Flag Desecration Amendment: It's Just the Beginning
Friday June 30, 2006
Almost like clockwork, conservatives regularly attempt to enact a constitutional amendment that would permit them to ban flag burning and various forms of flag 'desecration.' They still don't accept the ... Read More
Atheist Acquitted on Assault Charges After Being Harassed by Local Christians
Friday June 30, 2006
Is America the sort of country where Christians can harass an atheist girl in school, assault her father, then blame the father for the assault and file criminal charges against ... Read More
Discussion: Doctors Discriminating Against Gays
Friday June 30, 2006
A forum member writes: In California, two physicians are being sued for something or other, the claim is that they refused to provide IVF to an unmarried woman. ... I ... Read More
Ben Shapiro Misrepresents Atheism
Friday June 30, 2006
Critics of liberalism think that associating it with atheism is an insult, which says more about their bigotry than it does about liberalism. Particularly interesting, though, is that they only ... Read More
This Date in History: Marcel Lefebvre
Friday June 30, 2006
June 30, 1988: Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre of Switzerland consecrates four bishops in defiance of orders from Pope John Paul II. Lefebvre had broken with Rome following the Second Vatican Council ... Read More
Virtue, Vice, and Freedom
Friday June 30, 2006
Many in America argue that their religious tradition - one held in common by Christians, Jews (and Muslims, depending on who is speaking) - is a prerequisite for political liberty. ... Read More
Mailbag: Some People... Part 6
Friday June 30, 2006
From: "Roland"
Subject: Re: I disagree with you
This country was founded by Christians, not Muslims, Hindus or atheists. Lucky for you it allows you to have your own beliefs where a ... Read More
Church & State Fundamentals: What is the Separation of Church and State?
Friday June 30, 2006
What is the separation of church and state? That is a very good question - the separation of church and state is perhaps one of the most misunderstood, misrepresented and ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should We Believe People Today Who Claim God Commands Them to Kill?
Friday June 30, 2006
Why Do We Obey the Law? (Book Notes: Digital Copyright)
Friday June 30, 2006
People don't obey laws that they don't believe in. I'm not claiming that they behave lawlessly, or that they'll steal whatever they can steal if they think that they can ... Read More
Antisemitism in Christian History
Friday June 30, 2006
Book of the Day: Constantine's Sword, by James Carroll.
That Christianity has a legacy of antisemitism is undeniable. That Christianity, and in particular the Catholic Church, has a legacy of suppression ... Read More
Flag Burning: What is the Meaning of the American Flag?
Thursday June 29, 2006
One vitally important issue in the debate over burning and desecrating the American flag tends to be ignored: what exactly does the American flag mean and why? The American flag ... Read More
Muslim & Jewish Bigots Unite Against Queers
Thursday June 29, 2006
Muslims and Jews in the Middle East are constantly at odds with each other — but now, they have a common enemy that is allowing them to unite in the ... Read More
Discussion: Religion vs. Faith
Thursday June 29, 2006
A forum member writes: Why are people, mostly the GOP and the right wing, using the word "faith" in instances that the term "religion" would seem more appropriate. Likes religious ... Read More
After Selfish Students Pray, Teacher & ACLU Adviser is Fired
Thursday June 29, 2006
In May I wrote about how graduating seniors in Munford High School in Tennessee acted selfishly by forcing a communal prayer on the graduation ceremony, all to protest a judge's ... Read More
This Date in History: Joseph Ratzinger
Thursday June 29, 2006
June 29, 1951: Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, and his brother Georg Ratzinger, are ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Michael Faulhaber in the Freising Cathedral.
Poor State of Journalism about Religion
Thursday June 29, 2006
Just about every newspaper has a religion section and most news magazines deal with religion on some level or other. Unfortunately, most of those who report on religion in America ... Read More
Mailbag: Some People... Part 5
Thursday June 29, 2006
From: "Roland"
Subject: Re: I disagree with you
The removal of prayer from public school is actually unconstitutional. If we state [in the Constitution] the government cannot dictate which religion should be ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should We Ban Things Contrary to Some Religious Doctrines in order to Be Fair?
Thursday June 29, 2006
Evils of Secular Welfare: Faith-Based Programs in Nazi Germany (Book Notes: The Holy Reich)
Thursday June 29, 2006
An important argument behind the Republican drive for "faith-based programs" and religiously motivated public services is the idea that purely secular programs and services lack the appropriate values and morals ... Read More
Questionable Psychology
Thursday June 29, 2006
Book of the Day: What is Wrong with Jung?
What are Jung's contributions worth? Are they true? Have they shed any light on the so-called mysteries of the human mind? And ... Read More
Teachers Asking Students About Jesus
Wednesday June 28, 2006
Do teachers in a public school have the authority or the right to talk to their students about Jesus, or even ask their students if they know what Jesus would ... Read More
Flag Desecration: Free Expression as Political Subversion
Wednesday June 28, 2006
Expression and speech are treated differently in America. People think we have freedom of speech and assume we also have freedom of expression. Neither is true - free speech exists ... Read More
Christian Right Trying to Change the Rules Again: Public Expression of Religion Act
Wednesday June 28, 2006
When their legal arguments fail in the courts, the Christian Right inevitably tries to change the rules in some fashion. This election year, the Christian Right is pushing a bill ... Read More
Discussion: Coming Out to Parents
Wednesday June 28, 2006
A forum member writes: I came out to my mother yesterday morning - she cried... not really what I was expecting. That look of disappointed was harrowing, like she didn't ... Read More
Senate Fails to Torch Constitution, Pander to Right-Wing Extremists. Barely
Wednesday June 28, 2006
It was a close call, but fortunately the American Constitution will survive for another year. The Senate voted on a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would have given Congress ... Read More
This Date in History: Pope Paul IV
Wednesday June 28, 2006
June 28, 1476: Pope Paul IV is born. Paul became so unpopular that, after he died, a mob stormed the Inquisition and tore down his statue.
Mailbag: Some People... Part 4
Wednesday June 28, 2006
From: "Roland"
Subject: Re: I disagree with you
Do you really want to risk that there is not a God?
If I had a nickel for every time someone wrote to me trying ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Atheists Generally Angry?
Wednesday June 28, 2006
Women's Role in Society (Book Notes: Ungodly Women)
Wednesday June 28, 2006
What place should women have in society? Traditionally, a woman's place has been inferior to that of the average man. Whatever is considered most valuable in society is placed under ... Read More
Bioethics and Organ Transplants
Wednesday June 28, 2006
Book of the Day: The Ethics of Organ Transplants: The Current Debate , edited by Arthur L. Caplan, Daniel H. Coelho.
On the face of it, there seems to be ... Read More
Prison Chaplain Can't Discriminate Against Gay Inmates
Tuesday June 27, 2006
In 2002, Chaplain William Akridge at the Ohio Madison Correctional Institution barred a prison inmate from playing music during worship services because that inmate was gay. The inmate filed a ... Read More
Flag Desecration: The Issue is Not the Issue
Tuesday June 27, 2006
One of the more enduring slogans from the 1960s counter-culture movement was that 'The Issue Is Not the Issue.' What this means is that what was at stake was not ... Read More
"Godless Liberals" as an Ad Hominem Attack
Tuesday June 27, 2006
Speaking as an actual godless liberal — which is to say, I really am godless, unlike most liberals — I find it curious that conservatives want to portray all liberals ... Read More
Discussion: Do You Kill Insects?
Tuesday June 27, 2006
A forum member writes: As a general rule, and for several years now, I have avoided killing insects when ever possible. Which usually involves a good amount of capturing and ... Read More
College Students Oppose More Religion In Politics
Tuesday June 27, 2006
A study done by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics and released in April indicates that while college students regard religion as important in their personal lives, they don't want to ... Read More
This Date in History: Joseph Smith Killed
Tuesday June 27, 2006
June 27, 1844: Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois. Smith was the founder of the Mormon Church and the mob was outraged, ... Read More
Business Schools: Trade Schools or Scientific Schools?
Tuesday June 27, 2006
What kind of education does one receive at a business school? Should it be likened to a trade like being an electrician or a profession like being a surgeon? This ... Read More
Mailbag: Who Says Torture is Immoral?
Tuesday June 27, 2006
From: Todd
Subject: Legalized Torture
To my statement "Torture is morally evil," I received the following response:
Says who? Who says what is evil or moral?
