Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's ... Shabbat?
This Friday night begins the secular New Year. If you're someone who celebrates Shabbat every Friday night, then do it again this week. If you're someone who does not celebrate each week, we encourage you to do something to recognize Shabbat this week before you head out and join in on New Year festivities.
A question for Jews is, what about simply wishing your friends a "Happy New Year"? After all, the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, was already celebrated back in September. So you can't really wish them a "L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu" (May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a very Happy New Year). But is just saying "Happy New Year" a problem? Some sources describe the secular New Year as marking the date of the brit milah (circumcision) of Jesus who was born on December 25th. Does saying it mean we are participating in a non-Jewish celebration? Rabbi Buchwald disagrees. He explains that, in his opinion, its okay to innocently wish a person a Happy New Year, or wish them a good year or life. Obviously we should want to celebrate what is Jewish, like Shabbat, and keep in mind that our New Year starts on Rosh Hashanah. We here at Jewish Treats wish you Happy New Year, a Happy Birthday to Rabbi Buchwald, and a Shabbat Shalom!
A question for Jews is, what about simply wishing your friends a "Happy New Year"? After all, the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, was already celebrated back in September. So you can't really wish them a "L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu" (May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a very Happy New Year). But is just saying "Happy New Year" a problem? Some sources describe the secular New Year as marking the date of the brit milah (circumcision) of Jesus who was born on December 25th. Does saying it mean we are participating in a non-Jewish celebration? Rabbi Buchwald disagrees. He explains that, in his opinion, its okay to innocently wish a person a Happy New Year, or wish them a good year or life. Obviously we should want to celebrate what is Jewish, like Shabbat, and keep in mind that our New Year starts on Rosh Hashanah. We here at Jewish Treats wish you Happy New Year, a Happy Birthday to Rabbi Buchwald, and a Shabbat Shalom!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Problem with Islamic Fundamentalism are the Fundamentals of Islam
Sam Harris: The Problem with Islamic Fundamentalism are the Fundamentals of Islam
Complete video at Fora.tv Sam Harris: Can Science Determine Human Values?
Complete video at Fora.tv Sam Harris: Can Science Determine Human Values?
Unravelling "Miracle" Claims
Tracie and Matt talk about some of the flaws with claims of miracles. (No phones again this week.)
The Atheist Experience TV Show
Atheist Experience #688: Unravelling "Miracle" Claims
Host: Matt Dillahunty
Co-host: Tracie Harris
19. December 2010
The Atheist Experience TV Show
Atheist Experience #688: Unravelling "Miracle" Claims
Host: Matt Dillahunty
Co-host: Tracie Harris
19. December 2010
Richard Dawkins on our "queer" universe
Biologist Richard Dawkins makes a case for "thinking the improbable" by looking at how the human frame of reference limits our understanding of the universe.
How I Became an Atheist: Introduction
This is just a short introduction to a video series that will eventually be a detailed account of how one Christian fundamentalist became a rational atheist.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Talk about moral beliefs and atheist with Derren Brown
Psychological illusionist Derren Brown talks to the OU's Nigel Warburton about whether being an atheist means you can't have any grounding for moral beliefs.
Religion, Secularism and Politics by Talal Asad
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Professor Talal Asad who reflects on his life and work as an anthropologist focusing on religion, modernity, and the complex relationships between Islam and the West.
Series: Conversations with History, October 2, 2008
Series: Conversations with History, October 2, 2008
"If God Can Kill" - An Essay on Yahweh's Morality
It shouldn't matter who you would be ordered to kill or why, and it shouldn't concern you that God could do it Himself. So long as it came from God your beliefs would dictate the action was right, and who are you to question His ways? However, if you find your personal sense of right and wrong clashing with God's morality, perhaps you should reevaluate the merits of human derived morals. You can of course not answer these questions, but that would be just as telling as any answer. If you do answer, be sure to do so honestly as lying is a sin. Although if it's to make you and your religion look good you can probably get a God approved lie.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Bible: A woman should learn
The Bible: “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.” I Timothy 2 (New International Version)
Humanism: “The rights of men and women should be equal and sacred—marriage should be a perfect partnership.” Robert Ingersoll, in a letter dated April 13, 1878
Humanism: “The rights of men and women should be equal and sacred—marriage should be a perfect partnership.” Robert Ingersoll, in a letter dated April 13, 1878
John 3:16
One of the most popular bible verses that's slapped on car bumper and even totted into spotting events is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
My first problem with this overused, illogical statement is that there is no reason for God to make any form of sacrifice in order to pay for the sins of humankind. Who is he making this sacrifice to? Who's forgiveness is he seeking? To whom does the death that is the wage of sin get paid? He's making this sacrifice to himself, and if you actually think about it for 2 minutes rather than swallowing a story whole and ignoring any plot holes, you must arrive at the conclusion of how illogical this is.
John 3:16
The second problem is the emphasis of this alleged sacrifice both on the part of God and the part of his son. Why is it so special that Jesus was God's only begotten son? Does got have low sperm count, or a narrow eurethra or something? Couldn't he have as many sons as he wants? Not to mention that I'd be a wealthy man if I got a dollar every time a religious person told me we're all god's children. Besides, God's apparent son ended up in heaven for eternity with his father- how is that giving his son? If anything the passage should say he lent his only begotten son for three days, and had him returned with a couple of holes his appendages. If I GIVE you my lawnmower, then take it back three days latter and never even let you see it again, is it fair for me to say that I love you so much that I gave you my only lawnmower?
From Jesus' perspective, this isn't a sacrifice either because he didn't really give up his life. He left a planet full of people who hated him, physically abused him, and misunderstood him to spend eternity in paradise. Mind you, I'm humoring the existence of God and Jesus here. Now if you believe a man named Jesus did exist but wasn't God in human form or the son of God at all, but believed he was and actually died but never came back, that would be more of a real sacrifice than if Jesus really was the son of God. Granted, the sacrifice wouldn't do anything for anyone, but at least it would be real.
