January 2011
70 posts
Debunking Christianity
Why Former Conservatives Become Atheists More Often Than Liberals Do Someone recently said: “I would love to see conversion rates to atheism between creationist/conservative Christians (like John Loftus) and more liberal Christians.” The implication is that conservatives leave their faith and become atheists more often… Yep, God is Watching Over Us All Right! PZ Myers on...
Jan 31st
The Friendly Atheist
Secular Coalition for America Seeks Summer Intern The Secular Coalition for America is looking for an intern this summer. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity for someone: SCA is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate junior- or senior-level student with a demonstrated interest in being active in the… 13% of Science Teachers Are Creationists You want some depressing news about the American...
Jan 31st
Atheist Revolution
A Reminder About the Comment Policy I think it is fair to say that anyone who writes an atheist blog is going to experience some incivility in the comments section on various posts. During the life of this blog, some has some from the assortment of Christian trolls who become upset when… Idiot of the Week: Michele Bachmann Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) is no stranger to idiocy. She caught my...
Jan 30th
Debunking Christianity
At What Point Would YOU Walk Out On An Ice Covered Lake? I’m amazed when Christians argue their faith is more probably true than not, and then try to live as if they’re 100% certain of it. So let’s grant them a 51% probability that their brand of Christianity is true. Now to put this into perspective, would… via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 30th
The Friendly Atheist
It’s Missing a Scarlet A… Over at Reddit, postguy2 created a new icon for atheism: Hmph. That man looks nothing like me. I’m deeply offended. A Few New Atheist Posters Rose Schwartz at The Jewmanist has been making some sweet-looking posters of notable quotations along with their atheist authors. A few examples are below: Faith is the surrender of the mind; it’s the surrender of reason, it’s the...
Jan 30th
Debunking Christianity
My Responses to a Christian Scholar Someone emailed me what an unnamed Christian scholar had written him so I responded as follows. I’ll blockquote his comments: I am giving you evidence that counts for me. I doubt that you will consider it extraordinary, or that it will persuade you very… via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 29th
The Friendly Atheist
Campus Atheist Group in Fresno? A few atheists are trying to get a group started at California State University, Fresno. There used to be one there, but it died out when the leaders at the time got busy with other work: Mark Boyd, president of the [Central Valley Alliance of Atheists… Reminder: Speaking at Purdue This Sunday I’ll be in Indiana this Sunday, speaking to the Purdue...
Jan 29th
Atheist Media
BBC Newsnight: Bogus Dowsing Rod ‘Bomb Detector’ Update January 27, 2011 on BBC Newsnight See also: UK Bans Exports of “Bomb Detecting” Dowsing Rods (2010) Ugandan Gay Rights Activist Beaten to Death January 27, 2011 on CNN: A Ugandan gay rights activist whose name was published on a list of the nation’s “top homosexuals” was bludgeoned to death in his...
Jan 28th
Debunking Christianity
My Interview with Tuesday Afternoon Enjoy. This is part one of three. The Diminishing of the Gods A thorough study of the history of gods reveals a pattern we’d expect if gods are not real. The farther we move back in time (and the farther we move away from science) we see more and bigger claims of divine intervention. Gods have been responsible… via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 28th
The Friendly Atheist
The Wycliffe Science Project? Wycliffe Bible Translators has translated the Bible into one hell of a lot of languages (with plans for many more): It prompted reader Brian to ask (via email) whether we can do something similar for books about science: … Wouldn’t it be great… Ask Richard: Apostate Couple Called Satanists by Members of Former Church Note: Letter writer’s names are changed to...
Jan 28th
Debunking Christianity
BBC - Can We Trust Science? Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse examines why science appears to be under attack, and why public trust in key scientific theories has been eroded - from the theory that man-made climate change is warming our planet, to the safety of GM food, or that… Quote of the Day, by Jesse Bering Does all this disprove God? Of course not. Science speaks only to the...
Jan 27th
The Friendly Atheist
Honoring Christopher Hitchens Scott VanDenPlas, an atheist from Chicago, recently heard Christopher Hitchens say the following in an interview: “I’ve had an amazing number of letters from people, I still get them. Hand written ones to my house, as well as emails to my office in… Is It OK for Christians to Censor the Bible? When Christian author Rachel Held Evans heard about the Adventures...
Jan 27th
Debunking Christianity
Why Religion is Persuasive by Adam Lewis See what you think. A Listing of Cognitive Biases Cognitive bias is a general term that is used to describe many distortions in the human mind that are difficult to eliminate and that lead to perceptual distortion, inaccurate judgment, or illogical interpretation. LinkWhy do I keep writing about this?… I Met a Former Mormon Bishop in Canada Yep,...
