Continuity of Modern Lebanon & Ancient Phoenicia
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Image Source:CIA Fact Book
This map of modern Lebanon reveals some of the continuity between ancient Phoenicia and the modern Lebanese state. The northern-most Phoenician city-state was Arvad, just a bit ... Read More
Muslim Cabbies Want to Discriminate Against Customers
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Should cab drivers be allowed to refuse rides to people who somehow violate the driver's religious beliefs? That's what Muslim cab drivers in Minneapolis want: they don't want to give ... Read More
What Makes a Song, A CD or a Band Christian?
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Have you ever listened to Christian or religious music inadvertently? Most music groups that qualify as "Christian" will identify themselves as such. There may be a move towards not doing ... Read More
This Date in History: Martin Luther
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 31, 1517: Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg Germany. This marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation and, hence, Protestants ... Read More
Government Funding of Quackery
Tuesday October 31, 2006
The government funds some strange things sometimes, and that's not necessarily a problem. It doesn't even need to be a problem when it funds strange medical research - after ... Read More
When National Interests Take Precedence Over the Rule of Law (Book Notes: Hitler’s Prisons)
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Some members of the Bush administration, as well as conservative apologists for the administration, believe that the president's responsibilities in time of war and to protect the national interests mean ... Read More
Mailbag: Belief in God
Tuesday October 31, 2006
From: "Solace"
Subject: Question
Scientists say that our minds have a natural desire to believe in God. Its based on the need of primordial man to control his environment. If thats true, ... Read More
Focus on Religion: Religion vs. Philosophy
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Is religion just a type of philosophy? Is philosophy a religious activity? There seems to be some confusion at times over just whether and how religion and philosophy should be ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Boy Scout Bigotry Be Defended?
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Conflict and Faith
Tuesday October 31, 2006
Book of the Day: Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith, by Nora Gallagher, Publisher: Random House.
Atheists tend to live removed from religious communities; because of this, we ... Read More
Sheik: Uncovered Women are Abandoned Meat, Responsible for Sexual Attacks
Monday October 30, 2006
Many people were outraged last week when Sheik Taj Aldin Al-Hilali, Australia's top Muslim cleric, said that women are responsible when they are victims of sexual assault when they don't ... Read More
Antipopes: What is an Antipope? When is a Pope Not a Pope?
Monday October 30, 2006
Image Source: Jupiter Images
The term "antipope" refers to any person who claims to be pope, but whose claim is treated as invalid today by the Roman Catholic Church. This should ... Read More
Conservative Christianity is Bad for your Marriage
Monday October 30, 2006
Conservative Christians of all types, evangelical as well as Catholic, frequently link their conservative brand of their religion with proper moral behavior. By far the most popular context for this ... Read More
Discussion: Paganism - Foundation of all Religions
Monday October 30, 2006
A forum member writes: All of todays contemporary religions are based on so called pagan belief systems. Take for instance Judaism, Christianity and Islam who share common pagan origins. The ... Read More
Michele Bachmann, Fool for Christ: God Told Me to Run for Congress
Monday October 30, 2006
God must be pretty busy since there seems to be no shortage of Republicans with whom God is discussing politics, even going so far as to tell them to run ... Read More
This Date in History: Flag Protection Act
Monday October 30, 2006
October 30, 1989: The Flag Protection Act, passed by Congress in response to the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Texas v Johnson, went into effect. Thousands of people ... Read More
Near-Death Experiences: Common Explanations
Monday October 30, 2006
Proponents of the existence of souls and an afterlife like to claim that their ideas are supported, in part, by the fact that there are no scientific explanations for near-death ... Read More
Segregation & Christianity: Christian Opposition to Integration, Internationalism (Book Notes: Noah's Curse)
Monday October 30, 2006
One of the central organizing features of conservative evangelical Christianity is the perceived need for absolute standards of social order. They see all around them dangers to the social structures ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheism vs. Agnosticism
Monday October 30, 2006
From: "Grnguz"
Subject: Misconceptions on Atheism
Being an agnostic and randomly searching on information about it, I had found your About page. In it you refute an argument that atheism is just ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: What are Ethics and Morality?
Monday October 30, 2006
The terms ethics and morality are often used interchangeably — indeed, they usually can mean the same thing and in casual conversation there isn’t a problem with switching between one ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Contraceptive Information Be Kept from Kids?
Monday October 30, 2006
Does God Exist?
Monday October 30, 2006
Book of the Day: God: The Oldest Question, by William J. O'Malley, S.J.