We, as humans say what is evil or ... Read More
People in the Bible: Herodians, New Testament Group
Tuesday June 27, 2006
The Herodians appear to have been a Jewish political faction active around the time Jesus would have been alive. Not much is known about them, but based upon the name ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Fathers Take Charge of the Daughters' Sexuality?
Tuesday June 27, 2006
Biblical Criticism & Atheism: Why Bother with the Bible? (Book Notes: Losing Faith in Faith)
Tuesday June 27, 2006
Should a person launch into a detailed and involved study of the entire Bible before deciding that atheism is more reasonable than Christianity or any other sort of theism? Some ... Read More
Blogsnark: Atheistic Lifestyle?
Monday June 26, 2006
We can often read about the "gay lifestyle," a label used by evangelicals for all things "gay" in order to frame homosexuality as a choice that can be rejected rather ... Read More
If Flag Desecration is a Crime, What is Prohibited?
Monday June 26, 2006
Attempts to ban flag desecration, either through statute or through constitutional amendment, would ban much more than most people seem to realize. Usually people only think about trying to stop ... Read More
Florida Voucher Proposal Narrowly Stopped
Monday June 26, 2006
In January, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a voucher law because it violated the state's constitution. This outraged Republican lawmakers, and especially Governor Jeb Bush who regarded the ... Read More
Discussion: Separation of State and God?
Monday June 26, 2006
A forum member writes: I recently heard on C-SPAN a spirited defense by the Alabama judge who had the monument to the ten commandments who tried to make the point ... Read More
Cardinal's Clause: Firing Employees With Invalid Marriages
Monday June 26, 2006
Can a church or church-related organization condition employment on whether people uphold all of the religious dogmas and doctrines of that religion? This is obviously necessary when it comes to ... Read More
This Date in History: Newdow v. U.S. Congress, Pledge of Allegiance
Monday June 26, 2006
The Importance of the Bible for American History
Monday June 26, 2006
Demographically speaking, America is a Christian nation because most people are Christians. Most Christians, though, don't do a very good job at raising their children to understand the Bible. Biblical ... Read More
Mailbag: Some People... Part 3
Monday June 26, 2006
From: "Roland"
Subject: Re: I disagree with you
You do not use an open mind obviously when studying Christianity.
That is a serious charge to make and I would have appreciated it if ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: Philosophy of Mind: Thought, Perception, Consciousness, Identity
Monday June 26, 2006
The Philosophy of Mind is a more recent field that deals with questions of consciousness and how it interacts with the body and the outside world. The Philosophy of Mind ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Journalists who Reveal Illegal Conduct Be Jailed?
Monday June 26, 2006
The Changing Institution of Marriage (Book Notes: Gay Marriage)
Monday June 26, 2006
Opponents of gay marriage try to portray themselves as "defenders" of "traditional" marriage and act as through extending the right to gays to marry each other would alter an institution ... Read More
Christianity in the Corporate World
Monday June 26, 2006
Book of the Day: Christianity Incorporated: How Big Business Is Buying the Church, by Michael L. Budde, Robert W. Brimlow.
Are capitalism and Christianity compatible, or do they represent fundamentally different ... Read More
Flag Burning: The American Flag as Symbol, But a Symbol of What?
Sunday June 25, 2006
Humans could not exist without symbols. These representations of objects and concepts allow us to explore relationships between things and ideas in ways not otherwise possible. The American flag is ... Read More
Spinoza Speaks Out on Bush & Co.
Sunday June 25, 2006
It might at first seem incredible that Benedict De Spinoza, born in 1632 and died in 1677, would have anything at all to say about modern America - and especially ... Read More
Discussion: Abortion and Atheism
Sunday June 25, 2006
A forum member writes: I think abortion is wrong for the same reason that killing humans is wrong. I believe that a fetus is human and is entitled to certain ... Read More
Pastor Shoots Mentally Disabled Boy
Sunday June 25, 2006
A pastor is supposed to be a spiritual and moral leader for a community. Pastors are, however, human and thus just as capable of all the human evils as everyone ... Read More
This Date in History: Vatican Condemns Anti-Discrimination Laws
Sunday June 25, 2006
Political Talk Shows Damage the Political Process
Sunday June 25, 2006
The political talk shows which feature people of opposing positions yelling at each other have become a staple of television today. Perhaps inspired by Jon Stewart's pointed criticism while on ... Read More
Mailbag: Some People... Part 2
Sunday June 25, 2006
From: "Roland"
Subject: Re: I disagree with you
I am a non-denominational Christian. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Lord. However, I am not religious. My definition, as ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus on How the Rich Get to Heaven (Mark 10:17-25)
Sunday June 25, 2006
This scene with Jesus and a rich young man is probably the most famous biblical passage that tends to be ignored by modern Christians. If this passage were actually heeded ... Read More
Daily Poll: Is Bigotry Against Atheists As Wrong as Bigotry Against Other Groups?
Sunday June 25, 2006
Tribalism and Treason: Weighing Humanity Against One's Nation (Book Notes: Doctors from Hell)
Sunday June 25, 2006
People naturally value the lives of those closest to them than the lives of strangers - if forced to choose, a person is far more likely to rescue a relative ... Read More
Flag Burning: Flag Fetishism & the Cult of the American Flag
Saturday June 24, 2006
Americans' obsession with the American flag isn't just an example of patriotism or nationalism - it's an example of fetishism. Some Americans, at least, have developed a cult around their ... Read More
Discussion: Homosexuality and the Bible
Saturday June 24, 2006
A forum member writes: Lately, I've frequently seen the claim that homosexuality was not forbidden in biblical times, and that Jews had no term for the concept of homosexuality. A ... Read More
Mt. Soledad Cross to Move? San Diego Appeal to Supreme Court
Saturday June 24, 2006
The cross on Mt. Soledad was first ruled unconstitutional back in 1991. The San Diego City Council voted to comply with various court orders to move it. One scheme to ... Read More
This Date in History: Roth v. United States, Obscenity
Saturday June 24, 2006
Freedom, Government, and the Free Market
Saturday June 24, 2006
Rhetorically speaking, freedom is important in America: politicians and political parties which most successfully portray themselves as defenders of freedom can also be most successful in the elections. Conservatives have ... Read More
Mailbag: Some People... Part 1
Saturday June 24, 2006
From: "Roland"
Subject: Re: I disagree with you
If one disbelieves in 'God or gods', then that is a philosophy. If you say that you disbelieve in something, then it is also ... Read More
Evolution Fundamentals: Life From the Deep: Extremophiles
Saturday June 24, 2006
Some organisms which make their homes on - and in - the earth can be far stranger than most can realize. Thiobacillus thio-oxidans feed upon sulfur and can exist in ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Near-Death Experiences Evidence of Life After Death?
Saturday June 24, 2006
Innocent Until Proven Guilty, or Guilty Until Proven Innocent? (Book Notes: Miranda)
Saturday June 24, 2006
Almost every American is familiar with their 'Miranda' rights - their right to remain silent, their right to an attorney, etc. In fact, many people all over the world are ... Read More
Abortion Debates
Saturday June 24, 2006
Book of the Day: The Ethics of Abortion: Pro-Life Vs. Pro-Choice, edited by Robert M. Baird and Stuart E. Rosenbaum.
Abortion is one of the most divisive issues in modern US ... Read More
Intelligent Design and Religion
Friday June 23, 2006
Many defenders of "Intelligent" Design insist that it is a scientific position being pursued for scientific reasons. They emphatically deny that it is a religious position being pursued for religious ... Read More
American Flag Timeline: Flag Desecration, Flag Burning, Pledge of Allegiance
Friday June 23, 2006
This chronological history of the American flag outlines major events related to use of the flag as a quasi-religious symbol. The focus of this timeline are efforts to protect the ... Read More
Gays Cannot Be Good Citizens
Friday June 23, 2006
Attacks made by religious conservatives against gays typically suggests that the attackers don't really believe that gays should be treated as fully equal citizens, deserving of the same rights, dignity, ... Read More
Discussion: Atheists Should Rethink Their Paradigm
Friday June 23, 2006
A forum member writes: Maybe we (by we I mean all of you) should step back for a moment and take a good hard look at ourselves. Atheism is only ... Read More
Wishful Thinking: Amusing Church Billboard
Friday June 23, 2006
A common criticism which atheists and skeptics make about religion and theism is that it amounts to little more than "wishful thinking." Belief in things like the existence of a ... Read More
This Date in History: Does the First Amendment Apply to the States?
