Comments on: Holy… well, holy something.

By: CR

CR — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 21:46:10 +0000

FYI, the superimposed image doesn’t appear on my computer, because I’ve got animations disabled. So, the image I saw was just the unretouched one of the dog’s backside. It STILL vaguely resembled an iconic Christian image just as ALL the other examples of pareidolia have vaguely done. THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT!
There’s nothing there, except the dog. Just as all the other “miraculous signs” are nothing more than the earthly things they are.
Heck, I’ve got a large gnarled portion of a tree root in my yard that looks exactly like a long-snouted version of a Sleestak from the 1970’s tv show ‘Land of the Lost.’ Doesn’t matter what direction the sun is shining on it, nor even if the sky is cloudy. Rain, snow, dry weather, daytime, nighttime… the root always looks the same. Is that some “miraculous proof” that Sleestaks really exist, and they’re coming soon? (I know several of you are going to chime in at this point about welcoming your new reptilian overlords.)
Of course it isn’t. Just as all other examples of pareidolia are nothing significant. Neat, yes. Miraculous, no.
Sure, the pics that started this whole thread were in poor taste. But I find equally in poor taste people’s belief in pareidolia as evidence of divinity, regardless of how sincere their belief is. It’s misguided, and gets people further away from the truth. (And I’m not just referring to the truth of scientific facts; it includes the truth of religion, as well. Whatever happened to not worshipping idols?)

By: Elwood Herring

Elwood Herring — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:15:03 +0000

To Bob L. – Honour the Eleventh Commandment: i.e. “Lighten up!” Life is too short to waste on petty arguments about religion. In fact all the petty arguments about religion that are going on in the world right now are what is making life very short for some already. So I will reiterate: God gave us a sense of humour (well some of us anyway); so use it! Before we all start tearing each other apart over trivialities such as pictures and cartoons. Sit down, get yourself a drink and watch Monty Python’s Life of Brian!

By: Gpplascencia

Gpplascencia — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 17:58:15 +0000

Now, that’s a Hole-ee image!

By: Bob L.

Bob L. — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:18:24 +0000

Evolving Squid,

Regadless of who created it, the BA chose to put it on this site. I actually don’t even have a problem with the creators of it, if they think it’s funny, and other people think it’s funny, then have a good laugh. The purpose of this website, however, is supposidly to encourage scientific discussion and point out errors of scientific reasoning. This did nothing to further either, and, instead, did nothing but mock a religious belief.

Please spare me the explanation that this was shown as an example of pareidolia. The figure only appears because a picture is superimposed upon it.

The worst part is that, although this site is suppose to encourage independent thought, the responses are all from a group of mindless followers talking about how this is just the funniest thing they have seen. If this is the funniest thing you’ve seen, it’s time to put down the telescope and get out a little.

By: Evolving Squid

Evolving Squid — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 13:59:00 +0000

Bob…

You do know that the Dogsbottom Jesus isn’t from this site, and that nobody here did it, yes?

Mayhap your energies would be better directed at that site’s creators.

By: Bob L.

Bob L. — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:37:33 +0000

First if all, this is not the least bit funny. Secondly, I have no problem when a religious group is called out for their statements, when those statements are made in direct conflict with known science, but superimposing a picture of Jesus onto a dog’s genitals is nothing more than a way to mock religious beliefs. You sir, are a horse’s ass, no digital manipulation necessary.

By: Varn Nine

Varn Nine — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:34:55 +0000

A little off topic, but here is an example how pareidolia can be used to (try to) manipulate individuals:

http://www.pbfcomics.com/?cid=0PBF59011BC-Not_Today_Little_One.jpg#60