Where Are the Women Atheist Scholars?

I am against sexism, most emphatically, without any doubt at all. In fact, one of the main reasons I do what I do is because of what religion has done and continues to do to women. I argue against religion for that reason alone. There are a lot of women bloggers for which I am truly thankful. But it seems as if there are few women scholars to link to in the blog world. Several of the ones PZ Myers links to have not yet earned a college degree, or they have just entered into a master's program. Oh, I know, the women atheist scholars of tomorrow are with us today in training, so yes, let's encourage them by all means. But where are the women atheist scholars of today? We need your voices more than ever. Help us, please. We are mere men.

The Ten Marks of a Deluded Person

[Written by John Loftus] Below in no particular order are what I consider the ten marks (or characteristics) of a deluded person. I think even educated Christians will agree with most of them. You might want to consider from this checklist how many of them apply to you. To the degree that more of them apply then the more likely you are deluded by your faith. Now it's quite possible that Christians can be deluded and yet their faith is true, in the same sense that a person might be brainwashed or indoctrinated into believing the truth. But the point is that if you're deluded then you have no reason to believe.

When the Courtier’s Reply Fails, by Matt DeStefano

Christianity is an overwhelmingly dominant religion in the United States. It informs our laws, our public officials, both foreign and domestic policy, our media, and nearly every other facet of our lives. To write off the task of the atheist movement as simply pointing out the Emperor has no clothes is to understate it dramatically. While it may be easy for those of us who have seen the naked Emperor, many people are, as Loftus has recently posted, blind to this fact.

This blindness isn’t something that can always be ridiculed, scoffed, or trivialized away. Sometimes, no matter how loudly we scream about the Emperor being naked, some people don’t have the capacity to see it. Whether this is due to severe indoctrination, or merely the unwillingness to believe otherwise, these people are best reached through arguments against the internal consistency of the Bible, the inconsistency of God’s qualities, or other such arguments. Only then can the blinders be removed and they will begin to critically examine the virtues of their beliefs. Link

What the Bible Says About Apostates Like Me

There is an irreconcilable conflict between Jesus and Paul and Peter when it comes to how to view apostates that were once followers of Jesus. So argues former Pastor Bruce Gerencser.

Does the Emperor Have Clothes On Or Not?

The Emperor's New Clothes is a short tale by Hans Christian Andersen about two weavers who promise an Emperor a new suit of clothes that are invisible to those unfit for their positions, stupid, or incompetent. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his new clothes, a child cries out, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!" This in turn allows others to admit he has no clothes on.

This story has been used by skeptics with regard to religion--that the Religious Emperor has no clothes on--and so we must tell believers what we see in hopes they will see what we do.

So, does the Religious Emperor have clothes on or not?

There is something about the Emperor story that resonates with me. But there is a difference. In the story people all see that he is naked. So there is empirical evidence of that fact, at least in the story itself. But what if people do not see that the Emperor is naked because they are blind? Then what? How do you convince the people in the crowd he is naked, especially when an overwhelming majority of people in our world are blind? My suggestion is to meet them head on with arguments that they can understand and appreciate, not neglecting to tell them the Emperor has no clothes on. But I would not keep harping on that story. I would recommend the best critiques of a particular religion to the practitioners of it, and I do this as best as I can.

What's Wrong With the Courtier's Reply of PZ Myers and Richard Dawkins

Trust me, I'm very thankful for the brilliance of PZ Myers and Richard Dawkins. There's no doubt about that. In some sense they are my intellectual heroes. But the Courtier's Reply as an answer for theology needs to be discussed critically. First off, I do not expect anyone to understand any particular theology in order to reject it. We all do this easily. I doubt very much anyone understands all of the religions they reject. I don't. No one does. We reject them all for the same reasons, because they have not met their own burden of proof. So I agree very much that neither PZ Myers nor Richard Dawkins needs to fully understand the various forms of Christianity in order to reject them all. They can certainly use the Courtier's Reply, and for them it's legitimate, as it is for me when rejecting Hinduism, which I know little about. Christians do not fully understand the other Christianities they reject, so why should anyone expect this from skeptics?