Does God exist? Is it reasonable to believe in a god, or is such belief simply an ancient ... Read More
Opponents of Anti-Christian ACLU Say: Make Creche Secular
Sunday October 29, 2006
A few days ago I wrote about the debate over a creche display in Berkely, Michigan. Defenders of the display claim that the ACLU is wrong and that the Nativity ... Read More
Flag Burning: Alaska State Laws on Flag Burning, Desecration, Abuse
Sunday October 29, 2006
In Alaska, no trademark may be registered if it disparages, suggests a false connection with national symbols, or bring such national symbols into disrepute.
Read Article: Alaska State Laws on Flag ... Read More
Jeffrey Dahmer is in Heaven
Sunday October 29, 2006
Christianity is a religion based on orthodoxy. What this means is that "correct beliefs" are emphasized over "correct actions." It doesn't matter how correctly or morally you behave, you're not ... Read More
Discussion: Has Conservatism Changed?
Sunday October 29, 2006
A forum member writes:There is no doubt in my mind that conservatism has changed in the last 50 years or so. When I think about traditional conservatism in the West, ... Read More
Who Are the Christians Here? Amish Actually Believe in Forgiveness
Sunday October 29, 2006
Christianity is supposed to preach forgiveness of one's enemies. Jesus, after all, is depicted in the New Testament as teaching his followers to "turn the other cheek" when struck by ... Read More
This Date in History: The Third Crusade
Sunday October 29, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 29, 1187: In response to the recapture of Jerusalem by Saladin, Pope Gregory VIII issues the Bull Audita Tremendi calling for the Third Crusade. The Third Crusade would ... Read More
There's No Business Like UFO Business
Sunday October 29, 2006
Belief in UFOs and alien abductions has been popular in America for years, but is it possible that this popularity is on the decline? That could be the case - ... Read More
Presidential Power, Presidential Supremacy (Book Notes: How Democratic Is the American Constitution?)
Sunday October 29, 2006
It has become common for presidents to claim to have a mandate from the people and to represent the will of the entire American public. They use such claims in ... Read More
Mailbag: The British Are Coming! Part 3
Sunday October 29, 2006
From: "Alan"
Subject: Re: Atheism, another religion or is delusion universal?
You might be wondering how I managed to be reading your WebPages; I was searching for information relating to Sunni and ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus Explains the Signs of the End Times: Tribulation & False Prophets (Mark 13:5-8)
Sunday October 29, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
This, the first section of Jesus' apocalyptic prediction, likely consists of events that were ongoing issues for Mark's community: deception, false prophets, persecution, betrayals, and death. The words ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Church Directories Be Used by Political Parties?
Sunday October 29, 2006
Humanism & Secular Morality
Sunday October 29, 2006
Book of the Day: Forbidden Fruit: The Ethics of Humanism, by Paul Kurtz.
Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief ... Read More
Conservatives Don't See Sexuality, Just the Whole Person?
Saturday October 28, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
Blogger Mike Rogers has been making waves by claiming conservative Republican senator Larry Craig, who frequently votes against gay rights measures, may himself be gay. ... Read More
Discussion: Spinning Science & Religion
Saturday October 28, 2006
A forum member writes: I am concerned by the misrepresentation of science given in many recent magazine articles suggesting that scientific evidence and scientists themselves support religious faith. In fact, ... Read More
Veils Banned in Birmingham University School of Medicine
Saturday October 28, 2006
Should Muslim doctors and nurses be allowed to remain veiled when interacting with patients? At least some Muslims believe so - but others disagree very strongly. It can be argued ... Read More
This Date in History: Pope Paul VI Absolves Jews
Saturday October 28, 2006
October 28, 1965: Pope Paul VI issued a decree absolving Jews of collective guilt for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
How Does Science Work?
Saturday October 28, 2006
Questions about the nature and function of science have been topics of debate for as long as science has existed. That science works, and works well, is obvious - but ... Read More
Race, Genetics, and Scientific Research (Book Notes: Genetic Destines)
Saturday October 28, 2006
Science, and in particular evolutionary theory, is a 'universal solvent' that breaks down traditional ideologies about the nature of humanity and the world we live in. Science is relentless when ... Read More
Mailbag: The British Are Coming! Part 2
Saturday October 28, 2006
From: "Alan"
Subject: Re: Atheism, another religion or is delusion universal?
The trap most intellectuals fall into, and Atheism is an intellectual approach, is a conceited pride and superiority over those who ... Read More
Evolution Basics: Epperson v. Arkansas (1968)
Saturday October 28, 2006
It is true that state governments do and should have the authority to decide what sorts of things taught in public schools; nevertheless, just how far should such authority extend? ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Atheists Become More Politically Active?
