Thursday = Thor’s day

This is great!

I'm so into this story:-)

Thor, the Viking! Of course, he deserves a day. Btw, thank you for your tech help a few weeks ago. Got everything working, and am developing an Education section now: http://education.bluemusicgroup.com

Pretty amusing story.

It IS so easy to learn. I often get asked questions by people - and plenty of times I don't know the answer either.
But, then, I actually go and look it up, find out everything I can about the thing, and tell them about it.

They could have done it, and saved themselves the time of asking me.

On the other hand, I have to thank them for asking, because now I know all kinds of interesting information as a result.

I suppose some people just have hungrier minds than others.

The thing I like about Paganism is it makes the environment sacred. Most people are quite respectful in a church. Imagine a belief system where sun, moon, wind, thunder, earth, everything is a god. We would not be in our current environmental predicament if we could recognize the gods in everything, instead of seeing it all as 'resources', to be mined, chopped down, and squandered on the silliest fancies we can think up.

This is awesome: 'Then I liked the reframing of the situation from “we're opposite” to “we agree on 519 of the 520 gods.” '

A great example of the power of positive thinking.

I heard this a lot as a kid -> "How does he know that stuff? He probably spends hours reading the Encyclopedia. He needs to get a life."

Now, that doesn't exist.

Immediacy has destroyed any ability for people to tear you down for knowledge, and that's awesome. I'm sure we'll find some other way to do it, but for now -- I travel to Wikipedia.

hilarious...i'm sending this to many of my friends

Hahah! Hilarious story... and some great lessons to learn. I am sure you guys are SO enjoying your trip!!

Thanks, instructive example for the religious folks.

This is a good one Derek! Enjoyed reading and learning very much. Thank you.

HI Derek, great to hear from you again and read your writing..there is an artist in Montreal many years ago that dropped in on people's conversations and wrote them down and then sculpted onto a circular piece of marble and engraved the samples of conversations around in a circle into the marble and then planted these huge conversational sculptures into a part of a mountain area. So while people walk they discover if they are curious these pieces of conversations written in stone so to speak for generations. Conversations captured in time that last for lifetimes. Fragmentations of human existance into words then transformed into art. this of course is not the internet however we must not forget that there are so many ways of expressing words and definitions. Thanks for teaching me the meanings behind the days of the week. Happy and safe travels Derek, Mark

Great true story! Thanks for Sharing!

Thorsday

Heh. I live a similar scene day to day living in the beautiful bible belt.

Not dissimilar to Kevin Smith dialog at a Barbecue, while holdin' a sweet tea.

Keep on posting.
peace-
seanrox

love this. I'm going to use it on my religious folks.

Lovely story. :)

Concerning that transcript, did you record it or how accurate is it, really?
Wasn't that hard to remember, since it made an impression and we talked about it right afterwards. — Derek

Yeah baby... Love it!

That's why I like the phrase 'your religious preference'. There's no substitute for intelligence and education.

Great piece, Derek. I also love the fact that it's so easy to dive into an endless sea of information about pretty much anything. It's a cultural mindwarp that we are barely beginning to see the effects of -- and those effects are already profound.

Jaja! Funny story... It's a perfect scene for a movie... i really don't know where that relationship will go... best of luck and loads of patience! but i guess that's the best way to make a point when people are so attached to their beliefs that they claim everyone else is wrong, no questions asked... kudos to the atheist...

Another good story--thanks Derek! Great to hear from you again.

What you're referring to a usually described as the Norse pantheon, but aspects of it were used my many Germanic tribes.

It gets really interesting when you start really digging back into the history of the characters in that pantheon.

While you're at it, look up a people known as the Russ.

Do you collect your bloggy bits like a songwriter carrying around little scraps of paper that become songs later?

I think it's smashing that you overheard that couple's conversation and framed it into a perfectly open-minded discussion about keeping an open mind.

It's funny how someone can stop making music and still continue rocking out harder than ever.

The world's your stage! I love your show!

I love the word play here...so yummy. And topical; I just agreed to disagree with a fundie friend for having her own belief that her god would take care of the itty bitty oil spill in the gulf (the news told her it wasn't *that* bad) while she continues to live an abundant life. She says he doesn't need our help.

!!!

I'll continue to ride my bicycle on my carless path and eat my vegetarian fare and be the change I want to see in the world. I have a feeling her god might *want* my help, even if he doesn't need it. Namaste'.

Legos are cool.

Couldn't resist (LOL)

I admire your curiosity Derek. As far as I can tell, the days of the week are named after gods only in the English language.

http://needGod.com

Ha! Love it! Especially that a discussion like this didn't ruin the date (I'd love to see the couple five years from now!).

I think the non-attachment value you point out is really the key. By being attached to so much less, whether it's information or dogma of any sort, it really leaves room for the smaller amount of "important" stuff (whatever that means to us). So many times we refer to this in the physical world, but it works equally, if not even moreso, in the abstract.

And now "Friday I'm in Love" is going to be stuck in my head all weekend!

here, let me google that for you

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=thor%27s+day

It is interesting to me when we are so in awe of other people's opinions that we believe to be so different than ours when in fact they are very similar. I feel that sometimes we are so invested in our beliefs we throw a red flag down at even the slightest possibility of opposition to our beliefs. Even more interesting is how many times the conversation becomes heated when we are basically saying the same thing or have the same conviction, just using different words to communicate.

I know I am guilty of this. Conversations with some of my friends always have an underlying feel of an argument waiting to blow all because we are not really openly listening to what is being said but an opinion that we have assigned. I wonder if one possible reason is because in our fast paced society, people often feel unheard.

It would be curious to see how this exchange would have ended had this couple been at a cocktail party instead on a date where they were forced to continue to interact. My bet would be that these two people would have walked away from each other thinking that the other was ignorant and mentally calling them an expletive only to see them again 2 years later where they end up getting married!

“Man is all Imagination and God is Man and Exists in us and we in Him. The Eternal Body of Man is the Imagination and that is God Himself.” (William Blake)

realneville.com

I predict these two will have a successful and lengthy nuptial agreement situation and perhaps leave a legacy of additional intelligent and thoughtful human progeny.

I was just thinking of Legos!! (i like the little Lego guy---that's you, right?)

# Sunday: the sun's day - dedicated to the God Apollo

# Monday: the moon's day - dedicated to the Goddess Diana

or whatever...

And can I just say - I love your little Thor... with his oh, so powerful hammer!

I really appreciated the reframing of You don't believe in 519 Gods and I don't believe in 520 Gods... We're just one different.

But what really spoke to me, was how he moved her off her intolerant standing in judgment into a place of curiosity. From "that's stupid" to "Well, what do you do..."

As long as we're curious about people and ourselves (as opposed to fixed judgment and assumption), we have room to grow, to develop, to relate and to live together in peace.

