301. The New Theology

Comment #113207 by MelM on January 18, 2008 at 11:20 pm

Some "highlights":

"He began to think of God as a silent presence within nature, the source of the nameless awe he felt when studying the genesis of solar systems and the life of our endlessly fertile planet."

"Evolution, they contend, is more than a soulless explanation for the development of life. It is a glimpse of a divine plan so subtle it's almost invisible. Some scholars call the idea "theistic evolution," though the term has been slow to catch on."

"Most important, the process does not follow a preordained path, because God loved the world enough to set it free."

"Put simply, evolution seems to explain much of the design that religions always attributed to God."

"My dream is to bring together open-minded, deep-thinking scientists and theologians to try to construct a new theology of how the universe is put together and how God works within that universe," Collins says. "It should be a celebration theology instead of a defensive theology.""

"But the notion of divine intervention in our world can be a problem for the apostles of theistic evolution. Kenneth Miller of Brown has suggested that God might nudge events in the natural world through imperceptible changes at the quantum level. Other believers, like Francis Collins, say that old-fashioned miracles are perfectly consistent with a scientific worldview because science is concerned only with natural processes, not God's supernatural action. Collins says his standard of evidence for believing in a miracle is high, but he doesn't dismiss them out of hand."

""For me, as a believer who sees God as the author of natural laws, why would it be such a stretch to imagine that such a being could, on rare occasions, suspend those laws?" Collins says."

Same old drivel!
In order to know things, scientists and the rest of us too--have to look at the world with care, make observations, form inductions, concepts, and theories. All these people do is create hack rationalizations. Someone finds something absurd and the solution is to hack another defense which has no foundation--just like the position giving them a problem: an endless recursion. These drivelers have invented a god with no point at all--no reason to exist. If they think they can convert Huck and his pals to this, they're as goofy as he is.

302. The God Delusion: Now Available in US Paperback

Comment #113124 by MelM on January 18, 2008 at 3:59 pm

I just bought "Your Inner Fish", "The Portable Atheist", and "Creationism's Trojan Horse". I'm not going to buy the paperback edition of TGD unless it comes with one of those "Come all Ye Faithless" cards.

303. Questions Delay Creationist Master's Degrees

Comment #112639 by MelM on January 17, 2008 at 4:12 pm

You can go over to the web site containing this story and post a comment. (Comments are moderated but you don't have to create an account or anything.)
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/01/16/icr

There's quite a flap going in the comment section and there's even a comment by a "Steven Schafersman, President at Texas Citizens for Science" Naturally, there are some nutters there too.

I posted a short comment (not through moderation yet) about Creation science and ID being nothing more than an attempt to make miracles an accepted part of science. Bottom-line, that's it in a nutshell.

304. Canadian fossil makes waves in Huckabee's presidential run

Comment #112281 by MelM on January 16, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Well, I phoned and found a copy of "YOUR INNER FISH"; the local University book store had to search a bit and call me back. Turns out that they had copies which weren't on shelf yet! It looks like a fun read but I'd sure like to see a review by Dawkins. If this book is solid, the catchy title might be its ticket to the best seller list. BTW, there are about 10 pages of "NOTES, REFERENCES, AND FURTHER READING" at the end of the book.

Lucky for me that I remembered to ask about the 2007 paperback edition of "Creationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design" by Barbara Forrest and Paul R. Gross. They had that too!

It occured to me while reading one of the pieces in Hitchens' "the Portable Atheist" that one way of looking at what ID is all about is that it's just about "miracles". Some features, at least, of living things are claimed to be against natural law and were created by god (the non-natural undesigned designer). But, that's the very essence of a "miracle."

305. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #111181 by MelM on January 13, 2008 at 10:57 pm

A nice deconversion story (YouTube) found at Pharyngula (PZ Myers).

"I'm happy to be an atheist; you can be too!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naLQjFNQVAM

306. New attempt to end blasphemy law

Comment #110246 by MelM on January 10, 2008 at 5:20 pm

I think getting rid of the Blasphemy law is a great idea. I you don't think so, check out what might be the consequences. An Old Testament-Blasphemer Stoned story from the Brick Testament should make the point clear.

307. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #110237 by MelM on January 10, 2008 at 5:01 pm

"Shackled by faith to the delusions of faith." A very serious problem! Perhaps the stories of those able to escape will help us understand what's going on inside these cults and how to break through and appeal to the reason suppressed by mind-control (from self and others). Maybe one cult at a time will have to be targeted--don't know. But, a book by one of the 4 Musketeers about JW mind-control would be very interesting I'm sure.

308. Stop House Resolution 888

Comment #108401 by MelM on January 6, 2008 at 6:29 pm

The Declaration of Theocracy!

Using the link provided by 'obscured by clouds': H. Res. 888

After a long list of "Whereas"s, the meat is in a four part resolution at the bottom (check out part 2):

"Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives----

(1) affirms the rich spiritual and diverse religious history of our Nation's founding and subsequent history, including up to the current day;

(2) recognizes that the religious foundations of faith on which America was built are critical underpinnings of our Nation's most valuable institutions and form the inseparable foundation for America's representative processes, legal systems, and societal structures;

(3) rejects, in the strongest possible terms, any effort to remove, obscure, or purposely omit such history from our Nation's public buildings and educational resources; and

(4) expresses support for designation of a `American Religious History Week' every year for the appreciation of and education on America's history of religious faith."

309. A War On Science

Comment #105428 by MelM on December 31, 2007 at 2:24 pm

I wonder why the Vatican has Observatories?

310. Disquiet over schools' moment of silence

Comment #103205 by MelM on December 24, 2007 at 1:32 pm

A Common Thread!

Like "Intelligent Design" and "Bible Literacy", the "moment of silence" is just another attempt to sneak religion into the U.S. public schools by giving it a secular face and propaganda campaign...yet another religious wolf in secular clothing. In this case, the clothing is full of holes and worn thin; the wolf is almost naked and fairly obvious!

311. Sherri Shepherd needs to go away now

Comment #94754 by MelM on December 6, 2007 at 1:02 pm

Makes me wonder about what she thinks of the "Earth going around the Sun" idea.

312. Boy dies of leukemia after refusing treatment for religious reasons

Comment #92048 by MelM on November 29, 2007 at 6:40 pm

Faith is a vice, and, like a lot of vices, it can be lethal.

313. Frequently Asked Questions about the Ayaan Hirsi Ali Security Trust

Comment #89467 by MelM on November 20, 2007 at 9:39 pm

Thanks Sam, for all your efforts.

This from Ayaan's blog. Here's more of what we're up against. More threats in Denmark.

http://ayaanhirsiali.web-log.nl/ayaanhirsiali/2007/11/danish_politica.html

314. URGENT APPEAL: Please Help Protect Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Comment #89188 by MelM on November 20, 2007 at 1:21 am

An endless wait for financial data.......
If I were to let my decision await audited (or trustworthy) financial statements, context (goals and needs), and the amount contributed to Ayaan's protection from AEI, her publisher, Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris, and Dennett, and Ayaan herself, then I think I could never reach a decision. And, I certainly can't assume that Ayaan and the others are NOT going to make appropriate contributions. We are not going to be told these financial matters and a demand for them will just get one into an endless wait. Besides, the Islamic fanatics are a threat to us all -- not just to Ayaan.

If the U.S. government doesn't help, then I have to do it.
As for the U.S. government footing the bill, if they don't, it just says to me that I must get involved -- and I've already sent a check. It also seems peculiar to me that some people (correctly) assert the right to think things through and decide for themselves, but won't extend the same right to the U.S. taxpayer. (Taxes are based on guns; there's no right to think anything through and decide for oneself.)

Personally, I like the opportunity to defy the jihadis in this way. The more people involved in this mass defiance, the clearer the message we send to the killers.

I think she asked for help
As I pointed out yesterday on page 1, a story about the fund and an address were provided on Ayaan's blog. I'm therefore satisfied that she endorses the project and is a participant in the solicitation of funds (she's asking for help). I also believe that she's not running a scam and that Dawkins and the others have not been suckered into something. (And I can't imagine that this solicitation was put on this blog without the approval of Dawkins.)

