REGION: County clerk ceases issuing licences for same-sex couples Nov 6, 2008
HotJobs Local Search. A day after California voters approved a measure banning same-sex marriages, San Diego County clerks' offices on Wednesday posted signs telling visitors that they would not be issuing licenses to or performing marriage ceremonies for gays and lesbians. (North County Times)
Neil Young, Sienna Miller, Keanu Reeves Nov 1, 2008
Having inflamed the passions of his adult readers with "The God Delusion," his treatise on rationalism and atheism, the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has said he is writing a book for children. In an interview with Britain's Channel 4, Dawkins said he was working on a book that would explore children's relationships with fairy tales and encourage them to think about the world scientifically. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Anne Rice goes from vampires to Jesus Oct 31, 2008
And in this new 245-page memoir, Rice presents her former life as vampire writer as that of a soul-searching wanderer in the deserts of atheism; as someone akin to her most famous literary creations Lestat, her "dark search engine," Louis the aristocrat-turned-vampire and Egyptian Queen Akasha, "the mother of all vampires." ... In 2002, Rice broke away completely from atheism nearly four decades after she gave up her Roman Catholic faith as the 1960s started. (MSNBC -- News)
Negative campaign accusations fly in 91st District; Gronemus not backing anyone Oct 30, 2008
formerpolitician wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:57 AM:" Although I personally do not agree with organized religions, believing in God is a choice for everyone. If you do believe in a superior being so be it. What is wrong with that? I do and was still able to separate church and state while in politics. Atheism is also a choice but will prove out to be extremely lonely in the end. Danou sounds like a true unionist that wants all of the state to conform to his beliefs. If this is dirty politics than... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
CNN rejected Obama ad; FOXNEWS not asked... Oct 29, 2008
It's been happening for years in the U.S. Socialism is not a code word for atheism, baby murders or any other nightmare conjured up by politicians. It is really scary the way so many - too many - people simply parrot the party line without even giving a moment's thought to what they're saying. (The Drudge Report)
Response to Atheist Oct 27, 2008
You address the myths of atheism by saying that you indeed have a moral code that you live by, but who do you think set forth the original moral code in the first place - the answer is God. You disagree with Christianity by saying that sins are highlighted. (East Tennessean, TN)
Thank heaven for a British faith in bet-hedging Oct 26, 2008
There were, it is true, some who took issue with the word "probably" - pointing out that such a lily-livered caveat smacks more of agnosticism (which merely states that there can be no definitive proof of God) than of atheism (which rejects religion outright). Sherine claims the word is there to get around advertising regulations; but whatever its purpose, it makes for a deliciously mild. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Anne Rice returns to the religion she knew as a child Oct 25, 2008
I went into atheism with almost a religious passion ... Atheism, it turns out, had been for her not a true expression of logic and reason but an emptiness, even a torment ... She now thinks these uncanny books were a spiritual response to her declaration of atheism. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Joe Orso: Is the Bible fact, fiction or something else? Oct 25, 2008
Barker, 59, was a Christian preacher for 19 years before his conversion to atheism ... And Barker s description of one of his experiences that led him to atheism inspired me, even though I find the stars lead me somewhere else. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Marx exhumed, capitalism buried Oct 23, 2008
He has been depicted spinning with delight in his grave in London's Highgate Cemetery, still a place of pilgrimage for old-time lefties: the image prompted renewed debate on the precise nature of his atheism, his disdain for what he famously described as "the opium of the people". And, ironically given such views, his name has been invoked by mainstream religious leaders, such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, in attacking capitalism's greed and folly. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Calls to release Jordanian poet Oct 23, 2008
Grand Mufti Nuh Qdah said in a recent radio interview that poetry in which words from the Koran were combined with sexual themes was "a type of atheism and blasphemy", the AFP news agency reports. The penalty in Jordan for insulting Islam or the Muslim prophet is up to three years in jail. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Donors respond to atheist ad campaign Oct 22, 2008
Atheism is far more popular, and socially and politically accepted, in Britain than in the United States ... One of the world's most outspoken and provocative advocates of atheism, Oxford University professor Richard Dawkins, best-selling author of "The God Delusion," is a member of the humanist association and pledged to personally match donations up to 5,500 pounds [about $9,300], Stinson said. (Boston Globe)
