This post provides official notification of my intention, on or immediately prior to the 25th of December 2009, to wish readers of my blog a Merry Christmas. If you are likely to find such expression of Christmas greetings/wishes offensive, you are hereby asked to refrain from reading any and all posts on this blog which may have Christmas, Noel, or other synonymous terminology in the title which may be posted between midnight of December 24th and midnight of December 26th Eastern Standard Time. No responsibility is taken for computers whose clock settings may cause them to view a post in this category outside the specified time frame.
December 25, 2009
James McGrath's "Articles of Christmas"
If You Want to Enjoy Christmas, Avoid the Toxic Christian “Message” by Former DC Team Member Marlene Winell
The full-blown fundamentalist version of the “Christmas story” is truly pernicious. In the last couple years, I’ve thought about the imagery of Christmas (the child archetype) and the traditions we all enjoy which can be separate from Christianity (See previous articles). This year, I read a piece by Billy Graham called “You can know the Christ of Christmas,” and was reminded of all that is wrong with this religion, and how it can taint so much about life. I felt so sad reading this because as a humanist, it seems so wrong to denigrate who we are as human beings.
7 Reasons for Atheists to Celebrate the Holidays
Even though the standard winter holidays are supposedly religious, there are ample reasons for atheists to celebrate, too.
I Wish Everyone a Happy December 25th
I can remember when growing up nearly everyone called July 4th "Independence Day." It wasn't July 4th so much as it had a name. When referring to celebrations on that day we didn't say "have a great 4th," we said "have a great independence day." So at this season when there is a war on Christmas let me say, "Have a happy 25th." Sure, it may not seem to have a ring to it, but then who knows what the future will bring?
December 24, 2009
My Talents, Goals and Target Audience
I carry on various discussions via emails, blogs and on Facebook. Here's an interesting one that took place recently over at Vox Popoli that I'll pick up in midstream:
How to Get Academic Papers for Free
Luke, over at Common Sense Atheism reveals his secrets.
Philosophy is a massive enterprise that happens almost entirely in writing. The most important of that writing happens in academic books and papers.
Former DC Team Member Valerie Tarico: "Solstice Is The Reason For The Season!"
December twenty-first is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. That makes the 22nd the first day of more sun! Let me spell that out. Beginning this week we're on a path toward "sun breaks" and dry sidewalks, a time when people will take their fleeces off for long enough to wash them, a time that pet poop will dry out enough that your kids can scoop it off the lawn. Anyone who thinks that winter solstice couldn't possibly have spawned the rich array of celebrations that we now call Yule and Christmas and Divali and Hannukkah and Kwanzaa never lived in Seattle.
It's Difficult to Comprehend How Poorly Some People Argue
It's not just that we disagree with each other. It's how poorly some people argue for what they think. Some people do not even understand an argument enough to respond to it properly. Therefore I call upon every person who has not already taken a basic critical thinking class to read through this entire entry. Cheers.
December 23, 2009
What is the Difference Between an Education and Indoctrination?
[Written by John W. Loftus] When I went to Bible College I was not educated. I was indoctrinated. While other believers will protest that their Christian college was different, I wonder if that's true. In order to test this let me explain my experience, compare it with what a good education is, and see what you think. Okay?
Vox Popoli Agrees With Me
He's against indoctrination masking as an education too. If you go there you'll see me answering some additional objections.
Richard Carrier on Secular Morality
I've previously mentioned we're entering A New Era for Atheism: Moral Realism. This is a follow-up post:
Does God Answer Prayer? A Better Perspective
23,000 children will starve to death today.HT: Pete Roode
Another 23,000 tomorrow.
Another 23,000 the day after…. Another….
If God doesn’t listen to their prayers, what makes you think he will listen to yours?
"MythBusters" Does God Exist?
Since I've been recently discussing unanswered prayer check this test for God out!
Welcome to the Universe
The year 2009 was the international year of astronomy in celebration the 400th anniversary of Galileo's Work. Here's a great video survey of astronomy:
December 22, 2009
Conflicting Bible Teaching of the Week
How should a faithful Christian interact with non-believers? Check out this link for the answer. ;-)
Science is Essential to Morality
That's what professor McCormick argues in his latest Blog post. This is his conclusion:
God Blew it Again on National TV! Maybe He's on Strike, Right?
In light of my previous discussion about unanswered prayer, this is precious! Again God Blew it on National TV!
Dr. Marlene Winell - Recovering from Toxic Religion (Parts 1 & 2)
Here's an excerpt from a recent "Release and Reclaim" retreat where former DC Team Member Dr. Marlene Winell outlines 7 steps towards recovering from indoctrination by authoritarian religions.
Recently Posted: Richard Dawkins Interviewed (With Several Personal Questions)
This is part 1 of 3 which can be found on YouTube:
Richard Carrier on the Existence of Nazareth and the Movie Zeitgeist
Carrier argues that Nazareth probably existed in the time of Jesus and that the movie Zeitgeist is "absolute garbage." Don't fall for the arguments to the contrary, especially when it comes to that movie.
Richard Carrier on the Health Care Bill
We interrupt the fun here at DC with an analysis of The Health Care Bill by Richard Carrier.
December 21, 2009
More Rapture Madness, This Time With Pets!
Recently I wrote on Why I Think The Rapture Madness is Indeed Madness. Now I've learned there is a way for believers who love their pets to buy insurance so that they will be taken care of by atheists after the rapture. Yep, that's right!
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