Mel Gibson on Terri Schiavo's Case
Thursday March 31, 2005
Mel Gibson came out in support of Terri Schiavo's parents before she died, faxing them a statement that read in part: "I fully support the efforts of Mr. & ... Read More
Rush Limbaugh on Terri Schiavo's Death
Thursday March 31, 2005
Rush Limbaugh comments on the death of Terri Schiavo: "It is plain as day what happened here. The United States government ordered the starvation of an innocent citizen who was ... Read More
Tom DeLay on the Terri Schiavo's Death (Translation)
Thursday March 31, 2005
CNN quotes House Majority leader Tom DeLay on Terri Schiavo's death: "This loss happened because our legal system did not protect the people who need protection most, and that will ... Read More
Laura Bush on the Terri Schiavo's Death (Translation)
Thursday March 31, 2005
ABC quotes Laura Bush on Terri Schiavo's death: "I just feel like the federal government has to be involved. It is a life issue that really does require government to ... Read More
Frank Pavone on Terri Schiavo's Death
Thursday March 31, 2005
CNN quotes Rev. Frank Pavone on Terri Schiavo's death: "We not only grieve that Terri has passed, but we grieve that our nation has allowed such an atrocity as ... Read More
Being Fired for your Beliefs
Thursday March 31, 2005
Playgirl recently fired its editor-in-chief, Michele Zipp, because she admitted that she was a Republican. Conservatives are naturally and justifiably upset about this. What's strange is that they can't manage ... Read More
Loudmouth Christian Leaders
Thursday March 31, 2005
One of the most prominent features of the Terri Schiavo controversy has been the constant presence of loud, aggressive Christians outside Terri's hospice. They have been adept at whipping up ... Read More
Germany: Jehovah's Witnesses Granted Legal Status
Thursday March 31, 2005
According to a Berlin court, Jehovah's Witnesses should have the same legal status as Germany's major, established churches. This includes the right to collect taxes, erect buildings, and more.
Deutsche Welle ... Read More
This Date in History: Judge Moore's Ten Commandments
Thursday March 31, 2005
March 31, 1995: The ACLU filed a complaint against Judge Moore, charging that his display of Ten Commandments and his practice of initiating courtroom proceedings with a prayer, violate the ... Read More
Newdow's USD $1 Million Judgment Set Aside
Thursday March 31, 2005
An earlier judgment that Michael Newdow won for being libeled by Rev. Austin Miles has been set aside. Many Christian Right sites are touting this as a victory, but it ... Read More
Why Didn't Michael Schiavo Walk Away?
Thursday March 31, 2005
Terri Schiavo died on the 14th day after her gastric feeding tube was removed. This doesn't mean that the case or the controversy are over, though. One question asked by ... Read More
Jewish Law on Terri Schiavo & Feeding Tubes
Thursday March 31, 2005
We've heard quite a lot about what conservative, evangelical Christians think about the Terri Schiavo case, but what about other religions? They have their own perspectives and disagreements but any ... Read More
History of the Papacy: Popes of the 18th Century
Thursday March 31, 2005
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the eighteenth century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, ... Read More
Opposing Randall Terry & Christian Fascism in Florida
Thursday March 31, 2005
The other day I wrote about how counter-protesters outside Terri Schiavo's hospice managed to make the news by grabbing a microphone and labelling the protesters "Christian Fascist Thugs." Completely by ... Read More
Priests for Life... Priests Against Liberty
Thursday March 31, 2005
One of the most vocal supports of the Schindlers, Terri Schiavo's parents, has been Father Frank Pavone, the national director of the anti-abortion group Priests for Life. If you pay ... Read More
Status of Islam in Turkey & Europe
Thursday March 31, 2005
Many Europeans are concerned about admitting Turkey to the European Union because that would entail bringing a huge Muslim population into the fold. They may not have quite so much ... Read More
Christian Right Pushing for End to Living Wills?
Thursday March 31, 2005
One of the problems for religious conservatives who want Terri Schiavo's gastric tube reinserted is that the case hinges on the fact that the courts have determined that this is ... Read More
What Would Jesus Do? Not Work With Catholics!
Wednesday March 30, 2005
Christians like to pretend that they pattern their actions after what they think Jesus Would Do. I say "pretend" because it happens so often that they act so horribly - ... Read More
Colorado: Contraception Law Debate
Wednesday March 30, 2005
Colorado's governor, a conservative Catholic Republican, is faced with a dilemma: should he sign a bill that would force hospitals to tell rape victims about emergency contraception? It doesn't require ... Read More
Theocracy in Ohio?
Wednesday March 30, 2005
A movement called "Ohio Restoration Project" is looking to replace the current lineup of Republican politicians in Ohio. Why? Because they aren't conservative enough and don't go far enough in ... Read More
No Arabization of Greek Orthodox Church?
Wednesday March 30, 2005
Palestinians evidently want Arab Orthodox Christians to break away from the Greek patriarchy, thus leading to the Arabization to the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. That would fundamentally alter religious ... Read More
Biblical Roots of Kinship & Spousal Decision-Making
Wednesday March 30, 2005
A common refrain being heard from conservative Christians is that parents should be the ones to make medical decisions when their children are unable to make their wishes known, ignoring ... Read More
Christian Businesses Growing in Numbers
Wednesday March 30, 2005
All over America, more and more businesses are explicitly identifying themselves as "Christian" businesses. It's sparking a positive reaction among "values shoppers" who think that patronizing a "Christian" business is ... Read More
Newsletter 03-30-05
Wednesday March 30, 2005
News items from the past week include the recent honor killings in Germany, conservative criticisms of using "What Would Jesus Do" as a political platform, whether atheists can have Christians ... Read More
This Date in History: Tomas Torquemada
Wednesday March 30, 2005
March 30, 1492 : Inquisitor-General Tomas Torquemada recommended that all Jews be expelled from Spain.
Iraq: Death at 'Immoral' Picnic in the Park
Wednesday March 30, 2005
Theocratic attitudes seem to be growing in Iraq. People who dare to transgress traditional Islamic norms, at least as Muslim extremists interpret them, are literally risking their lives by doing ... Read More
Kicked Out of Bush Speech - For Liberal Bumper Stickers
Wednesday March 30, 2005
Three people who tried to attend President Bush's "town hall" meeting in Denver, Colorado, were forcibly removed. Why? Because they had bumper stickers on their cars supporting liberal causes. How ... Read More
History of the Papacy: Popes of the 7th Century
Wednesday March 30, 2005
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the seventh century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, ... Read More
Alan Keyes Defends Florida Dictatorship?
Wednesday March 30, 2005
If there is one person who can always be counted upon to defend the indefensible, it's Alan Keyes. In the past he's defended the authority of states to establish theocracies. ... Read More
Adultery in South Korea
Wednesday March 30, 2005
The sex industry of South Korea, Asia's third largest economy, accounts for an estimated 4% of their Gross Domestic Product - perhaps more. It's thought that one-fifth of South Korean ... Read More
List of Terri Schiavo Donors Being Sold
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Terri Schiavo's parents solicited donations from religious conservatives to help them in their legal battles. Now they are authorizing the sale of donors' names and addresses to conservative groups who ... Read More
Boy Scout Official Charged with Child Porn
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Douglas S. Smith was the Boy Scouts of America's director of programming. He was chairman of the Scout's Youth Protection League, responsible for alerting scout leaders to the dangers of ... Read More
Accusations of Abuse Against Michael Schiavo: Dismissed with Prejudice
Tuesday March 29, 2005
You may have heard the various accusations (sometimes implied, sometimes explicit) that Terri Schiavo's condition was caused by abuse suffered at the hands of Michael Schiavo. Is there any substance ... Read More
Pittsburghers of Little Faith
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Slowly, gradually, atheists are becoming better organized. One area that has experienced a resurgence is Pittsburgh. Not long ago the Pittsburgh Secular Humanist group was languishing, but today there are ... Read More
New York: Worker Shunned Over Religion Given New Job
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Earlier this year I reported on Patricia Freund, an employee of the New York State Liquor Authority who had all of her duties removed and was stuck in a back ... Read More
Science: A Dirty Word in Bush Administration
Tuesday March 29, 2005
A consistent them in the administration of George W. Bush has been that of opposition to science. Any time scientific fact contradicts religious or political agendas, that science is subverted, ... Read More
What is the Terri Schiavo Case Really About?
