Evangelistic Atheism

I longed to produce a large article about why there is not much different between evangelistic christianity and evangelistic atheism. Well, John Gray has done it better than I could have ever hoped for in an article for the guardian. It is incredibly long, but I read all of it, so you should take time to sit and read it. If one is even reading this blog then there is probably and interest in this subject, and seeing how I am sure there are more atheist readers, I think a critical view of this type of atheism is important. The only critique I have is in the closing paragraphs of the article. After pointing out that atheism can claim acts of immoral atrocities, he then states briefly how religion is still bad (or really implies it). I would just like to point out that there is a difference in the doctrines that I believe make up my faith, and how people who have stolen the name of my faith act. But I guess that can be a subject for a later post. You have a lot of reading to do in that article, so get to it.

Something I've Been Thinking About

I'm not very far in The God Delusion, but so far it's pretty enjoyable. But, it's reignited a debate I've been having withing myself, and I figure here's a good of a place as any to bring it to others.

The question is of specificity. Specifically, the word "atheist." I wonder if those who are actually atheists don't want a different word?

The word itself is centered around "theist," obviously, but it seems strange to me to be labeled so explicitly by what you are not. Would "humanist" not be better? It's the way I feel like I'm leaning, but I feel like my reasoning for it is less of a "not theist" position and more of a "pro people" ideal.

Words are what English majors think about.

Playing the Victim

Read story here and here

In a nut shell:

A controversial Christmas card reading “O come all ye faithless” has been strongly criticized by Christians as an “ill judged and insensitive joke.” Borders book stores began giving away the card free with every copy of Richard Dawkins’ well known atheist work, The God Delusion, this Christmas.

Favorite quote:

He [Rev. Johnathan Edwards] continued, “Christians have always been used to being punch bags but I would have hoped that, in a society in which we are seeking to show respect to all people and beliefs, we might have grown out of this kind of nonsense.”

My Thoughts:

Yes, Rev. I would hope that in a society in which we are seeking to show respect to all people and beliefs, including atheist, we might have grown out of this kind of nonsense. Nonsense like getting all huffy when someone makes a lame joke about faith, in general. And why are the Christians the only ones getting mad? Why aren't we hearing more Hindu outrage? Jewish indignation! Is there a Jihad on Borders yet?

I mean, seriously...its a fucking joke that some people find funny. If you don't find it funny don't take the damn card. I would hope that in a society in which we are seeking to show respect to all people and beliefs, we could just fucking get over it. If you really believe all the stuff that makes you a Christian, is a little card going to shake your faith that much that you have to boycott a book chain? The attitude I get here is that Rev. Edwards expects everyone else to respect Christian beliefs but he can go poo poo on whomever he wants. And that's not what I call "respect to all people and all beliefs".

I can understand being upset, but basically pressuring Borders to stop giving away the card because it offends Christians is disrespectful to non-believers.

And by the way, what Christian is buying The God Delusion anyway? Sounds likes someone's feeling a little guilty.

Sam Harris: OnFaith

I guess this is a series of articles he's been publishing. This one is interesting, all though it seems kind of obvious, considering what we've been discussing here already. But it does include this gem. (I just love list)

How to Believe in God
Six Easy Steps

1. First, you must want to believe in God.
2. Next, understand that believing in God in the absence of evidence is especially noble.
3. Then, realize that the human ability to believe in God in the absence of evidence might itself constitute evidence for the existence of God.
4. Now consider any need for further evidence (both in yourself and in others) to be a form of temptation, spiritually unhealthy, or a corruption of the intellect.
5. Refer to steps 2-4 as acts of “faith.”
6. Return to 2.

One thing I'm starting to notice and get a bit annoyed by with these guys (Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, etc.) is the fact that they have to say the same stuff over and over again. I'm pretty sure it annoys them as well but sometimes I just wish we could move on and talk about stuff that matters. But then again maybe this is the stuff that matters?

Carnival of the Godless

A collection of atheist minded essays over at Ain't Christian

This blog is starting to lean a little to much to my side, if anyone reading this (if anyone actually does) get a hold of Nathan and tell him to get his butt in gear.

69th Skeptic Circle

Unscrewing the Inscrutable has it this time.

If you're unfamiliar with this, its a collection of some of the best essays on the internet. Skeptically minded that is.

Check it out.