Living in the U.S.
She can live where she wants. If she wants to stay here, it would be a surprise but it's fine with me; maybe someone in the U.S will listen to her warnings and she's a breath of spiritual fresh air that's badly needed. She may never inspire a Muslim woman but she's inspired me and others. I think she's a net asset for the U.S. and the West in general. There is also the fact that living here means she gets the benefit of FBI (and perhaps even CIA) activities. There are a lot of resources here that just might smell a plot against her in time to stop it. I suspect small nations wouldn't have as many resources but I really dont't know; just a thought.

Anyway, if you want to wait for any or all of these people to provide financial details and the personal context sufficient for you to decide whether or not they gave enough, I think you're going to wait a very long time.

315. URGENT APPEAL: Please Help Protect Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Comment #88741 by MelM on November 18, 2007 at 7:02 pm

I just dropped my check in the local mail box. I have no doubt that I've done the moral thing.

316. URGENT APPEAL: Please Help Protect Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Comment #88707 by MelM on November 18, 2007 at 3:46 pm

FYI, there is a post requesting donations on the Ayaan Hirsi Ali blog itself:

http://ayaanhirsiali.web-log.nl/ayaanhirsiali/2007/10/providing_finan.html

This includes the direct bank address which is the same as given by Harris.

Assuming that she is in control of the blog, I conclude that this security fund project has her endorsement.

I also see this as mass defiance of Islamic jihad and just what's needed; I'll proudly participate.

317. Georgia plans service to pray for rain

Comment #86648 by MelM on November 9, 2007 at 8:20 pm

How lazy! No dancing or burnt offerings!

318. Brainwashed children plead to die as martyrs in Red Mosque siege

Comment #55342 by MelM on July 10, 2007 at 5:07 pm

Video: "Palestinian children: martyrdom as ideal"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dPb1bF-s4M

Video: "Al-Dura Paradise clip"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=canTCmXEMk8

Video: "Farwell letter clip"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0_ExnR6yxs

319. Floods are judgment on society, say bishops

Comment #53704 by MelM on July 2, 2007 at 6:09 pm

He's forgotten his cap and bells again.

320. Floods are judgment on society, say bishops

Comment #53697 by MelM on July 2, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Did government officials ask that people pray for an end to the rain? If not, that could be worth a try. U.S. nutters are trying to end a drought with prayer.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2007/06/29/praying-for-rain/

321. Doctors' beliefs can hinder patient care

Comment #51609 by MelM on June 23, 2007 at 5:56 pm

Part of a long list of items in religion's "culture of misery."

322. Atheists: stand up and be counted

Comment #50569 by MelM on June 18, 2007 at 7:42 pm

OT

Re: Comic in U.S. 'hate speech' row (May 25, 2007)

I just posted a follow up comment (#45).
http://richarddawkins.net/article,1178,Comic-in-US-hate-speech-row,chortlecouk#50563

It concerns the response from Cohen and Wornick to my email to the Berkeley "Peace and Justice Commission". To complicate things further, I believe there was a problem with the Chortle article.


(I wonder if Condell will have something to say about the response to Salman Rushdie's knighthood.)

323. Comic in US 'hate speech' row

Comment #50563 by MelM on June 18, 2007 at 7:21 pm

Re: 34. Comment #45019 by MelM on May 25, 2007 at 7:44 pm

Follow up to my email to the "Peace and Justice Commission"

I now beleive the sentence below was out of context in Chortle.
"People should not be allowed to spew racist propaganda" without others being able to respond, Cohen said. "It's not about free speech—it's hate speech."

I received responses from Cohen and Wornick
Living in Berkeley, I was extremely concerned about the phrase "should not be allowed" by Elliot Cohen. So, I sent an email to the Peace and Justice Commission and received responses from Cohen and Jonathan Wornick--it was Wornick who sent the email to the commission which contained the video link. In his response to me, Wornick stated that "I was the commissioner who has been called a racist and bigot because of my forward to my fellow commissioners."