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Now that much of the Terri Schiavo case are winding down, it would be helpful to take a look back and review what the real issues actually were. They weren't ... Read More
British Theaters Succumb to Christian Extremists
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Christians extremists who object to "Jerry Springer - The Opera" have managed to bully theaters into not showing it. This means that the production company won't be able to hold ... Read More
This Date in History: Football Game Prayers
Tuesday March 29, 2005
March 29, 2000: Argued: Santa Fe School District v. Doe The Supreme Court ruled that official, student-led prayers before a school football game violated the separation of church and state.
Scottish Church Backs Gay Priests
Tuesday March 29, 2005
The Scottish Episcopal Church has declared that a gay person who is sexually active is not automatically barred from serving in the priesthood. Gay rights activists are pleased, but this ... Read More
Schiavo Protesters Being Immoral Pests
Tuesday March 29, 2005
The people protesting outside the Terri Schiavo's hospice are claiming to be fighting for morality. In reality, their battle is causing a tremendous disturbance in the local community and for ... Read More
Papacy: Pope John Paul II, Capitalism, and Liberation Theology
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Most observers are familiar with John Paul II's attacks on communism, but fewer are familiar with the extent to which he has criticized capitalism. Americans seem to assume that capitalism ... Read More
Facts and Lies about Religion in the Terri Schiavo Case
Tuesday March 29, 2005
The forces opposed to removing Terri Schiavo's gastric tube are almost uniformly religious in their perspective. Unfortunately for them, a significant number of those who support Michael Schiavo are also ... Read More
Terrorism, Religious Terrorism, and Thuggery
Tuesday March 29, 2005
Terrorists use violence to achieve their political goals - those goals are supposed to separate them from common criminals. Religious terrorists are supposed to employ violence in the name of ... Read More
Terri's Law?
Monday March 28, 2005
Many Republicans are incensed that the law was actually on the side of Michael Schiavo and spouses are allowed to make medical decisions for each other, even if the parents ... Read More
Easter Message: Atheism is Justified
Monday March 28, 2005
Easter may be a Christian holiday, now that Christians have co-opted it so thoroughly, but that doesn't mean that atheists have nothing to say to mark the occasion. It's a ... Read More
Academic Freedom in Florida
Monday March 28, 2005
Because conservatives are persecuted on college campuses, Florida legislators want to take action to protect them. How? By giving them the right to sue in court if they are exposed ... Read More
Student with Democrat Shirt Banned from Bush Speech
Monday March 28, 2005
When President Bush visited Tuscon, Arizona, to tout his Social Security plans, a member of the University of Arizona's Young Democrats planned to attend. He had a ticket and everything, ... Read More
Alabama Wants to Ban Gay Adoptions
Monday March 28, 2005
Gay couples in Alabama already can't adopt children together because they can't marry. The state does, however, have provisions for single people to adopt and they want to close this ... Read More
Moral Relativism & Terri Schiavo
Monday March 28, 2005
You may have read or heard about the recent David Brooks column where he attempts to explain the difference in reactions between conservatives and liberals to the Terri Schiavo case. ... Read More
RIP: Sam Francis, Racist Hatemonger
Monday March 28, 2005
Sam Francis was a racist who spread his hate via a column syndicated by Creators Syndicate. He complained, for example, about advertising that depicted intimacy between a "Nordic" white actress ... Read More
Atheist Charities Scam?
Monday March 28, 2005
Have you received emails from "Atheist Charities," promising to help people in need in a manner consisting with secular, atheistic perspectives? I have and so have a lot of other ... Read More
This Date in History: China & Tibet
Monday March 28, 2005
March 28, 1959: In a violation of Tibetan political and religious autonomy, which they had pledged to uphold, the Chinese government dissolved the Tibetan government and replaced the Dalai Lama ... Read More
Newsletter 03-28-05
Monday March 28, 2005
News items from the past week include changes in the definition of marriage, threats to the future of potluck dinners in churches, attempts to legally protect Boy Scout bigotry and ... Read More
Bishop Apologizes for Refusing Gay Man's Funeral
Monday March 28, 2005
I earlier wrote about the gay bar owner denied a funeral by the Catholic diocese in San Diego; well, public pressure there caused the bishop to reconsider the decision and ... Read More
Battle Brewing Over Terri Schiavo's Funeral
Monday March 28, 2005
Terri Schiavo's death will not end the rancorous conflict between Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, and her parents. Michael wants to have Terri's body cremated and taken back to Pennsylvania; the ... Read More
History of the Papacy: Popes of the 4th Century
Monday March 28, 2005
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the fourth century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, ... Read More
British State School Bans Atheists
Monday March 28, 2005
A publicly funded school in Britain is openly refusing to admit the children of atheists or humanists. Other schools are suspected of doing the same, but this is the first ... Read More
Tom DeLay Let Father Die in 1988
Sunday March 27, 2005
One of the self-righteous Republicans at the forefront of political efforts to restore Terri Schiavo's feeding tubes was Tom DeLay. He accused Michael Schiavo of "barbarism" and worse for wanting ... Read More
Chicago: Protesters Blast Pharmacy Over Birth-Control Pills
Sunday March 27, 2005
About 100 people staged a protest outside a Chicago pharmacy where a pharmacist refuses to fill prescriptions for birth control pills. There's growing support for letting pharmacists get away with ... Read More
Ohio: Gay Marriage Ban Protects Unmarried Domestic Violence
Sunday March 27, 2005
Ohio voters passed a ban on "gay marriage" that broadly bans any law or regulation that would provide the same status to unmarried couples as married couples have. This, according ... Read More
Christian Pests in Philadelphia
Sunday March 27, 2005
American Atheists held a convention in Philadelphia this past weekend, but local Christians weren't happy about it. They thought it appropriate to stand outside with bullhorns in order to harass ... Read More
Smug Theism
Sunday March 27, 2005
Many theists look down upon atheists, convinced that atheists are pitiful creatures for not "seeing the light" and recognizing the existence of God. How and why would such an attitude ... Read More
Terri Schiavo News: Facts, Myths, and Issues in the Terri Schiavo Case
Sunday March 27, 2005
Terri Schiavo fell into a coma brought on buy her bulimia and the loss of blood flow to her brain caused it to die - her cerebral cortex is gone ... Read More
The Maury Povich Show & Lie Detectors
Sunday March 27, 2005
Because I work more from home these days, I've caught a greater share of daytime television - and not always for the better. One, the Maury Povich Show, seems to ... Read More
This Date in History: Auschwitz
Sunday March 27, 2005
March 27, 1940 : Heinrich Himmler ordered the construction of the concentration camp of Auschwitz at Katowice, Poland.
Terri Schiavo & The Christian Right: Debating the Nature of Humanity
Sunday March 27, 2005
The debate over the fate of Terri Schiavo has also been, on a very fundamental level, a debate about the nature of our humanity and of human life. The disagreement ... Read More
No Special Forces Jesus?
Sunday March 27, 2005
The U.S. Army awarded a contract to the International Bible Society to print special Bibles for the Special Forces. Steve Peacock filed a Freedom of Information Act request of find ... Read More
Erotic Bakery... in Texas?
