Ex surprises The Herd by asking if we're happy. Find out exactly why Chappy is. What do we make of various studies "showing" a greater happiness for woo-ists than others? The first one we look at claims higher levels of mental disorder for women who have eased up on their lifelong religious practice. Is there gender stereotyping involved? How much of church-going is about socializing? Oh, and Philly: We love you man! (0:00)
Another study. Is it science? And, more importantly, what does it prove? Philly knows lots of things besides religion that make people "happy." Evo wonders if Christians are like people with mental handicaps. We briefly pay homage to various cheery animals. Chappy, quoting Paul, tells us why slaves might be happy. But what about us atheists? Does skepticism make people somewhat uncomfortable? (14:01)
Is OG floating in limbo, or does she have a purpose driven life? What's the 4-Point Plan for Happiness — and why is it brought to us by a scientist? Are any of our brave listeners willing to volunteer to be part of SI's social network? (27:58)
OG practically steps on other members of The Herd in her excitement to answer a question: Did she ever get self-esteem from god? Ummmm ... does anyone? In any religion? Philly thinks "meaning" a meaningless word. Which brings us to: Would atheist weddings and baby-naming ceremonies make us happy? Not Ex — until SI ropes him back into the Herd. (42:17)
No, it's not poetry; it's the puzzler, huh? We announce Another Goddamned Correct Solution, but not from a listener. The Herd and our audience, champions of free speech, nevertheless do find some books offensive! Which ones? Hint: Voters loved Johnny Evo but hated Dinesh D'Souza. Speaking of Evo, he clears up some fuck-ups from the past, and then goes on to award two of our listeners for getting last weeks' science quiz right. (56:33)
Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [12:57]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Bridge Music [27:18]: excerpt from "Highway 45"
Bridge Music [40:35]: excerpt from "The Atheist's Hymn"
Bridge Music [55:39]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches"
Closing Music [1:11:52]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)
This Week's Goddamned Links
Anxious Women (Science Daily)
Are Religious People Happier? (Daily Galaxy)
Happiness and Religion (Psychology Today)
Rise of the Humanist Wedding
Atheist Baby-Naming Ceremony
Sing Along with Evo
Special Announcement
OG will be at Dragon Con from August 28 - September 1. If you plan to attend the convention and would like to give feedback on the podcast, participate in an interview, or get your very own limited edition AGP postcard (lovingly crafted by Philly, and suitable for wall framing or using as a coaster), contact OG. Click on her link in the sidebar under "Contributors," and drop her a goddamned e-note.
Puzzling Listeners
Another Goddamned Puzzle:
Wifeshui
Evo's Science Quiz:
shudd3r2th1nk, Yunshui
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9 comments:
To add, thanks to this podcast I'm goddamn happy :p, but seriously I agree with whoever said it that religion gives people this pathetic satisfaction with whatever their life situation is currently. This could lead people to a less fulfilled feeling of life down the road than if they actively thought that they could surpass it by their own means, without a god dictating them like little pawns in my opinion. Thanks for the podcasts!
Derek:
As long as this podcast made you happy, and imbued your life with purpose and meaning, and gave you a better sense of self-esteem, and brought you solace and comfort and casseroles, we're happy, happy, happy.
Thanks for listening.
This podcast made me upset and depressed, I felt completely worthless, and I thought about committing suicide afterwords.
I dearly hope that Evo, Ex, and Philly have some world-class insults and retorts for this. Not OG though, she's too nice.
Venjanz:
You must be referring to a different OG than the one I know.
Don't do anything rash until you've tried to solve the puzzle. If you get it right, just think about how hap-hap-happy you'll be. Also, if you need someone to stop by with a casserole, feel free to give chappy a buzz. I hope you like tuna fish and marshmallows.
"I hope you like tuna fish and marshmallows."
Hillary is coming over?
One tough question offered in the Podcast by the Fun Bunch (Herd) was "Do atheists (us) have or feel we have a purpose in life?". I have thought on this and listened, yes, 3 times, to the Podcast. As a fellow Infidel Heathen Atheist, I have come up with this. Yes, I do have a purpose. To take care of my family and friends with a by-product of helping our nation to prosper. You know, be nice, help them if possible, have fun and learn together. Corny, I know. I think then my purpose focuses on making sure my 2 young heathens are raised to be good people and to BE HAPPY. Well, that is my 2 years of community college wisdom but it gets me by and, yes, I am happy most of the time. I do remember being scared of dying when I was a kid and asking my Mom, "What happens when we die?". And I remember her reply, "What was it like before you were born?". I replied something to the effect it was warm and nice and quiet. Her response was, "Well, that is what it will be like when you are dead." (She said it in a comforting way.) Maybe she didn't make me happy with that but I felt less afraid and this exchange has stuck with me ever since. Honesty really is the best way. Superstition, euphemism, religion and false dogma is not the way to a happy life. Honesty is. A few bong hits here and there does heighten lucidity too but let's not take that into account............ :)
Thorum - I almost said something at the point when Ex asked that question. We know each other pretty well and, for us, the question of "purpose" is discussed in terms of something metaphysical. Of course we all have purpose. It's the purpose that WE CREATE. But the question we were dealing with was basically "higher purpose". The old "why are we here question" - to which we reply, "no reason. We just are".
Bong on!
Evo - I actually inferred that the question was meant in a metephysical sense. I simply found it impossible in my mind to give a comment regarding a metaphysical purpose. I do feel now, that my answer without hesitation would have been one with the Herd: No, there is no purpose. (Actually, by typing this comment I do see a little clearer what you mean). Thanks all. Love your Podcast and blogs!! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!
Your purpose is to repack the bong, quit Bogarting it and pass it over.
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