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
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
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 Supreme Court: a pastor who is also a licensed secular counselor is being sued by a woman who claims that he ... Read More
This Date in History: Council of Vienne
Monday October 16, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 16, 1311: Council of Vienne (15th ecumenical council) was opened by Pope Clement V, primarily for the purpose of condemning the Knights Templar.
Dissatisfaction with Political Parties
Monday October 16, 2006
Across the board, Western democracies are experiencing deep dissatisfaction with their political parties. Each nation has its own excuses — scandals, corruption, problems — but given just how widespread this ... Read More
Culture and Christianity: Adjusting Doctrine to Suit Culture (Book Notes: Who Shall Lead Them?)
Monday October 16, 2006
Christianity is a religion founded on the concept of orthodoxy, or "right belief." What this means is that being a Christian is contingent on believing the "right" things, even if ... Read More
Mailbag: Consider Jesus...
Monday October 16, 2006
From: "Harrel"
Subject: A LETTER TO AN AGNOSTIC
The agnostic knows there is a God - he must face the possibility that this God who created the order, the laws of nature, ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: Biographies of Famous Philosophers
Monday October 16, 2006
The history of philosophy is very much the history of individual philosophers: their ideas, their arguments, and the conversations they have had across time and cultures. A solid understanding of ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should America Rely on Mercenaries?
Monday October 16, 2006
Critical Perspectives on Harry Potter
Monday October 16, 2006
Book of the Day: Harry Potter's World: Multidisciplinary Critical Perspectives, edited by Elizabeth E. Heilman. Publisher: Falmer Press.
First as books, but now as movies, video games, and a multitude of ... Read More
Republican Party of Texas: Officially Bigoted Against Atheists
Sunday October 15, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Library of Medicine
Bigotry against atheists can be widespread in America - though it tends to be unofficial rather than official. By this I mean that ... Read More
Alabama State Laws on Flag Burning, Desecration, Abuse
Sunday October 15, 2006
In Alabama, desecration of 'venerated objects' in public is a misdemeanor. Such objects include the American flag, the state flag, or 'any other object of veneration by the public or ... Read More
GOP Losing Some White Evangelicals?
Sunday October 15, 2006
The contemporary Republican Party has been transformed into a Conservative Christian Party. Their electoral success is heavily dependent upon the votes of conservative white evangelical Christians. Republicans tend to win ... Read More
Discussion: Evangelicals Fighting Against God's Plan?
Sunday October 15, 2006
A forum member writes: You often hear evangelical and fundamentalist Christians harping that they need to "take America back for Christ!" I didn't know it belonged to him in the ... Read More
Did Priests Create the Nazca Lines as Religious Art?
Sunday October 15, 2006
Image Source: Wikipedia
Carved in Peru's Nazca Desert are a series of complex lines known as the Nazca Lines. Some are arranged into animal shapes like a monkey, a dog, and ... Read More
This Date in History: Friedrich Nietzsche Born
Sunday October 15, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 15, 1844: Friedrich Nietzsche was born to Karl Ludwig Nietzsche and Franziska Nietzsche.
Onward Christian Soldiers, Marching as to War
Sunday October 15, 2006
My morning sermon is available at Jesus' General:
If Christianity is a religion of peace and if Jesus was the Prince of Peace, why, then, aren’t all Christians peaceful — even ... Read More
Boy Scouts & Public Funding: Defending Bigotry as a Public Good
Sunday October 15, 2006
The Boy Scouts of America fought a long, protracted battle to get itself declared a fully private organization so that it could legally discriminate against gays and atheists as much ... Read More
Christian Nationalism: War Theology in Weimar Germany (Book Notes: The Holy Reich)
Sunday October 15, 2006
Christianity is proclaimed by its adherents as a religion of peace which transcends national borders in a manner that unites humanity. The reality, though, is that Christianity has been deeply ... Read More
Mailbag: Rastafariansm, Part 2
Sunday October 15, 2006
From: "Rasta"
Subject: Fwd: Rastafariansm, Atheism??????
[T]his placement of a theistic religion on an atheistic site gives people the idea or reinforces the idea that rastafarianism is somehow atheistic "without god" when ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus and the Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44)
Sunday October 15, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
The purpose of the passage appears to be to explain what 'true' discipleship for Jesus was: being willing to give everything you have, even your livelihood, for the ... Read More
Daily Poll: Can the President Ignore Anti-Torture Laws?