Saturday October 28, 2006
Houdini, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Spiritualism
Saturday October 28, 2006
Book of the Day: Final Seance: The Strange Friendship Between Houdini and Conan Doyle, by Massimo Polidoro.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini are two of the most famous popular ... Read More
Houston Landscaper Won't Work for Gays
Friday October 27, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
If you have a business selling your services to the public, can you refuse to work for black people? No, that's illegal racial discrimination. Can ... Read More
Xolotl: Xolotl, Canine God of Twins & Sickness in Aztec Religion, Mythology
Friday October 27, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Dogs were considered filthy and immoral in Mesoamerican cultures and Xolotl, the canine god in Aztec religion, embodies all the worst characteristics ascribed to dogs. Xolotl was responsible ... Read More
O'Reilly: A Woman's Life is Never Threatened by Pregnancy
Friday October 27, 2006
Should laws against abortion contain provisions exempting cases where a woman's life is in danger? Even the most stringent anti-abortion laws in America have usually contained such an exemption. It's ... Read More
Discussion: God and Death
Friday October 27, 2006
A forum member writes: My mother-in-law died ... just about two years after being diagnosed with cancer. ... At the funeral ... Rose had to sit there while we buried ... Read More
Will Republicans Pursue Gay Purge, Witch-Hunt Soon?
Friday October 27, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:National Archives
The "revelation" that Mark Foley was gay has had caused significant reverberations through the Republican Party and their far-right Christian supporters. It's becoming apparent to ... Read More
This Date in History: Danish Cartoons of Muhammad
Friday October 27, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 27, 2005: Because of their publication of 12 drawings of Muhammad, Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten has a criminal complaint filed against it by Danish Muslim groups.
People Taking Fiction as Fact: Does It Matter?
Friday October 27, 2006
Dan Brown's popular book The Da Vinci Code is technically recognized by everyone as a work of fiction, but Brown himself insists that it is based upon real historical events, ... Read More
God's Power & Omnipotence: Does God Cause Evil Events? (Book Notes: God and Power)
Friday October 27, 2006
Most Christians in America seem to believe that their god is omnipotent. They don't realize that this is a problem because an omnipotent god who can do anything is ultimately ... Read More
Mailbag: The British Are Coming! Part 1
Friday October 27, 2006
From: "Alan"
Subject: Re: Atheism, another religion or is delusion universal?
I have browsed your WebPages with interest and enjoyed the Humour and the invective. However, I am a committed Christian converted ... Read More
Propaganda Poster: Don't Take Jesus From Her...
Friday October 27, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster: National Archives
A popular claim made by many Christian Nationalists is that the absence of any explicit endorsement of their religion by public schools - or ... Read More
Daily Poll: Does Ann Coulter Accurately Represent American Conservatism?
Friday October 27, 2006
Philosophy of Religion
Friday October 27, 2006
Book of the Day: Global Philosophy of Religion: A Short Introduction, by Joseph Runzo.
Does God exist? If so, is it possible for God to be male or female? Do we ... Read More
Ah Puch: Ah Puch, God of Death in Mayan Religion, Mythology
Thursday October 26, 2006
Image Source:Nova Development
Ah Puch (Hun Ahau, Cum Hau, Hunhau, Hunahau, Yum Cimil, 'Lord of Death') was the Mayan god of death, disaster, and destruction. Ah Puch ruled Mitnal, the lowest ... Read More
A Closeted Atheist in a Conservative Christian College
Thursday October 26, 2006
It's sadly common for atheists to have hide their atheism from people around them - friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even family. For some, though, staying in the closet can be ... Read More
Discussion: Agnosticism and Theism
Thursday October 26, 2006
A forum member writes: While most agnostics/atheists are very frequently opposed to the use of "faith", it seems that judgement based on no evidence or limited evidence is nonetheless exercised ... Read More
Jessica Alba Left Born-Again Christian Church
Thursday October 26, 2006
Currently a very popular actress, there was a time in her teenage years when Jessica Alba was active in a born-again evangelical Christian church. Why did she eventually stop? The ... Read More
This Date in History: Xenotransplants
Thursday October 26, 2006
October 26, 1984: A baboon's heart is transplanted into a 12-day-old infant named Baby Fae, who will survive for 20 days.
False Modesty & Religious Humility
Thursday October 26, 2006
Religious believers who try to put into practice what their religious scriptures tell them often insist that they can't be blamed - after all, this is what their religion teaches ... Read More
Islam and Government (Book Notes: Legacy of the Prophet)
Thursday October 26, 2006
Many Muslims in the Middle East see their governments as corrupt, ineffective, and repressive. They dream that a proper Islamic government would solve all their problems and Islamic radicals encourage ... Read More
Mailbag: Jesus vs. Atheists
Thursday October 26, 2006
From: "Alice"
Subject: interesting.....
