News and Views on Religion, Atheism, Freethought, Secularism
What's going on in the world in terms of religion, the paranormal, evolution, creationism, secularism, atheism, and freethought? Several times a day this site has updated news and opinions on events in the world, especially those events that are relevant to atheism, religion, and skepticism, so don't miss out.
Danish Cartoons of Muhammad (22)
Abortion & Contraception (158)
Christmas Wars, News (67)
War News (25)
Atheism News (246)
Women and Religion (89)
Boy Scouts of America (43)
Gay Rights & Marriage News (425)
Church & State News (890)
Ethics News (141)
Evolution News (236)
Free Speech News (186)
Religion News (1853)
Bioethics News (38)
Skepticism News (55)
Terri Schiavo News (63)
Blog Comments Policy for Agnosticism / Atheism
As you may have noticed by now, all About sites now have comments enabled for all new posts. Old posts should have comments enabled in the near future. This will allow you to give immediate feedback on what you read as well as provide you with a new means, in addition to the forums, for participating in conversations with others about the material here.
As you may have noticed by now, all About sites now have comments enabled for all new posts. Old posts should have comments enabled in the near future. This will allow you to give immediate feedback on what you read as well as provide you with a new means, in addition to the forums, for participating in conversations with others about the material here.
Newsletter 02-06-06
News items from the past week include problems understanding the difference between the concepts of 'public' and 'private,' some of the real goals of the anti-gay marriage crowd, how evolutionary adaptation can interfere with human happiness, how the evolution of the human mind might have occurred in order to signal a person's genetic fitness to prospective mates, and more.
News items from the past week include problems understanding the difference between the concepts of 'public' and 'private,' some of the real goals of the anti-gay marriage crowd, how evolutionary adaptation can interfere with human happiness, how the evolution of the human mind might have occurred in order to signal a person's genetic fitness to prospective mates, and more.
Newsletter 02-03-06
This week we'll take a look at the religious origins of Groundhog's Day, belief in alien gods, ignorant bigotry about atheists in a major newspaper, homophobic teachers refusing to declare their classes safe for gay students, a cinema which thinks that gay cowboys are worse than violent torture, homophobic Muslims who don't think that gay Muslims are part of Muslim diversity, and more.
This week we'll take a look at the religious origins of Groundhog's Day, belief in alien gods, ignorant bigotry about atheists in a major newspaper, homophobic teachers refusing to declare their classes safe for gay students, a cinema which thinks that gay cowboys are worse than violent torture, homophobic Muslims who don't think that gay Muslims are part of Muslim diversity, and more.
Newsletter 02-01-06
News items from the past week include fundamentalists continuing to believe in repressed memories, how attitudes towards homosexuality have changed in law and morality, Christians using the Bible as a proof-text for civil law and public policy, how religious institutions protect child molesters, and more.
News items from the past week include fundamentalists continuing to believe in repressed memories, how attitudes towards homosexuality have changed in law and morality, Christians using the Bible as a proof-text for civil law and public policy, how religious institutions protect child molesters, and more.
Newsletter 01-30-06
News items from the past week include the situation among women in Saudi Arabia, how suffering provides reason to reject theism, the common religious factors among women who kill their children, how church attendance correlates with an unwillingness to compromise on political issues, and more.
News items from the past week include the situation among women in Saudi Arabia, how suffering provides reason to reject theism, the common religious factors among women who kill their children, how church attendance correlates with an unwillingness to compromise on political issues, and more.
Newsletter 01-25-06
News items from the past week include why God can't explain the universe, the demands that Christian congregations place on clergy in America, whether redistribution might achieve equality in America, why the Christian Right refuses to compromise politically, how the media privileges religion and religious beliefs, and more.
News items from the past week include why God can't explain the universe, the demands that Christian congregations place on clergy in America, whether redistribution might achieve equality in America, why the Christian Right refuses to compromise politically, how the media privileges religion and religious beliefs, and more.
Newsletter 01-18-06
News items from the past week include what is really meant by efforts to create a 'Christian' America, the possibility that ideas could lead to more ignorance than knowledge, the failure of religion to deal with poverty, arguments that atheism is an 'established' religion in America, how neatly conservative Christianity and Nazism dove-tailed in Germany, and more.
News items from the past week include what is really meant by efforts to create a 'Christian' America, the possibility that ideas could lead to more ignorance than knowledge, the failure of religion to deal with poverty, arguments that atheism is an 'established' religion in America, how neatly conservative Christianity and Nazism dove-tailed in Germany, and more.
Newsletter 01-16-06
News items from the past week include how Intelligent Design was conceived as a tool for theocracy, how people try to privilege religion in modern society, the importance of balancing skepticism against objectivity, contrasting fear of terrorism against fear in the workplace, efforts by the Christian Right to misuse the legacy of Civil Rights, and more.
News items from the past week include how Intelligent Design was conceived as a tool for theocracy, how people try to privilege religion in modern society, the importance of balancing skepticism against objectivity, contrasting fear of terrorism against fear in the workplace, efforts by the Christian Right to misuse the legacy of Civil Rights, and more.
Newsletter 01-09-06
News items from the past week include how Christians have sought to control women and sexuality, how anti-war sentiments get labeled as treasonous, evidence that supporters of Intelligent Design know that it is biblically based, the nonsense behind hypnotism, the similarities between France and America, and more.
News items from the past week include how Christians have sought to control women and sexuality, how anti-war sentiments get labeled as treasonous, evidence that supporters of Intelligent Design know that it is biblically based, the nonsense behind hypnotism, the similarities between France and America, and more.
Newsletter 12-21-05
News items from the past week include tricks used by Christians to get their religion favored by the state, the argument that simplicity is a better indicator than complexity that something has been designed, churches using schools on a permanent basis, a look at the idea that unchaste women are not innocent victims of rape, and more.
News items from the past week include tricks used by Christians to get their religion favored by the state, the argument that simplicity is a better indicator than complexity that something has been designed, churches using schools on a permanent basis, a look at the idea that unchaste women are not innocent victims of rape, and more.
Newsletter 12-19-05
News items from the past week include a look at the question of free will in Islam vs. Christianity, state support of monotheism over all other types of theism, moral problems in C.S. Lewis' Narnia books, the claim that cloning might prove that minds are not just the brain functioning, people's misunderstanding about the nature of the Qur'an, and more.
News items from the past week include a look at the question of free will in Islam vs. Christianity, state support of monotheism over all other types of theism, moral problems in C.S. Lewis' Narnia books, the claim that cloning might prove that minds are not just the brain functioning, people's misunderstanding about the nature of the Qur'an, and more.
Newsletter 12-16-05
Welcome to issue #7.50 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at violations of a teen's religious rights, a doctor more interested in moralizing than medicine, Christians in Texas going after divorce, Christians who don't think that gambling is so bad when they can profit, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.50 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at violations of a teen's religious rights, a doctor more interested in moralizing than medicine, Christians in Texas going after divorce, Christians who don't think that gambling is so bad when they can profit, and more.
Newsletter 12-14-05
News items from the past week include arguments for the idea that atheists should just ignore Christmas rather than celebrate it, whining about Christmas being attacked, an argument for state endorsement of monotheism over polytheism, pantheism, atheism, etc., Muslim attacks on atheists, right-wing attacks on sexual deviance, and more.
News items from the past week include arguments for the idea that atheists should just ignore Christmas rather than celebrate it, whining about Christmas being attacked, an argument for state endorsement of monotheism over polytheism, pantheism, atheism, etc., Muslim attacks on atheists, right-wing attacks on sexual deviance, and more.
Newsletter 12-12-05
News items from the past week include a letter from an Air Force cadet about religious tolerance and intolerance at the academy, how internet communities might be too insulated for their own good, the real impact of bans on gay marriages, how easy it is to have a godless Christmas without Christ, and the claim that removing God from the Pledge would make atheists "more equal" than others.
News items from the past week include a letter from an Air Force cadet about religious tolerance and intolerance at the academy, how internet communities might be too insulated for their own good, the real impact of bans on gay marriages, how easy it is to have a godless Christmas without Christ, and the claim that removing God from the Pledge would make atheists "more equal" than others.
Newsletter 12-07-05
News items from the past week include how theists often misunderstand science, the relationship between Buddhism and atheism, an unusually harsh statement from a theist about how he would murder and kill if there was no God, an examination of the pharmacists' oath, and more.
News items from the past week include how theists often misunderstand science, the relationship between Buddhism and atheism, an unusually harsh statement from a theist about how he would murder and kill if there was no God, an examination of the pharmacists' oath, and more.
Newsletter 12-05-05
News items from the past week include the cultural contexts for biblical interpretation, claims that feminism has gone too far in America, the importance of the credibility of atheism, the reasons for alleged contact with aliens, the Christian nature of the Third Reich, and more.
News items from the past week include the cultural contexts for biblical interpretation, claims that feminism has gone too far in America, the importance of the credibility of atheism, the reasons for alleged contact with aliens, the Christian nature of the Third Reich, and more.
Newsletter 11-23-05
News items from the past week include the contributions a philosophical perspective can have in skeptical investigations of the paranormal, Bush's illogical comments about the war on terrorism, interesting Christian ideas about the status of the poor, Catholicism's relationship with Italian fascism, and more.
News items from the past week include the contributions a philosophical perspective can have in skeptical investigations of the paranormal, Bush's illogical comments about the war on terrorism, interesting Christian ideas about the status of the poor, Catholicism's relationship with Italian fascism, and more.
Newsletter 11-21-05
News items from the past week include criticism of constitutional originalism, atheist defenses of Intelligent Design, questions about the use of force to spread democracy, claims that non-Christians perhaps shouldn't be allowed into politics, and more.
News items from the past week include criticism of constitutional originalism, atheist defenses of Intelligent Design, questions about the use of force to spread democracy, claims that non-Christians perhaps shouldn't be allowed into politics, and more.
