Discussion: Intelligent Design Without God
Thursday November 30, 2006
A forum member writes: For the sake or argument, let's accept the premise of intelligent design but put aside any kind of theistic premise as well.
Some possibilities:
1. Aliens may ... Read More
Court Ends Sweetheart Deal for Church
Thursday November 30, 2006
Should city governments try to subsidize evangelization efforts if they are done in the context of helping the homeless? Well, that's what Boise, Idaho tried to do when they rented ... Read More
Mailbag: Faith vs. Atheism
Thursday November 30, 2006
From: "Donna"
Subject: Faith vs. Atheism
I find your attempt to logically compare faith to athiesm somewhat amusing. Faith isn't logical, it just is. Therefore, it is illogical for you to compare ... Read More
Does God Exist? God as Abuser: Similarities Between the Christian God and Abusive Spouses
Thursday November 30, 2006
It's common for Christians to compare the relationship between humanity and God to that between husband and wife. God is the "man" of the house to whom humanity owes obedience, ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should "Ex-Gay" Groups Speak at Public Schools?
Thursday November 30, 2006
Rebuilding Zion: The Religious Reconstruction of the South, 1863-1877
Thursday November 30, 2006
Book of the Day: Rebuilding Zion: The Religious Reconstruction of the South, 1863-1877, by Daniel W. Stowell. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
Religion played an important role in the Civil War - ... Read More
Discussion: Legalizing Prostitution
Wednesday November 29, 2006
A forum member writes: In the past I've opposed legalising prostitution - it's not that I dislike prostitutes, quite the opposite, I feel sorry for them and the way they're ... Read More
GOP Leader: We Have Christian Fascists
Wednesday November 29, 2006
Critics of the Republican Party, including some conservatives, have long recognized that there has been a growing push within the party towards more authoritarian, theocratic, and even fascist attitudes. Republicans ... Read More
Mailbag: Christian Right, Part 5
Wednesday November 29, 2006
From: “Jennifer“
Subject: Re: Atheism
I truly feel sorry for you because it is obvious that you are full of anger and malice toward anyone who would challenge you.
Continuing with Jennifer’s response ... Read More
Atheism Basics: Do People Choose To Be Atheists?
Wednesday November 29, 2006
The question of belief (and how it might be achieved) is a crucial point of disagreement between atheists and theists. Atheists contend that believers are overly credulous — that they ... Read More
Daily Poll: What Do You Think of Artificial Wombs?
Wednesday November 29, 2006
What Price the Moral High Ground? Ethical Dilemmas in Competitive Environments
Wednesday November 29, 2006
Book of the Day: What Price the Moral High Ground? Ethical Dilemmas in Competitive Environments, by Robert H. Frank. Publisher: Princeton University Press.
It's commonly thought that people are more strongly ... Read More
Discussion: My Dad Just Found Out About My Atheism
Tuesday November 28, 2006
A forum member writes: He looked on my messenger and found out about my ties to Atheism and LaVeyan Satanism. We talked and argued about religion. He's a Southern ... Read More
Polish Student: Half Year of Hell with Fundamentalist Family
Tuesday November 28, 2006
Every year, large numbers of high school students travel to America from other countries to study in schools here. They all rely on the hospitality of host families who provide ... Read More
Mailbag: Christian Right, Part 4
Tuesday November 28, 2006
From: “Jennifer“
Subject: Re: Atheism
Instead of addressing the issues I put forth to you, you simply ignored them and instead looked for any and every way to discredit my views. I ... Read More
Focus on Religion: Religion vs. Superstition
Tuesday November 28, 2006
Is there a real connection between religion and superstition? Some, particular adherents of various religious faiths, will often argue that the two are fundamentally different types of beliefs. Those who ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Sterile Couples Be Allowed to Marry?
Tuesday November 28, 2006
American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon
Tuesday November 28, 2006
Book of the Day: American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon, by Stephen Prothero. Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Jesus appears to be alive and well in ... Read More
Discussion: God is Not Omnipotent
Monday November 27, 2006
A forum member writes: God cannot be completely omnipotent. There are some things he cannot do. He cannot create a genuine Bank of England ten pound note. He may produce ... Read More
Do You Object to Voting in a Church in Wisconsin? Tough
Monday November 27, 2006
There are many places throughout America where you may be forced to vote in a church. That's right, exercising your secular right to vote in a secular election can only ... Read More
Mailbag: Christian Right, Part 3
Monday November 27, 2006
From: “Jennifer“
Subject: Re: Atheism
I would like to address your commentary on the Southern Baptist Convention, because as you have probably guessed, I am also a Southern Baptist. It is clear ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: What Are Argument and Logic?
