The question “Does God exist?” has generally been considered to be a philosophical question. It has, in fact, generally been considered to be a paradigm case of a philosophical question. However, some people believe that science has much to contribute towards answering this question, and many people believe that philosophy has not only failed to … A Scientific Question? Part 1

Here’s a photo that’s a part of a story run by The Daily Mail, “The Talibanisation of British childhood by hardline parents”: The caption: Joyless: A Muslim family stay covered up as the[y] bathe on a British beach. The “joyless” assumption is understandable. After all, they’re all wrapped up in clothes that restrict movement; such … Joylessness or family values?

Here’s a quotation from a piece by Gary Gutting, a philosopher of religion, as a prelude to a defense of faith: . . . when philosophers disagree it is only about specific aspects of the most subtle and sophisticated versions of arguments for and against God’s existence (for example, my colleague Alvin Plantinga’s modal-logic formulation … Conservatism in philosophy

Like many nonbelievers, I find some aspects of religion absurd, even ridiculous. Sometimes the most appropriate response seems to be satire. I want to ridicule the bastards. If Catholic bishops enable child molestation while prancing around as “reverend fathers,” blaspheme them and their religion. If Muslim leaders demand obsequious respect toward their ignorant prophet, draw … Freedom to offend

The current fashion appears to be to describe our current situation as “post-secular.” Secularism, it appears, cannot adequately accommodate the equal citizenship of conservative religious populations in a time of religious resurgence. Secular claims of neutrality between religious stances ring hollow. And however it might be defended, secularism cannot be honestly presented as a requirement … Post-secularism?

I ran into a 2009 web page from a Hawaiian Christian movement of some sort, where they claim a man was raised from the dead recently. Even if you believe their report (I suspect the usual embellishments and exaggerations), it’s not as clear-cut as they advertise it. Other miracles include a “multiplication of food” incident, … They’re raising the dead! Today!

One thing that strikes me about conservative monotheist morality-talk is how it’s so focused on everyday and family questions. For example, a fatwa site I regularly visit doesn’t just concentrate on doctrinal and ritual details; it’s full of advice on all sorts of personal matters. I wonder if that’s part of the attraction. I don’t … Too much choice

Thoughts in a Hijab from Reel Grrls on Vimeo. The most common argument given for living in a secular fashion is that this represents liberation. Secular liberals are all for freedom. But a lot of people reject this form of freedom. They don’t want to be “liberated” from their cultural identity and especially their religious practices.

Does anybody read the old creeds any longer? Here is the Athanasian Creed (late 5th or early 6th Century) in its entirety: Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith. Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And … The Old Creeds

Check this out: The desiccated old farts that constitute the Catholic hierarchy never learn do they? Why does the Roman Catholic Church have any moral capital at all? Why should anyone listen to a 2000 year old old-boy network? Well, of course, the RC church has done a lot for the poor, as it damn … Vatican Condemns Ordination of Women