1. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #125219 by Paul Nettleship on February 11, 2008 at 4:45 am

How I wish Carl Sagan were still around.

2. Richard Dawkins Replies to David Sloan Wilson

Comment #55562 by Paul Nettleship on July 11, 2007 at 2:31 pm

Wilson also said:

"The problem with Dawkins' analysis, however, is that if he doesn't get the facts about religion right, his diagnosis of the problems and proffered solutions won't be right either."

What facts? The fact that people will believe incredulous things if it makes them feel better about dying is probably the only fact anyone needs to know in the whole debate about god(s).

3. Disney daughter calls Muslim Mickey evil

Comment #39186 by Paul Nettleship on May 10, 2007 at 6:25 am

I never trusted that fucking mouse

4. The New Atheists loathe religion far too much to plausibly challenge it

Comment #38167 by Paul Nettleship on May 7, 2007 at 6:56 am

"The books live up to their provocative titles: their purpose is to pour scorn on religious belief"

And why not? That is all infantile beliefs are worthy of. Anyway, the purpose of the books is to educate primarily. Clearly too late for this catholic journalist though.

5. Just 120 Trillion Miles From Home

Comment #36073 by Paul Nettleship on April 30, 2007 at 6:07 am

This article and the figures quoted remind me of "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan: without doubt the best and most awe-inspiring book I've ever read.

6. Atheists split on how to not believe

Comment #34189 by Paul Nettleship on April 23, 2007 at 1:24 pm

Weefree wrote:

"Paul - you write " I find not believing very simple." - I guess that just about sums it up very nicely. Thanks."

You're welcome Dave. Non-belief IS a very simple concept. Do you think it is complicated?

7. Atheists split on how to not believe

Comment #34019 by Paul Nettleship on April 23, 2007 at 4:01 am

Is it just me, or does the very name of the article seem derisory to atheists? I find not believing very simple.

8. 'God Is Not a Moderate'

Comment #33902 by Paul Nettleship on April 22, 2007 at 2:53 pm

Clear, concise arguments from Sam. Excellent stuff. How frustrating it is, and I have had similar experiences, when your opponent says something like "brilliant argument, lovely talking to you, by the way, your points were so good, my faith is even stronger". AAAAAAAAAAH!

Sometimes I think they say it just to wind you up.

9. NEXT MONDAY: Bill O'Reilly interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #33182 by Paul Nettleship on April 19, 2007 at 2:24 pm

Just watched the Sam Harris links. O'Reilly likes the sound of his own voice.

10. NEXT MONDAY: Bill O'Reilly interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #33169 by Paul Nettleship on April 19, 2007 at 2:06 pm

I saw this guy on a documentary by Al Franken:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Franken:_God_Spoke

He looks like a nasty piece of work.

11. Flea Circus!

Comment #33025 by Paul Nettleship on April 19, 2007 at 3:14 am

David

Thanks for clearing up the "myth" query. I had taken its primary meaning rather than "a widely held belief" (I'm not sure how widely held a) is in any case).

I have borrowed a copy of "The Dawkins Delusion" but have not yet had a chance to read it, but I shall. If I can borrow a copy of your book from someone I shall read that too.

I haven't seen any of your other posts but agree with you that it is wrong to censor your opinions.

12. Flea Circus!

Comment #32998 by Paul Nettleship on April 19, 2007 at 1:16 am

My favourite sub-title of these is "Challenging Atheist Myth".

Err...what myth would that be?

That is richer than a Saudi prince eating a rich tea biscuit.

13. Doctors Opposing Circumcision: An Appeal for Misha

Comment #32678 by Paul Nettleship on April 18, 2007 at 2:06 am

Under what other banner would anybody agree to inflict grevious bodily harm on not just an infant, but one's own infant?

It shows the true lunacy of religious belief.

14. Sam's Flea!

Comment #32675 by Paul Nettleship on April 18, 2007 at 1:55 am

From the excerpts posted on his site, I don't think Sam Harris should lose any sleep.

"There are, as you point out, over 350,000 species of beetles...I think it is the coolest thing in the world that our God created that many different kinds of beetles."

And if you don't want to line this guy's pockets (I don't) see if a local library has it.