Monday November 27, 2006
What is an argument? What are logical fallacies? In order to debate well and think critically, we need the proper skills. Whether reading advertising, listening to politicians, buying a used ... Read More
Daily Poll: Is It Libelous to Call Someone a Homosexual?
Monday November 27, 2006
Nazi Experiments on Humans
Monday November 27, 2006
Book of the Day: Doctors from Hell: Nazi Experiments on Humans, by Vivien Spitz. Publisher: Sentient Publications.
Most people are aware that one of the fundamental moral principles for all doctors ... Read More
Discussion: Childhood Atheism
Sunday November 26, 2006
A forum member writes: When I hear someone claim that they were an atheist until they "experienced God for the first time," I can't help but wonder. ... I suspect ... Read More
Was the Secular Left Defeated in the Election?
Sunday November 26, 2006
There are liberal religious figures, or at least they claim to be liberal, who seem to have a vested interest in propping up the "secular" bogeyman created by the Christian ... Read More
Mailbag: Christian Right, Part 2
Sunday November 26, 2006
From: “Jennifer“
Subject: Re: Atheism
I am eager to see you, with all of your information and determination to do away with the “religious right,” get into some more research and learn ... Read More
Humanist Philosophy: Humanism & Religion
Sunday November 26, 2006
Much of the time, the humanistic perspective on religion is critical: humanists critique religious dogmas, religious violence, religious history, and the belief in the supernatural common to so many religious ... Read More
Daily Poll: Can the Government Order People Not to Have Kids?
Sunday November 26, 2006
Hidden Gospels
Sunday November 26, 2006
Book of the Day: Hidden Gospels: How the Search for Jesus Lost its Way, by Philip Jenkins.
In recent years, there has been a plethora of writings about "lost" gospels - ... Read More
Discussion: To Tell or Not To Tell Friends & Family
Saturday November 25, 2006
A forum member writes: I am 65 yrs old and have just recently come to a non-theist view of life. And I have yet to get a positive reaction ... Read More
Religious Sect Fights for Equal Rights vs Ten Commandments Monument
Saturday November 25, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Salt Lake City has a Ten Commandments monument in a public park - but on a small plot of ground they sold to a private groups so they ... Read More
Mailbag: Christian Right, Part 1
Saturday November 25, 2006
From: “Jennifer“
Subject: Re: Atheism
I am a high school social studies teacher in Georgia. Today, I logged on to your site to read some information you wrote about "separation of church ... Read More
Evolution Basics: Webster v. New Lenox (1990)
Saturday November 25, 2006
Do teachers in public schools have a right to teach whatever they want? Do they have a right to teach creation science alongside or instead of evolution if they are ... Read More
Deconstructing Jesus
Saturday November 25, 2006
Book of the Day: Deconstructing Jesus, by Robert M. Price.
If you look at the books written by liberal Christian theologians about Jesus, you'll find a bewildering array of Jesuses with ... Read More
Discussion: Atheists & Holidays
Friday November 24, 2006
A forum member writes: Holidays these days are pretty commercial but I wonder if any Atheists don't celebrate them due to their theistic origins and religious undertones.
Many atheists ignore religious ... Read More
Religious Faith is Harmful to Politics, Society
Friday November 24, 2006
It's common for religious believers to insist that their religion and their beliefs are not only beneficial to society, but are in fact necessary for a moral, stable community. Perhaps ... Read More
Mailbag: Objectivity of This Site
Friday November 24, 2006
From: "Brad"
Subject: Objective Research
It is obvious that you have a very ill informed. I realize that you would like to think that you are being objective and open-minded, but it ... Read More
Church & State Fundamentals: The Politics of Public Religion
Friday November 24, 2006
To what extent is it legitimate to use religion as a basis for political decisions on public policy? Many people believe that such a use of religion ultimately results in ... Read More
Daily Poll: Does Morality Evolve?
Friday November 24, 2006
Quest for the Historical Muhammad
Friday November 24, 2006
Book of the Day: The Quest for the Historical Muhammad, edited by Ibn Warraq.
Who was the "historical" Muhammad? This may seem like an odd question, since there is a common ... Read More
Enforcing Patriotism and Flag-Worship in Nevada
Thursday November 23, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
The town board of Pahrump, Nevada, has voted 3-2 to impose fines and community service on anyone who dares to fly any other nation's flag ... Read More
Discussion: Abortion Ethics
Thursday November 23, 2006
A forum member writes: The reason why abortion is such a difficult issue to resolve (whatever that means) stems from the need to balance the rights of two individuals, the ... Read More
Sunday Parking Fee: A Tax on Prayer?
Thursday November 23, 2006
Should any level of government make parking free on Sundays, and only Sundays, in order to make it easier and cheaper for Christians to attend religious services? Clearly many Christians ... Read More
This Date in History: Kingdom of Granada
Thursday November 23, 2006
November 23, 1248: Ferdinand III of Castile captures Seville, Spain. Muslim control of Spain is reduced to the Kingdom of Granada which would survive for over two more centuries.
