Book Reviews: Books from Prometheus Books
Prometheus Books is the leading publisher of materials relating to atheism, skepticism, and secular humanism in the United States. They publish material that you won't find anywhere else and that other publishers probably wouldn't touch — if it weren't for them, we'd all be missing out on a lot. Naturally I review quite a few of their books on this site and in fact have often purchased books primarily because they have published it. Watch for the PB logo on the spine when browsing in a store.
'Ye Will Say I Am No Christian': Thomas Jefferson / John Adams Correspondence
There is a strong political movement in modern America that asserts that America was originally founded as a Christian Nation. This is meant not as a description of America's original demographics, but a statement of America's original political philosophy and moral ideology. When we examine some of the writings of America's political founders, we find that some of the most influential figures did not express this sort of ideology - on the contrary, we often find just the opposite.
There is a strong political movement in modern America that asserts that America was originally founded as a Christian Nation. This is meant not as a description of America's original demographics, but a statement of America's original political philosophy and moral ideology. When we examine some of the writings of America's political founders, we find that some of the most influential figures did not express this sort of ideology - on the contrary, we often find just the opposite.
Don't Believe Everything You Think: The 6 Basic Mistakes We Make in Thinking
If you care about truth, then you have to care about being able to reliably differentiate between truth and falsehood. Figuring out how to do that, however, isn't always easy. A major problem with this is the fact that many of our normal habits of thinking which appear to serve us well in day-to-day matters don't really work when it comes to more complicated issues. There is little in modern culture which encourages people to do a better job with this task, and this harms us all.
If you care about truth, then you have to care about being able to reliably differentiate between truth and falsehood. Figuring out how to do that, however, isn't always easy. A major problem with this is the fact that many of our normal habits of thinking which appear to serve us well in day-to-day matters don't really work when it comes to more complicated issues. There is little in modern culture which encourages people to do a better job with this task, and this harms us all.
The Just War and Jihad: Violence in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Most religions usually preach peace and brotherhood. Most religions have also become deeply involved with war and violence - at times even becoming a motivating ideology behind the violence. Given the violent propensities of human beings this isn't surprising, and neither is fact that religions have tried to come to grips with this by outlining the ways in which warfare can be initiated and waged in as just a manner as possible. How successful have they been, though?
Most religions usually preach peace and brotherhood. Most religions have also become deeply involved with war and violence - at times even becoming a motivating ideology behind the violence. Given the violent propensities of human beings this isn't surprising, and neither is fact that religions have tried to come to grips with this by outlining the ways in which warfare can be initiated and waged in as just a manner as possible. How successful have they been, though?
The Da Vinci Fraud: Why the Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
The popularity of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code book is enormous; unfortunately, its errors and deceptiveness are equally enormous. Some defend it by saying that it's a work of fiction, which is true, but the book itself insists that the fiction is based around historical facts. Almost nothing in the book is factual, however, and the presentation of falsehoods as facts misleads readers.
The popularity of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code book is enormous; unfortunately, its errors and deceptiveness are equally enormous. Some defend it by saying that it's a work of fiction, which is true, but the book itself insists that the fiction is based around historical facts. Almost nothing in the book is factual, however, and the presentation of falsehoods as facts misleads readers.
The Losing Battle with Islam, by David Selbourne
The biggest international issue today is the growing militancy of Islam. Everyone knows about it, but not everyone is fully aware of the background. Islam has been growing more militant for decades, and this militancy has taken a variety of forms over time. The religious extremism of today may be incredibly significant, but it is also just one piece of a larger social movement...
The biggest international issue today is the growing militancy of Islam. Everyone knows about it, but not everyone is fully aware of the background. Islam has been growing more militant for decades, and this militancy has taken a variety of forms over time. The religious extremism of today may be incredibly significant, but it is also just one piece of a larger social movement...
The Cult of Alien Gods: H.P. Lovecraft And Extraterrestrials
One of the most popular subjects among believers in the paranormal today isn't astrology or psychics, but so-called 'alternative' archaeology. One of the most common beliefs in this subject is that aliens visited Earth millennia ago and helped create human civilization and culture, or perhaps humanity itself.