Jan 26th
The Friendly Atheist
An Interview with a Former Quiverfull Parent I’ve posted a number of things about the Quiverfull movement, most notably an interview with the author of a book on the subject, Kathryn Joyce. The Quiverfull movement believes in nonstop procreation as long as the married Christian couple can… Principal to Atheist Student: Why Are You Starting a Hate Group? You want to know how important the...
Jan 26th
Debunking Christianity
Quote of the Day I cannot possibly check everything I believe. There is a trust element involved. I trust the sciences. I trust the consensus of the scientists. Why? Because in those areas where I have studied I agree with them. In fact, if believers were to stop and… The Christian Faith Makes a Person Stupid. Doug Wilson: “I Have Faith in the Bible,You Have Faith in...
Jan 25th
The Friendly Atheist
What’s It Like to Have an Atheist Car? Normally, the way people link their vehicle with religion is by putting a few bumper stickers on it: I know atheists who have done that, too. Some atheists have taken a different path by purchasing their state’s ATHEIST license plate: Since his… Ask Richard: My Mom Is Dying. Should I Lie to My Kids About Death? Note: Letter writers’ names are changed...
Jan 25th
Debunking Christianity
Professor James E. Alcock on “The Belief Engine” I was on CFI’s Extraordinary Claims panel this Friday night with Dr. Alcock. He gave a wonderful talk which will be available online sometime in the near future. Here is an essay he wrote that goes right along with what he said, called The Belief Engine…. via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 24th
The Friendly Atheist
If God Held a Press Conference… At least he’s honest (via SMBC Theater) A Christian/Atheist Dialogue in Texas In Bedford, Texas, atheists and Christians will be gathering next month to discuss religion and where their beliefs come from: This informal gathering of atheists and Christians started as a dialogue between Metroplex Atheist member Julio Rosario and… via: Friendly Atheist
Jan 24th
Atheist Revolution
Idiot of the Week: Gov. Robert Bentley I did not realize that yesterday was Saturday until the day was half over and I’d already posted something. Yeah, it was that kind of week. I am not going to be able to do an Idiot of the Week post each week, but I do plan to try to continue to highlight… Science Education Under Siege in Mississippi One of my co-authors at Mississippi Atheists,...
Jan 23rd
Debunking Christianity
Quote of the Day: Can God Not Defeat Iron Chariots? “And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.” - Judges 1:19 There is a skeptical site called Wiki Iron Chariots based on this… via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 23rd
The Friendly Atheist
Flying Spaghetti Burger That’s it. I’m done with the vegetarianism thing. After seeing this Flying Spaghetti Monster burger, how I can I not eat it? Apparently, it comes from a place called Gecko’s Bar & Tapas in Albuquerque, NM. As far as I can tell from… The Big Beginning Stephen Hawking + Richard Dawkins + Carl Sagan + Tara Shears + Neil deGrasse Tyson + Auto-Tune = the latest...
Jan 23rd
The Friendly Atheist
WWJD: Who Would Jesus Deny? It’s always eye-opening to witness Christian “love” in full force. In Georgia, a homeless shelter ironically called House of Mercy refuses to serve gay people: … Elder Bobby Harris, who directs House of Mercy… says that his… Ten Commandments Go Up in Giles County (Virginia) Schools When the Freedom From Religion Foundation heard that a display including the Ten...
Jan 22nd
Atheist Media
Ricky Gervais: Atheism Shouldn’t Offend - CNN January 20, 2011 on CNN CBC Marketplace - Homeopathy: Cure or Con? Play all videos (2) Aired January 14, 2011 on CBC Erica Johnson investigates one of the country’s fastest growing alternative health treatments: homeopathy. Ontario homeopaths are about to become the first province in Canada to regulate homeopathy —… The Story of...
Jan 21st
Debunking Christianity
Dispatches: Return to Africa’s Witch Children My heart breaks when I consider the harm Christianity does to children accused of witchcraft in Africa. This is how religion evolves as it comes into contact with a different culture. Since Christianity is growing exponentially in the Southern Hemisphere… My Top Ten Grievances Against the Bible By Lady Atheist. via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 21st
The Friendly Atheist
How Much is That Dawkins Book? Reader Justin went to a local Barnes & Noble the other night and noticed that the price for Richard Dawkin‘s The Greatest Show on Earth had been reduced. He used his Members’ card, bought a copy, and only after did he see the final price:… Ask Richard: Frustrated by Parents’ Religious Indoctrinating To the readers: As I was finishing my response it was...
