December 2009
73 posts
Debunking Christianity
Who or What is a Biblioblogger? By Dr. Hector Avalos, Iowa State University
It started just like many religious sectarian wars do. One blogger who regards himself as a “true” biblioblogger accused another blogger of being a “false” bliblioblogger. In this case the true biblioblogger is supposed to be Jim West, who first…
My Credentials Are My Arguments
Since I don’t have a doctorate...
The Friendly Atheist
FSM Tattoo
Why is this Flying Spaghetti Monster tattoo on a site called “Ugliest Tattoos”? Sacrilege, I tell you. I plan to get an expanded version of this all across my chest one day. Because the ladies will love it. (Thanks to Greta Christina for the…
Where Are the Young Atheists?
In February, I’m going to be attending a Christian conference that will probably draw several hundred...
Debunking Christianity
The 2nd Highest Ranked Biblioblogger Claims I Am Not a Biblioblogger
Yep, Christian Bloggers are upset about the fact that I bested nearly all of them this month, being ranked 4th over most all of them (maybe 3rd if we wait until tomorrow to see). Now come the personal attacks. They’ll claim it’s because I crowed about…
Which Christian Has Done the Most For Atheism in...
The Friendly Atheist
An Atheist’s Old Bible
Reader Lindsay was looking at her childhood Bible recently. Turns out there were a *lot* of passages she highlighted that no longer have the same meaning. I decided that it might be interesting to look at the Bible I used growing up. Looking at the Bible…
Awkward Holiday Present
by Jesse Galef - When I came home today I saw a package from Amazon waiting for me. Not...
Debunking Christianity
Derren Brown the So-Called Messiah
Derren Brown is a skeptic who tried to get various religious leaders to embrace and endorse his spiritual powers. The episodes I recommend here have to do with Derren converting other skeptics with the touch of his hand in front of an evangelical pastor,…
Vote for the Most Vocal Atheist of 2009
I’m conducting the first time ever DC poll for the most...
The Friendly Atheist
The Liberian Manimal Scam
Chris Blattman is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Economics at Yale. His research takes him to other parts of the world, including Liberia. That’s where he heard a very strange story back in August… In Liberia, the guys at…
A 2010 Wish List for Religions
R. Joseph Hoffmann has a 2010 wish list for various religious faiths: It is time for a list of...
Debunking Christianity
Vote for the Most Vocal Atheist of 2009
I’m conducting the first time ever DC poll for the most vocal atheist of the year. There are other polls, but mine is for the one who is the most vocal atheist. I’m including Richard Dawkins, PZ Myers, Christopher Hitchens, Bill Maher, Dan Dennett, Sam…
Top Twenty Substantive Posts of Mine in 2009
Here is what I think as I went through the...
The Friendly Atheist
Must. Beat. PZ. In. Meaningless. Poll.
Yes, it’s a meaningless poll for the “most vocal atheist of 2009.” Yes, I’m aware there are no women on it and that is an injustice of many sorts. Yes, I’m aware PZ has gotten to it already. But. He can be defeated! Really!…
The Atheist Bus Campaign Children’s Book
Crispian Jago has created a wonderful little children’s book version of how the...
Atheist Revolution
Why Atheists Shouldn’t Eat at Chick-fil-A
I suspect that most atheists already know that Chick-fil-A is one restaurant to avoid. Then again, I am often wrong in making assumptions about what others know. Let’s face it, in this complex and rapidly-changing world, it is easy to miss relevant information….
Idiot of the Week: Sen. Tom Coburn
It may be the day after Christmas, but it...
Debunking Christianity
I Can Prove a Negative, Easily. But Who Has the Burden of Proof About God?
I can prove I’m sitting at my computer, that I have children, that I have a wife, and that I wrote a book. I can prove all sorts of negative claims with regard to these things. I can prove I am not sleeping or playing ball right now (negative claims)….
The Best Optical Illusion in the World!
It’s about...
The Friendly Atheist
Jesus Junk, Revisited
I didn’t realize how much awful Jesus Junk there actually was! The Redheaded Skeptic has example after example of cheesy Christian clothing: And there’s more where those came from… Scary.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Knows Nothing About Atheism
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is a Presbyterian who thinks “the purpose of life is ‘to glorify God and enjoy Him forever’.” Those...
RichardDawkins.net
COMPLEXITY EXPLAINED: 12. The Likely Origins of Life
Note: This is Part 12 of Dr. Wadhawanâs series on Complexity. All previous parts of the series can be accessed through the Related Posts list at the bottom of this article.
via: RichardDawkins.net : The Latest Updates
Debunking Christianity
My Sister-inLaw: “John, I Prefer to Be Ignorant”
She’s a great gal, don’t get me wrong. But as a good Lutheran with a family that’s what she said over the holiday season about the religious questions I raise. She prefers to be ignorant. Ignorance is bliss, right? It’s not that she isn’t intelligent,…
Critical Thinking Video
HT to Atheist Media...