But here's the problem. PZ Meyers and Richard Dawkins, and others, have the clout to recommend those of us who do understand the various Christianities that exist who know how to debunk them on their own terms. But perhaps, and I'm only suggesting perhaps, they are so committed to the Courtier's Reply when it comes to their own lack of understanding of Christian theology that they don't realize this will not do if they want to change the religious landscape. If they do, then may I humbly suggest they recommend the work of Biblical scholars like Robert Price, Hector Avalos, Bart Ehrman and others like them, as well as philosophers like John Shook, John Beversluis, Richard Carrier, Keith Parsons, Matt McCormick and others like them. But they can't do it, because they are committed to the Courtier's Reply, and that's a shame. I can embrace the Courtier's Reply when it comes to religions I reject. But given the power and influence of Christianity in particular, they need to recommend and embrace those of us who know it and argue against it. The Courtier's Reply may some day be the blanket response to religion. It isn't yet. Until then let them recommend those of us who do understand the dominant religion of our land, both philosophers and biblical scholars. It takes all of us together with all of our talents, all of our knowledge, and all of our abilities.

Harold Camping Step Aside, Jesus Was Wrong And Should Be Ignored Too

See below:

Michael Shermer is Clearly One of the Best Voices for Reason in Our World Today

I wrote a review on Amazon of Shermer's book The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths. The title of my review is same as the title of this post. If you like it I'd appreciate you clicking "Yes" on "Was this review helpful to you?"

Sam Harris' Rebuttal to William Lane Craig

See below:

We See Plenty of Moral Progress

We abhor racism and slavery. Women, gay men, lesbians, and African Americans have gained many needed rights in the West, along with freethinkers who can speak out without being killed for it, at least when it comes to Christianity. We are more health conscious with the foods we eat, and there is a movement against smoking. We no longer have lynchings in the West. When we do execute a murderer, we’ve come up with more humane ways to do it, and many people are against the death penalty altogether.

What else do you see? What do you think is the greatest inhibitor to moral progress? What can stop it dead in ins tracks?

Harsh Words For Harold Camping and His Ilk, by PZ Myers

See what you think.

I Deleted My Facebook Account

I'll start another one before too long but unless I personally know you I will not be your friend. Them's the rules. I need a safe place to be myself. Create a fan page if you want but I'm done with anything else. I'm tired of people asking me questions and feeling as if I must respond. You did it to yourselves.

Other than that life is good.

Atheist Demographics And a Good Society

It's often claimed by Christians that an atheistic society would be good for nothing. Balderdash! The demographics show otherwise.

Next Up, The Mayan Apocalypse, December 21st 2012

But first we should be sure it hasn't already occurred and we missed it. Missed it!? Yep.

Twisters Rip Through Midwest

See below:

Are All Religions Equally Crazy?

Greta Christina Says So.

On Harold Camping: "That 'End of the World' Guy Was Crazy!"

See Below:

Where Oh Where is Harold Camping?

News Flash: Harold Camping deserts his flock after his failed Rapture prediction. Someone ought to press criminal charges against him for fraud.

They're Still Here? I Had Hoped Harold Camping Was Right After All!

Then all of the deluded people would be gone and we could have a sane decent society unencumbered with the likes of so many of them. Oh well, maybe next time.

My Predictions of the Excuses Harold Camping May Make

1) I miscalculated. The Rapture will be a month, a year, or several years from now.

2) Jesus appeared to me and said there was too much media attention so he's postponed the Rapture indefinitely. After all, Jesus said no one will know the day and the hour. Too many people knew!

3) Jesus did come back and found no one worthy. We need to repent of our sins.

4) Jesus came back spiritually, just like the Jehovah's Witnesses before him said.

5) Jesus actually entered into the heavenly sanctuary, just like the Seventh Day Adventists before him said.

6) Whether it happened or not it was a good thing in the end, because many people got saved (utilitarianism at its best).

-------------

Or, he could say, "I'm a deluded buffoon." But what are the chances of that? 0%

Rapture Madness, Over and Over and Over Again

I've written about Rapture Madness before.

Christians who believe they will be raptured should be concerned about their pets. Enter an organization called Eternal Earth-Bound Pets, USA. For the mere sum of $110.00 these committed atheists will sign a contract promising to personally take care of your pet when you are raptured. The contract is good for 10 years. Apparently they now have 100 clients in 22 states. Something like this could only happen in America--Christian America that is.

Dr. Avalos: There will be "No Judgment Day on May 21."

There are 21 Things You Should Know About Harold Camping.

However, the weather will be perfect for it!

