In my opinion, Phillip Pullamn is one of the best childrens authors around and His Dark Materials is his best work. If it gets children asking questions then i think it is a good thing.

::snigger:: Ike .T. Sidebottom heehee

I'm gonna partay with with lucifer himself. And maybe some gays....

Er, not quite...

Who me? I'm an atheist

Er, I believe everyone has the right to do all of those things...

Don't mention it.

That was very odd indeed

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So I ran over and said, "Stop! Don't do it!" "Why shouldn't I?" he said. I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" He said, "Like what?" I said, "Well, are you religious or atheist?" He said, "Religious." I said, "Me too! Are your Christian or Buddhist?" He said, "Christian." I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?" He said, "Protestant." I said, Me too! Are your Episcopalian or Baptist? He said, "Baptist!" I said, "Wow! Me too! Are your Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord? He said, Baptist Church of God!" I said, "Me too! Are your Original Baptist Church of God or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?" He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!" I said, "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915?" He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915!" I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.

***********************************

A local priest and a pastor were fishing on the side of the road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" and showed it to each passing car.
      One driver who drove by didn't appreciate the sign and shouted at them, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"

      All of a sudden they heard a big splash, looked at each other, and the priest said to the pastor, "You think maybe we should have just said 'Bridge Out' instead?"

*************************************

An atheist was walking through the woods one day, admiring all that evolution had created.  Suddenly he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. Turning to look, he saw an 8 foot grizzly bear beginning to charge toward him.
 
     He ran as fast as he could down the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was rapidly closing on him  Running faster yet, he looked again and the bear was even closer. His heart was pounding in his chest. He tried to run faster. But alas, he tripped and fell to the ground.
 
     As he rolled over to pick himself up, the bear was right over him, reaching for him with its left paw and raising its right paw to strike him.  The atheist cried..."GOD DAMN!..."  

     Time stopped.  The bear froze.  The forest was silent.  Even the river stopped moving.  As a brilliant light shone upon the man, a thunderous voice came from the sky.

     "YOU DENY MY EXISTENCE FOR ALL THESE YEARS, TEACH OTHERS THAT I DON'T EXIST AND EVEN CREDIT CREATION TO SOME COSMIC ACCIDENT.  NOW, YOU EXPECT ME TO HELP YOU AND DAMN THIS BEAR?    AM I TO COUNT YOU AS A CHRISTIAN?"

    The atheist looked directly into the light and said, "Why don't you try and make the bear a Christian?"
     "VERY WELL," said the voice.  The light went out.   The river ran.   The sounds of the forest resumed.   ... and the bear dropped down to his knees, brought both paws together, bowed his head and spoke: "Lord, thank you for this food which I am about to receive."
 

Thanks.
Brother love, no offence, but i didn't come here to be converted  , but thanks for the welcome anyway.

Oh, and my sig picture isn't too big is it?

I think it's a great, if very confusing film.

From the Islam FAQ (not sure it's a reliable source for anyone wanting to actually learn about Islam):

Many Muslims believe in the Qur'an as a blind leap of faith. They really do not care if it is filled with mistakes and contradictions.

The irony may actually be killing me.

I read halfway through it then drifted off as i often do with books. It wasn't that great, there's better.
I'm going on holiday next week to the whitby, where the book is set. If anyone is interested it is a beautiful place, amazing old abbey ruins. I know it like the back of my hand as it is a family favourite; it's practically a second home. I can't wait but have just noticed that this is wildly off topic.

Hi, my name is artputey and i live in britain. I'm an atheist and at the moment a regular member of another christian forum, which is open to all kinds of discussion from people of different religion, race and creed. I thought i might look to see what else is on offer forum-wise;i haven't looked round yet so i haven't quite got the feel of this place.
Anyhow, people on this type of forum often ask why on earth an atheist would want to join. Some presume that we are out to get christians, to make fun of and mock them and their beliefs. They might ask why we don't just find an atheist forum. Well, I have tried, but i can't find a good one (if anyone knows one you can PM me if you like ) and besides, I have an interest in religion of all kinds and have found that Christianity seems a good jumping off point.
I may say some things you don't like, but please, if i ask a question, don't autumatically assume i am being snide, i'm not that sort of person. I'm certainly not here to disrespect Christianity or any other religion and if i see someone else do so i will comment on it. Anyway, i think i have said all i need to.
Thanks
Artputey