Superstition Free

Jesus is Gonna Burn You! (New Version)

2011-04-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

Link: Woman is bullied at church for calling out homophobes on blogpost

2011-02-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

Epilogue « Nerdy Apple Bottom
"Let me be very clear, this not a manifesto against organized religion, church, Christianity, its various denominations, etc. This is about a singular event, the repercussions it has had on me and my family, and the fact that bullying can come from just about anywhere."

Very interesting story.

Blogging Alpha Course?

2010-12-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, I wrote a letter to The Alpha Course, stating that I would like to attend and document my experience on my blog. This morning, I recieved a call from them. Seems that there are a few local churches that participate in the program. If I find one that is starting a course, I'll try to go, so I can share my thoughts after each metting.

Weekly Irreverent Haiku: White Jesus

2010-06-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to attempt to write and post a haiku a week. The more blasphemous, the better. I'd love to read some of your's in the comments.

White Jesus

White Jesus! It's True!
Look at his picture. You'll see.
Blonde hair, eyes of blue.

--Robert Madewell

Where have I been?

2010-06-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have let the blog slip. I got sucked into facebook and now my blog is slipping.

I promise, I'm going to try to write some more.

Rowdy Dames!

2010-06-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

If you have ever had any doubts about misogyny in fundamentalist Christianity, this peice of propaganda will remove them, completely.

LADY PREACHERS, and other Rowdy Dames on the Loose

The sad thing is that he can back up everything he says with scripture. Should tell you something about the Bible, huh?

Hat tip: Stuff Fundies Like

Eating Chicken Makes You Gay ...

2010-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

...and bald, too.

Bolivia's president, Evo Morales, claimed Tuesday that eating comercially grown poultry can lead to homosexuality and baldness. He also claims that products such as Coca Cola is poisoning the Bolivian people. That's funny coming from a man who used to grow coca (the plant that cocaine comes from). It's even funnier considering that Bolivia now produces a beverage called Coca Colla (probably pronouced ko-ka-coy-ya), which is kind of like Coca Cola, execpt it does contain real coca.

BS in Religion

2010-04-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

Liberty University has this ad up on FaceBook.

I have already been given plenty of BS in religion already. Thank you very much.

Freethinkers at The Sign

2010-04-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Donald Morton, Darrell Henschell, Doug Krueger, and Dr. Bill Harter talk about the sign, atheism, and freethought groups.

You can talk to these guys on The Fayetteville Freethinkers forum.

We're in the News!

2010-04-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

Earlier, this week, three freethought groups in Northwest Arkansas put up a Coalition of reason billboard. I attend two of these groups, so I am very proud, though the part I played was so minuscule as to be almost nothing.

Here's a local news video featuring a very good friend, Darrell Henschell.

In a few minutes, I am heading out to the site of the sign to get my picture with a bunch of other freethinkers.

I Get Mail

2010-04-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

Here's an except from an email exchange with a young christian woman. Sometimes, I just don't know what to say when presented with something like this.

I can tell that you are a very intelligent man, and I have no problem discussing things with you, because I feel that you, too, have respect for my beliefs, as I do for yours. I want to tell you something funny that was on my fb page today. I have a daily Bible verse that is different everyday, and the funny thing is what today's post said! Colossians 2:8 says, see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ! LOL I have lead a very sinful life for so long, that I cannot even believe that the Lord would even want to help me!! I have had one addiction after another!! My new addiction, is to educate myself with the word of the Lord. My mom studied theology, and she and I were talking about things today, and I already knew that some things were left out of the Bible, but she let me know that there is alot that has been left out! I would like to communicate with you through messages, because I am more comfortable talking to you in this manner!! I don't care what other people think, or don't think, about me!! I started reading my NIV, after I felt insulted by our preacher, when I had asked for our family to become members of our church, and was told, not until we have a public baptism performed in front of the congregation. He is an old southern Baptist, but you do not have to be baptist to get a chance to go to Heaven!! And by the way, I want you to know, that I have learned so much from reading, and even if what I have been reading is not true, it has opened my eyes to happiness, loving, and a much more peacefull life!! I can't see that as a bad thing, so I will continue to be happy, and hopefully, someday, to serve God in Heaven!! I can tell that you do alot of your research in philosophy!! Believe me, Robert, I have questioned myself, for most of my life, whether God was real, or not!! I know that He is, because of things that have happened to me, that are to bizarre to tell about! Thank you, for being respectful to me, and discussing issues with me!! I will never be persuaded to any other beliefs, but hope to persuade you, but I will not push it!! God Bless You Robert!!!

What do you guys think about this?

A Depraved Creature am I

2010-04-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

On, Facebook, I recently shared a quote from A. A. Milne in my status.

The Old Testament is responsible for more atheism, agnosticism, disbelief—call it what you will—than any book ever written; it has emptied more churches than all the counterattractions of cinema, motor bicycle and golf course. ~A . A . Milne

One of my family members, who is a minister, responded in a somewhat cynical way.

Could be true. Man is a depraved creature and always tends to run AWAY from God not TO Him. Man doesn't understand that the limitations of "do not kill, steal, lie, covet, commit adultery" are actually good for him.

I rather think my uncle is probable being a bit sarcastic, which is part of his character. However, it does reflect the attitudes toward non-theists I observed when growing up in chruch.

Believers (particularly fundamentalist christians) often have the idea that one becomes a non-theist because he/she likes to sin. In my case, nothing could be further from the truth. Here's my response to my uncle's comment.

The OT had a lot to do with my deconversion. My problem wasn't with the ten commandments. It was with verses like deuteronomy 21:18-21. As long as a horrible commandment like that is in the bible I will never ~~except~~ accept it as the inerrant word of God.

I know, you'll protest that that was before the new covenent or something similar. But, the fact that God would have commanded filicide at all is very troubling to me. The simplest explaination is that it (the bible) was written by tryanical men who sought to control the common people through fear. Stuff like that has no place in my spiritual life.

My deconversion was a troubled time for me. I didn't come to a decision to be an atheist, lightly. I sought answers from ministers. I prayed. Man, did I pray. I read the bible. I read literature. As much as I hated it, I had to come to the conclusion that The Bible was like all other holy books. Written by men who thought that they knew about the universe, but didn't. The Bible, like all other holy books, was written to control people and written to make them conform.

Unlike my uncle, I don't think that humans are that depraved. Sure some of us are, but most people? Nah. Morality comes from society and from our own conscience. We are moral because we don't like to see others suffer. Maybe, it's a survival trait. Maybe, a species whose members help themselves have a slightly better chance of survival.

Cube Shaped KBO on Course for Earth

2010-03-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Nasa scientists have discovered a new Kuiper Belt Object that will make a close approach to earth in 2019. The object is nearly a perfect cube in shape. and measures roughly 1500 miles across. Right now it is well past the orbit of pluto, but will make an approach to Earth in 2019. It is not predicted to collide with earth. However, the object does appear to have the ability to change its course.

I Like This Kind of Prayer!

2010-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

I think that when someone tells me, unsolicited, that he/she is going to prayer for me, he/she should send me one of these prayers.

Click here to see the fuzzy-bunny poem inside.

Let's face it. When most Christians say that they'll pray for you, they are trying to make you feel better, or feel supported, without actually doing something. Often, the one offering prayer offers prayer so that he/she can feel like he/she is doing something without actually doing something. Also, offered prayer is probably nothing more than an offer to pray, because I'm willing to bet that most people offering prayer do not actually do the prayer.

So, I think that when I'm offered prayer, I should be sent this little chocolate prayer. See, chocolate is something that actually makes me feel better. Also, it's just darned nice to give someone chocolate.

I think that I will buy some of these (only $1.00 at Deals) and send these prayers to those in my family who are distraght over my de-conversion.