I not only love "living in a time where it's so easy to learn," but I'm especially grateful to be old enough to truly appreciate it. Nearly every time I pull out my smartphone to look something up, I marvel at how this was beyond the realm of my imagination when I was a child.

Glad to see you writing again Derek, BTW your kinda good at it :)

This is a unique example of a person that spent time focused on the validity of his\her beliefs and will no longer blindly follow the masses.


Big Props for allowing us to vicariously live through your insights.

haha, marcsday

I have often wondered how many people of the cloth fully accept the supernatural?

Reframing - The Trial Lawyer's best friend.

I have often wondered how many people of the cloth fully accept the supernatural?

Derek,
Great Post. My learning as accelerated exponentially because of the easy access to information.

However, the thirst for knowledge does seem to get in the way of the non-learning essential tasks of the day:)

Please keep writing.

Congratulations on your wedding!

 

Who then is the god of Legos?

Wicked!

Erick

Hi Derek,

I like that your "I" stories are turning to "we." Ain't married life grand!

:-)

When arguing is it more important to be right or to get along?

I love the diversity of thought because life would be boring without it. Vive la difference!

I didn’t know about the origin of the week days. Thanks for that.

By the way, I’m pretty sure I have that same Lego character somewhere within the 1000s of other Lego pieces stored in my house.

Happy traveling.

haha.. Wikipedia. reminds me of that john fogerty song.. "and I know it's true.. oh so true, cause I saw it on t.v."

Frigg-Frija (goddess naming Friday), she has a coach that was pulled by Norwegian Forest Cats. How cool is that! She must be very determined to steer cats in the right direction. I have a Norwegian Forest Cat - Rasputin- would not like to have several of him pulling a coach!Too difficult.
Fun facts of mythology.

Nice story but I think your comment about learning being so easy these days, a little problematic. To learn something deeply requires effort and ,ideally,passion for the subject.Acquiring info bites from Wikipedia is a shallow simulacrum of learning,not learning itself. The ease of access might even be more of a hindrance than an advantage in this regard.I also think getting one's information from the internet is equivalent to everyone dipping into the same source for knowledge,runs the risk of stifling variety. A situation such as Leibniz and Newton,discovering calculus independently,through different reasoning,would probably not arise these days.

Very clever of you to not even mention which was the male female, or both the same....

I just over heard their second date.. they discussed the relevance that their first date was in April:

April -- Aphrodite's month...Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

Reframing is a great technique. However, when facing a long term deeply held belief, sometimes the smart move is to not play the game at all. See the movie "WarGames".

Nice story but I think your comment about learning being so easy these days, a little problematic. To learn something deeply requires effort and ,ideally,passion for the subject.Acquiring info bites from Wikipedia is a shallow simulacrum of learning,not learning itself. The ease of access might even be more of a hindrance than an advantage in this regard.I also think getting one's information from the internet is equivalent to everyone dipping into the same source for knowledge,runs the risk of stifling variety. A situation such as Leibniz and Newton,discovering calculus independently,through different reasoning,would probably not arise these days.

For years I'd drive by this large buildong, then it became a campus, & all it had was the word "cogent" on it.
A quick trip to wiki found me exactly what a cool & amazing company it is!
Not that I really care anymore. My curiosity is satisfied.

Here is what is amazing to me, Although I hardly know you, and wouldn't really if I hadn't been a greed head back a few years, and subscribed (signed my name too)to your amazingly simple marketing site. That I can ALWAYS count on you to post the most provocative and different items on the web.
thanks for your perception and creativity!
Best,
Michael
PS. I like you too!

Derek, great story and it really does come down to respecting each other's beliefs. A great insight into the new world (past 2012) where a higher consistent energy (without a name) may be a single leading force and thus, less arguments.

Cooool... How's the honeymoon with your lovely soulmate going Derek?!.
Rest of our life is our honeymoon — Derek

my last name is Thurman. it is directly derivetive of Thor. the old name was Thor-mund which actually meant under Thor's hand, or under Thor's protection. a group of the "Thor" people (who came from the Danes) took over part
of the east of England during the Viking Age. that's where my "Thor" ancestors come from. so me and Uma and thousands of others are all related to a tribe of people that goes back long before a thousand years ago.
now let me say this. I'm proud of my name, but I don't put a whole lot of stock in gods and godesses. Every human culture that ever lived has created gods and godesses or the "idea" of gods and godesses in order to struggle with the question of where they came from or the greater meaning of life
and death. I cannot blame them for this. it's a truly legitimate response to the human condition. however, when Totalitarian Power Groups like the many under the banner of "Christian" or "Judaic" or "Muslim" or any other organized religion try to tell me and others what we can think and feel and what we CANNOT think and feel, that is where I draw the line. I will never submit to anybody else's power trip or power dogma.
Even the word "God" is just a word and a very general one at that. (it's Germanic actually) So let's all just try to get along and let "The Supreme Being" hold sway over the universe in the way that IT sees fit. I honestly believe that the Dalai Lama has a very good view on the idea of "god" and mankind . . . at least a damn good sight better than many others.

Bill

I hope they can work it out.

Logic can be such a wonderful thing sometimes.

I'm holding firm to the prospect of #521.

LxoJ

En Español:

Lunes: Luna (Moon)
Martes: Marte (Mars)
Miércoles: Mercurio (Mercury)
Jueves: Júpiter (Jupiter, or Zeus, god of thunder in roman mythology)
Viernes: Venus (Venus, or Aphrodite)
Sábado: Saturno (Saturn)
Domingo: Día del Señor, (Lord's Day, from Latin: "Domine" Lord)

First man: "Is this the train to Wimbly?"

Second man: "No, today's Thursday."

Third man: "Me too! Let's go have a drink!"

If life is meant to be a carnival; this story is a ride on the merry-go-round. Thank you.

I just loved that lovers' point of view.

For some unknown reason when I was reading the post, I couldn't help but think that the one who was making the point of Thor and Zeus was the man.

There is always two sides of a story,a human, shitty sticks etc... The believe ones blame the athiest vs.So even those whom are athiest are shitty as the believe ones.

Being of Viking heritage myself, I was amused by the naming of Thursday for Thor. ( My Dad called me Thor as a kid ) he always signed his scorecard with Thor after a round of golf !

True true, but the other side of the coin is that it is possible just to spend toooooooo much time on the internet.

Right! Time for me to shut this computer and log off then, now...well maybe.

From BigThink (on the topic of Atheism):


"The atheist is actually a neo-religious individual who has built himself a God in the form of human Reason, and he bows down before his Lord of Reason, and worships at its altar.

In fact, there exists an organization known as The Reason Project, a de facto, non-profit church for the God doubters, where they can meet, bond, and rejoice in the concept of human omniscience. In order to belong to their exalted fraternity/sorority, it is imperative that the atheist share a common disdain for the spiritualists of the world. Moreover, in the atheist's mind, the ultimate sinner is the scientist who clings to faith and refuses to pay homage to Reason as the ultimate power.