Friday June 23, 2006
June 23, 1997: Governor Fob James of Alabama claimed in a Federal District Court that the religion clauses of the First Amendment do not apply to the states and, hence, ... Read More
Theological Liberalism and American History
Friday June 23, 2006
Many religious conservatives today argue that the religious rhetoric of America's founders indicates that they believed America should be a Christian nation and that America should be shaped by Christian ... Read More
Mailbag: Repent!
Friday June 23, 2006
From: "Josh"
Subject: A concerned reader...
I have read some of your articles on the internet. I wanted you to know that I am praying that God will take you to whatever ... Read More
Daily Poll: Who Wrote the Gospels?
Friday June 23, 2006
Is Secularization Inimical to Religion? (Book Notes: Jews and the American Public Square)
Friday June 23, 2006
Some people believe that religion cannot survive in a secular society. Apparently, the voluntary and personal commitment of individual members isn't sufficient; instead, religion needs the active defense and support ... Read More
Ethics in the Business World
Friday June 23, 2006
Book of the Day: Business Ethics Revised Edition: Corporate Values and Society, edited by Milton Snoeyenbos, Robert Almeder and James Humber.
With the mounting scandals which have been dominating the news, ... Read More
Flag Burning: Playing Politics With the American Flag
Thursday June 22, 2006
Republicans regularly introduce proposals to amend the Constitution to permit government bans on flag burning or desecration. In the past, they introduced laws to ban flag burning, but the laws ... Read More
America as a Muslim Nation vs. America as a Christian Nation
Thursday June 22, 2006
Since Islam is as much of a political and evangelical religion as Christianity, is it any surprise that there are Muslims who would like to see America become a Muslim ... Read More
Discussion: Ranking the Presidents of the United States
Thursday June 22, 2006
A forum member writes: I was thinking about just what it takes to make a "good president of the US" and what it takes to make a "bad president of ... Read More
Who Will Rule?
Thursday June 22, 2006
Should religious or secular rules dominate how people live? Our government is set up so that no religion can be imposed upon everyone, so in effect it is set up ... Read More
This Date in History: Jonathan Edwards Dismissed
Thursday June 22, 2006
June 22, 1750: Jonathan Edwards was dismissed from his post as minister of the Congregational church in Northampton, MA. He had been there fore 23 years, but his ultra-conservative theology ... Read More
Polygraph Testing: The Lies of Lie Detectors
Thursday June 22, 2006
Lie detectors generally have a very positive image among people - there's a common perception that they are accurate and reliable. Actually, it would be better to describe it as ... Read More
Does God Exist? Argument from Reward
Thursday June 22, 2006
Some apologists argue that people who believe in a god are happier than those who do not believe in any gods. They suggest that this extra happiness is a reward ... Read More
Daily Poll: Will Islam Reform, Adapt, and Modernize in the Future?
Thursday June 22, 2006
It has been said that one of the problems with the Islamic community is that Islam hasn't experienced a Reformation or Enlightenment which would help constrain the power and attractiveness ... Read More
Legalized Torture is a Victory for the Rule of Law? (Book Notes: Hitler's Prisons)
Thursday June 22, 2006
How can you get otherwise moral people to authorize morally evil acts? One effective method is to argue for committing much greater moral evils and then allow them to suggest ... Read More
Journalism and Free Press
Thursday June 22, 2006
Book of the Day: Into the Buzzsaw: Leading Journalists Expose the Myth of a Free Press, edited by Kristina Borjesson.
Is there a "Free Press" in the United States? Does this ... Read More
Why Ban Flag Burning? Evaluating Arguments for Flag Burning Bans
Wednesday June 21, 2006
Although the connections may not be obvious, there are significant ties between efforts to ban the burning or desecration of the American flag and Christian Nationalism. Nothing profane can be ... Read More
From Mormonism to Atheism: Confessions of an Anonymous Coward
Wednesday June 21, 2006
In America, at least, a great many atheists weren't raised as atheists - they grew up with some sort of religion, usually a form of Christianity, and later left it. ... Read More
Carnival of the Liberals #15
Wednesday June 21, 2006
The fifteenth edition of the Carnival of Liberals is available at Neural Gourmet and was written up by Vakram. There is, of course, material about politics, pop culture, religion, and ... Read More
Discussion: Alien Abductions and Child Molestation
Wednesday June 21, 2006
A forum member writes: Admittedly, I do think there is intelligent life in the universe besides us. I doubt it would be a common occurrence throughout the universe but the ... Read More
Christian Right's Mixed Messages on Sex and Safety
Wednesday June 21, 2006
The Christian Right constantly harps on the importance of abstinence as the only reliable means for avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. You might think that they do this out ... Read More
This Date in History: Flag Burning
Wednesday June 21, 2006
Homeopathy in Italy: Homeopaths File Charges, but Court Finds for Science
Wednesday June 21, 2006
It's not just in America that people get upset when favored beliefs are subjected to critical scrutiny. In Italy, recently, the Catania-based Italian Association of Medical Homeopathy brought a lawsuit ... Read More
Mailbag: Order in the World
Wednesday June 21, 2006
From: "Zobadar"
Subject: Agnostic
Any atheist is a fool to not be able to comprehend the obvios fact that there is order to the macocosum and order to the microcosium. This order ... Read More
Marginalizing Atheists & Anti-Atheist Bigotry: Liberal & Progressive Attacks
Wednesday June 21, 2006
Surveys show that atheists are the most distrusted and despised minority in America. People are more willing to vote for or trust every other minority over atheists - including Muslims ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Religious Groups Follow the Same Laws as Others?
Wednesday June 21, 2006
Some religious organizations don't just want to be exempt from laws like anti-discrimination laws, but also building codes, tax laws, and so forth. They apparently think that the separation of ... Read More
Government Supported Religion: Can It Be General? (Book Notes: Without a Prayer)
Wednesday June 21, 2006
There are many conservatives who object to strict separation between church and state, preferring instead that the government be allowed support "religion generally" and aid various religious bodies without discrimination. ... Read More
Errors in the Bible
Wednesday June 21, 2006
Book of the Day: Biblical Errancy: A Reference Guide, by C. Dennis McKinsey.
The question of whether or not there are any errors, contradictions or general problems in the Bible ... Read More
Expression vs. Speech, Flag Burning vs. Flag Waving
Tuesday June 20, 2006
Despite a spate of court decisions against them, some people continue to insist that there is no speech interest in flag burning, and therefore flag burning should not be protected ... Read More
Scientologists Freak Out Over T-Shirt
Tuesday June 20, 2006
John Roecker, a film director, has a home-made t-shirt criticizing Scientology: one side shows Tom Cruise with the words "Scientology is Gay;" the other sides shows John Travolta with the ... Read More
Discussion: Defending Neoconservatism
Tuesday June 20, 2006
A forum member writes: From a distance, the war on terrorism might be measured as a battle of neoconservatism vs. bin Ladenism. What concerns me is, who's winning and why. ... Read More
Just Try Jesus... Or Burn in Hell, Scum
Tuesday June 20, 2006
Christianity has a marketing problem. As much as Christians try to sell their beliefs by proclaiming how wonderful things are as a consequence of being a Christian, discussion always comes ... Read More
This Date in History: Diet of Augsburg Begins
Tuesday June 20, 2006
June 20, 1530: Under the leadership of Charles V, the first Diet of Augsburg began for the purpose of dealing with the growing religious schism which would, over time, become ... Read More
Karl Popper and Evolution: Is Evolutionary Theory Based on a Tautology?
Tuesday June 20, 2006
Quite a few creationists try to rely upon comments by Karl Popper in their attacks on evolutionary theory. In a sense they have a point because Popper did criticize evolutionary ... Read More
Mailbag: Strong Beliefs
Tuesday June 20, 2006
From: "Celso"
Subject: Curious
I have read some of the things you have posted on your site. Why have such a strong belief that something is not true or is non existent?