Newsletter 11-16-05
News items from the past week include the status of Muslims in Europe, the rediscovery of Jewish heritage among Hispanics in America and Mexico, the relationship between Islam and government, the relationship between liberalism and democracy, and more.
News items from the past week include the status of Muslims in Europe, the rediscovery of Jewish heritage among Hispanics in America and Mexico, the relationship between Islam and government, the relationship between liberalism and democracy, and more.
Newsletter 11-07-05
News items from the past week include attacks on secularism as a form of practical atheism, a Catholic school that keeps trying to seize local property for its football field, how and why Hitler was able to appeal so successfully to Christians, why dancing was once regarded as sinful, and more.
News items from the past week include attacks on secularism as a form of practical atheism, a Catholic school that keeps trying to seize local property for its football field, how and why Hitler was able to appeal so successfully to Christians, why dancing was once regarded as sinful, and more.
Newsletter 11-04-05
Welcome to issue #7.44 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at getting Christian events held in public schools, attempts to provide employment rights and protections to clergy, a Catholic school that bans blogging among students, Ann Coulter expressing disdain for free speech protections, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.44 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at getting Christian events held in public schools, attempts to provide employment rights and protections to clergy, a Catholic school that bans blogging among students, Ann Coulter expressing disdain for free speech protections, and more...
Newsletter 11-02-05
News items from the past week include how fear is used by political leaders, how Christianity has changed in America, how evangelization depends upon the objectification of those being evangelized, problems with proselytization in public hospitals, problems with Muslim orthodoxy, and more.
News items from the past week include how fear is used by political leaders, how Christianity has changed in America, how evangelization depends upon the objectification of those being evangelized, problems with proselytization in public hospitals, problems with Muslim orthodoxy, and more.
Newsletter 10-31-05
News items from the past week include questions about the nature of rights, questions about what religious believers really want when they ask for respect, conflicts between Christianity and Judaism, the difference between liberalization and democracy, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about the nature of rights, questions about what religious believers really want when they ask for respect, conflicts between Christianity and Judaism, the difference between liberalization and democracy, and more.
Newsletter 10-28-05
Welcome to issue #7.43 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at C.S. Lewis' views of atheism, Mencken's views on religion, claims that Muslims got Christmas holidays cancelled at a public school, the KKK coming out to help ban gay marriage, claims that gays are leeching off of the Civil Rights movement, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.43 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at C.S. Lewis' views of atheism, Mencken's views on religion, claims that Muslims got Christmas holidays cancelled at a public school, the KKK coming out to help ban gay marriage, claims that gays are leeching off of the Civil Rights movement, and more.
Newsletter 10-26-05
News items from the past week include problems atheists have with dating, the continued contempt of Jews exhibited in evangelical circles, problems with polygraph testing, Christian critiques of science, and the price others pay for conscience clauses.
News items from the past week include problems atheists have with dating, the continued contempt of Jews exhibited in evangelical circles, problems with polygraph testing, Christian critiques of science, and the price others pay for conscience clauses.
Newsletter 10-24-05
News items from the past week include joking about the use of violence to suppress religious dissent, claims that atheism is harmful to people, how the Christian Right got the FDA to reject Plan B emergency contraception, the history of attacks on prisons being too soft on criminals, and more.
News items from the past week include joking about the use of violence to suppress religious dissent, claims that atheism is harmful to people, how the Christian Right got the FDA to reject Plan B emergency contraception, the history of attacks on prisons being too soft on criminals, and more.
Newsletter 10-19-05
News items from the past week include the unbelievable actions of cardinals in Philadelphia, parallels between how gays and atheists are treated by Christians in America, the growth of an imperial presidency, Christian attacks on the legal status of other religions, and more.
News items from the past week include the unbelievable actions of cardinals in Philadelphia, parallels between how gays and atheists are treated by Christians in America, the growth of an imperial presidency, Christian attacks on the legal status of other religions, and more.
Newsletter 10-17-05
News items from the past week include Hitler's appeal as a Christian anti-communist, arresting hecklers under anti-terrorism laws, the new Christian values that include abusing and torturing prisoners, the history of combining Christianity with imperialistic wars, and more.
News items from the past week include Hitler's appeal as a Christian anti-communist, arresting hecklers under anti-terrorism laws, the new Christian values that include abusing and torturing prisoners, the history of combining Christianity with imperialistic wars, and more.
Newsletter 10-14-05
Welcome to issue #7.41 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the life and works of C.S. Lewis, a popular if ineffective Christian apologist, the origins of religious violence, an actual apology for saying there are no atheists in foxholes, a football coach who preferred quitting over not leading his team in prayers, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.41 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the life and works of C.S. Lewis, a popular if ineffective Christian apologist, the origins of religious violence, an actual apology for saying there are no atheists in foxholes, a football coach who preferred quitting over not leading his team in prayers, and more.
Newsletter 10-12-05
News items from the past week include questions about the ideology of individualism in America, arguments for the idea that God is perfectly evil rather than perfectly good, ROTC cadets slamming atheists and efforts to remove 'under God' from the Pledge of Allegiance, the reasons why Intelligent Design is so important to the Christian Right, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about the ideology of individualism in America, arguments for the idea that God is perfectly evil rather than perfectly good, ROTC cadets slamming atheists and efforts to remove 'under God' from the Pledge of Allegiance, the reasons why Intelligent Design is so important to the Christian Right, and more.
Newsletter 10-10-05
News items from the past week include how religious extremists dehumanize their opponents, the misuse of anti-blasphemy laws for the purpose of maintaining religious privilege, a new Ten Commandments decision, continued legal wrangling over the future of the Mt. Soledad cross in San Diego, Vatican moves against liberal politicians, and more.
News items from the past week include how religious extremists dehumanize their opponents, the misuse of anti-blasphemy laws for the purpose of maintaining religious privilege, a new Ten Commandments decision, continued legal wrangling over the future of the Mt. Soledad cross in San Diego, Vatican moves against liberal politicians, and more.
Newsletter 10-07-05
Welcome to issue #7.40 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at liberation theology, Nazi conceptions of Christianity, whether Jesus would accept the label 'Christian' in America today, Wiccan veterans fighting for equality, questions about the process of appointing and confirming judges, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.40 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at liberation theology, Nazi conceptions of Christianity, whether Jesus would accept the label 'Christian' in America today, Wiccan veterans fighting for equality, questions about the process of appointing and confirming judges, and more.
Newsletter 10-05-05
News items from the past week include how people create metaphysical illusions when reason fails them, separating truth from fiction in the debate over fetal pain, the importance of voting, new Christian trends towards giving charity only to th worthy, and devolution of journalism, and more.
News items from the past week include how people create metaphysical illusions when reason fails them, separating truth from fiction in the debate over fetal pain, the importance of voting, new Christian trends towards giving charity only to th worthy, and devolution of journalism, and more.
Newsletter 10-03-05
News items from the past week include the Christian Right turning on Senator Frist for his stem-cell research views, a public school that tried to promote religious art, questions about the nature of humanity, Christians honestly expressing what they think of Judaism and Jews, and more.
News items from the past week include the Christian Right turning on Senator Frist for his stem-cell research views, a public school that tried to promote religious art, questions about the nature of humanity, Christians honestly expressing what they think of Judaism and Jews, and more.
Newsletter 09-30-05
Welcome to issue #7.39 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at effort to fund religious discrimination via the government's Head Start program, the introduction of a new secular lobbyist to Washington, D.C., a recent study on how secular and "godly" nations compare, an honest supporter of Intelligent Design, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.39 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at effort to fund religious discrimination via the government's Head Start program, the introduction of a new secular lobbyist to Washington, D.C., a recent study on how secular and "godly" nations compare, an honest supporter of Intelligent Design, and more.
Newsletter 09-28-05
News items from the past week include the misunderstanding of statistics and probabilities when assessing alleged miracles, questions about the nature of democracy, secularism in American government, genuine questions about the course of human evolution, and more.
News items from the past week include the misunderstanding of statistics and probabilities when assessing alleged miracles, questions about the nature of democracy, secularism in American government, genuine questions about the course of human evolution, and more.
Newsletter 09-26-05
News items from the past week include the biological origins of behavior, Mitt Romney's presidential chances with evangelicals, a warning from Catholic bishops not to quote or use their Bible translation without authorization, the conflicts between traditional Western monotheism and democracy, and more.
News items from the past week include the biological origins of behavior, Mitt Romney's presidential chances with evangelicals, a warning from Catholic bishops not to quote or use their Bible translation without authorization, the conflicts between traditional Western monotheism and democracy, and more.
Newsletter 09-23-05
Welcome to issue #7.38 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at some more commentary on the recent Pledge of Allegiance decision, the poor showing for the recent day of prayer, flag desecration, and an analysis of the use of fear in politics.
Welcome to issue #7.38 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at some more commentary on the recent Pledge of Allegiance decision, the poor showing for the recent day of prayer, flag desecration, and an analysis of the use of fear in politics.
Newsletter 09-21-05
News items from the past week include the premises behind traditional Catholic opposition to religious liberty, whether people are justified in being proud of Western civilization, how the Bush administration is using faith-based funds for political advantage, connections between genealogy research and tribalism, rethinking the concept of self-ownership, and more.
News items from the past week include the premises behind traditional Catholic opposition to religious liberty, whether people are justified in being proud of Western civilization, how the Bush administration is using faith-based funds for political advantage, connections between genealogy research and tribalism, rethinking the concept of self-ownership, and more.
Newsletter 09-19-05
News items from the past week include claims about how the West must liberate the Middle East, the ways that the Christian Right is altering the way Americans see themselves, theocrats openly arguing for a Christian government rather than a secular state, how religious wars become an excuse to be violent, and more.
News items from the past week include claims about how the West must liberate the Middle East, the ways that the Christian Right is altering the way Americans see themselves, theocrats openly arguing for a Christian government rather than a secular state, how religious wars become an excuse to be violent, and more.