Atheists and Atheism on Thanksgiving
Thursday November 23, 2006
A number of Christians treat Thanksgiving as a religious and even Christian holiday. They can be so convinced that Thanksgiving is religious and dedicated to thanking God that it may ... Read More
Exploitation of Religion
Thursday November 23, 2006
Why do politicians exploit religion? Probably because they can. The skillful exploitation of religion can deliver large numbers of votes from very passionate people, even if they are ultimately supporting ... Read More
Opposition to Communism Helped Create Hatred, Suspicion, Demonization of Atheists
Thursday November 23, 2006
The extreme hostility towards atheists in America can probably be traced to two related factors: America's view of itself as a religious nation entrusted with a special mission from God ... Read More
Mailbag: Government Support of Religion
Thursday November 23, 2006
From: "Tim"
Subject: Roy Moore Stands Defiant
If Mr. Cline would read the writings of our forefathers (including the Declaration of Independence), it is clear they founded our country, and its laws, ... Read More
Does God Exist? Perfect Creator: Is It Possible for a Perfect Creator to Exist?
Thursday November 23, 2006
Two qualities often attributed to God are perfection and being the ‘creator‘ of the universe (if not more). Are these qualities compatible or incompatible? There are two good arguments that ... Read More
Daily Poll: Was the Civil War Really Over Slavery?
Thursday November 23, 2006
Reason and Philosophy
Thursday November 23, 2006
Book of the Day: The Splendid Feast of Reason, by Seymour Jonathan Singer.
What is the value of reason and rationality, and how are rationalists to live in a persistently irrational ... Read More
Converting Czechs Difficult for American Missionaries
Wednesday November 22, 2006
I've written before about the extent to which atheism is common in Czech society; I've also written before about the difficulties which Christian evangelists from America have in converting Czechs ... Read More
Discussion: Atheism as a Religion
Wednesday November 22, 2006
A forum member writes: I and every atheist with whom I have discussed this issue oppose [Michael] Newdow's position that atheism is or should be treated as a religion. ... Read More
How Not to Understand Islam
Wednesday November 22, 2006
There are lots of ways people can fairly and reasonably criticize Islam; unfortunately, there are also plenty of bad ways to criticize Islam. Many of the latter stem from people's ... Read More
This Date in History: Holy Roman Emperor Frederick
Wednesday November 22, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
November 22, 1220: Pope Honorius III crowned Holy Roman Emperor Frederick in the expectation that Frederick would support the Church and participate in the Fifth Crusade.
Gay Marriage Threatens America's Future
Wednesday November 22, 2006
Many Americans may be forgiven if they imagine that terrorist attacks, economic downturns, or environmental degradation are things which we should be concerned about as threats to our future. In ... Read More
Why Do Religious Extremists Hate America? Muslims & Christians Agree...
Wednesday November 22, 2006
For someone like Sayyid Qutb, secularism undermines religious values and must be eliminated. Secularism leads to atheism, and that is perhaps the worst thing that can happen to either a ... Read More
Mailbag: I'll Pray For You
Wednesday November 22, 2006
From: "M.C."
Subject: Prayer
I have just added you to my prayer list. You are obviously a very misguided individual, but that is how Satan works. The fact that you do not ... Read More
Daily Poll: What Should Happen to Pregnant Women Who Harm Their Fetus?
Wednesday November 22, 2006
Messiah Before Jesus
Wednesday November 22, 2006
Book of the Day: The Messiah Before Jesus: The Suffering Servant of the Dead Sea Scrolls, by Israel Knohl.
Was Jesus really an innovative figure in Judaism, or was he instead ... Read More
Christian Right: They Knew Ted Haggard was Gay
Tuesday November 21, 2006
Many people accused Ted Haggard of hypocrisy for attacking gays and gay rights even though he himself was, apparently, a gay man and was definitely engaged in a long-term relationship ... Read More
Vatican: No Free Speech Right if Religious Sensibilities Offended
Tuesday November 21, 2006
The Vatican has never been a strong defender of free speech or expression. It objects when views it approves of are restricted, but when people speak out to advocate causes ... Read More
Discussion: Evangelization in Schools
Tuesday November 21, 2006
A forum member writes: I received a permission slip from my son's elementary school for "Discovery Time" which is a program offered by CEF, Child Evangelism Fellowship. "The classes stress ... Read More
Internet Pornography Reduces Rape
Tuesday November 21, 2006
Conservative evangelical Christians claim that pornography is harmful and must be banned both to protect marriage and to protect women. There are, however, few studies that even slightly support their ... Read More
This Date in History: Second Vatican Council
Tuesday November 21, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
November 21, 1964: The third session of the Second Vatican Council closed. One result of this session, announced by Pope Paul VI, was that the Virgin Mary would ... Read More
Faith, Not Doctors, Cures Sick People
Tuesday November 21, 2006
Jesus taught that with faith, you could accomplish anything - few Christians today really take that seriously, though. They may rely upon faith in a number of areas, but usually ... Read More
Infants and Uninformed Children are Atheists
Tuesday November 21, 2006
Do infants and very young children qualify as atheists? Most atheists will say so, working from the definition of atheism as "lacking belief in gods." Theists tend to reject this ... Read More
Online Religion
Tuesday November 21, 2006
Book of the Day: Give Me That Online Religion, by Barbara Brasher.