Scripture Wallpaper: God's Plan for You and Guess Who You Get to Marry

2010-03-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Uranus Day!

2010-03-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

229 years ago, William Herschel discovered Uranus. Make all the jokes you want.

I'm on FaceBook

2010-03-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

I'm on facebook.

Click here or on the stupid badge. ----->

Kent's Follies

2010-03-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

My wife and I went shopping today. We love those old thrift stores where there's junk everywhere. On the shelve in one store, I found the complete collection of Kent Hovind's Creation Seminar. Keep in mind that this was probably donated to the thrift store because whoever owned the tapes didn't want them anymore.

What I find funny, is that only the first video was opened. The rest were still in the shrink wrap! Whoever donated them had watched the first one, then decided that the rest weren't worth watching. At least, that what I think happened.

Scripture Wallpaper: Towering Boobs and Consuming Poultry

2010-03-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

Weird Religious Art: Why didn't Jesus say anything against homosexuality?

2010-03-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

Here's something that I thought was weird.

I have been doing a little modular origami lately. I found that playing cards make great Penultimate Modules and the geometric solids made with them look very interesting.

I was pretty much using the regular poker cards, but at a local dollar store I found these bible game cards. You get three packs of 30+ cards for $1.00, so why not?

In the first picture, the two solids on the left are made with the bible trivia cards. To make the modules, I had to measure the card and trim it to get the right ratio between height and length (3x4 in this case). So, in the process of trimming the cards, I found this one.

Maybe, I have a sick sense of humor. I do understand that Jesus was supposedly betrayed with a kiss, to fulfill some OT prophesy. But, doesn't that kiss look a little too sensual for a children's game? It looks to me like Jesus is enjoying getting betrayed.

Now we know why Jesus said nothing against homosexuality.

PS: When I was folding the modules, I realized that these cards are very euro-centric in their portrayal of bible characters. What else should I expect?

As always, you can click on the images to download larger versions.

Name That Holy Book: Damn you, Abu!

2010-03-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

The power of Abu Lahab will perish, and he will perish. His wealth and gains will not exempt him. He will be plunged in flaming Fire, and his wife, the wood-carrier, will have upon her neck a halter of palm-fibre.

This should be an easy one. Without looking, what holy book contains such hate speech against one particular individual?

Answer:
This passage is actually an entire surah from the Quran. Surah 111: Palm Fibre. Seems that this Abu Lahab was someone that Muhammad didn't like. So, good ol' Mo dedicated a whole surah to bitching about Abu and how Abu was going to Hell. Now, Mo's whine about how some other a-hole, who died in the 7th century, is going to hell is memorialized as inspired scripture. And Muslims say that the entire Quran is applicable to today. I don't think so.

The win goes to Uzza.

Ugly Architecture in Fayetteville

2010-03-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

As I was exploring my new town, I encountered a very unusual structure sitting up on the hill. It kinda looks like one those old fire towers, or an air traffic control tower. It's just sitting out there on a hill miles from any big forrest or airport. It looks like it was made out of tin siding and lanscaping poles. It pretty tall. I'd guess about 60 feet or so. It looks about the same size as Nazi Jesus. I know that ugly is subjective, but I think it's darn ugly.

So, I asked around and found out that it's called The Keenan Tower House. A famous architect by the name of Marlon Blackwell designed it. As a house it's actually tiny. The living space is much like a studio apartment. My apartment is probably bigger. There's an open to the sky patio on the roof. It's an impressive structure despite it's fugliness. You know, if they rented it out by the night, I'd totally rent it for a special occasion.

Scripture Wallpaper: Stoned and Refreshed

2010-03-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

You've all seen those posters in churches. You know, the ones with a lanscape superimposed with a bible verse. Well, a friend at The Atheist Nexus thinks that not only should the warm fuzzy verses be displayed this way, but any verse can be displayed this way. I agree. I have grabed a few PD pictures from the net and fired up the Gimp. Here's my first two attempts. The original pictures are PD so I hereby release these photos back to the public domain. Enjoy.

Click on photos for larger versions.

I will be making more and posting them as blog articles later. However, I will be uploading them to Photobucket here. Feel free to go there and download them. Let me know if you use them on a blog post and I'll link to it.

Assholent Boss!

2010-02-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

My friend who sends me the anti-Obama propaganda has sent me this little jewel.

A Lay-off letter from an excellent boss.

Dear Employees:

As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead.

This has really been bothering me since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go.

So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem. They voted for change...... I gave it to them.

I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic.

THE BOSS

I think this message is meant as a joke. Though, it's a very unfunny joke. I really don't think it's a real memo from a real boss.

I think it is illegal in the USA to fire someone for their political views. Writting a memo that you're firing people for their political veiws would be stupid beyond belief. If you're going to do it, do it, but don't announce to the rest of the world (including your judge) why you are doing it. Stupid!

It's an extremely stupid and unfunny joke. Though, I secretly wish it was true, so that the boss could get his ace sued off.

Ray Comfort Broke My Heart

2010-02-25T01:45:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, Ray Comfort offered a free dinner for his atheist readers. I promptly sent in my request, but I was turned down with this email.

Due to the overwhelming response for a free dinner at Red Lobster (for atheists), we have had to cap it.

We are no longer honoring anymore requests due to the lack of funds.

Thanks for your understanding.

Fair enough. Ray has no obligation to buy my dinner. However, I do have some unfinished business with him. So I took this opportunity to reply with this message.

Very well then. No hard feelings.

I do request that Ray Comfort take his quote of me off of the internet. That quote can be found here.

http://www.pulltheplugonatheism.com/art15.shtml

I know that he is not legally bound to do so, but I feel that I am being misrepresented and he also ridiculed my surname, which offended me. There is also a pdf of the same article as well. Thanks for understanding.

Of course, I mean it as a joke. I don't expect him to do anything of the sort. I am curious, though, if that'll provoke some kind of response. Well, I'm not holding my breath.

Wierd Religious Art: White Jesus Comes Again

2010-02-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

Over at The Atheist Nexus, a friend of mine has started a discussion about a Seventh-Day Adventist pamphlet that he had received in the mail, The Time of The Beast. I think I have seen this one some time ago, when I briefly attended an SDA church. It's really typical of SDA literature. The artwork, of course, is atrocious.

Unlike Jehovah's Witness artwork, SDA artwork tends to be a bit more euro-centric. Probably because most adventists are white. Yet, so are JWs and they at least portray some racial plurality. That being said, I think this is the first time I've seen Jesus looking almost exactly like The Burger King. I thought, at first, that this has got to be the farthest I've seen the cliched White Jesus taken, but I was wrong.

You want to click on that photo to see the entire picture. One of the commentors in the discussion pointed out that the only "non-white" person depicted in that photo happens to be bearing The Mark of the Beast. Interesting. Notice, also, the lack of perspective as the green lasers shoot sideways from the soldier's goggles.

Now, the most interesting part is that the picture depicts the classic 666 tatooed on the foreheads of the evildoers. When I attended a SDA church, I read The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White. In that book, the Mark of the Beast was described as not keeping the Sabbath day (saturday), not as a physical mark on your head. So maybe, this book doesn't jive completely with SDA eschatology.

Oh yeah, be sure to click here to see the cover of this horrible pamphlet.

Hat tip to DoobySnax at The Atheist Nexus.

Weird Religious Art: 3 Jesi and the flying heads.

2010-02-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, I find weird religious artwork on the internet. So, I am starting a new series to discuss the meaning of the bizare imaginings that are ispired by dogma.

Here we have a depiction of the Holy Trinity as portrayed by Fridolin Leiber, entitled Holy Trinity.

Every person of the trinity looks like (the popular depiction of) Jesus, angels are depicted as flying heads, and The Jesi are standing on the flying heads. Weird!