The coming of Jesus was foretold more than 40 times in the old testament, and Jesus was an actual historical figure, yep, a REAL person.
Here we have two ... Read More
Does God Exist? Argument from Consciousness
Thursday October 26, 2006
According to this argument, neither naturalism nor materialism can give an adequate explanation of mental events like consciousness. Consequently, divine and supernatural explanations are needed to explain why we are ... Read More
Daily Poll: Why Do People Hate America?
Thursday October 26, 2006
Anti-Catholic Bigotry & Violence in America
Thursday October 26, 2006
Book of the Day: Fire and Roses: The Burning of the Charlestown Convent, 1834, by Nancy Schultz.
The United States of America likes to pride itself on its religious tolerance; although ... Read More
Blogsnark: Pope is Infallible in All Things
Wednesday October 25, 2006
Pope Benedict XVI gave a talk in Germany which has caused a lot of controversy. What's become interesting to me are the various ways in which conservative Christians have tried ... Read More
Discussion: If You Were God...
Wednesday October 25, 2006
...what would you do? Rillion wrote: You know, that really IS a tough question. If there's to be a god, would we really want him/her/it to be like a big ... Read More
Christopher Hitchens: We Should Abolish Military Chaplains
Wednesday October 25, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
Are military chaplains a constitutional necessity or an unconstitutional mistake? The former can be supported by the fact that without them, it would be difficult ... Read More
This Date in History: Mormon War
Wednesday October 25, 2006
October 25, 1838: As tensions between Mormons and non-Mormons increased, the first battle of the "Mormon War" in Missouri occurred at Crooked River when LDS forces raided a camp of ... Read More
The Moral and Aesthetic Importance of Travel
Wednesday October 25, 2006
Traveling is very popular. Not everyone has the means to do so, but just about everyone would like to. Most probably regard travel as merely a form of relaxation, but ... Read More
Theocracy vs. Democracy in the Bush Administration (Book Notes: Religion, Politics, and the Christian Right)
Wednesday October 25, 2006
Does the Bush administration believe in democracy, or does it have a stronger and more fundamental belief in theocracy? It would be nice if they were firm supporters of democracy, ... Read More
Mailbag: Religion, Politics, and the Bible
Wednesday October 25, 2006
From: "Alice"
Subject: interesting.....
[R]eligious beliefs do not have anything to do with politics, so the right for women to vote is political, not religious. Since a Christian man, one who believes ... Read More
Daily Poll: What Justifies the Existence of War?
Wednesday October 25, 2006
Cults & New Religions
Wednesday October 25, 2006
Book of the Day: Odd Gods: New Religions & the Cult Controversy, edited by James R. Lewis.
There are a lot of small, new religions in the United States, and it ... Read More
Saint John the Apostle: Did St. John Write Revelations, the Gospel of John, and Three Epistles?
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
John, the son of Zebedee, was called along with this brother James ("the Great") to be one of Jesus' twelve apostles who would accompany him on his ministry. ... Read More
Atheism is the Least Rational of All Choices?
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Is it irrational to not bother believing in any gods? Many theists think so, but what is the quality of their arguments on behalf of this position? I've never found ... Read More
Discussion: Ceremonial Humbleness
Tuesday October 24, 2006
A forum member writes: I have noted that many Christians, especially those of the Evangelical ilk, insert ceremonial humbleness in their diatribes. This practice seems especially common after they ... Read More
Montana Governor a 'Bigot' For Dismissing 4,000-Year-Old Earth
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Is a person a bigot for accepting the truths provided to us by careful scientific research, dismissing the fables and myths of ancient religious superstitions? Apparently that's the case in ... Read More
This Date in History: Margaret Sanger
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 24, 1916: Margaret Sanger's first birth control clinic was raided and closed.
Probability and Miracles: What is Likely? What is Unlikely?
Tuesday October 24, 2006
If you were playing a card game and were dealt a 'perfect' hand - for example, a royal flush in poker - you'd probably find it amazing. You might even ... Read More
Christian Churches and Nazi Germany (Book Notes: The Hitler Myth)
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Christians today often like to make a big deal about Christian opposition to the Nazis in Germany, but such 'opposition' was often more hype than reality. When Christian churches did ... Read More
Mailbag: Women and their Godly Christian Husbands
Tuesday October 24, 2006
From: "Alice"
Subject: interesting.....