Christians talk about this sacrifice as if we were standing in the street and the wages of our sin were Mac truck barreling towards us, and he pushed us out of the way accepting death on his own. Now that would be heroic for a person to do. What if after a guy pushed you out of the way of a truck and died himself instead you learned more about that guy? What if you learned that he could have made the truck disappear, or stop it with a remote control, alert the driver, or make the truck never exist in the first place? Then would it still be a brave and noble sacrifice for that man to chose the one method of stopping the truck that required him to die a brutal and bloody death? I'd say that would make the man suicidal, and if he knew he'd spend eternity in bliss afterwards I wouldn't blame him for seizing the quickest excuse to die.
The word "him" in the last part of this verse must refer to Jesus because the H isn't capitalized. Therefore, it can't refer to God, because apparently God's so important that you even capitalize the first letters of pronouns referring to "Him." It claims that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It's a good thing it says "should," rather than would or will, because every Jesus believer I know is every bit as mortal as the rest of us. Millions of Christians throughout history have in fact perished and died. Ohhhh you mean the kind of everlasting life that happens AFTER you life stops lasting... Oh, okay. Well it's a very nice sentiment that because an impotent God who lent us his only son for a few days all we have to do is believe in him and we'll live forever - after we die.
My first problem with this overused, illogical statement is that there is no reason for God to make any form of sacrifice in order to pay for the sins of humankind. Who is he making this sacrifice to? Who's forgiveness is he seeking? To whom does the death that is the wage of sin get paid? He's making this sacrifice to himself, and if you actually think about it for 2 minutes rather than swallowing a story whole and ignoring any plot holes, you must arrive at the conclusion of how illogical this is.
John 3:16
The second problem is the emphasis of this alleged sacrifice both on the part of God and the part of his son. Why is it so special that Jesus was God's only begotten son? Does got have low sperm count, or a narrow eurethra or something? Couldn't he have as many sons as he wants? Not to mention that I'd be a wealthy man if I got a dollar every time a religious person told me we're all god's children. Besides, God's apparent son ended up in heaven for eternity with his father- how is that giving his son? If anything the passage should say he lent his only begotten son for three days, and had him returned with a couple of holes his appendages. If I GIVE you my lawnmower, then take it back three days latter and never even let you see it again, is it fair for me to say that I love you so much that I gave you my only lawnmower?
From Jesus' perspective, this isn't a sacrifice either because he didn't really give up his life. He left a planet full of people who hated him, physically abused him, and misunderstood him to spend eternity in paradise. Mind you, I'm humoring the existence of God and Jesus here. Now if you believe a man named Jesus did exist but wasn't God in human form or the son of God at all, but believed he was and actually died but never came back, that would be more of a real sacrifice than if Jesus really was the son of God. Granted, the sacrifice wouldn't do anything for anyone, but at least it would be real.
Christians talk about this sacrifice as if we were standing in the street and the wages of our sin were Mac truck barreling towards us, and he pushed us out of the way accepting death on his own. Now that would be heroic for a person to do. What if after a guy pushed you out of the way of a truck and died himself instead you learned more about that guy? What if you learned that he could have made the truck disappear, or stop it with a remote control, alert the driver, or make the truck never exist in the first place? Then would it still be a brave and noble sacrifice for that man to chose the one method of stopping the truck that required him to die a brutal and bloody death? I'd say that would make the man suicidal, and if he knew he'd spend eternity in bliss afterwards I wouldn't blame him for seizing the quickest excuse to die.
The word "him" in the last part of this verse must refer to Jesus because the H isn't capitalized. Therefore, it can't refer to God, because apparently God's so important that you even capitalize the first letters of pronouns referring to "Him." It claims that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It's a good thing it says "should," rather than would or will, because every Jesus believer I know is every bit as mortal as the rest of us. Millions of Christians throughout history have in fact perished and died. Ohhhh you mean the kind of everlasting life that happens AFTER you life stops lasting... Oh, okay. Well it's a very nice sentiment that because an impotent God who lent us his only son for a few days all we have to do is believe in him and we'll live forever - after we die.
Goodnight and Good Luck
Casey, Mike & Sam discuss the end of SCAN in a brusque manner while answering calls, emails and voice mails. This episode marks the end of the SCAN era of Ask an Atheist.
Leave Ask an Atheist a Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
Tacoma Atheists End of the World list
We can't know countdown
Leave Ask an Atheist a Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
Tacoma Atheists End of the World list
We can't know countdown
Bertrand Russell's "China Teapot"
This is from an essay written by Bertrand Russell, "Is There a God?" which was written but never put in print by "Illustrated" in late 1952.
Is There a God? by Bertrand Russell
Is There a God? by Bertrand Russell
Monday, December 27, 2010
Where's the Proof? Natural Order
Atheists keep telling me there is zero evidence for God. They couldn't be more wrong. Here's why.
Where's the Proof?
Responce: Natural Order
Where's the Proof?
Responce: Natural Order
More Virgin Mary Ghost Nonsense from an Idiot Nation
Bishop David Ricken announced December 8, 2010 that he officially approves the Marian apparitions at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help at Champion.
The announcement was made during a special Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help at Champion. Reading from his decree, the Bishop stated, "I declare with moral certainty and in accord with the norms of the Church that the events, apparitions and locutions given to Adele Brise in October of 1859 do exhibit the substance of supernatural character, and I do hereby approve these apparitions as worthy of belief (although not obligatory) by the Christian faithful."
December 8, 2010 declaration makes Our Lady of Good Help at Champion the first and only site in the United States of an approved apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
WFRV 5 News, GREEN BAY, Wis. (December 8, 2010)
The announcement was made during a special Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help at Champion. Reading from his decree, the Bishop stated, "I declare with moral certainty and in accord with the norms of the Church that the events, apparitions and locutions given to Adele Brise in October of 1859 do exhibit the substance of supernatural character, and I do hereby approve these apparitions as worthy of belief (although not obligatory) by the Christian faithful."