It's in the Bible: God Hates Vegetarians (and celibacy too!)

2010-02-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

About 15 years or so ago, I attended a Seventh Day Adventist Church for a few months. At the time I was having some bad problems with anxiety. It was generally a good time for me socially, but I never could do the kosher meat thing let alone the vegetarian thing. So, that contributed mildly to my anxiety. I eventually stopped going to that church.

The one bible passage that you'll never here an Adventist quote is this one.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:1-5

There is another verse also that could be interpreted as condemning vegetarianism, but I wasn't clear that that was the intent of the verse after reading it in context (Romans 14:2). However the one above most certainly does condemn vegetarianism and also celibacy.

Even in the bible, christians can't keep their dogma off of everyone else's lifestyle choices. Yep, it's in The Bible!

Name that holy book #7: Stumbling blocks are yummy!

2010-02-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

This snippet comes from one of the most violent holy books.

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked: and I will cut off man from off the land ...

The speaker of this scripture must be very hungry, indeed!

Does "5 Robert 19:68" mean anything to you?

2010-02-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

The NCAA has now banned the silly scripture references that Tim Tebow would write in his eye black. I guess it's just as well, but I have a few remarks.

First, just because it's in the bible, doesn't mean that you would want your children to read it. There are horrible verses in the bible that depict rape, murder, genocide, human sacrifice, etc. Some of it is actually written as if God is commanding these horrible things to be done. Not all of it is in the Old Testament either. Read Revelation.

Secondly, it is just a name and some numbers. If you think you are going to convert someone by displaying a reference, you are deluded. People who are ignorant of the Bible are not going to look up the reference. One reference is as good as another to someone who is not a practicing christian. It would be much more effective to display the text of the bible verse. Of course, John 11:35 is the only verse short enough to put on your eye black and it's not very appropriate for that.

Lastly, there is a verse in the bible that can be interpreted to be against this kind of display.

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:28

Most people interpret it as meaning tatoos, but it says nothing about the marks being permanent.

Well, I'm sure that they'll find other ways to display an arbitrary name and number. At least, we're not going to be treated to the freaky looking eye-black spectacle, anymore. At least not in the NCAA.

This article is mirrored here.

Muslim Groom Didn't Like Wedding Night Surprise!

2010-02-12T09:30:00.001-08:00

Read this story from BBC.

It seems that a man in Dubai was upset that his bride didn't look exactly like the pictures that were presented to him. She was cross-eyed and had chin fuzz. So, his government let him divorce (annul) her.

I can't feel sorry for him. His religious superstitions made it where he wouldn't even get to see what she looked like until the wedding night. Besides, why should it matter? They keep their women bundled up in gowns so tight that there's not one square inch of skin visible. Who would know, huh?

Maybe, she is a sweet girl and very intelligent and a manic under the sheets. Oh, that's right! Those are qualities that are unbecomming a muslim girl. However, I'm sure she has the ability to pop out babies. Really, isn't that all that matters to Islam?

I am truly disgusted with Islam's treatment of women.

Art: God Wants Your Love

2010-02-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

It's in The Bible: Jesus will give you Hemorrhoids!

2010-02-10T19:08:00.001-08:00

It's back to Old Testament law this week. It seems that you have to threaten people with horrible things to keep them on the straight and narrow and God is no exception. He speaks to us through his prophet Moses, warning us what will happen if we don't keep his legalistic, nit-picky rules.

The list of God-caused misfortunes is lengthy and found at Deuteronomy 28:15-68. Punishments include your wife being raped before you can consummate, eating your children, and being sold into slavery. I don't think any of that is very funny, except this one.

The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed. Deuteronomy 28:27

I don't know what the botch is, but emerods are hemorrhoids! So, we better do what they say! Or, Jesus is going to infect us with itchy, scabby hemorrhoids that won't heal.

I find it interesting, though, that in the OT, we are threatened with real life, "on this earth" punishment. God wasn't threatening them with eternal torture after death. Also, the sins weren't "thought crimes". They were the breaking of taboos, like having sex with a woman on her period, or not burying your poo, or eating the wrong thing, or picking up sticks on the wrong day.

You know, if there really is a God and he is omnibenevolent, I don't think he'd have to resort to threats to get people to love him. Love doesn't work that way, anyhow!

Name that Holy Book #6: Ten Virgins

2010-02-07T17:01:00.001-08:00

Here's a piece of divine inspiration that says it's ok to marry more than one woman, as long as the first wife is ok with it and that they all had intact hymens at the time of marriage.

And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood, if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else.
And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified.

What is it with the hymen fetish that religious nuts have? I'll never understand it.

Well, what book does this come from? No cheating!

Hint: This work is so divinely inspired that it was eventually repealed, because it caused a lot of trouble. As a matter of fact, it's still causing problems, because some cults still believe that it is the inerrant word of God.

Obama Breaks Etiquette Taboo! Oh Waah!

2010-02-07T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here's an e-mail that was sent to me the other day, by a dear friend of mine.

Keep your feet OFF the White House furniture (which belongs to the people)!

Does this photo of President Obama in the Oval Office convey anything to you about his attitude?

Would you speak with the Chief of Staff, your Chief Economic Adviser, and your Senior Adviser with your feet up on the Resolute Desk - a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880?

This arrogant, immature & self-centered man has no sense of honor, or of simple decency.

While this posture is disrespectful in any culture, it is absolutely never done in any executive setting.

Further, in over half of the cultures of the world, it is recognized not only as disrespectful, but as an extreme insult.

He thinks of himself as a king -- and not as a servant of the people, humbly occupying our White House for his term in office.

Electing him was an enormous mistake -- and will cost us in many ways, for generations.

Wow! That's alot to get from someone resting their feet on a desk (even if it is a priceless desk). I'm just not that impressed with the original author's indignation. Really, Obama's not the anti-christ for resting his feet on a desk. I think that the closet racists* in our country are just looking for any little thing to criticize our president for.

You know, if I was president, I'd probably put my feet on the desk as well. Oh heck! I don't have to be president to do that!

Sue me!
Note:Hole in sock
* The friend that sent this is not a racist in any way. She may have just sent it to me because she'd know what reaction it'd get from me.

This is how you treat hate groups.

2010-02-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

When the notorious Westboro Baptist Church protested the Twitter offices, there was this counter-protest waiting for them.

Click on image or here to see original photo.

It's in The Bible: Divine Movement!

2010-02-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

This week's Bible absurdity is a translation goof that sounds very funny in Modern English. I am quite aware of the context of the verse, but it still sounds halarious. Other tranlations have corrected this booboo, but the KJV preserves it in all its divinely inspired glory.

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Philemon 1:20

Maybe a good bowel refreshment is truly inspired by God. Just make sure you're not too far away from a restroom.

Yep! It's in The Bible.

Faith Equals Ignoring Brutality

2010-02-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

I recently posted an introduction to myself on a creationist's forum. I had the intention of disscussing some theology, but was greeted with less than civility.

Here's part of that introduction.

My de-conversion started when I read the bible as an excercise to better know God through his word. I started at the beginning and read it cover to cover. What I found was appalling to me. Some of the things that God commands people to do in the OT (a few in the NT too) are not things that I would call moral or divinely inspired. (see Deut 21:18-21) Of course, my Dad explained to me that that was a different time and that the people were under the law. That was just not a good enough answer to me. To me, brutality is brutality, no matter when it was practised. I didn't go completely non-theistic at that time. It happened in stages and eventually I realized that I just didn't believe anymore. For me to pretend that I did would have been dishonest to myself and everyone around me.

And, here's one of the responses I got from one of the theists.

People who are truly saved and without doubt already in their hearts do not allow such things to make them stray away from salvation. You would have enough faith to pray and wait until God shows you why, instead of basing your de-conversion on such a small tidbit.

