to see if anyone would like to be a Guest Blogger on Jin-oh – Atheist|Geek|Nerd|Social for the convention (both before, durring and after).

So if you: -

• Do not have a blog, but would like to write about the convention; or
• Do have a blog, but would like somewhere else to also write about the convention.

Write a comment below or shoot me an email via my contact form.

I’ve been using IntenseDebate to manage my comments for my blog. But it’s been causing me no end in headaches. So I have deleted it for the time being. Apologies if a comment you have made has disappeared (this was one of the problems).