I think the offending statement was out of context
I thought--based on the Chortle article--that Cohen was advocating curtailment of Condell's freedom of speech. This, I now find, is incorrect; I was able to find confirmation that the sentence in Chortle was out of proper context. Here is a link to a (don't laugh) "Berkeley Daily Planet" (May 15, 2007) article which contains the sentence.
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=05-15-07&storyID=27051
In addition, in Cohen's response to me, he said: "...any member of the public has a right to make any comments they want..."

Cohen's further complaints
In the Daily Planet article he also said: "the proper place for such a discussion would be to agenda it at the commission level, where commissioners could question Wornick on his intention in presenting this." According to the article, commissioners were "asked by Peace and Justice Chair Steve Freedkin not to respond, because if a majority of the commissioners took part in the discussion, it would constitute a violation of open meeting laws."

I think Cohen would like to curtail Wornick's speech
In his response to me, Cohen wrote that "...it continues to be my opinion that a commissioner should not be permitted to use city resources to spread this type of information..." and "when one is acting in the capacity as a Representative of the city I believe they owe respect to the members of our community and must control their conduct somewhat." He has placed this item on the agenda: "Discussion of the use of e-mail system by commissioners to spread racist propaganda." Cohen said (BDP June 1, 2007) that "We shouldn't be spreading racism through the city computers."
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=06-01-07&storyID=27179
An attempt to curtail Wornick's speech? I think so!

I disagreed
I replied to Cohen:
"I disagree. This is not a private organization which can make whatever rules it wants. I am of the view that no restrictions be placed on what speech commissioners are allowed to bring to the commission's attention, and they should be able to use city resources to do it. I'd rather have city officials offended than have the flow of speech curtailed; that's my priority."

Note that the Daily Planet (May 15, 2007) printed some comments about Islam. Arn't these a shame!

Directing her comments to the content of the video and its claims that Islam is a religion of war, Lily Haskell, program director at San Francisco's Arab Resource and Organizing Center, said "there is no legitimate claim that Islam is not a religion of peace."

Bendib [Berkeley resident, cartoonist and Middle East commentator for KPFA,] addressed the accusations of sexism in the tape. "He makes it sound like it's the norm," he said. "He makes it sound like it's prescribed in the Holy Book."

Here is the June 1 Berkeley Daily Planet artice in which Wornick defends Condell's video against the charge of "racism".
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?archiveDate=06-01-07&storyID=27179

It should be clear what a disaster it would be if "hate speech" laws were to come to the U.S.

324. Beggars belief: Robin McKie on The God Delusion

Comment #47517 by MelM on June 4, 2007 at 8:08 pm

I think one reason why the "godly" are so angry is that even the title "The God Delusion" aims its disapproval at both the belief and the believers.

Of course, TGD also challenges the holy men's right to rule the intellectual roost. Like their god, the holy men have been able to dispense revelations to awe struck listeners. How many times have they been able to say "It's God's will." and be met with wagging unthinking heads?

People seek philosophy from the holy men.
People have been taught (by the holy men of course) that faith is a virtue; what's needed is to point out that faith is a vice and reason is the virtue. Just this seemingly small epistemological advance could do wonders toward saving the U.S. and the West in general from the madness that has taken hold. People get philosophy from the holy men; it's time they get some better philosophy.

325. The planet hunters

Comment #47499 by MelM on June 4, 2007 at 5:56 pm

This is an atheist blog.
I can and do get my science from other sources; my atheism is the only reason I read this blog. If this were an astrophysics blog discussing an article in an astrophysics journal (the Economist is not such a journal), bringing up religion would, generally, be rediculous unless it were an article about what creationists are attempting to do to astrophysics. (Ken Ham of AIG is into far far more than planet formation theory. I can well understand the reluctance of scientists to spend time on nonsense, but, at this point in history, the job has to be done--they need to step up to save their science for themselves and for the rest of us.)

Religion is highly relevant.
Anyway, since this is not a science blog, and the Economist is not a science journal, and this blog is mainly about how "religion poisons everything", bringing up something about religion's disastrous
point of view on a topic is highly relevant. Perhaps most people here didn't know what AIG had to say on exoplanets; I think it's damn relevant that they do know. I welcome religion-free comments but it would be very limiting to restrict discussion of "neutral" topics to such comments. If religion has something crazy to say about a topic, I think it's worthy of a comment. And hey, it's just "teaching the controversy" and presenting alternate views in an area "dominated and controlled by secular scientists who are prejudiced against the Biblical World View".