Religion is developing an increasing presence online, there is no question about that. But what does this development mean ... Read More
Christians, Muslims Unite to Defend Christmas
Monday November 20, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Library of Congress
Britain is experiencing some debates and disagreements about what to do with Christmas. As in America, there are people who celebrate a secular form ... Read More
YMCA Frosts Windows for Synagogue
Monday November 20, 2006
To what degree should businesses and community organizations accommodate themselves to the wishes of local religious groups? Obviously some compromises can be important just on the principle of being good ... Read More
Discussion: Iraq is a Mess
Monday November 20, 2006
A forum member writes: The either/or mindset used to justify the war is becoming more laughable. I don't really need to repeat that Saddam was a dreadful tyrant and deserves ... Read More
Who's a Terrorist? You Might Be Surprised...
Monday November 20, 2006
One of the most significant fears people have about anti-terrorist legislation is the way it might be used to attack alleged crimes that definitely aren't terrorism. Once you give the ... Read More
This Date in History: Attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca
Monday November 20, 2006
Image Source: Jupiter Images
November 20, 1979: The Grand Mosque in Mecca was invaded by a group of extremist Ikhwan. Led by Juhaiman Ibn Mohammed Utaibi, a former Saudi National Guardsman, ... Read More
Jews Should Be Portrayed as Christ-Killers
Monday November 20, 2006
There was a lot of criticism of Mel Gibson's film Passion because many people believed that its portrayal of Jews would promote and encourage antisemitism. One aspect of the controversy ... Read More
How Reliable Are the Gospel Stories?
Monday November 20, 2006
Everyone probably knows that the first written records of Jesus' life appear several decades after he would have died. Not everyone seems to understand what the implications of this are. ... Read More
Mailbag: A Disgruntled Christian
Monday November 20, 2006
From: "Bla"
Subject: Jesus and God
Well, I have just read this site and I am appalled by how Jesus message and life are misconstrued. True, I believe in free speech, however, ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: Occam's Razor - Separating the Likely from the Unlikely
Monday November 20, 2006
Quite often we'll hear someone say that assuming the existence of a god, of souls, of angels, of ESP, etc. violates 'Occam's Razor.' But what does the mean? What is ... Read More
Daily Poll: Strict Government Laws for Conservation?
Monday November 20, 2006
Science and Religion
Monday November 20, 2006
Book of the Day: The Vanquished Gods: Science, Religion and the Nature of Belief, by Richard H. Schlagel.
For Tertullian, writing in the early 3rd century, the question was "What does ... Read More
History Teacher: You Belong in Hell!
Sunday November 19, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:University of Georgia
What would you do if your history teacher informed your class that if you don't accept Jesus "you belong in hell"? What would you ... Read More
Bible Bashing for Beginners
Sunday November 19, 2006
Reverend Paul Walker was once named Preacher of the Year in the United Kingdom, but it's unlikely that he would be accorded such an honor today: he says he believes ... Read More
Discussion: Human Dignity
Sunday November 19, 2006
A forum member writes: Have any of you ever questioned the concept of "human dignity"? I suggest that our widespread acceptance of this concept is simply an unthinking, knee-jerk reaction ... Read More
Veil is an Obstacle to Women's Freedom, Autonomy
Sunday November 19, 2006
Image Source: Jupiter Images
One of the most prominent and hotly contested symbols of Islam may be the veils worn by Muslim women. Defenders insist that this is a question of ... Read More
This Date in History: Billy Sunday
Sunday November 19, 2006
Image Source: Wikipedia
November 19, 1862: The famous American evangelist Billy Sunday was born.
Religion: Just A Social Organization?
Sunday November 19, 2006
Debates over the decision of the Episcopal Church to approve the election of an openly gay bishop may have the interesting side effect of prompting serious discussion over not only ... Read More
Defending Religion Against Criticism By Portraying it as an Identity
Sunday November 19, 2006
It's becoming more and more popular to argue that there is something fundamentally inappropriate and/or intolerant about criticizing religion and religious beliefs. It sometimes seems as if no serious and ... Read More
Mailbag: Former Atheist
Sunday November 19, 2006
From: "Tim"
Subject: athesim: bastion of an infertile mind?