Newsletter 09-16-05
Welcome to issue #7.37 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the recent decision regarding the Pledge of Allegiance, the involvement of German churches in the Holocaust, an administration win over due process and the rule of law, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.37 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the recent decision regarding the Pledge of Allegiance, the involvement of German churches in the Holocaust, an administration win over due process and the rule of law, and more.
Newsletter 09-14-05
News items from the past week include how Christian bigotry played a role in America's politics in even the earliest days, the nonsensical notion of atheists being "fundamentalists," theocrats becoming more bold in their assertions, and more.
News items from the past week include how Christian bigotry played a role in America's politics in even the earliest days, the nonsensical notion of atheists being "fundamentalists," theocrats becoming more bold in their assertions, and more.
Newsletter 09-12-05
News items from the past week include how Christian Marriage has been dying for more than a century, myths about how America is a Christian Nation, why Christians show so little interest in the Holocaust, how Islamization serves cultural interests, and more.
News items from the past week include how Christian Marriage has been dying for more than a century, myths about how America is a Christian Nation, why Christians show so little interest in the Holocaust, how Islamization serves cultural interests, and more.
Newsletter 09-09-05
Welcome to issue #7.36 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the death of Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Jewish terrorism, sentencing abortion doctors to death, pro-life fanatics, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.36 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the death of Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Jewish terrorism, sentencing abortion doctors to death, pro-life fanatics, and more.
Newsletter 09-07-05
News items from the past week include growing Christian opposition to legal divorce, the way people attribute personal failings to innate flaws, the damage caused by political talk shows, Christian beliefs about the role of women in society, and more.
News items from the past week include growing Christian opposition to legal divorce, the way people attribute personal failings to innate flaws, the damage caused by political talk shows, Christian beliefs about the role of women in society, and more.
Newsletter 09-05-05
News items from the past week include questions about the "missing link" of evolution, some of the dramatic changes in marriage over the centuries, how religion can corrupt and become corrupted, how American evangelicals fail to live up to their own standards, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about the "missing link" of evolution, some of the dramatic changes in marriage over the centuries, how religion can corrupt and become corrupted, how American evangelicals fail to live up to their own standards, and more.
Newsletter 09-02-05
Welcome to issue #7.35 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the use of repetition in arguments, a book about humanism for kids, the prevalence of "religious privilege" in modern society, disturbing (but unconfirmed) reports about President Bush's behavior, parallels between Muslim and anarchist terrorism, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.35 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the use of repetition in arguments, a book about humanism for kids, the prevalence of "religious privilege" in modern society, disturbing (but unconfirmed) reports about President Bush's behavior, parallels between Muslim and anarchist terrorism, and more.
Newsletter 08-31-05
News items from the past week include how terrorism has developed in Saudi Arabia, how the brains appear better able to rationalize beliefs rather than form rational beliefs, how fundamentalism may be a sign of a lack of faith rather than of faith, and more.
News items from the past week include how terrorism has developed in Saudi Arabia, how the brains appear better able to rationalize beliefs rather than form rational beliefs, how fundamentalism may be a sign of a lack of faith rather than of faith, and more.
Newsletter 08-29-05
News items from the past week include how America's dislike of atheists can be traced to attacks on communism, Christian attempts to keep gays in an inferior position, how religious Jews can support civil rights for gays, how anti-abortion activists don't really believe what they say, and more.
News items from the past week include how America's dislike of atheists can be traced to attacks on communism, Christian attempts to keep gays in an inferior position, how religious Jews can support civil rights for gays, how anti-abortion activists don't really believe what they say, and more.
Newsletter 08-26-05
Welcome to issue #7.34 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the decisions which some claim declared atheism a religion, but that isn't quite true - people are either lying or haven't read the decision.
Welcome to issue #7.34 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the decisions which some claim declared atheism a religion, but that isn't quite true - people are either lying or haven't read the decision.
Newsletter 08-24-05
News items from the past week include the misuse of Nazi analogies by critics of stem-cell research, claims that the Pledge of Allegiance is anti-Semitic, the argument for teaching fascism in schools, an explanation of how Jefferson could justify owning slaves, and more.
News items from the past week include the misuse of Nazi analogies by critics of stem-cell research, claims that the Pledge of Allegiance is anti-Semitic, the argument for teaching fascism in schools, an explanation of how Jefferson could justify owning slaves, and more.
Newsletter 08-22-05
News items from the past week include the deep relationship between religion and religious extremism, conceiving of terrorist acts as a type of symbol, the prospects for reform in Saudi Arabia, whether the law should allow child abuse in the context of religion, how people use tragedy to become self-righteous, and more.
News items from the past week include the deep relationship between religion and religious extremism, conceiving of terrorist acts as a type of symbol, the prospects for reform in Saudi Arabia, whether the law should allow child abuse in the context of religion, how people use tragedy to become self-righteous, and more.
Newsletter 08-17-05
News items from the past week include critiques of the use of mercenaries in Iraq, problems in the arguments over whether America is a Christian Nation, how fundamentalism stems from a fear of modernity, a new study on how men overcompensate when their masculinity is threatened, and more.
News items from the past week include critiques of the use of mercenaries in Iraq, problems in the arguments over whether America is a Christian Nation, how fundamentalism stems from a fear of modernity, a new study on how men overcompensate when their masculinity is threatened, and more.
Newsletter 08-15-05
News items from the past week include how secularism overcame superstition, the claim that atheists aren't genuine Americans, problems with America's war on terrorism, the flaws in the arguments used to defend faith-based programs, why gay rights aren't 'special' rights, and more.
News items from the past week include how secularism overcame superstition, the claim that atheists aren't genuine Americans, problems with America's war on terrorism, the flaws in the arguments used to defend faith-based programs, why gay rights aren't 'special' rights, and more.
Newsletter 08-12-05
Welcome to issue #7.32 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the claim that women shouldn't be allowed to vote, the claim that men must teach wives 'boundaries,' recent and interesting commentary on Intelligent Design, another decision upholding the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, an anti-sex priest accused of having an affair, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.32 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the claim that women shouldn't be allowed to vote, the claim that men must teach wives 'boundaries,' recent and interesting commentary on Intelligent Design, another decision upholding the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, an anti-sex priest accused of having an affair, and more.
Newsletter 08-10-05
News items from the past week include how the nature of copyright has changed to radically in America over the past couple of decades, politicians who make their relationship with Jesus more important than their competence, how making a public issue out of piety is so ineffective for religion, the insights of Sun Tzu on the war on terrorism, and more.
News items from the past week include how the nature of copyright has changed to radically in America over the past couple of decades, politicians who make their relationship with Jesus more important than their competence, how making a public issue out of piety is so ineffective for religion, the insights of Sun Tzu on the war on terrorism, and more.
Newsletter 08-08-05
News items from the past week include the "gender gap" in Christian voters (why do devout women not vote in larger numbers for the GOP?), police efforts to hide the sexual abuse in the Catholic church, more on the collusion between Christian leaders and Nazis in Germany, the problems making a religious icon out of the flag, and more.
News items from the past week include the "gender gap" in Christian voters (why do devout women not vote in larger numbers for the GOP?), police efforts to hide the sexual abuse in the Catholic church, more on the collusion between Christian leaders and Nazis in Germany, the problems making a religious icon out of the flag, and more.
Newsletter 08-05-05
Welcome to issue #7.31 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of humanism and political humanism. Some of the stories from the past week include Bible courses in public schools, rigged trials for detainees in Gitmo, government lies about the war on terrorism, the significance of swive, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.31 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of humanism and political humanism. Some of the stories from the past week include Bible courses in public schools, rigged trials for detainees in Gitmo, government lies about the war on terrorism, the significance of swive, and more.
Newsletter 08-03-05
News items from the past week include questions about whether abortion should be available on demand, attacks on "unpatriotic" art, questions about whether capitalism and journalism can work together, bigotry and discrimination in Utah, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about whether abortion should be available on demand, attacks on "unpatriotic" art, questions about whether capitalism and journalism can work together, bigotry and discrimination in Utah, and more.
Newsletter 08-01-05
News items from the past week include questions about whether gender really does come in just two types, a coffee shop that doesn't like atheists, how Catholic leaders supported and aided the Nazis in Germany, the deteriorating situation in Iraq, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about whether gender really does come in just two types, a coffee shop that doesn't like atheists, how Catholic leaders supported and aided the Nazis in Germany, the deteriorating situation in Iraq, and more.
Newsletter 07-29-05
Welcome to issue #7.30 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at several pieces dealing with Bush's recent appointment to the Supreme Court: can he be trusted? Should litmus tests be used? What should the role of the Senate really be?
Welcome to issue #7.30 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at several pieces dealing with Bush's recent appointment to the Supreme Court: can he be trusted? Should litmus tests be used? What should the role of the Senate really be?
Newsletter 07-27-05
News items from the past week include parallels between biblical literalism and the constitutional philosophy of original intent, the idea that current anti-Semitism in Europe could be a consequence of the Holocaust itself, an explanation of what it means to be a civil libertarian, a new blog from an atheist who is "coming out" to people, and more.
News items from the past week include parallels between biblical literalism and the constitutional philosophy of original intent, the idea that current anti-Semitism in Europe could be a consequence of the Holocaust itself, an explanation of what it means to be a civil libertarian, a new blog from an atheist who is "coming out" to people, and more.
Newsletter 07-25-05
News items from the past week include a look at what humanist politics could be like, developments in the "death industry" in America, how odor affects human mating practices, the importance of giving people room to express moral preferences, a woman who played a big (but unrecognized) role in the philosophy of John Paul II, and more.
News items from the past week include a look at what humanist politics could be like, developments in the "death industry" in America, how odor affects human mating practices, the importance of giving people room to express moral preferences, a woman who played a big (but unrecognized) role in the philosophy of John Paul II, and more.
Newsletter 07-20-05
News items from the past week include questions about why draft-age war supporters don't help the war effort by enlisting, an analysis of media reactions to John Paul II's death, abortion rights supporters who don't want abortion to be too easy to get, arguments against the idea that sex exists only for procreation, and questions about the future of the American military.