A ploy maybe?
And, I'm just a little suspicous when theists don't want religion brought up. I'm thinking: "ploy to get atheists to shut the hell up and not bring criticism of religion into the discussion of a topic." I can certainly understand why some would want a religion-free discussion of astrophysics; I'm sure that the astrophysics users here would be able to point to such a blog. For myself, I think having religion-free topics on this blog would be a big mistake.

326. Man to die over insult

Comment #47273 by MelM on June 3, 2007 at 9:58 pm

PeterK,

It's your choice, but in my humble opinion, you should disregard Dr Benway's suggestion.

327. The planet hunters

Comment #47272 by MelM on June 3, 2007 at 9:34 pm

M31,

Yes, I also had great laugh when the author came up with the bit about how creationism makes "complex migration processes unnecessary" and the problem just disappears. Just think of all the many years of scientific work that have been wasted because the scientists didn't bring in god to solve the hard problems.

I think you're right; these creationists must be on the lookout for "gaps" to fill. What parasites they are! These people are a threat to the whole Western scientific view; they're pre-scientific which means--to me--pre-Thales (the "all things are made of water" Greek--6th century BCE.)

328. The planet hunters

Comment #47252 by MelM on June 3, 2007 at 6:19 pm

Answers In Genisis has something to say about this in the article: The existence and origin of extrasolar planets.

To explain how extrasolar planets can be extremely near their stars, it is becoming accepted today among scientists that the extrasolar planets formed several astronomical units from their star and then migrated closer to the star. The complexities and difficulties of this process make naturalistic origin theories implausible. However, in a young-age creation point of view, such planets could have been created at any distance from the star, making complex migration processes unnecessary.


It will be concluded that the existence of these objects, as an issue of experimental science, does not conflict with the young-age creation viewpoint. On the other hand, on the issue of their origin, planet formation theories of today are in conflict with a Biblical creationary worldview. Accepted naturalistic theories must be rejected by creationists in favor of them being supernaturally and recently created.

Hmmm. "Complexities and difficulties". Seems like I've heard this somewhere before.

329. Man to die over insult

Comment #47244 by MelM on June 3, 2007 at 5:27 pm

What's creepy is the similarity between the Palestinian kindergarten video and the Jesus Camp trailer. I don't believe this is wide spread at all (she may have been--the only person doing this kind of thing--I just don't know) but it's really ominous if it becomes popular. I understand the doumentary caused her to stop the camp but she's doing other things instead. (You'll have to page down to find the video and it begins with a loud ad)

I've sent a couple of suggestions (with no luck) to contact@... rather than design@... The "Contact" page is not specific on the matter and I would normally only use design@... to comment about technical problems or to make suggestions.

330. Man to die over insult

Comment #47237 by MelM on June 3, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Any ideoloogy that defines "blasphemy" and punishes it with coercion is brutal.

The blasphemy laws of Islam are interesting in that they are a control system to keep people from challenging Islam or dropping out of it. Where one can be put to death for converting out of Islam, the very idea of thinking about Islam at all would open the door to death. Just asking--in one's own mind--"Is this true or not?" would be dangerous.

Punishment for blasphemy must surely be a great aid to the general level of piety.

331. Man to die over insult

Comment #47230 by MelM on June 3, 2007 at 4:25 pm

Re: 51. Comment #47205 by Bremas Off Topic

This video is making the rounds, might as well post it.
Supposed to be a Hamas kindergarten graduation ceremony. Looks legit.

It's from MEMRI who are the same people who translated the famous Wafa Sultan video, so, I think it would be legit. Hamas is a real piece of work alright. With them around, the idea of a separate Palestinian state seems foolish. It sounded like a reasonable idea--and at some point in the future it might actually be so-- but I've come around 180 degress and see it as a joke. It's taken awhile for me to let go of the idea that Islam, at bottom, wants peace, freedom, and democracy. Giving Hamas an independent state would be just one more step toward losing the war against Islamic totalitarianism--just one more victory for Islam which is all Hamas cares about.