December 8, 2010 declaration makes Our Lady of Good Help at Champion the first and only site in the United States of an approved apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
WFRV 5 News, GREEN BAY, Wis. (December 8, 2010)
Muhammad (Was a Very Bad Man)
A short clip from Intelligence Squared debate titled "Is Islam a Religion of Peace"
News Updates for December 25, 2010
News Updates From Freethought Radio for December 25, 2010 with Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, Co-Presidents.
Part 1 of 2
Part 2 of 2
Clips from Freethought Radio, December 25, 2010 (Edited for time)
Part 1 of 2
Part 2 of 2
Clips from Freethought Radio, December 25, 2010 (Edited for time)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas: The Season of New Beginnings
Christmas can be a season of new beginnings and an opportunity for new solutions, says Fr. Jonathan Morris in this Christmas Day "Fox & Friends" interview.
The Meaning of Christmas
Father Jonathan Morris lies about the Christmas.
Say it after me: Winter solstice
Say it after me: Winter solstice
CNN Investigates 'John of God' - Faith Healer Popularized by Oprah
December 23, 2010 on CNN
Let's see him cure some HIV, cancer, or juvenile diabetes before we start taking this seriously.
How Science Changed Our World
Professor Robert Winston presents his top ten scientific breakthroughs of the past 50 years. Tracing these momentous and wide-ranging discoveries, he meets a real-life bionic woman, one of the first couples to test the male contraceptive pill, and even some of his early IVF patients. He explores the origins of the universe, probes the inner workings of the human mind and sees the most powerful laser in the world. To finish, Professor Winston reveals the breakthrough he thinks is most significant.
BBC 1 23. December 2010
BBC 1 23. December 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
If Heaven Really Existed
Most theists don't believe in heaven any more than I do. Oh they say they do, but they mistake hopes for beliefs. How can you tell if someone really, really believes? Invent a time machine, go back, and ask a 9/11 hijacker.
Bart Ehrman on "Coast to Coast" radio interview
Ian Punnett was joined by Bible expert and author Bart Ehrman for a discussion on the apparent contradictions found in the New Testament. Many lay people are unaware of these discrepancies as well as the historical findings on the Bible, he said, because "scholars have done such terrible job of communicating with normal human beings." Ehrman believes that knowing more about troublesome passages can actually help people better understand the Scripture, and to that end he provided some specific examples of inconsistencies in the Bible.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 1
On the question of when Jesus died, Ehrman pointed out that the Gospel of Mark (see Chapter 14) indicates it was the day after Passover, while John's account (in Chapter 19) records it as occurring the day before the Jewish holiday. According to Ehrman, John changed the historical date to make a theological point about Jesus being the Passover Lamb of God. Ehrman presented the different details surrounding the demise of Judas as well. Matthew (27:5) says Judas "went and hanged himself," while the Book of Acts (1:18) records, "he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out."
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 2
Bart D. Ehrman spoke about the formation of the New Testament, noting how the collection was a result of theological conflict among different Christian groups and not a decision handed down by a Church council. Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, were not included in the Canon, though they provide information not found in the four Gospels, he added. Ehrman also mentioned the New Testament story about the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He said the account is not found in the earliest manuscripts and was likely inserted into the Gospel of John some centuries after the Canon had been closed.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 3
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 4
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 5
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 6
Part 7: About later adding to the bible
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 8
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 9
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 10
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 11
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 12
Coast to Coast - Bart Ehrman - April 18 2009
Biography:
Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to UNC in 1988, after four years of teaching at Rutgers University. At UNC he has served as both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies.
A graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois), Professor Ehrman received both his Masters of Divinity and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, where his 1985 doctoral dissertation was awarded magna cum laude. Since then he has published extensively in the fields of New Testament and Early Christianity, having written or edited twenty-one books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 1
On the question of when Jesus died, Ehrman pointed out that the Gospel of Mark (see Chapter 14) indicates it was the day after Passover, while John's account (in Chapter 19) records it as occurring the day before the Jewish holiday. According to Ehrman, John changed the historical date to make a theological point about Jesus being the Passover Lamb of God. Ehrman presented the different details surrounding the demise of Judas as well. Matthew (27:5) says Judas "went and hanged himself," while the Book of Acts (1:18) records, "he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out."
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 2
Bart D. Ehrman spoke about the formation of the New Testament, noting how the collection was a result of theological conflict among different Christian groups and not a decision handed down by a Church council. Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, were not included in the Canon, though they provide information not found in the four Gospels, he added. Ehrman also mentioned the New Testament story about the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He said the account is not found in the earliest manuscripts and was likely inserted into the Gospel of John some centuries after the Canon had been closed.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 3
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 4
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 5
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 6
Part 7: About later adding to the bible
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 8
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 9
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 10
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 11
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 12
Coast to Coast - Bart Ehrman - April 18 2009
Biography:
Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to UNC in 1988, after four years of teaching at Rutgers University. At UNC he has served as both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies.
A graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois), Professor Ehrman received both his Masters of Divinity and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, where his 1985 doctoral dissertation was awarded magna cum laude. Since then he has published extensively in the fields of New Testament and Early Christianity, having written or edited twenty-one books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews.
Sam Harris: Can Science Determine Human Values?
In this highly anticipated, explosive new book, the author of The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation calls for an end to religion's monopoly on morality and human values. In The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values, Sam Harris tears down the wall between scientific facts and human values to dismantle the most common justification for religious faith -- that a moral system cannot be based on science.
Berkeley Arts and Letters
Location: First Congregational Church of Berkeley (2345 Channing Way at Dana, Berkeley) Berkeley, CA.
Event Date: 11.10.10
Sam Harris bio:
Sam Harris is an American non-fiction author, and CEO of Project Reason. He received a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA, and is a graduate in philosophy from Stanford University. He has studied both Eastern and Western religious traditions, along with a variety of contemplative disciplines, for twenty years. He is a proponent of scientific skepticism and is the author of
The End of Faith (2004), which won the 2005 PEN/Martha Albrand Award,
Letter to a Christian Nation (2006), a rejoinder to criticism of his first book, and
The Moral Landscape (2010).