Celso ... Read More
People in the Bible: Profile of the Herodian Dynasty
Tuesday June 20, 2006
The name Herod is Greek and means 'sprung from a hero.' The origins of the Herodian family are not known, aside from the fact that they were a powerful Idumean ... Read More
Temperance, Morality, and the American Right (Book Notes: America Right Or Wrong)
Tuesday June 20, 2006
Morality crusades pursued by the American Right have often been aimed at legitimate targets. Temperance, for example, sought to reduce genuine problems with alcohol abuse and attending issues. Immigration is ... Read More
America's Death Penalty
Tuesday June 20, 2006
Book of the Day: Debating the Death Penalty: Should America Have Capital Punishment?, edited by Hugo Adam Bedau and Paul Cassell. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Debates about the death penalty sometimes ... Read More
Interracial Marriage Goes Beyond States' Rights
Monday June 19, 2006
There doesn't appear to be any end of people who insist that the government defend "traditional" marriage in the face of social changes which are inevitably leading to greater equality ... Read More
Discussion: Significant Others Who Are Theists
Monday June 19, 2006
A forum member writes: How many of you (atheists and agnostics, mainly) are married to, or in a long-term relationship with, a theist? How 'religious'? Has either of your beliefs ... Read More
Pledge Protection Act: Concerned Women of America Rewrite American History
Monday June 19, 2006
Should federal courts be prohibited from hearing challenges to the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance? That's what the Christian Right wants: afraid that they will lose such cases on ... Read More
This Date in History: Jerry Falwell Founds his Church
Monday June 19, 2006
June 19, 1956: Jerry Falwell broke away from the church where he was saved and founded Thomas Road Baptist Church, the church he continues to lead.
Did Jesus Exist? Robert Price vs. Richard Ostling
Monday June 19, 2006
Robert Price is a scholar of religion who has argued that the historicity of Jesus is doubtful and should be reconsidered in the light of historical, literary, and archaeological evidence. ... Read More
Mailbag: Defining Atheism
Monday June 19, 2006
From: "Richard"
Subject: Question: Why do people choose to be atheists?
The belief that there is no God is true atheism. ... Do you deny that there is a God no matter ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: Metaphysics: Philosophy of the Nature of Being, Existence, Reality
Monday June 19, 2006
In Western philosophy, metaphysics has become the study of the fundamental nature of all reality - what is it, why is it, and how are we can understand it. Some ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Religious Groups Give Secular Programs in Public Schools?
Monday June 19, 2006
It's becoming increasingly popular for religious groups to give secular programs in public schools, but then invite the students to attend more explicitly religious services in the evening. Thus the ... Read More
Gay Rights and Special Rights (Book Notes: Created Equal)
Monday June 19, 2006
Frequently... when gays talk about gay rights, heterosexuals hear talk about sex, not personal freedom. The claim that gays want "special rights" reflects the degree to which lesbians and gay ... Read More
Mothers in the Fatherland: Women, the Family and Nazi Politics
Monday June 19, 2006
Book of the Day: Mothers in the Fatherland: Women, the Family and Nazi Politics, by Claudia Koonz. Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin.
The Nazi party was about as misogynistic as any modern ... Read More
Flag Burning: What is a Flag? What is the American Flag?
Sunday June 18, 2006
If laws against burning or desecrating an American flag are to have any value, it must be clear to everyone just what is meant by an 'American flag' to begin ... Read More
Vitamin Industry: Scientific Analysis of Vitamins too Scientific
Sunday June 18, 2006
Science is successful and reliable because it insists that tests be as objective as possible - this means doing blind tests to eliminate bias and replicating tests elsewhere to ensure ... Read More
Discussion: Why Do People Believe?
Sunday June 18, 2006
A forum member writes: I think the evidence is abundant that people believe in God because human beings have been adapted by evolution to readily accept God myths, since such ... Read More
Can the State Acknowledge God?
Sunday June 18, 2006
According to Judge Roy Moore and many of his supporters, the real issue behind the debate over the display of the Ten Commandments is not really a stone monument, but ... Read More
This Date in History: Southern Baptists Boycott Disney
Sunday June 18, 2006
June 18, 1997: The Southern Baptist Convention, during its annual meeting in Dallas, Texas, votes in favor of a boycott against the Walt Disney Company for what the Convention calls ... Read More
What the #$! Do They Know?
Sunday June 18, 2006
You may have heard or read about the recent movie 'What the #$! Do They Know?,' a cinematic apology for goofy religious beliefs about reality and the misuse of quantum ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheists in Denial
Sunday June 18, 2006
From: JONA222
Subject: Atheism, Denial & Trauma
I believe that you are in self-denial. I believe that you deny intellectually to avoid confronting yourself with the guilt of disobedience. I believe that ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus Blesses Little Children (Mark 10:13-16)
Sunday June 18, 2006
Modern imagery of Jesus commonly has him sitting with children and this particular scene, repeated in both Matthew and Luke, is a primary reason why. Many Christians feel that Jesus ... Read More
Daily Poll: Do You Support a Nuclear Attack on Iran?
Sunday June 18, 2006
Evidence suggests that President Bush could be planning a nuclear attack on Iran. He apparently has a messianic complex in which he believes that he is the only person who ... Read More
Religion and Religious Extremism: Inseparable (Book Notes: September 11: Religious Perspectives)
Sunday June 18, 2006
Many religious apologists try to exclude extremism from their religious traditions, arguing that extremists aren't "true" adherents of their religion because "true" religion is peaceful. This is a serious error ... Read More
Elephant in the Room: Silence and Denial in Everyday Life
Sunday June 18, 2006
Book of the Day: Elephant in the Room: Silence and Denial in Everyday Life, by Eviatar Zerubavel. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Sometimes people talk about things they shouldn't; far too often, ... Read More
Andrew Richardson (Gribbit), Christian Privilege, and Violence as a Substitute for Argument
Saturday June 17, 2006
Many - far too many - conservative Christians believe that their religion should be favored over all others in America. This position is not only antithetical to the Constitution, but ... Read More
Is Flag Burning a Problem? What Are People Worried About?
Saturday June 17, 2006
How big of a problem is flag burning such that a Constitutional amendment is required to prohibit it? Given how strong people's emotions seem to run when this issue comes ... Read More
Woman Prays, Gets Hit by Lightning
Saturday June 17, 2006
It appears that Zeus was angry and punished another one of those infidel Christians again. We've seen Zeus send lightning to strike churches during services and kill a bunch of ... Read More
Discussion: World's Smallest Political Quiz - or the World's Dumbest?
Saturday June 17, 2006
A forum member writes: First of all, it simplifies matters to the point of absurdity. I mean, just look at those questions! "Replace government welfare with private charity" - sounds ... Read More
South Africa, White Supremacy, and Religion
Saturday June 17, 2006
Official apartheid may be over in South Africa, but the religious support and defense of both racial bigotry and racial discrimination continues to exercise a powerful influence over many South ... Read More
This Date in History: Abington Township School District v. Schempp
Saturday June 17, 2006
Alternative Medicine: Why Pills and not Needles?
Saturday June 17, 2006
Americans appear to be very fond of so-called 'alternative' medicine, and alternative medical practitioners go to great lengths to portray themselves like scientific medical practitioners. There is, however, one interesting ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheists, Holocaust Denial, and Ideology, Part 4
Saturday June 17, 2006
Many critics of Intelligent Design supporters who ask that we "teach both sides" in science classes have analogized this to the Holocaust: should we also teach the "side" of Holocaust ... Read More
Evolution Fundamentals: Abiogenesis, the Nature of Life, and Entropy
Saturday June 17, 2006
The nature of the earliest forms of life on our planet are unknown and may remain that way, but we keep coming closer to understanding what they may have been ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Mormons Right that Ancient Hebrews Traveled to the Americas?
Saturday June 17, 2006
According to devout believers, the Book of Mormon is a record of the early history of the American Indian descendants of Lehi, a Hebrew who migrated with his family to ... Read More
Israel vs. Judaism, Politics vs. Religion (Book Notes:The Wrath of Jonah)
Saturday June 17, 2006
Israel was founded as a Jewish state, as a state where Jews would always be welcome, always be safe, and where Judaism could be expressed without fear of discrimination and ... Read More
Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy, or How Love Conquered Marriage
Saturday June 17, 2006
Book of the Day: Marriage, a History: From Obedience to Intimacy, or How Love Conquered Marriage, by Stephanie Coontz. Publisher: Viking.