I am a former atheist, and since becomming a biblical christian I have not been able to find any atheists who can defend ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus Predicts his Second Coming, Tribulation (Mark 13:24-29)
Sunday November 19, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
The one section of Jesus' predictions in chapter 13 which definitely doesn't reflect recent events for Mark's community is the description of his "Second Coming," where he takes ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Torture-Doctors Lose Medical Licenses?
Sunday November 19, 2006
The Yellow Cross
Sunday November 19, 2006
Book of the Day: The Yellow Cross: The Story of the Last Cathars' Rebellion Against the Inquisition, by Ren? Weis.
During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church worked vigorously to ... Read More
Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of The Mayflower
Saturday November 18, 2006
Image Courtesy of Electric Artists
I can recommend this documentary without reservation. If you're like most people, then your knowledge of the Pilgrims is probably rather superficial and based on what ... Read More
Cognitive Liberty in an Age of Neurotechnology
Saturday November 18, 2006
I regularly read about some new advance in the ability of researchers to scan and understand how our brain works. For the most part this is all positive - the ... Read More
Atheism is 'Intolerant Faith Position'
Saturday November 18, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster:University of Minnesota
The process of secularization in modern society has meant the elimination of many privileges traditionally accorded to religion generally and Christianity in particular. Every ... Read More
Discussion: Party Politics vs. Individuality
Saturday November 18, 2006
A forum member writes: If you believe in individuality, that all individuals deserve fair and equal representation, you can't rationally justify a partisan political system. ... I really just want ... Read More
Christians Slash Tires of Prayer Critics
Saturday November 18, 2006
Whenever people dare to speak up and criticize an instance of the government promoting Christian religious practices or beliefs, it's almost inevitable that they have to pay a price: harassment, ... Read More
This Date in History: Jonestown Massacre
Saturday November 18, 2006
Image Source: Wikipedia
November 18, 1978: In Jonestown, a compound located in Guyana, the self-professed messiah Reverend Jim Jones called upon his followers to drink a cyanide-laced punch "or be destroyed ... Read More
Religious Apathy in America
Saturday November 18, 2006
Concerns are often raised about the increasing religiosity of Americans - but perhaps those concerns are misplaced. Polls which indicate a high degree of religious belief may be very misleading. ... Read More
Race vs. Gender in Nazi Germany & Modern America
Saturday November 18, 2006
If there are biological differences of race, why is it invalid to treat people of different races in different ways but valid to treat different sexes in different ways? What ... Read More
Mailbag: Blasphemy
Saturday November 18, 2006
From: "Allan"
Subject: John Shelby Spong
Tell Austin Cline that his agreement with the blasphemous "Episcopal Bishop" John Shelby Spong set them both up for a fiery eternity. Enjoy hell!
Simple and to ... Read More
Rethinking the Relationship Between Church and State
Saturday November 18, 2006
Book of the Day: Farewell to Christendom: The Future of Church and State in America, by Thomas J. Curry.
Should the government use its power to encourage religion? Should the government ... Read More
FBI Arrests Domestic Terrorist, Christian Nationalist
Friday November 17, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:National Archives
You may have heard about the many liberal politicians and media personalities who have received letters with a white powder in them. The white powder ... Read More
Vatican Pondering Legitimacy of Catholic Wedding for Cruise
Friday November 17, 2006
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are still on track to get married... at least, they seem to think they are. They appear to be running into problems, though, because they ... Read More
Discussion: Regulating the Internet
Friday November 17, 2006
A forum member writes: Even though the net was developed with government money, they weren't paying attention (just a bunch of geeks masturbating), hence it took shape in a way ... Read More
Church of England Angry at Lack of Christian Christmas Stamps
Friday November 17, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Library of Congress
America isn't the only country where leaders of the religious establishment are upset over the growing secularization of the Christmas season. In Britain, leaders ... Read More
This Date in History: Anti-Communist Loyalty Oaths
Friday November 17, 2006
November 17, 1959: Both Harvard and Yale Universities withdrew from federal student-loan programs in protest of the requirement that students who receive loans sign an anti-communist loyalty oath.
God Owns You!
Friday November 17, 2006
Most people probably think that they are somehow in charge of their life - their life and their body are their own responsibility. According to some theologians, however, that isn't ... Read More
Gender Differences & Religion: Women's Devotion to Religious Fundamentalism
Friday November 17, 2006
It's long been noted that women tend to be more religious than men and that women often constitute a disproportionately large percentage of regular church-goers. There are a number of ... Read More
Mailbag: Wake Up!