Sunday March 27, 2005
Do you have an erotic bakery near you? I don't, but there's one in Texas of all places and if they can manage to have an erotic bakery, I don't ... Read More
Weekly Quote: Alley on Religion & Accommodation
Sunday March 27, 2005
As currently employed, the very concept of accommodation suggests the need of the state to define that to which it is making accommodation. And accommodate to what? Who is to ... Read More
Chomping on Chocolate Crosses for Easter
Saturday March 26, 2005
Russell Stover Candies is selling chocolate crosses this Easter and some religious leaders are bothered by this. It seems that eating chocolate representations of one of the most gruesome and ... Read More
California: Should Cross Go on Town Seal?
Saturday March 26, 2005
Redlands, California, is considering putting a Christian cross on the town seal. Supporters are arguing that this can be done with a completely secular purpose and no religious basis at ... Read More
Terri Schiavo's Death Will Not Be the End
Saturday March 26, 2005
I think that a lot of people may actually be looking forward to Terri Schiavo's death, thinking that once her life ends then so will the media frenzy, the religious ... Read More
Schiavo Judge Asked to Leave Church
Saturday March 26, 2005
In Pinellas County, Florida, Judge Geroge Greer has been asked to leave his church. Apparently his pastor doesn't think that it would be appropriate for Greer to continue worshipping in ... Read More
Living Wills & Future Preferences: Who Should Decide Your Treatment?
Saturday March 26, 2005
Sometimes a person's medical condition precludes them from expressing a preference about their treatment and the responsibility lies entirely with others. Sometimes a person’s medical condition allows them to express ... Read More
Avert Your Eyes from the Theocrats...
Saturday March 26, 2005
Some supporters of government-endorsed religious messages frame their position as if they were defending freedom of speech and argue that those who don't like such messages can just "avert their ... Read More
Randall Terry's Family Values & Terri Schiavo's Family
Saturday March 26, 2005
One of the most prominent activists helping the Schindlers get a feeding tube reinserted into their daughter, Terri Schiavo, is Randall Terry. He's well known for his activism in the ... Read More
This Date in History: Pope John Paul II on Politicians & Judges
Saturday March 26, 2005
March 26, 1995: In the encyclical Evangelium Vitae, Pope John Paul II ordered all Catholic voters, judges, and legislators to obey Vatican teaching in their decisions and votes: "In the ... Read More
Newsletter 03-26-05
Saturday March 26, 2005
Welcome to issue #7.12 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where the gospels ... Read More
The Fight Over Terri Schiavo: Why Michael Schiavo Decides Terri's Fate
Saturday March 26, 2005
The legal battle over Terri Schiavo is fundamentally a family fight: Terri Schiavo’s husband Michael wants to do one thing and her parents, the Schindlers, want to do something else. ... Read More
You Say You Want Some Evolution...
Saturday March 26, 2005
A significant number of people in America don't believe that evolution happened and they are exercising their political muscle to get it removed from schools and even science museums. They ... Read More
Terri Schiavo Is Not Property
Saturday March 26, 2005
A common question we hear from the Christian Right is why not just give Terri Schiavo to her parents, the Schindlers. Michael Schiavo won't have to deal with her, the ... Read More
Schiavo: This Business Will Get Out of Control...
Saturday March 26, 2005
President Bush and the GOP have certainly gotten their "base" of religious extremists whipped up into a frenzy. The question now: will they be able to keep control of them ... Read More
History of the Papacy: Popes of the 15th Century
Saturday March 26, 2005
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the fifteenth century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, ... Read More
New York: Woman Leads Muslim Prayer Service
Saturday March 26, 2005
In New York City, a Muslim woman recently led prayer services at a mosque; Muslim religious leaders in the Middle East are not happy about that. Is this a violation ... Read More
Crucifixion of AWOL Police - Literally
Friday March 25, 2005
Every year, a number of people in the Philipines crucify themselves on Good Friday to imitate what they believe Jesus experienced. This year, AWOL police are being given a special ... Read More
History of the Papacy: Popes of the 2nd Century
Friday March 25, 2005
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the second century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, ... Read More
Bhagat Singh on Atheism
Friday March 25, 2005
Atheism, skepticism, humanism, and secularism all have a strong presence in India, but far too many in the West are completely unaware of this or of any of the material ... Read More
Newsletter 03-25-05
Friday March 25, 2005
Today we have a special edition dealing with the Terri Schiavo case: what are the ethical issues? What are the medical facts? To what ridiculous lengths will the Christian Right ... Read More
Brain Death & Persistent Vegetative State in Terri Schiavo
Friday March 25, 2005
The debate over Terri Schiavo is largely about whether a feeding tube should be used to keep her body alive despite the absence of her brain. It is possible to ... Read More
Christian Conflicts in Jerusalem Threaten Easter
Friday March 25, 2005
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the holiest sites in Christianity, built over what many believe to have been Christ's tomb. It is also one ... Read More
This Date in History: Marcel Lefebvre
Friday March 25, 2005
March 25, 1991: Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre of Switzerland dies in Martigny, Switzerland. Lefebvre had broken with Rome following the Second Vatican Council and, over the years, consecrated hundreds of priests ... Read More
Terri Schiavo's Medial Facts & History: Bulimia, Coma, Brain Death in Terri Schiavo
Friday March 25, 2005
In the debate over what should happen to Terri Schiavo, many lose sight of the facts and background of Terri’s medical history. Terri Schiavo had bulimia which produced a potassium ... Read More
Liberalism, Socialism, and Religion
Friday March 25, 2005
A common charge made by religious conservatives is that atheism is somehow equivalent to or dependent upon socialism. This is an inheritance, I think, from earlier forms of conservatism where ... Read More
Bush Wants to Cut Programs Aiding Brain-Damaged Kids
Friday March 25, 2005
President Bush has announced that he supports a "presumption in favor of life" in American society. Tom DeLay has supported the use of more medical treatment and therapy in order ... Read More
Christian Right Cashing in On Terri Schiavo
Friday March 25, 2005
Religious conservatives have complained that Michael Schiavo has a financial incentive in his wife's death. What they don't tell you is that they have a financial incentive in her death ... Read More
Undermining Science in Kansas
Friday March 25, 2005
In the past, anti-evolution activists have only looked to undermine evolution; today, they are looking more generally to undermine science as a whole. They seek to replace naturalistic science with ... Read More
Discussion: Will Terri Schiavo's Case Lead to Violence?
Friday March 25, 2005
A man was arrested in Florida trying to buy a gun in order to "rescue" Terri Schiavo. A forum member writes: "I didn't realize just how emotional some people were ... Read More
Terri Schiavo: Judicial Review vs. Judicial Appeals
Friday March 25, 2005
Many people seem to have expected the federal courts to give a new trial to the parents of Terry Schiavo. That's not the way the court system works and if ... Read More
Terri Schiavo should be....
Friday March 25, 2005
What should happen to Terri Schiavo? Should she be kept alive? Allowed to die? Be euthanized quickly? Most are choosing the third choice, euthanasia. Vote in the online poll and ... Read More
Gary McCullough: Schindler Spokesman, Apologist for Violence
Friday March 25, 2005
One of the family spokesman of the Schindler family is Gary McCullough. He and Tandall Terry have been very active and vocal in trying to prevent Michael Schiavo from making ... Read More
Gay Rights in Michigan
Thursday March 24, 2005
Voters in Michigan passed an amendment to the state's constitution that was supposed to ban gay marriage, but critics noted that the language was much broader than that. Now the ... Read More
Discussion: Terri Schiavo, Theism, and Humanism
Thursday March 24, 2005
A forum member writes: What is being played out in the Terry Schiavo case is the battle between humanistic and theistic values. Humanistic values hold the rights of people paramount. ... Read More
This 'Culture of Life' Message Was Bought and Paid For...