News items from the past week include questions about why draft-age war supporters don't help the war effort by enlisting, an analysis of media reactions to John Paul II's death, abortion rights supporters who don't want abortion to be too easy to get, arguments against the idea that sex exists only for procreation, and questions about the future of the American military.
Newsletter 07-18-05
News items from the past week include comments from Garrison Keillor about atheists and gays, an interesting report from a UFO convention, some thoughts about what it must be like for someone to be pope, information that swearing may be more closely linked to aggression than to language, and more.
News items from the past week include comments from Garrison Keillor about atheists and gays, an interesting report from a UFO convention, some thoughts about what it must be like for someone to be pope, information that swearing may be more closely linked to aggression than to language, and more.
Newsletter 07-15-05
Welcome to issue #7.28 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether journalists should be allowed to protect confidential sources (and why), whether the government should pay chaplains to evangelize, Christians attacking each other in the South over gay marriage, possible changes in the Catholic church over evolution, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.28 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether journalists should be allowed to protect confidential sources (and why), whether the government should pay chaplains to evangelize, Christians attacking each other in the South over gay marriage, possible changes in the Catholic church over evolution, and more.
Newsletter 07-13-05
News items from the past week include a Jewish extremist attacking a gay pride parade, some possible reasons for why Catholic bishops didn't do more to stop sexual abuse by priests, the transition from terrorism to democracy in the Middle East, how greater use of critical inquiry and skepticism can help improve our beliefs, and more.
News items from the past week include a Jewish extremist attacking a gay pride parade, some possible reasons for why Catholic bishops didn't do more to stop sexual abuse by priests, the transition from terrorism to democracy in the Middle East, how greater use of critical inquiry and skepticism can help improve our beliefs, and more.
Newsletter 07-11-05
News items from the past week include the status of pope as cult figure, the state of abortion in early America, Wal-Mart's refusal to stock emergency contraception, indications that Pope Benedict XVI opposes the Harry Potter books, a biography of Aristotle, and more.
News items from the past week include the status of pope as cult figure, the state of abortion in early America, Wal-Mart's refusal to stock emergency contraception, indications that Pope Benedict XVI opposes the Harry Potter books, a biography of Aristotle, and more.
Newsletter 07-08-05
Welcome to issue #7.27 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of atheism, the nature of personal opinions, and how Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI. Other stories from the past week include the claim that religious neutrality is suggestive of fascism, the state of atheism in Taiwan, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.27 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of atheism, the nature of personal opinions, and how Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI. Other stories from the past week include the claim that religious neutrality is suggestive of fascism, the state of atheism in Taiwan, and more...
Newsletter 07-06-05
News items from the past week include questions about Christians who place sin above forgiveness, Tom Cruise's recent comments about Xenu, criticism of the idea that non-Christians should have to reinterpret theistic language in order to avoid taking offense, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about Christians who place sin above forgiveness, Tom Cruise's recent comments about Xenu, criticism of the idea that non-Christians should have to reinterpret theistic language in order to avoid taking offense, and more.
Newsletter 07-04-05
News items from the past week include questions about how far employers should go to accommodate religion, the importance of abortion for women's personal autonomy, the hatred some people have for the development of a one world government, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about how far employers should go to accommodate religion, the importance of abortion for women's personal autonomy, the hatred some people have for the development of a one world government, and more.
Newsletter 07-01-05
Welcome to issue #7.26 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the role of Buddhism in the Second World War, new info about atheists in the British Boy Scouts, the claim that the American government should favor monotheists over polytheists, atheists, and deists, the contradiction between Intelligent Design and capitalism, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.26 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the role of Buddhism in the Second World War, new info about atheists in the British Boy Scouts, the claim that the American government should favor monotheists over polytheists, atheists, and deists, the contradiction between Intelligent Design and capitalism, and more...
Newsletter 06-29-05
News items from the past week include the revelation that some Christians continue to support slavery in particular circumstances, attacks on a school program for using Carl Sagan's famous book, what appears to be a novel explanation for why no "true" atheists exist, and more.
News items from the past week include the revelation that some Christians continue to support slavery in particular circumstances, attacks on a school program for using Carl Sagan's famous book, what appears to be a novel explanation for why no "true" atheists exist, and more.
Newsletter 06-27-05
News items from the past week include a school that forced a girl to submit to a pregnancy test because of rumors running around the school, a summary of what's involved in "gay rights," an explanation of the state of atheism in Ireland, and more.
News items from the past week include a school that forced a girl to submit to a pregnancy test because of rumors running around the school, a summary of what's involved in "gay rights," an explanation of the state of atheism in Ireland, and more.
Newsletter 06-24-05
Welcome to issue #7.25 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether it's ever justified to compare any actions to those done the Nazis, pharmacists insisting on the right to refuse to dispense just about any medication that they don't like, a review of a recent atheist documentary, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.25 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether it's ever justified to compare any actions to those done the Nazis, pharmacists insisting on the right to refuse to dispense just about any medication that they don't like, a review of a recent atheist documentary, and more...
Newsletter 06-22-05
News items from the past week include a study of mainline denominations increasing in membership numbers, a study of the development of morality, an interesting incident involving conservative evangelicals and gay activists, and more...
News items from the past week include a study of mainline denominations increasing in membership numbers, a study of the development of morality, an interesting incident involving conservative evangelicals and gay activists, and more...
Newsletter 06-20-05
News items from the past week include a study about the evolution of intelligent in certain ethnic groups, an explanation of how important legitimacy is to the democratic process if it isn't to degenerate into violence, a claim that secularism is really a religion, Entertainment Weekly demonstrating how to do real journalism, and more...
News items from the past week include a study about the evolution of intelligent in certain ethnic groups, an explanation of how important legitimacy is to the democratic process if it isn't to degenerate into violence, a claim that secularism is really a religion, Entertainment Weekly demonstrating how to do real journalism, and more...
Newsletter 06-17-05
Welcome to issue #7.24 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Tom Cruise's shenanigans with Scientology, predictably outrageous reactions to the Terri Schiavo autopsy report from the far-right, a letter from a Marine about atheists in foxholes, the danger of tradition becoming traditionalism, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.24 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Tom Cruise's shenanigans with Scientology, predictably outrageous reactions to the Terri Schiavo autopsy report from the far-right, a letter from a Marine about atheists in foxholes, the danger of tradition becoming traditionalism, and more...
Newsletter 06-15-05
News items from the past week include a female critic of women's suffrage running for elected office, a look at the secular origins of America, evangelicals debating evolution, how an atheist can appreciate life in the absence of an afterlife, humanist views of the afterlife, a collection of atheists' recipes, and more.
News items from the past week include a female critic of women's suffrage running for elected office, a look at the secular origins of America, evangelicals debating evolution, how an atheist can appreciate life in the absence of an afterlife, humanist views of the afterlife, a collection of atheists' recipes, and more.
Newsletter 06-13-05
News items from the past week include responses to the story about an atheist's son being denied a teaching job, some of the logical consequences of saying that atheism is a religion, why evangelicals act like the state is responsible for promoting religion (what happened to churches?), and another claim that there are no "adult" atheists.
News items from the past week include responses to the story about an atheist's son being denied a teaching job, some of the logical consequences of saying that atheism is a religion, why evangelicals act like the state is responsible for promoting religion (what happened to churches?), and another claim that there are no "adult" atheists.
Newsletter 06-08-05
News items from the past week include a claim that liberals don't have the same family and church responsibilities as conservatives, an interesting analysis of America's perspective on God, the growth of the gay community in Mexico, questions about whether sex offenders should be given Viagra, claims about how atheists are responsible for Muslim hatred of America, and more.
News items from the past week include a claim that liberals don't have the same family and church responsibilities as conservatives, an interesting analysis of America's perspective on God, the growth of the gay community in Mexico, questions about whether sex offenders should be given Viagra, claims about how atheists are responsible for Muslim hatred of America, and more.
Newsletter 06-10-05
Welcome to issue #7.23 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Christian Right whining, a history of madness (any connections, there?), the ethical implication of a "trust" potion, the pope's statements on gay marriage (people are ignoring what he said about divorce, though), and more...
Welcome to issue #7.23 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Christian Right whining, a history of madness (any connections, there?), the ethical implication of a "trust" potion, the pope's statements on gay marriage (people are ignoring what he said about divorce, though), and more...
Newsletter 06-06-05
News items from the past week include an analysis of the real purpose of Intelligent Design, a lament for the children of atheists, an analysis of the growth of faith-based media, a program for giving Bibles to Iraqis, and more.
News items from the past week include an analysis of the real purpose of Intelligent Design, a lament for the children of atheists, an analysis of the growth of faith-based media, a program for giving Bibles to Iraqis, and more.
Newsletter 06-03-05
Welcome to issue #7.22 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the insinuation that atheism and poverty might be connected somehow, a person who openly declares that he would discriminate against atheists when hiring, an atheist's son who seems to be the victim of discrimination, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.22 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the insinuation that atheism and poverty might be connected somehow, a person who openly declares that he would discriminate against atheists when hiring, an atheist's son who seems to be the victim of discrimination, and more...
Newsletter 06-01-05
News items from the past week include what might happens if creationists' principles were applied to crime investigation, an interesting comparison between evolution and meteorology, Denis Prager claiming that rude students are the equivalent of the Hitler Youth, and more.
News items from the past week include what might happens if creationists' principles were applied to crime investigation, an interesting comparison between evolution and meteorology, Denis Prager claiming that rude students are the equivalent of the Hitler Youth, and more.
Newsletter 05-31-05
News items from the past week include how creationists are trying to redefine science since they can't fit the current definition, a paraplegic in Brazil who was denied a church wedding because of his impotence, a woman in South Carolina who spent months in jail for inducing an abortion in herself - and she faces more if convicted at trial, and research on how the brain processes empathy.