In other words, I shouldn't let anything deter me from trusting the bible even if it's the contents of the bible itself. There's just no logic in that at all.

I wonder what the everyday working Germans thought when their supreme leader was telling them to kill innocent people. Did they just trust in their leader and that he was doing what had to be done for the greater good? Did they just say that their leader must know more than them and that what he was doing was good because he said it was good? That they should just have enough faith in Hitler until it's the right time for him to explain things?

It's scary to think about that kind of faith. Real scary!

Click here to read the entire thread.

My version of a useless online poll.

2010-02-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Online Poll
Do you vote on online polls?

Yes
No

view results

New Coalition of Reason Billboard

2010-01-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

I wish we could get one of these put up in Harrison. It'd drive the hatemongers nuts.

HT to Hemant Mehta at Friendly Atheist
Tampa Bay CoR webpage

John Hagee Hates Mr. Mom

2010-01-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

HT goes to Bruce @ Restless Wanderings.

Christianux!

2010-01-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of choosing a Linux distribution to install on my other computer (once I save enough money to buy a $20 router). I was browsing over at Distrowatch and I came across an Ubuntu based desktop Linux that I have never heard of before. Get this: Ubuntu Christian Edition (home page here).

That all fine and dandy, I suppose, but it leaves me wondering what's so unchristian about regular linux. Sure UCE does have an online bible, a bible dictionary and a bible study program, but you can get those to install on any old Linux distribution, for free. So, I read further and here's what the difference is.

Ubuntu Christian Edition also includes fully integrated web content parental controls powered by Dansguardian. A graphical tool to adjust the filter settings has also been developed specifically for Ubuntu Christian Edition. These features are truly what sets Ubuntu Christian Edition apart.

It appears that for linux to be "christian" it needs to be crippled and to have the capability of censoring information.

It seems to me that many fundamentalist christians are afraid of knowledge. Instead of teaching their children how to process that bad stuff, they just hide it. I was raised under that philosophy and I grew up to be a very naive and gullable young man. It took me years to learn the critical thinking skills that should have been taught to me when I was much younger. I'm not even sure that I have recovered completely 20 years later. I can understand blocking pornography (maybe). However, I know for a fact that many users of this OS are going to use it to block lots of stuff besides porn.

Man, I'm tempted to install this on the other machine. Maybe, I'll write a review of it and post methods of disabling the parental controls. I am curious to see what the default sites to block are with the parental controls.

Intolerant of Intolerance

2010-01-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Seems that by preaching against intolerance, I have been accused of being intolerant myself. That may be a catch 22 situation that I'll just have to admit. It is a bit unnerving. A recent commenter (whom I respect highly), hinted that I am intolerant toward White Supremecy cults and should just let them have their freedom of speech.

Of course, the commenter is mistaken about one tiny little thing. I have no intention of taking peoples freedom of speech away. I want the looneys to spout their hate. That way we know exactly who to criticize. The commenter seems to be equating criticism with the denial of free speech. However, by being told that I can not criticize a hate group, my right to free speech is coming into question.

Well, I admit that in some cases I am intolerant. I am intolerant of intolerance. I am intolerant of hate directed at people of different skin colors or bloodlines. I am intolerant of hate speech directed at those whose personal lifestyle doesn't agree with a dusty old holy book. I am intolerant of hate speech and purposeful ignorance about those who believe differently. I am intolerant of policies designed to force others to abide by someone elses religious ideals. I am intolerant of violence and things that hurt others. That's what I am intolerant of. I guess, not all intolerance is bad.

Heads: You Lose, I win. Tails: I win, You Lose.

2010-01-27T01:09:00.000-08:00

Greta Christina has a very good post up on her blog. She explores the double standard that nontheists are often judged by. Give it a read. Greta's one of the bloggers that inspired me to blog. She's way more articulate than I am.

How Atheists Can't Win

Name that Holy Book 05: With my Hawk's head!

2010-01-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a piece of scripture that was obviously written in ancient Vogon, originally.

Curse them! Curse them! Curse them!
With my Hawk's head I peck at the eyes of Jesus as he hangs upon the cross.
I flap my wings in the face of Mohammed & blind him.
With my claws I tear out the flesh of the Indian and the Buddhist, Mongol and Din.
Bahlasti! Ompehda! I spit on your crapulous creeds.
Let Mary inviolate be torn upon wheels: for her sake let all chaste women be utterly despised among you!
Also for beauty's sake and love's!

Ok, without googling, what (un)holy book did this string of blasphemies come from?

It's in The Bible: Towering Boobies!

2010-01-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

The big sister is chosen for King Solomon's harem because she has huge knockers.

We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar. I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour. Song of Solomon 8:8-10

I have no idea what verse 9 is talking about. Who builds palaces on walls, anyways? The rest of the verses? Yeah! The best brides appearantly need to be well endowed in the chest department, according to the bible and the wisest king ever to reign.

Yep! It's in The Bible.

I went to Church

2010-01-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today, I attended the sunday morning service at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fayetteville. I went because my non-fundamentalist theist wife is looking for a church in our new town. Like me, she is tired and disgusted with the turn that fundamentalism is taking these days, especially the anti-science position of many churches.

The service was beautiful and there was a visiting chior. The sermon incorporated humor and irreverence and had me laughing every minute. It was a nice change from the dogma dry legalistic sermons that I am used to.

Unitarian Universalist churches are the most open religious congregations in the world. Anybody is welcome. I know most fundamentalist churches would claim the same thing, but it's not true in practice. I was confronted by a deacon at a church some time ago for attending their sunday morning service. I was asked why I'd come if I didn't believe any of it. I answered that it was because his pastor invited me, which was true. That shut him up.

There are a few things that I might disagree with Unitarian Universalist on. They claim that all forms of worship and religion is valid. I don't see how that is possible. I do find it possible that they could all be wrong, however.

Anyways, this congregation could be a good replacement for the social aspects of religion. Especially, for my wife but possibly for myself as well.

God is Unknowable

2010-01-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

Martin Wagner from The Atheist Experience Blog takes on the argument that God is unknowable therefore his existance can not be proven scientifically.

This is an argument that I get every now and then myself. And, boy howdy, do I have a problem with it. When I was a practicing fundamentalist, I would have argued against that point. I believed that God was knowable because I thought that I had a real relationship with him. Funny thing is that a few of the people who argued that way, would also say that they have a relationship with God. So, how do you have a father and son type relationship with something you can never know. Makes no sense to me.

A being that can never be known may as well be non-existent. I would advise my christian friends and family to never argue that God is something that looks a lot like non-existence. Such as being outside of time and space or not of the universe. Besides, from what I know of fundamentalists, most of them would say that God is real and that it can be proven. So, a fundie using this argument makes very little sense and it looks like a very desperate move from my point of view.

I agree with Martin. This is pretty much the most desperate form any apologetics can take.

It's in The Bible: Omnipotence does not come with infravision.

2010-01-23T21:58:00.000-08:00

God's going to punish the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but he needs a flashlight to see where the evil-doers are hiding.

And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. Zephaniah 1:12

Yep! It's in The Bible.

One Nation Underwear

2010-01-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

I found this T-shirt for sale on the internet.

Click image to follow link.

Really, it's not that remarkable. I could imagine my brother or dad wearing this shirt (or any of the other shirts on that page). While I consider the phrase to be intolerant, I wouldn't think that seeing someone wearing it to be very unusual. As a matter of fact, I've seen lot's of people wear shirts and paste bumber stickers on their cars just like this.

Ok, so why am I writing about it? You must be asking.

Well, it so happens that this T-shirt is for sale by The Christian Revival Center, which is pastored by none other than Thomas Robb. Also, so happens that he is the leader of the KKK group that organizes around my old hometown of Harrison, Arkansas.