Patronizing to women? The bible says wives should submit to their husbands as the body of Christ submits to Jeus. it ALSO says husbands should LOVE their wives ... Read More
Baalbek: Temple of Jupiter Baal: Site of Worship of Canaanite God Baal
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Image Source:Library of Congress
Ancient records have nothing at all to say about Baalbek, it seems, though human habitation there is quite old. Archaeological digs reveal evidence of human habitation at ... Read More
Daily Poll: Is Christianity Sex-Positive or Sex-Negative?
Tuesday October 24, 2006
American Religion
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Book of the Day: The Transformation of American Religion: The Story of a Late Twentieth-Century Awakening, by Amanda Porterfield.
Religion in America has been changing over the past few decades ... Read More
Republican Hysteria Over Gays: Gay Man Unsuitable for AIDS Coordinator Post
Monday October 23, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:National Archives
Most people might imagine that a gay person would be an especially good choice to lead efforts to fight AIDS. Coming form a community where ... Read More
Sounion, Temple of Poseidon: Where is the Cape Sounion Temple of Poseidon?
Monday October 23, 2006
Image Source: Wikipedia
Located on the southeastern tip of Attica, Cape Sounion is 65 km south-east of Athens, Sounion juts out in a manner that would have assured Athenian sailors a ... Read More
Gay Marriage Fears Losing Punch
Monday October 23, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
In 2004, the Republican Party got a lot of milage out of scaring voters over gay marriage. Quite a few people seem to have come ... Read More
Discussion: A Clockwork Orange
Monday October 23, 2006
A forum member writes: A great film by Stanley Kubrick got me thinking about whether a person can be inherently evil and unreformable. There is no doubt that Alex was ... Read More
Out-of-Body Experiences Induced Mechanically
Monday October 23, 2006
It's common for people to point to so-called "out of body" experiences as evidence that our minds are separate things from our bodies. They claim that minds are immaterial and ... Read More
This Date in History: Dr. Barnett Slepian Assassinated
Monday October 23, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 23, 1998: A sniper shoots through a kitchen window and kills abortion provider Dr. Barnett Slepian in his home in upstate New York. The terrorist who killed Slepian ... Read More
Biological Basis for Morality
Monday October 23, 2006
Religions commonly argue that morality is and/or should be based upon their religious scriptures which reflect the will of the god(s), believed to be the original author(s) of morality. It ... Read More
Going Easy on White Collar Crime (Book Notes: The Cheating Culture)
Monday October 23, 2006
The Christian Right gets a lot of political milage out of portraying itself as standing up for moral values and standing firm against immoral behavior. They benefit from an image ... Read More
Mailbag: Protestants vs. Gays and Catholics
Monday October 23, 2006
From: "Alice"
Subject: interesting.....
As far as the homosexuality issue.....Jesus said, Hate the sin, Love the sinner. I do not believe in a gay lifestyle, but i do have many gay friends ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should the President Act on Instructions from God?
Monday October 23, 2006
The First Messiah
Monday October 23, 2006
Book of the Day: The First Messiah: Investigating the Savior before Jesus, by Michael O. Wise.
About 100 years before the probable lifetime of Jesus, a man came to Jerusalem who ... Read More
Bush’s War on Terrorism as a Religious Crusade
Sunday October 22, 2006
My evening sermon is available at Jesus' General:
President George W. Bush has received quite a bit of criticism for some of the religious language he has used in explaining or ... Read More
New York Court: Catholic Employers Must Cover Contraception
Sunday October 22, 2006
Should religiously-motivated organizations, not just religious institutions like churches, be exempt from a requirement to provide health insurance that covers contraception? A New York state law said that religiously motivated ... Read More
Tyre, Lebanon: Mainland and Artificial Isthmus of Tyre, Lebanon.
Sunday October 22, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Founded some time during the 3rd millennium BCE, Tyre was originally just a small settlement on the coast and an island city just off shore. The Roman historian ... Read More
British Airways Employee Fired for Wearing Cross Necklace
Sunday October 22, 2006
Should religious believers be allowed to express their beliefs at will while on the job? Should they, for example, be able to wear symbols of their religion even when there ... Read More
Discussion: Do you support the term "Bright"?
Sunday October 22, 2006
A forum member writes: I think the term is offensive, unnecessary and not descriptive of anything.
