We’ve all heard plenty of examples of pareidolia, where someone “sees” a holy image in a stone slab or a piece of toast. But have you heard examples of “parodeities” — “rock songs with lyrics altered to make them Christian” which are not necessarily funny? Daniel Nester, an “aggressively secular” non-religious person went to a concert featuring the band ApologetiX. They’re a Christian parody band described as “Weird Al Yankovic meets Billy Graham.” Some examples of their songs: “JC’s Mom”… Read more
Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, recently participated in a debate on God’s existence. He does that a lot. He’s well-versed in what he says. So watch what his Christian opponent does in the following (brief) video. We don’t actually get to hear the Christian’s arguments in favor of God’s existence; instead, we get cutaway explanations of how God loves us… and we read snarky subtitles at the bottom of the screen during Dan’s portion of the… Read more
Some guy tries to sell his soul online and, all of a sudden, I get tons of emails… I don’t understand it 😛 Anyway, New Zealander Walter Scott tried to sell his soul on TradeMe (a.k.a. an eBay-like website based in New Zealand). The website pulled the auction, saying it was in bad taste. However, local pizza chain Hell Pizza decided to buy it, anyway. For $3,800. Rachael Allison, head of marketing for Hell Pizza, which has outlets across New… Read more
For many non-religious people, faith first begins to fade when pastors and parents are unable to answer some basic questions about God. Like: Who created God? or What was God doing before He created humans? Without solid, easy-to-understand responses to these questions, kids begin to understand religion doesn’t really make sense. Herb Silverman, president of the Secular Coalition for America, compiled a list of questions little children ask (or should ask) about God — along with his own follow-up questions…. Read more
As you’re reading this, I’m taking a makeup midterm exam for my grad school Abstract Algebra class (I missed the actual test while in Canada). Sample problem: When multiplying out 5,000,000!, how many zeroes are at the far right? Correct answer? 1,249,998. *Obviously* Gotta love tests that count for 50% of your grade. I’ll be spending the rest of my day crying in the fetal position. Read more
It was all Richard Dawkins’ idea! Richard Dawkins the British Atheist and free thinker has revealed that he was behind the global creationist movement, shocking supporters and right wing rednecks alike. ‘I thought if I made creationism look like the most ridiculous argument ever conceived then people would gravitate towards atheism. Sadly I hadn’t taken into account the stupidity and gullibility of Americans and the thing took a life of its own.’ said the 67 year-old author. It all makes… Read more
Last week, I spoke to a few secular groups in Toronto. The event was videotaped, and the full talk is now available on YouTube… though it’s in 398429823 parts. But if you’d like to see the complete version of my “I Sold My Soul on eBay and Friendly Atheism” talk, along with the Q&A, Part 1 is below and the links to the rest of it are underneath! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6… Read more
I received this email from a friend: … I have a co-worker who is always sending me forwards, which is annoying enough as it is, but recently they’ve shifted to the Christian variety of email. Now I don’t think she’s secretly trying to convert me — in fact, I think she believes I’m already all about Jesus. So how do you tell someone you work with that you’d like to stop getting her “Jesus saved my baby” forwards? The problem… Read more
By now, you’ve probably heard the popular song I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry. It includes these lyrics: I kissed a girl and I liked it The taste of her cherry ChapStick I kissed a girl just to try it I hope my boyfriend don’t mind it It felt so wrong It felt so right Don’t mean I’m in love tonight I kissed a girl and I liked it I liked it Here’s the fun twist: Katy Perry used… Read more
