In Bend, Oregon, two churches — Westside Church and Christian Life Center — had graffiti painted on them reading “Praise the FSM” (Flying Spaghetti Monster): When Pastor John Bluebaugh of Christian Life Center got the news Monday morning, his first thought was, “Not again.” “Really, what went through my mind was, about six months we were tagged as well,” said Bluebaugh. “It was the same kind of deal — different symbols, different sayings, but the exact same places.” There are… Read more
An important lesson for moderate Christians from Dan Savage: In summary: If you’re tired of being lumped in with the anti-gay, anti-science, fundamentalist Christians, don’t complain to us. Complain to the leaders of the Christian right who are dragging you down with them. Complain to your pastors. Lead the charge and don’t be quiet about it. Read more
Texas Governor Rick Perry has invited all 49 other governors to join him for a massive, worthless pray-in. Who’s in and who’s out? Out: California’s Governor Jerry Brown. Florida’s Governor Rick Scott. (Though he “will declare Aug. 6 a day of prayer” in his state.) Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal. Indiana’s Governor Mitch Daniels (due to the Indiana State Fair). Iowa’s Governor Terry Branstad. Michigan’s Governor Rick Snyder. North Dakota’s Governor Jack Dalrymple. (Thanks, Kevin!) Oklahoma’s Governor Mary Fallin. South Carolina’s… Read more
I’ll be the first to admit I watch those Christian TV shows that always seem to pop up when nothing else is on — there’s no better form of entertainment. One of my favorites is Jack van Impe because he talks about current events while spouting out every Bible verse he can think of that vaguely connects to that topic. And he believes Jesus in coming back soon! Today’s headlines prove it! Just look at the horrible things going on,… Read more
The Atheist Foundation of Australia wanted to put up this billboard in most states to encourage atheists to mark “No Religion” on the 2011 census (thereby taking some federal money away from religious groups): They paid Billboards Australia a deposit and signed a contract. The company is now backtracking, saying they won’t put up the billboards because they’re “too political”: The site owner at Queanbeyan has reneged on the deal now, months after the message was made known to Billboards… Read more
There’s an article making the rounds regarding “The Backfire Effect.” It argues that “When your deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, your beliefs get stronger.” At least at it pertains to us, when we argue about religion with theists, their defenses tend to go up, and they may become even more religious in the process. If we think we’re changing their minds with our use of Reason, we should think twice. Once something is added to your collection of… Read more
A while back, in order to find books about atheism on Amazon, you could click through the following links: Amazon –> Books –> Religion & Spirituality –> Spirituality –> Atheism (You could argue that atheism doesn’t belong in a Spirituality section — and you’d be right — but that’s another debate.) Now, the atheism section is gone. The new pathway looks like this: Amazon –> Books –> Religion & Spirituality –> Spirituality Not only is “atheism” gone, the only subcategory… Read more
Check out this new song by atheist hip-hop artist Copastatic — there’s a powerful message contained in the NSFW lyrics: (Hook) Are we human or are we dancers? My signs are vital My hands are cold And I’m on my knees looking for the answer Are we human? or are we dancers? (Verse 1) How could I be such a fool, Not to see you as a real man but a tool, An instrument of manipulation and creation of power,… Read more
The folks at Center For Inquiry Michigan have their Fifth Annual Secular Summer Retreat July 22nd-24th, and it looks amazing. There will be games, hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. It’s like Camp Quest for the whole family! Early registration ends on Wednesday, so sign up now if you’d like to go 🙂 Read more
Dear Richard, I’m in a long-term relationship with a man raised in a modern Orthodox Jewish family. He and I are atheists happy to participate in Jewish culture, but lacking any interest in the spiritual side of things. His parents are both very observant. His mom converted before marrying his dad, and now runs a strict Jewish household. My boyfriend and I started living together last year. His parents were initially very upset with this arrangement, since it signified that… Read more