The worship of Reason is human hubris to the extreme and any organization that venerates Reason must ultimately renounce its primary antagonist, namely......Heart. The logical extrapolation of Reason to all universal matters precludes considerations of Heart.

It is the demands of Reason that allow humans to torture animals in experiments "for the greater good." It is the demands of Reason that emboldened the Nazis to experiment upon Jews for purposes of achieving expeditious medical epiphanies. It is the demands of Reason that require all "irrationalists" to be impugned and ridiculed.

By what right does the human animal insist that his definition of what is real, relevant, or appropriate must become the absolute verdict on all universal matters? By what right do Reason disciples feel that science should serve as the final arbiter of all universal considerations when, over the ages, virtually every school of scientific thought has been discredited in hindsight as being no more than the "voodoo of its day?"

In any choice between Reason or Heart, I will lean toward the latter...but, of course, that's just what "irrational" musicians do.

Derek - This is good stuff. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, not a Christian as used as an adjective to describe ones self, but a real walking it out with Jesus kind of guy. I say that to applaud you for your research. Most people go through their lives and never realize the pagan impact and followings that the world offers us without question. This is shocking to people. Christmas is not Jesus' birthday, its the celebration of it. The Bible tells us that he was probably born in the Spring. So much of the worlds system is built on Paganism and Christians operate under this everyday without question In the Bible it also talks about the Nephalim, is it possible that these gods that you speak of are results of Angels and women, are these the fallen angles that the Bible speaks of. I wish that everyone would stop taking another man's word for what they define as their beliefs and start studying the truth for themselves. Complacency is the root of all ignorance. Good one!!!

the only problem with the ease of sharing information is the equal easiness of sharing miss-information. say for instance derek had sneakly made-up or just plain old got wrong tuesdays etamology, because he and his site are very highly regarded hundreds of folks would just take his word for it (im pretty sure i will), without checking another source. hmmm what does that tell me? sure, it can be easy to fool people (no matter how easy to check out the info on days, how many have?) but to become the type of person who other ppl will take their word at face value - youve got to be honest & approchable, and then keep working at these attributes, no matter how innate they are. nice article derek, made me think that one did

Yes!! I'm stealing this as my answer to being a non-believer.

I think we tend to believe what is presented to us with love and as we grow in our understanding of love, we grow in our ability to recognize truth. Truth requires some things to not be true, as does belief. I don't think a person should stay "safely" in a state of "all truths are equal" if one has been presented something true and with love. And if one has not been presented something true and with love, then that's something to pray about. Or meditate, if that's the word you choose.

I really enjoyed the conversation and its findings. I lived in Portland back in 93. I have found it difficult to dismiss the founder of the idea to make us into DNA strands long enough to reach the moon. Moon Day. I stared at the moon one time for an hour. It didn't do much but get me into Pink Floyd more often. On Fridays.

Next time someone tells you that he is an atheist, ask him exactly which God doesn't he believe in and describe It.

How to get your tires slashed:

Make up a bumpersticker:

(in big letters:)
THERE ARE NO ATHEISTS IN HEAVEN!

(in very small letters:)
- because there is no heaven -

Great post !

I'm just re-listening to the original radio series of The Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy on my iPhone.

Many times I've clicked into Safari to check my email, Twitter, the weather or get updates on progress in the UK's general election.

It keeps occurring to me that the geeky toy I'm listening using is effectively a ¨Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Earth¨ and a Star Trek communicator in one device, not to mention a camera, GPS and...

What's scary is how addictive the easy, instant information is, how lost I feel when I lose a network signal.

Ian

Whenever I receive one of "those" emails, I look up the salient points on snopes.com. Then, if it proves false, I 'reply all' citing snopes. Just my way of stopping the rot.


Let's rename Thursday to Maxday - after Maxwell's Silver Hammer...


By the way, Mark, it's Wembly.

Rastafari is the allmighty, trod throughout the hills and valley and dont keep up any fally,bibbically and I-tally.

I love the fact that today we can so quickly look up anything. On the other hand, your story brings up an interesting quandary brought about by the subject matter the couple was discussing- Is there real "truth" to be found, or only relative opinions? Jesus said He was the way, the truth and the life. As a follower of Him, I obviously believe that truth is not relative. If it's truth, then not everyone has it. I know it's not very accepted to talk like this. We should all be tolerant, right? But really, isn't it actually very important to know the truth in almost all of life? I won't get very far believing I can put water in my gas tank and still get me across town will I? You can believe what you want, but it's not going to change the truth, and you'll find that out soon enough when try to start your water fueled car! So really, a story like this does nothing for me, because in the end, there is objective truth and when we die we'll have to face it, whatever it is.

Great recollection Derek!

The atheist has probably read the following famous statement by Richard Dawkins:

"We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further."

Super fascinating! And what a lovely story.

Amen brother Jack

If you knew enough about all the spiritual mythologies of our collective past, you would probably never have a moment in any day that wasn't known to you to be particularly sacred. Maybe that's why Joseph Campbell always seemed so effortlessly a holy man.
Also, most synchronously, check out the introduction ( for free)
of my new book The Street Corner Ching, at Open Books Press.

Jesus: "There is no other other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12

I was so into mythology as a kid so, yeah, I knew about Thors Day but, I really loved the perspective of agreeing about 519 gods. And, I've just spent the last week 'googling' info on mythology for my 9 yr old son who inherited my fascination with mythology and wants to visit some sites of mythological significance while we visit Europe this Summer. So, this blog fits in nicely with my week. Thanks! :)

hmm....even agreeing to the idea of ONE God doesn't indicate anything agreed about the attributes or purpose of that God.

....bit like blind men describing an elephant by feel.

hooray for 'shared values'.... if only there were some discussion about what those values actually mean.

Nice. But I think there`s another name for that, called maturity.

Looks like I'll have to revisit Oregon if the conversations are that interesting!

HAHAHAHAHA. I'm sure the band conversation was much longer.

Written for rabbit!

Indeed. Focussing on what we have in common rather than our differences would put a stop to many wars. When it comes to God or the Infinite or Eternity or the All the 'names' are all but a 5 second google search. Beyond comprehension, beyond words, beyond petty arguments.... just a being and sharing in the moment. hmmmmmmm but your favorite band??? hmmmm that's different : ) but then I am a musician : )

Hey Derek,

Cool post, man!

One thing I've always found fun is to translate weekdays into other languages (my native tongue is French).

French pretty much gives away how the days of the week are tied to planets -- then, in turn, deities.

Lundi (Monday): Lune (Moon)
Mardi (Tuesday): Mars
Mercredi (Wednesday): Mercure (Mercury)
Jeudi (Thor's day): Jupiter
Vendredi (Friday): Venus

Weekend doesn't match as well...