Sunday October 15, 2006
Ancient Philosophy
Sunday October 15, 2006
Book of the Day: Ancient Philosophy: A New History Of Western Philosophy, by Anthony Kenny. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
For many, philosophy is an esoteric subject only studied in the ivory ... Read More
Church Sign: The Crisis of God's Grace
Saturday October 14, 2006
Photo by PsykomakiaUsed with Permission
Psykomakia, a regular contributor to the forum, provided this photo of a church sign he found in Wisconsin. Obviously the church means to say that God's ... Read More
School Cancels Offensive Play about Bigotry Against Gays
Saturday October 14, 2006
Should schools permit students to have a play which deals with homosexuality in anything but a negative and condemnatory manner? That hardly seems like it should be a problem, but ... Read More
Discussion: Evolution Requires More Faith than God
Saturday October 14, 2006
A forum member writes: If you found a digital watch lying on the ground would you pick it up and think to yourself... wow I wonder if this thing evolved ... Read More
Do Science Teachers Lie?
Saturday October 14, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Many creationists are not just convinced that evolution is false, they are also convinced that biologists and other scientists know that it is false. Rather than simply misguided ... Read More
This Date in History: Eisenhower Authorizes Firings
Saturday October 14, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 14, 1953: President Eisenhower issues an executive order that allows for the dismissal of federal employees who refuse to testify before congressional committees on the grounds of self-incrimination.
Oxygen Starvation & Near-Death Experiences
Saturday October 14, 2006
A very common, but not entirely universal, component of Near Death Experiences is the image of bright light at the end of a dark tunnel. In popular imagination this is ... Read More
Truth, Falsehood, and Religious Belief (Book Notes: God's Defenders)
Saturday October 14, 2006
Doesn't it really matter whether religious beliefs are true or false? You'd think that it should matter, but if that's the case why are so many religious doctrines - indeed, ... Read More
Mailbag: Rastafariansm, Part 1
Saturday October 14, 2006
From: "Rasta"
Subject: Fwd: Rastafariansm, Atheism??????
It is appaling to see that somehow Rastafarianism, a Judeo-Christian Theistic religion that focuses very deeply upon the God of the Old Testament, recognizes Jesus in ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should the American Media Be More Critical / Skeptical?
Saturday October 14, 2006
Understanding Fatherhood
Saturday October 14, 2006
Book of the Day: Fathering at Risk, by James R. Dudley, Glenn Stone. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
Parenting may be one of the most difficult jobs that anyone can do, but this ... Read More
White House: Evangelical Leaders are Nuts, Goofy, Out of Control
Friday October 13, 2006
David Kuo is a conservative Christian who has worked closely with major evangelical leaders for years. He also served as the number-two man in the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives for ... Read More
Ah Bolon Dz'Acab: Ah Bolon Dz'Acab, God of Lineage & Aristocracy in Mayan Religion, Mythology
Friday October 13, 2006
Ah Bolon Dz'Acab (Ah Bolom Tzacab) was the Mayan god of lineage and aristocracy. Ah Bolom Tzacab was responsible for ensuring the continuity of the ruling families among the Maya ... Read More
School Bans Display About Banned Books
Friday October 13, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Library of Congress
In Virginia, the Harrisonburg Schools Superintendent Donald Ford made an interesting and controversial decision: he banned a display about banned books. The irony of ... Read More
Discussion: White Terrorism vs. Muslim Terrorism
Friday October 13, 2006
A forum member writes: Last week, possibly the largest haul of explosive chemical components ever uncovered in a UK home was discovered - along with 'rocket launchers and a nuclear ... Read More
Atheist Nabbed In Tennessee
Friday October 13, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Image: Jupiter Images
It doesn't seem as though it's very safe for atheists in Tennessee. It looks like people in Tennessee have finally figured out what atheists ... Read More
This Date in History: Virgin Mary at Fatima
Friday October 13, 2006
Image Source:Stock.xchng
October 13, 1917: The Virgin Mary made her final appeared to three shepherd children near Fatima, Portugal. Six visions had occurred between May and October of that year, always ... Read More
Emotion vs. Empirical Evidence: Which is the Reason for Term Limits?
Friday October 13, 2006
Should we make decisions on the basis of our emotional reactions or on the basis of a careful study of empirical evidence? Although emotion shouldn't be removed and ignored completely, ... Read More
Fear in the Workplace: Double-Standards for Business Leaders (Book Notes: Fear)
Friday October 13, 2006
Fear is a popular means used by those with power to better control those without power. All that is necessary is to give people a little something and ensure that ... Read More
Mailbag: God is Coming... Part 2
Friday October 13, 2006
From: "Ronald"
Subject: Concern
"Nuvos Ordo Seclorum" thats New World Order, and we have a world court and the United Nations.Now all thats left is a world government.. The one G-d of ... Read More
Daily Poll: Is FOX News really 'Fair and Balanced'?
Friday October 13, 2006
God & Christianity in Harry Potter
Friday October 13, 2006
Book of the Day: Looking for God in Harry Potter, by John Granger. Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers.
Is the Harry Potter series anti-Christian? That’s the argument made by many conservative and ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Did Witches Symbolize Female Sexuality and Power?
