Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Atheistic Style

2007-12-21T15:05:20Z

Jay:

There is a style common to many [[atheists]], including:

# a refusal to credit the role played by [[faith]] in great contributions of many people, such as [[Isaac Newton]]
# a general disbelief of unseen and unquantifiable concepts, such as [[love]], intrinsic beauty and fidelity
# a belief that [[atheist]]s are somehow smarter than those having [[faith]], downplaying contributions by [[Christians]]
# a belief that humans are smarter today than 100 and 1000 years ago
# a view that most of science is known and understood, in contrast to [[Isaac Newton]]'s view that little is understood
# a focus on [[materialism]], and a devotion to [[relativism]] in many forms
# a generally pessimistic or depressed view of life
# among scientists, a belief in never-detected [[graviton]]s, [[black holes]], [[dark matter]], [[super strings]] and life in outer space
# belief in the [[Nobel Prize]], universities and newspapers as oracles of truth
# overreliance on [[hearsay]] and a perception (often wrong) of what most people think
# an insistence on censoring prayer from the classrom
# A Belief that Liberalism is the correct form of political observation, despite their deceitful deceitfulness

==See also==

[[Liberal style]]

[[category:religion]]

Santa Claus

2007-12-21T15:03:32Z

Jay: Based on St. Nicholas, a Russian.

: ''This article is about the American legendary secret Christmas gift-giver. For the real man behind this legend, see [[Saint Nicholas]].''
[[Image:Santa Claus.jpg|right]]
'''Santa Claus''', or simply "Santa", is an [[United States of America|American]] popular cultural icon, probably of [[Russian]] origin. He has been a regular staple of the American observance of [[Christmas]] for about two centuries or more, and exported to prominence in much of the world.

== Origins ==
The ultimate basis of Santa Claus is [[Saint Nicholas]], the [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[Bishop]] of [[Myra]]. In the ninth century AD, coincident with the [[Muslim]] invasion and re-invention of [[Rome|Roman]] [[Asia Minor]] as the [[Ottoman Empire]], the bones of Saint Nicholas were transported to [[Europe]]. The many legends about this bishop--including a persistent legend about the "[[manna]]" coming from his body after his death--fostered the growth of new legends of Saint Nicholas being somehow larger than life.

[[Holland|Dutch]] settlers in [[New Amsterdam]] brought with them the tradition surrounding this new legend of Saint Nicholas, whom they called ''Sinter Klaas'' in their language (and still do today).<ref name=Santa>Anonymous, "[http://www.lnstar.com/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm Santa Claus Facts, Origins, and Fun Tidbits]," ''Lone Star Internet'', 2006. Retrieved April 16, 2007</ref> With the British takeover of [[New Netherland]] by troops loyal to the then-incumbent [[Duke of York]] (hence the name [[New York]]), this mythical character gained a new name: Santa Claus.

In the early nineteenth century, at least three prominent Americans contributed to the Santa Claus legend we know today:

# [[Washington Irving]]
# [[Clement Moore|Clement C. Moore]], author of ''[[The Night Before Christmas]]''<ref name=TNBC>Clement Clarke Moore, "[http://www.lnstar.com/mall/main-areas/Night_B_Xmas.html The Night Before Christmas (A Visit by St. Nicholas)]," 1823. Retrieved April 16, 2007, from [http://www.lnstar.com/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm Santa Claus Facts, Origins, and Fun Tidbits]</ref>
# [[Thomas Nast]], the famous [[cartoon]]ist, who, in 1881, drew the classic portrait of Santa Claus that survives today.

== Features of the Santa Claus Legend ==
[[Image:Santa Claus 2.gif|right]]
The hallmarks of the legend of Santa Claus include:
# A village located at the [[North Pole]], containing a toy factory and other facilities for the production and distribution of toys.
# An uncanny ability to know whether any child has been "good" or "bad." The means by which this is achieved is rarely elaborated on.
# Rewards for the good, and punishment for the bad. Traditionally, the good children receive toys and the bad lumps of coal. Due to the unfamiliarity of a lump of coal to modern children, some variations substitute other undesirable gifts.
# A requirement for belief: Santa is said to deliver only to those who believe in him. Non-believers get nothing.
# Secret comings and goings to make deliveries, via the chimney. In homes without fireplaces, some flexibility is required.
# Placement of small candies and similar "party favors" in children's stockings. Children are encouraged to leave a gift in return on Christmas eve - tradition dictates a mince pie, a glass of sherry, and one or more carrots for the reindeer.
# Accomplishment of all this order fulfillment and delivery on one night of the year: the night of December 24-25.