Thursday March 24, 2005
All the furor over whether Terri Schiavo should remain connected to feeding tube raises some interesting issues that the media has ignored. For various reasons, the laws which President George ... Read More
This Date in History: Joseph Smith
Thursday March 24, 2005
March 24, 1832: Mormon leader Joseph Smith was beaten, tarred and feathered in Ohio.
Michael Schiavo Accused of Atheism
Thursday March 24, 2005
If I had thought about it, I probably would have expected it. People who disagree with what is being done to Terri Schiavo have reached down in to the blackest ... Read More
Teen Pregnancy Epidemic... Pharmacies Won't Stock Condoms, Pills
Thursday March 24, 2005
A region of New South Wales in Australia is experiencing an epidemic of teen pregnancies. Do you suppose that there is any connection between this and the fact that the ... Read More
Catholic Church & Terri Schiavo: Shifting Policy?
Thursday March 24, 2005
The Vatican has spoken out against the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, claiming that feeding tubes don't qualify as "extraordinary" care and, hence, it's not licit to remove them. ... Read More
Faith vs. Science in Terri Schiavo's Case
Thursday March 24, 2005
The Christian Right has never met bad science or pseudoscience that it doesn't like - so long as it furthers their religious agenda, that is. Now they have found a ... Read More
Connecticut: Wiccan Priestess Fired - Too Many Holidays?
Thursday March 24, 2005
A Wiccan priestess in Derby, Connecticut, claims that she was fired because of the amount of time she wanted off for religious observances. She asked for religious holidays off, without ... Read More
Publicity Stunts, Symbols, & Moral Failure in Terri Schiavo's Case
Thursday March 24, 2005
Christian Right activists who want Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted have engaged in civil disobedience in front of her hospice. This is understandable and expected - less understandable is how ... Read More
Papacy: Pope John Paul II, Communism, and Freedom of Conscience
Thursday March 24, 2005
Perhaps one of the most significant and memorable features of John Paul II’s papacy was his battle against 'godless' communism. It is likely that he will be known forever as ... Read More
'What Would Jesus Do' As a Political Platform
Wednesday March 23, 2005
Many Christians ask (implicitly or explicitly) what Jesus would do as a guide to their own ethical and social conduct. When limited to their personal actions, they should certainly be ... Read More
Ten Commandments: Dummy's Guide to Christianity?
Wednesday March 23, 2005
It is interesting that defense of government-funded Ten Commandments monuments comes almost entirely form conservative Christians. This is, after all, text from the Jewish scriptures. Why don't Christians argue for ... Read More
Erring on the Side of Life... or Fascism? (updated)
Wednesday March 23, 2005
Conservatives seeking to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube have articulated the ethical principle that we should "err on the side of life" - that's why more and more judicial reviews ... Read More
Boy Scout Bigotry to Get Protection?
Wednesday March 23, 2005
Legislators hope to pass this year a law that would declare that no federal laws should be read as limiting the ability of any government agency from supporting the Boy ... Read More
Newsletter 03-23-05
Wednesday March 23, 2005
News items from the past week include questions about whether the "abortion is murder" rhetoric is believed by the people who use it, O'Reilly's claim that the ACLU is a ... Read More
This Date in History: Heaven's Gate
Wednesday March 23, 2005
March 23, 1997: Thirty-nine members of the Heaven's Gate cult in California began committing mass suicide in anticipation of the arrival of comet Hale-Bopp. The suicides would take place in ... Read More
Keyes Still Hates Gays
Wednesday March 23, 2005
Some might have hoped that Alan Keyes' recent (and public) split from his lesbian daughter would cause him to reconsider his opinions about gays and gay rights. Perhaps that will ... Read More
Papacy: Pope John Paul II on Contraception and Abortion
Wednesday March 23, 2005
It is arguable that one of the most consistent themes running throughout John Paul II's papacy has been his concern with sexual morality: contraception, abortion, divorce, homosexuality, and all of ... Read More
Colorado: Free Speech vs. Patriotism
Wednesday March 23, 2005
Most people probably wouldn't give a second thought to choosing between free speech and patriotism: individuals have a right to say what they wish and not be compelled to say ... Read More
DeLay: Florida Judge is 'Murderer' and 'Terrorist'
Tuesday March 22, 2005
U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, one of the most prominent and powerful Republicans in the nation, accused a fellow Republican and Florida judge of murder and terrorism. Why? Because ... Read More
Church, State, and Potluck Dinners
Tuesday March 22, 2005
Should potluck dinners at churches be subject to general laws on food safety? That's increasingly the case around the nation and there doesn't appear to be much that churches can ... Read More
Minnesota: Abortion Rights Threatened
Tuesday March 22, 2005
There's a new bill in Minnesota that would shift large amounts of money to anti-choice "pregnancy crisis centers." These places try to stop women from getting and abortion and don't ... Read More
This Date in History: Joan of Arc
Tuesday March 22, 2005
March 22, 1429 : Joan of Arc submitted to examinations by eminent ecclesiastical advisors to Charles, the Dauphin, in the hopes of convincing them all that her divinely-inspired mission to ... Read More
Germany: Honor Killings Epidemic
Tuesday March 22, 2005
So-called "honor killings" of Muslim women have increased sharply in Germany recently. In the past four months alone, six women have been murdered by their own families. Why? Because these ... Read More
DeLay: Terri Schiavo Case is a Gift from God
Tuesday March 22, 2005
Conservative Republicans have pulled out all stops in order to make a political issue out of Terri Schiavo's case. Neither conservative principles nor the rule of law matter — all ... Read More
Why Not Let Terri Schiavo's Parents Care For Her?
Tuesday March 22, 2005
One of the arguments sometimes made by those who don't want Terri Schiavo's feeding tube removed is that Michael Schiavo, if he disagrees with caring for her, should just let ... Read More
History of the Papacy: Popes of the 12th Century
Tuesday March 22, 2005
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the twelfth century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, ... Read More
Terri Schiavo Case Brings Out Violent, Crazy Christians
Tuesday March 22, 2005
Why is it that so many threats to people's lives come from the so-called "pro-life" movement? Judges who rule against pro-lifers put their own lives at risk - consider, for ... Read More
Defending Marriage Newspeak
Tuesday March 22, 2005
People who want to prevent gays from marrying commonly argue that it would be wrong to adjust our conception of marriage beyond the traditional "one man + one woman" paradigm. ... Read More
Intelligent Design: Political Embarrassment to Republicans
Monday March 21, 2005
The conflicts over "Intelligent" Design are fundamentally political in nature. Proponents make it out to be a scientific issue, but they have no science behind them. Religion plays a significant ... Read More
Female Police = Political Correctness?