Thursday October 12, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
If witches and witchcraft have become imbued with an identity that reaches far beyond their own existence, if they have become a symbol for something larger for Christians, ... Read More
Michael Novak: Living a Moral Life Means Being Christian or Jewish
Thursday October 12, 2006
An all-too-common conceit among religious believers is that they, and only they, are capable of moral behavior. This conceit, sometimes extreme enough to be called a bigotry, extends to the ... Read More
Discussion: Buying a "House of Death"
Thursday October 12, 2006
A forum member writes: A young man in Sydney was convicted of murdering his family. He essentially lay in wait for various family members to come home, and killed them ... Read More
This Date in History: Pope Paul III
Thursday October 12, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 12, 1534: Paul III was elected pope. Paul would play an important role in the Protestant Reformation, excommunicating King Henry VIII of England, giving official approval to the ... Read More
Homeopathic Suicide: Proving that Homeopathic Remedies are Quackery
Thursday October 12, 2006
When major health insurance companies in Belgium announced that they would start providing coverage for homeopathic care, skeptics were incensed. They argued that homeopathy is worthless, but the insurance companies ... Read More
Reason vs. Faith, Knowledge vs. Religion (Book Notes: Atheism: The Case Against God)
Thursday October 12, 2006
It is my firm conviction that man has nothing to gain, emotionally or otherwise, by adhering to a falsehood, regardless of how comfortable or sacred that falsehood may appear. Anyone ... Read More
Mailbag: God is Coming... Part 1
Thursday October 12, 2006
From: "Ronald"
Subject: Concern
I guess you know the Gospel, I was just wondering why do you fight G-d if you don't think HE is real? Is your fighting in vain? I ... Read More
Daily Poll: Political Speech by Performing Artists - Appropriate?
Thursday October 12, 2006
Native Spirituality in American Culture
Thursday October 12, 2006
Book of the Day: Dream Catchers: How Mainstream America Discovered Native Spirituality, by Philip Jenkins. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
America is host to a bewildering array of religions, religious beliefs, and ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Torture of Witches and the Sexual Repression of Inquisitors
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Interrogations of witches followed many standard Inquisition procedures, but with some added bonuses. Accused witches were all stripped naked, had all of their body hair shaved of, and then "pricked." ... Read More
Same-Sex Marriage is a Disgrace?
Wednesday October 11, 2006
However much homosexuality and gay relationships are disliked in America, they are regarded with even greater distaste in African nations. However progressive a nation's politics may be, gays still tend ... Read More
Discussion: Islam and Women
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Image Source: Jupiter Images
A forum member writes: I'm very slowly getting to the point where I don't care if it is Islam or Arab society that oppresses women more. One ... Read More
Point of Inquiry Podcast: Sam Harris' Letter to a Christian Nation
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Point of Inquiry has a new podcast featuring Sam Harris:
In this extensive discussion with D.J. Grothe, Sam Harris discusses his new best-selling book, Letter to a Christian Nation, explaining his ... Read More
The Good Shepherd: Does he Get the Sheep or Just Mail them a Map?
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
The idea of Jesus as a "shepherd" of humanity is pretty standard in Christianity. It invokes images of Jesus being very caring and loving, watching over humanity in ... Read More
This Date in History: Defender of the Faith
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 11, 1521: Pope Leo X gave King Henry VIII of England the title "Defender of the Faith". Just three popes and 13 years later, Henry severed all ties ... Read More
Chiropractic Dangers: Death Leads to Jury Verdict Requiring Warnings
Wednesday October 11, 2006
On January 16, 2004, a five-person jury in a Canadian inquest issued a landmark verdict, finding that the death of Lana Dale Lewis was caused by her 'high chiropractic neck ... Read More
Credibility of Bible Miracles: Any Reason to Believe? (Book Notes: Losing Faith in Faith)
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Christians often act as though the biblical accounts of miracles are self-evident reasons to believe in the truth of Christianity and of the Bible itself. Think for a moment about ... Read More
Mailbag: God and the Universe, Part 2
Wednesday October 11, 2006
From: "Sean"
Subject: nice web sites
I do believe in God, but am embarrassed by a lot of religious "thinking". If pressed, I would say that I do believe in God, but ... Read More
War on Christmas: Propaganda Posters
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster: Northwestern University
A popular cause for Christian Nationalists is the so-called War on Christmas. According to some conservative evangelical Christians, secularism and atheism in America are ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Christians taking a chance in not believing in the Norse gods?
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Holy War and the Crusades in Christendom
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Book of the Day: Fighting For Christendom: Holy War and the Crusades, by Christopher Tyerman. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
The Crusades were one of the most important features of the European ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Under Torture, Accused Witches Would Confess to Almost Anything
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Confessions of witchcraft, extracted under torture or threat of torture, commonly came attached to denouncements of other possible witches, keeping the Inquisitors in business. In Spain, church records ... Read More
Thanks for Not Speaking Freely
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:University of Minnesota
Question: When is free speech no longer really free?