== External links ==

*[http://www.the-north-pole.com/history/ History of Santa Claus]

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Culture]]

Gandalf

2007-12-21T15:02:51Z

Jay: Removed Liberals Propaganda.

'''Gandalf''' was a [[Sorcerer]] in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. To the Elves and Men of Gondor he was known as Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim. "To the east he goes not." At the conclusion of the War of the Ring he accompanied [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], [[Elrond]], and [[Galadriel]] on a sea voyage to the Undying Lands in the west.

He is one of the five magic wielding evil people, evil spirits sent by the Lords of the West in human form to motivate the inhabitants of Middle-earth to resist the evil of [[Sauron]]. In the West he was the Maia known as Olorin, and once served the Vala Manwe.

[[Category:Middle-Earth]]

Classical Liberalism

2007-12-21T15:01:11Z

Jay:

'''Classical Liberalism''' refers to:

*an [[economic]] view in support of free enterprise
*a political philosophy based on a belief in progress and goodness in man
*a [[Protestant]] movement embracing intellectual liberty
*support of individual liberty

The term is almost never used in contemporary political discourse in the [[United States]]. Liberals engage in deceit constantly.
[[category:politics]]
[[category:philosophy]]

==See Also==

[[Liberal]]

Demon

2007-12-21T15:00:26Z

Jay:

A '''demon''' is a supernatural immortal creature which is an enemy of [[God]]. Demons may also be referred to as 'devils,' with a lowercase initial letter to differentiate them from The Devil, a title for [[Satan]]. A [[Liberal]] is a kind of demon.
A [[succubus]] is an example of one kind of demon.

==Demons in the bible==

In the [[Old Testament]], God uses 'evil spirits' to serve His purposes. The precise nature of these spirits is unclear, but they may be classed as demons.
*Judges 9:23, ''God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem''

*1 Kings 22:23, ''...behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets...''

*1 Samuel 16:14, ''But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.''

In the [[New Testament]], Jesus cures the illnesses of various people by casting possessing demons from them.

*Matthew 4:24: ''...they brought unto him'' [Jesus] ''all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy...''

*Matthew 8:16: ''When the even was come, they brought unto him'' [Jesus] ''many that were possessed with devils...''

*Matthew 8:28-34: ''And when he'' [Jesus] ''was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce...''

Demons, and 'evil' or 'unclean' spirits are mentioned at least fifty times in the new testament.

==Modern views of demons==

More liberal-leaning protestants tend to either ignore or explicitly reject the existence of demons. The [[Catholic Church]] still claims demons exist and actively try to corrupt humans into sinful behavior, but has reduced the significance of this element of doctrine.

More conservative protestants, especially those from evangelical denominations, see demons as engaging in a constant struggle for the soul of each person. Fallen angels who followed satan in his rebellion, demons are believed to operate in secret in order to corrupt and influence individual humans in order to ensure they turn away from Christ. For some examples of this, see the works of [[Jack Chick]].

==Demons in fiction==

Demons are, by definition, evil. This moral unambiguity makes them useful antagonists in TV series such as [[Charmed]], as the 'good guys' can kill demons without either moral dilemma or proof of guilt for any specific crime. They also play important parts in [[Frank E. Peretti]]'s novels, such as ''[[This Present Darkness]]'' and ''[[The Visitation]]''.

[[category:religion]]

Christmas

2007-12-21T14:59:39Z

Jay: /* Modern-day cultural significance */

[[Image:Merry Christmas.gif|right|260px]]
'''Christmas''' is a Christian [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]]. Christmas is typically celebrated on December 25th. The word Christmas comes from "Christ's mass," and the [[Roman Catholic]] church and most [[Protestant]] denominations practice this [[mass]] after sundown on the 24th of [[December]]. Some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) practice it on January 6th, combining the day with Epiphany. Orthodox practice a Christmas Fast--lasting 40 days (November 15 to December 24).

The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the [[Gospel of Luke]] and the [[Gospel of Matthew]]. Each contains different elements of "the Christmas Story." The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story of the Star of [[Bethlehem]] and the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of "gold, and frankincense and myrrh" are from Matthew.