Monday March 21, 2005
One of the images that commonly accompanies the story of Brian Nichols, charged with murdering several people in an Atlanta courtroom, is that of a female police office escorting him. ... Read More
This Date in History: Prohibiting the Teaching of Evolution
Monday March 21, 2005
March 21, 1925 : Tennessee Governor Austin Peay signed into law a prohibition against the teaching of evolution in public schools. Later that year John Scopes would violate the law, ... Read More
Newsletter 03-21-05
Monday March 21, 2005
News items from the past week include the role of respect for others in humanist philosophy, the importance of Planned Parenthood for many women's healthcare, Catholic students objecting to writing ... Read More
Convenient Christianity & Exploiting God
Monday March 21, 2005
There are a number of religious conservatives who seem adept at exploiting religion and Christianity when it suits them. Consider, for example, the way they hyped the awful experiences of ... Read More
Government-Funded Religious Discrimination is Wrong
Monday March 21, 2005
When George W. Bush visited Pittsburgh and promoted his faith-based initiatives, he argued that religious organizations can be more efficient and do a better job than government programs (despite the ... Read More
Blogsnark: Defense of the Ten Commandments
Sunday March 20, 2005
There are a lot of conservative Christians out there who want to "defend" the Ten Commandments. Every time they do, though, they end up giving more ammunition to those who ... Read More
Catholic Funeral Denied to Gay Bar Owner
Sunday March 20, 2005
If you are a bar owner, should the Catholic church refuse to bury you? What if you are a gay bar owner? Well, that's what happened in San Diego where ... Read More
Science Theaters Rejection IMAX Films Over Evolution
Sunday March 20, 2005
The Christian Right's war on science and evolution is bearing fruit: a number of Imax theaters, even those in science museums, are refusing to run movies that even mention evolution. ... Read More
Ireland: Faith Schools vs. Secular, Integrated Schools
Sunday March 20, 2005
One of the biggest - but generally unrecognized - contributors to the problems in Ireland has been the system of separate religious schools used by Protestant and Catholic children. Remaining ... Read More
Germany: Secular Rites of Passage
Sunday March 20, 2005
Both Catholics and Protestants have "confirmation" ceremonies - rites of passage from youth into adulthood when one is expected to be mature enough to voluntarily assume responsibility for one's religious ... Read More
This Date in History: Invasion of Iraq
Sunday March 20, 2005
March 20, 2003: Around 2:30 GMT the United States begins its invasion of Iraq by launching a series of air strikes against Baghdad in the hopes of quickly killing leaders ... Read More
Under God - An Ancient Relic of the Past
Sunday March 20, 2005
Are references to God simply ancient relics of the past, one-time religious incantations that have become little more than automatic formalities with no serious meaning? That's what many think - ... Read More
Making Scripture Secular
Sunday March 20, 2005
More people are starting to take notice of the fact that religious "conservatives" who defend government endorsement of their religious beliefs do so by arguing that their beliefs aren't "really" ... Read More
Weekly Quote: Fortas on Government Neutrality Towards Religion
Sunday March 20, 2005
Government in our democracy, state and national, must be neutral in matters of religious theory, doctrine, and practice. It may not be hostile to any religion or to the advocacy ... Read More
Facts and Lies About Terri Schiavo (3 updates)
Saturday March 19, 2005
Terri Schiavo's sad case keeps appearing in the news, but more often than not we hear lies, myths, and distortions - consistently from religious conservatives (and especially conservative Catholics) determined ... Read More
No Middle Ground on Ten Commandments
Saturday March 19, 2005
There are many Christians who want very badly for the government to erect monuments to the Ten Commandments. If they are smart, they know that this won't work so long ... Read More
Doctor Evangelizing New Patients?
Saturday March 19, 2005
Medical professionals have been debating recently about how they can best address patients' religious and spiritual needs. Should addressing those needs, however, including taking the first step to bring religion ... Read More
This Date in History: Balanced Treatment of Evolution
Saturday March 19, 2005
March 19, 1981: Governor Frank J. White signed into law Arkansas' infamous "Balanced Treatment" act (Act 590), mandating that any science class which teaches about evolution must also give equal ... Read More
Christians Worried About Non-Christian Prayers
Saturday March 19, 2005
When the Christian Right complains that more "religion" is needed in the public sphere and in government, they typically mean that more "Christianity" (as they define it) is needed. Laws ... Read More
Dark Side of the American Dream
Saturday March 19, 2005
The "American Dream" is that anyone can, with hard work and perseverance, bring themselves up out of poverty and achieve greatness in some fashion. Sometimes it might take a couple ... Read More
Why the Veil Matters
Friday March 18, 2005
What's the big deal about girls wearing veils to school? If it's a part of their religion and culture, why should government officials care - and why should feminist activists ... Read More
Christians as Friends
Friday March 18, 2005
Can atheists develop friendships with Christians? Obviously it depends upon the people in question, but it's also obvious that traditional, orthodox Christianity can place a lot of barriers in the ... Read More
Newsletter 03-18-05
Friday March 18, 2005
Welcome to issue #7.11 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Christian Millenarianism, the sin of anger, John Paul's opposition ... Read More
Incest, Forgiveness, and the Amish
Friday March 18, 2005
The Amish are a largely insular community and authorities tend to leave the Amish to themselves - including when it comes to dealing with legal matters. Unfortunately, this allows for ... Read More
This Date in History: Knights Templar
Friday March 18, 2005
March 18, 1314: Thirty-Nine French Knights Templar are burned at the stake.
Gödel and Relativism
Friday March 18, 2005
Many people cite the work of logician Kurt Gödel as support for their own brand of relativism. They claim, for example, that Gödel proved that there exist true statements which ... Read More
Rootedness, Conservatism & Community
Thursday March 17, 2005
One of the most common critiques of modernity may be that of alienation: from work, from self, from family, from nature, and from traditional communities. Such critiques are most often ... Read More
Humanism and Respect
Thursday March 17, 2005
Religions generally encourage commitment to one's community, but do they also discourage respect to other communities - especially when "one's community" is defined very narrowly? That seems to be the ... Read More
This Date in History: Pat Robertson on Church/State Separation
Thursday March 17, 2005
March 17, 2003: Speaking on the 700 Club, Pat Robertson expressed his support for the separation of church and state when the "church" in question involved a religion other than ... Read More
Fox 'Business' News & the Ten Commandments
Thursday March 17, 2005
If Fox "News" were a real news organization, their business segment would focus on business news. Why, then, did a recent program focus on the Ten Commandments and make excuses ... Read More
Is Abortion Murder or Not?
Thursday March 17, 2005
Anti-choice activists like to use the language of abortion being murder, but when was the last time you saw someone really and consistently treating abortion as if it were murder? ... Read More
Blogsnark: You Can’t Tell Me What I Shalt and Shalt Not Do!
Wednesday March 16, 2005
Why do people support Ten Commandments displays chosen by, paid for, and endorsed by the government? Because they believe that those Commandments are a part of their religious ideology - ... Read More
Why Planned Parenthood Matters
Wednesday March 16, 2005
Anti-choice protesters try to make it difficult for Planned Parenthood clinics to stay open and provide services. They act as though abortion were the only thing going on, but what ... Read More
Newsletter 03-16-05
Wednesday March 16, 2005
News items from the past week include a woman claiming that she was fired because of her failure to adhere to standards created by the Church of Scientology, an adult ... Read More
This Date in History: Right of Religious Schooling
Wednesday March 16, 2005
March 16, 1925: Argued: Pierce v. Society of Sisters A case deciding that parents may not be forced to send their children to public rather than private schools, based on ... Read More
Godless Communists in Iraq
Wednesday March 16, 2005
Did you know that "godless communists" are in charge of the government in Iraq? That's what some people apparently think. That's a bit extreme and I wonder where they are ... Read More
Released Time Story
Wednesday March 16, 2005
It appears that there are quite a few school districts around the nation where there have been released-time programs that allow students to attend religion classes instead of do school ... Read More
Christians Driven from the Middle East?