Answer: When people are encouraged not to "abuse" free speech by saying things which might be ... Read More
Discussion: Terrible Christian Songs / Hymns
Tuesday October 10, 2006
A forum member writes: I am haunted by a number of Christian choruses learned in my childhood, some of which have terrible tunes and/or lyrics. One that's been in ... Read More
Adam Gadahn, aka Azzam the American, on Atheism
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Image Source: FBI
Adam Yahiye Gadahn is an American from California who has joined Al Qaeda. Born Adam Pearlman and the grandson of a Jewish surgeon, he was raised Christian and ... Read More
This Date in History: Battle of Tours
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 10, 0732: Battle of Tours: With perhaps 1,500 soldiers, Charles Martel halts a Muslim force of around 40,000 to 60,000 cavalry under Abd el-Rahman Al Ghafiqi from moving ... Read More
Science & Ignorance: Does Science Increase or Decrease Knowledge?
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Most people assume that science increases the amount of knowledge we have about the universe. Generally speaking, that's true and it's why science is so important; sometimes, though, science can ... Read More
Opposition to Liberalism, Secularism, Immorality: Hitler's Appeal to Christians (Book Notes: Betrayal)
Tuesday October 10, 2006
People tend to regard Hitler and the Nazis as being an inherently anti-Christian movement. At the same time, though, the Germany which elected Hitler was overwhelmingly Christian - Jews were ... Read More
Mailbag: God and the Universe, Part 1
Tuesday October 10, 2006
From: "Sean"
Subject: nice web sites
I am not a physicist or a mathematician. But in general if something like E=mc2 is true, then doesn't that mean something always was?
In a sense, ... Read More
What Punishments Wait in Hell for Committing the Seven Deadly Sins?
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
In Christian tradition, sins which have the most serious impact on spiritual development have been classified as "deadly sins." Which sins qualify for this category have varied -- ... Read More
Daily Poll: Is the Shroud of Turin genuine or a fake?
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Challenge and Promise of Democracy
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Book of the Day: First Democracy: The Challenge Of An Ancient Idea, by Paul Woodruff. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Democracy is very important to America. It’s a fundamental component of America’s ... Read More
Blogsnark: American Government Has the Authority to Promote Christianity in School
Monday October 9, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:University of Georgia
Does the American government have the authority to single out Christianity as a religion to be promoted, endorsed, and encouraged? The Constitution, American law, ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Witches, Misogyny, and Patriarchy
Monday October 9, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
The persecution of witches reached its zenith at a time when Christianity's attitudes against sex had long since turned into full-blown misogyny. It is amazing how celibate men ... Read More
Church Sued for Wrongful Dismissal
Monday October 9, 2006
Terry Hornbuckle was a pastor at Agape Christian Fellowship until he was convicted of sexual harassment. Lisa Fuller, a former church employee who worked as an executive assistant to Hornbuckle's ... Read More
Discussion: Christian Proselytization Horror Stories
Monday October 9, 2006
A forum member writes: Back in Summer of 2004 my wife was critically ill due to surgical complications and she spent a month in the hospital. Half of her ... Read More
Blogsnark: What Would Atheists Do if the Gospel Were True?
Monday October 9, 2006
Sometimes atheists are asked what they would do if it turned out that a god really existed. Perhaps it would be more interesting to ask what atheists would do if ... Read More
This Date in History: Roger Williams Banished
Monday October 9, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 09, 1635: Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts. Williams had argued against civil punishments for religious crimes and, as a result of his expulsion from the colony, ... Read More
Arguing With People Who Don't Know How
Monday October 9, 2006
Most readers here have surely tried - and been frustrated by - attempts at discussing beliefs with True Believers. Whether the beliefs are religious, paranormal, or political, most simply don't ... Read More
Nazi & Christian Conceptions of Women's Social Roles (Book Notes: The Holy Reich)
Monday October 9, 2006
What is the proper place or role for women in modern society? Both religious and political conservatives tend to try to take women out of politics, business, and other public ... Read More
Mailbag: Righteousness, Faith, and Gullibility
Monday October 9, 2006
From: "FANTASYFOE"
Subject: Faith Versus Skepticism
Without regard to whether or not it makes some god happy one way or the other, which, as a matter of common sense, has the most ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: Why Do Ethics and Morality Matter?
Monday October 9, 2006
Why be concerned with moral theories and distinctions between different types of moral theories? Why bother with some of the difficult questions which are raised in metaethics? Everyone is brought ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Laws Against Price Gouging Exist?
Monday October 9, 2006
Harry Potter and Philosophy
Monday October 9, 2006
Book of the Day: Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts, by David Baggett, Shawn Klein, William Irwin. Publisher: Open Court.