Friday November 17, 2006
From: "Mark"
Subject: Denial and Pride
While I still consider you an intelligent man, you have proven yourself to be terribly closed-minded and judgmental, ignoring what is presented to you and attempting ... Read More
Daily Poll: Was it Fair to Put Japanese in Concentration Camps?
Friday November 17, 2006
Historical Christ
Friday November 17, 2006
Book of the Day: Human Christ: The Search for the Historical Jesus, by Charlotte Allen.
Who was Jesus? Innumerable people - scholars and lay people alike - have wanted to answer ... Read More
Amy Sullivan: Calling Out Religious Bigotry is Secular, Liberal Intolerance
Thursday November 16, 2006
There is a concern in some quarters about the failure of Democrats to attract enough voters who describe themselves as religiously devout and regular church-goers. Rather than create ways in ... Read More
Discussion: Christian Philosophers
Thursday November 16, 2006
A forum member writes: Are there any Christian philosophers out there presenting anything new in the case for Christianity/ Theism/God or is it all stuff that can easily be refuted ... Read More
Hysteria, Obsession, and Narcissism in the Homophobic Right
Thursday November 16, 2006
Isn't interesting how often religious conservatives treat homosexuality and gay marriage like they are the most pressing and dangerous issues facing Western culture? Even if we grant, for the sake ... Read More
This Date in History: Mother Teresa
Thursday November 16, 2006
Image Source: Wikipedia
November 16, 1996: Mother Teresa receives honorary US citizenship.
Teaching is Not a Democratic Process
Thursday November 16, 2006
It's common for people to think that, as a matter of 'fairness,' both sides of an issue or debate should always be presented. Thus, for example, both sides of the ... Read More
Islam & Human Rights under the Shari'a
Thursday November 16, 2006
One of the problems facing Islam today is its failure to deal with basic human rights. Traditional, orthodox Islam doesn't recognize equal rights for women, the right to convert from ... Read More
Mailbag: Christianity vs. Islam
Thursday November 16, 2006
From: "Heather"
Subject: You Are Misleading Poeple
Basic and simple: Christians are taught to go out into the world and spread the Gospel. If a home, a person, a community isn't interested, ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Bible Displays in Government Buildings Unconstitutional?
Thursday November 16, 2006
Ultimate Journey
Thursday November 16, 2006
Book of the Day: Ultimate Journey: Retracing the Path of an Ancient Buddhist Monk Who Crossed Asia in Search of Enlightenment, by Richard Bernstein.
In 629, the Chinese Buddhist monk Hsuan ... Read More
Sidon: Golden Age of Sidon Ended by Artaxerxes III
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Sidon's real golden age seems to have started in the 6th century BCE. Around this time, Sidon began providing Persia with both ships and sailors to help the ... Read More
Biblical Science
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Is there a "biblical" view of science? Some seem determined to argue that there is - their Bible plays such a central role in their lives that they may not ... Read More
Discussion: Can anyone really say if God exists?
Wednesday November 15, 2006
A forum member writes: As far as I know there is no definitive proof for either side. The theists will mention St. Thomas and St. Anslem both of which have ... Read More
Government-Funded Segregation in Religious Schools
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Usually when we hear about religion-based segregation, it's in the context of the American South. For decades Christian churches insisted that they had a God-given right to segregate and discriminate. ... Read More
This Date in History: Communist Party
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
November 15, 1965: The Supreme Court ruled that people have the right to refuse to register with the government as members of the Communist Party.
Religion, Child Abuse, and Church/State Separation
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Child abuse is an issue that is taken very seriously in America, but unfortunately there is one aspect to the problem which can be a significant blind spot: religion. There ... Read More
Pluralism & Individualism vs. Authoritarnianism in the Christian Right
Wednesday November 15, 2006
The Christian Right in America today tends to behave as though there is only one valid way to be a Christian and, if people aren't sensible enough to accept this ... Read More
Mailbag: Homosexuality and the Law
Wednesday November 15, 2006
From: "Kimberly"
Subject: Gays Shouldn't Marry
I don't think gay people should get married because in the Bible it says that a man should leave his parents and cling to his wife, ... Read More
Atheism Basics: What's the Difference Between Atheism & Agnosticism?
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Many people who adopt the label of agnostic reject the label of atheist — there is a common perception that agnosticism is a more “reasonable” position while atheism is more ... Read More
Copyrights in the 21st Century
Wednesday November 15, 2006
Book of the Day: Digital Copyright, by Jessica Litman.
Have you ever downloaded an MP3 music file from the internet? Have you ever copied software from a friend? Have you ever ... Read More
Book Reviews: Books on Religious Philosophy & the Philosophy of Religion
Tuesday November 14, 2006
What is religion? Does religion serve any social or psychological purposes - and if so, how? These are just a few of the questions asked in the philosophy of religion. ... Read More
Denying Islam is an Incitement?