Tuesday March 15, 2005
Christians are having a tough time in the Middle East. It appears that many feel compelled their leave their homes. Between Islamic extremism and the U.S war on terror, Christians ... Read More
Catholic Students Complain About Writing 16-page Paper
Tuesday March 15, 2005
A Notre Dame freshman in a Film, Television, & Theater class was required to write a paper because he refused to attend a performance of the "Vagina Monologues." For some ... Read More
Supreme Zealotry
Tuesday March 15, 2005
Chief Justice Antonin Scalia has gone repeatedly on record as saying that the government derives its authority from his god, not from the consent and participating of the people actually ... Read More
This Date in History: Sigmund Freud
Tuesday March 15, 2005
March 15, 1938 : Just one day after the Nazi occupation of Austria began, Sigmund Freud's home in Vienna was taken over by German soldiers who destroyed his private library. ... Read More
South Africa: Churches Battle Over Condoms
Tuesday March 15, 2005
Catholic churches in South Africa are campaigning against condom use; Protestant churches, on the other hand, are starting to publicly advocate condom use. In a nation where the AIDS epidemic ... Read More
Gay Marriage in California
Tuesday March 15, 2005
The legal prohibition against gay marriage in California has been struck down, but thus far only by a superior court judge in San Francisco. Opponents of gay marriage will appeal, ... Read More
Moderate to Head Spanish Church
Tuesday March 15, 2005
It appears that the new head of the Catholic Church in Spain is a moderate who is willing to work with the government. The Catholic Church has, in the recent ... Read More
Pregnancy, Contraception, and Abortion
Monday March 14, 2005
There is a growing movement of pharmacists who want the right to refuse filling prescriptions for birth control pills, arguing that the pills may "terminate pregnancies" and they don't want ... Read More
Moderate Muslims in Britain: Fighting Back?
Monday March 14, 2005
One problem that has plagued Muslim communities in the West is the disproportionate influence and voice enjoyed by extremists. They have been able to shape and direct Muslim communities with ... Read More
Ancient Art, Ancient Religion
Monday March 14, 2005
It's been a century since Ice Age art on cave walls was first discovered and now researchers have had the opportunity to examine cave art from all over the world. ... Read More
Newsletter 03-14-05
Monday March 14, 2005
News items from the past week include an encounter between a Catholic priests and some Scientologists, claims that Christians are being discriminated against in law schools, and Virginia legislators objecting ... Read More
Louisiana & Utah School Boards Continue Prayers
Monday March 14, 2005
School boards in communities dominated by religious conservatives are determined to keep having official prayers at their meetings, regardless of how that affects religious minorities and regardless of what the ... Read More
This Date in History: John Hus
Monday March 14, 2005
March 14, 1415: John Hus travels to the Council of Constance to propose reforms for the Church. Rather than listen to him, the Council tries Hus for heresy, excommunicates him ... Read More
Dell Fires Muslims for Praying on the Job
Monday March 14, 2005
Businesses have a legal obligation to try to accommodate employees' religious practices, at least so long as such accommodation doesn't substantially interfere with business. Establishing just where the line is ... Read More
Florida: State Funding for Pre-K Religious Instruction?
Monday March 14, 2005
Should the government pay for pre-kindergarten programs that include religious instruction? The state of Florida seems to think so and wants taxpayers to finance kids' religious teaching.
The Olando Sentinel reports:
The ... Read More
Sartre's Cigarette Photoshopped Out
Sunday March 13, 2005
Smoking has become so socially unacceptable that historical images which include depictions of smoking are being censored and digitally altered. It's happened before in America and now it's occurring in ... Read More
Iowa: No Bible Verses on School Lockers
Sunday March 13, 2005
Just how far should free expression go in public schools? Students still have rights, but all students have rights - including the ones who don't want to be exposed to ... Read More
Boy Scouts to Pull Charters from Government Entities
Sunday March 13, 2005
The Boy Scouts of America will be removing their charters from all public schools and, it seems, all other governmental organizations. The reason is that the ACLU sent them a ... Read More
Texas: Murder Charge Over Induced Miscarriage
Sunday March 13, 2005
Texas has a law criminalizing the killing of a fetus except in an abortion. This law is being used to prosecute a young man who, at the request of his ... Read More
Virtues vs. Values
Sunday March 13, 2005
The Christian Right talks a lot about "values" and how America needs to get back to traditional values - Christian values as the Right defines them, of course. Values, though, ... Read More
This Date in History: Butler Act - Evolution in Tennessee
Sunday March 13, 2005
March 13, 1925: Tennessee's upper house passed 24-6 the Butler Act, a law which would prohibit the teaching of evolution in public schools. This law would later be challenged in ... Read More
Empire vs. Liberation Christianity
Sunday March 13, 2005
The Christianity promoted by George W. Bush and the rest of the Christian Right in America is radically different from that promoted by others in the world, particularly those closely ... Read More
Republicans Reject Biblical Principles
Sunday March 13, 2005
Do Christian Right politicians really believe their own religious rhetoric or do they simply use it to get what they want? A revealing case comes from Republican Senator Chuck Grassley ... Read More
Weekly Quote: Johnson on Christian Millenarianism
Sunday March 13, 2005
Millenarianism appeals to the marginalized, those whose expectations of power, possessions, or prestige have been disappointed — the relatively deprived who take their deprivation absolutely. Apocalyptic visions appeal to them ... Read More
Teacher Filmed Forcing Student to Stand for Anthem
Saturday March 12, 2005
Should students be physically forced to stand during the national anthem? That's what happened in one school - a teacher blew his top and yanked the chair out from under ... Read More
This Date in History: Buddhas in Afghanistan
Saturday March 12, 2005
March 12, 2001: In Afghanistan, the Taliban blew up two 2,000-year-old Buddhist statues in the cliffs above Bamian - despite an international outcry which included complaints from various Muslim nations.
WWJD? Joke About Nuking Syria
Saturday March 12, 2005
Sam Johnson is a Republican from Texas who, as a member of the "values-based" Christian Right, recently joked about dropping nuclear bombs on Syria. This is what it means to ... Read More
Texas Taliban Becoming a Role Model?
Saturday March 12, 2005
Perhaps the saddest aspect of Texas-style Christian extremism is the way in which it is becoming a role model for others. This doesn't just include those who already agree with ... Read More
Anal Sex - God's Way!
Friday March 11, 2005
You might assume that God frowns upon anal sex, but perhaps not. Condemnations of "sodomy" may only apply to homosexual activity; therefore, anal sex between heterosexuals would be just fine.
Sex ... Read More
Education Secretary to Fund Religious Schools?
Friday March 11, 2005
The new Education Secretary, Margaret Spellings, has told Catholic bishops that they should start trying to provide services to schoolchildren because the government will pay the bills. They don't have ... Read More
Newsletter 03-11-05
Friday March 11, 2005
Welcome to issue #7.10 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether popes can resign and a recent book on ... Read More
Maryland: Senate Considering New Prayer Rules
Friday March 11, 2005
Last year, the Maryland Senate changed its prayer rules in order to prohibit sectarian prayers that invoke the name of any specific god or religious figure. Now Republicans want to ... Read More
This Date in History: Pledging Allegiance in Schools
Friday March 11, 2005
March 11, 1943 : Argued: West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that a school district violated the rights of students by forcing them ... Read More
Antonin Scalia: Government Derives Authority From God
Friday March 11, 2005
Should America be a theocracy? Some think so and openly advocate it. Others think so and make their case more subtly, promoting doctrines that encourage theocratic attitudes without openly admitting ... Read More
O'Reilly: ACLU is a Terrorist Group
Friday March 11, 2005
Bill O'Reilly of Fox News has become know for outrageous and outlandish remarks about people he disagrees with. It would be almost amusing if it weren't for the fact that ... Read More
Government Can Fund Catholic School Teachers?
Thursday March 10, 2005
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has reversed a lower court decision prohibiting federally funded AmeriCorps volunteers from teaching religion in ... Read More
Utah Needs Gay-Hating Textbooks
Thursday March 10, 2005
In Utah's Nebo School District, students are able to take a class in introductory psychology. Unfortunately for them, their texts are all woefully out of date and they can't get ... Read More
A Woman's Place in Christianity
Thursday March 10, 2005
Christianity has not been very supportive of women, historically speaking. Much of the time women have been denigrated and forced into a second-class status. This was true right from the ... Read More
This Date in History: William Penn
Thursday March 10, 2005
March 10, 1681: William Penn, an English Quaker, received a charter from Charles II which made him the sole proprietor of the colonial American territory of Pennsylvania.
