51. CEAI Action Alert for Science Teachers

Comment #154415 by liberalartist on April 3, 2008 at 7:43 am

And people wonder why American education system sucks? Perhaps it is because total morons are teaching our children religious crap instead of science. I am sure if he were a history teacher he would be teaching the kids all about the founding of our "Christian" nation. Floridians did the right thing; lets just hope it doesn't get undone. They obviously have not given up the fight. Just when you think a state has gained a sense of reason, fundies make a comeback and the fight starts all over again(Kansas comes to mind here).

52. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #150000 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 11:45 am

DamnDirtyApe, I think your quote is appropriate for a lot of people in this world. The Western religions are manipulators and have had centuries to refine their techniques.

Rod-the-Farmer, actually I think 'one god' is the worst. It seems to allow fanaticism to take hold in people. I guess with multiple gods, it's just too easy to drop one god for another, but if you have only one "true" god, then you have nowhere to go but give "him" up or die trying to convert others. So many people have begun to give "him" up that these religions have to work together to combat it! I guess the enemy of their enemy is us.

53. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #149960 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 11:10 am

I find it funny that these religions are willing to work together to rid themselves of their biggest problem (atheists). Then they can get back to destroying each other.

As for Bin Lauden - he and his religion can go F#@# themselves!

54. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #149952 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 10:59 am

For people to embrace this type of barbaric religiosity, they must be insane. If this isn't child abuse, I sure don't know what is. If I lived in Wisconsin, I would be contacting the attorney general right now demanding they prosecute the parents for, at minimum, negligent homicide. Those kids need to be removed from that home pronto. The parents have already proved they are incapable of caring for them.

55. Happy Birthday, Richard Dawkins!

Comment #149932 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 10:40 am

Happy Birthday Richard from a southern yankee :)

56. Wicked untruths from the Church

Comment #149209 by liberalartist on March 25, 2008 at 9:08 am

"Then, when the Bill becomes law and, over time, the advances save lives, the bishops and their flocks can quietly benefit from the measures they so denigrated, have the operation, swig the medicine and move on, sanctimoniously, to the next bit of opposition."

this is what really makes me mad about religious nuts; they complain about evolution, but then take antibiotics without even thinking how they are developed or why they need a new one. they are hypocrites and idiots living off the backs of others.

57. Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

Comment #146732 by liberalartist on March 19, 2008 at 10:21 am

I think it is sad that we have lost someone who inspired many people around the world. But what better way to pass our short time on this planet, than by making a difference.

Now, I'm off to the library....

58. They prayed to cast Satan from my body

Comment #145237 by liberalartist on March 17, 2008 at 11:47 am

Christopher Hitchens said it best...pure poison!

This place sounds like a cult. I wonder if they get tax exemption in Australia?

59. Beauty ad banned after Christian outcry

Comment #142540 by liberalartist on March 12, 2008 at 4:50 pm

I didn't find the ad offensive. Have they even looked at Bernini's "Ecstasy of St. Teresa"? Now that's erotic!

60. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129766 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Mike O'Risal - thanks for the input. I currently live on the gulf coast of Alabama. But I do get out (to Rhode Island) once in a great while and what a world of difference.

I am looking at PhD programs for next year and since the best education is not in the south, I have hope for my future.

61. Fleabytes

Comment #129755 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 2:41 pm

"The universe is as it is, regardless of what he believes, and there is simply nothing to support the view that there is any kind of supernatural being behind it. Nothing. There is nothing in Robertson's arguments that can't be explained by a combination of physics, chemistry, biology, evolution, genetics, psychology, sociology and the leitmotifs of ancient storytellers. "

exactly. Reading this was so much better than working today :)

62. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129675 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:57 pm

Canada's even colder than Wisconsin, isn't it? Such a dilema, but I am getting tired of the simple-mindedness down here in the south y'all!

63. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129670 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:53 pm

party our asses off sounds like a good result. As a fairly mobile American, I am constantly torn between living in the temperate zone of my current habitat and the deep freeze of more rational states (I'm thinking Wisconsin here). So your suggestion of California has many appeals for me. I came across a book the other day called Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach which is about California breaking away from the Republic for ecological reasons. Which is probably why I made the suggestion in the first place. I have not read this book yet, so will not recommend.

64. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129650 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:25 pm

How about a relocation plan, put all the bible thumpers in certain states, and the smart people in other states and lets see what happens. They are already segregated by color (red/blue).

65. 'Frog from hell' fossil unearthed

Comment #129641 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:01 pm

If I didn't hang out on this website from time to time, I would miss out on all this cool science stuff.

66. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129634 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 11:52 am

"The board approved the use of the term "scientific theory of evolution" in public schools science standards. "

now they need to teach students what exactly "scientific theory" means. As someone who lives in the south, I am pleased that they are at least recognizing evolution in the science curriculum. Its a step in the right direction. The real issue is, what will teachers teach in the classroom? That depends on the school district and how powerful the religous lobby is there. Many teachers in the US are skirting the whole evolution topic just to avoid controversy.

67. The argument from oranges

Comment #128526 by liberalartist on February 17, 2008 at 9:44 am

Take it from someone who lives in Alabama, the man ain't alone in his speaking!

Dog Boots: "Why on Earth would anyone be interested in the average citizen opinion of Evolution?"

because public school curriculum is the US is decided based on public opinion. And since these nut jobs reside more frequently in the southern states, education here suffers.

68. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #128509 by liberalartist on February 17, 2008 at 9:09 am

I look on American, my country, as being a bit schizophrenic. Half of us are sane and rational, the rest are not. And unless "my half" starts making some progress over the fundies, then I think this country is in trouble. We have been the "leader of the free world" for a long time, but I think that since the end of the cold war we have been adrift. We were all raised to believe that America held the higher moral ground on this planet and that communism was evil. Well, now that the USSR is gone, we don't have a great satan of our own (although we are one for Iran!). People are looking to fill that void and some found it by villifying Islam and fighting the war on terror. Others are filling the void internally by such means as dumming down our science curriculum, packing the courts with religious fundies, etc. I think these are serious problems. The fact that many Americans say that nanotechnology is immoral when they are told to believe most science is immoral should come as no surprise.

69. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #125944 by liberalartist on February 12, 2008 at 9:57 am

Happy Darwin Day to all! I enjoyed all the great talent on display today :)

70. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #125518 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 2:11 pm

I watched Planet Earth which was a great show and really showcased the beauty of nature - who needs god with all of that!? Perhaps some students get exposed to that stuff in school but I would think most are spending their time playing guitar hero rather than watching science on television. Even fewer people watch PBS. I think Annabanana and I are the exception, rather than the rule, here in the states.

71. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125513 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 1:57 pm

It seems to me this is a problem that extends beyond the legal aspects. Of course British law would stand superior to any religious court, and those of us free from religious indoctrination are best aware of this, but what about general cultural and societal issues? I do think that multiculturalism is inevitable and can be a very enriching thing. In the US I like to celebrate St. Patrick's day and Cinco de Mayo, I like to go to the Greek festival, celebrate Mardi Gras and visit China Town. I like the idea of having a little bit of everything the world has to offer right here in the states (albeit a bit Disneyfied...). Over time cultures blend when brought together. But at some point a society has to choose how to treat one another, how to live together and how best to prosper. Cultures evolve, they should evolve, retaining what is good and disgarding what no longer is acceptable for ethical or other reasons.

we shouldn't ignore the fact that some immigrants have lived in a world with many outdated cultural norms. They need to be brought into the current culture, not kept seperate from it. And they should be told up front that they are coming to a western world with western cultural norms in which they will be participants. Modernity needs to happen to muslims and it won't if they live seperate lives within a dominant culture and are told that is right.

72. Exorcism undergoes a revival across Europe

Comment #125479 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 12:23 pm

"People don't pray anymore, they don't go to church, they don't go to confession. The devil has an easy time of it," Amorth said in an interview. "There's a lot more devil worship, people interested in satanic things and seances, and less in Jesus."

No - people are getting smarter, they aren't buying your bullshit anymore. They don't believe in your god or your devil! which means you need to get another job!