Tuesday November 14, 2006
Muslim reactions to criticisms of Islam can often be pretty severe. What about when someone simply denies that Islam is true? That's hardly a criticism, so it shouldn't inspire a ... Read More
Discussion: Alcoholics Anonymous and Atheists
Tuesday November 14, 2006
A forum member writes: I have come across several people who insist that they can be an atheist, that is a strong atheist who does not acknowledge the existence of ... Read More
Rape Prevention Saudi Arabia: Sentence Rape Victim to 90 Lashes
Tuesday November 14, 2006
If you are trying to reduce rape in a community, what's the best method? Perhaps the key is to punish the rape victim as harshly as some rape perpetrators. That ... Read More
This Date in History: Friedrich Hegel
Tuesday November 14, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
November 14, 1831: German philosopher Friedrich Hegel died in Berlin during a cholera epidemic.
Integrity, Doubt, and Academic Freedom
Tuesday November 14, 2006
Gerd Lüdemann is a New Testament scholar who is a member of the theological faculty at the University of Göttingen, Germany. His studies led him to ultimately reject his earlier ... Read More
Questioning Faith and Religious Skepticism (Book Notes: Presumed Guilty)
Tuesday November 14, 2006
A common belief among Christians, as well as members of other religions, is that there is something wrong with doubt and skepticism. The ideal religious believer is one who is ... Read More
Mailbag: Educated Christians
Tuesday November 14, 2006
From: "Terry"
Subject: None
How do you deal with a highly educated person like myself that knows for a truth that Jesus Christ is actually living today. I know this because my ... Read More
Focus on Religion: Religion vs. Religious: If Something is Religious, is it a Religion?
Tuesday November 14, 2006
The terms religion and religious obviously come from the same root, which would normally lead us to conclude that they also refer to basically the same thing: one as a ... Read More
Daily Poll: Are Mothers Criminals for not Obeying Doctors?
Tuesday November 14, 2006
Skepticism, Science, and Faith
Tuesday November 14, 2006
Book of the Day: The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, by Carl Sagan.
Are irrationality and superstition bringing the modern world to the brink of a new ... Read More
Flag Burning: California State Laws on Flag Burning, Desecration, Abuse
Monday November 13, 2006
In California, it's a misdemeanor to cast 'contempt' on a American or state flag by 'publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it.' Read Article: California State Laws on ... Read More
Should Postal Workers Be Able to Refuse to Deliver Objectionable Mail?
Monday November 13, 2006
Conservative Christians have been advocating the right of individuals to refuse to do their jobs when they have religious objections - for example, pharmacists should be able to refuse to ... Read More
Discussion: Putting Preachers in Australian Schools
Monday November 13, 2006
A forum member writes: There is a government plan to put chaplains in every school. The government has promised to filter the applicants to keep out extremists, but it ... Read More
Catholic Pilgrims in Glastonbury Attack Pagans
Monday November 13, 2006
It's not common to hear about Catholics launching into violent attacks against non-Catholics or non-Christians. I wont say that it never happens, and it certainly happened in the past, but ... Read More
This Date in History: Roy Moore Removed from Office
Monday November 13, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
November 13, 2003: An Alabama state ethics board unanimously ruled that when Chief Justice Roy Moore defied a federal judge's order to move a stone Ten Commandments monument ... Read More
Evolution, Morality, and Religion
Monday November 13, 2006
Researchers have a lot of good ideas about how and why morality would have evolved - social animals cannot survive without the ability to promote cooperative, altruistic behavior and that's ... Read More
Journalistic Duty & Press Freedom in the Wake of 9/11 (Book Notes: Casualty of War)
Monday November 13, 2006
Do journalists have a duty to get at the truth, even it's uncomfortable and contrary to the agenda of the government, or do journalists instead have a duty to support ... Read More
Mailbag: What Purpose?
Monday November 13, 2006
From: "Mel"
Subject: Unbelievers
tell me how someone (you) can believe in NOTHING? what do YOU BELIEVE will happen to you when you die? so what is the purpose of YOUR being ... Read More
Philosophy Fundamentals: How Do Ethics, Morals, and Values Relate?
Monday November 13, 2006
One of the most important characteristics of moral judgments is that they express our values. Not all expressions of values are also moral judgments, but all moral judgments do express ... Read More
The Religion of Paul the Apostle
Monday November 13, 2006
Book of the Day: The Religion of Paul the Apostle, by John Ashton.