One of the most popular subjects among believers in the paranormal today isn't astrology or psychics, but so-called 'alternative' archaeology. One of the most common beliefs in this subject is that aliens visited Earth millennia ago and helped create human civilization and culture, or perhaps humanity itself.
Fighting Words: The Origins of Religious Violence
Most religions depict themselves as forces for peace and harmony; in reality, most religions have been intimately involved in some of the worst violence that humanity has ever experienced. How and why does this contradiction exist? It's true that religions preach peace overtly, but perhaps there is something going on in the background which people don't notice consciously.
Most religions depict themselves as forces for peace and harmony; in reality, most religions have been intimately involved in some of the worst violence that humanity has ever experienced. How and why does this contradiction exist? It's true that religions preach peace overtly, but perhaps there is something going on in the background which people don't notice consciously.
Gathering of Infidels: the Rationalist Press Association
Freethought has a long and complicated history in Britain, a history which few people are even dimly aware of. Most of the figures, organizations, debates, and conflicts have all but disappeared in history, a tremendous loss for freethinkers today because the lives of these people and work of these organizations still have lessons to teach us...
Freethought has a long and complicated history in Britain, a history which few people are even dimly aware of. Most of the figures, organizations, debates, and conflicts have all but disappeared in history, a tremendous loss for freethinkers today because the lives of these people and work of these organizations still have lessons to teach us...
Humanism, What's That? A Book for Curious Kids
There are lots of books out there designed to explain various religions to children, but what about non-religious, non-theistic belief systems? Is there anything that can help children better understand what is believed by neighbors, friends, and relatives who don't accept religion? There isn't much, unfortunately, and thus many children continue to accept half-truths and myths.
There are lots of books out there designed to explain various religions to children, but what about non-religious, non-theistic belief systems? Is there anything that can help children better understand what is believed by neighbors, friends, and relatives who don't accept religion? There isn't much, unfortunately, and thus many children continue to accept half-truths and myths.
Kindness In A Cruel World: The Evolution Of Altruism
Religious critics of atheism and evolution allege that without the guiding force of some god, some supernatural power, there can be no reasonable explanation for the development of altruism and morality. In a purely materialistic and evolutionary nature, critics argue, there is no reason for altruism to exist or for us to be moral.
Religious critics of atheism and evolution allege that without the guiding force of some god, some supernatural power, there can be no reasonable explanation for the development of altruism and morality. In a purely materialistic and evolutionary nature, critics argue, there is no reason for altruism to exist or for us to be moral.
Truth, Knowledge, Or Just Plain Bull
There are many different claims out there vying for our attention and acceptance. We encounter claims in politics, religion, and of course advertising. Some claims are true or at least reasonable, but many are wrong if not outright lies. How can we reliably separate the two? How can we learn to think clearly enough to differentiate between true and false ideas?
There are many different claims out there vying for our attention and acceptance. We encounter claims in politics, religion, and of course advertising. Some claims are true or at least reasonable, but many are wrong if not outright lies. How can we reliably separate the two? How can we learn to think clearly enough to differentiate between true and false ideas?
Toward A New Political Humanism
The past decades have witnessed a resurgence of the power and influence of religious fundamentalism. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and more have increasingly turned to religious fundamentalism for answers to political issues that divide their societies. Humanist philosophy can be used against fundamentalism, but can humanists develop a political humanism?
The past decades have witnessed a resurgence of the power and influence of religious fundamentalism. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and more have increasingly turned to religious fundamentalism for answers to political issues that divide their societies. Humanist philosophy can be used against fundamentalism, but can humanists develop a political humanism?
Fathering at Risk
Parenting may be one of the most difficult jobs that anyone can do, but this doesn’t mean that there is an adequate understanding among psychologists, sociologists, and other researchers about what parenting is and what good parenting requires. This is especially true when it comes to fathers and fathering.
Parenting may be one of the most difficult jobs that anyone can do, but this doesn’t mean that there is an adequate understanding among psychologists, sociologists, and other researchers about what parenting is and what good parenting requires. This is especially true when it comes to fathers and fathering.
Affirmations: Joyful And Creative Exuberance
Many people regard atheism as an ultimately negative, life-denying outlook on human existence. They can't conceive of an atheistic philosophy that affirms life, is joyous, and offers an optimistic perspective. Not only are such people very mistaken, but they are missing out on a great deal that some atheistic philosophies have to offer.