Martin

Funniest story I've read today.
Thanks for the great post Derek!

Silly story, and shows a shallow perspective that too easily dismisses thought toward any kind of absolute truth. Possibly we might try the idea that absolute truth is too important to fight about, but ought to be mutually discovered, instead of dismissed as transitory and not worry of our time! Let's talk about nothing instead. hmmm. yeah,the latest wanna be band. :-)

What a great conversation.

An addition to:
Wednesday= mercredi (in French) The day of Mercury.

Thursday= Jeudi(Fr.), Giovedi(It.) The day of Jupiter.

Thank you Derek for bringing this symbology of the weekdays into discussion.They were named after the seven visible moving "heavenly particles" according to their symbological characterisation of a deity.

"I love that we're living in a time where it's so easy to learn."... me too, Derek... me too!

once again you hit it right ...with a big Thor Hammer...hahhahaha...Thanks! Have fun on your travels and keep us posted!

Yes it's easier to access information in the digital age. Bad information as well as good.
Wikipedia... hmmm

The conversation, however, is moronic.

The answer to "Do you believe in God?" is not "Yes" or "No," but:
"What do you mean by the term 'God'?"

If what the "believer" meant was the God of Christianity and Judaism (and many would include Islam), that God should have been described. Otherwise, how do you know whether you believe? Or what is being asked?

The argument may or may not have been "reframed" here... but the term God was never defined.

If God #520 is the God of Christianity (which, let's face it, we are supposed to assume here. This mug is one of those closed minded "Christians.") Then the difference between "God" and "gods" has to be dealt with pronto.

You can sound very clever, but you cannot win an argument when you are both talking about completely different concepts.

Counsellor to witness: "Do you believe the defendent is guilty?"
Witness "Of what?"

Derek, can I have the name of the restaurant please? Never get that kind of conversation to ear wig on where we are. Welcome back by the by, hope you had a wonderful time.

So, Derek.
What is your point of view?

"On the contrary, of the 519 gods I don't believe in, I still believe the original (and current) believers of those gods are on to something...that is, I see powerful evidence that most of mankind recognizes the existance of a higher power, but just hasn't quite found all the truth yet. And I believe in one God who is pure Love and allows mankind to find Himself in this bumbling way. I believe this because of the evidence I've seen and experienced. So we are, in fact, currently incompatible, since I live my life for my God and you, believing in no God, are ultimately living your life only for yourself."

Got one for favourite music disagreements!

We all listen to music differently therefore meaning there is no bad form of music.

Hail Thor!
Hail Zeus!

Do you believe in God?
Which one(s)?

There are probably a lot more than 520 gods, so you have to pick your favorites :)

Oh, and don't forget the goddesses!

That person flipped the stick Derek. Everyone sees a different facet of the many facets of a diamond. This is why collaboration is often tantamount to success. Personally, I love to hear the collective opinions of my friends. Then, I have a consensual grasp on the best course of action due to the brainstorming effect. Ultimately, if it is my project, I still have final say. When a famous actress was asked how old she was she quickly replied, "How old do I have to be? She flipped the stick and brought her own slant right back at the producer who queried her. Lenny Paquette

Yeah!!! I can dig it when people believe in different gods and they want to talk about it..

However, I do take exception to those people,(especially government people who are way to powerful and arrogant),that want me to respect their beliefs, but want to trash mine; by wanting to do away with sacred things and Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas,crosses,spiritual emblems etc. that symbolize most Americans beliefs in Jesus Christ;along with Faith, Hope and Charity!Otherwise,that's why we live in America, we can believe what we want too.. That is, until it is taken away from us by Uncle Sam!!

I love differing viewpoints! I would no more pick my friends for their political and religious views than I would choose to eat only one flavor of food!

Great story Derek and good to see you back with your ever enlightening experiences...please continue when you get time as It's most inspirational and may the Honeymoon go on & on & on.

Cheers, Bill

Wow. I guess some people's beliefs aren't that important to them. To some people, it just doesn't matter whether you believe in God or not. I find that incredibly sad. Tragic, in fact. As for me I believe in a God who refers to Himself as the living god,who created man in His own image and according to His Word, all the other gods were created by man. If you don't believe that, that's your business but if you say you believe in God and you're getting involved with somebody who doesn't want to hear about Him,ever- you're belief's not that strong in the first place. I know this doesn't mean much to people who don't choose to believe in the Living God, but He means everything to me. He gave me my life in the first place, and sent his own son to die on a cross which is about the most painful, humiliating way to die concieved of by man at the time, in order to save me from going to hell because 1. I needed it and 2. He was the only person who could do it. and what does He ask for in return? That I acknowledge His Son and that I do what He says. To turn away from my sins, honor God and treat everyone the way I want to be treated. I can't imagine compromising my faith for someone just because I might be attracted to her. I'd rather be with a Christian girl whose not into music, or even someone whose a republican before I'd get romantically involved with an atheist. Some atheists are okay for friends, if they don't wanna talk about God I can always pray behind their backs, but I wouldn't want to live with one. Not to hurt anybody's feelings.

And also, this is the day the Lord hath made.. whatever you call it.

I'm tho thor from laughing!
All Gods are just imaginary friends.
Flat car batteries?...don't get me started!!

It's amazing to me how "believers" hold on to the one god concept. I once believed how I was raised, until I saw life for what it really is... acceptance. Face it, born againers, there are millions of people on this planet who have no idea what "born again" means. The biggest assault on my faith occurred when I realized how much suffering goes on in this world. That's when I wondered how The one god of love could love his faithful so much he chooses to punish them.

Hope the guy (assuming the atheist being male) will be able to convert her out of Christianity. Otherwise this will be a very difficult relationship. I know this because I used to be a devout Christian myself until I discovered Wikipedia & TED. I just wanted to find the truth and investigate science and history. Now my Christian friend tells me that I was never truly a believer. So I guess God didn't chose me, and that is fine with me! There is no excuse today for Christians who can read English not to examine and research about their own religion and its claims.

Hey Derek,
What you doing posting? Great hearing from you. Wondered how you were doing. Wow, the replys are almost as good as your original. Have a great time together...Jack

@James Ranka:
Here are some reasons:
• God loves mankind so much that He gave us utter and total free will, to do whatever we please good or bad, and suffer the rewards or consequences of said actions. Much of our suffering comes at the hands of evil and selfish folk, not by the hand of God. And God does not rescue the good folk from the effects of the bad folk, because to do so would be to take away our freedom of will in how we respond to the bad folk, in heart and mind as well as deed.
• It is, often, just a test. How can God know someone's constancy to Him without a little trial to find out?
• it builds discipline, and challenges our will. Ask any drill seargent.
• What is the Christian story? God delivers us from suffering in the end, we will live in joy for all eternity. In the meantime, he became man in the person of Jesus and endured the worst suffering to both show us how to endure it gracefully and to join with us in solidarity: He has become one of us to understand our pain and give us power through faith to endure it.
• Suffering reveals to us that we can't endure life without Him, and that there must be something better...it points us down the path to Heaven.