Debates about the legalization of gay marriage have forced society ... Read More
American Flag Burning, Desecration: Power Politics and Punishing Speech
Friday June 16, 2006
Flag burning, or any other physical desecration of the American flag, is an issue that sparks strong emotions. Some - mostly Republicans, but also some Democrats - regard burning the ... Read More
Discussion: Afterlife & Souls
Friday June 16, 2006
A forum member writes: There is much agony of believe/disbelieve being expended over the matter whether is such things as life after death, and souls. One of the arguments ... Read More
Atheist Center's Blasphemy
Friday June 16, 2006
Lorie Polansky's "Atheist Station" in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, has has attracted unwelcome attention. She has had to deal with a great deal of vandalism: broken windows, thrown eggs and human waste, ... Read More
This Date in History: Joan of Arc Declared Innocent
Friday June 16, 2006
June 16, 1456: Pope Callistus III declared Joan of Arc to be innocent on the charges of heresy and witchcraft, for which she had been burned at the stake in ... Read More
Science and Scientific Hoaxes: The Importance of the Piltdown Man
Friday June 16, 2006
Many creationists try to argue that the Piltdown Man hoax is an example of how horribly wrong science can go and why we should be more skeptical of what science ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheists, Holocaust Denial, and Ideology, Part 3
Friday June 16, 2006
Larry Darby, now infamous in atheist circles for having given David Irving a platform on which he could spread his views, received a mysterious email from someone complaining about me. ... Read More
Church & State Fundamentals: Separationists and the Separation of Church and State
Friday June 16, 2006
As a general rule, separationists are those who support the separation between church and state. The level of support will vary, however. The strictest of separationists advocate separation in every ... Read More
Religions as Totalizing, Absolute Systems (Book Notes: God's Rule)
Friday June 16, 2006
It's true that there are lots of problems with religions, but it's also true that problems exist with all human belief systems. Why is it, then, that problems sometimes seem ... Read More
Catholic Theologians in Nazi Germany
Friday June 16, 2006
Book of the Day: Catholic Theologians in Nazi Germany, by Robert A. Krieg. Publisher: Continuum.
The role of Christian theologians in Nazi Germany, including members of the Catholic Church, cannot be ... Read More
What are we, who produce 'art'? Art, Technology, and Humanity
Thursday June 15, 2006
The creation of human art has always been deeply intertwined with questions about technology, in part because technological development has helped drive the sorts of art possible and in part ... Read More
Politicians Editing the Ten Commandments
Thursday June 15, 2006
Should politicians have the authority to edit the "Word of God"? You'd think that devout Jews and Christians would be the first to object to this, but they are the ... Read More
Discussion: Fake Theists in Churches
Thursday June 15, 2006
A forum member writes: In a recent mailing from the Skeptics Society there was this letter from a nominal (church-going) Catholic who appears to be pretty much an atheist. I ... Read More
Garrison Keillor: Indifferent Bigot?
Thursday June 15, 2006
A lot of people in America like Garrison Keillor and his Prairie Home Companion radio show, but unfortunately Keillor isn't very kind when comes to people he doesn't much care ... Read More
This Date in History: Martin Luther Condemned
Thursday June 15, 2006
June 15, 1520: Pope Leo X issued the encyclical 'Exsurge Domine,' condemning German Reformer Martin Luther as a heretic on 41 counts and branding him an enemy of the Catholic ... Read More
Pandering to Religious Special Interests
Thursday June 15, 2006
There is the much vexed question of giving birth control advice at Maternity Centres. A large and rapidly increasing number of local authorities desire this right to be conceded. The ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheists, Holocaust Denial, and Ideology, Part 2
Thursday June 15, 2006
From: "Juel"
Subject: David Irving
If you have read a lot on WW2 and can't see David Irving's valuable contributions you must be even more of a fraud than I thought.
I suppose ... Read More
Does God Exist? God is a Person
Thursday June 15, 2006
For many people in Western religious traditions, the idea that God is a “person” is a necessary and fundamental part of their beliefs. Indeed, the very idea that God might ... Read More
Daily Poll: Would You Submit to a Polygraph Test for a Job Interview
Thursday June 15, 2006
People have faith in the ability of polygraph machines (more commonly known as lie detectors) to help police find the truth in criminal investigations. In reality, most polygraph tests are ... Read More
The Anatomy of Fascism
Thursday June 15, 2006
Book of the Day: The Anatomy of Fascism, by Robert O. Paxton. Publisher: Knopf.
Everyone knows about fascism, but not everyone quite knows what fascism is. Indeed, does anyone really know ... Read More
Flag Amendment Needs Just One Vote in the Senate
Wednesday June 14, 2006
A proposed amendment that would authorize the Congress to ban "desecration" of the American flag (but not ban desecration of the Confederate flag, something which several southern states do) is ... Read More
Discussion: Marketing to Children
Wednesday June 14, 2006
A forum member writes: [T]he harm is not just in the product. The harm is also in the advertisement. Like all literature, it has a conceptual impact on its audience. ... Read More
Blacks and Muslims Meet Separately
Wednesday June 14, 2006
One of the reasons that Islam can be so appealing, especially minorities, is its emphasis on the absolute equality of all people before God. There may be differences in social ... Read More
This Date in History: "Under God" Added to the Pledge of Allegiance
Wednesday June 14, 2006
End of German Democracy: Was it Murder or Suicide?
Wednesday June 14, 2006
One thing that has interested many historians who study Nazi Germany is how, exactly, the democracy of the Weimar Republic failed. Did it commit suicide, self-destructing from within because flawed ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheists, Holocaust Denial, and Ideology, Part 1
Wednesday June 14, 2006
From: "Juel"
Subject: David Irving
I just read your ad hominem (speling?) attack on David Irving and it leads me to believe that you care not the least bit for the truth ... Read More
Atheism Basics: Atheism, Atheists & Politics: Do Atheists Hold the same Political Views?
Wednesday June 14, 2006
Atheists can be as political as theists — but also like theists, atheists political beliefs and ideas are diverse. It's sadly common for anti-atheists to assume atheists necessarily hold particular ... Read More
Daily Poll: If Abortion is Murder, Should it be Legal in to Save the Life of the Mother?
Wednesday June 14, 2006
Most anti-choice activists support exemptions to bans on abortions that cover the life or health of the mother, rape, and incest. It's rare for laws criminalizing abortion not to provide ... Read More
Nationalism and Identity (Book Notes: Why the Nations Rage)
Wednesday June 14, 2006
A basic feature of the political landscape today is nationalism, the devotion to one's nation and national identity. The importance and value of nationalism goes almost unquestioned - but perhaps ... Read More
Greed: The Seven Deadly Sins
Wednesday June 14, 2006
Book of the Day: Greed: The Seven Deadly Sins, by Phyllis A. Tickle. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Do you wish to acquire more and more? Do you covet what others have ... Read More
Religion as Faith and Ultimate Concern
Tuesday June 13, 2006
There is a common perception that religion is defined not so much by particular doctrines (like the existence of a god) or in particular functions (like providing a structure for ... Read More
American Christianity Under Siege... from Islam?
Tuesday June 13, 2006
Some evangelical Christians are very worried about Islam - they believe that it will overtake Christianity as the dominant religion in the United States in the coming years. They don't ... Read More
Discussion: Should We Legalize Drugs?
Tuesday June 13, 2006
A forum member writes: I do not believe that we should legalize ALL drugs. There are certain drugs which alter the brain so quickly and so permanently and are ... Read More
Michael Newdow's "In God We Trust" Lawsuit Dismissed
Tuesday June 13, 2006
Michael Newdow's lawsuit against the placement of "In God We Trust" on America's currency has been dismissed by a judge. This probably isn't a surprise to anyone and while many ... Read More
This Date in History: Jailed for Possessing Communist Literature
Tuesday June 13, 2006
June 13, 1936: In Georgia, the criminal sentence of Angelo Herndon for possessing communist literature was upheld by the state's Supreme Court.
Religious Schools vs. Secular Schools
Tuesday June 13, 2006
It has been argued in America that it's discriminatory for the government to fund secular schools but not religious schools. Defenders of religious schools insist that it's a question of ... Read More
People in the Bible: Profile & Biography of Herod Antipas
Tuesday June 13, 2006
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and one of his wives, Malthace. Antipas became tetrarch of Gaililee and Perea on the death of his father in 4 ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Even Conservative Gays Support the Republican Party?
Tuesday June 13, 2006
A significant number of conservatives are homophobic and this is why they are so opposed to civil and legal equality for gays. That means that conservative gays who support the ... Read More
The Da Vinci Fraud: Why the Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
Tuesday June 13, 2006
Book of the Day: The Da Vinci Fraud: Why the Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction, by Robert M. Price. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
The popularity of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code ... Read More
What is Christianity?
Monday June 12, 2006
What is Christianity? That's a difficult question to answer, but it is also an important question. There are obvious implications for Christians themselves: unless they have some sort of definition ... Read More
Larry Darby Loses, But Still Gloats
Monday June 12, 2006
In Larry Darby's quest to become the Democratic candidate for Alabama's Attorney General, he came much closer than most people probably expected. He lost, fortunately, but he ultimately received more ... Read More
Discussion: Jesus As An Erotic Figure?