I guess my point is that all the rhetoric about "under God" and "in God we trust" is also being associated with white supremacy and the Chistian Identity movement.

I know that not everyone that wears this kind of message is going to be a hate-monger. But, the hate-mongers are co-opting the same slogans as fundamentalists and using the guise of patriotism to spread their very unamerican ideals. Where are the fundamentalist christians speaking out about this unfair association?

I also find it totally ironic that the group that sells this shirt promotes socialism and fascism. The very things that fundamentalists accuse atheists of promoting. Christians, beware! The lion is now in your den, not mine.

Malachi Madness!

2010-01-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge.

Image found at Russell's Teapot.

A Blessing from God's Holy Word

2010-01-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

In the comments from my last post, a commenter used Malachi 2:9 to justify his/her contempt of atheists who quote scripture.

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

When someone quotes the bible to me, I always look up the verse and read the entire chapter. I do this to get the context.

The second chapter of Malachi is presented as God speaking (through a prophet). It's important to realize that, when you read this verse.

Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it. Malachi 2:3

Thank you, commenter, for revealing this loving treasure from God's holy word to me.

I think it would sound way cool to quote Malachi 2:3 using a Darth Vader voice. Or, to actually depict Jesus holding something brown while quoting this verse, in a comic. (Jesus=God to some christians.)

I have poop and know how to use it!

Don't worry. I'm not in danger of being browned out by Jesus. This is a warning to corrupt preists, not godless heathens like me (verses 1,7). By the way, God is still speaking to corrupt preists when we get to verse 9. Appearantly, I'm not the only one who twists scripture to make a point.

Organized Religion and Written Language

2010-01-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

Humans (hominids) have probably had supernatural beliefs for a few million years. It was a way to explain the natural phenomena that was an everyday part of their lives. Early on, the beliefs were probably very personal. Each individual had his/her own beliefs that were not passed down from generation to generation. The evolution of verbal communication seems to have been a slow process. As communication got better, the more information and the more specific information was passed down to the next generation.

Oral traditions were the norm from the paleolithic until the advent of written language. Many societies had professional story-tellers, shamans, or witch-doctors whose jobs it was to pass their beliefs from the current generation to the next. Elaborate rituals, songs, and dances were developed to make the passing of information more accurate. However, with each generation, flourishes, drama, new characters were added to the stories to make them more interesting and exciting. Also, the stories may have been "retconed" to account for new knowledge and actual science. Each society's myths and legends diverged and evolved. Neighboring villages would often have very different stories about the same characters (gods). These differences were often the cause of strife between neighboring societies.

Sometime between seven and six thousand years ago, a different way of communicating appeared. It probably started out as codes for tallying, counting, and inventory. Such systems are seen in neolithic cave paintings. So, it takes no stretch of the imagination to assume that these systems would evolve into something more complicated. Instead of a picture of an antelope, a simpler symbol could be used to represent an antelope. Soon systems of writting evolved as pictographs. Each word had its own symbol. Such systems worked, but was tedious. A writer had to remember hundreds of symbols. It was someones life work to record stories with pictographs.

Someone long ago had the idea that instead of the symbol for an antelope (for example) actually representing an antelope. the symbol could represent the first sound in their word for antelope. Now by asigning syllables or phonetic sounds to symbols, the symbols could be strung together to form just about any word that could be spoken. The good thing about this was that you didn't have to remember hundreds of symbols. Now, just a few dozen of so was all you needed.

Now, the stories, myths and legends could be recorded very accurately. The next generation no longer needed to rely on a story-teller's memory. Rituals could be accurately described, so later generations would do them right. This is probably where the idea that the written word was infallable came from. The older the religious text, the more mystic it seemed. It was the right way, because a very old scroll said so.

However, not everybody learned to read. Books, scrolls, and tablets were not indestructable and they were not very often portable. So, a few learned individuals in a society, could now assume the job of keeping these texts safe, copying them, and reading them to the public. Today we call such people priests and scribes. They ~~reside~~ preside over the congregations, supervising the rituals. A little old style divine revelation every now and then added a little drama.

Every major religion (that I can think of), today, has holy books. Most of the religions place so much importance on those holy books that the scriptures become inerrant. There's no room for new knowledge or revision. If new knowledge contradicts the holy text, often the new knowledge is rejected on the sole merit of an ancient scroll's claims. Science is often rejected because there was a man thousands of years ago who said something different. Whether or not that primitive man had accurate knowledge of the universe is almost never considered by the religious. The word becomes God and the word does not change (see John 1:1-2).

Without written language, there would be no organized religion. Since, science also depends upon the written word, we can thank religion for keeping written language alive. However, the trend that I see of religion becoming more fundmentalist disturbs me. Many religious claims, today, are being proven false by scientific knowledge. The more devout have reacted by placing even more importance on ancient writtings. Because there's more than one holy book, the different fundamentalists are starting to come into conflict. The outlook does not look good.

This planet is the only place in the universe (that we know of) that humans and other earth life can survive. If everyone does not work toward peace and tolerence, this planet could be in trouble. I don't believe that all religion is harmful. It's when the words themselves become more important than whether it reflects reality or not that religion becomes harmful.

I'm Back

2010-01-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

We have the internets again! This time we have a cable modem instead of DSL. I'm going to have to find an ethernet router (or build one) so I can network all our computers together. The old DSL modem was also a router. The new cable modem is not.

Moving

2010-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm probably not going to be able to check this blog for a while. My wife and I are moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas. We have signed a lease on a cute one bedroom apartment. I won't have internet there until Wednesday. I'll also have to work on getting our house cleaned up. We have a lot of clutter and since the apartment is much smaller than our house, we'll have to give up a few things. We're going to try to rent the house out, but it may be in February before it's ready to rent.

See ya next week.

Another Robert Blog

2010-01-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

I was not really intending to create another blog, but I found blog software that I just couldn't resist playing with.

Check out PPLOG. It's a weblog that is written in PERL. Even the pickiest free web hosting site should have no problem with this software. The web host just needs to have PERL.

I do have lots of Arkansas landscape, flora, and fauna pictures on PhotoBucket. So, I'm going to use this new blog to post them.

Check it out! It's lean and clean and I have FTP access! As long as I keep the big pictures on PhotoBucket, I can pretty much do what I want with this blog. Blogger, eat your heart out.

Wild Arkansas

Pascal's Wager Meme

2010-01-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

I can't count how many times I have been presented with Pascal's Wager by proselytizing fundamentalists.

1. If you believe in God and he exists, you gain eternity.
2. If you believe in God and he does not exist, you die.
3. If you do not believe in God and he does exist, you spend eternity in torment.
4. If you do not believe in God and he does not exist, you die like number 2.

Believing in God just because there's a possibility of eternity in heaven is just silly. My problem with the wager is that belief is not a switch I can turn off and on. If God is all the christians claim he is, then he would not be fooled by someone going through the motions "just in case." If I were to "get saved" right now at this very moment, I would not be doing it sincerely, because, I really don't believe that there is a God. It would be only a ritual to me. Nothing more. I just don't know how to will myself to truly believe something that I find absurd.

I've always wondered if there are any christians out there that have "gotten saved" because they were convinced by Pascal's Wager. If not, why do christians use it so often when proselytizing? Would my fundie friends and family consider them "True Christians"?

"Believing in God is a safer bet" is a terrible reason to believe in God. "Believing" for this reason would not be sincere belief, and even if God existed, it seems unlikely that he/ she/ it/ they would be fooled by it. Pass it on: if we say it enough times to enough people, it may get across. --Greta Christina

My Prayer Sign Suggestion

2009-12-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

Since I've been accused of being hateful for pointing out bible verses being used in hateful ways, I have a suggestion for a prayer sign.