Well, maybe Gods die just like people do. Perhaps Gods need people to believe in them, to pray to them in order to live.

You didn't already know the days of the week are named after Roman gods? I'm surprised. The Roman gods are more or less the Greek gods given a less artistic and more war-mongering slant. When the Roman Empire rose they overlaid their own god names onto already popular mythology. Repeated it with Christianity which is why Christian stories and rituals have pagan origins much to the denial and dismay of the devout (Right-wingers). Some Norse gods in their too, like Thor. We've inherited a war loving culture from the early conquerors of Europe.

"All religion is true when interpreted as myth (metaphor). When you interpret it as fact then you're in trouble," said Joseph Campbell. Sadly, the debate is usually over which metaphor is the correct history. None of them are, they're all metaphor and that's where their truth lays.

Fascinating conversation. Amazing how the person turns it around from a disagree to 99% agreement.

Other learning... stay away from the topic of religion on the first date :)

BTW- love the Lego Thor. Where was that when I was a kid.

Everyone who assumed the atheist was the guy put up your hands.
I mean was it?

Thanks so much for sharing this. It is fascinating, especially the part about the two minds merging over love.

Also overheard in a restaurant:
Mother: "Why are you picking the sesame seeds off of your hamburger bun and putting them on that napkin?"
Young son: "Mom, I am going to take these seeds home so we can grow our own hamburgers!"

Even though that is the exact same photo you have had on your blog forever, now that I know you are a newly wed you look kind of extra happy! Isn't that strange. Same pic!

c'mon, don't leave us hanging! what was his/her favourite band? what happened next or did you tune out? ... did they hook up? whens the sequel to this post? :)

I dive on TED and found one of your talks and then dive on your bio and then search your name on twitter and after a few mails i was reading this post and learning about your week days etymology.

Today it's so easy to learn and it feels so good!

The Sufis had a story they told on Thursdays called Mushkil Gusha (see the book "Caravan of Dreams" - can't remember the author)which was accompanied by the eating of dates (the kind that come from date palm trees). The story helped the spiritual seeker to keep sacred at least one day of the week, and to remember that "when your need is greater than your want, Mushkil Gusha (Spirit)will appear and remove all your difficulties" The story itself has a special rhythm to it that is part of the spiritual nature of the message.

"So what's your favorite band?" hahahahahahaa

He's got game.
~ but she's got ''the weapon'' . . .

L A M M Y aka Mr. True

that's hilarious! great story.

Just learnt a lesson!
we focus on one little aspect and judge not being compactible in a relationship, whereas we miss hell lot of things we are compactible in!
Thanks for a great story!

Your sharing always amazes me! What a special gift you are for all of us Derek! Much love and blessings!

How did Saturn make it into Norse calendar?

Bravo, Great work Derek!!!!!

Great story, interesting perspective.

i had one answer to the question "what do you want to be when you grow up, little boy?"

i wanted to be thor!

well, that didn't happen but i have indeed hammered my way through nearly 60 employers in my lifetime and perhaps the biggest reason is, exactly like you, i delight in playing advocatus diabolous. i've learned, painfully so, that people immediately presume you are indeed speaking from attachment to, agreement with, the words you're speaking.

and yes, every new and unknown tidbit becomes one more thing i have to go look-up, research, find out more about, etc.

now, where did i leave that hammer?

Hmmm . . .

I observe that when a group of folks search for an answer to the question of "why", "life" or "does God exist" you have a situation like the following metaphor:

Imagine a room, the only egress of which is by hitting a target, with a crowd of people standing behind it telling which way to aim your arrow. Each person in tern is blindfolded, spun around then gets to take a shot. A miss means the archer joins the crowd. A hit means the archer gets to leave the room. The accuracy of the information of the group, their level of agreement, and whether they know/understand the nature of both the target and the archer, as well as the archer's own skill set (including listening) determine whether the target is hit, several arrows lost or simply several people hurt/killed. Each person (archer) may have their own quiver of arrows made up of his/her perceptions/beliefs regarding the details of the story Derek told. In the final analysis, whether or not the proverbial "target" (deeper meaning or "truth") is hit is all that matters, but ultimately the responsibility of that outcome lies with the archer.




Still, sometimes, the unexpected removal of a blindfold can be both frightening and useful at the same time.

If only most people could be so REASONABLE!!!!!

Well I learnt from this havent studied 520 Gods the Christians say we are only allowed to know one theirs... I didnt know about the God day names where have I been... Yep I will have to study some more... Its great to listen to others yea inspiring sometimes Thanks Ken

That is just so cool.. I laughed out loud.. Wow, real adults.. great stuff.. LOL

That's an awesome good example of that there is always an alternative view of things/situations/problems - whatever !
thanks for sharing !!!
.R

For those who merely believe God exists, dismissing him over dinner for a potential boyfriend or girlfriend could be no big deal. Why not? The devil and the demons also believe he exists, yet they foolishly ditched him for what they thought would be a better deal. But for me and those like me who know and love our God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength, we would never even consider being so foolishly and unequally teamed with someone who denied his existence. Nothing could pry our faith or its importance from us. Our conversation would have ended with "Let's just be friends."

There's no doubt in the world of other spirit's that speak,control and capture the hearts,minds and souls of many today. In all of the readings and conversion about this topic,Ive never heard but one say I AM the truth and the light and no man comes to the Father [ meaning the father of all gods] but by me.This is bold and moving at the same time. I like this GOD !

Of course there is only One Oneness!

Love it! Posting a link to this on my blog.

Just don't call it research. That rubs me the wrong way for some reason... "Do some research."

I think "research" should be harder than doing an internet search.

I guess I'm old now.

There is but one true God, made up of the Father, Son and Holy Spitit. You must believe in faith, without faith, you can not please God. Jesus, the Son, came to tell us of God's plan to save man, but man crucified Him, which had to happen to fulfill God's plan. It's all in the bible, just read it, believe it to salvation or reject it to your destruction.

Nice. I have an encyclopedia of 2,000 gods compiled by Michael Jordan (not the basketball player). So much for monotheism.