The Harry Potter books are wildly popular, but are ... Read More
Our Truth is Marching On
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:National Archives
My evening sermon is now available at Jesus' General
What can be driving the obsessive interest in invading other nations and overthrowing their governments? If the ... Read More
Christian Wants 'Fahrenheit 451' Removed from Class
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:Library of Congress
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and this is one of those cases. In Montgomery County, Texas, a parent is trying to get Ray ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Witchcraft as a Means for Subduing Female Influences
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
The subservience of women to men was a common theme in early Christian writings -- an outgrowth of both traditional patriarchal attitudes and the extreme hierarchical nature of ... Read More
Christian Terrorists in America Continue to Threaten Abortion Clinics
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
Christian terrorism against abortion clinics and the people who work in them received a lot of publicity during the 1990s. One consequence of that attention was the passage of ... Read More
Discussion: Why Does God Test or Judge Humans?
Sunday October 8, 2006
A forum member writes: Why would a God test or judge humans when he can see the future trillions or even millions of trillions of years before even creating these ... Read More
Answers in Genesis: Fear Mongering?
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:National Archives
Although many Christians would deny it, there are some ways in which Christianity is a religion based on fear. A fundamental teaching of Christianity is ... Read More
This Date in History: Sayyid Qutb Born
Sunday October 8, 2006
October 08, 1906: Sayyid Qutb was born. Qutb is the Islamic philosopher who could be regarded as the ideological grandfather of Osama bin Laden and all of the modern Islamic ... Read More
SETI, UFOs, and Science
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Is the search for extra-terrestrial life scientific or a question of faith? It is a scientific pursuit and why this is the case can be demonstrated by comparing ... Read More
Muslim Orthodoxy vs. Religious, Political, and Social Innovation (Book Notes: In the Shadow of the Prophet)
Sunday October 8, 2006
For many in the West, Islamic societies appear backward in just about all possible measures: scientific, technological, political, social, etc. This isn't just prejudice and misunderstandings. Many Islamic societies are ... Read More
Male Control of Women & Sexuality
Sunday October 8, 2006
My morning sermon is now available at Jesus' General:
An all too common theme in the policies and agenda advanced by the Christian Right is the exertion of increasing control over ... Read More
Mailbag: Why Be an Atheist? Part 3
Sunday October 8, 2006
From: "Dave"
Subject: None
Maybe, you are right and there is no God. If that is true I rather be deluded and wrong. I just can't picture there not be something like ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus and the Scribes (Mark 12:38-40)
Sunday October 8, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
In the other two synoptic gospels, Jesus is recorded as delivering a long litany of corruptions and misdeeds committed by the Temple scribes. Here, however, we only hear ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Polygamy Be Legalized?
Sunday October 8, 2006
Hinduism: Origins, Beliefs
Sunday October 8, 2006
Book of the Day: Hinduism: Origins - Beliefs - Practices - Holy Texts - Sacred Places, by Vasudha Narayanan. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Hinduism is one of the world’s great religions. ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Witchcraft & Satanism, Linking Witches & Satan
Saturday October 7, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Christians in medieval and pre-modern Europe believed that Satan was a real being and that Satan was actively involved in the affairs of humans. Satan's goal was the ... Read More
Stephen Baldwin: Kick A** in the Name of the Kingdom
Saturday October 7, 2006
Not exactly known for stellar acting and hit movies, Stephen Baldwin seems to be trying out a new career: Christian evangelism. He's written a new book about his "calling" to ... Read More
Discussion: Protect Marriage!
Saturday October 7, 2006
A forum member wrote: The whole issue of protection in marriage has arisen as a way to denying marriage to gay couples. When President Bush defines marriage as a ... Read More
Harry Potter Books to Blame for School Shootings
Saturday October 7, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Art: Jupiter Images
Everyone is shocked and outraged over the recent series of school shootings, all of which appear to have targeted girls in particular (though the ... Read More
This Date in History: America's War on the Taliban
Saturday October 7, 2006
Image Source:Defense Link
October 07, 2001: The United States began its military campaign to destroy the Taliban in Afghanistan and capture or kill as many members of Osama bin Laden's Al ... Read More
Truth, Art, and Propaganda
Saturday October 7, 2006
What kind of truth can be found in art? Some argue that art contains its own kind of truth, a truth that can be distinguished from simple 'empirical' truth dealt ... Read More
Plurality and Unity in Biblical Texts (Book Notes: Presumed Guilty)
Saturday October 7, 2006
The texts in the Bible present multiple perspectives created over an extended period of time; they are often treated by believers, however, as if they were a single, unified perspective ... Read More
Mailbag: Why Be an Atheist? Part 2
Saturday October 7, 2006
From: "Dave"
Subject: None
It would seem that we suffer for nothing. It's all vain and it doesn't matter if I live or die? I'am a cosmic accident! Why should I care ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should College Groups Be Allowed to Discriminate?