Berkeley Arts and Letters
Location: First Congregational Church of Berkeley (2345 Channing Way at Dana, Berkeley) Berkeley, CA.
Event Date: 11.10.10
Sam Harris bio:
Sam Harris is an American non-fiction author, and CEO of Project Reason. He received a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA, and is a graduate in philosophy from Stanford University. He has studied both Eastern and Western religious traditions, along with a variety of contemplative disciplines, for twenty years. He is a proponent of scientific skepticism and is the author of
The End of Faith (2004), which won the 2005 PEN/Martha Albrand Award,
Letter to a Christian Nation (2006), a rejoinder to criticism of his first book, and
The Moral Landscape (2010).
Friday, December 24, 2010
Countdown to Backpedaling
Wherein we discuss our new website, wecantknow.com and the reason we did it.
We Can't Know: Countdown to Backpedaling
Leave Us Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
This is a section of an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Seattle/Tacoma area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state.
The show airs on KLAY 1180 AM starting on January 9th, 2011.
We Can't Know: Countdown to Backpedaling
Leave Us Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
This is a section of an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Seattle/Tacoma area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state.
The show airs on KLAY 1180 AM starting on January 9th, 2011.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Adam Carolla - Religion Like Sports Teams
Adam Carolla discusses why the religion you follow is akin to the same reason you follow a certain sports team. Genius once again.
The Moon and the Jewish People
The moon is special to the Jewish people, not only because God created it, but because the moon represents the Jewish people and the Jewish people are compared to the moon in that they wax and wane, they grow and become less.
The Bible tells us that God first created the two great luminaries, the sun and the moon. He then designated that the sun shall rule during the day and the moon at night. Sages asked, why are they both considered luminaries? The moon doesn't have its own energy, it is only a reflection of the sun. The Midrash, the legendary interpretation of the Bible, explains that God originally created the sun and the moon to be the same size with two sources of light. Then the moon came to God and told Him that you cannot have two kings ruling over the same domain.
The moon wanted God to designate one as the chief. God agreed, but since it was the moon that complained, God reduced the moon, not the sun. God then felt bad for the moon and created stars to join the moon at night.
Since the Jewish people are compared to the moon and we pray that just as the small moon can become big, the Jewish people will once again grow into something very special, unique and powerful. May the moon represent only good for us!
The Bible tells us that God first created the two great luminaries, the sun and the moon. He then designated that the sun shall rule during the day and the moon at night. Sages asked, why are they both considered luminaries? The moon doesn't have its own energy, it is only a reflection of the sun. The Midrash, the legendary interpretation of the Bible, explains that God originally created the sun and the moon to be the same size with two sources of light. Then the moon came to God and told Him that you cannot have two kings ruling over the same domain.
The moon wanted God to designate one as the chief. God agreed, but since it was the moon that complained, God reduced the moon, not the sun. God then felt bad for the moon and created stars to join the moon at night.
Since the Jewish people are compared to the moon and we pray that just as the small moon can become big, the Jewish people will once again grow into something very special, unique and powerful. May the moon represent only good for us!
New Year's Resolutions 2011
Stewart Lee, Robin Ince, Josie Long, Ben Goldacre, Richard Herring, Mitch Benn and more discuss making social resolutions for New Year, backstage at Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People 2010.
For tips on how to make effective resolutions, more ideas and a planner which helps you stay on track - see resolution-revolution.org.uk and resolve to do something for someone else this New Year.
You can also view Resolution Revolution on Facebook
New Year Resolution: Don't be a dick!
For tips on how to make effective resolutions, more ideas and a planner which helps you stay on track - see resolution-revolution.org.uk and resolve to do something for someone else this New Year.
You can also view Resolution Revolution on Facebook
New Year Resolution: Don't be a dick!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Method of the Year 2010: Optogenetics
This video shows how scientists can control the behaviour of cells simply by switching on a light. The technique, known as optogenetics, is teaching us about everything from how we wake up to how we learn. That's why Nature Methods has named optogenetics as its Method of the Year 2010.
Imagine If All Atheists Left America
Highlighting what would happen if all atheists were to leave America. Details of who would leave, what would change, and a look at other countries with virtually no Atheism.
SOURCES:
Over 10% of American population are atheist
Majority of Nobel Prize winners atheist:
The Religiosity and Religious Affiliation of Nobel Prize Winners (Beit-Hallahmi, 1989)
Majority of University professors atheist:
Religion and Spirituality among University Scientists (Ecklund, 2007)
Majority of scientists atheist
Atheist Intellectuals:
http://brainz.org/50-most-brilliant-atheists-all-time/
http://www.celebatheists.com/?title=Category:Atheist
Atheist Celebrities
Poverty rate lower among atheists: Society Without God (Zuckerman, 2008)
IQ higher among atheists
Illiteracy rate lower among atheists:
United Nations Human Development Report (2004)
Average Income higher among atheists:
United Nations Human Development Report (2004)
Divorce rate lower among atheists
Teen pregnancy rate lower among atheists
Abortions lower among atheists
Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (Paul, 2005)
STD infection lower among atheists
Crime rate lower among atheists:
Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (Paul, 2005)
Homicide rate lower among atheists:
Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (Paul, 2005)
Percentage of atheists in the countries mentioned
SOURCES:
Over 10% of American population are atheist
Majority of Nobel Prize winners atheist:
The Religiosity and Religious Affiliation of Nobel Prize Winners (Beit-Hallahmi, 1989)
Majority of University professors atheist:
Religion and Spirituality among University Scientists (Ecklund, 2007)
Majority of scientists atheist
Atheist Intellectuals:
http://brainz.org/50-most-brilliant-atheists-all-time/
http://www.celebatheists.com/?title=Category:Atheist
Atheist Celebrities
Poverty rate lower among atheists: Society Without God (Zuckerman, 2008)
IQ higher among atheists
Illiteracy rate lower among atheists:
United Nations Human Development Report (2004)
Average Income higher among atheists:
United Nations Human Development Report (2004)
Divorce rate lower among atheists
Teen pregnancy rate lower among atheists
Abortions lower among atheists
Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (Paul, 2005)
STD infection lower among atheists
Crime rate lower among atheists:
Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (Paul, 2005)
Homicide rate lower among atheists:
Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies: A First Look (Paul, 2005)
Percentage of atheists in the countries mentioned
Christmas debate with David Silverman vs Bill Donohue
Catholic Bill Donohue vs. Dave Silverman (President, American Atheists) on America Live with Megyn Kelly.