Monday June 12, 2006
A forum member writes: Has anyone who has ever seen an image of Jesus on the cross, wearing a barely there loin cloth , ever felt that it was erotic? ... Read More
Anti-Semitism vs. Anti-Israel
Monday June 12, 2006
Criticisms of Israel, and even being opposed to many facets of Israeli policy, isn't the same as being Antisemitic, is it? Some people think that this is the case. They ... Read More
This Date in History: Loving v. Virginia, Interracial Marriage
Monday June 12, 2006
How Democracy Changes Expectations of Government
Monday June 12, 2006
Early democratic theorists in the West grew up in the context of generally un-democratic states where government held absolute power, but was limited in its relationship with the rest of ... Read More
Mailbag: Defending Ann Coulter
Monday June 12, 2006
From: "Gilbert"
Subject: Ann Coulter vs. Reality
I always like to read an individual's comments about another person's work, especially regarding the "reality" of the work, when their comments lack "reality".
This is ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: Profiles of Different Branches of Philosophy
Monday June 12, 2006
Philosophy is broken down into several specialties, but this doesn’t mean that each branch of philosophy is autonomous. There is often much overlap between some fields: for example, political and ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Gay Rights Incompatible with Religious Liberty?
Monday June 12, 2006
Opposition to equal civil rights for gays comes in many forms. Religious conservatives are losing the argument that there is something necessarily wrong with homosexuality, so they appear to be ... Read More
Pride: The Seven Deadly Sins
Monday June 12, 2006
Book of the Day: Pride: The Seven Deadly Sins, by Michael Eric Dyson. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Pride tops the list of the seven deadly sins - it didn't always take ... Read More
What Isn't Existentialism?
Sunday June 11, 2006
Because existentialism encompasses so many different trends and ideas that have appeared over the history of Western philosophy, it can be difficult to distinguish it from other movements and philosophical ... Read More
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit from Fired Pharmacist
Sunday June 11, 2006
There is a growing movement in the Christian Right to give pharmacists to ability to refuse to help customers obtain prescribed birth control medication. This is only the first step ... Read More
Discussion: Evolution is Evil
Sunday June 11, 2006
A forum member writes: During a long drive yesterday, I tuned into a Christian radio channel, and a creationist minister was making the case that evolution goes beyond simply being ... Read More
Future of European Muslims
Sunday June 11, 2006
Most people see just three possible futures for the Muslim minority in Europe: assimilate, remain marginalized, or out-breed Christian Europeans to become a majority. Perhaps there are other options, however, ... Read More
This Date in History: African-American Bishop
Sunday June 11, 2006
June 11, 1789: Richard Allen was ordained a deacon of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Allen would later go on to found the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and become the ... Read More
Traditional Christianity: Responsible for Human Misery?
Sunday June 11, 2006
To what extent is the advance of the West due to Christianity and to what extent has it occurred in spite of Christianity? The relationship between Western history and Christianity ... Read More
Mailbag: God Bless
Sunday June 11, 2006
From: "Erik"
Subject: Love of God
I will pray that GOD will open your eyes (heart) and may GOD bless you.
That's nice, but why would Erik take the time to tell ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus' Teaching on Divorce (Mark 10:1-12)
Sunday June 11, 2006
As is usually the case wherever Jesus goes, he is accosted by large crowds of people - it's not clear if they are there to hear him teach, to watch ... Read More
Daily Poll: Has America Become a Plutocracy?
Sunday June 11, 2006
America was founded as a democratic republic - it didn't start out as democratic as people assume, but the democratic elements grew stronger over time as people became accustomed to ... Read More
America as a Christian Nation (Book Notes: American Jesus)
Sunday June 11, 2006
It's common to hear from the Christian Right that America is a "Christian Nation" and, as such, should be ruled according to Christian principles, by Christian politicians, and for the ... Read More
Conversations with Carl Sagan
Sunday June 11, 2006
Book of the Day: Conversations with Carl Sagan, edited by Tom Head. Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Carl Sagan was one of the most important scientists of the latter half of ... Read More
Humanist Leads UN Organization on Religion
Saturday June 10, 2006
Can a humanist and an atheist really lead a United Nations organization dedicated to religion? Yes, when that organization is the Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) Committee on Freedom of Religion ... Read More
Discussion: Did Jesus' Resurrection Really Occur?
Saturday June 10, 2006
A forum member writes: I want to draw a distinction between a description of events and a religious interpretation of events.
Suppose a child has an accident. His parents used a ... Read More
Racism on the Border
Saturday June 10, 2006
If you have brown skin and live near the Mexican border, you may be taking your life into your heads if you go out into the wild areas at night. ... Read More
This Date in History: Salem Witch Trials Execution
Saturday June 10, 2006
June 10, 1692: Bridget Bishop became the first of twenty people executed for witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials.
Totalitarianism in Society Before the State
Saturday June 10, 2006
Many have wondered how a totalitarian state could develop - what would cause people to give any support to a government that tried to control every aspect of society? This ... Read More
Evolution Fundamentals: Life From Space: Mars and Asteroids
Saturday June 10, 2006
Can life survive a journey through space? Experiments offer a resounding yes. For example, Japanese scientists sealed up Bacillus subtilis spores and other various organisms in a vacuum chamber and ... Read More
Daily Poll: Has the Internet Become Too Commercialized?
Saturday June 10, 2006
The presence of commercial advertising on the internet isn’t surprising, given the fact that decent sites can be expensive to maintain. There are reasons to think that commercial advertising undermines ... Read More
Fundamentalism and Fear of Modernity (Book Notes: Civil Wars: A Battle for Gay Marriage)
Saturday June 10, 2006
It is curious that the Christian Right is so antagonistic towards homosexuals. Gays are a relatively small minority in society and can pose little threat to Christianity or Christians' lives. ... Read More
Gluttony: The Seven Deadly Sins
Saturday June 10, 2006
Book of the Day: Gluttony: The Seven Deadly Sins, by Francine Prose. Publisher: Oxford University Press
Knowledge of the seven deadly sins today is inferior to the past, but many can ... Read More
Existentialists Before Existentialism
Friday June 9, 2006
Because existentialism is a trend or mood involving philosophical themes rather than a coherent system of philosophy, it is possible to trace through the past a number of precursors to ... Read More
Pope Benedict XVI Christianizes the Holocaust
Friday June 9, 2006
Pope John Paul II was very sensitive towards Jewish feelings about Christianity's historical anti-Semitism and the Holocaust in particular. He did several things which improved relations between the Vatican and ... Read More
Discussion: Qualified vs. Unqualified Teachers
Friday June 9, 2006
A forum member writes: I think K-12 teachers should not be given the whole of the summer break off. During at least a month or more of that time, ... Read More
Secularism: An Enemy of America?
Friday June 9, 2006
For some, secularism is a danger to society because it undermines the principle that society can only endure when founded upon particular religious principles. For others, it is a danger ... Read More
This Date in History: Madalyn Murray O'Hair
Friday June 9, 2006
June 09, 1964: An article about Madalyn Murray O'Hair appeared in Life Magazine. This is one of the earliest national articles about O'Hair and it was entitled "The Most Hated ... Read More
Bertrand Russell on Anti-Blasphemy Laws and Religious Privilege
Friday June 9, 2006
By the law of England, it is illegal to attack the Christian religion; in practice, however, the law is not put in operation against expensive books or well-to-do authors: it ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheists’ Sad Existence
Friday June 9, 2006
From: "Tamera"
Subject: I am praying for you
I am so sorry that you have nothing to hope for. If you truly believe that life on this earth is all that we ... Read More
Church & State Fundamentals: Religion's Place in the Public Square
Friday June 9, 2006
Quite often, debates about the appropriate relationship between religion and government involved the appropriate place of religion in the so-called “Public Square.” This public square might be meant literally, as ... Read More
Daily Poll: What's the Primary Causes of Terrorism Among Muslims?
Friday June 9, 2006
Is terrorism committed by Muslims caused by something radical in the nature of Islam itself? This is a common assumption, but it might not be true. There is evidence that ... Read More
Morality and Rationality as a Motivation (Book Notes: What Price the Moral High Ground?)