332. U.S. a theocratic state, says former Canadian ambassador

Comment #46823 by MelM on June 1, 2007 at 8:39 pm

"Right now the United States is in many ways a theocratic state, not dissimilar to some of the other religious states in the world where religion has a huge part to play in government."

I spend part of every day keeping track of what the Dominionists are doing and am extremeley worried, but I find this statement absurd. Bush's White House looks too much like Jesus Camp but that does not make the U.S. a theocracy. He could have 5000 Regent lawyers and that still wouldn't make it a theocracy. The wingnuts may not like it, but that's not how the country works.

What religious states?
I wonder what religious states in the world the U.S. is "not dissimilar to"? Iran or Saudi Arabia maybe? I dont't think so! Does the Dover decision and other defeats for Creationism look like a theocracy? We don't have any blasphemy laws; we don't have hate speech laws; the 10 commandments are not sitting in every court house and post office, and Pat Robertson is a freakin' joke to most Americans--who also have never heard of Regent. As to the current investigation of the Justice Dept., if we had a theocracy, this investigation wouldn't even be taking place.

The wingnuts are still frustrated
As I mention in a comment a day or so ago, the wingnuts are mounting a withering propaganda campaign as well as legal attacks on the wall-of-separation, but, at this time, it is holding rather well.

We have a theocracy when...
In my view, we will have a theocracy when the Federal court system and the Supreme Court are dominated by people who will interpret the Constitution according to the Bible. This is really inherent in the wingnut slogan that "rights come from God." This implies that interpretation of the Constitution is a branch of theology.

Expose the freaks
Books: Kingdom Coming and Liars For Jesus

The Dominionist movement is flat out unAmerican. Anybody can wave a flag; it doesn't mean shit.

333. A Look at Regent University

Comment #46299 by MelM on May 30, 2007 at 8:53 pm

Asscroft: a bad man
I didn't know that Asscroft went to Regent. He's a special bastard because of his fight against Oregon's "Death With Dignity Act" (doctor assisted suicide). I've seen two people close to me die of cancer and I fully grasp that keeping people from using their right to end their own life is just another piece of religion's filthy rotten "Culture of Misery." Asscroft got his butt kicked by one court but Gonzales is trying again.

Kevorkian will help. Let's push.
With Dr. Jack Kevorkian getting out of jail on June 1, he'll be fighting to get assisted suicide laws passed in the states. It's a good time to emial your representative in your state legislature asking that he/she get off their butts and pass humane doctor assisted suicide laws.

334. A Look at Regent University

Comment #46277 by MelM on May 30, 2007 at 6:25 pm

Further note on "Liars for Jesus".
This is the first of a projected 3 volume work. If successful, she'll undercut the basis for the "Christian Nation" propaganda that the wingnuts are counting on.

Further note on "The Bible and Its Influence"
This book is from the "Bible Literacy Project" which claims--and you have to dig to find this little "tip off"--that the Bible is the foundational document of Western Civilization--an absurd idea, but one they believe they can get away with while spouting spin about "literacy". So, there is wingnut science, wingnut American history, and now, wingnut Western history. They will corrupt (= destroy) every domain of knowledge to fit their agenda. It just takes my breath away when I stand back and grasp how destructive this movement really is.

335. A Look at Regent University

Comment #46270 by MelM on May 30, 2007 at 6:00 pm

An orgainization that's on the front lines against Creationism in the U.S.--and has been for years--is the "National Center for Science Education" ( NCSE).
You can sign up for a weekly email update; I've found it invaluable in keeping up with the legal situation about Creationism.

336. A Look at Regent University

Comment #46261 by MelM on May 30, 2007 at 5:26 pm

Anti-U.S. and anti-Western Civilization
In terms of it's destructive scope and it's power to actually achieve it's goals, the Dominionist movement is the biggest threat to the U.S. in our history and a complete repudiation of Western Civilization. (In my view, Western Civ is based on ancient Greek literature, art, science, and philosophy; religion is a cancer on Western Civ which has been more or less destructive or in remission right from the beginning. Ditto for the U.S. All cultures are beset by religion; the distinctive thing that constitutes the West is the rational, scientific perspective coming from the Greeks.)

