The Amalekites and Options for Apologists
I have been having a very interesting discussion with a Christian correspondent who calls himself “Veritas.” Discussions of this sort all too often generate far more heat than light, so let me first note that in our interactions the contributions by Veritas have been consistently intelligent, courteous, and candid. The focus of our conversation has … The Amalekites and Options for Apologists
Biblical Genocide and Village Atheists
This post springs from an interesting discussion I had with Scott Scheule in the comments section of an earlier post. The issues there are important enough to deserve a deeper look. Quoting the Bible against believers is one of the hoariest weapons in the freethinker’s war chest. It has been done many times, never more … Biblical Genocide and Village Atheists
Embarrassed by Some Atheists
I don’t feel like naming names, but recent behavior by some prominent atheists (plural) has me feeling somewhat embarrassed to be associated with them.
Getting back to the “Fundamentals” in Texas Education
Texas is great. Sure, the weather is hot, and you might have to dodge some tornadoes, and you had better like Tex-Mex and chicken fried steak (actually, I do). But it is never boring. The fundamentalists keep it interesting. The State Board of Indoctrination, er, Education, which is dominated by fundamentalists, wants to make sure … Getting back to the “Fundamentals” in Texas Education
The Historian’s Job and Christian Apologetics
I am currently writing a work of history. My co-author and I are investigating the nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands by the U.S. from 1946 to 1958. During that period, the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests (including some duds) on or near Bikini and Eniwetok atolls in the Marshall Islands. These tests … The Historian’s Job and Christian Apologetics
Religion and Violence
I hope that Victor Reppert will not feel that I am baiting him. In a recent post I said some mean things about C.S. Lewis, which with Victor is generally like humming “Hail to the Victors Valiant” around an Ohio State fan. Here I begin with a paragraph he recently wrote for his Dangerous Idea … Religion and Violence
Victor Stenger Died
LINK Stenger was an early supporter of the Internet Infidels; we occasionally exchanged emails. Trained as a physicist, Stenger was also interested in the philosophy of religion. Many of his writings were at the intersection of physics (or, more broadly, science) and religion. As I reflect upon my numerous interactions with him about responding to … Victor Stenger Died
Towards a Rational Paganism
Recent discussions here at SO have focused on the future of philosophy of religion (if any), and some have queried where the field might go if, to some extent, it moves away from its traditional theistic/Christian emphases. I have maintained that certain discussions have pretty much played out. By now we know the arguments for … Towards a Rational Paganism
The End of PoR – Part 2
John Loftus has begun laying out his views on PoR in greater detail on his website. I’m going to comment on a few key points that he makes in a recent post: What Exactly is My Proposal For Ending the Philosophy Of Religion Discipline in Secular Universities? It will probably take me a few posts … The End of PoR – Part 2
More Craziness
This guy is as bizarre as Ken Ham, but whereas Ham only runs a “museum,” this guy might go to Congress! As Charles P. Pierce observes in Idiot America, there have always been crackpots, but it has never been so easy to be one as now. Characters who were previously relegated to corner soapboxes now … More Craziness