The Friendly Atheist
A Bollywood Christmas Song, Part 2
Hey, Indian people… Stop remaking Christmas songs! *facepalm* I have nothing to do with this, I swear… (Thanks to Sheila for link. I think…)
A Fundamentalist Christian Christmas Card
Edwin Kagin is the legal director of American Atheists and a guy with a very unique sense of humor. He offers his version of a Christmas card from a fundamentalist Christian family:...
Atheist Media
Muslim Cleric Challenges Darwin: We Are Descendants of Human Beings, Jews Are Brothers of Apes and Pigs
December 6, 2009 on Al-Aqsa TV Transcript: Abd Al-Majid Al-Zindani: Against the backdrop of this campaign, Darwin’s evolutionists began to rely on illusions, which they present as evidence. They…
The Taliban’s War on Women’s Education
December 16, 2009 on BBC World News...
Debunking Christianity
A Wonderful Documentary Called “Christmas Unwrapped” by the History Channel
This is a must see documentary! The other four parts can be found here.
My Favorite Christmas Song
When I hear this song by Bruce Springsteen I think of my sweetheart wife Gwen. She’s wonderful. She’s my best supporter and my best friend. There are some Christian people who can boast about being...
The Friendly Atheist
Carnival of the Godless #131
Reed has the 131st edition of the Carnival of the Godless up at his site. If you want to see some of the better postings about atheism over the past few weeks, that’s where you want to go!
Skepchicamp Beerfest
Skepchicamp is taking place in Chicago on March 6th, and to raise money for it, we’re having a party on January 23rd! There will be booze and food, and it seems...
Debunking Christianity
The Top Ten Atheist Stories of 2009
The Friendly Atheist links to one such list: 1. The worldwide atheist bus ads 2. Obama’s ’shout out’ to atheists in the Inaugural 3. The March 29th vote in the French colony of Mayotte to become France’s 101st Department 4. Darwin Day 5. The Irish…
It’s Difficult to Comprehend How Poorly Some People Argue
It’s not just that we disagree with...
The Friendly Atheist
Illinois Comptroller Candidate William J. Kelly Vandalizes Atheist Sign
The Freedom From Religion Foundation had put this sign up in front of the Illinois Capitol building in Springfield: It turns out a conservative candidate for Illinois comptroller, William J. Kelly, was offended by the idea that anyone could disagree with…
Top 10 Atheist News Stories of 2009?
Robert Jago at A Dime a...
Debunking Christianity
What is the Difference Between an Education and Indoctrination?
When I went to Bible College I was not educated. I was indoctrinated. While other believers will protest that their Christian college was different, I wonder if that’s true. In order to test this let me explain my experience, compare it with what a good…
Wise Monkey on Atheism
This video is a bit quirky but the content is...
The Friendly Atheist
The Reason Project Video Contest
The Reason Project, founded by Sam Harris and Annaka Harris, is holding a video contest with a pretty sweet first prize: The prize for the Winning Video of 2010 will be $10,000. The prize for Second Place will be $4,000. The prize for Third Place will…
The Com-Moon-ion?
Buzz Aldrin was one of the Apollo 11 astronauts, the second person to ever set foot on...
Debunking Christianity
Recently Posted: Richard Dawkins Interviewed (With Several Personal Questions)
This is part 1 of 3 which can be found on YouTube: The other parts can be found here.
Richard Carrier on the Existence of Nazareth and the Movie Zeitgeist
Carrier argues that Nazareth probably existed in the time of Jesus and that the movie Zeitgeist is “absolute garbage.” Don’t fall for the arguments...
The Friendly Atheist
New Banner
There’s a new, cleaner looking banner at the top of the page. I absolutely love it. The ambigram was created by Tiffany Harvey (who does beautiful work and will one day design my tattoo). She is awesome and you should all hire her for all your designing…
The Problem with the Prosperity Gospel
In a piece for The Atlantic, Hanna Rosin asks, “Did Christianity Cause the Crash?” Many...
Debunking Christianity
Did Jesus Exist? Thinking About Earl Doherty’s “The Jesus Puzzle.”
Recently I wrote on this issue here. I’ve been reading through Doherty’s book The Jesus Puzzle since then. It’s a great read and very provocative. He does as good as I would expect in arguing there never was a historical Jesus. Nonetheless there is a…
THINK Christian! A Graphic Depiction...
The Friendly Atheist
New Solstice Display Goes Up in Raleigh, North Carolina
The Triangle Freethought Society put up a display in Moore Square in Raleigh, North Carolina earlier today to counterbalance a Christian nativity scene in the same area. “While we support the freedom of religion and the right to free speech, we…
FFRF Co-Presidents Profiled in Paper
There’s a wonderful feature-length article by Ann...