I know that the bible is full of brutality and hate, yet there are some very good verses in there. You just have to search through all the smelly oysters before you find the pearl. If Christians want to use the bible in a "Christ-like manner", I suggest searching out the enlightened verses instead of using poems written by evil tyrants. There's an entire industry of publishers that will do that job for you. You just have to read the study guides and use the nice verses.

My suggestion is one of my favorite verses in the entire bible. I had to search for it again because I forgot the reference. Christians, enjoy. This one is for you, because this is what our country really needs.

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:19

Prayer Sign Update

2009-12-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

The sign that I wrote about earlier has now changed. I don't have a picture but, it now says,

Ephesians 6:12

Pray for our
Nation

The new verse is a famous verse. It's still ominous. At least it's not specific and doesn't call for anyone to die.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Put the Chi back in Χmas

2009-12-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon a christian blog from a Baptist Theologian that I think deserves a little notice. After a quick glance, the first page of articles were, in my opinion, very enlightened for a Baptist.

Here's the article where Dr. Prescott quotes another theologian on the "War on Christmas." Links and formatting preserved.

Russell King has posted an outstanding diary entry at Steet Prophets entitled "It's time to put Christ back into Christmas."

The entry needs to be read in its entirety. To give you a hint of the perspective from which King writes, here's a footnote from his blog:
*When we insist that others join in our customs, use the words we like to use and participate in our celebration, we are violating the life and lessons of Jesus and ripping Christ from the heart of Christmas. When we force non-Christians to utter the name of Christ when they do not believe in Him, we are making mockery of the Christ in Christmas. When we take offense when others celebrate the season in ways that are meaningful to them, and are different from our ways -- especially when we pretend that respecting others' celebrations constitutes a "war on Christmas" -- we are ignoring the spirit of Christ. When we insist that our government join in our religious celebration, we are acting exactly like those who opposed Christ. When we insist that the tax dollars of non-Christians be used to celebrate our Christian holiday, we are ignoring Christ's teaching (Matthew 22:21) and tearing Him out of Christmas. When we put more emphasis on the word "Christ" than on the message of Christ, we are making a mockery of Christmas and the one whose birth we celebrate (we don't do salvation by syllables). When we make a fuss over "Xmas," we show that we don't know much about our own religion's history: In Greek, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ, and it, or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century. Xmas has been used for Christmas, by Christians, for centuries.
From Mainstream Baptist

I have commented on this article and I'd like to comment on more of his articles. I'd like to put his blog in my blogroll. However, he does have comment moderation on, and if he doesn't approve my comment, I will not add him to my blogroll. My comment, I think, was very polite and complimenting. So, the only reason he would have to delete my comment is that I am an atheist. We'll see.

Psalms 109:8

2009-12-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a sign that is posted outside of a local business. ~~I took it at night becaue I wanted to write this article before it gets taken down. I had to bump up the brightness and contrast.~~ If I get a chance to take a photo in the day, I'll post that as well. Despite the photo being very low quality, it is quite readable. I guess that's what counts.

Let his days be few; and let another take his office. Psalms 109:8

A sign that suggests prayer for my country, with a scripture reference, seems pretty harmless at first. That is, until you look up the verse. These people really are praying that our president dies so that Biden can take over his office. In my opinion this is hate speech. I'm very sure (though I have no proof) that it's because our president is black.

The traditional credit for writing this verse goes to King David. The same man who wrote the anti-atheist verse, Pslams 14:1. Do people really want to take advice from a man who had his best friend killed so that he can screw his wife? Do people really want to take advice from a man who chose to have 70,000 of his people die instead of himself being exiled?

Note: As far as I know, The Ranch House Cafe is not affiliated with the business that put up the hateful sign. So, please don't send them any complaints.

Note: CafePress removed t-shirts with this inscrpition on them.

Edit: I took a better picture of the sign, so I replaced the night time one with a better, yet still low quality, day time picture. This time I had permission to take the picture. If you still want to see the crappy night time pic, click here and here.

It's my turn to be childish!

2009-12-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

It's my turn to be childish and to get some practice with the Gimp. So, bring it on! Give me all the moral high-grounded Christian judgementalism I can eat! I love it!

Click Herefor the back story.

Winter Solstice Box at Arkansas State Capitol Grounds

2009-12-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

The Arkansas Society of Freethinkers got to put up their display! Read the story that was printed in The Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

Of course, I read the comments. Of course, there's some crazy that I get to quote.

A concern troll that goes by quiet4us2 said,

freethinkers you still have time to repent. God will forgive you. Don't let a great opportunity pass you by. Get down on your knee's and ask God to forgive you of your sins. The main sin here is you don't believe. But I think deep down inside your heart you do. So just ask. HE will forgive you I promise.

Well quiet4us2, I did all that and now I have the medical bills from the psych ward to worry about. Nice GUY that GOD of YOUR'S.

Congratulations Arkansas Society of Freethinkers. If I am ever in Little Rock during your meetings, I'll have to drop by. Good work!

Good Bye, Oral! We'll miss you.

2009-12-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

At least, we have a pair of giant bronze clasping hands to remember him by. Really, can a guy named Oral really be that bad? I bet his wife just loved that name.

Well, since I don't have millions of dollars to spend erecting giant metal body parts, I'll just have to make do with this picture as my memmorial to a great non-thinker.

I dare you to guess what body part I'd depict in bronze to commemorate my fallen non-hero, if I had millions of dollars to waste.

Hat tip goes to Martin at The Atheist Experience Blog for supplying the photo and inspiring some rofling.

Edit: More silliness:

Unusual Soda Can

2009-12-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

I found this can of soda at one of the local discount stores. It is bottled by an American company in Miami, Florida that produces beverages that are popular among Cuban Americans, such as Materva. The scene depicted on one side of the can could possibly bruise some American sensibilities. Even, I was a little shocked.

Click image or here to download 1024x768 size version of this image.

I think most Americans will know why I think this can is unusual, especially considering that this softdrink is produced and sold in The United States by an American company, in Florida of all places.

To the company's credit, though, they are not exclusive. Here's the other side of the same can.

Click image or here to download 1024x768 size version of this image.

I'll bet a dollar that the first image was originally the only image on the can.

This article is duplicated on the following websites.
Fayetteville Freethinkers
The Atheist Nexus
Godless Gourmet

EDIT: A google search for, "watermelon soda black," turned up a YouTube video showing the mild outcry that this product produced.

Open Letter to The Pastor of Northside Church of Christ

2009-12-10T04:45:00.000-08:00

I have written this open letter to the pastor of the church that hosted the creationist conference in my town last weekend.

I am horrified that Dr. Harrub could so blatantly misrepresent science. I can't say whether it was out of dishonesty or negligence. Doesn't matter. A man with his credentials should research his claims about his opposition's claims, before writing a presentation based on them. I think anyone is obligated to do that.

I wonder if anyone at the church has checked up on the facts that Dr. Harrub has presented. Duh. I know better than that. They were not there to learn about scientific claims and to discuss why and if the claims were wrong. They were there to have their beliefs confirmed. Heck! I can't blame them for that.

Wanting beliefs confirmed is something that every human being I know of wants. But, how far do you take it? Is having a belief system confirmed so important that the honesty and accuracy of the claims take a backseat to having someone say that what you believe is right? Maybe, for others, but not me.

Dear Pastor,

I attended the conference that was hosted by Northside Church of Christ on Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th featuring Dr. Brad Harrub. I feel that I have a moral obligation that I must inform you that Dr. Harrub misrepresented current accepted scientific knowledge. Whether this was done intentionally or unintentionally, I do not know. However, because of Dr. Harrub's credentials, I expected his research and information to be accurate and to faithfully represent his opponents actual position. However, this was not the case. I recognized at least ten times, during the lectures, when Dr. Harrub was not correctly describing the current accepted knowledge of the subject he was refuting.