Many people regard atheism as an ultimately negative, life-denying outlook on human existence. They can't conceive of an atheistic philosophy that affirms life, is joyous, and offers an optimistic perspective. Not only are such people very mistaken, but they are missing out on a great deal that some atheistic philosophies have to offer.
The Resurrection Of Christ: A Historical Inquiry
Was there a man named Jesus who lived, was executed, and then after three days rose from the dead? Christians believe so - this is the central doctrine of their faith, on that justify belief in God, in an afterlife, and in their own salvation. Others are not so sure about this, however, and some argue that it is a false belief - even from the perspective of Christian tradition itself.
Was there a man named Jesus who lived, was executed, and then after three days rose from the dead? Christians believe so - this is the central doctrine of their faith, on that justify belief in God, in an afterlife, and in their own salvation. Others are not so sure about this, however, and some argue that it is a false belief - even from the perspective of Christian tradition itself.
Psychological Roots Of Religious Belief
Belief in supernatural beings has been a part of nearly every human culture ever studied. Typically these beliefs have been integral parts of religions, but why exactly are they so common in the first place? Are they common because they are all true? Some might take this position, but scientists seek more substantive answers...
Belief in supernatural beings has been a part of nearly every human culture ever studied. Typically these beliefs have been integral parts of religions, but why exactly are they so common in the first place? Are they common because they are all true? Some might take this position, but scientists seek more substantive answers...
M.N. Roy: Radical Humanist: Selected Writings
When most people think of 'humanism' or 'secular humanism,' they probably think of western politics, philosophy, and culture. This is understandable, but it’s not entirely accurate. Humanism has also developed a rich tradition elsewhere in the world, especially in India. It’s unfortunate that more people in the West are unfamiliar with the course of humanism among Indian thinkers and writers.
When most people think of 'humanism' or 'secular humanism,' they probably think of western politics, philosophy, and culture. This is understandable, but it’s not entirely accurate. Humanism has also developed a rich tradition elsewhere in the world, especially in India. It’s unfortunate that more people in the West are unfamiliar with the course of humanism among Indian thinkers and writers.
Tilting at Religion
The pervasive influence of religion in modern America cannot be denied. Unfortunately, more critical and skeptical discussions about that role tend to be suppressed - when we hear about religion it tends to be in an unequivocal positive light and any critical observations tend to be limited to other people’s religion, never one’s own.
The pervasive influence of religion in modern America cannot be denied. Unfortunately, more critical and skeptical discussions about that role tend to be suppressed - when we hear about religion it tends to be in an unequivocal positive light and any critical observations tend to be limited to other people’s religion, never one’s own.
Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues
The debate over stem-cell research may be one of the most important in modern society. On the one side are those who believe that it holds out the promise to cure or at least relieve some of humanity’s most terrible diseases. On the other side are those who insist that stem cells can only be collected by killing embryos - by murder.
The debate over stem-cell research may be one of the most important in modern society. On the one side are those who believe that it holds out the promise to cure or at least relieve some of humanity’s most terrible diseases. On the other side are those who insist that stem cells can only be collected by killing embryos - by murder.
Should Parents Be Licensed?
Procreation is a natural part of being human; indeed, it’s a natural part of life in general. It may not be one of those things that “simply happens,” but it does happen without always a great deal of forethought and preparation. There are some who argue, though, that it should...
Procreation is a natural part of being human; indeed, it’s a natural part of life in general. It may not be one of those things that “simply happens,” but it does happen without always a great deal of forethought and preparation. There are some who argue, though, that it should...
A Passion for Freedom
Freedom is an important cause all around the world. Most who struggle for freedom do so in quiet anonymity while a few have become quite famous for their work. All, however, have the same basic goals and the same fundamental obstacles. The more one learns about the struggles of such people, the more important the entire agenda becomes.
Freedom is an important cause all around the world. Most who struggle for freedom do so in quiet anonymity while a few have become quite famous for their work. All, however, have the same basic goals and the same fundamental obstacles. The more one learns about the struggles of such people, the more important the entire agenda becomes.