Finally, from one false prophet to another: "The problem with false prophets like Harold Camping is he brings discredit on true prophets of the end times."

The One True God

See below:

Harold Camping is a Buffoon Who Says the End of the World Will be May 21, 2011: Christian, Police Your Own Ranks

Listen to this duffas. He's a buffoon, a brainwashed person.

“Retroactive Prayer: Lots of History, Not Much Mystery, No Science”

By Jeffrey Bishop and Victor Stenger. Link.

The End of Pascal's Wager: Only Nontheists Go to Heaven

By Richard Carrier, Link. Hey, Why not?

Hippo Attempts to Save an Impala

See below:

The Rest of the Story About Me

I ran into an acquaintance friend today who said to me, "Are you still a crusader John?" So I asked him why it's crusading to share what I know. I don't force people to visit my blog. I write for people interested enough to read what I write. When I travel to speak for groups, they are the ones who invite me. I don't force my books on anyone either. In fact, I don't personally care if any particular Christian who reads what I write remains in the fold. I have bigger goals than any one person. So in the interests of dispelling other potential myths about me, here goes...

Did Paul Conceive of a Resurrected Body and if So Does this Change Anything?

We need to take seriously what Paul said about himself in Galatians. He said that he met with the “esteemed leaders” of the Jerusalem church, and “presented to them the gospel” that he preached “among the Gentiles,” since he “wanted to be sure” he was not running his race in vain (2:2). To which “James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me” (2:9, also Acts 23:6-7). Paul’s only complaint was with Peter’s hypocritical treatment of the Gentiles.” (2:6-14). If they had disagreed over something so important as the bodily resurrection of Jesus it would have been important enough for Paul to mention and argue against. Since he didn’t do so, it must be assumed they shared the same view unless shown otherwise.

Sex and Secularism

Darrel Ray and Amanda Brown say they found:

- Sex improves dramatically after leaving religion.
- Sexual guilt has little staying power after leaving religion.
- Those raised most religious show no difference from those raised least religious in their sexual behavior.
- Those raised most religious experience far more guilt but have just as much sex.
- Religious parents are far worse at educating their children on matters of sex.
- Religious guilt differs in measurable amounts according to denomination. Link.

Atheism: Evidence (Part 1)

See below:

The Faith of My Family

See below:

Why We Believe in gods

See below:

Bullshit From My Friend Randal Rauser on Trusting Atheists

Care to comment?

Sam Harris on Accommodationism

See what you think.

Dan Barker vs. John-Mark Miravalle Debate

Watch it below.

A Rebuttal to Tim and Lydia McGrew on the Resurrection, by Jeffrey Amos

Enjoy.

Dr. James McGrath is Blogging Through Earl Doherty's Book

Dr. James McGrath is reviewing Earl Doherty's book Jesus: Neither God Nor Man - The Case for a Mythical Jesus in reverse chronological order which can be read by clicking here.

Sam Harris On the Brain Vs. the Mind

Watch it below.

I'll be Speaking in Chicago May 12th, and In Minnesota May 15th

If you're close at hand come out and see me.

Chicago here I come.

Minnesota Atheists Public Meeting - Southdale Library
When: Sunday May 15, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Where: 7001 York Ave. S., Edina, 55435

The Pastor Dave Schmelzer Interview

Dave is a Pastor of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church in Boston.

He interviewed me for his podcast. Check it out.

Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins: Who Says Science has Nothing to Say About Morality?

Watch it below:

Is The Bible Still Relevant Today?

Watch it below:

Open Mike Night

Yep, share some links to good things you've found recently.

There Is a Lot of Evidence Concerning the Resurrection of Jesus We Don't Have But Would Like To Have

When it comes to the evidence that Jesus was raised from the dead consider what we don’t have, but would like to, things that Christian apologist Michael Licona admits. We do not have anything written directly by Jesus himself or any of his original disciples, nor do we have anything written by the Apostle Paul before he converted telling us about the church he was persecuting, nor anything written by the Jewish leaders of that time about Jesus or the early preaching of Paul, nor any Roman documents that mention Jesus, the content of his preaching, why he was killed, or what they thought about the claims he had resurrected. [Note: Michael R. Licona, The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach, 2010), p. 275.] There are other things Licona does not have, but would like to. We do not have any legitimate Old Testament prophecies that specifically refer to Jesus’ resurrection. We also do not have present day confirmations that God does these kinds of miracles in today’s world. Basically then, we lack a great deal of needed independent collaborative evidence. What else would we like to have but don't?

