This is the 26th part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

This is the 25th part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

This is the 24th part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

This is the 23rd part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

This is the 22nd part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

I just took a poll that came into my email. Note how all the questions imply that Trump did the smart and right thing, so that anyone who disagrees with him is wrong and looks bad. Fortunately, beyond the yes, no & not sure options, there was an “Other, please specify” in each case. 1. Do you agree with President Trump that our Nation’s safety should be our first priority? Trump doesn’t agree with that. His first priority is his… Read more

Someone told me today that he believes that “atheists choose to be atheists for one of two reasons – 1 – they enjoy the convenience of being able to do what ever they want to do without any thought of accountability, and 2 – they have anger and bitterness that they would vent against God for something that has happened in life that they feel is unfair”. I have heard that incredibly stupid reasoning many times, and had to address… Read more

This is the 21st part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

This is the 20th part of this series, reading The Qur’an; A New Translation by Abdel Haleem. We’ll occasionally compare that to other translations and with tafsirs for clarification. We’re also reading each “chapter” [surah] in order of revelation [mostly] rather than the order in which they are typically printed. If you missed some of this series, you can see: my 1st post on surahs 1 & 2. my 2nd post on surahs 96, 68 & 73. my 3rd post on surahs 74, 111 & 81. my 4th post on surahs 87, 92, 89, 93, 94… Read more

I’ve noticed that discussion of politics is even less rational than religion. I have ruined relationships with several dear friends and family members over their being absorbed into the Trump cult. Yes, each of these people are religious, but they could always tolerate my atheism. It’s just that I cannot worship their orange god. So, now that the spineless Senate majority have acquitted their Conspirator In Chief, I see family and friends crowing about his alleged innocence. Most of them… Read more