The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man: How Reliable Are the Gospels?
Did Jesus exist as a real, physical person? That’s always been assumed by Christians, but recent scholarship has begun to cast some doubt upon that. The more one looks at the biblical record, the less reliable the evidence of a historical Jesus becomes. If one probes deeply enough, belief in a historical Jesus may become unjustified.
Did Jesus exist as a real, physical person? That’s always been assumed by Christians, but recent scholarship has begun to cast some doubt upon that. The more one looks at the biblical record, the less reliable the evidence of a historical Jesus becomes. If one probes deeply enough, belief in a historical Jesus may become unjustified.
In Search of Our Humanity: Neither Paradise Nor Hell
What does it mean to be human? That, if anything, would seem to be the central question of a properly formulated humanist philosophy. Not all books on humanism, though, have made an effort to answer that question — hardly a surprise, considering how difficult it is.
What does it mean to be human? That, if anything, would seem to be the central question of a properly formulated humanist philosophy. Not all books on humanism, though, have made an effort to answer that question — hardly a surprise, considering how difficult it is.
Same-Sex Marriage: The Moral and Legal Debate
Those who support the legalization of gay marriage in America as well as those who oppose it are each convinced that theirs is the moral, legal, and rational position to hold. They couldn’t be farther apart in the contents of their beliefs, but they are very similar when it comes to the manner of holding those beliefs. How is one to determine who is correct?
Those who support the legalization of gay marriage in America as well as those who oppose it are each convinced that theirs is the moral, legal, and rational position to hold. They couldn’t be farther apart in the contents of their beliefs, but they are very similar when it comes to the manner of holding those beliefs. How is one to determine who is correct?
The Encyclopedic Sourcebook of UFO Religions
Recent years have seen a great deal of growth in what might be called "UFO religions." These are faith communities based not upon gods or demons, but rather aliens and flying saucers. Followers of these religions haven't exactly displaced traditional religions, but their influence on society has grown - and who knows what the future might bring?
Recent years have seen a great deal of growth in what might be called "UFO religions." These are faith communities based not upon gods or demons, but rather aliens and flying saucers. Followers of these religions haven't exactly displaced traditional religions, but their influence on society has grown - and who knows what the future might bring?
The Impossibility of God
Does God exist? There's a great deal of debate on this question and theologians have spent hundreds of years developing many sophisticated (and some not so sophisticated) arguments purporting to prove that their god definitely exists. Nonbelievers have been at work on the matter for far less time, but they have a great deal to show for their efforts.
Does God exist? There's a great deal of debate on this question and theologians have spent hundreds of years developing many sophisticated (and some not so sophisticated) arguments purporting to prove that their god definitely exists. Nonbelievers have been at work on the matter for far less time, but they have a great deal to show for their efforts.
Homeopathy: How It Really Works
Homeopathy is one of the most popular of the various alternative medical treatments, bringing in around USD $1.5 billion a year. It's also one of the oldest, having been created by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the mid-19th century. Considering its age and popularity, is there anything at all to the treatments? Do they work?
Homeopathy is one of the most popular of the various alternative medical treatments, bringing in around USD $1.5 billion a year. It's also one of the oldest, having been created by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the mid-19th century. Considering its age and popularity, is there anything at all to the treatments? Do they work?
Operation Hollywood: How the Pentagon Shapes & Censors Movies
Have you ever watched a movie where the military played some role, even if marginal? Chances are, the military actually helped in the movie’s production by providing facilities, equipment, and even people free of charge — but only under the condition that the movie serve to make the military look good and encourage young people to join up. Did you know that?
Have you ever watched a movie where the military played some role, even if marginal? Chances are, the military actually helped in the movie’s production by providing facilities, equipment, and even people free of charge — but only under the condition that the movie serve to make the military look good and encourage young people to join up. Did you know that?
Casualty of War: Bush Administration’s Assault on a Free Press
Press censorship is a standard feature of warfare - governments naturally don’t want the enemy to obtain too much information, but they do want to prop up morale at home. Should the same be true of the “war on terrorism,” which isn’t a declared war at all? Under President Bush, the American government has become very ambivalent towards press freedom and journalistic independence.
