Monthly Archives: September 2011

Why Did This Canadian Public School Recite the Lord’s Prayer Every Morning?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

One thing we’ve all learned from the Jessica Ahlquist case is that many public schools have religious symbols in the buildings — and they justify their placement by saying it’s “tradition.” It’s always been there, so it should always be … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, General | 16 Comments

Are Fewer Weddings Being Presided Over By Church Leaders?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

The Washington Post reported on a trend last week that might be linked to a decline in religious influence as well as the growth in secular values: It looks like more couples are having their friends preside at their weddings … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Love | 70 Comments

Ask Richard: Update from European Ex-Muslim Feeling Trapped by Family Ties

Posted on September 26, 2011 by richard wade

Note to readers: “Faithful Reader,” who wrote last week’s letter wants to respond to your comments, which were wonderfully caring, encouraging, and full of helpful practical suggestions. Here she offers an update on her situation, and answers a question about … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Coming Out, General, Richard Wade | 57 Comments

Christian Rapper Preaches at a Public Middle School in South Carolina

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

Read this message from the ACLU and try not to get furious: Recently, a South Carolina middle school held a worship rally that sought to convert students to Christianity. The worship rally took place during an in-school assembly and featured … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, FFRF, General, Lawsuits | 95 Comments

An Interview with @AlmightyGod

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

There’s one place where it’s perfectly acceptable for atheists to follow God: On Twitter. If you use the service at all, you may already be a fan of @almightygod. With nearly 25,000 followers, he may be the most popular deity … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Humor, Interviews | 18 Comments

John Hodgman Interviews Neil deGrasse Tyson

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

You want a geekgasm? John Hodgman interviewing Neil deGrasse Tyson for 30 minutes on The Sound of Young America. Go listen to it. Or download it (MP3). It’s as amazing as you expect it to be. (My own interview with … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Humor, Science | 4 Comments

Was the New York Times’ Profile on Richard Dawkins Too Kind?

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

Earlier this week, in anticipation of the release of The Magic of Reality, the New York Times’ Michael Powell profiled Richard Dawkins. I pointed out my surprise that Powell pretty much ignored any real criticism of Dawkins within atheist circles … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Science | 53 Comments

Patton Oswalt’s Hilarious New Bit on Gay Marriage and the Bible

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

Comedian Patton Oswalt just released his new stand-up album “Finest Hour“: I’ve only gotten through the first half so far, but I love this clip In it, Oswalt talks about gay marriage, the Bible, and religious thinking — the language … Continue reading →

Posted in General, GLBT, Humor | 21 Comments

The Ledge is Now on Netflix

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

If you haven’t seen The Ledge, Matthew Chapman‘s thriller featuring an atheist lead character, it’s now available as a DVD on Netflix (or Qwikster or whatever they want to be called now… the one with DVDs, dammit). I saw it … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 13 Comments

The Student Who Said ‘Being a Homosexual is Wrong’ Didn’t Deserve To Be Suspended

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Hemant Mehta

There are a lot of stories out there about how a 14-year-old boy, Dakota Ary, got suspended from Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas because he made a comment in German class that his teacher didn’t like: “We … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, General, GLBT | 116 Comments