It’s really hard to get college atheists and local atheist groups to get a giant group together for much of anything. So when a couple hundred get together, anywhere, I’m paying attention. They’re doing that in the Philippines this weekend, during their first (hopefully annual) Filipino Freethinkers Film Festival: “Most of us don’t question our faith or religion at all,” says Ryan Tani, president of the Filipino Freethinkers. “But when religion increasingly conflicts with reason in society, we need a… Read more
Blogger/Writer Greta Christina recently spoke in Indiana (for the Society of Non-Theists at Purdue University) about atheism and sexuality. Jen says the event went very well: I actually think one of the best parts was the Q&A at the end, because it really showcased Greta’s talents. She’s prepared to answer pretty much any question about atheism, and she can do so in a concise, punchy, memorable matter. This was especially important for the couple “questions” that were really people (probably… 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. Dear Richard, I was baptized Catholic when I was a baby, so obviously I had no say in the matter. As a non-believing adult, I want to remove myself from the central Catholic baptismal roster/records/big book…whatever it’s called? Would you know how to do this? Do I contact the bishop of the country I was originally born… Read more
Curse you, Toothpaste For Dinner: I’m going to find you in my Prius and teach you a lesson. Read more
New Orleans is on a roll this week! It’s not just a place for Mardi Gras and the Saints; it’s a place where secular values are being honored by the local government. In 2005, Mayor Ray Nagin proclaimed May 5th of that year the National Day of Reason. In 2009, the City Council issued a proclamation stating that May 7th of that year would be a Citywide Day of Reason. This week, the City Council is back at it. February… Read more
Jim Henderson is the man who “bought my soul” on eBay a few years ago. The reason he bid on my auction in the first place is because he loved the idea of “unchurched” people going to church and sharing their experiences. Jim would take those filled-out surveys and share them with the pastors of these churches, explaining what visitors liked and didn’t like about their visit. I wasn’t the first person to do this for him, and with Jim’s… Read more
A. Hughman has made a video that is a plea to young believers. It doesn’t ask that they become atheists — he has a different goal in mind: I love the video. My worry, though, is that many young Christians will say they have no problem with expressing doubt. They question plenty of things: Evolution. Sex education. And, yes, in some cases, certain things their religious leaders say. But they have no doubts whatsoever about things like the resurrection of… Read more
Over the weekend, I stumbled across the cover of the new issue of People on a library table: 19 kids…? My eyes wanted to bulge at the sight of that number, but they stopped doing that when the number hit double digits. It’s just not a surprise anymore. The question on the cover is “How Many Kids Are Too Many?” (Really, People magazine, it took you 19 kids to ask this question???) It’s really easy to bash the Duggars for… Read more
***Begin live-blogging*** 5:42 Third Commercial in. Good placement. ***End live-blogging*** Well, that was fun. What should I do the rest of the night? Read more
It’s up at The Huffington Post. The transcript: Pam Tebow: I call him my miracle baby. He almost didn’t make it into this world. I remember so many times when I almost lost him. It was so hard. Well he’s all grown up now, and I still worry about his health. Everybody treats him like he’s different, but to me, he’s just my baby. He’s my Timmy, and I love him. Tim Tebow: Thanks mom. Love you too. The most… Read more