Press censorship is a standard feature of warfare - governments naturally don’t want the enemy to obtain too much information, but they do want to prop up morale at home. Should the same be true of the “war on terrorism,” which isn’t a declared war at all? Under President Bush, the American government has become very ambivalent towards press freedom and journalistic independence.
Unintelligent Design
One of the most popular forms of 'scientific'? creationism in America today goes under the label 'Intelligent Design.'? According to supporters, this provides scientific validity to the belief that the universe was created by an intelligent being. Most working scientists disagree with this and even find the 'Intelligent Design'? movement to be laughable. What, really, is this fight all about?
One of the most popular forms of 'scientific'? creationism in America today goes under the label 'Intelligent Design.'? According to supporters, this provides scientific validity to the belief that the universe was created by an intelligent being. Most working scientists disagree with this and even find the 'Intelligent Design'? movement to be laughable. What, really, is this fight all about?
Great Quotations on Religious Freedom
Is religion necessary for the maintenance of social order? Would allowing greater religious liberty result in an increase in social disorder, social strife and a breakdown in common moral values? This debate has raged for centuries, and it shows little sign of letting up any time soon.
Is religion necessary for the maintenance of social order? Would allowing greater religious liberty result in an increase in social disorder, social strife and a breakdown in common moral values? This debate has raged for centuries, and it shows little sign of letting up any time soon.
A Rebel to His Last Breath: Joseph McCabe and Rationalism
Just who was Joseph McCabe? Many freethinkers and atheists are familiar with the name, and quite a few have read at least a couple of his many works. But how many really know anything about him - where he came from, what his views were like, etc.? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is "not many," but this recent book by Bill Cooke should help remedy that situation.
Just who was Joseph McCabe? Many freethinkers and atheists are familiar with the name, and quite a few have read at least a couple of his many works. But how many really know anything about him - where he came from, what his views were like, etc.? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is "not many," but this recent book by Bill Cooke should help remedy that situation.
Rage Against the Veil
What is it like to live as a woman in a strict Islamic society? What is it like to live in such a society when you are a well-educated, talented, politically active, and self-assured woman who knows what she wants in life? It's tough to imagine such a situation, but Parvin Darabi tells the story of one person: her sister.
What is it like to live as a woman in a strict Islamic society? What is it like to live in such a society when you are a well-educated, talented, politically active, and self-assured woman who knows what she wants in life? It's tough to imagine such a situation, but Parvin Darabi tells the story of one person: her sister.
Sword of Islam: Muslim Extremism
Islamic extremism has grown into a serious danger around the world - wherever Islam and other religions meet, Muslims extremists are likely there, causing trouble. They are even a danger to other Muslims who are treated as insufficiently orthodox. What many do not realize, however, is that such extremism is not a recent development - in fact, it has existed almost since the beginning.
Islamic extremism has grown into a serious danger around the world - wherever Islam and other religions meet, Muslims extremists are likely there, causing trouble. They are even a danger to other Muslims who are treated as insufficiently orthodox. What many do not realize, however, is that such extremism is not a recent development - in fact, it has existed almost since the beginning.
Pseudoscience and the Paranormal
One of the things that makes skepticism so difficult is the fact that there are simply so many paranormal and pseudoscientific beliefs out there to be skeptical about. It is difficult to become reasonably familiar with even one or two of these beliefs, but how can anyone be familiar enough to be able to offer a skeptical rebuttal to the claims of dozens?
One of the things that makes skepticism so difficult is the fact that there are simply so many paranormal and pseudoscientific beliefs out there to be skeptical about. It is difficult to become reasonably familiar with even one or two of these beliefs, but how can anyone be familiar enough to be able to offer a skeptical rebuttal to the claims of dozens?
Science Wars: Debating Scientific Knowledge and Technology
Every day, people in America make extensive use of technology and science, often when they aren't aware of it. Science and technology are two of the most important creations of humanity. Yet perhaps only 'arguably,' because some argue that neither are as great as imagined. Instead, they are false idols or even con jobs perpetuated by an elite. Who is right, and why do such debates occur?