Derek K. Miller Has Died

Another atheist goes out in dignity. He wrote this last post before he died and requested his family to publish it after he did. It's very touching. I would say the same things about my loved ones. I too wonder what the future will be like. The most any of us can hope for is that we made the world a better place. Hat Tip: PZ Myers.

Osama Bin Laden Was Probably a Good Man

Osama Bin Laden was probably a good man; sincere, devout and God fearing. But all it takes to make good people do evil is religion. Keep that in mind. That is the lesson of his life. He was deluded in the same way as other believers. Some delusions cause more harm than others though, and he caused a great deal of it. The problem is he will never know he was deluded. Neither will any of the rest of them. What a waste of a life.

The Elves of Iceland: "Hidden People" and "Nature Spirits"

What's interesting about the belief in Elves is that it comes from a country in Western society, not a third world country nor a primitive pre-industrial one. Many Icelanders really believe in "hidden people" such that it would be "political suicide" if a politician denied their existence. And what's more I doubt very much I could ever persuade these believers they are deluded. They would scoff at me and claim I'm an "enemy of the common good." They know they're right because of the stories told to them or because they had some kind of strange experience which they claim could only have come because they exist. Their children are brainwashed to believe in them in their homes. But I have no doubt at all that these Icelander believers are just like other people around the world, intelligent people. They just see the world through a different set of glasses using the lens they were brought up to believe.

Harry McCall: Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch is Unfounded

The belief that either Moses wrote the Pentateuch or that it predates the Deuteronomistic History (Deuteronomy – II Kings) is unfounded by the Biblical facts themselves:

Answering Some Questions Christians Ask

Lady Atheist send me this link to post. What do you think? How would you answer these questions?

Imagine by John Lennon on a CD to Help the Japanese People

We all know about the devastating tsunami that hit Japan and the ensuing loss of life, right? Here is a benefit CD to help raise funds for the people. To see what the first song is, click on the image to enlarge it. Yep. Imagine by John Lennon. It isn't hard to do in this midst of this kind of suffering.

Did You Know? Odds on the Resurrection of Jesus Are 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 to 1

Yep. Convert sinner. With odds like these what are the odds that Timothy McGrew and Lydia McGrew are standing on solid ground? Sheesh. Idiots.

Peter Singer - Global Atheist Convention 2010

Watch it below:

DC Keeps on Growing in Readership!

Not too bad. Debunking Christianity keeps on growing and growing and growing. The key is how many times I post, what I have to say, and how many posts are in the archives. If you're interested I've written on how to increase traffic to your blog or website, so check that out. Thanks to all my peeps. ;-) It makes what I do worthwhile.

The Christian Faith Makes a Person Stupid

How many people have claimed to have finally debunked God? Way too many, This has been going on for centuries and someone is always popping up claiming to “Finally debunk God,

If God wasn’t real then why did it take over 2000 years to “Finally Debunk” Christianity? I call this “The Finally Debunk Crew”

Link

The reason dimwit, is because Christianity is like a chameleon, ever changing in response to its culture, our criticisms, and science. The Christianities of yesteryear have been debunked. That's why you hold to the one you do today. And your type of Christianity will be replaced slowly into the future as well.

Dr. Avalos Predicts No Rapture On May 21: Why An Atheist Biblical Scholar Will Be Proven Right.

Link.

"Cutting Jesus Down to Size" by G. A. Wells is Wonderful!

I've written and edited several books against the Christian faith. So when I bought G.A. Wells' book Cutting Jesus Down to Size I was only expecting to learn a few things. What I didn't expect was how much I would learn, which was quite a lot. Most of the book simply compares and contrasts the gospels and lets them debunk themselves. It's densely packed with scholarly references and fairly easy to read. His book brings the reader up to speed regarding higher criticism, and deconstructs the gospels like no other book I've read. It's too bad many Christians won't get it and read it. Many of them will simply dismiss it because Wells had been the leading Jesus mythicist of our generation. But he has "repudiated" (p. 334) his former view and now thinks there was a Galilean Jew who did in fact exist, whose sayings are found in Q, the lost document that most scholars conjecture formed the basis for the synoptic gospels. Very highly recommended! It's very impressive. To wannabe Christian apologists I challenge you to read and argue against it. On the gospels you won't find anything better.