Jan 21st
Debunking Christianity
“John Loftus…Will Take on Christ” That’s what the billing for the Ontario, Canada, CFI event this Friday says. Do ya think Christ has a chance? He’ll probably be a “no show” as usual. ;-) Professor Matt McCormick’s Article on “Atheism” For the most part, atheists have presumed that the most reasonable conclusions are the ones that have...
Jan 20th
The Friendly Atheist
Through the Eyes of the Devoutly Religious Suzie sees God everywhere she goes. She’s happy and content and not harming anybody… so does that mean we should all just lay off her and let her believe what she wants? Ignorant, misguided, and delusional is no way to go through life, Suzie…. Who Needs God to Do Good Work? This past Monday, a group of college students in South Carolina helped out...
Jan 20th
Debunking Christianity
When Believers Say Their Prayers Get Answered I’m looking for good one-liners to several statements believers might make about various topics to provoke discussion. I’ve started a “tag” for it and will try to compile some quick responses to believers as I think of them. So when believers say their… Derren Brown on the Power of Suggestion Check this out! Derren is a...
Jan 19th
The Friendly Atheist
UC Davis Lecture on the Existence of Jesus The Agnostic & Atheist Student Association at UC Davis in California is bringing Dave Fitzgerald to their campus this Friday to discuss his book Ten Christian Myths That Show Jesus Never Existed at All. So that won’t be controversial at all…… They’re Nutritious! You only need one of these a day to meet all your nutritional needs?! I really need...
Jan 19th
Debunking Christianity
The Debunking Christianity Challenge, Part 2 I’ve proposed reading one skeptical book a month in 2011 as the Debunking Christianity Challenge. Now I’m going to propose a Part 2. Both of these challenges are designed to help Christians test their faith as outsiders. Here’s another way for Christians… “Inside the Minds of Animals” by Jeffrey Kluger for Time...
Jan 18th
The Friendly Atheist
A Few Quick Updates As the new semester begins for my students, I should probably give fair warning. The competitive forensics/Speech Team I coach is winding down our season over the next couple weeks… the “postseason” begins in February, culminating with… What should I ask an Atheist? Hey friends, Mike Clawson here (the delinquent Christian sometimes contributor). I’m posting again because...
Jan 18th
Debunking Christianity
Guest Post by Douglas Groothuis on the Problem of Evil I have a number of Christian scholars I regard as friends that I allow posting here at DC for comment (hit the tag “Christian Scholars” to see a few of them). Doug is writing his magnum opus titled, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Christian… via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 17th
The Friendly Atheist
Ricky Gervais Thanks God for Making Him an Atheist at the Golden Globes If you caught the ending of the Golden Globes tonights, then you heard an amusing closing line from host Ricky Gervais: “… And thank you to god for making me an atheist.” I wonder how many god jokes he had planned for the rest of the… See You at the Cross Road Yeah, it’s likely just a coincidence, but this “Cross Road”...
Jan 17th
Atheist Revolution
Words of Wisdom: Bill Clinton As relevant today as it ever was:As we exercise the right to advocate our views, and as we animate our supporters, we must all assume responsibility for our words and actions before they enter a vast echo chamber and reach those both serious and delirious,… 2010 Was a Great Year for Idiocy I never wrote an Idiot of the Year post for 2010 even though I have...
Jan 16th
Debunking Christianity
Proving That Prayer is Superstition The Mind/Brain Problem Okay, Okay, I’ve been participating in a guilty pleasure by visiting Victor Reppert’s Blog lately. Vic argued I am suggesting on principled grounds that a careful reflection on the nature of mind and matter will invariably reveal that there is a logical… via: Debunking Christianity
Jan 16th
The Friendly Atheist
Be Honest to Godless, Ireland The Irish Census will take place in April and Atheist Ireland wants atheists to admit they’re not religious when the question comes up: All they’re asking for is some honesty: Atheist Ireland wants to see accurate answers to the question on… Why Do Churches Treat People Like Kids? After hearing a megachurch pastor treat his congregation like “a group of...
Jan 16th
Debunking Christianity
Quote of the Day, by Desertbarry Anything can be explained and therein lies a problem of huge dimension. There is nothing so implausible, improbable, morally repugnant, intellectually confounding or absurdly contraditory but that it can be explained. It is not the fool or dunce who does… Chris Hallquist on Alvin Plantinga and the Problem of Evil Link. Here’s the money quote:...
Jan 15th
The Friendly Atheist
A Picture Needing a Caption The New Yorker has a weekly caption contest and one of you *has* to win this week! The deadline is Sunday, so think fast. After you submit your caption to them, feel free to share it with us here (Thanks to Jennifer for the link!) Speaking at Purdue University For anyone in the area, I’ll be speaking in Indiana to the Purdue Non-Theists on Sunday, January 30th! Where::...