Every day, people in America make extensive use of technology and science, often when they aren't aware of it. Science and technology are two of the most important creations of humanity. Yet perhaps only 'arguably,' because some argue that neither are as great as imagined. Instead, they are false idols or even con jobs perpetuated by an elite. Who is right, and why do such debates occur?
Hoaxes, Myths, and Manias: Why We Need Critical Thinking
People think all the time - thinking is an important part of human existence, after all. Critical thinking, however, is a specialized skill that requires some training and practice. People are able to go about their daily lives without extensive critical thinking abilities, but this can be unfortunate because when done well, skepticism can do a lot to enhance human existence.
People think all the time - thinking is an important part of human existence, after all. Critical thinking, however, is a specialized skill that requires some training and practice. People are able to go about their daily lives without extensive critical thinking abilities, but this can be unfortunate because when done well, skepticism can do a lot to enhance human existence.
God's Defenders: What They Believe and Why They Are Wrong
Just about all of the central doctrines of the world's major religions are matters of truth or falsehood, not opinion. This means that these doctrines are either true or false - but proving them true or false is a tricky matter. While science has demonstrated that most of these doctrines are unlikely, it is the nature of science that basic religious beliefs won't be proven absolutely false.
Just about all of the central doctrines of the world's major religions are matters of truth or falsehood, not opinion. This means that these doctrines are either true or false - but proving them true or false is a tricky matter. While science has demonstrated that most of these doctrines are unlikely, it is the nature of science that basic religious beliefs won't be proven absolutely false.
School Prayer: the Courts, the Congress and the First Amendment
School Prayer: The First Amendment says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...," but what exactly did the authors mean by that? Did they simply mean that an official state church should not be established, as members of the Religious Right argue?
School Prayer: The First Amendment says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...," but what exactly did the authors mean by that? Did they simply mean that an official state church should not be established, as members of the Religious Right argue?
Culture Wars and the Global Village
People often claim that they are interested in living in peace, but why then do we continue to have so much conflict in areas like the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and other areas? Is there something about human nature which makes conflict inevitable and peace impossible? According to Carl Coon, the answers lie not so much in human biology, but in the development of human culture.
People often claim that they are interested in living in peace, but why then do we continue to have so much conflict in areas like the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa and other areas? Is there something about human nature which makes conflict inevitable and peace impossible? According to Carl Coon, the answers lie not so much in human biology, but in the development of human culture.
Why the Religious Right is Wrong
Is the separation of church and state really just a myth, something the founders never actually intended? Was the United States founded as a "Christian Nation," thus meaning that the current trend towards secularism represents an unacceptable break with our own history? According to the Religious Right, the answers to these questions are an unqualified "Yes."
Is the separation of church and state really just a myth, something the founders never actually intended? Was the United States founded as a "Christian Nation," thus meaning that the current trend towards secularism represents an unacceptable break with our own history? According to the Religious Right, the answers to these questions are an unqualified "Yes."
Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe
So what really did happen in Roswell, New Mexico back in 1947? According to popular legend, a UFO crashed, and from the wreckage, the United States government obtained the bodies of dead aliens and all sorts of advanced technology. Ever since, the government has been involved in a complicated cover-up and a conspiracy of silence regarding the truth.
So what really did happen in Roswell, New Mexico back in 1947? According to popular legend, a UFO crashed, and from the wreckage, the United States government obtained the bodies of dead aliens and all sorts of advanced technology. Ever since, the government has been involved in a complicated cover-up and a conspiracy of silence regarding the truth.
Leaving Islam: Apostates Speak Out
For most people in the West, leaving one's religion (apostasy) is simply not an issue of great concern. Some may be disappointed when such an event occurs, but today changing religions is so common that it just doesn't arouse much antagonism or anger - even the world "apostate" is hardly used anymore. That, however, is not the case in Islam where apostasy continues to be a crime.
For most people in the West, leaving one's religion (apostasy) is simply not an issue of great concern. Some may be disappointed when such an event occurs, but today changing religions is so common that it just doesn't arouse much antagonism or anger - even the world "apostate" is hardly used anymore. That, however, is not the case in Islam where apostasy continues to be a crime.
The Happy Heretic
Why do people see images of the Virgin Mary in their food, like waffles? Why do people pray - and why don't they do other, equally effective things, like rubbing a small stuffed animal? Why has Mother Teresa been so popularity - and does that popularity have anything to do with the reality of the things she did?