The death of religion at the ABC? Oh dear. Oct 21, 2008
Not only lacking in imagination and intelligence, but how arrogant and assumptive must one be to automatically assume that a lack of belief in institutional religion must necessarily equal atheism. I never said I was an atheist, Michael, you re just making it up as you go along, dear boy. (NEWS.com.au)
'Splitting Infinity' Oct 21, 2008
Pachino lays out a simplistic psychological motive for Robbie's militant atheism: He'd seen his beloved brother die because his Christian Scientist mother (a sweetly sincere Cindy Goldfield) refused medical care. Leigh's reasons are more complex and less understandable, unless she's just a closet theist who fears she's turning into spiritual black hole. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Atheist confronts religion Oct 20, 2008
Atheism rarely gets the spotlight ... First, the myths of atheism need some confronting. (East Tennessean, TN)
LETTERS: NCT, Oct. 15, 2008 Oct 16, 2008
the conservative hijacking of the word "humanism" to become synonomous with secularism or atheism is completely ahistorical. fianlly, ron, yes you do have to prove your points. (North County Times)
Waterloo will not consider high school Bible class (1066) Oct 14, 2008
MAC wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:58 AM:" The last time I looked, there were no courses in atheism OR liberal secularism offered in the curriculum of the Waterloo Schools...so I guess they have not had much success in getting their courses offered, either. You can check if you like. ". If you would like to comment on this story, please log in with the form below. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Mike S. Adams Oct 13, 2008
A few years later, Adams abandoned his atheism and also became a Republican. He also nearly abandoned teaching when he took a one-year leave of absence to study law at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1998. (Townhall.com)
Minority faiths rise but fringes sing same psalms Oct 13, 2008
The heart of atheism appears be in the inner west. Residents of Camperdown, Erskineville, Enmore, Newtown and Annandale are more likely to shun religion than any of their other Sydney neighbours. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Bill Maher hopes to get people thinking with anti-religion film Oct 11, 2008
"-------------------------------------This is, of course, obvious, but that's not what I was trying to get at: recent scientific developments point closely to the notion that pure atheism is PHYSICALLY correct and that gods and the 'supernatural' are literally impossible. The last refuge for a god or the supernatural exists in higher physical dimensions and at the Planck length. This is getting too abstract for this blog, but it looks like there is little refuge left even for 'well-reasoned'... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Gilding the waterlily Oct 10, 2008
Maloon records how Monet's atheism put him at odds with the fervent Catholic ethos of artists such as Jacques-Emile Blanche and Maurice Denis. His secular funeral was seen as an affront but it was also an indication of an outlook that was more modern than that of his detractors. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Post the First Comment Oct 10, 2008
Maher view is not "I'm right and they're wrong," but more "I don't know and they don't either"; more skepticism than truly strident atheism. His point is more about everyone paying a price when some religious beliefs stray into the public sphere. (The Current Online, MO)
GOP to file fundraising complaint against Obama... Oct 6, 2008
But I hate to see what will happen to our proud military, our freedom of dissent against liberals, against abortion on demand, against gay marriage, against the cultural atheism and anti-christian bigotry waiting in Obama's wings - seething with rage and aching for vengeance. An Obama presidency will usher in a foreign policy of change: appeasement to enlarge Palestine, negotiations with Holocaust deniers and radical Islamists, and a capitulation to worldwide socialism in the name of saving the... (The Drudge Report)
Joe Orso: The difference between supporting Palin for vice president, pastor Oct 6, 2008
Big Spender wrote on Oct 5, 2008 4:41 PM:" To Welch, re: "However I find the rhetoric of militant atheism just as off-putting and JUST AS simplistic many times ... Michael Welch wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:06 PM:" 'PO'B' uses his Christianity to 'sacramentalize' his political positions (Republican) and demonize opponents (Democrats, especially Obama). He denigrates all other religions, even Christian denominations (especially Catholic) that he deems 'not Christian' by HIS interpretations. His is a... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
10 comments Oct 6, 2008
Newsweek, which has passionately displayed an ongoing love affair with atheism, has failed to notice any controversy in the Maher film. Maher's pseudo-comic jeremiad can't even score a positive review in The Village Voice. (Human Events Online)
Review: 'Religulous' Oct 4, 2008