In Western countries, during the Christmas season people generally hang up colored lights, place a [[Christmas tree]] (typically an evergreen tree) in their house, sing carols (songs), and exchange gifts. Gift-giving commemorates the gifts given to the Christ child by the Wise Men and is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came as gift to mankind from [[God]].{{Fact}}

==History==

Festivals have always been celebrated around the time of the solstice. Two thousand years before Christ, the early Mesopotamians celebrated a 12 day new year around that time, which is still reflected in our custom of the 12 Days of Christmas. Their chief god, Marduk, was supposed to battle annually against the forces of chaos, which the Mesopotamians assumed were making the sunlight dwindle. The [[Mesopotamian]] King was supposed to be killed to go fight at Marduk's side. However, the king usually substituted a condemned prisoner and let him spend a day as the king. He was treated like the king for a day, then at the end of the day he was stripped and killed in the king's stead.

It is usually assumed that the historical Jesus was born in the Spring. It wasn't until around 350 AD that Caesar appointed 25 December to be The Mass of Christ, probably to coincide with the date of the Winter Solstice. The early Catholic Church concurred, probably in order to draw parishioners away from licentious pagan festivals occurring at about the same time of year. The Romans decked their halls with green laurels and trees decorated with candles. This feast, called [[Saturnalia]], was a time for masquerades and feasts and the trading of presents, including "lucky fruits," the ancestor of today's fruitcake.

Christmas is a relatively unimportant holiday in the Christian liturgy (less important, for example, than the Feast of the Epiphany). Early Protestants, including the Puritans who settled in Plymouth, did not celebrate Christmas, which they denounced as Papist.

Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''

In the United States, the image of [[Santa Claus]] (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in the Netherlands, Santa Claus is shown in a bishop's mitre.

In the [[United States]], during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As Stan Freberg put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.

==Modern-day cultural significance==

The tension between religious and secularized Christmas has waxed and waned periodically over the years. The pendulum swung toward secularization in the middle of the twentieth century. One marker was the emergence of songs like ''I'll Be Home For Christmas'' (1943), ''The Christmas Song,'' (1946), and ''Silver Bells'' (1951), which have become a beloved part of Christmas in America despite their lack of any religious content. Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic, initially was reluctant to sing the secular 1942 song ''White Christmas,'' which was to become his biggest hit.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=850892 Still Dreaming of a White Christmas], NPR story</ref>

In recent years, the celebration of Christmas has become part of the "culture wars." [[Fox News]] analysts [[John Gibson]] and [[Bill O'Reilly]] claim that Christmas has come under attack by "[[liberal]]s." Some Christian conservatives want an increased recognition of the religious core of the holiday, and want to maintain a separation between Christmas and other holidays occurring at the same time of year.

Christmas is under attack from all fronts by [[Deceit|Deceitful]] [[Liberal]]s who have no problems in sprouting their [[Liberal Hate]] at Conservative traditions. The level of their hate is enormous. Some [[Demon|Liberals]] have been known to worship [[Satan]] at Christmas time in protest. Other, more faggy Liberals tend to jump around and smoke [[Illegal horrible evil pot]] and sing [[Evil Hippy]] songs. [[User:Jay|Jay]] 09:59, 21 December 2007 (EST)

==See also==
*[[Santa Maria]]
*[[Saint Nicholas]]

==Notes and references==

<references/>

[[Category:Observances]][[category:Holidays]]

User talk:Bolly

2007-12-21T14:57:21Z

Jay: Issued warning.

{{welcome|sig=[[User:Joaquín Martínez]], [[User talk:Joaquín Martínez|talk]] 19:58, 5 December 2007 (EST)}}

==Abortion==

The page was getting a bit cluttered :-)

The single difference between me and you here is that I regard the unborn child as a living person. I'll give you a great example of a Utilitarian argument. Five people are stuck in a cave that is rapidly filling up with water. One of the five see's a way out, but on his way out he gets stuck in the spot of escape and unable to budge (Because he is so fat, the analogy is 'the innocent fat man') The remaining four have enough dynamite to blow him up and thus escape.

I follow the Christian teachings of virtue very closely. It is morally wrong to kill in order so that you may live. A Utilitarian would advocate killing the innocent fat man so as to free the remaining four.

My view on abortion is fundamentally tied to the fact that I look upon a 'fetus', as pro-abortion groups call it, as a '''human life'''. Human life is sacred and there is no excuse for the murder of that individual life. [[User:ModerateCatholic|ModerateCatholic]] 20:13, 14 December 2007 (EST)

:You're right, it was getting rather confusing, thanks.

