Atheist Sam Harris 'Uncomfortable' with Obama's NIH Pick

amiable »

Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:27 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

“This skepticism results from a prejudice against a theistic worldview that has become entrenched in the scientific community – an irrational attitude born of historical ignorance and intellectual myopathy that is increasingly dismissive of moral questions and ethical concerns,” he added.

Imagine the outrage if an esteemed scientist, but also practicing Muslim or Hindu was appointed. This is the same deal here. It is not a result of prejudice against Christianity, it is that religion requires certainty, and science requires that you are open to new findings. The two are not compatible.

I notice that this site never links to actual articles so that people can read the things for themselves. Here is Sam Harris' extended essay if anyone is actually interested in what he has to say.

http://www.reasonproject.org/archive/item/the_strange_case_of_francis_collins2/

Christians Anger, Dismay At Visitors Defacing Bible At Exhibition

amiable »

Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:38 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

What am I missing here? They invited people to write their thoughts about the Bible and that's what happened. In my opinion they were asking for it.

New UK Atheist Godless Summer Camp Launched, Concern Raises

amiable »

Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:17 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

This isn't an atheist camp. It's a secular camp that promotes critical thinking in children. It happens to be run by atheists.

Teaching children to think critically must be the real threat here.

Christian Broadcasters Warn of Hate Crimes Bill's Effect on Religious Freedom

amiable »

Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:57 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

"Christians warn of hate crime bill's effect on religious freedom."

Funny that they're only concerned about religious freedom when it's their own!

Diseases: Creations of God or 'Intelligent Evil'?

amiable »

Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:54 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 2

Oh, real convenient.

Call your god omnipotent and omniscient, then give him praise for all the good things and let him off the hook for all the bad.

Totally ridiculous. You can't have it both ways.

U.S. House Passes 'Historic' Energy Bill

amiable »

Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:51 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 3

Just because Republicans have your back on morality issues doesn't mean you have to gullibly swallow everything else they tell you on other issues hook, line, and sinker.

The bit about the bill costing jobs is bogus. It creates jobs. It's a shame that politicians and pundits are allowed to tell any lie they want on television without repercussion. Even if later caught in the lie, it doesn't matter, because the damage has already been done, many of their viewers have seen it and will never even bother to question the accuracy of it.

Christians Say Hate Crimes Bill Is Not What You Think

amiable »

Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:47 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

Of course some Christians will try to tell you that the hate crimes bill is more than it seems.

They will say and do anything to fight any progress that involves legitimizing and destigmatizing homosexuality.

I wonder how all of this hatred can come from loving Christians.

Religious Tolerance in America

amiable »

Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:05 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

If the U.S. is so tolerant why are atheists the most distrusted minority?

Study: High School Teachers Influence Students' Evolution, Creationist Views

amiable »

Sun May 03, 2009 7:58 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

imagine that, getting a real education leads to accepting evidence and rejecting fairytales.

Students Encouraged to Skip School on 'Day of Silence'

amiable »

Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:07 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Yes, let's protest a disruption to education by disrupting it further? Come on, people.

Pro-Family Leaders Warn Battle Over Marriage Will Reach Federal Level

amiable »

Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:48 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

Wow, I just want to ask you guys, how does someone else's ability to marry affect you personally? I don't think you can give me an honest response. Two men/women marrying each other does nothing to harm the sanctity of MY marriage.

Why can't those who are against gay marriage just admit that this is about forcing their religious beliefs on those who do not share them?

Chaplain Declares Day of Prayer, Fasting for U.S. Army

amiable »

Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:55 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

This just happens to be Passover, a very important Jewish holiday. So the army's declaration interferes with a Jewish soldier's ability to celebrate a religious holiday.

Why don't they just keep the fasting and praying on a personal level anyways?

Texas Board Approves New Standards Requiring Critique of Evolution

amiable »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 4:34 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

"...encourage students to "critique" and examine "all sides" of scientific theories. "


I have no problem with examining and looking at strengths & weaknesses. The problem I have with this is, intelligent design is not a scientific theory.

The Delay of Marriage and the Decline of Church Attendance

amiable »

Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:29 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

"As the "welfare state" expands, the church recedes as the source of needed charity and social services."

Is he actually lamenting the fact that more people are getting help and being taken care of? Obviously churches were not doing enough.

There is something wrong if the only way you can get people to come to church is if they are hungry and desperate.

Legal Group, 31 Congressmen Urge Court to Dismiss Suit Against Nat'l Prayer Day

amiable »

Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:22 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

"Since 1952" does not constitute very much of our nation's history.

There is absolutely no reason to promote this holiday except to push Christianity on people who are other-minded.

There is absolutely no reason why Christians need some silly holiday in order to remind them to pray. They can do this every second of every day if they like, without trying to push religious holidays on people who don't want them.

Easing Access to 'Morning-After' Pill Raises Concerns

amiable »

Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:13 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

the morning after pill is not abortion. it is the same thing as taking the normal pill.

i understand people wanting parental approval for young girls (just as i believe the regular pill requires) but i think grown women should be allowed to access this pill easily and without people trying to force their viewpoints on them.

Highly Religious Patients Fight to Live Longer

amiable »

Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:24 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Nice spin, although it is obvious that these people are terrified. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Shouldn't religious people be confident and ready towards the end, and non-religious should be terrified?

Why is it the other way around?

Court Upholds Texas Moment of Silence Law as Constitutional

amiable »

Tue Mar 17, 2009 12:30 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 6

How about we use class time to educate children? Isn't that what school is for?

If you need a moment of silence, set your alarm clock a little earlier in the morning.

This kind of thing should not be mandated and it is a very thinly-veiled agenda.

Lamenting the Reversal of Pro-Life Stem Cell Policy

amiable »

Sun Mar 15, 2009 4:17 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Why don't the embryos destroyed during fertility treatments get as much outrage?

Southwest 'Porn Plane' Too Edgy for Some

amiable »

Thu Mar 12, 2009 3:35 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

why are people so ashamed of the beauty of the human body that god created?

do these people also refuse to take their children to the beach or the pool?

if so, i feel sorry for the kids.

the only complaint i would have is that bar rafaeli promotes a too-thin and unhealthy standard of beauty for women.