But because he wants to be amusing above all else, he takes his questions not to sober religious thinkers but to the assorted fruits and nuts that populate the fringes of religion just as they do the fringes of atheism. The humor he creates at their expense proves nothing except that dealing from a stacked deck benefits no one but the dealer. (Los Angeles Times)
Neo-Nazis seek permit for march in Jefferson City (1427) Oct 3, 2008
But they sure the heck did not fight for it so you could smoke dope, spread atheism, burn flags, and live immorallyIts your generations kids we have in school and thats why they are more inccorigible and less productive then ever , because they do the same whatever they wantwhentheywant " naturally wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:14 PM:" I meant concede not 'cincede' " naturally wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:13 PM:" ODF - I cincede to you on this one. INCITE A RIOT - Urging or instigating other persons to... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Must-See Films for Fall - a.k.a. Os... Sep 25, 2008
Oct. 1: "Religulous" - Talk show host and political satirist Bill Maher often discusses his own personal beliefs and views of the world, including his atheism, and this documentary follows Maher across the world to discover the theories and histories behind Christianity, Islam and Hinduism to name a few. Oct. 3: "Blindness" - Starring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo, this dramatic piece about a city's blind epidemic opened the Cannes Film Festival in 2008, trying to stir up some pre-season award... (Suite101.com)
Painting that packs a punch Sep 23, 2008
Stephens and his co-curator, Matthew Gale, have gathered 65 of the major works, with a couple of aims in mind: The first, says Stephens, to demonstrate Bacon's "passionate embrace of a Nietzschean atheism, that man exists in a godless state." One room has been set aside for Bacon's three major crucifixion triptychs, with their howling, tormented figures set against livid orange backgrounds. The first, 1944's Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion, brought Bacon shuddering into... (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Pope's trip highlights church-state struggle in Europe Sep 21, 2008
Claiming victim status "is a classic move, a deft rhetorical move," said Paolo Flores d'Arcais, editor of a left-wing Italian journal, MicroMega, who argued for atheism in a public debate against Benedict, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in 2000. Some see the church as not unlike American conservatives, who continue to depict themselves as outsiders fighting a dominant liberal culture even after eight years of a Republican executive. (International Herald Tribune)
Evolution, creationsim should each carry weight in schools Sep 20, 2008
Tim Schulz wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:47 AM:" So... If I rented a space for a class on Dawkins' "The God Hoax" to instruct in critical thinking regarding atheism versus the various murderous religions of the world, this would work, Kurt? Who would decide which organizations get in and who would help litigate the lawsuits?Keep the schools secular and send your kids to Sunday school and Bible indoctrination classes after school. It's a lot simpler. " ... "Wrong, Guy. They persecuted religion because... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Actor Kirk Cameron talks to The Bee about faith, marriage and his new movie Sep 20, 2008
Kirk Cameron, who rose to fame as Mike Seaver in ABC's "Growing Pains" from 1985-92, switched from atheism to Christianity in 1990, married his on-screen girlfriend, Chelsea Noble, in 1991, and is dad to six children -- four of them adopted. Despite his Hollywood background, he had to audition for the role of Caleb Holt in "Fireproof," which opens Friday in theaters nationwide. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Anti-abortion groups to buy ads on Google Sep 18, 2008
Atheism is so much better. Gregory Scott, Houston, Texas. (Times Online)
The Royal Society is sadly unenlightened on creationism Sep 18, 2008
The demi-god of atheism, Prof Richard Dawkins, weighed in to say that he would wish to see the Royal Society "attack creationism with all fists flying" ... The RS is a front for the religious zealots of Atheism ... If you really want to be persecuted martyrs for your atheism, try relocating to America or Saudi and get the full experience. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Bill O'Reilly's "Shut Up" Revisionism Sep 18, 2008
17, 1999) or the time you asked an atheist Eagle Scout why he didn't "just shut up" about his atheism when asked (Oct. 30, 2002). (Slate)
Cleric: Church owes Darwin an apology Sep 17, 2008
He said he opposed Christians for whom "evolution is equated with atheism" as well as Darwinists who felt ideas about evolution "completely undermine any kind of credibility for God.". "That's completely wrong," he told British Broadcasting Corp. radio. (CNN -- Tech)
God Told Me to Write This Column Sep 14, 2008
Spread the truth about the evils of atheism, false churches with racist preachers, the egotists who place faith in mans own ability, and the dangers of a ruler who would be socialist emperor rather than one who leads with a servants heart. . (Townhall.com)
LETTERS: The Californian, Sept. 13, 2008 Sep 14, 2008