News items from the past week include how creationists are trying to redefine science since they can't fit the current definition, a paraplegic in Brazil who was denied a church wedding because of his impotence, a woman in South Carolina who spent months in jail for inducing an abortion in herself - and she faces more if convicted at trial, and research on how the brain processes empathy.
Newsletter 05-27-05
Welcome to issue #7.21 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at claims that the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft, a church sign that insults Muslims, a judge in Indiana who ordered two divorced parents not to expose their son to their Wiccan beliefs, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.21 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at claims that the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft, a church sign that insults Muslims, a judge in Indiana who ordered two divorced parents not to expose their son to their Wiccan beliefs, and more...
Newsletter 05-25-05
News items from the past week include the difficult situation of gays in Pakistan, Catholic doctors who put the interests of their patients ahead of Catholic dogma, a Reiki practitioner claiming that atheism is a biological disorder, and the curious fact that evangelicals who support the war in Iraq aren't also pushing for greater enlistment.
News items from the past week include the difficult situation of gays in Pakistan, Catholic doctors who put the interests of their patients ahead of Catholic dogma, a Reiki practitioner claiming that atheism is a biological disorder, and the curious fact that evangelicals who support the war in Iraq aren't also pushing for greater enlistment.
Newsletter 05-23-05
News items from the past week include a very strange (but profoundly ignorant) defense of colonialism, someone making up "facts" about evolution, and the ongoing ability of Christians to dehumanize their enemies just before they kill them in what is thought be sanctified violence.
News items from the past week include a very strange (but profoundly ignorant) defense of colonialism, someone making up "facts" about evolution, and the ongoing ability of Christians to dehumanize their enemies just before they kill them in what is thought be sanctified violence.
Newsletter 05-20-05
Welcome to issue #7.20 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at what people thought about the nature of marriage back in 1886 and compare it to what people say today, arguments from some about how the press shouldn't print the truth if it might weaken the Reich, preachers who use others' funerals for their own benefit, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.20 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at what people thought about the nature of marriage back in 1886 and compare it to what people say today, arguments from some about how the press shouldn't print the truth if it might weaken the Reich, preachers who use others' funerals for their own benefit, and more.
Newsletter 05-18-05
News items from the past week include an exploration of possible class bias behind the Christian Right's attitudes towards sexuality and gays, the connections between creationist thugs in Turkey and creationists in America, an explanation of how the Christian Right is misusing the phrase "people of faith" for political advantage.
News items from the past week include an exploration of possible class bias behind the Christian Right's attitudes towards sexuality and gays, the connections between creationist thugs in Turkey and creationists in America, an explanation of how the Christian Right is misusing the phrase "people of faith" for political advantage.
Newsletter 05-13-05
Welcome to issue #7.19 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at "alternative" methods of acquiring knowledge, an excellent analysis of the nature of democracy (one of the best books I've ever reviewed), the Goon Squad complaining about bigotry against people of faith, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.19 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at "alternative" methods of acquiring knowledge, an excellent analysis of the nature of democracy (one of the best books I've ever reviewed), the Goon Squad complaining about bigotry against people of faith, and more...
Newsletter 05-11-05
News items from the past week include Muslims helping Anglicans create a rival church in the Sudan, government funding active churches in California, misunderstandings about atheism, and the real consequences of "parental notification laws."
News items from the past week include Muslims helping Anglicans create a rival church in the Sudan, government funding active churches in California, misunderstandings about atheism, and the real consequences of "parental notification laws."
Newsletter 05-09-05
News items from the past week include attempts to alter public television, the growth of Christianity in China (and it's increasingly Protestant character), the abuse of power by the South African government (and curious parallels with America today), a "joke" about violence against Christians, and more.
News items from the past week include attempts to alter public television, the growth of Christianity in China (and it's increasingly Protestant character), the abuse of power by the South African government (and curious parallels with America today), a "joke" about violence against Christians, and more.
Newsletter 05-06-05
Welcome to issue #7.18 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at how an atheist can enjoy life without gods (yes, some people don't seem to understand this), the relationship between the question for God and belief in God, a recent book on the Crusades, another Johnny Hart comic, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.18 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at how an atheist can enjoy life without gods (yes, some people don't seem to understand this), the relationship between the question for God and belief in God, a recent book on the Crusades, another Johnny Hart comic, and more...
Newsletter 05-04-05
News items from the past week include paranoid claims that are even worse than parodies of paranoid claims, a biblical explanation about why religious and political power should be separated, theocons arguing against the validity of living wills, Catholic complaints about secularism, and more.
News items from the past week include paranoid claims that are even worse than parodies of paranoid claims, a biblical explanation about why religious and political power should be separated, theocons arguing against the validity of living wills, Catholic complaints about secularism, and more.
Newsletter 05-02-05
News items from the past week include a couple of essays on what is most important in a democracy, whether the legalization of gay marriage in Canada threatens religious freedom, the situation with Islamic militants in Iraq, and more.
News items from the past week include a couple of essays on what is most important in a democracy, whether the legalization of gay marriage in Canada threatens religious freedom, the situation with Islamic militants in Iraq, and more.
Newsletter 04-29-05
Welcome to issue #7.17 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Texas spending money to make a church in El Paso look nicer, parallels between the assaults on judicial independence today and 70 years ago, the advance on Christian Dominionism in Mississippi, Joseph Ratzinger's time in the Hitler Youth, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.17 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Texas spending money to make a church in El Paso look nicer, parallels between the assaults on judicial independence today and 70 years ago, the advance on Christian Dominionism in Mississippi, Joseph Ratzinger's time in the Hitler Youth, and more.
Newsletter 04-27-05
News items from the past week include a rude question - but a valid question, given his legal philosophy, whether the Catholic church has a future, whether atheism is incompatible with rights and morality, and insinuations that Judaism leads one to a life of crime and anti-Christian hostility.
News items from the past week include a rude question - but a valid question, given his legal philosophy, whether the Catholic church has a future, whether atheism is incompatible with rights and morality, and insinuations that Judaism leads one to a life of crime and anti-Christian hostility.
Newsletter 04-25-05
News items from the past week include the nature of the Christian Right's assault on evolution, conservatives trying to promote intolerance of gays, Christian intolerance of atheists, and more.
News items from the past week include the nature of the Christian Right's assault on evolution, conservatives trying to promote intolerance of gays, Christian intolerance of atheists, and more.
Newsletter 04-20-05
News items from the past week include an analysis of the nature of religious authority, a Christian's ideas about how wives should be disciplined, criticisms of conservative defenses of marriage, and more.
News items from the past week include an analysis of the nature of religious authority, a Christian's ideas about how wives should be disciplined, criticisms of conservative defenses of marriage, and more.
Newsletter 04-15-05
Welcome to issue #7.15 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the Sistine Chapel, where the College of Cardinals meet to elect the next pope, a book about the abuse of power in the last papacy, eulogies for John Paul II, mounting efforts by religious conservatives to undermine an independent judiciary, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.15 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the Sistine Chapel, where the College of Cardinals meet to elect the next pope, a book about the abuse of power in the last papacy, eulogies for John Paul II, mounting efforts by religious conservatives to undermine an independent judiciary, and more.
Newsletter 04-13-05
News items from the past week include posting religious documents in Mississippi, a letter from a reader about the importance of access to birth control pills, an article about whether the internet has led to a decline of public protests, and the way the Intelligent Design movement created the "controversy" they now claim should be taught alongside evolution.
News items from the past week include posting religious documents in Mississippi, a letter from a reader about the importance of access to birth control pills, an article about whether the internet has led to a decline of public protests, and the way the Intelligent Design movement created the "controversy" they now claim should be taught alongside evolution.
Newsletter 04-11-05
News items from the past week include a politician claiming that atheists don't understand atheism (he seems to have taken down his blog - I wonder why?), a reader from the Czech Republic on atheism and religion, GOP assaults on the right of people to make end-of-life decisions for themselves, and demonstrations in defense of polygamy.
News items from the past week include a politician claiming that atheists don't understand atheism (he seems to have taken down his blog - I wonder why?), a reader from the Czech Republic on atheism and religion, GOP assaults on the right of people to make end-of-life decisions for themselves, and demonstrations in defense of polygamy.
Newsletter 04-08-05
Welcome to issue #7.14 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of the gospels as part of a larger Bible study, a book taking a philosophical approach to September 11, someone arguing that atheists can't be activists, a survey claiming that there are problems with non-religious teens, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.14 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of the gospels as part of a larger Bible study, a book taking a philosophical approach to September 11, someone arguing that atheists can't be activists, a survey claiming that there are problems with non-religious teens, and more.
Newsletter 04-08-05
Welcome to issue #7.14 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of the gospels as part of a larger Bible study, a book taking a philosophical approach to September 11, someone arguing that atheists can't be activists, a survey claiming that there are problems with non-religious teens, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.14 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the nature of the gospels as part of a larger Bible study, a book taking a philosophical approach to September 11, someone arguing that atheists can't be activists, a survey claiming that there are problems with non-religious teens, and more.
Newsletter 04-06-05
News items from the past week include an explanation of the development of humanism during the Renaissance, an new email course about theology, the military dumping plans for a special forces version of the Bible, attempts to make the GOP in Ohio even more theocratic, anti-Catholic bigotry, and more.
News items from the past week include an explanation of the development of humanism during the Renaissance, an new email course about theology, the military dumping plans for a special forces version of the Bible, attempts to make the GOP in Ohio even more theocratic, anti-Catholic bigotry, and more.
Newsletter 04-01-05
Welcome to issue #7.13 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the connections between atheism and nihilism, the infamous Da Vinci Code book, and several stories dealing with Terri Schiavo's death: fighting Christians fascists, Alan Keyes arguing that the governor can do anything he wants, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.13 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the connections between atheism and nihilism, the infamous Da Vinci Code book, and several stories dealing with Terri Schiavo's death: fighting Christians fascists, Alan Keyes arguing that the governor can do anything he wants, and more...