Friday June 9, 2006
Are we rational? Are we moral? Well, most people like to think of themselves as rational and moral, but obviously that isn't always true. People are motivated to act so ... Read More
Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy
Friday June 9, 2006
Book of the Day: Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy, by Shlomo Ben-Ami. Publisher: Oxford University Press
Perhaps the most intractable political issue in the world today, and ... Read More
Students Cannot be Forced to Stand for Pledge
Thursday June 8, 2006
Debates over the Pledge of Allegiance have been running through law and politics for decades now. It has long been an established principle - and only because of the courts ... Read More
More Evidence that Astrology is Bunk
Thursday June 8, 2006
The evidence for the truth or effectiveness of astrology is nonexistent; on the other hand, the evidence for the falsehood of astrology is mountainous. Every time the subject is studied, ... Read More
Discussion: Unequally Yoked?
Thursday June 8, 2006
A forum member writes: Ok, this may be the wrong place to ask this question....but...has anyone out there had to come to terms with a spouse who becomes deeply christian? ... Read More
Atheists Reject the Big Bang?
Thursday June 8, 2006
Is Big Bang Cosmology an aspect of modern physics which support traditional theism generally and Christianity in particular? Many believers seem to think so - even to the point of ... Read More
This Date in History: President Has the Authority to Ignore Laws
Thursday June 8, 2006
Fallen Evangelicals in America
Thursday June 8, 2006
Evangelical Christians like to portray themselves as the moral saviors of America. They insist that if only the government agrees to their desires - like posting the Ten Commandments in ... Read More
Mailbag: Scientology Defended
Thursday June 8, 2006
From: "Sue"
Subject: None
You know, Mr. Cline, you really walk a very shaky line representing Scientology with only detractor's viewpoints. Having used the philosophy in my own life for a number ... Read More
Does God Exist? God is Eternal - Timeless vs. Everlasting
Thursday June 8, 2006
God is commonly portrayed as being eternal; however, there is more than one way to understand the concept of "eternal." On the one hand, God may be thought of as ... Read More
Daily Poll: Has Reality Played a Big Role in the Bush Administration's Policies?
Thursday June 8, 2006
It's common for people to counter the actions and arguments of the Bush administration with their own arguments based upon what they believe to be facts. This may be a ... Read More
Status of Women in Christianity & Islam (Book Notes: No God but God)
Thursday June 8, 2006
A common criticism of Islam is its treatment of women; at the same time, though, Christianity does not have a very good track record with its treatment of women, either. ... Read More
The Church Enslaved: A Spirituality For Racial Reconciliation
Thursday June 8, 2006
Book of the Day: The Church Enslaved: A Spirituality For Racial Reconciliation,
One of the most significant aspects of American Christianity which no one wants to talk about, much less ... Read More
Ask Margot: Don't Lose the Faith!
Wednesday June 7, 2006
I've written a couple of times down about "Dear Amy," an advice column written by Amy Dickinson who appears to have trouble seeing atheists as deserving the same respect and ... Read More
Blogsnark: Atheists are Pig-Ignorant Lying Bigots
Wednesday June 7, 2006
Atheists are popular targets of personal attacks not just among theists, but also among self-professed agnostics as well. There are quite a few agnostics out there who appear to have ... Read More
Discussion: Post-Modernism as Mumbo-Jumbo
Wednesday June 7, 2006
Anduin writes: Political commentator Francis Wheen has written an interesting book called “How Mumbo-Jumbo conquered the world,“ which I have just finished reading. While it poses some interesting issues about ... Read More
Submissive Christian Women
Wednesday June 7, 2006
Must good Christian women be submissive to their husbands' leadership? Many evangelical and fundamentalist Christians certainly seem to think so; its' even been enshrined as a principle for the Southern ... Read More
This Date in History: Movies are a Menace to Faith and Morals
Wednesday June 7, 2006
June 07, 1934: Cardinal Dennis Dougherty of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia declared in a letter read from every pulpit in the archdiocese that movies pose "the greatest menace to faith ... Read More
America's War on Godless Communism and Religious Doubters
Wednesday June 7, 2006
Atheists are perhaps America's most despised minority; evangelical Christians pretend that they are persecuted, but they, their policies, and their attitudes are what create genuine prejudice and bigotry against other ... Read More
Mailbag: Why There Is A God
Wednesday June 7, 2006
From: "Findus"
Subject: Jesus Christ
Do you know why there is a God, Because you can't create one breath or one heartbeat, You have to start with something, from dust I came ... Read More
Atheism Basics: Are Atheists in Denial?
Wednesday June 7, 2006
Some people are so sure of the existence of their god that they have trouble imagining that someone else could honestly not feel the same way. Some may also imagine ... Read More
Daily Poll: If the Government Can Acknowledge God, Then How About Jesus?
Wednesday June 7, 2006
It's common - far too common - for public officials to introduce god-talk into their public statements or speeches. This is often defended on the basis of most Americans believing ... Read More
Secularism vs. Superstition (Book Notes: Humanism: An Introduction)
Wednesday June 7, 2006
The widest cause of secularization may be the steady change of thinking so that there is the expectation that reason and a consideration of cause and effect will help with ... Read More
Religion, Politics, and the Christian Right: Post-9/11 Powers in American Empire
Wednesday June 7, 2006
Book of the Day: Religion, Politics, and the Christian Right: Post-9/11 Powers in American Empire, by Mark Lewis Taylor. Publisher: Augsburg Fortres
The power and influence of America's Christian Right is ... Read More
Anti-Family Christians vs. Gay Adoptions
Tuesday June 6, 2006
America's Christian Right likes to present itself as a defender of family values and strong family relationships. The truth, though, is that insofar as they are "defenders" of families, they ... Read More
Washington Bishop Attacks Gays
Tuesday June 6, 2006
Significant segments of the Christian population in America are homophobic to one degree or another, but it's often interesting to see them display that homophobia and bigotry openly. A particularly ... Read More
Discussion: Stem Cells and the Culture of Anti-Life
Tuesday June 6, 2006
A forum member writes: While the political majority stand gnashing their teeth at the anti-majoritarian "obstructionist" tactics (judge issues), they boastfully promise their own obstruction of the apparent "will of ... Read More
Who Wants To Be An Israelite?
Tuesday June 6, 2006
There has been some discussion here and on other sites about the nature of "Christian Nationalists," Christians who act as though their religion and their patriotism were one and the ... Read More
This Date in History: Sikh Extremists
Tuesday June 6, 2006
June 06, 1984: India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi authorizes troops to oust Sikh extremists from the Golden Temple at Amritsar; between 600-1,200 people are killed in the assault.
Mailbag: Homosexuality, Religion, and Civil Rights
Tuesday June 6, 2006
Subject: Homosexuality in Georgia
From: Redneck Genius
Georgia appears to be heading for a second vote on the Ban Gay Marriage amendment as a court struck down the amendment. The amendment passed ... Read More
People in the Bible: Profile of the Sanhedrin
Tuesday June 6, 2006
Sanhedrin comes from the Greek synedrion, which literally means 'sitting together' and refers to a council of leaders - political, religious, state, etc. Ancient sources have references to both Roman ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should the Laws and Constitution Reflect / Enforce Religious Principles?
Tuesday June 6, 2006
Democratically elected representatives are typically expected to swear to uphold the laws and the Constitution. Some, though, act like part of their job is to uphold their particular interpretation of ... Read More
Capitalism vs. Conservatism (Book Notes: America Right Or Wrong)
Tuesday June 6, 2006
Many liberals in America have expressed bewilderment at the fact that so many voters act against their economic interests: they vote for conservatives whose cultural rhetoric they like, but who ... Read More
Counter-Apocalyptic Journeys
Tuesday June 6, 2006
Book of the Day: God And Power: Counter-Apocalyptic Journeys, by Catherine Keller,
Religions are totalizing belief systems; because of this, it's inevitable that they also address questions about social power ... Read More
Bloomberg Denounces Intelligent Design, Creationism
Monday June 5, 2006
Opposition to evolutionary science and support of various forms of creationism is a Republican issue - almost no Democrats defend such things. Nevertheless, there are some Republicans who agree with ... Read More
Why Laws Based On Religion Create Problems
Monday June 5, 2006
What would happen if people tried to get Hindu teachers kicked out of a public school because they violated three of the Ten Commandments and, therefore, would be bad role ... Read More
Discussion: Anger At God
Monday June 5, 2006
A forum member writes: I recently learned of a new widower (a Catholic, late 60's), who is now coping with serious anger [at God]. ... [I]t seems to me ... Read More
Atheist Race Traitor? White Nationalists Lash Out at Larry Darby
Monday June 5, 2006
The saga of Larry Darby, an atheist who has come out of the closet as a White Supremacist, racist, and Holocaust Denier, appears to have degenerated from tragedy into farce. ... Read More
This Date in History: Detaining Illegal Immigrants
Monday June 5, 2006
June 05, 2003: U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, he "makes no apologies" for detaining 762 illegal immigrants without charges for several months before releasing ... Read More
Education and Terrorism
Monday June 5, 2006
It is sometimes thought that Islamic terrorism is fueled by the poverty, lack of education, and lack of opportunities that afflict so many Muslims in the Arab world. Wealthier Muslim ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: What is Logical Positivism?