I am not writing this letter to argue whether your position is right or wrong. I am writing because I feel that your church did not get the quality of lecture and accuracy that should be demanded of a man with Dr. Harrub's credentials. I even suspect that he may have intentionally misrepresented the opposing position, in order to make his refutation easier. This is what is known as a Straw Man Argument <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man>.

I consulted my father, who is pastor like yourself, before writing this letter. He informed me that if Dr. Harrub was intentionally misrepresenting the opposing position, then he was bearing false witness, which is a violation of one of the ten commandments. In other words, "It's easy to prove someone wrong, if you lie about him." Of course, I can not say whether or not Dr. Harrub was being purposefully deceitful and I have no idea as to what his motivation would be.

I can imagine that the members of Northside Church of Christ pay tithes and that those tithes were used to hire Dr. Harrub to speak at the conference. Speakers with his credentials do not usually come cheap. I feel that your church deserves a higher quality of information, considering the amount of money that speakers with such credentials often ask for.

The following four paragraphs are just two examples of several instances, that I noticed during the lecture, where Dr. Harrub misrepresented the scientific position. I am including links to the Wikipedia pages that present a more accurate depiction of the actual scientific position.

In the lecture Genesis vs. Darwin, Dr. Harrub claimed that the planet Jupiter is radiating more heat than it receives from the sun. He further claimed that if the universe is 14 billion years old (I think he said 23 billion, but that can be forgiven), then Jupiter should have cooled completely and should no longer be radiating heat.

Dr. Harrub is probably right that Jupiter would have completely cooled by now, if it was 14 billion years old. However, it is not the current accepted theory that Jupiter (for that matter, the entire Solar System including The Sun), is as old as the universe. As far as I know, it has never been the scientific position that the solar system is as old as the universe. The current understanding is that The Solar System formed from a condensing cloud of dust and gas about 4.5 billion years ago, give or take. This includes The Earth, and Sun, and all the other planets that orbit The Sun, including Jupiter. Dr. Harrub is either confusing the age of the universe with the age of The Solar System, or deliberately misrepresenting the position of cosmologists on this subject. Either way, it is Dr. Harrubs responsibility to research the opposing position so that it can be accurately represented in his presentation. The information is freely available on the internet, so in my opinion, he has no excuse. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_system#Formation_and_evolution>

In the lecture The Dinosaur Dilemma, Dr. Harrub claims that a fossil skeleton of a mammal was found that has parts of a dinosaur in its stomach. He then claims that this fossil contradicts the theory of evolution, because science claims that dinosaurs preceded mammals and that these two classes of animals did not co-exist.

It is absolutely true that a fossil mammal was found with a dinosaur in its stomach <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repenomamus>. I agree that this is very good evidence that some mammals preyed upon small dinosaurs. Dr. Harrub, however, misrepresents the scientific position again. It is, in fact, accepted science among paleontologists that mammals did in fact co-exist with dinosaurs. The theory is that mammals and dinosaurs evolved around the same time from two different types of reptiles, respectively. True dinosaurs appear in the triassic evolving from a class of reptiles called archosaurs <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_dinosaurs>. Primitive mammals also appear in the triassic, evolving from a class of reptiles called synapsids <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_mammals>. True mammals appear later in the jurassic. It is the scientific position among paleontologist that dinosaurs and true mammals co-existed from about 180 million years ago until the extinction of the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago, give or take. As a matter of fact, later in the same lecture, Dr. Harrub presents a slide that includes a timeline from a science text book. The timeline correctly places mammals first appearing in the triassic. The fact, that Dr. Harrub actually has the correct information concerning the accurate position of scientists on the co-existence of mammals and dinosaurs on hand, yet still misrepresents the scientific position, is very suspicious to me.

Again, it is not my purpose, in writing this letter, to argue whether your position is right or wrong. My purpose, in this letter, is to accuse Dr. Harrub of either intentionally or negligently misrepresenting the opposing position. By misrepresenting the opposing position, Dr. Harrub's arguments are invalid, because the scientific community does not actually hold the position that Dr. Harrub refuted. If he had represented the scientific position faithfully, I would not be writing this letter. I feel that the members and ministers of Northside Church of Christ have been short-changed and deserved to have a speaker that can make his arguments and still correctly represent the beliefs of his opponents.

I do have audio recording of all the lectures during the first two days of the conference and video of the lecture on the first day. If you recall, you did give me permission to record the lectures. However, I promised Dr. Harrub that I will not post any of my recordings on the internet. I do not think that I legally need his permission, but it is a common courtesy to ask. I will honor that promise. However, I do have permission to quote him directly from my footage. If you need me to directly reference the places where Dr. Harrub misrepresents scientific claims, I can. I did however notice that your church had also recorded video of the lectures. I urge you to research his claims yourselves to determine whether or not the facts and positions are accurately represented.

I was truly disappointed in the conference and the speaker. I was, at first, a bit angry and felt that the people in my community, the people I consider my friends, despite differences in beliefs, had been intentionally swindled. I have now revised my position in that I do not know whether or not Dr. Harrub was being dishonest. It could be that Dr. Harrub is just ignorant of his opponent's position. Either way, I expect a speaker with Dr. Harrub's credentials to present a lecture that faithfully represents the facts. I do not feel that the members of Northside Church of Christ received the quality of presentation that they paid for, no matter what they were charged, even if he did it for free.

Your fellow traveler down the road of life,

Robert J. Madewell

I really hope that he replies to this letter. I met the pastor. I thought he was a very nice man. He seems to be a person that you could confide in. However, I regret that I didn't learn his name. How could I be so negligent! He didn't offer his name when I introduced myself and I looked on their website (which appears to be unmaintained). I couldn't find his name anywhere. Oh well, pastor is just going to have to do in this case.

Godless Gourmet and The Creationism Conference

2009-12-08T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Since, I am not working because of health issues, I decided to something I always wanted to do. I now have a sister blog that has nothing at all to do with atheism, except that the author is an atheist. It's called Godless Gourmet. I'm going through some of my own recipes and standardizing them. I'm also going to try some of the more interesting internet recipes and document the experience. If any of you guys are food hounds like me, check it out and give me some pointers and ideas.

I've been trying to work on the other blog for a week and haven't found alot of time to work on either of my blogs. Finally, I posted my first recipe over there, so now I feel I can tell y'all about it.

Don't worry about this blog, though. I attended a Church of Christ creationist conference last weekend, so I have lots to write about. I think even met one of our anonymouses. I told you guys that I suspected that some of our anonymouses was from my local churhces! Now I know that at least one was.

I have concerns about the speaker. It has nothing to do with differences in belief. My concerns have to do with honesty. The speaker is an extremely educated man and has legitimate degrees from accredited universities. I was impressed about that at first, but when he started talking about science, I became quite dismayed.

His arguments were strawman after strawman. I recognized over two dozen instances where he misrepresented science. And, not even subtly. I have heard similar arguments from local pastors. However, none have the credentials that this man does. I do not feel that I am unjustified in expecting a higher quality of research and information from him than from the local youth pastor. That's why I suspect that this man is purposefully and intentionally lying to his audience. That disturbs me much more than anything a fundy could say about my post expiration destination. I still identify a little with fundamentalists. I still expect them to value honesty and accountability just like they claim to do. Since, I can prove that many of the speaker's claims about current science understanding is wrong, I have decided to write an open letter to the pastor of this church explaining to him why I feel that he has been swindled.

Well, I'm not going to keep you guys hanging, so here's a sample where Dr. Brad Harrub very likely lied about current scientific knowledge.