Newsletter 03-30-05
News items from the past week include the recent honor killings in Germany, conservative criticisms of using "What Would Jesus Do" as a political platform, whether atheists can have Christians as friends, analysis of one person's attempt to defend Ten Commandments monuments, and more.
News items from the past week include the recent honor killings in Germany, conservative criticisms of using "What Would Jesus Do" as a political platform, whether atheists can have Christians as friends, analysis of one person's attempt to defend Ten Commandments monuments, and more.
Newsletter 03-28-05
News items from the past week include changes in the definition of marriage, threats to the future of potluck dinners in churches, attempts to legally protect Boy Scout bigotry and discrimination, a good Christian critique of Ten Commandments monuments, and more.
News items from the past week include changes in the definition of marriage, threats to the future of potluck dinners in churches, attempts to legally protect Boy Scout bigotry and discrimination, a good Christian critique of Ten Commandments monuments, and more.
Newsletter 03-26-05
This week we'll take a look at the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where the gospels say that Jesus prayed before being arrested, Supreme Court justice Abe Fortas on the separation of church and state, a book about Intelligent Design, and stories dealing with banning the veil in schools, misuse of Gödel's ideas, and more.
This week we'll take a look at the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where the gospels say that Jesus prayed before being arrested, Supreme Court justice Abe Fortas on the separation of church and state, a book about Intelligent Design, and stories dealing with banning the veil in schools, misuse of Gödel's ideas, and more.
Newsletter 03-25-05
Today we have a special edition dealing with the Terri Schiavo case: what are the ethical issues? What are the medical facts? To what ridiculous lengths will the Christian Right go to in order to get their way?
Today we have a special edition dealing with the Terri Schiavo case: what are the ethical issues? What are the medical facts? To what ridiculous lengths will the Christian Right go to in order to get their way?
Newsletter 03-21-05
News items from the past week include the role of respect for others in humanist philosophy, the importance of Planned Parenthood for many women's healthcare, Catholic students objecting to writing a paper, the difference between virtues and values, ancient art from the Ice Age, and more.
News items from the past week include the role of respect for others in humanist philosophy, the importance of Planned Parenthood for many women's healthcare, Catholic students objecting to writing a paper, the difference between virtues and values, ancient art from the Ice Age, and more.
Newsletter 03-18-05
Welcome to issue #7.11 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Christian Millenarianism, the sin of anger, John Paul's opposition to the Iraq war, the role of "rootedness" in the conservative critique of modernity, school board prayers, Scalia's claim that the government's authority comes form God, not the people, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.11 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at Christian Millenarianism, the sin of anger, John Paul's opposition to the Iraq war, the role of "rootedness" in the conservative critique of modernity, school board prayers, Scalia's claim that the government's authority comes form God, not the people, and more.
Newsletter 03-16-05
News items from the past week include a woman claiming that she was fired because of her failure to adhere to standards created by the Church of Scientology, an adult bookstore that welcomes the presence of protesters, an insightful observation about the Ten Commandments issue, and more.
News items from the past week include a woman claiming that she was fired because of her failure to adhere to standards created by the Church of Scientology, an adult bookstore that welcomes the presence of protesters, an insightful observation about the Ten Commandments issue, and more.
Newsletter 03-14-05
News items from the past week include an encounter between a Catholic priests and some Scientologists, claims that Christians are being discriminated against in law schools, and Virginia legislators objecting to prayers for tolerance.
News items from the past week include an encounter between a Catholic priests and some Scientologists, claims that Christians are being discriminated against in law schools, and Virginia legislators objecting to prayers for tolerance.
Newsletter 03-11-05
Welcome to issue #7.10 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether popes can resign and a recent book on the history of Miranda rights in America. News items include a Christian school ordering a mother to spank her son, Hindus arguing against government-funded religious displays, and Boy Scout recruiting methods being challenged
Welcome to issue #7.10 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at whether popes can resign and a recent book on the history of Miranda rights in America. News items include a Christian school ordering a mother to spank her son, Hindus arguing against government-funded religious displays, and Boy Scout recruiting methods being challenged
Newsletter 03-09-05
News items from the past week include Christians fighting over a church in Jerusalem, speculations about the legacy of Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the growth of secularism in Europe, the decline of Shinto in Japan, and comments from the White House Science Advisor that won't be welcomed by "Intelligent" Design supporters.
News items from the past week include Christians fighting over a church in Jerusalem, speculations about the legacy of Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the growth of secularism in Europe, the decline of Shinto in Japan, and comments from the White House Science Advisor that won't be welcomed by "Intelligent" Design supporters.
Newsletter 03-07-05
Supplemental newsletters will now link to three recent articles and seven commentary posts rather than ten commentary posts as in the past. News items from the past week include interesting admissions about the real goals of abstinence-only education (not reducing STDs or pregnancy!), the conflicts between capitalism and tradition, and more.
Supplemental newsletters will now link to three recent articles and seven commentary posts rather than ten commentary posts as in the past. News items from the past week include interesting admissions about the real goals of abstinence-only education (not reducing STDs or pregnancy!), the conflicts between capitalism and tradition, and more.
Newsletter 03-04-05
Welcome to issue #7.09 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the possibility that the pope's Parkinson's Disease could lead to psychosis, a recent biography of John Paul II, the oral arguments from the Ten Commandments case, a situation where Catholic parents are seeking a divorce for their brain-damaged daughter, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.09 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the possibility that the pope's Parkinson's Disease could lead to psychosis, a recent biography of John Paul II, the oral arguments from the Ten Commandments case, a situation where Catholic parents are seeking a divorce for their brain-damaged daughter, and more.
Newsletter 03-02-05
News items from the past week include a study that draws an interesting link between social intelligence and general cognition, a Catholic parish in St. Louis being placed under interdict over a land dispute, administration efforts to get scientists to lies and falsify scientific findings, and allegations that Catholics in America will be persecuted for their beliefs.
News items from the past week include a study that draws an interesting link between social intelligence and general cognition, a Catholic parish in St. Louis being placed under interdict over a land dispute, administration efforts to get scientists to lies and falsify scientific findings, and allegations that Catholics in America will be persecuted for their beliefs.
Newsletter 02-28-05
News items from the past week include problems with criminalizing anti-social behavior in Britain, whether the existence of atheists disproves atheism, a judge who thinks that Christians and Jews should be treated better than others, the difference between journalism and propaganda, and more.
News items from the past week include problems with criminalizing anti-social behavior in Britain, whether the existence of atheists disproves atheism, a judge who thinks that Christians and Jews should be treated better than others, the difference between journalism and propaganda, and more.
Newsletter 02-25-05
Welcome to issue #7.08 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll have an extensive image gallery dealing with Constantine the Great: his life, the Arch of Constantine, the Basilica of Constantine, and more. News stories include Christian bullies in Britain, criticisms of the Bush doctrine, arguments against atheism, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.08 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll have an extensive image gallery dealing with Constantine the Great: his life, the Arch of Constantine, the Basilica of Constantine, and more. News stories include Christian bullies in Britain, criticisms of the Bush doctrine, arguments against atheism, and more.
Newsletter 02-23-05
News items from the past week include Canadian Muslims who support the cause of gay marriage rights, American Christians sending funds to Canada to fight gay marriage rights, questions about whether conservatism is just for show, and the way in which Bible-Belt Catholics resemble Protestant evangelicals.
News items from the past week include Canadian Muslims who support the cause of gay marriage rights, American Christians sending funds to Canada to fight gay marriage rights, questions about whether conservatism is just for show, and the way in which Bible-Belt Catholics resemble Protestant evangelicals.
Newsletter 02-21-05
News items from the past week include a court ruling in Israel that Zionism is discriminatory, different views about whether America is Godly or Godless, whether Muslims students should be exempt from school dress codes, and a polygamist challenging bigamy laws in Utah.
News items from the past week include a court ruling in Israel that Zionism is discriminatory, different views about whether America is Godly or Godless, whether Muslims students should be exempt from school dress codes, and a polygamist challenging bigamy laws in Utah.
Newsletter 02-18-05
This week we'll take a look at the relationship between atheism and existentialism, recent archaeological discoveries in Israel, allegations that celebrations of Valentine's Day in public schools violates the separation of church and state, another atheist's public invocation denied at a council meeting, and more.
This week we'll take a look at the relationship between atheism and existentialism, recent archaeological discoveries in Israel, allegations that celebrations of Valentine's Day in public schools violates the separation of church and state, another atheist's public invocation denied at a council meeting, and more.
Newsletter 02-16-05
News items from the past week include people who think they know how to debate atheism, the place of religion in public schools, anti-gay statements on Virginia license plates, and more.
News items from the past week include people who think they know how to debate atheism, the place of religion in public schools, anti-gay statements on Virginia license plates, and more.
Newsletter 02-14-05
News items from the past week include allegations of anti-Catholicism at an Adventist hospital, American students who know little to nothing about civil liberties, the sad spectacle of Village Atheists, and Catholic leaders objecting to rape victims being told about all their legal options.
News items from the past week include allegations of anti-Catholicism at an Adventist hospital, American students who know little to nothing about civil liberties, the sad spectacle of Village Atheists, and Catholic leaders objecting to rape victims being told about all their legal options.
Newsletter 02-11-05
Welcome to issue #7.06 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the history of the papacy, scandals in the Catholic Church, and news stories which include: the formation of a book club in the A/A forum, a school protecting the right of a student to create blasphemous art, claims that atheism has nothing to say about evil, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.06 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the history of the papacy, scandals in the Catholic Church, and news stories which include: the formation of a book club in the A/A forum, a school protecting the right of a student to create blasphemous art, claims that atheism has nothing to say about evil, and more...
Newsletter 02-09-05
News items from the past week include attempts by an evangelical to explain how to talk to atheists, problems for LeHay at his publisher, Novak arguing that it's wrong to dissent at Bush's inauguration, and Canada standing up to the Vatican.