Monday June 5, 2006
Developed by the 'Vienna Circle' during the 1920s and 30s, Logical Positivism was an attempt to systematize empiricism in light of developments in math and philosophy. The term Logical Positivism ... Read More
Daily Poll: Does the Christian Right Ignore Important Christian Values?
Monday June 5, 2006
Perhaps the most important catch-phrase of the Christian Right is 'family values' and a significant amount of their political, social, and cultural agenda is predicated on the defense of 'family ... Read More
Men Defined as Not Women (Book Notes: Ungodly Women)
Monday June 5, 2006
There is a stark contrast in modern society between the attributes ascribed to women and those ascribed to men. Women are generally regarded as weak, emotional, and inferior. Men are ... Read More
H.P. Lovecraft And Extraterrestrial Pop Culture
Monday June 5, 2006
Book of the Day: The Cult of Alien Gods: H.P. Lovecraft And Extraterrestrial Pop Culture,
One of the most popular subjects among believers in the paranormal today isn't astrology or ... Read More
Blogsnark: Liberal Religion vs. Conservative Religion, Is One Inherently Better?
Sunday June 4, 2006
It's common - far too common - for liberal religious believers to act like their form of religion is superior to what you find among conservatives and fundamentalists. They act ... Read More
Discussion: Hell is Fair and Just
Sunday June 4, 2006
A forum member writes: Well you people have done one thing for me. You've shown me why hell is fair and just. You have made it clear that you do ... Read More
Corruption of Justice
Sunday June 4, 2006
Is justice necessarily corrupted when God is not acknowledged? That is what some supporters of the Ten Commandments monument in Alabama believe. According to them, a just government is a ... Read More
This Date in History: Meyer v. Nebraska
Sunday June 4, 2006
June 04, 1923: Decided: Meyer v. Nebraska The Supreme Court ruled that parents may decide for themselves if and when their children may learn a foreign language, based upon a ... Read More
Thomas Jefferson, Slavery, and Morality
Sunday June 4, 2006
It's long been a conundrum for historians that Thomas Jefferson, author of the stirring words about liberty in the Declaration of Independence, could at the same time own other human ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Temptations to Sin, Warnings of Hell (Mark 9:42-50)
Sunday June 4, 2006
We find here a series of warnings of what awaits those foolish enough to give in to temptations to sin. Scholars have argued that all of these sayings were actually ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Museums Display Art That's Pro- or Anti-Religion?
Sunday June 4, 2006
The separation of church and state should prohibit the government from promoting or denigrating religion - for example, by erecting displays on public grounds that endorse some religion or attack ... Read More
The Changing Nature of Copyright (Book Notes: Digital Copyright)
Sunday June 4, 2006
Copyright laws are playing an increasingly important role in society today, which is not a surprise given the increasing importance of the internet and information for the operation of modern ... Read More
The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead
Sunday June 4, 2006
Book of the Day: The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead,
It may have occurred to you that there seems to be a lot more ... Read More
Family Violence in the Name of God
Saturday June 3, 2006
Christians often claim that Christianity is a religion of peace. It is also often alleged that Christianity is necessary for proper morality and family values. Why is it, then, that ... Read More
Discussion: Superpowers?
Saturday June 3, 2006
A forum member writes: If I had a free choice of the superpowers of comic book heroes, I'd rather like to be Wolverine. Of course that's because I'm fed up ... Read More
Koran Supports Israel
Saturday June 3, 2006
Usually we might tend to think of Muslims, especially those in the Middle East, as being opposed to the existence of Israel. Not all take this position, but a great ... Read More
This Date in History: Madalyn Murray O'Hair
Saturday June 3, 2006
June 03, 1968: Madalyn Murray O'Hair broadcast the first of many atheist radio programs over many years. She used the program to discuss atheism and promote the separation of church ... Read More
Evolution Fundamentals: Abiogenesis, the Nature of Life
Saturday June 3, 2006
What is life, anyway? Despite how often it is used, biologists have had difficulty coming up with a coherent definition which would distinguish between life and non-life. The line between ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Courts Issue Secret Rulings Based On Secret Evidence?
Saturday June 3, 2006
In America, today, President Bush can order secret wiretapping and surveillance performed on you. Secret evidence can then be used to get judges to issue secret rulings that even your ... Read More
Can Gay Rights and Gay Marriage Be Stopped? (Book Notes: Gay Marriage)
Saturday June 3, 2006
What do conservative religious critics hope to accomplish in their opposition to gay rights and gay marriage? William F. Buckley has described the basic principle of conservatism as "To stand ... Read More
The Rehnquist Court and the Constitution
Saturday June 3, 2006
Book of the Day: The Rehnquist Court and the Constitution,
With the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, we can expect to see a large number of books examining the ... Read More
Training Christian Fascists to Kill in the Name of God
Friday June 2, 2006
Fascism, whatever form it takes, relies heavily on violence and the demonization of enemies. If fascism ever comes to America, it will almost certainly come under the cloak of Christianity ... Read More
Discussion: Heavens!
Friday June 2, 2006
A forum member writes: If there really were an afterlife, what would you like it to be like? ... I assume none of us are interested in the standard clouds ... Read More
Christians Who Hate Gays But Love Bacon
Friday June 2, 2006
Conservative and evangelical Christians in America seem obsessed with homosexuality. They are convinced that biblical injunctions against gay sex mean that the civil law should be used against homosexuals in ... Read More
This Date in History: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
Friday June 2, 2006
June 02, 1989: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini dies.
Catholicism as a Failed Monopoly
Friday June 2, 2006
Can the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation be explained in economic terms? Perhaps: the Reformation could be described as an attempt by an upstart firm to move into a market controlled ... Read More
Church & State Fundamentals: What Does The Separation And Church And State Mean To Me?
Friday June 2, 2006
Although much of the debate surrounding the separation of church and state involves the relationships between large institutions, that doesn't mean that it does not impact you, personally. In fact, ... Read More
Piety and Morality in Politics (Book Notes: Doctors from Hell)
Friday June 2, 2006
Outward manifestations of piety and righteousness do not protect the citizenry. Each belt buckle that German soldiers wore had embossed upon it Gott Mit Uns (God Is with Us). Over ... Read More
Politics, Religion, and the Common Good
Friday June 2, 2006
Book of the Day: Politics, Religion, and the Common Good,
Public debates about the role of religion in the government in America are often characterized by rancor and bad feelings. ... Read More
Rome and the Reich: the Vatican's Dirty Secret
Thursday June 1, 2006
Critics allege that the Vatican could have done more to help Jews and more to oppose Nazis during World War II. Defenders insist that the Vatican and Pope Pius XII ... Read More
Discussion: Christianity a Crutch?
Thursday June 1, 2006
A forum member writes: First off, I’m an atheist, formerly a Christian. I’ve often heard the argument that Christians are weak-minded and use their religion as a crutch. This may ... Read More
Islam and Multiculturalism: Compatible?
Thursday June 1, 2006
There are many debates over the relationship between Islam and democracy and whether Islam is compatible with a democratic society. It is arguable, however, that the real problem is not ... Read More
This Date in History: Sterilization of Criminals in America
Thursday June 1, 2006
Good Will and Ethics
Thursday June 1, 2006
It's common to think of ethical behavior as requiring the product of good results, but a focus on results is not sufficient. In addition to producing more good than evil, ... Read More
Daily Poll: Atheists Should Be Quiet About Science?
Thursday June 1, 2006
According to some, it's not just enough that atheists and religious skeptics have to sit down and shut up in the field of politics rather than criticize the Christianity people ... Read More
Ethics of Individual Moral Preference (Book Notes: Free For All)
Thursday June 1, 2006
Should people be allowed to make moral choices for themselves or should such choices be turned over to higher authorities? Actually, that's a false dilemma: some choices are always restricted ... Read More
Mencken: The American Iconoclast, by Marion Elizabeth Rodgers
Thursday June 1, 2006
Book of the Day: Mencken: The American Iconoclast, by Marion Elizabeth Rodgers,
Henry Louis Mencken is one of the most important journalists and defenders of free speech in American history, ... Read More