Vatican Suppression of American Theologian
Thursday March 10, 2005
The Vatican has issued a notification against a book written by a Catholic theologian. The author, Roger Haight, has also been banned from teaching Catholic theology. Many Catholics are worried ... Read More
UK: Muslims Preferred Over Gays
Thursday March 10, 2005
In Britain, it looks like the Labour Party is trying to woo Muslim voters by snubbing gays. Labour has backed a bill that would protect Muslims against discrimination but they ... Read More
Blogsnark: Parody of Marriage?
Wednesday March 9, 2005
Would a "gay" marriage not qualify as a "real" marriage because "marriage" can only exist between a man and a woman? No - quite aside from the fact that many ... Read More
Ecourse: Logic 101
Wednesday March 9, 2005
Welcome to Introduction to Logic, Skepticism, and Critical Thinking 101. This 15-week course covers basic elements of logical arguments, critical thinking, how to approach ideas skeptically, and how to critique ... Read More
Leftist Subversion of America?
Wednesday March 9, 2005
We are seeing increasing rhetoric about how liberals and leftists have "subverted" American by undermining it's religious heritage. I expect conspiracy theories like this to grow in importance for the ... Read More
Newsletter 03-09-05
Wednesday March 9, 2005
News items from the past week include Christians fighting over a church in Jerusalem, speculations about the legacy of Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the growth of secularism in ... Read More
This Date in History: Eugenics Laws in America
Wednesday March 9, 2005
March 09, 1907 : The first U.S. eugenic sterilization law was passed by the Indiana legislature. This law allowed for sterilization of "confirmed criminals, idiots, imbeciles, and rapists." By 1917, ... Read More
Scientologists Are No Fun?
Wednesday March 9, 2005
Scientology includes a lot of very strange beliefs - not only stranger than most people realize, but apparently stranger than many Scientologists even realize. Fr. Bryce Sibley recently went to ... Read More
Britain: Court Sides with Muslim Girl Over Dress
Wednesday March 9, 2005
After a two year legal battle, a British court has ruled that a Muslim girl's human rights were violated when she was prevented from wearing traditional Islamic dress in order ... Read More
Indecency and TV Evangelists
Tuesday March 8, 2005
Preachers on television often assume the mantle of protectors of the nation's morals, leading with calls to enforce stricter standards of "decency" on what one can watch on television. But ... Read More
Christian Law Students & Discrimination
Tuesday March 8, 2005
Are conservative law students being persecuted at law schools? Some think so, in particular because they are being expected to adhere to the same rules and standards as everyone else. ... Read More
Fixing or Destroying Christianity?
Tuesday March 8, 2005
There's a lot of debate among American Christians about the nature and future of their religion. The divide is generally liberal vs. conservative: liberals push for more radical interpretations of ... Read More
Christian School Orders Mom to Spank Son
Tuesday March 8, 2005
It's well known that many conservative Christians consider the use of corporal punishment to be valuable and even biblically mandated. What's unusual is for Christians to consider corporal punishment to ... Read More
This Date in History: Voting in Afghanistan
Tuesday March 8, 2005
March 08, 2004: During a speech marking International Women's Day, Afghan President Hamid Karzai encouraged men to let female relatives vote in upcoming election, but also suggested that they control ... Read More
NCR Favors Government Supported Christianity?
Tuesday March 8, 2005
Groups that defend the separation of church and state have argued against government funds being used to repair and maintain historic missions in California that are active churches. Some think ... Read More
The Passion for Kids?
Tuesday March 8, 2005
You may have heard the Disney will be releasing a film version of C. S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe soon. What you may not have heard ... Read More
Woman Claims Firing Over Scientology
Monday March 7, 2005
Tammy Bright claims that she was fired from a dentist's office because she was unhappy with being subjected to various tests and doctrines from the Church of Scientology. The dentist ... Read More
Ecourse: Existentialism 101
Monday March 7, 2005
Existential philosophy is more a trend or attitude than it is coherent school or movement because it is intensely subjective. As a result, existentialist thinkers tend to vary greatly in ... Read More
Christianity & Nazism
Monday March 7, 2005
Many Christians are unaware of the degree to which Christianity was a willing partner of Hitler in Nazi Germany. There are many examples of German Christians who resisted Nazism, but ... Read More
People Need the Ten Commandments
Monday March 7, 2005
A forum member writes: "I need your assistance in following the Ten commandement so that I don't go to hell. Which set of them should I follow? Do you prefer ... Read More
Prospect of State-Sanctified Churches
Monday March 7, 2005
Many Christians argue that Ten Commandments monuments are appropriate for the state to erect and maintain. What would be the consequences for America if the courts were to accept the ... Read More
This Date in History: Pope Paul VI
Monday March 7, 2005
March 07, 1965: Celebrating mass at a parish church in Italy, Pope Paul VI faced the congregation instead of having his back to it as had been the custom for ... Read More
Newsletter 03-07-05
Monday March 7, 2005
Supplemental newsletters will now link to three recent articles and seven commentary posts rather than ten commentary posts as in the past. News items from the past week include interesting ... Read More
Acre Finds to Open
Monday March 7, 2005
Recently, sections of an 800-year-old section of the Crusader portion of Acre was uncovered; soon, tourists will be able to see this find as well. I certainly wish that I ... Read More
Islamic Scholar: Gays Threaten Society
Monday March 7, 2005
Muslim and Christian fundamentalists are sounding more and more alike every day. Recently a leading Islamic scholar stated during a visit to Hong Kong that gays represent a threat to ... Read More
Hindu Foundation Opposes Government Commandments Displays
Sunday March 6, 2005
Do all religious groups support government monuments endorsing and promoting the Ten Commandments? Absolutely not. A Hindu group submitted a brief to the Supreme Court supporting the removal of ... Read More
Russia May Keep Trojan Treasure
Sunday March 6, 2005
At the end of World War II, Russia captured from Germany a large amount of treasure discovered at the site of ancient Troy by Hermann Schliemann. Germany would like it ... Read More
Unholy Moses
Sunday March 6, 2005
It's an accepted principle of constitutional law that the government is not permitted to overtly favor one religion over others. When Christians want their religion favored, they have to accomplish ... Read More
This Date in History: Edict of Restitution
Sunday March 6, 2005
March 06, 1629: The Edict of Restitution, a victory for the Counter-Reformation, ordered that all church property secularized in Germany since 1552 be restored to the Roman Catholic Church. In ... Read More
UK: Muslim Wouldn't Sell Morning-After Pill
Sunday March 6, 2005
In Britain, a pharmacist put a client in danger by refusing to provide her with a morning-after pill. Why? The pharmacist is a Muslim and said that such pills are ... Read More
Virginia: Tolerance Prayer Offends Lawmakers
Sunday March 6, 2005
Conservative legislators in Virginia who have no problem with politicizing religion when it favors their causes were put in an uncomfortable position because Rev. Debra Peevey of the Journey of ... Read More
Oregon: Court Backs Atheist Mother Against Scouts
Saturday March 5, 2005
Nancy Powell sued the Portland school district in 1998, objecting to how the Boy Scouts are allowed to recruit in public schools despite discriminating on the basis of religion. Now, ... Read More
Science Fiction Radio Show Beats Drudge, Gets Booted
Saturday March 5, 2005
Here's a very strange story: An Arizona radio station has gotten rid of their most popular radio program. Why? It's a science fiction program that can't sell as much advertising ... Read More
Sex in Alabama
Saturday March 5, 2005
The Alabama ban on sex toys that I wrote about earlier continues to generate interesting commentary. Turns out that the defenders of the ban acknowledged that these items are not ... Read More
This Date in History: Third Lateran Council
Saturday March 5, 2005
March 05, 1179 : The Third Lateran Council opens under Pope Alexander III. Convened at the Lateran Palace, Rome, after the Peace of Venice, which reconciled the pope with Holy ... Read More
Indiana May Require Pledge
Saturday March 5, 2005
The Indiana legislature is considering a law that would make recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance mandatory in all public schools. Why? Apparently some think that rote memorization and recitation ... Read More
Maine: Law Would Ban Aborting Gay Fetuses
Saturday March 5, 2005
If there were a "gay gene" that could be tested for, should mothers be prevented from aborting a fetus who had it? Maine state representative Brian Duprey has written a ... Read More
Recall Over Pledge-Refusal Going Forward
Friday March 4, 2005
The recall of David Habecker, the Trustee in Estes Park, Colorado who remains seated when others recite the Pledge of Allegiance, is going to go forward. A judge withdrew an ... Read More
Adult Bookstore Welcomes Protesters
Friday March 4, 2005
An adult bookstore has opened in O'Neil, Florida, and of course protesters have shown up to make it clear that they think it immoral for anyone to have the ability ... Read More
Ecourse: Church and State 101
Friday March 4, 2005
What is the separation of church and state? What does it mean for religion, religious organizations and the government? Does it really mean anything for people personally, or is it ... Read More
Wisconsin: School Board Member Resigns Over "Atheist" Slur
Friday March 4, 2005
During the summer, Teri Wagner of the Cedarburg School Board in Wisconsin got into a contract dispute with the basketball coach. During an email exchange with a church employee, Wagner ... Read More
Newsletter 03-04-05
Friday March 4, 2005
Welcome to issue #7.09 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the possibility that the pope's Parkinson's Disease could lead ... Read More
Michigan: Boy Scout Recruiting Challenged
Friday March 4, 2005
In Michigan, an atheist challenging how Boy Scouts are allowed to recruit in public schools has taken his case to the state's Supreme Court. John Scalise argues that the school's ... Read More
This Date in History: Penance for Helping Jews
Friday March 4, 2005
March 04, 1798 : The Roman Catholic Church forced a number of Catholic women to do penance for kindling sabbath fire for Jews.
