News items from the past week include parallels between biblical literalism and the constitutional philosophy of original intent, the idea that current anti-Semitism in Europe could be a consequence of the Holocaust itself, an explanation of what it means to be a civil libertarian, a new blog from an atheist who is "coming out" to people, and more.

Popes of the 17th Century
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the seventeenth century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, the starting and ending dates of their reigns, and finally the number of years they were pope. Follow the links to read short biographies of each pope and learn about what they did, what they believed, and what impact they had on the course of the Roman Catholic Church.

Book Reviews: Books on Ancient Religions, Religious Beliefs
The religions we see today didn't pop out of nowhere - they evolved gradually from more ancient faiths which have largely, it not entirely, died away. What are some of these religions and how have their beliefs survived down through today? Learn about some recent books on ancient religious beliefs and what they have to offer.

Jehovah's Witnesses News: Court Cases, Conflicts, and More
The Jehovah's Witnesses are a small Christian denomination which started in America but which can now be found in many nations around the world. Jehovah's Witnesses are often found fighting to defend their own religious liberty and, by extension, the religious liberty of all. They come in conflict with political authorities over things like their refusal to salute flags and medical authorities over their refusal to accept things like blood transfusions. Read more here on recent news and stories involving Jehovah's Witnesses.

God: Author of Iniquity or Only Good Fortune?
Questioning the Teflon deity

Authority vs. Reason
Original Intent & Biblical Literalism

Atheism and Secularism Have no Moral Benchmarks?
Another ignorant complaint

Atheist Exposed
Coming Out to Friends and Family

Myth of Bork's Martyrdom
Don't believe the conservative hype

Anti-Semitism as a Reaction to the Holocaust
Curious theory

What is a Civil Libertarian?
It requires commitment

 

User Polls:

1) Is Marriage a Fundamental Right?
Interracial marriage was legalized nationally on the argument that marriage is a "fundamental right" that all people have and that the state cannot restrict without very good reasons, despite the fact that it does not appear on the Constitution. Advocates of gay marriage make a similar argument. Do you agree?

2) What Caused You to Doubt and Reject Theism?
There are many different reasons why a person might come to doubt and even reject theism, becoming an atheist. Some reasons are better than others and while every atheist takes a different path, there are some major commonalities. Do any of the ones listed below apply to you?

3) Is Church/State Separation a Valid Constitutional Principle?
Because the phrase 'separation of church and state' doesn't actually appear in the text of the Constitution, some argue that it isn't a valid or real constitutional principle and simply doesn't exist. Others argue that it is implied in the text and is as valid as the principle of a 'fair trial' being required. What do you think?