Saturday October 7, 2006
M.N. Roy & Humanism in India
Saturday October 7, 2006
Book of the Day: M.N. Roy: Radical Humanist: Selected Writings, compiled by Innaiah Narisetti. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
When most people think of 'humanism' or 'secular humanism,' they probably think of western ... Read More
Larry Darby Wants to be Alabama Governor
Friday October 6, 2006
Unsuccessful in his attempt to be chosen by the voters as the Democratic candidate for attorney general, Larry Darby is appealing to a "higher power" in a bid to be ... Read More
Persecution of Witches: Church Depictions of Witches & Witchcraft
Friday October 6, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Portrayals of witchcraft in church records can be very amusing. Almost everything that was "known" at the time about witches was pure fiction, inventions by church authorities who ... Read More
Did Scientologists Pressure Paramount Chief?
Friday October 6, 2006
Back when Paramount was negotiating with Tom Cruise about the production of his third "Mission Impossible" film, the studio evidently wanted Cruise to take a major pay cut (studios have ... Read More
Discussion: Legalizing Drugs
Friday October 6, 2006
A forum member writes: Legalising drugs will solve many problems. Remember when Alcohol was banned in the USA? That proves that making a drug illegal only creates crime organisations that ... Read More
Pope Benedict XVI Led Cover-Up of Pedophile Priests?
Friday October 6, 2006
Image Source:President of Poland
What involvement did Pope Benedict XVI with the cover-up of the sexual abuse of children committed by so many Catholic priests in America? Perhaps quite a bit. ... Read More
This Date in History: William Tyndale Killed
Friday October 6, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 06, 1536: William Tyndale was arrested at Antwerp where he was strangled and burnt because of his work on translating the Bible into English.
Myths and History: Using Fiction to Create Pleasing Beliefs
Friday October 6, 2006
What happens when reality isn't comforting enough? Some people change themselves or their circumstances in order to do better; others, however, prefer to pretend that reality is different than it ... Read More
Blurring the Line Between Lawful and Unlawful Conduct (Book Notes: Hitler's Justice)
Friday October 6, 2006
The difference between lawful and unlawful conduct is crucial for any society which is built upon laws. The laws are what help ensure the equality of everyone because the laws ... Read More
Mailbag: Why Be an Atheist? Part 1
Friday October 6, 2006
From: "Dave"
Subject: None
I was just wondering what are the positive rewards for being an Atheist? I'am not putting your beliefs down, I'am just curious because every Atheist that I met ... Read More
Propaganda Poster: Thank God for George W. Bush
Friday October 6, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster: Library of Congress
An important facet of Christian Nationalist ideology is the principle that God selects the nation's leaders. When leaders are good, it's because God ... Read More
Daily Poll: Republican Party Hiding Christian Right Connections?
Friday October 6, 2006
Affirmations of Humanism
Friday October 6, 2006
Book of the Day: Affirmations: Joyful And Creative Exuberance, by Paul Kurtz. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
Many people regard atheism as an ultimately negative, life-denying outlook on human existence. They can't conceive ... Read More
Quebec Tribunal: Official Prayers Violate Religious Freedom
Thursday October 5, 2006
In Quebec, a human rights tribunal has ruled that the city of Laval violated the freedom of religion of the city's residents by starting council meetings with Christian prayers. The ... Read More
Discussion: Freedom of Association
Thursday October 5, 2006
A forum member writes: What your freedom of association means is that you have a right to decide for yourself who to associate or do business with. And even if ... Read More
Spain Eliminating Subsidies for Catholic Church
Thursday October 5, 2006
There is a long tradition of close cooperation between church and state in Spain. In fact, Spain has long been one of the most Catholic countries with one of the ... Read More
This Date in History: Denis Diderot Born
Thursday October 5, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 05, 1713: Denis Diderot was born. A French empiricist and supporter of the scientific method, Diderot's Encyclopedie, was one of the more influential works of the Enlightenment.
Reform in Islam: Muslim Reactions to Western Power & Domination
Thursday October 5, 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
Denying the Political Dimensions of Fear (Book Notes: Fear)
Thursday October 5, 2006
That fear is used for political purposes is undeniable - throughout history political and religious leaders have encouraged fear in people in order to garner their support for particular agendas. ... Read More
Mailbag: Bloomers in a Twist
Thursday October 5, 2006
From: "Val"
Subject: What's Wrong With It?
I am appalled by your criticisms of the Godless Americans March on Washington! ... Your criticisms were pretty feeble but you were obviously determined to ... Read More
Does God Exist? Argument from Scriptures
Thursday October 5, 2006
Some popular apologists argue that their particular holy books qualify as evidence supporting their claims that their god(s) exist. One method might be to point to the supernatural events recorded ... Read More
Daily Poll: Do You Play the Lottery?
Thursday October 5, 2006
Kierkegaard
Thursday October 5, 2006
Book of the Day: Kierkegaard, by Michael Watts. Publisher: Oneworld Publications.