Jan 15th
Atheist Media
Tim Minchin on Conan January 12, 2011 on TBS (Thanks Elkin) Inside Story - Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law January 12, 2011 on Al-Jazeera English: Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are in the spotlight once again - following the assassination of Salman Taseer last week. Is this law being misused? And is the conservative religious base taking over in this troubled… Cindy Jacobs: Birds Are...
Jan 14th
Debunking Christianity
Quote of the Day, “Doubt is the Adult Attitude” Doubt is the adult attitude. And only people who refuse to doubt will ask that I doubt my doubts. Doubt is a filter that helps me sift out what to believe from what not to believe. I cannot do away with that filter and remain an adult person who thinks… What Positive Evidence is There for God’s Existence? In every era of...
Jan 14th
The Friendly Atheist
So That’s Why Those Bible Study Groups Exist… The Onion explains the real Christian agenda: See? There *is* a good reason to read all those “begats”… I wonder if Asian kids would rock the BATs, too… Why Is It So Hard to Say Goodbye? David Hayward shows us a phenomenon I’m sure many Christians have experienced: But for so many of them, it doesn’t mean goodbye. If anything, they try to rationalize...
Jan 14th
Debunking Christianity
Austin Cline’s Readers’ Choice Awards He’s conducting a reader’s choice poll for the following categories:* Best Agnostic or Atheist Book of 2010 * Best Agnostic or Atheist Blog * Best Agnostic or Atheist Podcast * Best Agnostic or Atheist Website * Best Agnostic or Atheist to Follow on Twitter… The 25 Most Influential Living Atheists Hey, did they miss anyone? Link....
Jan 13th
The Friendly Atheist
John Freshwater Finally Fired John Freshwater, the Creationism-spewing science teacher who branded his students with a cross, has finally — finally! — been fired. In his wake, he leaves several students who are very likely undereducated when it comes to basic science and… A Notable Club at the University of Oregon The BCS championship game between Oregon and Auburn is over but there’s one...
Jan 13th
Debunking Christianity
Christian, if You Are Deluded Then What Would You Expect? If you are deluded then the evidence to the contrary, even if it is overwhelming, will not convince you otherwise. Just think of the Mormons. Perhaps you can explain to me why Mormons still believe even though it’s been shown through DNA evidence that… Dr. Hector Avalos on “What’s Not so Secular about Introductions to the...
Jan 12th
The Friendly Atheist
I Need a Baby NOW… … so that I can send out these delicious baby shower invitations: [Cue the vegetarian singing “I want my babybackbabybackbabyback…”] Apparently, it’s not just a play on words, either. BaByQ grills exist! (Thanks to Laura for the link!) Get De-Baptized; Leave the Church In Brussels, Belgium, de-baptisms are becoming more popular. And, when you think about it,...
Jan 12th
Debunking Christianity
Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents 1 Christianity: 2.1 billion 2 Islam: 1.5 billion 3 Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion 4 Hinduism: 900 million 5 Chinese religion: 394 million 6 Buddhism: 376 million 7 Primal-indigenous: 300 million 8 African Traditional: 100 million 9 Sikhism: 23 million… Scientists Discover a Promiscuity Gene Yep, that’s right. In what is being...
Jan 11th
The Friendly Atheist
Moderate Muslims Defend Coptic Christians If we support freedom from religion, we must also support freedom of religion. Coptic Christians (Christians living in Egypt) have been under attack from Muslim radicals lately — 21 Christians in Alexandria were killed in a church attack on New… M*A*S*H: Military Atheists and Secular Humanists For all the Foxhole Atheists, family members, and...
Jan 11th
Debunking Christianity
“American Looks Ripe for a Religious Revival” So reads the headline of an interview with church growth expert Kent Hunter in my local paper. What Kent actually says is that America is “sort of like a field that’s ready for seeds.” This is hardly like a field ripe for harvest as the attention… What Led You Initially to Deconvert, Some Surprizes This multiple choice poll is...
Jan 10th
The Friendly Atheist
To the Atheists in India… The good people at Nirmukta, a freethought group in India, have been organizing meetups for Indian atheists in cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai. This month, they’ll be holding meetings in Delhi and Chennai. If you’re able to attend,… Please Keep This in Mind… As crazy as one deranged young man acted, and as crazy as the response may be from select...
Jan 10th
Atheist Revolution
What Does the Arizona Shooting Say About Us? As details continue to emerge about the shooting of Democratic congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several others in Arizona yesterday, I suspect we will learn more about the shooter and his motives. In the meantime, it does appear that the shooting… Kiva Atheists One of the obvious problems with donating to charities is that one can only help...
Jan 9th