Richard Dawkins on Militant Atheism

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Daniel Florien

From TED 2002:

Posted in Atheism, Videos | 22 Comments

Neil deGrasse Tyson on Sunday School Science

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Daniel Florien

Posted in Christianity, Fundamentalism, Quotes, Science | 13 Comments

Ken Miller Explains How We’re Related to Apes

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Daniel Florien

And he does it without a single fossil.

[via]

Posted in Evolution, Science | 7 Comments

Information Wants to Be Free, Amen.

Posted on January 12, 2012 by vorjack

I’m not sure what to make of this. Via the LA Times:

Copying and file sharing recognized as a religion in Sweden

Can the gospel of file sharing really be recognized as a religion? In Sweden it can.

In the midst of a worldwide debate about Internet piracy, Swedish authorities have granted official religious status to the Church of Kopimism, which claims it considers CTRL+C and CTRL+V (shortcuts for copy and paste) to be sacred symbols, and that information is holy and copying is a sacrament.

The church was founded by philosophy student Isak Gerson, who is also the self-appointed spiritual leader of the movement. [...]

The blog Torrent Freak reports that membership in the church has grown from 1,000 to 3,000 in the last six months, and the founders expect more people to join now that its religious status is making a splash on the Internet.

“Being recognized by the state of Sweden is a large step for Kopimi,” said Gerson. “Hopefully this is one step towards the day when we can live out our faith without fear of persecution.”

I suspect that “persecution” means government agencies who want to shut down file-sharing sites like Pirate Bay.

Posted in Religion, Technology | 4 Comments

I’ll See You In Hell!

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Daniel Florien

[via]

Posted in Comics, Humor | 1 Comment

Dinosaurs Never Existed!!!

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Daniel Florien

Yes, this is satire :)

Posted in Conspiracy Theories, Humor, Science, Videos | 6 Comments

Militant Atheism?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Daniel Florien

Psychology Today talks about the myth of militant atheism:

In fact, however, while millions of atheists are indeed walking our streets, it would be difficult to find even one who could accurately be described as militant. In all of American history, it is doubtful that any person has ever been killed in the name of atheism. In fact, it would be difficult to find evidence that any American has ever even been harmed in the name of atheism. It just does not happen, because the notion of “militant atheism” is entirely fantasy.

When the media and others refer to a “militant atheist,” the object of that slander is usually an atheist who had the nerve to openly question religious authority or vocally express his or her views about the existence of God. Conventional wisdom quickly tells us that such conduct is shameful or, at the very least, distasteful, and therefore the brazen nonbeliever is labeled “militant.”

But this reflects a double standard, because it seems to apply only to atheists. Religious individuals and groups frequently declare, sometimes subtly and sometimes not, that you are a sinner and that you will suffer in hell for eternity if you do not adopt their supernatural beliefs, but they will almost never be labeled “militant” by the media or the public. Instead, such individuals are called “devout” and such churches are called “evangelical.”

The lesson here is clear. If you’re an atheist, shut up about it. If you are open or vocal about your atheist worldview, you are a “militant atheist.” Be silent, even though that same standard does not apply to those who passionately disagree with you.

This has been my observation as well — what about you guys?

Posted in Atheism, Religion | 39 Comments

Humanity Just Might Make It

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Daniel Florien

Posted in Christianity, Religion | 4 Comments

Dawkins: So What If I’m Offended?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Daniel Florien

Posted in Atheism, Videos | 1 Comment

Larson’s Demon Test

Posted on January 11, 2012 by vorjack

In the over-populated world of Christian nut-jobs, Bob Larson has carved himself out a niche as the expert on exorcism. Now he’s offering you a chance to benefit from everything he’s learned since he began his career as a professional loony attacking rock music and D&D. All you need to do is take the Demon Test:

Taking the Demon Test® may be the most important spiritual decision you make. This Test is the result of more than 30 years of research and thousands of hours in personal ministry with troubled souls. Through this vast experience we have been able to design this test so that we may quickly determine an individual’s spiritual condition.

If you are concerned about your test score, we highly recommend that you schedule personal one-on-one time with Bob Larson. You may choose a one-hour Encounter Session or a full or half-day Intensive Session. These sessions are held during Bob’s on-the-road seminars (please click here to review Bob’s current schedule) or at our Center for Spiritual Freedom in Phoenix Arizona.

In one hour you can begin living the life you’ve always wanted. Let Bob Larson, the man who has dealt with more demons than anyone on the planet, show you how to overcome every obstacle of every day. Stop the cycles of failure, poverty and sickness. Break family curses at the ROOT! Discover why you are the way you are and immediately change destructive habits. If you have demons, you’ll be delivered. If you have issues, they’ll be uncovered. If you have infirmities, the healing will begin. No pastor, priest, or counselor has dwelt with more spiritually bound people sad seen them set free. This isn’t counseling. This isn’t therapy. This is intervention to get answers NOW! Your lifetime of suffering can end. Your torment can stop. The job you need, the relationships you desire will be within your reach. The choice is simple–stay stuck or move on to spiritual fulfillment and success in every area of life. Get free, stay free, and live free!

The first step on your journey to a new life begins with the Demon Test®. To contact us, please call 303-980-1511or click here to send an email indicating your interest in a personal Session with Bob.

I had hoped that this would be an online affair, but apparently you have to pay $10 just to see this thing. I suspect that it’s designed to help you reach the verdict,
“Yes, I am possessed by a minor demon!” At that point, Larson will have a line of products and help sessions designed to let you bind the demon and free yourself – all at an affordable price, sorry no credit, but guaranteed to work because you have no chance of proving anything in court.

Via Dangerous Minds

Posted in Christianity, Weird | 22 Comments