Soren Kierkegaard is an amazing, insightful, and fascinating philosopher. He’s also a frustrating, depressing, and difficult philosopher - all at ... Read More
Discussion: Why Should God Make Sense?
Wednesday October 4, 2006
A forum member writes: There are articles on this website about god's existence, or rather non-existence. But theists don't agree with them. People from all religions encounter arguments from atheists ... Read More
Iranian President Promotes Religion, Justice, Virtue in UN Address
Wednesday October 4, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Image: Jupiter Images
It's no surprise that when Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at the U.N., his speech was peppered with religious references. Neither the full text ... Read More
This Date in History: Sati in India
Wednesday October 4, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
October 04, 1987: Roop Kanwar, an 18-year-old widow who had been married just eight months, mounted the funeral pyre of her 24-year-old husband Maal Singh in the village ... Read More
Muslim Resistance to the West as a Cause of Fundamentalism
Wednesday October 4, 2006
A common assumption is that Islamic fundamentalism fuels Muslims' political opposition to the West. There's a lot of validity to this, of course, but at the same time it's possible ... Read More
Catholic Complicity in Nazism, Anti-Liberal Ideologies (Book Notes: Catholic Theologians)
Wednesday October 4, 2006
There were lots of reasons why Catholic leaders should have opposed Hitler and the Nazis and this makes people wonder why they bent over backwards to accommodate the Nazis. What ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheism & Hypocrisy, Part 2
Wednesday October 4, 2006
From: "JUSTATHOUGHT"
Subject: Hypocrisy Among Many
Regardless of their infantile notion of Christianity or theism, they fail to realize that the jokes in their signitures... could be regarded as prejudice, whether indirect ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Animal-to-Human Organ Transplants Be Allowed?
Wednesday October 4, 2006
Resurrection Of Christ
Wednesday October 4, 2006
Book of the Day: The Resurrection Of Christ: A Historical Inquiry, by Gerd Lüdemann. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
Was there a man named Jesus who lived, was executed, and then after three ... Read More
Witchcraft and the Inquisition: Inquisition Suppressing Dissent & Outsiders
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
As the Inquisition proceeded through the 1400s, its focus shifted from Jews and heretics towards so-called witches. Although Pope Gregory IX had authorized the killing of witches back ... Read More
Falwell: Hillary Worse than Lucifer
Tuesday October 3, 2006
According to Jerry Falwell, not even Lucifer himself as a candidate for president would do more to energize the activism and commitment of evangelical Christian voters than Hillary Clinton. In ... Read More
Discussion: Being Atheist & Black
Tuesday October 3, 2006
A forum member writes: I have noticed that there are few black atheist, and that blacks generally are very religious. I have been having sort of a hard time dealing ... Read More
Abortion Opponents Buying Property to Drive Out Clinics
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
Traditional tactics used by anti-abortion activists include protests, picket lines, and even attempts to intimidate workers from abortion clinics at their homes. Recently, though, a new tactic has been ... Read More
This Date in History: Increase Mather & the Salem Witch Trials
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 03, 1692: In Massachusetts, Increase Mather published his "Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits," effectively ending the Salem Witch Trials which had begun earlier that year. Increase ... Read More
Islam & Racism: Does Islam have something to Teach the West?
Tuesday October 3, 2006
The standard story in Islam is that Muslims are color-blind because Islam is color-blind. Islam preaches absolute submission to God in the context of perfect equality of all races. No ... Read More
Objectification and Evangelization (Book Notes: Rapture Culture)
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Proselytization is central to the religious faith of many evangelical Christians - they will "share" their beliefs with anyone they come across if they are given half a chance. They ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheism & Hypocrisy, Part 1
Tuesday October 3, 2006
From: "JUSTATHOUGHT"
Subject: Hypocrisy Among Many
I was amazed by the enormous amount of hypocrisy I ran into when I read most of the argumentation and discussion of this website. There is ... Read More
Focus on Religion: Religious References on the Definition of Religion
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Although people usually go to dictionaries first when they need a definition, specialized reference works can have more comprehensive and complete definitions - if for no other reason, than because ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Federal Funds Pay for Programs Run By Religious Groups?
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Regulating Parenthood
Tuesday October 3, 2006
Book of the Day: Should Parents Be Licensed?, by Peg Tittle. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
Procreation is a natural part of being human; indeed, it’s a natural part of life in general. ... Read More
Evolution in Action: Crickets in Hawaii Evolve Silent Wings
Monday October 2, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
Creationists like to complain that evolution cannot be observed and that this is a sign that evolution isn't real science. Unfortunately for the creationists, this claim is false: evolution ... Read More
Discussion: Why Do People Believe Astrology?