The wall isn't like Swiss Cheese--yet
The wall of separattion is still mostly holding. These folks want to break it down but there are so many court decisions on the books that it'll be hard unless they can corrupt the courts or skip the courts via court-stripping laws--neither one of which have they been able to do yet in an amount that is decisive.

The U.S. is not and never was a "democracy"
One sees a shocking mentality these days. The idea is that since we have a "democracy", the party in power should be able to do anything it wants without the courts getting in the way. Some have forgotten that the courts are here to protect us from the government including the power of the majority. One should be able to challenge any government action or law; else, why even have a Bill of Rights. I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't understand this basic idea about the U.S. gov and I'm shocked to find people who don't understand it.

Triffids building thier army along the wall
Although the wall is still mostly holding, I see an "Army of God" bulding up like Triffids on the other side. If the Dominionist movement isn't cooled off, like the Triffids, it'll break the wall down.

Expose the Dominionist movement
I don't think most Americans understand what the Dominionists want. So, just exposing the movement may help to stop it. An important book (now in paperback) is Kindom Coming by Michelle Goldberg.
Another book that I'm reading now is Liars for Jesus by Chris Rodda. She's rebutting in detail the mess that some wingnut Christian writers have made of American history and are pushing in religious circles and on the Internet. A new book that looks interesting is The Jesus Machine by Dan Gilgoff. Certainly the "New Atheists" are part of the Culture War but I don't have an estimate of their impact.

Expose the "Bible Literacy" scam
For those worried because the "Bible Literacy" Trojan horses are already getting into public (secular) schools (this is a genuine hole in the wall), a review (by a textbook reviewing organization) of "The Bible and Its Influence" book is coming with the conclusion: "an outrageous fraud." I will probably comment on this later after I've seen the review--not all of which is written yet.

337. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Robert Winston

Comment #45667 by MelM on May 28, 2007 at 9:24 pm

The title "The God Delusion" points a finger of disapproval both at the belief and the believer. It's saying that not only is the belief wrong but the way people have arrived at it is wrong as well--"delusion" focuses on the irrationality that supports the belief, i.e. how people are getting away with it. People don't like their indulgence made visible. but it's what keeps religion going. So, "Delusion", I believe, is an important part of the title and needs to be defended.

338. Adam and Eve in the Land of the Dinosaurs

Comment #45460 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 10:30 pm

Turns out that Ham's new museum isn't the first. Look at this list of wingnut museums I found on a link from the RALLY FOR REASON site.

339. It came like yesterday

Comment #45458 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 10:04 pm

Damn, I hate that "Blue Dot" crap. Being "significant" implies a life with awareness and values. There's no way I can be "significant" to a rock or a star or a galaxy or a group of galaxies. (I guess these folks might have a little respect for humans if we were the size of a galactic group.) And, why should I be significant to some intellegent being in some other galaxy? The concept of "insignificant" is being used out of all context to denigrate humans. What an ugly thing to do!!! Why? Could it be that people with no respect for themselves are easier to rule? Or what? I think that people who hate people call people "insignificant." "People who hate people" would be a good topic for another blog site.

People are wonderful and have a fantastic future as soon as they throw off irrationalism--including religion. I won't be here to share in that day but I have lived in a space of time where I can at least grasp that the future will be far far better than the past. We will learn how to use our minds and pull completely away from this religious nightmare era of history.

340. Adam and Eve in the Land of the Dinosaurs

Comment #45452 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 9:12 pm

Re: Comment #45445 by J Wiltrout:

Many of the faithful believers are about to have their pet mental images shattered by the harsh reality of Ham's displays. Maybe some of them will be jarred loose and begin to think for themselves.

I'm all for it but I don't see how it would work. Perhaps you could explain.

Anyway, I hope the RALLY FOR REASON protest at the museum has a good turnout tomorrow (the 28th).

Would that we could find a way to deport Ken Ham back to Aus. (No hard feelings guys, just trying to survive.)

341. It came like yesterday

Comment #45450 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 8:41 pm

What I worry about is some new super oxygen-eating microbe or some such basic evolution of the Earth or life. But, theocracy is a lot closer so I really don't have time to dwell on doing without a molten Earth's core or other basic disasters.

342. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45448 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 8:20 pm

Like a fox to a chicken: "Why don't we get together over lunch and iron all this out?"

If Dawkins were to give in to the invitation, there would be no reason for anyone to listen to him. Does anyone think they'd invite atheists to be "school chaplains" or invite atheists into churches (where people go to get their weekly faith booster shot--or perhaps one could call it a "fix")? Would the Dominionists stop trying to build a theocracy? Nope! If atheists bite on the invitation, all the theists could just go back to getting a good night's sleep, which I'd rather they not have.

343. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45443 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 7:24 pm

Comment #45240 by mmurray

About "School Chaplains":

I think Christians would like to get into the position of being the "leading element" or the "go to" people in every area of life. This seems to be something in common with the sports ministry training we saw on a post yesterday. Sounds just like the goals of the U.S. Dominionists. Wasn't it the Communists who were supposed to be the leading element in every area of Soviet life?

I don't think a scientist like Dawkins should show respect for the silly gibberish of religionists. When witch-doctors talk, they're used to people turning off their minds. I don't know how the wingnuts accomplished this, but it sure needs to stop.

344. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45437 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 6:50 pm

My favorite history of philosophy books:

A History of Western Philosophy (in 5 volumes) by W.T. Jones

A History of Western Philosophy by Wilhelm Windelband Hardback

345. Aiming for knockout blow in god wars

Comment #45430 by MelM on May 27, 2007 at 6:00 pm

Presuppositional Apologitics?
From the Somerville article (Comment #45394 by BAEOZ )

Basic presumptions are of great importance in decision making, although often they are unidentified. They allocate the burden of proof. When there is equal doubt about an issue the basic presumption prevails. Richard Dawkins' basic presumption is that there is no God and, therefore, that those who believe there is must prove it. But the equally valid basic presumption is that there is a God and those who don't believe that must prove it. Because both are tenable basic presumptions, both must be accommodated in a secular society.

A way to attack?I note that this "presupposition" theology comes up many times (in various forms) from wingnuts; even Ken Ham uses it. I bookmarked a Wikipedia page about presuppositial apologetics several months ago but haven't followed up yet. For some religionists, "presuppositional apologetics" may be what's holding their minds together; without it, they'd psychologically crumble. These people have bought into a huge fantasy and have to keep it together with some sort of rationalization. This approach to attacking religion involves finding the rationalization and destroying it in the believers own eyes. Will it work? Don't know. Also, here's a page about the field of Christian apologetics.

There is no common ground between reason and religion. No domain of knowledge can be turned over to faith and religion.

346. Comic in US 'hate speech' row

Comment #45215 by MelM on May 26, 2007 at 11:13 pm

I thought this line was especially great:

It does seem quite ironic to me that the very people who have clearly made no attempt to think for themselves are always the most vocal in damanding respect for their "ideas."

347. Comic in US 'hate speech' row

Comment #45203 by MelM on May 26, 2007 at 9:54 pm

On the first read, I missed the link (posted by Comment #44761 by GodlessHeathen ) to Condell's response to Berkeley's rant. Here's the link again, be sure to watch it; it's great: Pat responds to this silliness.

348. Christian sports workers degree ridiculed

Comment #45199 by MelM on May 26, 2007 at 8:41 pm

We in the U.S. will not be outdone!!!

If you want the "skills necessary to lead others in growing faithfulness to God", here's the degree for you:
Bachelor's Degree in Recreation & Sports Ministry.

And, this is just the thing for you if you're into exporting the cancer by
Sending Believers Into All The World.

349. Christian sports workers degree ridiculed

Comment #45189 by MelM on May 26, 2007 at 6:39 pm

The course description contains the phrase: "Building on applied theology..." I thought this was kinda funny.

It's just another way to spread the cancer around. Actually, this course looks like it belongs in Liberty U. Faith is a vice.

350. Comic in US 'hate speech' row

Comment #45023 by MelM on May 25, 2007 at 8:05 pm

email sent! I hope others will respond as well. When we see "should not be allowed" comments from officials, it's time to stomp on them and stomp hard.