Argue point Christmas trees 'make non-Christians feel excluded'
Aired December 21, 2010 on Fox News
Argue point Christmas trees 'make non-Christians feel excluded'
Aired December 21, 2010 on Fox News
FFRF's Winter Solstice Sign In Mississippi State Capital
WLBT3 News, Jackson, Mississippi, 12-20-2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Bill O'Reilly: Taxes, Jesus and Morality
Bill O'Reilly Talking Point Commentary with Stephen Colbert
Bill O'Reilly "I have 12 yers of Catholic school"
Aired December 20, 2010 on Fox News
Bill O'Reilly "I have 12 yers of Catholic school"
Aired December 20, 2010 on Fox News
Vatican City Has the Lowest Age of Consent and the Highest Crime Rate
QI - Vatican City Has the Lowest Age of Consent and the Highest Crime Rate in Europe
From QI Season H, Episode 13
From QI Season H, Episode 13
Gallup Poll: 52% of Republicans Reject Evolution!
40% of all Americans believe in strict creationism!
52% of Republicans believe humans were *magically* created in their current form less than 10,000 years ago.
Hardball with Chris Matthews, MSNBC, December 20, 2010
52% of Republicans believe humans were *magically* created in their current form less than 10,000 years ago.
Hardball with Chris Matthews, MSNBC, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why live? (animated video)
A challenge to answer: why human life is worth living. We hear this question a lot.
Atheists: Why Live?
Atheists: Why Live?
How Atheists Celebrate Christmas
Casey and Mike discuss the Christmas, it's secular existence and how Atheists interface with it, plus bonus conspiracy discussion.
Leave Us Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
This is a section of an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Seattle area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state. The show is broadcast live on the SCANtv station covering a large section of the Puget Sound area.
Leave Us Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
This is a section of an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Seattle area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state. The show is broadcast live on the SCANtv station covering a large section of the Puget Sound area.
Does God Exist? A debate with Jonathan Morris and Michael Shermer on John Stossel
A debate about the role of faith, religion and the existence of God, with Dr. Michael Shermer of "Skeptic" magazine and Fr. Jonathan Morris on Fox Business with John Stossel.
Part 1 of 2
Part 2 of 2
Stossel. Fox Business
Part 1 of 2
Part 2 of 2
Stossel. Fox Business
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Power of Prayer
Father Jonathan Morris talks about a new study that shows that prayer may have psychological benefits for the person praying, going beyond their theological scope.
Father Jonathan Morris: "If you have an imaginary friend, there is something wrong with you" Well said! No drop yours and become an atheist.
Father Morris: It's Not Healthy to Have an Imaginary Friend
December 19, 2010 on Fox News
Father Jonathan Morris: "If you have an imaginary friend, there is something wrong with you" Well said! No drop yours and become an atheist.
Father Morris: It's Not Healthy to Have an Imaginary Friend
December 19, 2010 on Fox News
News Updates From Freethought Radio for December 18, 2010
On Noahs ark being build in Kentucky
Clips from Freethought Radio, December 18, 2010
Speaking: Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, Co-Presidents
Clips from Freethought Radio, December 18, 2010
Speaking: Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker, Co-Presidents
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Mississippi State Capital Displays FFRF Sign
"At this season of the Winter Solstice may reason prevail.
There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
WAPT16 News, Jackson, Mississippi. December 16,2010
There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
WAPT16 News, Jackson, Mississippi. December 16,2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Nature of Existence
All the Mysteries of Human Existence - Explained in One Movie!
Why are we here, and what are we supposed to do about it? What started the Universe, and was it a mistake? Does God exist, and why does he seem so interested in our sex lives?
The Nature of Existence - Original Trailer
After exploring the phenomenon of "Trekkies", filmmaker Roger Nygard took on The Nature of Existence. Nygard wrote down the toughest 85 questions he could think of, roamed the globe to the source of each of the world's philosophies, religions, and belief systems, and interviewed people who have influenced, inspired, or freaked out humanity.
Why are we here, and what are we supposed to do about it? What started the Universe, and was it a mistake? Does God exist, and why does he seem so interested in our sex lives?
The Nature of Existence - Original Trailer
After exploring the phenomenon of "Trekkies", filmmaker Roger Nygard took on The Nature of Existence. Nygard wrote down the toughest 85 questions he could think of, roamed the globe to the source of each of the world's philosophies, religions, and belief systems, and interviewed people who have influenced, inspired, or freaked out humanity.
The War on Christmas
Scott and Keight discuss the fake War on Christmas, with more Bill O'Reilly clips than one human can reasonably handle.
Leave Us Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
This is a section of an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Seattle area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state. The show is broadcast live on the SCANtv station covering a large section of the Puget Sound area.
Leave Us Voice Mail: 206-420-0997
This is a section of an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Seattle area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state. The show is broadcast live on the SCANtv station covering a large section of the Puget Sound area.
Jesus - The Revenge
This one falls into the "just for fun" category, folks. No deep messages. No explorations into the wonders of science. No dissections of religious literature. Just a loud soundtrack, some gratuitous gore and a little sacrilege. So just chill, already.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Biblical Contradictions with Bart Ehrman on "Coast to Coast" radio interview
Ian Punnett was joined by Bible expert and author Bart Ehrman for a discussion on the apparent contradictions found in the New Testament. Many lay people are unaware of these discrepancies as well as the historical findings on the Bible, he said, because "scholars have done such terrible job of communicating with normal human beings." Ehrman believes that knowing more about troublesome passages can actually help people better understand the Scripture, and to that end he provided some specific examples of inconsistencies in the Bible.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 1
On the question of when Jesus died, Ehrman pointed out that the Gospel of Mark (see Chapter 14) indicates it was the day after Passover, while John's account (in Chapter 19) records it as occurring the day before the Jewish holiday. According to Ehrman, John changed the historical date to make a theological point about Jesus being the Passover Lamb of God. Ehrman presented the different details surrounding the demise of Judas as well. Matthew (27:5) says Judas "went and hanged himself," while the Book of Acts (1:18) records, "he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out."
