For anyone who believes that religion and science are separate ways of finding the “truth” and that you can’t apply scientific principles to religious claims, Jesus and Mo point out that religion always seems to have something to say about science…: Read more
A 27-year-old math teacher just got fired for supposedly being an atheist. (You can bet my eyes widened when I read about that…) But apparently, it’s all ok… because she worked at a Catholic school and they are allowed to do such things. Before you dismiss this story because St. Edmond Catholic School in Iowa is a private, religious school and they have every right to fire non-Catholic teachers, read on. This is really a disturbing story and the headlines… Read more
The Carnival of the Godless is a biweekly compilation of some of the best postings about atheism. Anyone can submit their postings and one blog does the compiling. It’s a great way to get your new blog seen by lots of readers. At the moment, though, the CotG only has one future host. If no one signs up, it’s going to end. If you’re interested in hosting in mid-June or beyond, all you have to do is follow the instructions… Read more
For anyone in the Chicagoland area, a group of atheists (including me) are gathering at Matisse Tavern and Grill this Saturday night. You’re welcome to join us 🙂 … For those who don’t use Facebook, the event begins at 8:00 p.m., reservations are under my name, and directions can be found here. Read more
Last week, I mentioned how Bill Knight, the mayor of Greensboro, North Carolina, decided to have prayers before city council meetings. Joshua Deaton and other members of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Atheists/Agnostics/Skeptics attended a city council meeting to voice their opposition to the invocations. I was finally able to get a transcript of Joshua’s speech — it’s a great example for anyone else who may be in a similar position — and I wanted to share it:… Read more
What crazy thing did Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) do now? The Secular Coalition for America explains it like this: [Bachmann] introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill that would allow chaplains in the military to use specifically-Christian prayers at official military events. Here’s the exact wording of Bachmann’s amendment: #56 Would ensure that any chaplain serving in the US Armed Forces, if called upon to lead a prayer outside of a religious service, would be free to close… Read more
Next Tuesday, June 1st, I’ll be speaking at DePaul University in Lincoln Park (near downtown Chicago). The event is free, starts at 6:00 p.m., and takes place in Munroe Hall. The Facebook event page is here. The event is sponsored by the DePaul University Secular Student Alliance — an exciting new group that began this past year! But there’s one more reason to come! I’m taking my last grad school final just hours prior to that — I’ll finally have… Read more
Remember Brian Magee, the Fargo resident who wanted an ISNOGOD license plate? Today, he got a response from the North Dakota Department of Transportation: In a letter dated today to inform Magee that his plate will be issued as requested, Francis Ziegler, NDDOT’s director, said lawyers from the Attorney General’s office told transportation officials that Magee has a legal right to the plate. It’s a good move on their part — they already allow religion-friendly plates. If they said no… Read more
Note: When letter writers sign with their first names instead of a pseudonym or nickname, I randomly change their name for added anonymity. Hey Richard, I am about to turn seventeen and have been an atheist for about a year. I grew up with very liberal and easygoing parents, though they did raise me to be a Christian. I have been trying to decide if I should tell them that I do not believe in god for several months. Part… Read more
Brother Jed Smock is one of those campus preachers who goes around to different college campuses to “spread the love” by talking about how homosexuals are sinners. You know the type. He probably does more for the cause of atheism than Christianity, though… it helps that he brings out our creativity. Case in point, a few months ago, when he was at the University of Arizona with his partner-in-crime Sister Cindy, this was the response from the school’s Secular Student… Read more