A couple weeks ago, I was at Pomona College in Claremont, California for a panel discussion on “the Future of Atheism.” The other panelists were Dave Silverman (president of American Atheists and FOX News staple this past week) and Chris Mooney (bestselling author and notable accommodationist). The audio for that discussion is now available as part of the Point of Inquiry podcast. You can decide for yourself whether the “aggressive” or “accommodationist” side won 🙂 I know I’m biased, but… Read more
Yep. The American Atheists billboard got even more attention on Fox: I thought he did a great job here. Highlight for me is at the 6:15 mark for about a minute… when told that the AA billboard is offensive, Dave asks whether the panel would be offended by billboards that say, ” Atheists will burn in hell.” There’s basically silence on that point. And the billboard got the Colbert bump the other night, too! The Colbert ReportMon – Thurs 11:30pm… Read more
Church officials are supporting a bus boycott in Fort Worth, Texas because the Transit Authority is allowing atheist ads to go on the sides of four buses for one month. Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas thinks in the wake of the controversial campaign, the T should get rid of all religious ads. “We have requested and asked that the T would review and revisit the policy and have it changed,” said Rev. Julius Jackson. A second group of ministers aligned… Read more
Susan Jacoby has a wonderful explanation of why the religious give more to charity than the non-religious — and how we can change that: The real giving difference between secularists and regular churchgoers comes from the fact that going to church establishes the habit of giving — not only because of moral exhortations from the pulpit, but also because of social reinforcement from peers . … It does take conscious personal effort to make giving a habit rather than an… Read more
David Hayward presents another holy trinity: What does it mean…? Go ahead. Interpret it as you wish… I’m really curious to hear what you come up with. If you’re curious, David’s own interpretation is here. Read more
Godless Girl doesn’t think that it’s that big of a deal to be an atheist: Being an atheist isn’t a big deal. There are heaps of us … everywhere. I’m sure I see more atheists every day than I could ever guess, and these people aren’t any more cool or outstanding than I am. We’re just experiencing life in somewhat unremarkable ways, just like everyone else. We walk right past religious people all the time and no one explodes or… Read more
There’s no need for athletes to thank a god — or blame one — after a game. They just need to be honest about how they got their abilities 🙂 (via Atheist Media Blog) Read more
In previous years, the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s sign in the Wisconsin Capitol building would have been the one garnering all the media attention. This year, amidst the popularity of the American Atheists billboard, it might just go under the radar: At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves… Read more
The Freedom From Religion Foundation just announced that their membership is nearing 16,000 members, making them that largest atheist organization in the country (by a long shot): It’s an incredible number, so congratulations to them. How did FFRF grow so quickly when you consider they don’t really do social media, they don’t promote local affiliates or “centers,” and they employ a minimal staff… ? Because what they do, they do incredibly well. They file important church/state separation lawsuits (including one… Read more
The fans of Family Radio Inc., a Christian radio network, have sponsored dozens of different billboards in select cities around the country proclaiming the exact date when Jesus is coming back. May 21st, 2011. You know, just like the Bible “predicted.” The Rapture is going to be a great day for God’s people but awful for everyone else, said Allison Warden, 29, who orchestrated Nashville’s billboard campaign. She’s a volunteer with WeCanKnow.com, a website set up by followers of Family… Read more
