Welcome to Street Prophets Coffee Hour! Thermal for the warmth of a good cup of coffee or your preferred beverage, as well as the warmth of a more progressive religion and community.
Please follow #ThermalThursday! And feel free to share what you’re drinking (or eating) in the Comments, if you’re so inclined. This is also an Open Thread for you to connect.
One of those beliefs — why is it important to be positive?
Please Note Disclaimer: I write about Christianity because I was raised in the Church, so it’s what I know. Furthermore, I know of several instances where people commenting about another religion have gotten it wrong (ask me about “blue balls” sometime!), so I feel that I am not qualified to branch out. Nothing here should be taken as implying that Christianity is better than any other religion or no religion. In fact, you can see the array of topics Street Prophets cover here, and anyone who would also like to write for the series is welcome. From the profile: “All who seek to promote a new conversation about the role of religion in America's public life are welcome here.” Just drop Street Prophets a Kosmail.
Today’s Topic: There is currently on the wreck list a diary regarding the fantasies of religion and the anti-critical thinking that such engender. I decided I’d expand on my comment there. This might be fun!
So what kinds of questions lack (adequate) scientific answers, IMO?
Why do we stop to admire sunrises and sunsets?
Eagle flying in front of sunset
Why do we think colourful flowers are gorgeous? Why do we even have so many colours?
Gorgeous garden
Sure, there are scientific reasons for how colours are made, but couldn’t we be functional in a much less colourful world, or just see those colours as functional? You might say that appreciation for beauty is an evolutionary advantage, lifting our moods, but wouldn’t it be simpler to just evolve to be free of boredom and/or depression?
Why do we have such close affection for aminals, and isn’t our ability to connect with other species kind of miraculous?
They help us feel so connected
This swan was grateful to be rescued
Not me and Mom, but could be.
Why do I and others feel a duty to care for our elders? Where does such loyalty come from? Mom has fulfilled her biological function, with several children and many multiples of grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. Why don’t we throw no-longer-”useful” elders on the pyre?
What is our purpose for living? Helping others? Making a better world? Growing in compassion? Having fun? All of the above? Where does your purpose come from?
Helping others (photo of the Carters, h/t Tevye)
Of course answers to these questions can be found in all religions and none. My point, however, is that such answers are not scientific. Or if they are, then they’re not adequate answers scientifically. The “soul,” for example — What is it? Talk to me about neuroscience all you like, the whole still seems greater than the sum of its parts and I still believe that it will survive the death of the brain.
What are your questions? Or answers?
Finally as always, let’s elevate our Community Cred and repost The Needs List — with some hopeful updates! From Aashirs nani (with permission) on Helping Humpday:
PLEASE NOTE:
When sending via PayPal, be sure to select “Send to family/friend” to avoid fees on either end. Be aware, both donor and recipient, that GFM not only charges fees, but also money received through that platform is treated as taxable income. If you are requesting help through GFM, also be aware that there can be delays in accessing the money.
COMMUNITY NEEDS LIST AS OF 2/15/23:
Community Needs List as of 2/15/23. Fundraisers who want a diary to be or stay on the list: PLEASE kosmail requests and donations received to njm5000 by Tuesday evening to be included on the Wednesday morning updated list.
Living on the financial edge—need help? Check out the Helping Directories before your next emergency.
Housing and Living Expenses Fundraisers and Other Links
When sending via PayPal, be sure to select “Send to family/friend” to avoid fees on either end.
morgansmom—needs help towards major car repairs and moving to a better environment. $8000 7950 7900 7850 7750 7725 7615 7605 7565 7465 7415 7375 7275 7175 7025 6920 6820 6570 6470 6360 6350 6150 5650 46854385 Radiator is repaired & will soon get a new estimate for the front end rebuild. • Visit the KoFi page to see some cool artwork & donate! • PayPal: wingednag at gmail dot com.
J Graham—"Your child has mental health issues." But you're a fighter. "It's cancer." But you're a fighter... • She’s sleeping in a tent! (Cats, music, and a chance to help a deserving Daily Kos member). The goal is $14,000 9944 9534 8884 8859 8709 8684 4448 4348 4323 4223 4213 3913± to cover first and last month rent, security deposit, some medical expenses, utility bills, and moving costs. She has a Mighty Cause fundraiser, and PayPal at: jgraham4healthcare at gmail dot com
Falcon Hawke—could use some help right now and has a goal of $10,000 8300 5620±. Here’s the diary. • PayPal—celtichart1 at aol dot com • Venmo—celtichart1 at aol dot com • Zelle celtichart1 at aol dot comwww.gofundme.com/...
anotherdemocrat—has a diary up: Anyone know where I can find a 2nd job? She’s in Austin and is suddenly $24000 in debt, mainly due to an HOA assessment! From the diary: “So, $24,000 is more money than I can ask even a big community like Daily Kos to donate. I have a venmo: at Becky-Helton, Cashapp: $B3ckyHelt0n, and GoFundMe, if anyone wants to help with next month’s payments but for a big total like that, I need a 2nd job. My day job is M-F from 8-5, so it would have to be evenings & weekends.” and “Skills: writing, 20+ years of customer service work, super reliable…” anotherdemocrat has payments covered for a couple of months (thanks, donors <3) and wants to pause donations. She does ask for help updating her resume. “There are part-time remote jobs that look good. Just need an updated resume to upload.” Kosmail, if you can help.
michelewln is once again asking for help with money for food. She hasn’t given a specific amount, but her next social security check comes March 3. PayPal is michelewilson327 at Gmail dot com
Kos Katalogue 2022 is here—please Kosmail CathyM or BeadLady if you have corrections or additions.
Note also that Chef Bobby Neary, “@nuevopioneer,” has passed away. We will continue to post his favourite charity to honour him — please consider a donation to the Satos, the street pets of Puerto Rico! Bobby adopted his own Sato, Missilu, as well as raised funds for PR’s Satos.
I’m in for a mickle each week toward a variety of DKos members on the Needs List. I hope you’ll join me. Always glad to see the needed amounts gradually decreasing!
If helping financially isn’t the right choice for you at this time, you can still help. Tip and rec the diary so it stays visible. Share on social media: Twitter, Facebook, whatever platform you use, to bring the attention of others outside our daily readers. And offer words of encouragement to people who are struggling. It can be scary to be struggling, and it can feel lonely. Let them know we understand and are here to help.
If you have time, please visit the diaries above and leave comments for their authors. Those words of encouragement are vital!
If you don’t like fundraisers, please just move along. They are a longstanding tradition at DKos — Until we vote in enough progressives to create a much stronger social safety net! (Maybe in 2 years.)
Please note: I am sole caregiver for my Mom, so could get interrupted to take care of her. Otherwise, I will be here when I can, to engage in Comments. Meanwhilst, please chat amongst yourselves, take a coffee break, post aminal photos, food/drink and tunes, spread the word and invite your friends, etc.! Thanks to all!