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 2
Bart D Ehrman spoke about the formation of the New Testament, noting how the collection was a result of theological conflict among different Christian groups and not a decision handed down by a Church council. Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, were not included in the Canon, though they provide information not found in the four Gospels, he added. Ehrman also mentioned the New Testament story about the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He said the account is not found in the earliest manuscripts and was likely inserted into the Gospel of John some centuries after the Canon had been closed.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 3
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 4
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 5
Part 6 on bible editing
Part 7: About later adding to the bible
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 8
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 9
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 10
Part 11: on the tow creation stories
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 12
Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to UNC in 1988, after four years of teaching at Rutgers University. At UNC he has served as both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies.
A graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois), Professor Ehrman received both his Masters of Divinity and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, where his 1985 doctoral dissertation was awarded magna cum laude. Since then he has published extensively in the fields of New Testament and Early Christianity, having written or edited twenty-one books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews.
From Coast to Coast - Bart Ehrman - Apr 18 2009
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 1
On the question of when Jesus died, Ehrman pointed out that the Gospel of Mark (see Chapter 14) indicates it was the day after Passover, while John's account (in Chapter 19) records it as occurring the day before the Jewish holiday. According to Ehrman, John changed the historical date to make a theological point about Jesus being the Passover Lamb of God. Ehrman presented the different details surrounding the demise of Judas as well. Matthew (27:5) says Judas "went and hanged himself," while the Book of Acts (1:18) records, "he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out."
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 2
Bart D Ehrman spoke about the formation of the New Testament, noting how the collection was a result of theological conflict among different Christian groups and not a decision handed down by a Church council. Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, were not included in the Canon, though they provide information not found in the four Gospels, he added. Ehrman also mentioned the New Testament story about the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He said the account is not found in the earliest manuscripts and was likely inserted into the Gospel of John some centuries after the Canon had been closed.
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 3
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 4
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 5
Part 6 on bible editing
Part 7: About later adding to the bible
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 8
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 9
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 10
Part 11: on the tow creation stories
Bart Ehrman - Coast to Coast - Part 12
Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to UNC in 1988, after four years of teaching at Rutgers University. At UNC he has served as both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies.
A graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois), Professor Ehrman received both his Masters of Divinity and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, where his 1985 doctoral dissertation was awarded magna cum laude. Since then he has published extensively in the fields of New Testament and Early Christianity, having written or edited twenty-one books, numerous scholarly articles, and dozens of book reviews.
From Coast to Coast - Bart Ehrman - Apr 18 2009
Christians, Deconvert For Christmas (please)
I need Christian viewers to stop praying temporarily, so that Jesus can bring me all of the abundance that I deserve.
Michael Shermer on Charlie Rose on Pseudoscience
Michael Shermer discusses Carl Sagan, science, pseudoscience, and the paranormal on PBS's Charle Rose, during his book tour for Why People Believe Weird Things.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Mr Deity and the Barbecue
Mr. Deity's plans for a region of reprimand are discovered by John (later known as "The Baptist").
Waiting For Armageddon
Americas 50-million strong Evangelical community is convinced that the worlds future is foretold in Biblical prophecy - from the Rapture to the Battle of Armageddon. This astonishing documentary explores their world - in their homes, at conferences, and on a wide-ranging tour of Israel.
By interweaving Christian, Zionist, Jewish and critical perspectives along with telling archival materials, the filmmakers probe the politically powerful - and potentially explosive - alliance between Evangelical Christians and Israelan alliance that may set the stage for what one prominent Evangelical leader calls World War III.
Waiting For Armageddon (Trailer)
ReThink Review on Waiting For Armageddon
Review - Waiting For Armageddon, Scary Documentary
By interweaving Christian, Zionist, Jewish and critical perspectives along with telling archival materials, the filmmakers probe the politically powerful - and potentially explosive - alliance between Evangelical Christians and Israelan alliance that may set the stage for what one prominent Evangelical leader calls World War III.
Waiting For Armageddon (Trailer)
ReThink Review on Waiting For Armageddon
Review - Waiting For Armageddon, Scary Documentary
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
American Dream: One Nation Under God
Using remarkable archive footage and eyewitness testimony, this major three-part series explores the realities behind the idea of the 'American Dream' from the 1940s to the 1970s.
BBC2 4. December 2010
BBC2 4. December 2010
Neil deGrasse Tyson worries about stupid humans
Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about differences in intelligence - entertaining as always.
Jesus Slammed in High School Book
This video shows a group of insecure Christians. They are afraid because of how Jesus Christ is protrayed in a fictional book .. just like the bible.
December 14, 2010 on Fox News
This video is a follow up from Parents Outraged Over School Book Portraying Jesus as a "Socialist"
December 14, 2010 on Fox News
This video is a follow up from Parents Outraged Over School Book Portraying Jesus as a "Socialist"
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Woman Whipped In Public For Wearing Trousers
News from the religion of peace
December 14, 2010 on Sky News
December 14, 2010 on Sky News
William (Bill) Donohue vs Frosty The Snowman
A politically correct West Village YMCA has fired Ol' St. Nick in favor of Frosty.
Kids who once thrilled at sitting on Santa's lap at the 14th Street McBurney YMCA's wildly popular annual holiday luncheon will now suffer the icy embrace of a talking snowman and his sidekick, an anonymous penguin, at today's event.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, December 13, 2010
Forget about bringing a list or checking it twice -- Frosty doesn't take gift requests, and doesn't care if you're naughty or nice.
