Good discussion about religion vs. science and Christianity is/is not a religion. The following will be somewhat of a paradox to some but might make sense to others besides myself in that while I would agree in principle that analytic thinking would tend to displace religious belief, I find that it enhances my Christian belief.

For me, Christianity is not a religion so I see no real paradox. I would think that if someone has a belief system that they operate under that can be displaced by analytic thinking, it is not a worthy belief system. That would include some who call themselves Christian because for them their Christianity may be more of a religion than a matter of faith. In that case they should absolutely not discard analytic thinking (nor should anyone, for that matter). Rather they should inspect their understanding of what it means to be called Christian.

Scientific thought is still operating under a belief system. As belief systems go, this would be a worthy one in that not only does analytic thinking enhance understanding but within the framework of scientific thought are concepts that are verifiable (measurable and repeatable) usually not only within that particular subject but quite often through other avenues as well (using Physics to explain Chemistry, for instance). But Science describes things that are material and temporal as found in nature, hence the term natural.

The term supernatural would describe phenomena that cannot be (at least readily) explained by the natural sciences. The concept of a supernatural being or beings causing something to occur outside of the natural order is something genetically hard-wired into our most base consciousness. To say that all things that are not readily explained by scientific precepts are therefore supernatural events is certainly folly and we have several people in history to thank for standing up against the religious establishment in order to advance the cause of Science. (Someone else in history had a habit of standing up against the religious establishment and they crucified him for it.)

But to completely discard the concept of a supernatural being in favor of Science is just as dangerous as the opposite case often held by those of simple intellectual means. Whereas we used to see the Church as impeding scientific progress (and indeed it did for much of western civilization for quite some time), we now see where Science is often actively and more often passively trying (unsuccessfully, I might add) to undermine religion.

But why argue if one can hold both belief systems, Christianity and Science? If somehow Science and Christianity could somehow complement each other in spite of (and sometimes because of) each other then would that not be a cause for alarm who (simply) think that there is so much conflict that they could not both possibly be true and only one can exist?

In my experience, every article printed by the press for which I have had intimate experience has been faulty in one regard or another. Inaccurate to the point of irresponsibility in some cases and I read these reports for which I do not have intimate knowledge of through these filters. We may never know the details enough to pass certain judgment.

As an anecdote, I recall reading the report of an acid tank trunk overturning and spilling it's load of "highly caustic acid".

The captain staying with the ship is one of the basic tenets of seamanship. Some of us have been there and can rightly make this call. You don't abandon your post. You take care of those under your charge. It's called being responsible even if it means losing your life. Don't want the responsibility? Don't sign up for the job, clear and simple.

Most of the posts here seem as if the posters are thinking of PFC Manning as a civilian and using civilian law alone.

But the guy's in the military and therefore under the jurisdiction of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Regardless of how may or may not feel about the nobleness of his intentions or the benefits of his actions, he should still appear before a court-martial and if found guilty, may the punishment fit the crime. For purposes of military decorum, Pfc. Manning is held to a higher standard.

I for one will not spend a dime (other than my taxes ) to support the man. However, for those that will and do so out of good conscience, I applaud you. AFAIK, he has not been charged with treason (and would be somewhat surprised if he was), but the crime is a form of espionage. Anyone remember John Walker? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Anthony_Walker#Arrest_and_imprisonment

Orlando, at least the center, is about 50 miles from the coast. Katrina made (Gulf Coast) landfall as a Cat 3. Even stronger windstorms degrade quickly due to frictional forces as the storm encounters terrain. So the probability of Cat 5 storm force winds being encountered at the data center are quite remote.

BTW, Katrina's most famous devastation was due to water, not wind.

You know, I had just finished arranging my new glass-top furniture last night and reflecting on my work and the night sky, I realized you were going to say just that.

You only check every three months? You either don't have enough money to worry about in the first place or you have lots of money and so little time to spend it that you forget to check your balance. On the off chance it's the latter, howz about you don't need to remember anything but ol' HD here. I can do it for you on a monthly basis and handle all yer details.

Did you perchance glance at the image as I first did? Upon closer inspection, the "NO" is there but only evident to me after a second look. Originally I asked the same question as you did.

For the record, I hold many a prejudice (or at least predilection) but not normally among any racial lines.

But what is the real question? Is it that those who are of a minority status are not welcome in Heaven or is it that in Heaven status will not be a point of matter?

Besides, if we set aside race as a determining factor in determining one's status as a member of a minority group, one could state that only those in the minority will be allowed in Heaven. But that would offend the very one's that claim that there is no Heaven. (Which I find rather entertaining.)