Welcome to issue #7.27 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of atheism, the nature of personal opinions, and how Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI. Other stories from the past week include the claim that religious neutrality is suggestive of fascism, the state of atheism in Taiwan, new dangers facing a man challenging a Ten Commandments monument, and a Wiccan finally wins a city council prayer case.

Atheism 101: Introduction to Atheism & Atheists
I see a lot of misunderstandings and errors about atheism and atheists all over the net. People don't understand what atheism is, what the definition of atheism is, or the difference between atheism and agnosticism. People claim that atheism is a religion, that it requires faith, that it's a form of denial, that there are no real atheists, and that there are no atheists in foxholes. This introduction to atheism answers most of the most common questions and mistakes about atheism.

Weekly Quote: Marcus Aurelius on Opinions
"I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others." Follow the link for analysis and discussion...

The Rise of Benedict XVI: Inside Story of How He Was Elected
People around the world were stunned that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope in 2005 - and so quickly, too. It's almost unheard of for the College of Cardinals to act so fast or to elect someone who went into the conclave as a front-runner. Many expected a longer debate in order to find some sort of compromise candidate, not a quick decision on an arch-conservative. Many expected a pope from Latin America or Africa, not another pope from Europe. So what happened?

Bill O'Reilly: Neutrality on Religion is 'Fascism'?
He seems to think so

Paper on God gets Failing Grade
Probably deserved it, too

Krishna Payouts Begin
Their crimes were admitted

Pediatricians Denounce Abstinence-Only Education
Science, not ideology

Atheism in Taiwan
Tolerance rules

Man's Name Revealed in Ten Commandments Case
Now he's in danger

Alabama: Wiccan Wins Prayer Case
It's about time, too

 

Forum Discussions:

1) Future of Science in America
"The National Science board has sent the President a report on the availability of scientists in the future which concludes that not enough students are studying science at the college level to meet the country's needs. For years we have depended on foreign students to supply our needs--largely Asian--and now they are finding new opportunities in their countries of origin. It seems that American students are neither bright enough or motivated enough to undertake work in science."

2) If I could change people, I'd...
A forum poll asks: If you could change people, how would you do it?
Increase everyone's IQ by 15 points
Improve everyone's sense of humour
Increase everyone's level of compassion
Remove all religious beliefs
Other?

3) Tom Cruise & Scientology
"Faiths that mooch money from their members, brainwash or don't care about member's well-being are faiths that I have no acceptance for. The Church of Scientology does all of the above. They treat people like crap for taking medicine!!! Well dang....I don't know why it's so horrible that someone is taking control of their health and trying to improve their quality of life. Tom Cruise calls Psychiatry a "Pseudo-Science"....Well I think the CoS is a "Pseudo-Religion""