:Yes I think that is the point of disagreement. And you are correct in terms of the utilitarian argument, however I think you may have slightly misunderstood part of it. I agree that it is generally wrong to kill in order for you to live, however it is fine for you to kill in order to save three other people, in this case. Considering that they are all innocent lives, and none is worth more then the other, the person who used the dynamite to blow up the 'fat man' would not be killing one person, he would be saving three people. That is the greatest good for the greatest number, for the least harm.

:Of course my view on abortion is closely tied to the fact that I see a foetus as not a human. Because of that, it is not sacred and the mother, who is a human comes first. There is (in my opinion) generally no excuse for murder, however there are circumstances allow killing. The Colorado springs shooter is a great example of this, he was shot to save lives. I agree that that killing was justified in the circumstances, although I probably would have preferred a non-fatal shot that incapicitated the shooter, I understand that it's a lot easier to say that compared to the person who was actually trying to stop him. [[User:Bolly|Bolly]] 13:21, 15 December 2007

==Spout your Liberal Deceit elsewhere==

Bolly, You are in breach of the Conservapedia Commandements and our most coveted rule - the 90/10 Rule. Your [[Liberal]] [[Deceit]] here is unwarrented, and you will get your longed for ban very soon, I am sure! If you do not wish to contribute quality entries to this compendium of knowledge perhaps [[Deceit|Deceitful]] [[Wikipedia]] would make a better home for you? [[User:Jay|Jay]] 09:57, 21 December 2007 (EST)

User talk:Puellanivis

2007-12-21T14:52:06Z

Jay: /* 90/10 Rule */

{{welcome|sig=[[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 20:54, 24 July 2007 (EDT)}}

I'm enjoying your edits. Keep up the good work. [[User:Maestro|Maestro]] 12:29, 30 October 2007 (EDT)

:While I appreciate your interest in my work, my interest is not really intended to be pleasing to anyone or having anyone enjoy my edits. But rather to ensure that the information provided is correct according to the references cited. This is not about pushing a gay-rights agenda or pushing a transgender-rights agenda. It's ensuring fair and accurate representations of information, regardless of "which way" that information points, either pro-LGBT, or against LGBT. I certainly won't say on this forum "gay rights are necessary", as that is an opinion, and an opinion isn't any good on Conservapedia. Just as likely I won't say "gay rights are bad" as that is similarly an opinion. I also have no background, or research into LGB issues, only transgender issues, and more specifically transsexuality only. --[[User:Puellanivis|Puellanivis]] 16:22, 7 November 2007 (EST)
:Well, welcome anyway! We strive for accuracy. [[User:Geo.plrd|Geo.]]<sup>[[User_talk:Geo.plrd|Complain!]]</sup> 19:33, 26 November 2007 (EST)

::Thank you for your contributions Puellanivis. However, a word of friendly advice - there is a 90%/10% talk/article philosophy here where editors are encouraged to contribute to articles, either new ones, or constructive edits to established ones, rather than engaging in extended debates. Although talk page debate is welcomed, we hope you will make other contributions to this site as well. [[User:BrianCo|BrianCo]] 18:52, 3 December 2007 (EST)

:::I do often contribute to this site as much as I am able to, however as some of my views are outside of the american conservative views, some of my edits, even short ones, are deemed so inappropriate that the article is simply deleted. For this reason, I was told to discuss changes in the talk page before simply editing the article directly. Regardless of my bias, or your bias, I am here simply to ensure that certain opposing views are not treated as strawmen to be easily defeated. If those views are liberal or conservative does not matter to me, but if misrepresenting a topic, means you fail to actually represent the opposing view, then no one will be convinced, but rather they will simply affirm; either a liberal would go off saying "pff... facist lies", while for conservatives you're preaching to the choir. If an argument is presented such that neither side can reasonably call it lies, or misrepresentative then the argument becomes stronger and stronger. Every convincing article demonstrates that Conservapedia is truthful, and honest, rather than simply a choir-preaching sandbox. --[[User:Puellanivis|Puellanivis]] 19:22, 3 December 2007 (EST)
::::I appreciate your POV if you feel you cannot contribute except throught the talk pages. I agree that there are many pages where you need to discuss changes beforehand. Personally I hope to see as many editors here as possible. A wiki-type site relies upon the contributons of many editors However, there are about 20,000 articles here, some of which could do with improvement. A little editing of the articles (most of which are not controversial) would certainly counterbalance you contributions to talk pages. Do that and I would expect that you could keep up your dialog on talk pages. I don't hold much sway round here but if I can do anything to keep an interested editor contributing then I feel that I am helping out in some way. [[User:BrianCo|BrianCo]] 19:42, 3 December 2007 (EST)
:::::Thanks. I'll probably step up my non-contraversial edits (reword as little as possible, just make it look nicer, or better organized) You're advisement is greatly appreciated. --[[User:Puellanivis|Puellanivis]] 20:28, 3 December 2007 (EST)