Why do people see images of the Virgin Mary in their food, like waffles? Why do people pray - and why don't they do other, equally effective things, like rubbing a small stuffed animal? Why has Mother Teresa been so popularity - and does that popularity have anything to do with the reality of the things she did?
Multiculturalism: Humanist Perspectives
For some, the term multiculturalism represents an organized attack on Western values and institutions, resulting in a form of extreme relativism and social anarchy. For others, however, multiculturalism is an outgrowth of some of the highest values in the West: tolerance, diversity, and humility.
For some, the term multiculturalism represents an organized attack on Western values and institutions, resulting in a form of extreme relativism and social anarchy. For others, however, multiculturalism is an outgrowth of some of the highest values in the West: tolerance, diversity, and humility.
Merely Mortal? Can You Survive Your Own Death?
What happens when we die? Is that the end for us - the end of experience, the end of living? Or is it rather correct to say that somehow, something of us survives - that we 'live' on in some fashion and do not really encounter an final or total end of ourselves?
What happens when we die? Is that the end for us - the end of experience, the end of living? Or is it rather correct to say that somehow, something of us survives - that we 'live' on in some fashion and do not really encounter an final or total end of ourselves?
Is Nature Supernatural?
Modern science - and especially modern physics and quantum mechanics - can be very difficult to understand, in part because they describe ideas which can appear very strange to us. Does this justify relying upon supernatural and mystical explanations for the universe, however?
Modern science - and especially modern physics and quantum mechanics - can be very difficult to understand, in part because they describe ideas which can appear very strange to us. Does this justify relying upon supernatural and mystical explanations for the universe, however?
What the Koran Really Says: Language, Text, and Commentary
Interest in Islam and the Qur'an has increased dramatically in recent months and years, with more and more people reading both the primary and secondary literature that is available. Unfortunately, there is a comparative lack of good skeptical material about the Qur'an - most of what you find is decidedly uncritical if not outright apologetic in nature.
Interest in Islam and the Qur'an has increased dramatically in recent months and years, with more and more people reading both the primary and secondary literature that is available. Unfortunately, there is a comparative lack of good skeptical material about the Qur'an - most of what you find is decidedly uncritical if not outright apologetic in nature.
Naturalism and Religion
What provides the best framework for understanding life and the universe? Is it a religion which relies upon the premise that a supernatural realm or being exists, or rather a thoroughly secular worldview which employs naturalism in science, ethics and politics?
What provides the best framework for understanding life and the universe? Is it a religion which relies upon the premise that a supernatural realm or being exists, or rather a thoroughly secular worldview which employs naturalism in science, ethics and politics?
Mystical Diets: Paranormal, Spiritual and Occult Nutrition
Alternative “medicines” are very popular in the United States, and there is an ever-increasing obsession with diet and nutrition. Taken together, the result is a wide variety of quack diets and alternative “nutrition” programs which tend to appeal to people’s gullibility and desire to believe in a supernatural world.
Alternative “medicines” are very popular in the United States, and there is an ever-increasing obsession with diet and nutrition. Taken together, the result is a wide variety of quack diets and alternative “nutrition” programs which tend to appeal to people’s gullibility and desire to believe in a supernatural world.
Science and Religion: Are They Compatible?
Debates about the compatibility of science and religion are regular features in academic discussions. On the one side we have those who argue that there isn't any conflict, perhaps because the two deal with different issues or because true religion is always in accordance with reality as described by science.
Debates about the compatibility of science and religion are regular features in academic discussions. On the one side we have those who argue that there isn't any conflict, perhaps because the two deal with different issues or because true religion is always in accordance with reality as described by science.
100 Greatest African Americans
African Americans, the descendants of slaves forcibly brought to America, have long played an important role in the cultural, scientific, and economic life of this country. Unfortunately, most people have little awareness of this history, despite the large gains made in recent years. What people need is ready way to learn more.
African Americans, the descendants of slaves forcibly brought to America, have long played an important role in the cultural, scientific, and economic life of this country. Unfortunately, most people have little awareness of this history, despite the large gains made in recent years. What people need is ready way to learn more.