News items from the past week include attempts by an evangelical to explain how to talk to atheists, problems for LeHay at his publisher, Novak arguing that it's wrong to dissent at Bush's inauguration, and Canada standing up to the Vatican.
Newsletter 02-07-05
News items from the past week include a scientist trying to describe evolution as a religion, the claim that liberals shouldn't have free speech, fundamentalist plans for women and women's rights, the question of whether conservatives can support gay marriage, and the argument that conservatism can only be based on natural law philosophy.
News items from the past week include a scientist trying to describe evolution as a religion, the claim that liberals shouldn't have free speech, fundamentalist plans for women and women's rights, the question of whether conservatives can support gay marriage, and the argument that conservatism can only be based on natural law philosophy.
Forum: An A/A 'Book Club'?
I got to wondering whether anyone would be interested in having semi-regular, semi-organized book discussion threads on this forum. For example: someone suggests a book, those interested agree to read it within a month (or whatever time frame works best), and then discussion ensues. Does this sound like a viable project...?
I got to wondering whether anyone would be interested in having semi-regular, semi-organized book discussion threads on this forum. For example: someone suggests a book, those interested agree to read it within a month (or whatever time frame works best), and then discussion ensues. Does this sound like a viable project...?
Newsletter 02-04-05
Welcome to issue #7.05 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the religious origins of Valentine's Day, a comment from Spinoza on the nature of miracles, and a review of a book on the history of the Jesuits. Recent news includes attempts to create a new term, "natheism," bigotry towards an atheist sister-in-law, and more...
Welcome to issue #7.05 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at the religious origins of Valentine's Day, a comment from Spinoza on the nature of miracles, and a review of a book on the history of the Jesuits. Recent news includes attempts to create a new term, "natheism," bigotry towards an atheist sister-in-law, and more...
Newsletter 02-02-05
News items from the past week include claims about the need for more religion in school, attempts to force students to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, claims that the ACLU is more like the Taliban than the Christian theocrats it battles, and more.
News items from the past week include claims about the need for more religion in school, attempts to force students to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, claims that the ACLU is more like the Taliban than the Christian theocrats it battles, and more.
Newsletter 01-31-05
News items from the past week include prevarication from the government on the nature of "humane" treatment of detainees, the truth behind Intelligent Design, the real reason so many Jews died during the Holocaust, questions about evangelicals' political future, and more.
News items from the past week include prevarication from the government on the nature of "humane" treatment of detainees, the truth behind Intelligent Design, the real reason so many Jews died during the Holocaust, questions about evangelicals' political future, and more.
Newsletter 01-28-05
Welcome to issue #7.04 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at what it means to create "art" and how our answers have deep implications for ethics and the nature of humanity. We also have a book on the nature of morality, immorality among Christians, a bizarre army chaplain, and more.
Welcome to issue #7.04 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at what it means to create "art" and how our answers have deep implications for ethics and the nature of humanity. We also have a book on the nature of morality, immorality among Christians, a bizarre army chaplain, and more.
Newsletter 01-26-05
News items from the past week include an open letter from a reader to Christianity Today about an article on how secularism is "really" a religion, the nature of Islamic complaints against modernity as compared to conservative evangelical Christian complaints, the lack of "news" at Fox "News," interesting conflicts in the GOP, and more.
News items from the past week include an open letter from a reader to Christianity Today about an article on how secularism is "really" a religion, the nature of Islamic complaints against modernity as compared to conservative evangelical Christian complaints, the lack of "news" at Fox "News," interesting conflicts in the GOP, and more.
Newsletter 01-24-05
News items from the past week include a special whipping rod for disobedient children being raised in biblical households, evidence that Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell are frauds, an increasingly difficult situation in Turkey, a doctor who "fired" a patient after she refused to sign his petition on malpractice/tort reform, and more.
News items from the past week include a special whipping rod for disobedient children being raised in biblical households, evidence that Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell are frauds, an increasingly difficult situation in Turkey, a doctor who "fired" a patient after she refused to sign his petition on malpractice/tort reform, and more.
Newsletter 01-21-05
This week we'll take a look at whether people actually follow the Ten Commandments that they keep insisting on erecting monuments to. Nietzsche has a few words on the nature of justice and there is a book about Paul. News items include an update on Antony Flew, comments by Bush on atheism, reactions to Newdow's newest lawsuit on the Pledge of Allegiance, and more.
This week we'll take a look at whether people actually follow the Ten Commandments that they keep insisting on erecting monuments to. Nietzsche has a few words on the nature of justice and there is a book about Paul. News items include an update on Antony Flew, comments by Bush on atheism, reactions to Newdow's newest lawsuit on the Pledge of Allegiance, and more.
Newsletter 01-19-05
News items from the past week include how America has been torturing people, whether atheists really are free to express themselves everywhere, questions about how the American Constitution should be interpreted, claims by some that it is "unfair" or even "discrimination" merely to listen to the arguments of those who oppose Bush's faith-based programs, and more.
News items from the past week include how America has been torturing people, whether atheists really are free to express themselves everywhere, questions about how the American Constitution should be interpreted, claims by some that it is "unfair" or even "discrimination" merely to listen to the arguments of those who oppose Bush's faith-based programs, and more.
Newsletter 01-17-05
News items from the past week include allegations that the Vatican separated Jewish children from their parents after World War II, comments from Bork on the state of American culture, the belief by some that the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia was a message from God, and more.
News items from the past week include allegations that the Vatican separated Jewish children from their parents after World War II, comments from Bork on the state of American culture, the belief by some that the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia was a message from God, and more.
Newsletter 1-14-05
This week we'll take a look at the common definition of "religion" as an "ultimate concern." Is this definition helpful or meaningful? There's more on atheists supporting the teaching of "Intelligent" Design in public schools, a proposed Bible class being rejected, the alleged "persecution" of Christians in Philadelphia, and more...
This week we'll take a look at the common definition of "religion" as an "ultimate concern." Is this definition helpful or meaningful? There's more on atheists supporting the teaching of "Intelligent" Design in public schools, a proposed Bible class being rejected, the alleged "persecution" of Christians in Philadelphia, and more...
Newsletter 01-12-05
News items from the past week include a conservative Christian who defend evolution against creationism, the possibility of being able to buy a preferred sentence in Missouri (even for murder), the importance of the fact that the Constitution does not require any minimums of religion in the public sphere, and the poor defenses offered for "Intelligent" Design by creationists.
News items from the past week include a conservative Christian who defend evolution against creationism, the possibility of being able to buy a preferred sentence in Missouri (even for murder), the importance of the fact that the Constitution does not require any minimums of religion in the public sphere, and the poor defenses offered for "Intelligent" Design by creationists.
Newsletter 01-10-05
News items from the past week include comments from Supreme Court Chief Justice Rehnquist about recent attacks on the judiciary by conservatives, funding of abortions in Canada, casualty rates in Vietnam, arguments that "Intelligent" Design is being censored when it's not taught in public schools, the struggle for abortion rights in Mississippi, and more.
News items from the past week include comments from Supreme Court Chief Justice Rehnquist about recent attacks on the judiciary by conservatives, funding of abortions in Canada, casualty rates in Vietnam, arguments that "Intelligent" Design is being censored when it's not taught in public schools, the struggle for abortion rights in Mississippi, and more.
Newsletter 01-07-05
This week we'll take a look at the nature of Christianity as a religion, Aristotle's comments on the relationship between politics and religion, and a very interesting book on the nature of apologies -- it's one of the more interesting and thought-provoking books I've read in a long time.
This week we'll take a look at the nature of Christianity as a religion, Aristotle's comments on the relationship between politics and religion, and a very interesting book on the nature of apologies -- it's one of the more interesting and thought-provoking books I've read in a long time.
Newsletter 01-05-05
News items from the past week include the diversity of religious opinions on capital punishment, a year-end report from Barna on the beliefs & behavior of evangelicals in America, how creationism inhibits the imagination necessary for good science, an abortion opponent who went to China to get medical treatments via aborted fetuses, and more.
News items from the past week include the diversity of religious opinions on capital punishment, a year-end report from Barna on the beliefs & behavior of evangelicals in America, how creationism inhibits the imagination necessary for good science, an abortion opponent who went to China to get medical treatments via aborted fetuses, and more.
Newsletter 01-03-05
News items from the past week include new ideas about the origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a conservative who believes in dragons, Yasser Arafat's very interesting investment portfolio, a quiz to test the commitment of atheists, a math teacher who thought he had the responsibility to share his religious beliefs with his math classes, and more.
News items from the past week include new ideas about the origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a conservative who believes in dragons, Yasser Arafat's very interesting investment portfolio, a quiz to test the commitment of atheists, a math teacher who thought he had the responsibility to share his religious beliefs with his math classes, and more.
Newsletter 12-31-04
This week we'll take a look at some of the most interesting news stories of 2004 dealing with religion, politics, and ethics. We'll also examine a quote from Lucretius on human mortality and we have news items dealing with Harry Potter, the limits personal religious expression for public employees, imagining how Jesus would treat pregnant homeless women, and the ACLU's attitudes towards Christmas.
This week we'll take a look at some of the most interesting news stories of 2004 dealing with religion, politics, and ethics. We'll also examine a quote from Lucretius on human mortality and we have news items dealing with Harry Potter, the limits personal religious expression for public employees, imagining how Jesus would treat pregnant homeless women, and the ACLU's attitudes towards Christmas.
Newsletter 12-29-04
News items from the past week include heterosexual marriage certificates being rejected, attempts to eliminate the separation of church and state in Florida, the high costs of poor sex-ed in Texas, the funding of theological studies, and more.
News items from the past week include heterosexual marriage certificates being rejected, attempts to eliminate the separation of church and state in Florida, the high costs of poor sex-ed in Texas, the funding of theological studies, and more.
Newsletter 12-27-04
News items from the past week include an atheist arguing that "Intelligent" Design can legitimately be taught in public school science classes, a claim that Democrats are anti-God, the means by which evangelicals filter out unacceptable ideas, outrage over a cross being removed from a hospital chapel, and more.