YMCA officials, who say they are in the midst of "rebranding" the Young Men's Christian Association to "The Y," defended their decision.
"It wasn't replacing; it was transitioning," said John Rappaport, executive director of the McBurney YMCA. "We realized that change is sometimes good, and that Frosty is a great winter character who would appeal to a broader number of kids."
The decision to ditch Father Christmas came down from McBurney branch administration, not the Y's Chicago headquarters.
A chilly reception greeted the news that the YMCA -- an organization founded to spread Christian values in 1844 -- was replacing the Christmas icon with a secular cartoon character.
"Christmas is not about Jack Frost; it's not about snowmen," fumed Bill Donohue of the Catholic League. "We're not talking about some secular organization that has no religious roots. If they can't celebrate Christmas, then they should check out. What a bunch of cowards."
"Santa belongs to all the people," added Ed Bobrow, who has played Santa at Central Park's Belvedere Castle for years. "He represents openness and an invitation for anyone and everyone to celebrate good will toward man."
Bobrow, who is Jewish, says it's the kids who will miss out. "Try to see it through the eyes of the children," he said.
"It's sad that people are so offended by a man in a red suit," said Taylor Patterson, an 18-year-old member of the McBurney Y. "It's not a Christian thing. It is the spirit of the holiday that counts. I think the Y is well intended, but misguided."
Director Rappaport offered an olive branch to critics, insisting that everyone is welcome today -- even "Santa . . . if he's in town."
Kids who once thrilled at sitting on Santa's lap at the 14th Street McBurney YMCA's wildly popular annual holiday luncheon will now suffer the icy embrace of a talking snowman and his sidekick, an anonymous penguin, at today's event.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, December 13, 2010
Forget about bringing a list or checking it twice -- Frosty doesn't take gift requests, and doesn't care if you're naughty or nice.
YMCA officials, who say they are in the midst of "rebranding" the Young Men's Christian Association to "The Y," defended their decision.
"It wasn't replacing; it was transitioning," said John Rappaport, executive director of the McBurney YMCA. "We realized that change is sometimes good, and that Frosty is a great winter character who would appeal to a broader number of kids."
The decision to ditch Father Christmas came down from McBurney branch administration, not the Y's Chicago headquarters.
A chilly reception greeted the news that the YMCA -- an organization founded to spread Christian values in 1844 -- was replacing the Christmas icon with a secular cartoon character.
"Christmas is not about Jack Frost; it's not about snowmen," fumed Bill Donohue of the Catholic League. "We're not talking about some secular organization that has no religious roots. If they can't celebrate Christmas, then they should check out. What a bunch of cowards."
"Santa belongs to all the people," added Ed Bobrow, who has played Santa at Central Park's Belvedere Castle for years. "He represents openness and an invitation for anyone and everyone to celebrate good will toward man."
Bobrow, who is Jewish, says it's the kids who will miss out. "Try to see it through the eyes of the children," he said.
"It's sad that people are so offended by a man in a red suit," said Taylor Patterson, an 18-year-old member of the McBurney Y. "It's not a Christian thing. It is the spirit of the holiday that counts. I think the Y is well intended, but misguided."
Director Rappaport offered an olive branch to critics, insisting that everyone is welcome today -- even "Santa . . . if he's in town."
How Religious Were the Founding Fathers?
Historian Gordon Wood explains that Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and George Washington were not "emotionally religious." He outlines the development of religion in the early United States, stating that as American society became more democratic, "the evangelicals took over."
Pulitzer Prize for History recipient Gordon Wood traces the history of American efforts to promote democracy around the world from the French Revolution to current involvement in the Middle East.
As far back as the 19th century, the identity of America has been linked to its central role in sparking republican revolutions around the world. - Chautauqua Institution
Gordon S. Wood is Alva O. Way University Professor and Professor of History at Brown University. He received his B.A. degree from Tufts University and his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He taught at Harvard University and the University of Michigan before joining the faculty at Brown in 1969.
He is the author of many works, including The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787 (Chapel Hill, 1969), which won the Bancroft Prize and the John H. Dunning Prize in 1970, and The Radicalism of the American Revolution (New York, 1992), which won the Pulitzer Prize for History and the Ralph Waldo Emerson Prize in 1993.
Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/08/25/Why_America_Wants_to_Promote_Liberty_and_Democracy
Pulitzer Prize for History recipient Gordon Wood traces the history of American efforts to promote democracy around the world from the French Revolution to current involvement in the Middle East.
As far back as the 19th century, the identity of America has been linked to its central role in sparking republican revolutions around the world. - Chautauqua Institution
Gordon S. Wood is Alva O. Way University Professor and Professor of History at Brown University. He received his B.A. degree from Tufts University and his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He taught at Harvard University and the University of Michigan before joining the faculty at Brown in 1969.
He is the author of many works, including The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787 (Chapel Hill, 1969), which won the Bancroft Prize and the John H. Dunning Prize in 1970, and The Radicalism of the American Revolution (New York, 1992), which won the Pulitzer Prize for History and the Ralph Waldo Emerson Prize in 1993.
Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/08/25/Why_America_Wants_to_Promote_Liberty_and_Democracy
Dr Margaret Singer Speaks at Conference
Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer's main areas of research included schizophrenia, family therapy, brainwashing and coercive persuasion. Singer performed research at the University of Colorado's School of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center Institute of Research, the National Institute of Mental Health, the United States Air Force and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She received many awards for her work, including the Leo J. Ryan Memorial Award, the Research Scientist Award from the National Institute of Mental Health, and both the Hofheimer Prize and the Stanley R. Dean Award from the American College of Psychiatrists.
In the 1960s she began to study the nature of cults and mind control and served on the board of the American Family Foundation. She is the author of the book Cults in Our Midst. She gave expert testimony in several cult-related trials, including the 1976 trial of Patty Hearst, who had previously been kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, and the 1977 hearing for five members of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church.
