The Campaign for Free Expression (a part of the Center For Inquiry, and along with the Council for Secular Humanism) is holding an essay contest to promote it’s beliefs on “the right of individuals to express their viewpoints, opinions, and beliefs about all subjects — especially religion.” You must be a college student. Winner gets $2,000. The deadline in January 5th, 2010. The topic: The Importance of Free Expression and Its Limits (If Any). Each entry must address the question… Read more
In anticipation of the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s most famous book, Charlie’s Playhouse is putting together a really interesting project. We’re asking parents to pose a simple question to their kids: “What is evolution?” and let us know the very first answer. … We’ll weave their answers into a short, fun video, and release it to the world on November 24th, 2009, the anniversary of Darwin’s masterwork “On the Origin of Species.” You’re not allowed to… Read more
Since they won’t be putting up Nativity scenes or atheist plaques in the Washington state Capitol Building this year, the Freedom From Religion Foundation decided to buy adspace for a few hundred of these ads on Seattle buses. Provocative? Of course. Accurate? Not in the least. Atheists don’t (and shouldn’t) say, “There is no God” because it’s wrong to make such a blanket statement. (The British people knew well enough to put the word “Probably” in their bus campaign.) FFRF… Read more
Bill wrote a long letter that I have edited for space reasons. My paraphrasing is indicated by parentheses. For privacy, I have given him a different name. Dear Richard, I’m in a bit of a bind, and I have come to the conclusion that I need to seek out advice from people who lack the religious prejudices that I’ve been indoctrinated with. I appreciate any thoughts you have regarding the following situation. I’ve been gradually losing my faith over the… Read more
As God rested, the let’s-just-be-friends zone was created on the 7th day… (via Atheist Media Blog) Read more
There’s a new movie out called Collision which documents a series of debates on the topic: Is Christianity Good for the World? It features Christopher Hitchens, author of God is Not Great, and evangelical theologian Doug Wilson. On Thursday, November 19th, I will be co-sponsoring a screening of that movie along with The Painted Door, a Chicago church. Following the screening will be a discussion about the movie featuring myself and Chad Meister, editor of of the forthcoming God is… Read more
This post is by Jesse Galef — My dad puts special time and talent into carving unique and beautiful pumpkins each year. He bases his design on a specific story, sketches out an elaborate image, and uses special carving tools instead of a knife. I thought that looking at pictures would be a nice way to start the week. This pumpkin is actually from a couple of years ago, but it seems particularly appropriate for us. All descriptions and pictures… Read more
Months ago, the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago invited an acquaintance of mine, Sunsara Taylor, to speak at their November 1st meeting on the topic of “Morality without God.” They publicized it in their calendar of events and everything. Sunsara made travel plans to be here. A couple weeks ago, they rescinded their offer for her to speak. According to Sunsara’s publicist, there was some controversy about her other social/political views (she’s a Communist, for one) — some of them… Read more
This explains homeopathy beautifully: It’s still funnier than Garfield. (via Luke Surl Comics) Read more
Paul Bettany, the man who portrays Charles Darwin in Creation, is set to play archangel Michael in the 2010 movie Legion. His character is described as someone “who voluntarily falls to Earth to save the savior of mankind.” So much for typecasting 🙂 Read more
