1. PLEASE WRITE IN SUPPORT OF PZ MYERS

Comment #208326 by Magrathean Economist on July 10, 2008 at 8:44 pm

Email sent. It's outrageous that those clowns in the Catholic League are trying to silence PZ.

2. The Most Hated Family in America

Comment #29810 by Magrathean Economist on April 5, 2007 at 12:01 am

"Most Hated Family in America" title is a bit misleading – I thought it was going to be about the Bushes…

I just watched all seven vids in Youtube. Very interesting but overall depressing, especially because of the children (á la Helen Lovejoy: Will someone please think of the children?!). I thought hard to try to find something positive, and could come up with only three items:

1. Let's hope it makes some believers question their faith on the inerrancy of the Bible. If anything, this program shows how toxic beliefs can result from a literal interpretation of some Bible passages. I realize, though, that I'm being too optimistic…

2. Although it won't occur soon enough, this cult may die because of the inability of its members to procreate – they are too busy in the service of God to think of marriage, realize that they don't make very attractive prospects (the girls wondered at one point whether anyone would want to marry them), and, let's hope, they won't resort to inbreeding.

3. If several family members (four?) have left the cult, there may be hope. I wish Mr. Theroux had covered why they left, what they do now, etc.

Does anyone know how they can afford to fund their activities ($200k for T&E, plus a bunch of people who work full time in the Church)? The program mentioned tithing, but given that there isn't more than 80-100 members (many of them kids), it sounds insufficient.

3. Interview: Jerry Coyne

Comment #28744 by Magrathean Economist on March 30, 2007 at 3:08 pm

Good program. It covered a broader spectrum of opinions than the typical ID vs. Evolution, all in a civilized exchange. Jerry Coyne was excellent. Thanks for posting the link.

4. Falwell says Christians shouldn't focus on global warming

Comment #23685 by Magrathean Economist on March 2, 2007 at 4:21 am

I think the hot air the good Reverend generates is itself a major contributor to global warming...