Atheist Revolution
Hillary Clinton and Al Gore Linked to “The Family”
The December 2009 issue of Church & State, the monthly newsletter I receive from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, contained a brief article about the recent decision to partially revoke the tax exempt status of the infamous “C Street”…
Atheism 210: An Intermediate Reading List
You’ve...
Debunking Christianity
Free Will in Heaven?
Under Christian theology, humans have the free will choice to accept or reject God and to follow or reject the temptation of sin. Assuming this version of reality is true, what happens when you go to heaven? Do you stop wanting to sin? Is it impossible…
Why I Think The Rapture Madness is Indeed Madness
Below is a video where sincere believers describe what they think...
The Friendly Atheist
The Master Plan Movie Now Available for Download
Aron Campisano is the director of a film called The Master Plan, “about Christian youth culture in suburban America, and a teen girl’s struggle with evangelical Christianity.” If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, you can now…
Cecil Bothwell to Get Award from American Atheists
Cecil Bothwell is the atheist who recently won an election to...
RichardDawkins.net
Climate Change for Idiots
So… a bit of Climate Change for Idiots to aid those of us who feel like weâre beating heads against the wall arguing with friends and relatives frantically denying The End is Nigh
Atheism Was one of the Year’s Hottest Topics, and Greta Christina Caught the Wave as Well as Anyone
Have you been missing out on one of AlterNet’s most popular authors? Here are...
Debunking Christianity
Christian, Tell Us in Advance Which Prayers if Unanswered Would Count Against Your Faith
I recently pointed out how a high profile prayer on national TV was not answered by God. I claim this as yet another piece of evidence that God doesn’t answer prayers even if he exists, which he does not. So along come the Christian wannabe apologists,…
Sex With the Virgin Mary
You might try to...
The Friendly Atheist
Question the Facts
Friend-of-the-blog Jessica Hagy has a wonderful Indexed cartoon in a new, free ebook conceived by Seth Godin: The book is called What Matters Now (PDF) and it’s a quick, wonderful read. I finished it the other day while my students took their final…
Alan Moore Talks About Godless Event
This is what I get for not living in Britain. I miss Nine Lessons and Carols for...
Atheist Media
Proof of the Virgin Birth
(Thanks Vash)
Jesus The Hungry Beast Way
December 2, 2009 on ABC’s Hungry BeastKirk Cameron believes in god. So do Chris and Lewis. Kirk Cameron wants uni students to believe in god. So do Chris and Lewis. Kirk Cameron doesn’t know how to…
Atheists Can’t Think For Themselves!
Edward Current is back!
Mr. Deity and the Wrong Number
Mr Deity accidentally...
Debunking Christianity
Who or What is a Christian?
When apologist type Christians hear our deconversion stories they probe to look at something we didn’t say (a precise set of words) or do (like pray the sinners prayer, or baptism) in order to claim we were never Christians in the first place. There are…
“Why Would Anyone Believe in God?” by Gregory W. Dawes
Dr. Dawes is the author of the book...
The Friendly Atheist
Santa Praying Over Jesus?
I’m no Bible expert, but I don’t remember the verse where Santa kneels in prayer over the baby Jesus…: North Carolina. Need I say more? (Thanks to Bella for the link!)
Theft and Trust
by Jesse Galef - Someone tried to rob me last night. I was on Metro and had just struck up a conversation with some strangers when we arrived at a stop and the doors opened. Someone walking...
Debunking Christianity
How To Increase Traffic to Your Blog or Website
Since I get asked this from time to time let me share what I did three years ago to increase traffic to DC… When I started Blogging there weren’t as many blogs so it was easier to get noticed. But what I did tirelessly was to read other blogs and then…
“Holy Relics Batman!” The Spear of Destiny and the Holy...
The Friendly Atheist
“His Dark Materials” Trilogy on Indefinite Hold?
The Golden Compass movie took in about $380,000,000 worldwide. By just about any measure, that would be considered a success. So why are the sequels (The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass) not being made? Because of the Catholic Church, say several…
Skepticism and Atheism
by Jesse Galef - Tomorrow is my first Cafe Inquiry discussion group!...
Debunking Christianity
Too True to Be Funny
Reposted favorite cartoon…
The Power of Prayer? Prove It!
The video below discusses prayer from a scientific perspective. It’s fairly good. HT: The BE-attitude site.
Did Jesus Exist?
Knowing this provokes debate among skeptics let me say it this way… Unless we’re willing to throw out the whole New Testament, and much of it can indeed be thrown out,...
The Friendly Atheist
New York City Atheists Offer Meetings in Spanish
The New York City Atheists are trying to reach out to the local Spanish-speaking population by conducting services in their native language. The meetings are small right now, but they’re growing: [NYC Atheists president] Mr. [Ken] Bronstein said…
How “Letting Go of God” is Truly a One-Woman Show
Julia Sweeney explains why the label “one-woman...
