What is Agnosticism? Overview of the Nature of Agnosticism
The term agnosticism is used primarily for a single issue: do any gods exist or not? Those who disclaim knowledge of gods or even that such knowledge is possible are labeled agnostics. There are many misconceptions about agnosticism, agnostics, and the reasons why anyone would adopt agnosticism in the first place. This is unfortunate, because whether agnosticism is conceived of as a philosophy or simply an isolated position on the existence of gods, it is eminently reasonable and defensible.
Weekly Quote: Commager on Loyalty and Dissent
"What is the new loyalty? It is, above all, conformity. It is the uncritical and unquestioning acceptance of America as it is -- the political institutions, the social relationships, the economic practices. It rejects inquiry into the race question or socialized medicine, or public housing or into the wisdom or validity of our foreign policy. It regards as particularly heinous any challenge to what is called "the system of private enterprise," identifying that system with Americanism. It abandons evolution, repudiates the once popular concept of progress, and regards America as a finished product, perfect and complete." Follow the link for analysis and discussion...
Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography of Joseph Ratzinger
As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he was an exceptionally divisive and controversial figure in the Catholic Church. As Pope Benedict XVI, he is supposed to be a living symbol of the unity of not just all Catholics, but all Christians in the world. Can he make a credible transition from defender of orthodoxy to pastor of the entire church? That will be perhaps the most serious challenge of Benedict's papacy.
Using the Nazis as a Metaphor
There are valid circumstances
Emergency Contraception is not Abortion
Science vs. Ideology
Pharmacists Refusing to Dispense Pain Medications?
It was inevitable
Schiavo's Parents Angered by Grave Marker
They'll never be happy
The God Who Wasn't There
Film review from a reader
Homophobia & Anti-Semitism as Fear of Modernity
It's a dangerous parallel we are seeing
Soldier Beaten at Guantanamo, Sues Pentagon
Soldiers behaved as expected
Forum Discussions:
1) Being Atheist & Black
"I have noticed that there are few black atheists, and that blacks generally are very religious. I have been having sort of a hard time dealing with this, since I live in the South and most of my family members are ministers. I know that dealing with an overly religious family to begin with is hard for atheist regardless of race, but there are other factors I am having to deal with...."
2) Dealing With Life
"How do you deal with life's problems? And, how do you deal with death of a loved one? Do you think people deserve what they get? (Such as sicknesses, including mental illnesses?) Where do you go for education about life choices?"
3) Universal Salvation in Christianity?
"I was having a discussion earlier today with a non-believer acquaintance of mine. We were discussing whether or not it was God's will for all mankind to be saved. I am not as well versed as I should be and with more prayer and study, hopefully I'll find more answers. But I was hoping some people online would read this and comment on what they knew/thought to be Truth. Is it truly God's will for all to be saved?"