News items from the past week include an atheist arguing that "Intelligent" Design can legitimately be taught in public school science classes, a claim that Democrats are anti-God, the means by which evangelicals filter out unacceptable ideas, outrage over a cross being removed from a hospital chapel, and more.
What is Blogsnark?
Readers may have noticed the title "Blogsnark" on a number of posts. What does it mean? I took the inspiration from Websnark, a blog that offers commentary on webcomics. I read it every day and enjoy Burns' insights. Whereas he is more gentle in his comments, though, I must confess to being harsher.
Readers may have noticed the title "Blogsnark" on a number of posts. What does it mean? I took the inspiration from Websnark, a blog that offers commentary on webcomics. I read it every day and enjoy Burns' insights. Whereas he is more gentle in his comments, though, I must confess to being harsher.
Newsletter 12-24-04
Welcome to issue #6.51 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at some of the top news stories from 2004 dealing with atheism, secularism, and the separation of church & state. We also have a quote from Tolstoy on freethought along with several articles about the "war" over Christmas celebrations being waged by conservative evangelicals today.
Welcome to issue #6.51 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at some of the top news stories from 2004 dealing with atheism, secularism, and the separation of church & state. We also have a quote from Tolstoy on freethought along with several articles about the "war" over Christmas celebrations being waged by conservative evangelicals today.
Newsletter 12-22-04
News items from the past week include questions about just what it means to "support the troops," calls from some for Republican politicians to purge their offices of gay employees, the "Prairie Muffin" movement that promotes exceptional subservience from women, more arguments that atheism is a "religion," and three interesting polls.
News items from the past week include questions about just what it means to "support the troops," calls from some for Republican politicians to purge their offices of gay employees, the "Prairie Muffin" movement that promotes exceptional subservience from women, more arguments that atheism is a "religion," and three interesting polls.
Newsletter 12-20-04
News items from the past week include questions about just how racist someone has to be before their columns become too "reprehensible" for Creators Syndicate to distribute, some interesting (but disturbing) solutions to the stem-cell debate, a report from someone who was pressured to support "Intelligent" Design in Pennsylvania, and more...
News items from the past week include questions about just how racist someone has to be before their columns become too "reprehensible" for Creators Syndicate to distribute, some interesting (but disturbing) solutions to the stem-cell debate, a report from someone who was pressured to support "Intelligent" Design in Pennsylvania, and more...
Newsletter 12-17-04
This week we have an extended analysis of the meaning, history, and implications of each of the Ten Commandments. There is also an interesting quote about the difference between facts and faith, a look at the top reviewed books from the past year, some commentary on the kerfuffle over Antony Flew, and recent news on several matters involving America's "culture wars."
This week we have an extended analysis of the meaning, history, and implications of each of the Ten Commandments. There is also an interesting quote about the difference between facts and faith, a look at the top reviewed books from the past year, some commentary on the kerfuffle over Antony Flew, and recent news on several matters involving America's "culture wars."
Newsletter 12-15-04
News items from the past week include the nascent gay Muslim movement, a rebuttal to the claim that "hate crimes" provisions are attempts to criminalize thoughts or beliefs, defenders of Boy Scout bigotry, the possible end of Israel as a secular, democratic state, and questions about just what sort of "creationism" schools are supposed to teach.
News items from the past week include the nascent gay Muslim movement, a rebuttal to the claim that "hate crimes" provisions are attempts to criminalize thoughts or beliefs, defenders of Boy Scout bigotry, the possible end of Israel as a secular, democratic state, and questions about just what sort of "creationism" schools are supposed to teach.
Newsletter 12-13-04
News items from the past week include the claim that the world needs more self-righteous hatred, that democracy requires a religious basis to work (perhaps religious hatred, too), reports from Germany on the abuse of women in Muslim communities, evangelical beliefs about the nature of social institutions (it's a very interesting insight on how they view social issues), and more.
News items from the past week include the claim that the world needs more self-righteous hatred, that democracy requires a religious basis to work (perhaps religious hatred, too), reports from Germany on the abuse of women in Muslim communities, evangelical beliefs about the nature of social institutions (it's a very interesting insight on how they view social issues), and more.
Top News Stories 2004: Religion, Politics, Ethics
Here are the biggest stories dealing with religion, politics, and ethics from 2004.
Here are the biggest stories dealing with religion, politics, and ethics from 2004.
Newsletter 12-10-04
This week we'll take a look at the Ten Commandments: what are they and what do they really mean? We also have a review of a very good book on atheism from David Eller. Other stories include the idea that it's just fine to wish people to go to hell, the idea that marriage is a "mystery" that requires God to make work, claims that atheism is being made America's official religion, and more...
This week we'll take a look at the Ten Commandments: what are they and what do they really mean? We also have a review of a very good book on atheism from David Eller. Other stories include the idea that it's just fine to wish people to go to hell, the idea that marriage is a "mystery" that requires God to make work, claims that atheism is being made America's official religion, and more...
Top News Stories 2004: Atheism & Church/State Separation
Here are the biggest stories dealing with atheism and the separation of church and state from 2004.
Here are the biggest stories dealing with atheism and the separation of church and state from 2004.
New: Ten Commandments & Law
A new page organizing the various political, legal, and social debates over the Ten Commandments has just been added. The Ten Commandants are first and foremost a religious document, describing the covenental relationship between the Jews and their god. It is, however, a religious document with many social and religious implications.
A new page organizing the various political, legal, and social debates over the Ten Commandments has just been added. The Ten Commandants are first and foremost a religious document, describing the covenental relationship between the Jews and their god. It is, however, a religious document with many social and religious implications.
New: Ten Commandments: Religious Issues, Religious Debates
A new page organizing articles on religious beliefs, debates, and disagreements about the Ten Commandments has just been added. Because the Ten Commandments establish a covenant between the Jews and their god, it must be approached first and foremost as a religious document.
A new page organizing articles on religious beliefs, debates, and disagreements about the Ten Commandments has just been added. Because the Ten Commandments establish a covenant between the Jews and their god, it must be approached first and foremost as a religious document.
New: Roy Moore: Ten Commandments & the Law
A new page organizing articles about Roy Moore, his Ten Commandments monument in Alabama, and his various court battles has just been added. Roy Moore is a celebrity for the Religious Right - his perpetual court cases over his various displays of the Ten Commandment have become a popular cause for fundamentalists around the country.
A new page organizing articles about Roy Moore, his Ten Commandments monument in Alabama, and his various court battles has just been added. Roy Moore is a celebrity for the Religious Right - his perpetual court cases over his various displays of the Ten Commandment have become a popular cause for fundamentalists around the country.
New: Analysis of the Ten Commandments
A new page organizing articles that analyze the meaning, background, and implications of the Ten Commandments has just been added. Most people know the Ten Commandments - or perhaps it is better to say that they think they know the Ten Commandments.
A new page organizing articles that analyze the meaning, background, and implications of the Ten Commandments has just been added. Most people know the Ten Commandments - or perhaps it is better to say that they think they know the Ten Commandments.
News and Views on Religion, Atheism, Freethought, Secularism
What's going on in the world in terms of religion, the paranormal, evolution, creationism, secularism, atheism, and freethought? Several times a day this site has updated news and opinions on events in the world and a new section has been created in order to better organize and present it all.
What's going on in the world in terms of religion, the paranormal, evolution, creationism, secularism, atheism, and freethought? Several times a day this site has updated news and opinions on events in the world and a new section has been created in order to better organize and present it all.
Newsletter 11-06-04
News items from the past week include questions about what is "real" conservatism and "real" liberalism, sexist comments form an Imam in Michigan, the evil people who actually don't want children, anti-gay exorcisms in Catholic churches, and more.
News items from the past week include questions about what is "real" conservatism and "real" liberalism, sexist comments form an Imam in Michigan, the evil people who actually don't want children, anti-gay exorcisms in Catholic churches, and more.
Newsletter 12-08-04
News items from the past week include questions about how "Intelligent Design" is supposed to be distinguished from evolution, allegations that an insurance company lied about the connection between lawsuit judgments and doctors' premiums, the progress of the conservative revolution, Rush Limbaugh's ideas on family therapy, and the growing Catholic assault on secularism.
News items from the past week include questions about how "Intelligent Design" is supposed to be distinguished from evolution, allegations that an insurance company lied about the connection between lawsuit judgments and doctors' premiums, the progress of the conservative revolution, Rush Limbaugh's ideas on family therapy, and the growing Catholic assault on secularism.
New: User Polls: Vote in Polls on Religion, Politics, Ethics, Atheism
A new page organizing all of the user polls on this site has just been added. Here you can vote in some of the dozens of polls dealing with: separation of church and state, ethics, abortion, science, evolution, the Ten Commandments, and more.
A new page organizing all of the user polls on this site has just been added. Here you can vote in some of the dozens of polls dealing with: separation of church and state, ethics, abortion, science, evolution, the Ten Commandments, and more.
New: Women and Religion: News on Women, Sexism, and Feminism
A new page organizing news stories about women and religion has just been added. It's frequently the case that religions treat women as inferior to men - women have been denied leadership roles, they are told to be submissive, and religious doctrines are used to control them both in society and the family. Why?
A new page organizing news stories about women and religion has just been added. It's frequently the case that religions treat women as inferior to men - women have been denied leadership roles, they are told to be submissive, and religious doctrines are used to control them both in society and the family. Why?
New: Ancient Religions in the News: Ancient, But Still Making News
A new page has been added for organizing news and information about ancient religions. The religions we see today didn't pop out of nowhere - they evolved gradually from more ancient faiths which have largely, it not entirely, died away. What are some of these religions and how have their beliefs survived down through today
A new page has been added for organizing news and information about ancient religions. The religions we see today didn't pop out of nowhere - they evolved gradually from more ancient faiths which have largely, it not entirely, died away. What are some of these religions and how have their beliefs survived down through today