There’s a story making the rounds about a Christian high school wrestler who forfeited his chance to win a state title because he would’ve had to fight a female wrestler along the way: Joel Northrup, a home-schooled sophomore who was 35-4 wrestling for Linn-Mar High School this season, praised his first-round opponent, Cedar Falls freshman Cassy Herkelman, and Ottumwa sophomore Megan Black, who became the first two girls to make the state wrestling tournament in its 85-year history. But in… Read more
Sam Harris’ The Reason Project is having its annual video contest — first prize gets $10,000. Check out the videos and vote for your favorite. Voting ends on February 21st. My money’s on “The New Tithe” by Tony Wann & Justin Wilson: Taxing the churches: There’s an idea that needs to spread. … Side note: The Reason Project has $15,000 available as prize money for this contest. Is there really no better use for this cash? Does anyone even remember… Read more
Just so you’re aware, David Grisham Jr., the guy who runs Repent Amarillo, is running for mayor. Repent Amarillo and Grisham aim to deter promiscuity, homosexuality and non-Christian worship practices through confrontation and prayer, and their actions have sparked controversy, both locally and nationwide. Last September, while much of the nation was focused on a pastor in Gainesville, Fla., threatening to burn copies of the Quran to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Grisham threatened to do… Read more
by Jesse Galef – The question “Why?” is an impressively vague word. Used without context, it can be almost useless. I got contacted by the makers of the documentary “The Nature of Existence” whose trailer starts with the filmmaker saying “We all have one thing in common: We exist. But why?” What a nebulous question. It’s met by a stream of responses on completely different topics. When it comes to provoking thought, it’s fine. If you actually want particular information…… Read more
Michael Xuereb has written a very insightful new book called Everything You Need to Know about Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Other Major Religions. It’s self-published but don’t let that sway you. Just check it out for yourself: I’m afraid I have to be the bearer of bad news, though. Michael plagiarized this book. He clearly copied it from James N. Court’s The Lawyer’s Book of Ethics. For shame… Read more
When it’s happening in your neck of the woods — about 45 minutes north of Chicago — the “debate” about Creationism takes on a whole new level of seriousness. That’s why I’m paying special attention to the Fremont School District 79 school board elections. Here’s what you need to know: There are 4 candidates running for 3 seats on the board. 2 of them believe in Creationism. 1 is currently the board president. That means if the other Creationist gets… Read more
Reader Royce wants to give his fiancée the best honeymoon ever. However, a family emergency has forced him to dip into his wedding/honeymoon account to scrounge up some needed money. However, it turns out there’s a contest where one lucky Kansas City couple can win a free honeymoon… so let’s help him out! Here’s what you have to do. “Like” this Facebook page. Then “like” this photo. (The couple with the most “likes” wins!) I’ll keep you updated 🙂 Read more
Cienna Madrid has an eye-opening writeup of how Christian-run pregnancy clinics operate. It turns out they’re not just unhelpful but also incredibly harmful for women: Only half of the six pregnancy centers Megan and I visit during our weeklong pregnancy test spree disclose over the phone that they don’t perform or refer for abortions. None mention that they’re Christian-run clinics. “We do not discriminate, judge, or lecture,” says a woman with Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic, a crisis pregnancy center in… Read more
There are already sex scandals, abuses of power, and incredible wealth on display… so it’s surprising the Vatican City hasn’t been made into a TV show yet. But at least we have cheesy 80s theme music now 🙂 If only the show would go off the air… (via UiscMaster) Read more
I’m in Peoria for the Illinois State Speech/Forensics tournament over the next two days and I’m hoping we can bring home a State Champion (or two)! I’ve been involved in this program as a competitor and coach for nearly ten years — this is my first year as a head coach — and no team I’ve been a part of has ever produced one… hopefully the judges will see in my students what I’ve seen all season. By the way,… Read more
