Monthly Archives: August 2010

Ask Richard: Young American Atheist Applying for College in the U.K.

Posted on August 16, 2010 by richard wade

Note: Letter writers’ names are changed to protect their privacy. Dear Mr. Wade, I’m starting my senior year in high school and I’m preparing for college applications. I am an American but I’m applying to colleges in the UK. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Coming Out, Education, General, Richard Wade | 41 Comments

Should the Atheists Baptize Their Future Baby?

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Guest Contributor

Reader Jordan broke away from Christianity a while back. His wife is an agnostic but still “culturally Catholic,” meaning she attends services with her family when she’s visiting them, among other things. She likes the tradition and ceremonies but doesn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Babies, General | 94 Comments

CFI Opens Branch in Ottawa, Canada

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Guest Contributor

The Center For Inquiry is opening a new branch in Ottawa, Canada (which, I suppose, makes it the Centre for Inquiry?) and their inaugural event on September 22nd will feature Marci McDonald, author of the new book The Armageddon Factor: … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, General | 12 Comments

Atheists and Interfaith Cooperation

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Guest Contributor

At the recent Secular Student Alliance conference, I participated in a panel discussion on interfaith cooperation. We talked about how campus atheist groups should interact with religious groups, when it’s appropriate to criticize their beliefs, and a lot more. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheist/Christian Cooperation, General, Secular Student Alliance | 49 Comments

Creating the Target

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Guest Contributor

David Hayward offers this visual of the sort of alienation seen in the Christian world: What does someone have to say to become the red dot in the atheist world? (via nakedpastor)

Posted in Fine Arts, General | 94 Comments

Responses to the Ground Zero Mosque

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Guest Contributor

There have been several recent responses to the planned building of a Muslim community center and mosque (a.k.a. Park51) close to Ground Zero. I’m not opposed to it — more on that later — but I’ve been reading some interesting … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Politics | 79 Comments

Tell Me Again Why He Deserves Forgiveness?

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Guest Contributor

It’s always fun to make Christians explain why a kind person who doesn’t believe in the divinity of Jesus will go to Hell, while a repentant serial killer who accepts Jesus in his heart will go to Heaven. Next time … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Humor | 77 Comments

Madison Catholic Diocese Buys Cheaper Insurance But Will Fire Employees Who Use It for Birth Control

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Guest Contributor

The Madison Catholic Diocese and St. Mary’s Hospital in the area have issued this (slightly paraphrased) statement to all of its employees: Our new insurance plan covers prescription contraceptives like birth-control. But if you ever take those pills, we’re so … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Churches, General, Politics | 19 Comments

Holy Bonds of Matrimony?

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Guest Contributor

Reader Chelsea lives in Tennessee and she’s getting married this September. She and her fiancé are both atheists and plan to have a secular wedding ceremony, so they were a bit surprised when they went to go get their marriage … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Love | 65 Comments

Lessons from PepsiGate

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Guest Contributor

Freelance writer Rebecca Fernandez suggests five lessons learned during the ScienceBlogs PepsiGate scandal. She goes into more depth in her article, but here are the the bulletpoints: Lesson #1: You might be a journalist. Lesson #2: Your brand is no … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 7 Comments