Debunking Christianity
Democratic Loving People, We Need Your Vote at Fox News
Vote on whether an atheist councilman in N. Carolina should step down. Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell doesn’t believe in God, and his political opponents are taking aim, citing a little-noticed 140-year-old quirk in North Carolina’s Constitution…
If Faith Brings Salvation Then Why Should Believers Care About...
The Friendly Atheist
FOXNews Asks Whether Atheist Councilperson Should Step Down
Cecil Bothwell is the newly-elected city councilperson from Asheville, North Carolina. Because of an archaic law in the NC books, atheists aren’t allowed to hold public office in the state, even though this is completely illegal and wouldn’t…
Beautiful Tim Minchin Song on Christmas
by Jesse Galef – Tim Minchin’s name is associated...
Debunking Christianity
An Explanation and Critique of Substance Dualism
Substance dualism is defended by Christian apologist J.P. Moreland. Watch this: HT: Atheist Media Blog.
What Type of Critique of the Christian Faith Do I Have to Offer?
There are different types of critiques of Christianity. Each one of them stresses something different coming from different areas of expertise. Some of the major areas of criticism...
The Friendly Atheist
Pokémon Pastor
This pastor knows the source of all evil: It’s Pokémon. Evil Jigglypuff? Makes you want to rush to church, don’t it…? (Thanks to everyone for the link!)
When Will Tiger Woods Find God?
…
Christopher Hitchens on the True Story of Christmas
Christopher Hitchens would like to teach religious people the true story of Christmas: None of the four gospels gives any notion of what...
Atheist Revolution
Standing Up For Christ in Chambersburg, PA
The community of Chambersburg, PA, was recently faced with the same choice many communities throughout the U.S. must make each year: allow atheist signs to accompany Christian holiday displays or ban such displays altogether. Most communities decide to…
Rick Warren Finally Speaks Out on Uganda
Since I picked Pastor Rick Warren as Idiot of the Week...
Debunking Christianity
Waiting for Armageddon
Is it any wonder why we think religion causes suffering in the world? Check this out:The Evangelical community is convinced that the worlds future is foretold in Biblical prophecy - from the Rapture to the Battle of Armageddon. This astonishing documentary…
Jaco Gericke: Fundamentalism on Stilts: A Devastating Response to Alvin Plantinga’s Reformed...
The Friendly Atheist
Ark Closed
Tony was driving to the pet store when he saw a billboard for Kent Hovind’s Dinosaur Adventure Land. While the park is shut down indefinitely, the sign on the billboard may offer a new Christian explanation for how the dinosaurs went extinct Noah…
The True Story of Christmas
If you’d like to bone up on the facts and myths about the Christian version of the Christmas story, this...
RichardDawkins.net
Opinion: The greatest show on earth - the evidence for evolution
Religionists often claim that there is no evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution. World-famous biologist and author Richard Dawkins takes them on and shows how wrong this claim is
A message from Simon Singh:
“It has been 18 months since I was sued for libel after publishing my article on chiropractic. I am continuing...
Debunking Christianity
Bart Willruth On The Christmas Wars.
Bart was a team member here at DC at one time. Now he’s writing for “Fresh Conservative.” Don’t ask me why ‘cause I don’t know. Ah, yes. The battle has heated up once again. One can feel it in the air. Retailers, wishing to spread cheer to their…
Skeptic Chris Hallquist Weighs In: Dawkins SHOULD Debate William Lane...
The Friendly Atheist
No More Atheist Bus Ads in Barcelona
Earlier this year, atheist bus ads went up in Barcelona, Spain, thanks to the country’s Union of Atheists and Freethinkers. It’s a good thing they got the ads in then. Because they won’t be able to do it anymore. Promedios, the company…
Remembering When Satanic Verses Hit the Shelves
Andy Ross used to run a place called Cody’s Bookstore in Berkeley,...
Atheist Media
O’Reilly: Should We Burn These People At The Stake?
December 10, 2009 on FOX News
Congressman Henry Brown to Introduce “Stand Up for Christmas” Bill
December 10, 2009 on Bill O’Reilly’s Patriots & Pinheads segment
N.Y. Church Torched; Satanic Graffiti Smeared on Walls
December 10, 2009 on AP The pastor of a Bronx church is mystified after someone torched the...
Debunking Christianity
How I Told My Family I Was an Atheist
How did you tell them? Here’s what Luke wrote. It’s good!
A Major Survey of What Philosophers Believe Just Released.
David Bourget and David Chalmers have released the results of the largest survey of professional philosophers ever conducted. There were 931 respondents from 99 leading philosophy departments around the world. Luke over at Common...