Park Policy Favoring Indian Religion Stands
Friday March 4, 2005
The Supreme Court has refused to hear the appeal of a decision that effectively allows the National Park Service to favor Native American religious beliefs on public lands. Now the ... Read More
Mormon Daughter's Book Causes Stir
Friday March 4, 2005
Martha Beck is the daughter of Dr. Hugh Nibley, professor emeritus of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and "arguably the leading living authority on Mormon teaching." She is also ... Read More
Farce of Conservative 'Judicial Restraint'
Thursday March 3, 2005
Many conservatives like to argue that they favor 'judicial restraint,' a legal principle according to which judges are supposed to avoid 'making law' and just limit themselves to the facts ... Read More
Hagia Sofia Mosaics Treated Shabbily
Thursday March 3, 2005
The Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the most important architectural monuments in existence. It's been called the 8th wonder of the world for its design and artwork; ... Read More
Using Churches to Recruit for the Military
Thursday March 3, 2005
A conservative Christian recently attended a military rally at his local church. A military rally at a church? Yes, that's what it was and it disturbed him greatly. "What is ... Read More
This Date in History: Anti-Obscenity Laws
Thursday March 3, 2005
March 03, 1873 : The first federal antiobscenity law, the "Comstock law," was passed. The law, which amended the 1872 federal obscenity law, was intended for the welfare of children ... Read More
Virginia Wants to Allow Sectarian Prayers
Thursday March 3, 2005
The Virginia General Assembly apparently thinks that they have the authority to overrule federal circuit courts. The courts have ruled that sectarian prayers at meetings of municipal bodies are unconstitutional ... Read More
BTK Mass Murderer: Scout Leader, Church President
Thursday March 3, 2005
One of the most notorious serial killers in America has finally been caught, at least according to police in Kansas. What's interesting - and disturbing to many - is the ... Read More
Supreme Court Debates Ten Commandments
Thursday March 3, 2005
Well, the Supreme Court has heard arguments in two Ten Commandments cases and now we have to wait for them to render a decision - probably a split decision, I ... Read More
Kansas: AG Wants Sex History of Women Who Had Late-Term Abortions
Thursday March 3, 2005
Why does the attorney general of Kansas want detailed records of women who have had a late-term abortion? It's claimed that he wants to search them for evidence of crimes.
WBAY ... Read More
Jews Chase Whores from Western Wall
Wednesday March 2, 2005
Natalie Portman is filming a movie in Jerusalem and made the mistake of doing a kissing scene near the Western Wall, a site very holy to Jews. She and her ... Read More
Ecourse: Atheism 101
Wednesday March 2, 2005
What is atheism? Is it a religion? Are all atheists communists? What is the difference between atheism and agnosticism? Atheism is often misunderstood and even vilified; a better understanding of ... Read More
Homosexuality Threatens Authority of Bible
Wednesday March 2, 2005
Peter Jensen, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, has stated that the authority of the Bible is being put at risk by debates over homosexuality. I wonder if he would have said ... Read More
Chicago: Churches as Historical Landmarks
Wednesday March 2, 2005
Churches are often, though not always, exempt from laws that forbid major changes to historical "landmarks." Chicago is one place where they are exempt and mayor Daley wants to change ... Read More
This Date in History: Gay Priests
Wednesday March 2, 2005
March 02, 2002: Joaquin Nvarro-Valls, Vatican spokesman, says to reporters: "People with these inclinations [towards homosexuality] just cannot be ordained."
Newsletter 03-02-05
Wednesday March 2, 2005
News items from the past week include a study that draws an interesting link between social intelligence and general cognition, a Catholic parish in St. Louis being placed under interdict ... Read More
Schiavo's Catholic Parents Seek Divorce for Daughter
Wednesday March 2, 2005
In Florida, Michael Schiavo is trying to have his wife's feeding tube removed - he argues that Terri wouldn't have wanted to be kept alive in such a situation. Her ... Read More
James Ossuary Still Being Debated
Wednesday March 2, 2005
Believe it or not, there are still debates going on over the authenticity of the "James Ossuary." The man who "found" it has been indicted for widespread forgery and it ... Read More
Rehnquist Legacy
Tuesday March 1, 2005
What is the legal legacy of Chief Justice William Rehnquist? Most would assume it to be a hard right turn on the Supreme Court to benefit conservatism, but that might ... Read More
Massachusetts: Jehovah's Witness Abuse Ruling
Tuesday March 1, 2005
In Massacusetts, a judge has ruled that a Boston Jehovah's Witness church can be sued by a girl who alleges that she was sexually abused by one of the church's ... Read More
White House Science Advisor: 'Intelligent' Design Is Unscientific
Tuesday March 1, 2005
President Bush doesn't seem to have a very high regard for science - that's the most reasonable conclusion given the way his administration has abused and distorted science in the ... Read More
This Date in History: Zionist Terrorism
Tuesday March 1, 2005
March 01, 1947: Zionist terrorists launch coordinated attacks against several British installations, killing sixteen people. Thirteen were killed in a single bombing of a British officers' club in Jerusalem.
Louisiana: Judge Rules Against School Board Prayers
Tuesday March 1, 2005
In Louisiana, a judge has ruled against the prayers that are held at the beginning of every Tangipahoa Parish School Board meeting. According to the judge, a school board meeting ... Read More
Greece: Scandals Increase Support of Church/State Separation
Tuesday March 1, 2005
Greece has not traditionally enjoyed a separation of church and state, much to the woe of religious minorities there. A recent series of corruption scandals in the Greek Orthodox Church, ... Read More