Monday October 2, 2006
A forum member writes: Thirty years ago a group of 186 prominent scientists published a statement against astrology, yet today about the same percentage of the population believes in it ... Read More
Separation of Church and Military
Monday October 2, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
Discussions about the separation of church and state often occur in the context of government institutions like schools, but there is another state institution which ... Read More
This Date in History: Saladin Takes Jerusalem
Monday October 2, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
October 02, 1187: Muslim forces under the command of Saladin officially take control Jerusalem from the Crusaders, effectively ending any major Christian presence in the Levant (also known as ... Read More
Modernism & Fundamentalism in Islam: The Disaster of Dogmatic Religion
Monday October 2, 2006
One thing which unites all forms of fundamentalism which most people - including fundamentalists - can miss is the fact that it's a reaction to modernity and modernism. Fundamentalism isn't ... Read More
What Happens After You Die? (Book Notes: GOD.com)
Monday October 2, 2006
One thing which so many religious theists have trouble understanding about irreligious atheists is the latter's lack of belief not just in gods, but also in any sort of afterlife. ... Read More
Mailbag: Atheism is Fiction?
Monday October 2, 2006
From: "John"
Subject: Fact and Fiction
You need to learn the difference between fact and fiction. The difference; What I have is fact, and what you have is fiction! Get the facts ... Read More
Daily Poll: Where Should Death be Defined?
Monday October 2, 2006
Homer & Mark
Monday October 2, 2006
Book of the Day: The Homeric Epics and the Gospel of Mark, by Dennis MacDonald.
Dennis MacDonald's argument is one which is novel and will surely anger biblical traditionalists and literalists: ... Read More
Exchanging Chains for Liberty
Sunday October 1, 2006
My evening sermon for Jesus' General is now available:
Where should we draw the line between good and evil? Between legal and illegal? These are difficult questions which occupy every society ... Read More
Teacher Let Go: Students See Nude Statute on Museum Trip
Sunday October 1, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Sydney McGee was a veteran art teacher in Frisco, Texas. Now she is on paid administrative leave and may not be returning at all. She isn't even allowed ... Read More
Why Does Religious Authority Matter? Understanding a Source of Religious Cohesion
Sunday October 1, 2006
Every religious community, just as is the case in any human community, has a some conception and system of authority. Even the loosest association of believers shares an idea and ... Read More
American Airlines: No Kissing or We'll Divert the Plane!
Sunday October 1, 2006
Is kissing allowed in American Airlines planes? Well, that seems to depend on who you ask - and perhaps on who is doing the kissing. Two men, a gay couple, ... Read More
Discussion: Public Beheading as Punishment
Sunday October 1, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
A forum member writes: I read the article on public beheading in Islamic countries and I got the crazy idea that it is some how worse that hiding ... Read More
God Bless America. Or Else
Sunday October 1, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Nazi Propaganda
A little while ago I wrote about the "God Bless America" poster which had hung in a post office but which was taken down after ... Read More
Faith-Based Protection from Sexual Predators
Sunday October 1, 2006
Today I've written a bonus mid-day sermon for Jesus' General:
Leaders of the Christian Right act like they and their subcontractors in the Republican Party are the only line of defense ... Read More
This Date in History: Karl Marx
Sunday October 1, 2006
Image Soruce:Wikipedia
October 01, 1867: Karl Marx published his famous work, Das Kapital. Karl Marx (1818-83) was a German philosopher who became famous for his theories regarding economics and society. He ... Read More
What is Privacy?
Sunday October 1, 2006
Just about everyone cares about privacy - even conservatives who deny that there is any sort of 'right to privacy' don't want their medical records or other personal information made ... Read More
Auschwitz, Anti-Semitism, and Modern Christianity (Book Notes: Many Religions - One Covenant)
Sunday October 1, 2006
After Auschwitz the mission of reconciliation and acceptance permits no deferral. Even if we know that Auschwitz is the gruesome expression of an ideology at not only wanted to destroy ... Read More
Mailbag: Disputing Evolution
Sunday October 1, 2006
From: "Vincent"
Subject: (no subject)
Evolution defies the second law of thermodynamics. The second law of thermodynamics being the law of increasing entropy. Now, if all systems can only disorganize and DECREASE ... Read More
Bible Commentary: David's Son and Jesus (Mark: 12:35-37)
Sunday October 1, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Jesus lectures people on the nature and identity of the Messiah. Mark's audience, of course, thought of Jesus as the Messiah, so they would have seen more levels ... Read More
Could You Become an Unlawful Enemy Combatant?
Sunday October 1, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:National Archives
My morning sermon is available at Jesus' General:
The right of habeas corpus is one of the oldest and most basic rights in the West. Habeas ... Read More
Daily Poll: Is a Woman's Pregnancy the Government's Business?
Sunday October 1, 2006
Does God Exist?
Sunday October 1, 2006
Book of the Day: God: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Keith Ward.
Does God exist? If so, what is "God," what does God want and how do we know? If ... Read More