"Exorcisms remain a touchy subject even among priests who perform them, aware that the rite is associated with medieval witch-burnings and the 1973 Hollywood horror film, "The Exorcist."

Which is exactly where it belongs - in history books and film.

I would think the psychological community would be up in arms over this nonsense, considering that most people who are "diagnosed" with demons are most likely in need of psychological care not religious mania. I am going to write to the APA.

73. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #125464 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 12:03 pm

I also like Neil de Grasse Tyson, he is a great public speaker and seems very approachable as a public person, besides, he did great on Stephen Colbert's show, which isn't easy.

I also think its important to have someone who is not afraid of the religion question, like Richard. He was always direct and straight forward answering those types of questions. We need someone like that, not someone who is afraid to offend anyone with scientific truth.

74. Battle of the Chambersburg billboards

Comment #124771 by liberalartist on February 10, 2008 at 7:34 am

I knew someone called "Roscoe Barnes III" had to be a fundie!

75. Sharia law in UK is 'unavoidable'

Comment #123562 by liberalartist on February 7, 2008 at 10:55 am

The best thing for society is to do away with all religious laws and have only secular laws like in the US. I assure you, there is no one here trying to establish sharia and we don't have muslims on the street protesting about it. I expect that it can be a struggle to adjust to a new culture and legal system, but when people migrate to a new country that is what they should be expected to do. The only way to have one cohesive society is that all participants share in the same system and all are treated equally. If there are laws that muslims disagree with then they should participate in the national legal system and democratically make changes, not create their own, independent system. How do you define where one system of laws start and another stops?? ridiculous.

76. A Mutant Obsession

Comment #123178 by liberalartist on February 6, 2008 at 2:47 pm

I think its been great to have this atheist drive to confront the fact that many of us humans no longer follow 2 thousand-year-old superstitions and that not doing so is tied to knowledge, science, and an understanding of our universe. I think it has been necessary to confront religion head-on, but its been done now. And I have to admit I am growing tired of the debates (nothing new is said in them). I think the important thing going forward from here is to educate people in just this way as the article has educated me. To help people understand the truth of the world in which we live, in which we are a part. People want to be inspired, and I find nature highly inspiring.

77. Apologetic billboard replaces atheistic sign

Comment #123166 by liberalartist on February 6, 2008 at 2:30 pm

A billboard in every state? good luck in the south! I would love to cover up the "keep Christ in Christmas" sign that is still up near my home. It offends me!!

I am seriously thinking of moving to Wisconsin, 12,000 free-thinkers! wow!! of course they need to work on that cold winter thing...

78. God the psycho

Comment #121339 by liberalartist on February 3, 2008 at 9:13 am

now that's what I call a sunday morning sermon! Nothing like a good laugh to set up the day.

79. Documents detail church coverup

Comment #120999 by liberalartist on February 2, 2008 at 9:05 pm

The reason these priests are not being convicted in criminal courts, I suspect, may have to do with a statute of limitations law, most of the civil cases date back to the 70's and 80's. I don't know if there is a statute of limitations for child abuse, but could be. That said, can you imagine how much abuse must go on now in other parts of the world where the church is even more powerful? Isn't it time the vatican was hauled before the world court for crimes against humanity or something, perhaps we could give their billions to the poor and throw the nazi pope in jail with all those sex-starved priests of his.... just a thought.

80. Pope says some science shatters human dignity

Comment #120498 by liberalartist on February 1, 2008 at 8:30 pm

many in the west don't take the vatican all that seriously. But the nazi pope has a lot of influence in developing nations - like much of Central America and Africa, and yet somehow more people suffer human indignation in those places...

81. Banks are helping sharia make a back-door entrance

Comment #116333 by liberalartist on January 26, 2008 at 8:58 am

Sounds to me that this is a corrupting way to bank and banks do fall under a lot of regulations and rules, so I see a problem with it. 'Deceptive' does not belong in banking or we are all in trouble. This is not just a simple matter of catering to the clientele, especially since the clientele didn't seem to be complaining.

And what if the chinese in Canada suddenly demanded communist banking practices - people would be up in arm! But Islam is a religion so everyone is afraid to be against it and be politically incorrect. But Islam is not just a religion, it is also a political state and should be opposed because it goes against democracy.

82. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115610 by liberalartist on January 24, 2008 at 11:58 am

I've learned more about bats than I ever thought I would....I just love the educational quality of this site :)

On the other hand, is it just me that is creeped out by "outfitting mice with a chunk of DNA that directs wing development in bats, scientists have created rodents with abnormally long forelimbs"? Poor little mouse.

83. The devilish church practice of exorcism

Comment #114073 by liberalartist on January 21, 2008 at 10:17 am

Once again the Catholic church leads the way in human denigration. When will rational people wake up to the barbaric practices of their so-called religions?!

84. Vatican slams California firm's cloning experiments

Comment #114069 by liberalartist on January 21, 2008 at 10:07 am

they're just mad because they haven't been consulted about such issues since the middle ages ended.

Seriously, what international organization could claim to be more anti-life than the catholic church?! As long as people are not having inappropriate sex, then starvation, overpopulation, disease, misery are acceptable to them. They are abhorrent.

85. Gay Jesus play blasted by bishop

Comment #114067 by liberalartist on January 21, 2008 at 9:59 am

It is intersting how contemporary christians are always changing their religion to fit their own world view. Your a gay christian...well then Jesus could have been gay! Your for women's equality, well then Jesus was pro-woman! Your for peace on earth, well then Jesus was a peace-maker. Religion becomes fuzzier and fuzzier and that I think is a good thing. Perhaps as Daniel Dennett points out, religion will just fade away over time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjljRkaKTwc. If so, its got a long way to go.

86. Stop revisionist Christian nation House Resolution 888

Comment #113880 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 10:16 pm

I sent my congressman an email last week. While some politicians are truly religious, most will vote which ever direction the wind happens to be blowing which will ensure their continued re-election. So contacting them, IMO is worthwhile.

87. Honour Killings

Comment #113710 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 11:32 am

reading that article just made me stupid.

How about we do away with all religious education in the US and UK and try teaching science for a change....

88. Ethical storm as scientist becomes first man to clone HIMSELF

Comment #113620 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 7:42 am

Being able to show the science of cell production takes away the magic. Take away the magic and all those priests have no purpose. Its another coffin in the nail of religion...anyone got a hammer!?

89. Violence fear over Islam film

Comment #113614 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 7:22 am

If we all used our expressions except in the possibility of "offending" someone, we would have little to say.

And I find it incredibly hypocrital that this guy would on the one hand demand his right to express himself in this movie and at the same time try to ban books.

90. George Scales, War Hero and Generous Friend of RDFRS

Comment #111729 by liberalartist on January 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm

George, I send warm wishes for a speedy recovery from Mobile, AL. We need all the rational people we can get in this world so get well soon! :)

91. Stop House Resolution 888

Comment #108010 by liberalartist on January 5, 2008 at 8:22 pm

I emailed my congressman. But its probably a hopeless cause as he is a republican and this is the south. I told him to stop spending my hard-earned tax dollars on this crap - though I didn't use that word.

It is really freaking me out how religious our government is becoming. Has it always been this way and I just never noticed it before??

92. What have you changed your mind about? Why?

Comment #105720 by liberalartist on January 1, 2008 at 4:48 pm

Thanks for the great article, a good way to start off my new year (well almost as great as Mizzou winning the Cotton Bowl today!)

I changed my mind this year about the existance of god. For a long time I thought that the universe seemed orderly, which implied god but since it functioned on its own, god wasn't around anymore. Then I read the God Delusion and Victor Stenger's book. So now I know there are explanations other than god.

Anyone who says they don't change their mind is either an idiot or a liar. Where politicians are concerned probably both.

Happy 2008 everyone! :)

93. Richard Dawkins on 'Have Your Say'

Comment #104869 by liberalartist on December 29, 2007 at 8:35 pm

Thank you Richard for that great discussion! I am so appreciative of the internet. Its rare to see this type of thing on television in the US.