This is not an ad hominem attack on him, just his world view; perhaps atheism is what drives his thinking about evolution in modern technology, and oh, how I do love modern technology ... But atheism cannot accept that premise, for only man's direction is understood by them, while usurping a principle not applicable to a natural event. (North County Times)
Joe Orso: Is it our fear of evil or the arms industry propelling us to war? Sep 14, 2008
To Wheezer, even atheism is a religion. It is a religion of self. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Students watch as God goes on trial Sep 12, 2008
D Souza also argued for atheism s responsibility for 20th century totalitarianism and brutality. By contrast, Hitchens argued that a god is not necessary to explain the origins of the universe and humanity. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Waging peace through dialogue and cooperation (Part 1 of 2) Sep 11, 2008
One of them was deeply disappointed and restless and was even ready (through his friend) to request an edict (fatwa) from the Central Board of Muhammadiyah regarding my statement on atheism. But after I explained to him the Koranic background of my view, he and his friend have remained silent. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Will Religulous help John McCain win the White House? Sep 11, 2008
If you believe in freedom of religion, it also cuts the other way - the freedom to believe in no religion (ie Atheism) ... Christianity is no more "BS" than Atheism. (Globe and Mail)
LETTER: America deserves better than a 'pit bull' Sep 9, 2008
sapient wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:43 PM:" Father Bob: welcome to communist Russia with its complete socialism and atheism which fell flat on its keester thanks to President Reagan. " ... Harry Potter wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:08 PM:" " Father Bob: welcome to communist Russia with its complete socialism and atheism which fell flat on its keester thanks to President Reagan. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Spirit of the times? Sep 9, 2008
One thing for sure, I d certainly want my children to be firmly grounded in Judeo-Christian teaching before subjecting them to these persuasive, fanatical instructors of atheism and cynicism. A Christian friend, whose son is presently attending college, recently told Lynn and me about a movie/documentary that, I understand, his son was required to view for a certain class. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
'Heretics Barbecue' gathers skeptics Sep 8, 2008
Hatfield said there are "flavors of atheism." Some are evangelical in their non-believing zeal, while others may be questioning their faith. In his case, he is a Christian with a strong belief in critical thinking. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Book Reviews: 'The Corpse Walker' and 'Fine Just The Way It Is' Sep 8, 2008
Its continuum of orthodoxy slides between animism, Taoism, Maoist atheism and the quasi capitalism of its favorite son, Deng Xiaoping. The market economy, not political dictate, is now the force that changes the lives of Liao's subjects - unlike those in Feng Jicai's "Voices From the Whirlwind," an oral history of the Cultural Revolution. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
OPINION: The fundamentalist atheists Sep 2, 2008
It's a typical irony of life that fundamentalist atheism should have so much in common with what it most despises ... Those who are, however - what we might think of as the Taliban of atheism - often have a prominence well beyond their sheer numbers ... His faith in atheism is maintained by building a straw man version of religious belief, and knocking it over repeatedly, to the applause of like-minded believers. (The Trentonian, NJ)
'Weeds' star drops pants on Broadway Aug 29, 2008
"I feel like we would be good friends," says Parrish, who relates to Melchior's strong moral center and progressive-minded parents, if not the character's atheism. He says he loved growing up in Plano, "but they definitely put you in a box, and my parents were very lenient and very open-minded and let me explore for myself what I felt was right and wrong. And they raised all their kids that way, and none of us have problems with alcohol or drugs.". (CNN -- Showbiz)
Visiting “Miss D” - Ten months of teaching English in China enriches Danielle Kramer's world Aug 22, 2008
The Chinese state religion is atheism so it was strange that we could talk about religion in a public school. Outside the classroom, Danielle and several other teachers toured the most famous sites in China. (Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch, MN)
Kolb: The Tennessee Waltz Aug 21, 2008
Still feeling they weren t as American as they wanted to be, the young lovers abandoned atheism and embraced Christianity. From song to state to country to God. (Somerville Journal, MA)
Debate poses one hell of a question Aug 20, 2008
Awe also featured in the speech from Ian Plimer, an emeritus professor of earth sciences at the University of Melbourne and a speaker for the negative: a technical argument that environmentalism is religion, "fundamentalist religion with a fear of nature," and that you could not argue for atheism and climate consciousness at the same time. The argument was attacked by both Richard Ackland - a journalist and lawyer - and Vic Stenger on the affirmative, each speculating on the purpose of religion... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Post-Olympic Clamp on Xinjiang Likely Aug 20, 2008