Jeff Wave

My rambling thoughts here after reading many others responses was to think of what I would have said in the conversation you overheard. My question to the either of them would be... Do you recognize the sacred in all of life or at least it's value? For me, it's not about the personality we assign to deity, it's about life, the planet, each-other, we're all "God" or sacred or some name that refers to spirit that connects all things/beings. For a personal example, I look at the trees, flowers, squirrels etc. in my back yard and feel a connection with them internally. Some would say this is delusion and others would say this is factual. I'm just honoring my own experience and if others don't experience this I'm ok with that except for one thing... The consequence to feeling disconnected from Life, for whatever reason, is most often a non-valuing of that life, the results of which we experience in the pollution and destruction of our life support system here on Earth. If our Atheist feels connected to Life then that person, being non-religious, might be MORE inclined to protect our life-support system here. My response is based on putting myself in the conversation you heard. Thanks for sharing it. It helps me to clarify why I LOVE the fact that the days of the week are named for deities... sacred in all things... even the names we give our days! :-)

What a great thought to start the day on! I'm sharing this with EVERYONE I know.

That is Germanic (teutonic) history, Derek, pre Christian times. I am from Northern Germany, Hamburg to be exact.
Great writing.

My friend Malcolm Tent owns trash american style , trash records and is an authority on punk music. His friend has a band called THOR dressing rather vikinglike. While malcolms band is the Bunny Brains.

Your blogs are always tops, Derek. thanks.

If You go to:
"Jesus Christ's Grave"
He's Not There !
Because of His Resurection !
He physically Resurected from His Grave.
That's mind Blowing !
This totally Freaks Me Out.
I Believe in Him because I was a drunk and he helped Me with My addiction I dabbled in a few other Religious Philosiphy's 'n' Now that I've had a taste of His Love.
I know He's Real.
He's supernaturally alive !
YEA !
There is no Doubt in My Mind, Heart 'n' Soul.
And I'm never going to back I'm not embarassed to Say that
"I Love Jesus "
I used to know about Him, 'n' now I know him as a friend.
He talks to Me through His Word
The Bible and through musical worship through people ect.
I've even written songs for Him 'n' about Him some of which are expereinces that I have had because of Him.
I know He Has Forgiven Me.
I'm more assured of His promise for eternal Life.
Eternal Life what a promise.
I have video called
"I Believe"
on My website youtube 'n' tangle" links:
This is My personal experience that I've had and it's real.
Thank You for the oppourtunity to comment.
Deric
God Bless !
Carey

This is fine. But, I don't think it's a conversation that would ever conclude as it did. And, I don't think it will change minds. But, who knows? Maybe it would.

... And, that goes for the comment before mine as well as the article.

Very much fun. I'd have to say your are BETTER THAN WATCHING OPRAH. Not that I watch Oprah.
Nice picture too.

Look it up on WIKIPEDIA?!

Last night me and my wife went to see a movie. She suggested a short cut which I agreed to. The parking lot was pretty full so we had to park a few levels up. No problem I thought, we've still got twenty minutes before the movie starts. My wife got out of the car and pretty much slammed the door and started walking. Ok, I thought. When we got out of the elevator she took off toward the movie theater with me ambling behind. We were seeing IronMan2 and there were at least six screens showing the movie. "It's on number 6" she said when I caught up, and took off again. When we got there they said 'No, it's on screen number 10'. By now my wife, who has asthma, was having a hard time, and asked where the elevator was as she couldn't deal with the stairs.
Seeing her discomfort I said,"What's up hon?" She said"I don't like being late." I said "We're not late." and showed her the ticket I had bought online. The movie started at 10.30pm, she thought it started at 10.00pm. I smiled and said "It's ok, you can relax." I watched her process the information for a few seconds and then her whole body relaxed. Later, as we sat in our seats she said "I feel stupid. Insta-bitch." I said, "Don't worry about it, it's ok."

See, she truly believed the movie started at 10.00pm. In her mind I was being a slowcoach, uncaring, etc etc. She was mad at me. I could totally forgive that because I could see for her it was true.

But it made me realise something. A belief system is valid for the person who believes it, period. Doesn't matter what that belief is. Pagan, atheist, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Satanist, Communist, Capitalist, Socialist, Democrat, Republican, Patriot etc etc etc. If the person believes it, it must be true, for that person.

I could go on about the ills of the world but I'd be preaching to the choir. :-)

Thanks for everything Derek, great article.

Viking weekday present weekday Norrønt (Old Norse)
Sun day Sunday Sunnudagr
Moon day Monday Mánadagr
Tyr's day Tuesday Týsdagr
Odin's day Wednesday Óðinsdagr
Thor's day Thursday Þórsdagr
Freja's day or Friggs-dag Friday Frjádagr
Løver day (=washing day, bathing day) Saturday Laugardagr

I translated this poem into English for my first stage performance outside of Europe (in DC), and I feel humbled by the guy in the story, who makes room for her belief system alongside of his own, without compromising neither his or her belief: I now believe there IS a way to have a discussion, or a talk, with a fanatic.

--

THE INITATOR OF A HUG GETS TO LET GO


Having a discussion with someone, who sees Islam as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Christianity as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Buddhism as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Sufism, Judaism, Hinduism as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Capitalism as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Liberalism, Socialism, Sex as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Ecology as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Family as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Class Division as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Personal Empowerment as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees One Nation, One Education as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Automobilism, Two-wheelerism or Pedestrianism as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Self-caught Food or Vaccuum Packaging as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Love as the only right way, is not possible. Or Aggression for that matter too.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees the Way of the Warrior or the Healer as the only right way, is not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees him or herself as the only right way, is not possible, full stop.

No, wait...!
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Discussion as the only way and unity as the only result, is not possible, so what do I do?

What do I do, when I cannot talk my way to terms of being here, both of us?
Do I sleep badly at night from fear or anger? Do I ignore them?
Do I take their unwillingness as a threat in itself? Do I try to understand them, embrace them, become the one to create the space inside of me and my world for those, who have no room for me?

Am I the warrior just waiting for the cup to be filled, or the healer, whose cup never runneth over?
Or am I the Man in the middle, endlessly pondering which of the two I actually ought to be, now, right now!?

Having a discussion with someone, who sees Faith as the only way? Not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who sees Doubt as the only way? Not possible.
Having a discussion with someone, who has all bases covered, just isn't possible.

There is only one way.

Find it yourself.

Great, great story. Thank you for using it to make this point. Derek, you are absolutely amazing at clearly arguing the side of open mindedness and dare I say LOVE in the world. This kind of clear thinking reminds me of your previous article about not punishing all for one persons mistake sive.rs/punish

You are the champion of "out of the box" thinking. Bravo!
-Lars

The defendant ended with "oh God", which to me suggests (I'm betting "she")rightly felt that her belief in God had been minimized to "almost atheistic", and that any opinion she would voice on bands would also be flippantly dismissed. These two can only get along if she is willing to bow to his opinion. Like Angelica and her invisible cream, the differences of opinion have to be dealt with at some point.

I know of a couple who decided when they married that the girls would be Christian and the boys would be Jewish. Any differences can be managed if getting along is important enough, hopefully to both parties, not that one is always giving up their rights to another.