What a relief that most of the callers were asking intelligent questions. Well, except for that prick of a priest! I've seen him on Fox and he is a fanatical moron that would be an embracement to most of my catholic family. And as usual this idiot has nothing new to ask except the old tired Stalin-argument. He obviously doesn't know the first thing about history. Richard answered him well. I find it astounding that a catholic priest accuses atheists of Nazism when we all know it was Ratzinger who was literally a member of the Nazi party.

This just made my year - just in time! :)

94. The Evangelical Rebellion

Comment #104585 by liberalartist on December 28, 2007 at 11:25 pm

Huckabee may seem like a long-shot right now but early primaries such as Iowa and SC are dominated by religious republicans. Bush beat McCain in SC in 2000 by convincing veterans that McCain (a war hero) was anti-military. Anything goes in American politics and I say anything is possible - which is a scary thought to ponder.

I think it is important to keep in mind that if Clinton gets the nomination, which seems likely today, the right-wing propoganda machine will rev up to full gear. They will do their best to convince America that she is the anti-christ.

As for me, with the Republican party the official pary-of-god, I will be voting Democrat, though I haven't decided on a candidate yet. I agree that our elections are WAY too long so I try to avoid it until necessary. When the time comes I will look at the issues that mean something to me, where candidates stand on them, and then vote. And hope for the best.

95. Holy Nonsense

Comment #95524 by liberalartist on December 8, 2007 at 2:08 pm

The Republican party has been the self-claimed party of god for sometime now. Prior to Bush it was a way to get votes, but with W, the party of god started changing policies, spending tax dollars on religious initiatives, packing the courts with religious nutters, and pretty much destroying our long history of seperation of church-state. On top of all this they found a holy war in the ashes of 9/11. I think the vast majority of Americans have no interest in this type of ideology. And I think it is very unlikely that a Republican will win the next election unless something unforseen happens (assasinations, terror strikes), because religion seems to be all they can talk about. Not all Republicans are christian conservatives. Lets not forget that the Dover case was decided correctly by a Bush-appointed Republican judge. I think the religious-right is destroying its own party, like a virus.

and calling secularism a religion is an oxymoron!

96. Fox: 'Atheist Outrage' over holiday 'Tree of Knowledge'

Comment #94757 by liberalartist on December 6, 2007 at 1:06 pm

Fox likes to create controversy where none exists. I swear it was created to keep the masses ignorant!

Plenty of non-Christians celebrate Christmas. Christians stole it from the pagans, they don't own it, and everyone needs some cheer in the dead of winter. I enjoy the holiday because I get to see my family, exchange gifts, eat good food, sing old songs and watch all the Rankin/Bass Christmas cartoons from my childhood. I like the idea of "peace-on-earth", a concept many Christians ignore 11 months of the year. Imagine, no religion…

97. Sherri Shepherd needs to go away now

Comment #94739 by liberalartist on December 6, 2007 at 11:37 am

maybe she was homeschooled. According to Wikipedia around 2 million kids are home schooled in America, mostly for religious purposes. Scary.

98. Bad Faith Awards: Vote for the winner now

Comment #94733 by liberalartist on December 6, 2007 at 11:18 am

So many to choose from...
Westboro and D'Souza would gain from winning so I won't vote for them. Chuch Norris I would like to vote "worst actor in a campaign ad". The Nazi Pope should actually win this every year, but in the end I voted for the Archbishop because the more people know what he did the better. When I told my Catholic family what he did, my sister was shocked and my mother didn't want to believe me. More people should be aware of what the catholic church and other religious organizations are doing in Africa.

99. Chimps beat humans in memory test

Comment #93875 by liberalartist on December 4, 2007 at 11:17 am

"We are still underestimating the intellectual capability of chimpanzees, our evolutionary neighbours."

Or we are overestimating our own! :)

I work with college students everyday so this study comes as no surprise! One has to wonder if certain substances played a roll in their low performance rate...

100. Daniel Dennett Debates Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #92991 by liberalartist on December 1, 2007 at 10:24 pm

D'Souza's habit of using literature or other "props" to explain his point strikes me as his fear of actually confronting what he believes. He skirts a lot of issues.

I'm on part 11 - did he just accuse Athiests of Sacrificing people?!