Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, sat out of New Jersey’s primary voting on Super Tuesday. Why? “I didn’t vote because I’m tired of being ignored by the politicians… because I’m an atheist. All of the candidates court the religious voters and ignore me.” She then urges the 11% of non-religious voters to “stay home” during the 2008 general elections. This is the same person who urged us to “vote our atheism” only a month ago (she acknowledges this), but… Read more
The New York Times reports that “child-custody disputes in which religion is the flash point are increasing” over the past 30 years. In Oregon, a dispute between James Boldt and his former wife, Lia, was recently decided by the State Supreme Court. Mr. Boldt, the custodial parent, converted to Judaism after the divorce and sought to have their son, now 12, convert, and be circumcised. … Tensions can emerge when one parent takes a turn toward fundamentalism. In 2006, the… Read more
I especially like how “Believe in God” is trademarked… (via My Confined Space) [tags]atheist, atheism[/tags] Read more
I recently wrote about the 90 Day Jane blog. The blog is the (supposed) brainchild of “Jane,” a girl who is going to kill herself in about three months and is counting down the days. A reader created a wonderful response: the 25000 Day Arthur blog. He’s going to kill himself in 25000 days: Day 25000 Err, ate a meatball sub for lunch. Went to the gym and ran 6k in 30 minutes – pretty pleased about that. I can’t… Read more
Last week, I ran this contest: Tell us about your new religion. Name, followers, rules, etc. Here are the Top 3 responses (with submitters)! 3| The Second Assembly of Cod Mission: Love and peace to all things fish. Symbol: Darwin Fish Phrase stated upon entering Sacred Area: Holy Mackerel We could print tee-shirts. Oh the possiblities are endless! (Hound Doggy) 2| Paradoxism Belief system that if there is a God and a Heavenly reward, then only people who don’t believe… Read more
Jane is going to kill herself in 84 days. She’s counting down from 90. Why commit suicide? … I’m not depressed and nothing extremely horrible has lead me to this decision. But, does it really have to? I mean, as an atheist I feel life has no greater purpose. My generation has had no great depression, no great war and our biggest obstacle is beating Halo 3. So, if I feel like saying “game over”, why can’t I? I agree… Read more
If only that book was real… you can find more Photoshopped childhood stories here. (via [GBG] Atheist News) [tags]atheist, atheism[/tags] Read more
After reading about the dueling billboards, Cailin wrote this letter to Bishop Council Nedd, chairman of In God We Trust’s board of directors. It’s a fantastic blueprint if you wanted to write one of your own: Dear Rev. Nedd and In God We Trust, Your recent billboard ad revealed the ugly bigotry lurking under the surface of America. Your ad hominem attack of atheists was not only intellectually dishonest but also un-American. I realize your need for battling against a… Read more
A terrific (and short) song by Tim Minchin: (Thanks to Julie for the link!) [tags]atheist, atheism, skeptic[/tags] Read more
