Monthly Archives: August 2011

JREF Brings Pressure to ‘Psychic’ Frauds

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

Even though the James Randi Educational Foundation has been offering huge sums of money since 1996 to any psychic who could prove his/her supernatural powers, the current prize of $1,000,000 doesn’t seem to get as many headlines as one would … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 25 Comments

An Atheist Goes Through Alcoholics Anonymous

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

We already know Alcoholics Anonymous is not a program designed for atheists. 6 of the famed “12 Steps” refer to a Higher Power/God. There are secular alternatives, but nothing with the size and scope of AA. Author Marya Hornbacher knew … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 48 Comments

Why Was This Atheist Billboard Rejected by EMC Outdoor in Knoxville?

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

Of all the atheist billboards to get rejected by advertising companies, this one will amaze you: “You don’t need God — to hope, to care, to love, to live.” What’s wrong with that? You don’t need a god for any … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheist Advertising, General | 115 Comments

The Impact of the New Atheists a Decade After 9/11

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

There’s an article by Kimberly Winston of Religion News Service making the rounds about how 9/11 was a major spark for the New Atheism movement. It’s the event that led Sam Harris to write The End of Faith, and that … Continue reading →

Posted in Coming Out, General | 21 Comments

Jerry Buell, I Rebuke Thee

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

There’s an update on Jerry Buell, the anti-gay high school teacher who was reassigned from the classroom because of things he posted on his Facebook page, but allowed back into his classroom on Thursday. A couple days ago, I defended … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, General, GLBT | 85 Comments

Christian College Asks Applicants: Are You a Member of the LGBT Community?

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

We all know there’s an awful relationship between Christian schools and LGBT students. At some schools, the mere mention that you like someone of the same sex will cause the Christian Police to come after you (reparative therapy, anyone?)… At … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, General, GLBT | 35 Comments

How Do Atheists Prepare for Hurricane Irene?

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

Dave Silverman, president of American Atheists, was invited to be a guest on FOX Business’ “Varney & Co.” Friday morning. He was brought on to talk about “what Atheists do during times of crisis and how they will prepare for … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 157 Comments

Filipino Freethinkers Win Social Media Award

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

A couple weeks ago, Richard Wade posted a link for readers to go vote for the Filipino Freethinkers in the Globe Tatt Awards. One of the categories they were nominated for was called “The One” which goes to… …the most … Continue reading →

Posted in Contests, General, Politics | 7 Comments

We’re Non-Religious and We Volunteer

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

The Foundation Beyond Belief (which I’m on the board of) has begun a new program designed to help local atheist/Humanist groups find opportunities to help other people on a regular basis. We’re calling it Volunteers Beyond Belief: The Volunteers Beyond … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheist Generosity, General | 15 Comments

You Can’t Win When Kids Ask Questions

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

This isn’t going to end well… See the full strip for how that conversation went down. (Don’t forget the red dot!) It brings to mind comedian Louis CK‘s hilarious bit about children and the futility of answering their questions: You … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheist Parenting, General, Humor | 10 Comments