I am a graduate of medicine and theology with a Ph.D in medical ethics. I tutor in medical ethics at the University of Melbourne, am an (occasional) adjunct Lecturer in Ethics at Ridley Melbourne, and a voluntary researcher with Ethos. I am also a Fellow of ISCAST and a past chair of the Melbourne Chapter of Christians for Biblical Equality. I have special interests in professional ethics, sexual ethics and the ethics of virtue.
This post is by Jesse — I really shouldn’t be on the computer; I should be packing for my trip up to New York for a wedding. But I wanted to say two things. Like Hemant and PZ Myers (as well as countless others, no doubt) I read all the comments on my posts. There was quite an unexpected reaction to my last post, so I looked back and realized I was unclear about my position. That’s my mistake; I… Read more
This is a post by Jesse Galef. … Why do we pretend that we can learn some great truth by studying works of fiction? In school I was always made to analyze and overanalyze novels. When their elusive meaning was found, it was handed to us as if we should treat it with reverence. I hope to use VorJack’s interesting post at UnreasonableFaith as a jumping-off point. Starting with one of my favorite fantasy authors, Robert Jordan, he notes that… Read more
Have you seen this person? Why the hell not? Just a quick post to say that I’m in Burbank, California for the Atheist Alliance International Convention! If you’re here too, let me know! For the most part, I’ll be at the Secular Coalition for America table in the exhibit hall, so I shouldn’t be difficult to find. Here’s a tip though: I’m Jesse, not Hemant. Curlier hair and lighter skin. If you come say hello, I’ll give you a spiffy… Read more
I don’t think this is worthy of anything other than mockery and derision, but Glenn Beck performed what must have been a stream of consciousness rambling monologue on Fox News. It’s remarkable how he jumps from one topic to another, insinuating an argument without ever giving reasons or evidence. He even mentioned the American Nones survey, and gave a visible shudder just to mention us. “America I have a question for you. Why do you think we’re are powerful as… Read more
When the details and effects of the DC Voucher Program are examined, there should be no question that should be considered an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state. I’m not addressing the program’s efficacy or effect on public schools – others can debate that – but regardless, it is an affront to religious liberty and the nonreligious community. Since commenters seem skeptical, I’ll explain, laying out the case I used in my debate last night. Nobody should… Read more