Jim Howell's Page about Religious Issues

Religion-oriented Items (or Why I am not religious)

The Reason Rally

The Reason Rally is planned for Saturday, March 24, 2012 in Washington, DC, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Music, comedy, speakers, and more!

From ieet.org.

The picture above is intended to be humorous and/or thought-provoking and is not to be taken as a sign that I believe in any gods.

Random Freethought Quote

(this works most of the time)

A non-Random quote, inspired by the earthquakes in Haiti

"The idea that God is a worthy recipient of our gratitude for the blessings of life but should not be held accountable for the disasters is a transparently disingenuous innovation of the theologians."
- Daniel Dennett

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Some links

Are you a secular American? (This article is obviously aimed at us Americans.)
A great You Tube video -- The Origin of Stupidity.
An article from New Scientist on How to Spot a Hidden Religious Agenda.
Two articles about the myth that “there are no atheists in foxholes”: one about mountain climber Joe Simpson and one about why the saying is not true.
Blogger Greta Christina writes about atheism (and other topics). Here are a few of her writings.
- Some people say that atheists are always angry. Well, maybe not always, but we have plenty to be angry about. (Hint: we are NOT angry with God! How can we be angry with someone whom we believe does not exist?)
- Why do atheists have to talk about atheism?
- Somewhat related: Why are so many believers opposed to us atheists simply trying to explain why we don’t believe? Many are even opposed to us just saying that we exist.
- Atheism and the “Shut Up, That’s Why” Arguments.
- Near-death experiences are not good evidence for the existence of souls.
- Greta’s take on the Universe-Is-Fine-Tuned-for-Life argument.
- The Top One Reason why religion is harmful.
- Eleven Myths and Truths about Atheists.
Chris Rodda has a blog called This Week in Christian Nationalism.
Here are several suggestions for Christians (and other believers in one or more gods) on how NOT to debate atheists. (And here is a cartoon that is somewhat related to the issue.)
Many people tell how and why they left Christianity, at ex-Christian.net.
What the Left Behind series really means.
In 1994, Dick Cheney told us that invading Iraq would create a quagmire. But nine years later, he either ignored or forgot what he said.
In 2003, Pat Robertson came out in favor of separation of church and state! But only for Iraq, and not for the United States.

Some websites about atheism and/or separation of church and state

Freedom From Religion Foundation

Americans United for Separation of Church and State

American Atheists

Atheists United

The Internet Infidels

An introduction to atheism.

Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers. Yes, there are and always have been atheists in foxholes.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation shows us many examples of Christian proselytizing in the US military. If you are in the military and are not a Christian, you had better watch out!

“Alabama Atheist” attempts to explain what atheism is and is not. He also has an extensive list of recommended books and a link to Operation Foxhole Atheists.

Cliff Walker’s Positive Atheism magazine.

The Happy Heretic (Judith Hayes) writes a monthly column.

Here is a particularly good one called “Hell on Earth”. (Scroll down to near the end of the page.)

Adrian Barnett once had an introduction to atheism as well as numerous other writings on atheism (and other topics). Perhaps his website will be back someday.

Pat Condell has numerous videos criticizing religion.

Evolution vs Creation Science

No Answers in Genesis. John Stear has a very extensive website.

Bob Riggins has several essays on real science, and how “creation science” is the complete opposite of it. Here are some of those essays.

Things Creationists Hate!
He debunks “The Whole Silly Flood Story”.
Those naughty vestigial bits -- appendixes, the “design” of our eyes, hip bones in whales and snakes, and various others -- are difficult for creationists to explain.

A few Atheist Groups

Atheists of Silicon Valley.

Mark Thomas answers the question: Why atheism?

San Francisco Atheists.

East Bay Atheists.

Kansas City Freethinkers.

Freethinkers of East Texas.

Atheist Foundation of Australia.

Atheist Association of Uganda.

Quotes

The concept of religious liberty is “meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the Mohometan, the Hindoo, and the infidel of every denomination.”
-- Thomas Jefferson, in his autobiography (writing about religious freedom in Virginia)

“This tragedy [the September 11 attack on the US] only reinforces our disbelief, and the response of the religionists only reinforces our disdain for faith.”
-- Cliff Walker

“The gods offer no rewards for intellect. There was never one yet that showed any interest in it.”
-- Mark Twain, “Notebook” (1900)

“Atheists are the true American Patriots. We love our country more than any god.”
--Pete Hance, of Secular Humanists and Atheists of Lehigh Valley

A Brief Note about Biblical Prophecy

The following verse is one of the many alleged prophecies in the Bible:

Even my close friend whom I trusted, he who has shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Psalms 41:9

In other words, “I was betrayed by someone I trusted”. This is said to be a prophecy about Jesus being betrayed by Judas. However, there is nothing about the verse or the surrounding verses that indicate that a prediction is being made about a future event. The author of the psalm is simply making a statement about himself and a (perhaps former) friend.

The vast majority of Biblical “prophecies” follow this same rule: Hey, this verse applies to Jesus, therefore it must be a prophecy! However, this is not a valid method for finding prophecies, since it allows “prophecies” to be found about almost anyone. For example, how could the Bible contain such accurate prophecies about Napoleon? (There was once a similar page about Tiger Woods, but it seems to have gone away.)

Miscellaneous Stuff

Things you have to believe to be a Republican today.
FAQ about God.
John Ashcroft sings about the Bill of Rights. (From the former BushSpeaks.com)
The link between Iraq and Al-Qaeda.
An ultimatum received by the Taliban.
Taliban Singles Online. I found this picture on a message board -- I don’t know where it came from originally.
Some of my reference material containing information about calendars and some of my “favorite” Bible verses.

evangelists=evil's agents
Thanks to Jim Huber for the graphic.

Religion Ruled the Dark Ages
From EvolveFish.com

Send me e-mail at jrhowell@ix.netcom.com
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This page was last updated on January 2, 2012.