I agree with the person who said that all truths are not equal. I believe in God, not only because I see the sun rise, but because by it I see everything else. Thanks go to Jack for holding up a truth too powerful to deny the importance of. Everything matters in the end.

“You're an atheist? How can you not believe in God?”

“How can you not believe in Zeus or Thor?...They were God!"

###

'nuf said...and well said at that.

God is All That Is

My friend Malcolm Tent owns trash american style , trash records and is an authority on punk music. His friend has a band called THOR dressing rather vikinglike. While malcolms band is the Bunny Brains.

I agree wholeheartedly - being a research geek, there's a special pain associated with the "so into this" effect. It's handy living in a time when having the answers themselves is less important than knowing the process to finding the answers available.

Seriously, this made my day.

Truth and freedom hold hands..

Hey Derek!! Hope you are both having a wonderful time!!
Rachel

make me laughing. Derek. how can this lovely conversation into your ears? It's one of your best writing, like beautiful movie. It's just that innocent, and cute of both of them. I love them both.

i believe in God. but sometimes i worry if i could reach to the Galaxy if i couldn't get on the scientific space ship which could reach to 98% light's speed, and take about 80 light years to travel to there.

i wish God is not too far to reach.

how about your marrige life? tell us some jokes please.

manjia new albums :
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/manjialuo#

;

Wondered how the honeymoon was going.....

Welcome back to the Oregon coast.

Great story. If more people can look at the other people of the world and think that they agree 519 out of 520 times instead of focusing on the 1 they disagree about the world we be a better place.
I love looking things up and learning about almost anything but I caution that people find a more reputable place than Wikipedia.

thank you for sharing, Derek!
To me it's very funny how many Christians don't realize that most of their traditions, rituals and stories are "borrowed" from earlier religions, and how quickly the Christians dismiss those religions as "silly".

What Exist Above (The Heavens) Exist Below (On Or In The Earth) Hence The Star Of DAVID, Or The Seal Of Solomon Or The Two Triangles One Pointing UP, The Other Pointing Down, A Hexagram. "In The Earth", Would Be Inside Us As Human Beings Or Speaking Spirits, Religions Bind While The Spirit Of God, That Exist In Us, Can & Will Ultimately Free Us!
From Ignorance, That Leads Us To Create Religions !!
I've Opted To Embrace Islam, Simply To Recognize The Giving Of Thanks, Five Times A Day At Least Is Compatible To My Spirit, To Do Good Deeds Daily..... A Refute Tyranny That Destroys The Human Spirit, Or The Spirit Of God In Man !! We Think We Know, Yet It Is Most Important To READ, & Study That We May One Day Have An Idea !!
This Too Is Taught In Islam ...... As The Angel Gabriel Spoke To Muhammad "READ IN THE NAME OF YOUR GUARDIAN LORD"
The Hieroglyphs In Egypt, Have Opened Much Knowledge & Man Created Many Religions,& Tech. Yet The Hieroglyphs Of Ethiopia Have Never Been Deciphered , There In Is The Truth Of The Spirit Of God In Man & Many More Greater Technologies , This Knowledge Is Hidden For A Reason, Their Are Some CHILDREN ( Sons Of Man) That Would Only Create Destruction ......... As We Have Well Seen, They Have Yet To Evolve Spiritually ! Should They Embrace ISLAM It Would accelerate Their Process Spiritually !!
The Hieroglyphs Of Ethiopia Are Encoded In The DNA Of the Original Man......... Some Of Us Actually Live & Breath This Knowledge, Wisdom & Understanding & Technology.......
Some Sons Of Man Call It Alien Tech. !!
A Hint To The Truth In Physics Is " DARK MATTER" & "DARK MASS" !!
Enough Said !

Interesting reading nothing is good or bad

cool and i believe

Everyone longs for connection to "something else out there". Some people call "it" God, some "Allah", some "Thor".
Some are so turned off by what man does to the Spiritual the moment they give it "their" name that they become atheists.
But - these people still love to feel connected and try to find it in a different way - through music, drugs, nature, etc.
And that is just fine as long as they find it.
Thanks for the story and thanks for making me aware of the Thor movie - that makes my inner 12-year old REAL happy!

Hmmm. newlyweds on the Oregon coast having a romantic dinner together and focus on the couple nearby; time to look into each other's eyes again.....

Hi Derek!

I really like this article.

Best, Richard

So, that's why I Love Wednesdays. It's the ode to Odin: The Grand Poobah!! It all makes sense.

"The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens" (Jer 10:11) Simple, huh?

This is awesome. Love it.

Just a minor technical comment--
While most of us pronounce "Wednesday" as wensday or wensdee, my maternal grandmother, an Irish girl from the Sault Ste. Marie area of Minnesota, where she was surrounded by Scandinavians who took Woden seriously, always carefully pronounced that first "d" in Wednesday.
It didn't become wednessday;
the "n" after it became what the linguistics types call a "syllabic
n" like the one in "didn't."
I gather this is not all that uncommon, but she is the only one I've ever known who did it.

"...And because I invested so little time into it, I'm emotionally less invested into subscribing to it .."

Considering the potential ups and downs of this approach - Do you think this is the corollary to "no pain no gain"? Do we need to strive to achieve something in order to feel responsible for it? Is the "just look up the answer "approach a fore runner of the attitude that the actual answer is irrelevant because we hadn't been required to judge or be responsible to discover the meaning ourselves?

As in, is there a difference if one covers a song or if one writes the song. Which has one become more invested in? Does it make a difference to the care and professionalism one then gives imbues in the song? If the pot of gold was in arms reach, would we ever stretch our limits?

...just seems this "access to data" coin has three sides ...

Derek,
You are supposed to be on honeymoon,and travelling,but it's good to hear from you.
Well!i didn't know any of that stuff,but i do now.Thanks for the education.
Happy travels.
Pete

LOL! What a fantastic dialogue! Thank you again for another great post.

Enjoyed the conversation too. "The Case for a Creator" starring, Lee Strobel, science proving the existence of God, it is very informative.

Thanks Derek, I wonder what the gods are thinking.

Ive been with all types of people in my life.
So, I can say, I believe in God and Angel's because I have experience them.I guess I am very lucky in that way.
Some people, have to see things in order to believe.
But one thing, we could all have in common is love.and "isn't that what God is all about".
Much Love and Light
Richard Spasoff

Well pointed out. Love this.

Wow, this is my fav article you have ever posted! No wonder people tell me I should move to Oregon, as I'm extremely like the person who doesn't believe in 520 gods, except that it bothers me that everyone else seems to be like the other person. Guess I'll try to remember the its just 520 vs 519. Thanks for posting!

Although, I think this is an over simplification. Many have died and suffered for not believing in various gods.