Do you agree with Alastor, or do you think that the "Bright" label is ... Read More
Couple Sentenced for Having Sex in Mosque
Sunday October 22, 2006
What do you suppose is about the worse and most offensive thing you can do to Muslims? Drawing negative cartoons of Muhammad should take a back seat to having sex ... Read More
This Date in History: The "Great Disappointment"
Sunday October 22, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 22, 1844: The "Great Disappointment" occurred when the return of Christ, predicted by William Miller, failed to happen once again. At least 100,000 disillusioned followers returned to their ... Read More
Critical Realism vs. Postmodernism
Sunday October 22, 2006
Postmodern critiques of literature, science, society, politics, etc. have been with us for quite a few years now - but it would be a mistake to assume that the "era ... Read More
Using Stereotypes to Divide and Repress (Book Notes: Created Equal)
Sunday October 22, 2006
The arguments against legalizing gay marriage are rather poor, both from logical and legal perspectives. The organizing ideology behind the opposition is primarily religious, but the widespread acceptance of this ... Read More
America’s Faith-Based Military Might
Sunday October 22, 2006
My morning sermon is available at Jesus' General:
Military operations are supposed to be ruthlessly pragmatic. It’s true that any number of intangible factors can weigh heavily on the outcome, like ... Read More
Mailbag: I'll Pray for You, Part 2
Sunday October 22, 2006
From: "Kim"
Subject: Guide Into What?
Just say your wrong ....and the Bible is proven true and you should die in your sins...what then...it would be to late to ask for mercy. ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple (Mark 13: 1-4)
Sunday October 22, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem is one of the most important features in Mark's gospel. Scholars have been sharply divided on how to ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should the Government Quarantine People in Emergencies?
Sunday October 22, 2006
Liberty in America
Sunday October 22, 2006
Book of the Day: Free for All: Defending Liberty in America Today, by Wendy Kaminer.
It is often argued that the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, forever changed ... Read More
Sidon: Why Sidon Was More Important than Tyre for a Time
Saturday October 21, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Sidon's advantages over other Phoenicians cities like Tyre seems to have rested with its access to the fertile Beqa and north-south overland trade routes. Sidonian forces are even ... Read More
Berkley, Michigan: Paying for and Maintaining Creche
Saturday October 21, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
Poster Text: PadawanHost
Should secular, civil government be responsible for the financing and maintenance of a Christian creche during the Christmas holidays? Some Christians think so, ... Read More
Discussion: Belief Without Proof?
Saturday October 21, 2006
A forum member writes: How many of you believe in aliens? I don't mean signs in the wheat fields, green men going beep beep, Stinky the anal probe, (anyone else ... Read More
Evangelical Teens Leaving the Faith in Droves?
Saturday October 21, 2006
Newsflash! Conservative evangelical leaders have made a startling and earth-shaking discovery: evangelical teens have a tendency to become less religious over time! Even more amazing is the fact that exposure ... Read More
This Date in History: Siege of Antioch
Saturday October 21, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 21, 1097: The Crusaders' siege of the strategically important city of Antioch begins. Located in the mountainous region of Orontes, Antioch had never been captured by any ... Read More
The Federalist Society
Saturday October 21, 2006
For the Bush administration, judicial nominees seem to have to pass muster first with the Federalist Society. In fact, it seems that only Federalist Society members have a chance of ... Read More
Sexual Freedom as Social Disorder (Book Notes: Terror in the Mind of God)
Saturday October 21, 2006
When religious conservatives complain about modernity, many of their attacks are directed at sexual matters: decoupling sex from reproduction, pornography, sex before marriage, homosexuality, etc. We find this with both ... Read More
Mailbag: I'll Pray for You, Part 1
Saturday October 21, 2006
From: "Kim"
Subject: Guide Into What?
I want you to know that im going to put you on my prayer list. I know He that is in me is stronger than he ... Read More
Evolution Basics: Isn't Evolution A Religion?
Saturday October 21, 2006
The idea that evolution might be a religion seems very strange at first glance - after all, we don't see anyone trying to claim that Atomic Theory, Plate Tectonics, or ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Preventive Or Preemptive Wars Just?
Saturday October 21, 2006
Evolution: Science, History, Society
Saturday October 21, 2006
Book of the Day: Evolution, by Carl Zimmer.
What is evolution, and what sort of explanation does it provide for the diversity of life on our planet? Those are important questions, ... Read More
Supreme Court Denies Boy Scouts' Appeal: No Government Support for Discrimination
Friday October 20, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:Library of Congress
For some time now, the Sea Scouts in Berkeley, California, have been fighting the fact that the city has stopped giving them special privileges. ... Read More
Muslim Pharmacist Refuses to Provide Morning-After Pill
Friday October 20, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Northwestern University Library
The trend in America for pharmacists to refuse to do their job by refusing to dispense emergency contraception whenever it offends their religious sensibilities ... Read More
Discussion: Do/Should Animals Have Rights?