Jews Without Judaism
What does it mean to be Jewish? Is 'Jewish' necessarily intertwined with 'Judaism,' or are the two entirely separate? Can a person really be 'Jewish' without also being religious - or indeed, without even believing in the existence of God?
What does it mean to be Jewish? Is 'Jewish' necessarily intertwined with 'Judaism,' or are the two entirely separate? Can a person really be 'Jewish' without also being religious - or indeed, without even believing in the existence of God?
Flat Earth? Round Earth?
Epistemology is a difficult subject. How do we know what we know - and how can we know anything at all? Assuming that we can know anything, is there any way to ground that knowledge rationally? Is there any value to insisting on rational beliefs, or are any ad hoc explanations sufficient? As difficult as these questions are, how can they possibly be addressed in a chlidren's book?
Epistemology is a difficult subject. How do we know what we know - and how can we know anything at all? Assuming that we can know anything, is there any way to ground that knowledge rationally? Is there any value to insisting on rational beliefs, or are any ad hoc explanations sufficient? As difficult as these questions are, how can they possibly be addressed in a chlidren's book?
The Ghost in the Universe: God in Light of Modern Science
Spiritual, religious, and theistic beliefs have been widely used to explain things about our universe - the origin of life, morality, and even the origin of the universe itself. Are such attempted explanations successful, or is a thoroughgoing naturalism preferable? Is there anything about the universe which suggests that a god of any sort exists?
Spiritual, religious, and theistic beliefs have been widely used to explain things about our universe - the origin of life, morality, and even the origin of the universe itself. Are such attempted explanations successful, or is a thoroughgoing naturalism preferable? Is there anything about the universe which suggests that a god of any sort exists?
It's Been A Good Life, by Isaac Asimov
Who was Isaac Asimov, really? Where did he come from, what did he do and why did he do it? In short, what sort of life did he lead? According to Asimov himself, he lead a very good life - something he explains in some depth in a new one-volume autobiography.
Who was Isaac Asimov, really? Where did he come from, what did he do and why did he do it? In short, what sort of life did he lead? According to Asimov himself, he lead a very good life - something he explains in some depth in a new one-volume autobiography.
One Planet, One People: Beyond 'Us vs. Them'
Human beings have evolved biologically and culturally. Perhaps one of the most important advances in our cultural evolution has been our ability to expand the definition of the 'in' group - the group we consider most deserving of kindness and assistance. Today most people's idea of us is much broader than it was a few thousand years ago. How much further than the circle be increased?
Human beings have evolved biologically and culturally. Perhaps one of the most important advances in our cultural evolution has been our ability to expand the definition of the 'in' group - the group we consider most deserving of kindness and assistance. Today most people's idea of us is much broader than it was a few thousand years ago. How much further than the circle be increased?
Odd Gods: New Religions & the Cult Controversy
There are a lot of small, new religions in the United States, and it seems that more pop up all the time. What are they and what do they want? Why are people attracted to them? Perhaps more importantly, how are we as individuals and as a society supposed to react to these new religious groups?
There are a lot of small, new religions in the United States, and it seems that more pop up all the time. What are they and what do they want? Why are people attracted to them? Perhaps more importantly, how are we as individuals and as a society supposed to react to these new religious groups?
Forbidden Fruit: The Ethics of Humanism
Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief in a god? Conventional wisdom and long-standing traditional attitudes hold that both religion and theism are necessary for happiness and morality - but through history a few have argued the contrary. Do they argue convincingly, though?
Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief in a god? Conventional wisdom and long-standing traditional attitudes hold that both religion and theism are necessary for happiness and morality - but through history a few have argued the contrary. Do they argue convincingly, though?
Final Seance: Strange Friendship Between Houdini and Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini are two of the most famous popular cultural figures of the early twentieth century, with their popularity enduring long after their deaths. They also developed one of the more interesting friendships of the time, centering around the question of spiritualism and whether or not there existed supernatural powers and beings.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini are two of the most famous popular cultural figures of the early twentieth century, with their popularity enduring long after their deaths. They also developed one of the more interesting friendships of the time, centering around the question of spiritualism and whether or not there existed supernatural powers and beings.