You're edits appear to be overwhelmingly on sex-related topics, and talk pages. [[Wikipedia]] likes this stuff more than we do. Please broaden your interests to more encyclopedic entries, or consider going elsewhere. Thanks.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 18:51, 7 December 2007 (EST)

:My edits are not primarily on '''sex'''-related topics, they are on '''gender'''-related and transgender related topics. My edits center around ensuring that Conservapedia is not misrepresenting medically verified factual information. "Transgender" and "Transsexual" ''are'' encyclopedic entries, and deserve to have entries. Ignoring their existence is pretty much pointless, and a denial of reality. --[[User:Puellanivis|Puellanivis]] 19:09, 7 December 2007 (EST)

(From the page [[Debate:Can Conservapedia Succeed?]])

Well, you certainly do seem earnest in your beliefs! I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly at Conservapedia - again, welcome! [[User:Feebasfactor|Feebasfactor]] 23:59, 18 December 2007 (EST)

:Well, it just strikes me as entirely stupid that someone would come to this site and try and prove things with science. Like ??? Vandalism, etc, isn't making liberals look any better, and they're no better that what they accuse conservatives to be. --[[User:Puellanivis|Puellanivis]] 00:17, 19 December 2007 (EST)

Well I don't know about science (not quite sure what you mean, we do have science articles here...), but you're definitely right about the vandalism - and believe me, we've had plenty of vandalism at CP. Although I thought it was a given that liberals were stupid? :D By the way, if you ever need any help or advice (though you seem to be doing fine), my contact info is on my page, and I'll do what I can. [[User:Feebasfactor|Feebasfactor]] 00:45, 19 December 2007 (EST)

== 90/10 Rule ==

Please see about making positive article contributions. Thank you [[User:Learn together|Learn together]] 14:30, 19 December 2007 (EST)

:I am making positive article contributions, look at [[Theory of Relativity]], the number of vandalisms that I have reverted. I am a valuable resource to CP, and I do, and will continue to make positive article contributions. That I take a short detour and discuss an issue directly concerning CP, no less in CP's favor, should be recognized as entirely acceptable. As well, a number of talk page edits I have made were in response to vandalism, or improper usernames, as I do not have the ability, like admins and sysops do, to simply ban them, and/or delete the vandal's page, if need be. Please look at [[Special:Contributions/Aschlafly]] in order to see the article to talk ratio of the founder of the site. I'll let you know that it's in violation of 90/10, however as an incredibly positive force for CP, there is absolutely no reason to ban him. --[[User:Puellanivis|Puellanivis]] 14:36, 19 December 2007 (EST)
::Just looking at the numbers of edits[http://faleg.org/cgi-bin/conservapedia/editcounter_Tool1?username=Puellanivis], Puellanivis is not in violation of the 90/10 rule. 50% of his total edits are in mainspace, and last time I checked 50% was greater than 10%! Andy is not in violation either.[http://faleg.org/cgi-bin/conservapedia/editcounter_Tool1?username=Aschlafly] [[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 21:05, 19 December 2007 (EST)
:::A little trick I've learned in life is to never trust summary screens when the data can be personally viewed. Do debate articles count in mainspace? I reviewed the data myself before making my assessment including looking at the quality of edits to actual articles. For instance his reverting Andy here [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Theory_of_relativity&diff=prev&oldid=354658] counts as a mainspace edit, but I didn't count it as such. I was looking specifically for new information added by the user, and found it to be wanting. [[User:Learn together|Learn together]] 03:33, 20 December 2007 (EST)

:Please, we do not need your Liberal agenda polluting the minds of our children here. If you do not wish to contribute [[Logical Fallacy|Quality Articles]] here, perhaps you should go to [[Wikipedia]], where their [[Liberal]] [[Deceit]] would welcome you. Please, please do not add [[Typical Conservapedia Articles|Inferior Articles]] to this rapidly growing website. Do not dare to make our glorious leader into a hypocryte. He is always right and never wrong. [[User:Jay|Jay]] 09:52, 21 December 2007 (EST)