Traditionally, Paul is treated and viewed as if he were a theologian - which is to say, it ... Read More
Wal-Mart Caves to Christian Nationalists, Dumps 'Happy Holidays'
Sunday November 12, 2006
Image © Austin Cline
Original Poster:Northwestern University
During the 2005 Christmas season, Wal-Mart came under a lot of fire from Christian Nationalists who were upset about the retailer's use of "Happy Holidays" ... Read More
Ah Mucen Cab: Ah Mucen Cab, God of Bees and Honey in Mayan Religion, Mythology
Sunday November 12, 2006
Ah Mucen Cab (Ah Muzencab, Ah Muzen Cab) was the Mayan god of honey and bees. Some honeys are toxic and produce psychoactive effects. It's possible that consumption of such ... Read More
Unitarians Trying New Tactics, Evangelism
Sunday November 12, 2006
Unitarian-Universalist churches are generally low-key and quiet - they aren't the type to engage in evangelism and other efforts to attract converts. In some ways, this is actually a positive ... Read More
Discussion: Exorcism and Possession
Sunday November 12, 2006
A forum member writes: I was watching 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' last night. Godawful film. Should have listened to the people who slagged it off in another ... Read More
Beware the Anti-Evolution Brick
Sunday November 12, 2006
You may have heard of the Brick of Silence. I don't have Brick of Silence myself, though I have thought about getting one. Well, one anti-evolution extremist tried to put ... Read More
This Date in History: Epperson v. Arkansas
Sunday November 12, 2006
Image Source:Wikipedia
November 12, 1968: Decided: Epperson v. Arkansas The Supreme Court found that Arkansas' law prohibiting the teaching of evolution was unconstitutional because the motivation was based on a literal ... Read More
Freedom vs. Dogma: Academics in Catholic Universities
Sunday November 12, 2006
Do so-called 'Catholic' universities exist to promote Catholic dogma, or do they exist to provide serious educations? I'm sure that some would insist that there need not be a conflict ... Read More
Government Oppression and Social Cooperation (Book Notes: Fear)
Sunday November 12, 2006
Usually when we think of an oppressive society, we imagine a government that acts broadly to limit people's rights. Too often, people overlook the important role played - often voluntarily ... Read More
Mailbag: Love
Sunday November 12, 2006
From: "I.B."
Subject: Austin Cline
Hey *****!
Got your atheism ***** newsletter! You stupid *****, You are a real piece of *****! You ***** ***** *****, where do you get off spaming this ... Read More
Bible Commentary: Jesus Explains the Signs of the End Times: Tribulations & False Messiahs (Mark 13:14-23)
Sunday November 12, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
Up until this point, Jesus has been advising caution to the four disciples -- and by extension, that's what Mark has been advising to his own audience. As ... Read More
Daily Poll: Should Atheists Deliver City Council Invocations?
Sunday November 12, 2006
Political Humanism
Sunday November 12, 2006
Book of the Day: Toward A New Political Humanism, edited by Barry F. Seidman, Neil J. Murphy. Publisher: Prometheus Books.
The past decades have witnessed a resurgence of the power and ... Read More
Propaganda Poster: Christian Men Standing Up to the Demofascists
Saturday November 11, 2006
Image © Austin ClineOriginal Poster: National Archives
Is there anything genuinely fascist about the political platform of the Democratic party or about the common attitudes of liberals in America? It's true ... Read More
Texas Gov. Rick Perry: Non-Christians Going Straight to Hell
Saturday November 11, 2006
Well, Rick Perry won his re-election bid for governor of Texas and that's probably not good news for non-Christians in Texas. Why? Because apparently Rick Perry thinks that all non-Christians ... Read More
Discussion: Salvation Army
Saturday November 11, 2006
A forum member writes: I was disappointed to read in the newspaper that the mayor of my town will be making the first donation of the season to the Salvation ... Read More
Priest Sentenced to 7 Years for Child Porn
Saturday November 11, 2006
The Catholic Church is still having trouble with priests who are way too interested in children. In Chicago, a priest has been sentenced for the possession of not just child ... Read More
This Date in History: Fourth Lateran Council Opens
Saturday November 11, 2006
Image Source:Jupiter Images
November 11, 1215: The Fourth Lateran Council opened in Rome. Organized by Pope Innocent III in Rome in order to discuss and define central dogmas of Christianity, it ... Read More
Cultural Power and American Fundamentalism (Book Notes: Rapture Culture)
Saturday November 11, 2006
Sociologists, historians, and other researchers generally recognize the complex interaction between religious doctrine and culture: each influences, changes, and reacts to the other. Religious believers tend not to understand this, ... Read More
Mailbag: God is the Highest Authority
Saturday November 11, 2006
From: "K.H."
Subject: Atheism... etc.
I happened across your cite and I must say that it is quite predictable. I have a question for you. When you reach the end of your ... Read More