In 1987, as head of the APA taskforce on Deceptive and Indirect Techniques of Persuasion and Control for the American Psychological Association, Singer oversaw the production of a report that was later rejected by the APA's Board of Social and Ethical Responsibility for Psychology. Thereafter, Singer's expert testimony in four subsequent cases was not accepted. In 1992 she sued the APA for "defamation, frauds, aiding and abetting and conspiracy", but in 1994 she lost.
Articles in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times reported complaints by Singer and her family that she had been enduring harassment and death threats due to her "battles" with the cults.
Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer, (1921- 2003) was a clinical psychologist and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.
In the 1960s she began to study the nature of cults and mind control and served on the board of the American Family Foundation. She is the author of the book Cults in Our Midst. She gave expert testimony in several cult-related trials, including the 1976 trial of Patty Hearst, who had previously been kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, and the 1977 hearing for five members of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church.
In 1987, as head of the APA taskforce on Deceptive and Indirect Techniques of Persuasion and Control for the American Psychological Association, Singer oversaw the production of a report that was later rejected by the APA's Board of Social and Ethical Responsibility for Psychology. Thereafter, Singer's expert testimony in four subsequent cases was not accepted. In 1992 she sued the APA for "defamation, frauds, aiding and abetting and conspiracy", but in 1994 she lost.
Articles in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times reported complaints by Singer and her family that she had been enduring harassment and death threats due to her "battles" with the cults.
Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer, (1921- 2003) was a clinical psychologist and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Skeptic Michael Shermer on Atheism, Happiness, and the Free Market
Whether they're intelligent design advocates, psychics, or 9/11 truthers, Skeptic Magazine's Founding Publisher Michael Shermer says the world is full of people who believe weird things.
Shermer sat down with Reason.tv's Tim Cavanaugh at Libertopia 2010 in Hollywood to discuss why self-help gurus aren't the key to happiness, what the New Atheist movement hopes to accomplish, why liberals accept evolution but not free markets, and why he switched from global warming skepticism to acceptance.
Approximately 9 minutes. Camera by Adam Hawk Jensen and Zach Weissmueller. Edited by Weissmueller. Music by Bjorn Fogelberg (Magnatune Records).
Visit Reason.tv for downloadable versions. Subscribe to Reason.tv's YouTube channel to receive automatic notification when new material goes live.
Shermer sat down with Reason.tv's Tim Cavanaugh at Libertopia 2010 in Hollywood to discuss why self-help gurus aren't the key to happiness, what the New Atheist movement hopes to accomplish, why liberals accept evolution but not free markets, and why he switched from global warming skepticism to acceptance.
Approximately 9 minutes. Camera by Adam Hawk Jensen and Zach Weissmueller. Edited by Weissmueller. Music by Bjorn Fogelberg (Magnatune Records).
Visit Reason.tv for downloadable versions. Subscribe to Reason.tv's YouTube channel to receive automatic notification when new material goes live.
Richard Dawkins - "History of the Earth" in C Major
Richard Dawkins uses the piano to explain the vastness of geological time
Home For The Holidays
How do non-believers approach the Christmas holiday season? How do they handle the mealtime prayers? What are the reactions of religious family members to atheist or agnostic loved ones? Your calls. Your letters. Your experiences.
Home For The Holidays-The Thinking Atheist Podcast #11
Home For The Holidays-The Thinking Atheist Podcast #11
Sunday, December 12, 2010
News Updates From Freethought Radio for December 11, 2010
Clips from Freethought Radio, December 11, 2010 (Edited for time)
Song clip was deleted from this video as it violated copyright: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?", written in 1931 by lyricist E. Y. "Yip" Harburg and composer Jay Gorney.
Song clip was deleted from this video as it violated copyright: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?", written in 1931 by lyricist E. Y. "Yip" Harburg and composer Jay Gorney.
Dan Barker at Colorado Christian University
"Strategic Objectives Workshop"
A panel discussion on Christians, Jews, Muslims, & Atheists.
December 10, 2010.
A panel discussion on Christians, Jews, Muslims, & Atheists.
December 10, 2010.
Fox News: 'Efforts to Replace Allegiance to God with Allegieance to Government'
December 10, 2010 on Fox News
Saturday, December 11, 2010
American Dream: The Jonestown Massacre
Clip from 'American Dream: One Nation Under God' (episode 3 of 3 of the 'American Dream' documentary series))
BBC2 04 December 2010
BBC2 04 December 2010
The Ken Miller - Morris Origon Debate at Brown University
Adebate between biologist Ken Miller and creationist Henry Morris.
The Miller-Morris Debate, Part 1. In this first segment, Morris makes his case.
In Part 2, Ken Miller (Kenneth R Miller) The Miller-Morris Debate, Part 2
In Part 3... the debate!
From April 10, 1981
The Miller-Morris Debate, Part 1. In this first segment, Morris makes his case.
In Part 2, Ken Miller (Kenneth R Miller) The Miller-Morris Debate, Part 2
In Part 3... the debate!
From April 10, 1981
Richard Dawkins Interviewed on NZTV's Close Up
Richard Dawkins Interviewed on NZTV's Close Up with Mark Sainsbury
1 of 2
2 of 2
March 17, 2010 on NZTV's Close Up with Mark Sainsbury
1 of 2
2 of 2
March 17, 2010 on NZTV's Close Up with Mark Sainsbury
Carl Sagan on mass media and children
An extraterrestrial being, newly arrived on earth - scrutinizing what we mainly present to our children on television and radio and in movies, newspapers, magazines, comics and many books - might easily conclude that we are intent on teaching them murder, rape, cruelty, superstition, credulity and consumerism. We keep at it, and through constant repetition many of them finally get it.
What kind of society coult we create if, instead, we drummed into them science and a sense of hope?
Quote by Carl Sagan in the book "The Demon-haunted world. Science as a candle in the dark"
Friday, December 10, 2010
Merry Xmas with Christopher Hitchens
It's that time of the year, again. Christopher Hitchens gives his views on Christmas. Clips from MSNBC and Reason Magazine HQ, from a few years back. + Bonus Track.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
