Newsletter 08-17-05

News items from the past week include critiques of the use of mercenaries in Iraq, problems in the arguments over whether America is a Christian Nation, how fundamentalism stems from a fear of modernity, a new study on how men overcompensate when their masculinity is threatened, and more.

Book Reviews: Books on Atheism, Atheists, Nonbelief in Gods
Atheism is often misunderstood and sometimes reviled - but it deserves neither. There aren't enough books which really do a good job at explaining what it is and help people to understand what it is about, but those that do exist are reviewed here. Find out what they say, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they compare to other books on atheism.

News and Information about the War on Terror and in Iraq
How is the war on terrorism proceeding? What is happening with the war in Iraq? To what extent has the 'War on Terrorism' become a Crusade or War on Islam? Here you will find news, information, and updates about what is going on with the war on terrorism, the hunt for Osama bin Laden, the occupation of Iraq, and the scandals surrounding the abuse of prisoners in Abu Ghraib and elsewhere.

Sacred Sites: Profiles of Temples, Churches, Mosques, Etc.
The world is filled with sacred sites - holy places that people believe or once believed to have religious significance to them and their culture. These sacred sites are varied in their history, art, architecture, and meaning. Most have played some historical role; some continue to play a role in political, social, or cultural events. We can learn a lot about history, culture, art, and architecture by learning about sacred sites.

Men Overcompensate for Threatened Masculinity
Surprised?

Privatizing War, Privatizing Armies
Mercenaries in America's Employ

Status of Women in Christianity & Islam
Similarities, differences

America as a Christian Nation
What Would Jesus Want?

Natural Explanations for Out of Body Experiences
Yes, they exist

Fundamentalism and Fear of Modernity
A strong relationship

Morality and Rationality as a Motivation
What's most important?

 

User Polls:

1) Do You Play the Lottery?
State lotteries are very popular forms of gambling - they are, in fact, one of the only forms of government run gambling that exists. Some people reject lotteries on account of the low odds of winning. Others defy the odds and play anyway, dreaming of winning a fortune. What about you?

2) Should Churches Tell Members How to Vote?
Churches naturally have an interest in who is elected to office and what laws are passed. Their tax-exempt status prevents them from campaigning for specific candidates and specific ballot measures. Should churches tell members how to vote and to work for specific items on ballots?

3) Gay Conservatives - Should They Vote Republican?
Although gays certainly don't constitute a very large or dominant force within the Republican Party, there are quite a few of them and their ideas have been growing in influence. Still, the Republican leadership seems determined to keep them shut out. Should gays continue to vote Republican, then?