Wow, Derek - you really stirred up a hornet's nest. Amazing how many people still don't comprehend the truth.

Jesus Christ warned there would be many false christs,(like some of the "gods" and "goddesses" mentioned in this reply section).
God the Father created everything in six days and rested on the seventh day. The days of the week were originally the first day, second day, etc. Centuries later, people started naming days after false gods, such as Thor.

Interesting to see how many lost souls have responded to this article. The only ones who are aware of the truth are Lana Perry, Carey B. Grant,Everett Adams, Joe Romeo, Gerald, and Jack. I hope you listen to these people and ignore all the ignorant ones.

Brilliant story! Thanks for sharing!

omg! this is GREAT! fantastic! ;p gonna share the info on my facebook page. thanks Derek!

Hey Derek, loving that you use your blog as an demonstration project ie. the web as educational tool. I was recently relating to a elderly friend how much I love the internet in the sense that I get to follow a path of discovery in much the same way a scientist does, digging deeper into a subject and following pathways my own mind might never know exist if it were not for the input of others via cyber space.

Great Zoose I'll go get hurk get hurk! lol
It's good to agree to disagree

Go Odin! Go Thor! Blessed BE!!!!!!! Bel Spellsinger www.spellsinger.us www.reverbnation.com/spellsinger

Wow! This is great! We can always find points on which we agree with those that we generally disagree, if we choose.

God is in the mind of the believer, as beauty is in the eye of the perceiver.

Hey, I like the American Indian view that Spirit is everywhere, in the rocks and trees, animals, wind and water, the sun, moon and stars, and in you and in me.

Well, maybe not in you, but definitely in me, hehe.

nice story. i knew where the days cam from since i was about ten years old - i was taught it in primary school

i do like the lego 'thor' too

Welcome to my world Derek!

I'm a Pagan High Priest of the Wiccan religion, and the music I record and distribute through CDBaby.com is Pagan/Wiccan. I'm currently working on my new album "Circle of Power" which is Pagan Techno Dance.

It's great to see a post about the Gods in context with the internet, information, and modern music.

That's me.

In fact, the 1st song I'm releasing from my new album digitally very soon through CDBaby.com is about "Prometheus". Look that one up. ;)

Bast Blessings!
Alexian

What a lovely eavesdrop - I gotta get out of NYC :)

I think love is looking into each others eyes too(comment), but my grandmother interestingly insisted that love is not looking into each others eyes, but standing shoulder to shoulder looking out at the world. Awwww. Perfect newlyweds, according to my grandmother....

Hey! Your guy at the other table was inspired on this TED Talk about atheism:

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_dawkins_on_militant_atheism.html

At time 13:30 he explains "some people just go one god further".


By the way, great post! I love your blog

Hey dude you did it again...great read and too funny photo add. And you know what I think the old adage..."opposites do attract" seems to fit this pair. ;)

PS It's fun to eavesdrop, huh?

Here you go stirring things up again. Amazing to me how many here see this as an interesting conversation by 2 intelligent people. As Bob Ryan states above: "The conversation, however, is moronic." A cute story? Sure. Thanks for posting it Derek. But as a debate for belief in God or an Atheistic attitude? My goodness, people, attempt a bit of real effort over a period of years to truly examine the issue. Read many real books. More than once. Attend to ancient sources, and attempt to understand them. Over the course of years of study, place yourself with others who can assist you in your quest. Don't be taken in by Glib Fools who use charm & humor instead of hard-fought-for knowledge. And please ignore politics in your quest - this is NOT an issue owned by conservative or liberal thinkers. However much they try to persuade you otherwise in THEIR quest for your vote.
Count me as a believer in God. And I sincerely hope some of the folks who chimed in here do a bit more examination on the question of the existance of God.
Peace & Harmony to all.

Humorous but sad. Government education has just completed the dumb down cycle as is evidenced here by a violation of the rules of logic to construct an argument. Both failed in their logic. Fallacy not detected. Neither understood.

In roman group of languages the connection between Gods and days of the week is even more apparent - Lundi, Lunes come from "luna" - the Moon, Mardi, Martes - from Mars, Mercredi, Miércoles - from Mercury, Jeudi, Jueves - from Jupiter, Vendredi, Viernes- from Venus, Samedi, Sabado- probably from Saturn,like Saturday, unless it has something to do with Sabbath. Dimanche, Domingo -obviously from latin Dominus.
Most probably that couple is heading nowhere,because his mind is flexible and playful, while hers is somewhat stiff and conservative.They might both end up feeling lonely and frustrated, despite all the inicial attraction.Opposits attract and eventually clash, unfortunately.Hope I am wrong, but most likely not.

And don't forget: A healthy self reflective analysis of blind faith should not stop with just religion. One can be equally devout with regard to Nation, team, clan, pastime (yes, Music too), money etc. Prioritizing what's truly important in life can help avoid conflict and remind us of our place on the planet. Fighting over an unprovable "theory" or even just a sports event seems the height of trivial.

Perspectives are my favorite things... sometimes i wonder if anything other than perspective exists... then again i read to many Quantum mechanics books...

Here's something interesting: a friend of mine from India tells me that in Hindi, the days of the week have the same meaning -- i.e. Monday is "day of the moon" (however you say that in Hindi), etc. Obviously these ideas go way way back.

Whats SO cool about this Derek is that I've lived with my name - 'Thor', for 37 years... so to know it has helped a couple get together like this is pure poetry :-)
Often, people name their Alsatian or other big dog 'Thor' - imagine the confusion as they shout belligerent commands at the dog, and we both respond, in a public park situation?

Same sentiments here. Internet now was unlike before.

Before, there were only Britannica where you can find the information. But with Wikipedia, and the rise of forums and blogs, it's easier to find the information you're looking for.

The only problem now is... information OVERload :)

I thought this was a very respectful way to share ones point of view. :)

Love it - made me smile! Happy Thors-Day to you! :)

Dont forget Tiu or tyr as in tuesday the saxon god of war.

I wish to address commenter #6 who found people saying "How does he know all this/he probably spends hours reading the encyclopedia/he needs to get a life.

One of my shortcomings as a smart child who believed in science and truth was that I didn't get how others were dishonest. The people who said, "needs to get a life" were being dishonest, not admitting to themselves how much a smart person made them uncomfortable.

It took me years to realize that during childhood, back when people made silly remarks to stop me being friends with someone of the opposite gender it was not because such friendship was wrong, it was because they were jealous, but wouldn't admit it.

On the Simpsons they illustrated dishonesty by having a group of bullies who break Bart's trophy saying, "We go after people who do things." In real life, no bully has that much self-honesty.

I refuse to call Derek a nerd for spending two hours a day practising singing for his band, or spending so many hours learning to program a computer. I refuse to lie to myself by blaming Derek..

I am still trying to learn how much other people lie... or blame me for having the wrong religion.