Friday October 20, 2006
A forum member writes: I believe that animal should have rights and in most countries there are laws protecting such rights as it is only humane to protect other life-forms, ... Read More
Danish TV: Competition to Mock Muhammad
Friday October 20, 2006
Not content with the original dozen cartoons of Muhammad, the Danish People's party launched a competition for people to draw even more cartoons - but this group was to be ... Read More
This Date in History: Mirza Ali Mohammad (The Bab)
Friday October 20, 2006
October 20, 1819: Mirza Ali Mohammad (The Bab), was born.
Religion, Women, and Violence
Friday October 20, 2006
Most religions tend to accord women a lower social, spiritual, and moral status than men. This is surely just a reflection of common social and political beliefs, but unfortunately religion ... Read More
Equality and the Rule of Law vs. Religious Institutions (Book Notes: God vs. the Gavel)
Friday October 20, 2006
Throughout much of Western history, Christian churches occupied a privileged place in society. Religious institutions were sovereign, which meant that for the most part they simply weren't subject to the ... Read More
Mailbag: No Place for Atheists, Part 2
Friday October 20, 2006
From: "Victor"
Subject: A Protest against the Atheists on the American soil !
Perhaps do you know, the US has this foundation on the faith in God from the firstly immgrants. ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Anti-Gay Politicians Be Outed?
Friday October 20, 2006
Evolution: Victorian Debates
Friday October 20, 2006
Book of the Day: Evolutionary Theory and Victorian Culture, by Martin Fichman.
People are generally familiar with the intense religious, political, and social debates about evolution and the teaching of evolution ... Read More
Roman Heliopolis & Temple Site at Baalbek in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley
Thursday October 19, 2006
Image Source:Library of Congress
Located in Lebanon's Beqaa valley, 86 km northeast of Beirut and 60 km from the Mediterranean coast, Baalbek is one of the best least-known Roman sites in ... Read More
We Have to Kill Liberty to Save Liberty
Thursday October 19, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
The phrase "We had to destroy the village to save it" has been attributed to many different people during the Vietnam War. It is used ... Read More
Discussion: Memes, Memes, Memes
Thursday October 19, 2006
A forum member writes: I am interested in the subject of memes because, if there is some validity to it, memetics may help to explain why human behavior is so ... Read More
Christians' War on Evolution Has a Price
Thursday October 19, 2006
Image Source: Wikipedia
Not all Christians oppose teaching evolution or even have a problem with evolutionary theory. At the same time, though, opposition to evolution is effectively an all-Christian affair. There ... Read More
This Date in History: Alien Abduction
Thursday October 19, 2006
October 19, 2004: Eunice "Betty" Hill, who with her husband made the first modern claim of alien abduction, dies after a long bout with lung cancer. Betty and Barney Hill ... Read More
Evolution & Animalism: Overcoming our Aversion to our Animal Natures
Thursday October 19, 2006
Part of the common conceit which many humans have is the belief that, as human beings, we are completely separate and different from the rest of the animal world. People ... Read More
Demonization Rhetoric from the Right (Book Notes: America Right Or Wrong)
Thursday October 19, 2006
Sometimes the rhetoric heard from American conservatives almost sounds more like a medical report than a political analysis: America suffers from "decay" and is "sick" because of the "corruption" and ... Read More
Mailbag: No Place for Atheists, Part 1
Thursday October 19, 2006
From: "Victor"
Subject: A Protest against the Atheists on the American soil !
I saw your "Curriculum vitae" and I read this "curriculum vitae". You are an atheist and you are ... Read More
Does God Exist? Overview of Resources on the Existence of God & Debates
Thursday October 19, 2006
A common question which atheists hear a lot is 'why don't you believe in God?' Theists, religious or not, have trouble imagining why anyone would not believe in at least ... Read More
Daily Poll: Science Disproves Atheism or Theism?
Thursday October 19, 2006
Sex in Advertising
Thursday October 19, 2006
Book of the Day: The Erotic History of Advertising, by Tom Reichert, Ph.D.
Sex sells - at least, that is the general perception that most people have. But is it true? ... Read More
What Do Americans Think About God?
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Most Americans believe in God. Most of these theists probably believe that they believe in the same God, although perhaps in different ways and suspecting that others have errors in ... Read More
Discussion: Buddhists Who Are Atheists
Wednesday October 18, 2006
A forum member writes: I recently encountered some atheists who said they are also buddhists. I thought that was kind of interesting. I grew up thinking that buddhism was a ... Read More
Oppressive Male Gods Encourage Domestic Abuse
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
I've written before that common Christian depictions of God have a lot of similarities to the classic symptoms of an abusive spouse - so many similarities, in fact, that ... Read More
This Date in History: Martin Luther
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 18, 1512: Martin Luther received his doctorate of theology from Wittenberg.