They claimed mistreatment of Muslims justified holy war and accused China of forcing Muslims into atheism by killing Islamic teachers and destroying Islamic schools. Six days after the attack, another group of bombers struck in Kuqa, where 12 people died. (Time.com)
Interview: Hamid Karzai Aug 20, 2008
Patriotism, Afghan history and nationalism was called atheism. It was undermined. (Time.com)
Would be we better off without religion? Aug 19, 2008
Atheism is also a religion ... Jesus is the best "evidence, but Atheists usually have (unproven) theories about him. Atheists slam Christians for trying to "shove their beliefs down others throat" while doing the same thing themselves. Atheism can be a s fundamental erant as any religious belief y, as others pointed out, religion is NOT the cause of all wars, evil etc. There is plenty of evidence for that, but it suits the atheist cause to claim this, despite the fact they like to pretend that... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Why not every scientist worships at Darwin's feet Aug 18, 2008
The presence of such people poses awkward questions for the view that evolutionary theory and a sophisticated scientific brain lead inexorably towards atheism. There must be more to the so-called "science versus God" story than this. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
An Affair to Remember Aug 12, 2008
another MAJOR scientist now RENOUNCES his ATHEISM. On the Right-hand side panel under under "In The News" section of the site below: He now declares that he has discovered God. (). (Townhall.com)
LETTER: Truth originates from God, not Christians Aug 9, 2008
Other religions or atheism cannot offer this hope so is for this writer to try to take that hope away from him the way to treat your fellow man. What is the incentive to try to leave him in despair like other religions leave you in. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Cole County grand jury indicts state legislator Aug 8, 2008
justhefacts wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:24 PM:" douglas and go fish here are your liberal commandments professed by left wing liberals:1.There is no such thing as a self made man, all success is due to socital assistance, we should al lgive half our money to others2. The US has systematiclly promoted terroroism on her own3 Disciplining children is bad, self esteem and letting kids find out right and wrong on their own is good4 In religion your spiritual experience has to do with your connection with... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Protesters rounded up by Beijing police... Aug 8, 2008
Foreigners who protest Beijing's human rights record or official policy of atheism on Chinese soil normally face deportation. Chinese who demonstrate would face detention and hours of questioning by police, at the very least. (The Drudge Report)
Group Again Warns of Olympic Attacks Aug 8, 2008
"We oppose implementing the Chinese Communist system in our homeland of East Turkestan because this system is based on atheism," says a man identified as Abdullah Mansour, according to a translation provided by IntelCenter, a private Alexandria-based firm that provides counterterrorism intelligence support to government agencies. The video is dated Aug. 1, three days before an ambush in the far western China city of Kashgar left 16 paramilitary police officers dead and which local officials have... (Washington Post)
Extremists post new video threatening Olympics Aug 8, 2008
It accuses China of forcing Muslims into atheism by capturing and killing Islamic teachers and destroying Islamic schools, according to the SITE. It says China's birth control program has forced abortions on Muslim women. Xinjiang's capital, Urumqi, appeared to be on high alert Thursday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Terror threat against Olympics Aug 8, 2008
It accuses China of forcing Muslims into atheism by capturing and killing Islamic teachers and destroying Islamic schools, according to the SITE. It says China's birth control program has forced abortions on Muslim women. I think what they're doing is they're trying to capitalise on the buildup to the games,'' said Ben Venzke of IntelCenter, which provides counterterrorism intelligence to US government agencies. (India Times, India)
A smattering of protests Aug 7, 2008
Foreigners who protest Beijing's human rights record or official policy of atheism on Chinese soil would normally face deportation. Tibet protest at stadiumFour pro-Tibet activists were led away by police after putting up banners on light poles outside the National Stadium. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Solzhenitsyn's Life And Writings Aug 6, 2008
Lionized by liberals as a hero of human rights, he later outraged them with his condemnations of atheism. His refusal to compromise his views to suit either the authorities or respectable opinion has brought him opprobrium--and enormous moral integrity. (Forbes)
Religion and freedom Aug 6, 2008
No, the opposite of religion is not atheism nor amorality. The opposite of religion is freedom. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