Skepticism & Mystery: Do Skeptics Have Trouble Accepting Mystery in Life?
Wednesday October 18, 2006
There is a popular perception that skeptics are all just cynics and are unable to tolerate the existence of mysteries while believers in the paranormal are more open minded and ... Read More
Love and the Bible: Understanding the True Nature of Christian Love (Book Notes: Fighting Words)
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Christianity is often described as a religion founded upon love, but it might be worth inquiring more closely just what "love" is supposed to mean in this case. Christian behavior ... Read More
Mailbag: Christmas & Christianity
Wednesday October 18, 2006
From: Major B.
Subject: Re: Christmas
I read you piece with some interest. You use facts and arguments that make me think you are or were a Jehovah’s Witness. Or, perhaps, you ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Atheists Vote Republican?
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Quakers and Women in Early America
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Book of the Day: Daughters of Light: Quaker Women Preaching, by Rebecca Larson.
What role and influence did Christian women have in 17th and 18th century America? Most people's answer to ... Read More
Muslim Permitted to Refuse to Guard Israeli Embassy
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Just how far will people take it to get religious exemptions from doing the regular duties of their jobs? First pharmacists sought the right to refuse to dispense legally prescribed ... Read More
Womb Control Patrol: Increasing Anti-Contraception Activity
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Library of Congress
The anti-choice movement has made great strides in America. Today it is focused entirely on abortion - the choice which they are determined to ... Read More
Discussion: Changing Minds About Iraq
Tuesday October 17, 2006
A forum member writes: I believe nothing ultimately will happen to reverse policy until more dead keep returning to the most conservative sections of our country. But I don’t think ... Read More
Does CBS Blame Secularism & Evolution for School Shootings?
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Library of Congress
The CBS evening news with Katie Couric has a regular feature called "Free Speech" which they have devoted almost exclusively to conservative commentators. One ... Read More
This Date in History: Spanish Inquisition
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 17, 1483: Pope Sixtus IV launched the Spanish Inquisition, placing it under joint administration of both the church and the state. Tomas de Torquemada, 63, was appointed ... Read More
Church, State, and Religion
Tuesday October 17, 2006
It's common for people to argue that a strict separation of church and state, under which the government is not permitted to endorse and support religion, is actually a form ... Read More
Dancing as a Sin: Christianity in America (Book Notes: Ungodly Women)
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Fundamentalist and evangelical Christians today see themselves as battling a wide variety of sins: abortion, pornography, homosexuality, and so forth. Their counterparts of a century ago also battled a wide ... Read More
Mailbag: American Atheism
Tuesday October 17, 2006
From: "Evan"
Subject: Christianity
I am a born-again Christian. I am upset to see yet another person misrepresenting Christianity. However, you seem to be an equal-opportunity trasher of all religions, and given ... Read More
Sidon's Position as a Leading Phoenician Trading City
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
As a Phoenician trading port, Sidon began rising to prominence during the 12th through 10th centuries BCE. Sidon's preeminence among Phoenician cities is clear from the historical records. ... Read More
Daily Poll: Concentration of Power Over Voting Machines - A Problem?
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Altruism, Evolution, and Morality
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Book of the Day: Kindness In A Cruel World: The Evolution Of Altruism, by Nigel Barber. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
Religious critics of atheism and evolution allege that without the guiding force ... Read More
Freethought Poster: It's OK Not to Believe
Monday October 16, 2006
Poster Design by XiangtaoUsed with permission
Perhaps one of the most fundamental and important messages which atheists need to communicate is that it's really OK not to believe in any gods. ... Read More
Book Reviews: Books on Race, Religion, Discrimination, Affirmative Action
Monday October 16, 2006
Race has played an important role in American history; unfortunately, religion has played an important role in maintaining racial prejudice and discrimination. Christians preach the brotherhood of man, but in ... Read More
Gays in San Diego Suffer Vicious Attacks
Monday October 16, 2006
In July 2005, a man leaving the gay pride celebrations in San Diego was viciously attacked by a gang of homophobic bigots. Is that news? Not really, it happens all ... Read More
Discussion: Are Bush's Goals in Iraq Realistic?
Monday October 16, 2006
A forum member writes: The Bush administration is significantly lowering expectations of what can be achieved in Iraq, recognizing that the United States will have to settle for far less ... Read More
Pastor or Secular Counselor? Interesting Church/State Case
Monday October 16, 2006
There's a very interesting church/state case before the Texas Supre