Dr. Harrub claims that the planet Jupiter is radiating more heat than what it recieves from the sun. As far as I know this is true. He further claimed that if the universe is 14 billion years old, in that time Jupiter should have cooled off completely. He'd probably be right if Jupiter was 14 billion years old. Current understanding is that the solar system formed all about the same time. The Sun, Jupiter, and the Earth are all roughly the same age and they're not 14 billion year old. I think the figure is 4.5 billion years. If he used that figure in his math, I'd bet he'd come up with a different result. Doesn't matter, because, this information is readily available to anyone with a pooter. Like I said, I hold his information to a higher degree of quality because of his credentials. So, it looks suspicious to me.

Hell Exists!

2009-12-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

I'm going to hell and I'm taking my whole family with me. I realize it now. Click here to see my path to Hell.

Creation Conference Reminder

2009-12-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

The first lecture is on Friday at 1900 hrs. at the Durand Center in Harrison, AR. A few godless heathens will be there. I plan to go, however, I may have to stay home if I am sick that day. I you plan on going, email me. Maybe, we can meet up before the lecture so we can go as a group.

One Ding Bat Slamming Another

2009-11-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

Appearantly Howard Stern doesn't like Kirk Cameron's proselytizing at college campuses. I agree with Stern on several points, but Stern got something wrong.

Kids are allowed to open their bibles at school. They are allowed to have them and they are allowed to read them on their own time. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a bible in every school library in this country. What's not allowed is a teacher teaching from the bible. Unless, of course, it's a comparative religion class or something like it.

Also, I didn't like them critisizing Cameron for being a child star who worked with Alan Thick. So what, Howard! I don't think anyone should listen to you because, you have your own radio talk show! Same thing!

There are atheists out there that I just can't stand and Stern is at the top of that list.

Part 2 Part 3

P.S. I love it when the caller trys out Pascal's Wager on Stern. Stern handles it real well. He doesn't argue the wager at all. He restates his position and insists that the caller deal with that. The caller had nothing to stand on. Though Stern didn't have to call him an idiot.

Young Earth Creationism

2009-11-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

Creationism convention to be held in Harrison, AR

2009-11-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

Creation vs. Evolution Forum
Forum hosted by the Northside Church of Christ
Northark Center Campus Durand Center
303 North Main Street, Harrison, AR 72601

Did humans evolve from ape-like creatures?

How is atheism infiltrating American culture?

Did humans and dinosaurs coexist?

Fri., Dec. 4th 7:00pm Atheism’s Attack on America

Sat., Dec. 5th 6:30pm Genesis vs. Darwin

7:30pm The Dinosaur Dilemma
Sun. Dec. 6th 9:00am Why Me? Pain & Suffering

10:00am 7 Reasons We Are Losing Our Kids

Featuring Guest Speaker:
Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

I think it's funny that they are calling this thing a forum. You can bet the barn that there'll be no discussion at a convention like this.

To all the atheists out there, stop attacking America! Kay? That's not nice.

I Found The Loch Ness Monster!

2009-10-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here's something of interest to skeptics.

A few months ago, The Sun published this uncritical article. Seems that a security guard was playing with Google Earth and claims to have spotted The Loch Ness Monster.

I was so excited about it that I decided to find The Loch Ness Monster myself on WikiMapia.

Well, I found it! Here's my picture.

Click here to see it on WikiMapia.
Now, here's the image that The Sun published.

Wow! Want to know a secret? My picture is not in Loch Ness, but in Lake Taneycomo near Branson, Missouri.

Is there a lake monster at my old fishing spot? Lake Taneycomo and Loch Ness are two completely different lakes. So, what does the two lakes have in common? Boats. Both pictures are of boats. I'm sure of it.

Scripture on The Scrimmage Line

2009-10-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a gem of a story from OneNewsNever. Seems that cheerleaders at a Georgia public school has been displaying bible verses during their cheers at football games. A parent complained to the school board and the board decided to ban the display of bible verses by the cheerleaders during school sponsored activities. This ban has lead to students and adults displaying placards of bible verses from the stands.

You know, the placards displayed by the fans are quite acceptable to me. I wouldn't dream of stopping people from doing that, ever. As a matter of fact, I'd probably be OK with the cheerleaders displaying bible verses as long as they'll display any verse from the bible. I have a few suggestions.

And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. Joshua 10:26

Now this man (Judas Iscariot) purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Acts 1:18

And I (Jesus) will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins (kidneys) and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works (saved by grace?). Revelation 2:23

You know, I think the cheerleaders should also display banners from the Book of Mormon as well! And the Vedas, The Urantia Book, The Holy Piby, and The Qur'an. Everybody would be happy then. Right?

Besides, anytime someone bans harmless displays of religiosity, they feed the persecution complex that many christians have. However, I'm of the opinion that religious displays belong in the stands, not the field.

God Visits Me (In My Skillet)

2009-10-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was making myself some breakfast of fried eggs and corncakes. When I flipped the corncake over, I noticed there was an unmistakable image of a face on it. I think it might be God. It has that "smite the Kennite and rape his daughter" kind of smirk.

I am sorry to report that Corncake God will not be for sale on Ebay or anywhere else. I was given such a wonderful gift as God's face in a corncake. I knew that I had to do something special with it. So, I ate it with two fried eggs.

I'll say one thing for him. God is delicious. Though, I think I'll use less salt next time.

Hey! I was hungry!

Obama's Nobel Prize

2009-10-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick rant. While I think Obama has promoted peace ever since he's been president, has he done enough to deserve a Nobel Peace Prize? I have my doubts. Oh, well. They gave Yasser Arafat one. So, why not Obama. At least Obama hasn't funded terrorism.

Congratualations Mr. President. It's a great honor and it doesn't really matter what a Southwest Missouri boy like me thinks about it. Also, it's an honor for our country.

Fundies Edit Bible

2009-10-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

I can't count all the arguments I have been presented with concerning the authority and inerrancy of The Bible. So, imagine my suprize when I read this article at Pharyngula. Seems that a group of fundamentalists are taking on a project to take out the things in The Bible that they disagree with and to change some words to sound more conservative.

If you change The Bible to fit your beliefs can you still be called a fundamentalist? It doesn't really matter. I just hope they take out the parts about stoning your children and killing all teh gay. But, that's probably too much to ask for.

I'm Back

2009-10-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't been posting anything for awhile. I have been absent because I had to spend a week in the hospital.

I'm home now, so maybe I can start up the ol' blasphemy machine again and spark some more discussion.

Stealth Proselytizing

2009-09-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

If you are too chicken s*** to talk to people face to face, you can drop these cards on their cars and run for cover.

Click here, about half way down page.
PDF of business card.
Caption: What is so cool about business cards is that if you can’t talk face to face: You can place hundreds on car windows (note the placement above), within minutes!

I really dislike stealth proselytizing. It's not unusual for me to be at home all day on a weekend to go out the front door to find a tract stuck in the storm door or a bag of tracts hanging on the door knob. If they want to invite me to their church, they should ring my doorbell and talk to me in person. If they can't handle talking to someone then they need to move on, because I'm not interested in being the victim of an evangelical hit and run.

Gehenna

2009-09-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

September Meeting of The Fayetteville Freethinkers

2009-09-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

I will be attending the September meeting of The Fayetteville Freethinkers. I always have a great time at every meeting.

Freethinkers, it's time for our September meeting. We'll have another action-packed meeting devoted to promoting critical thinking, science, and freethought in general.

First off, you have a homework reading assignment. You are to read this article by our freethinker friend Art Hobson which was published in the NW Arkansas Times, August 29, 2009. Here is the link:

http://physics.uark.edu/hobson/NWAT/09.08.29.html

It's also posted in our forum here where you can post comments:

http://fayfreethinkers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6064&start=0

Read it, think about it, critique it (and send it to your friends). We are going to talk about it.

At our meeting we will also be honoring and remembering a famous freethinker by watching 70-minute biographical film about magician and inventor Jerry Andrus. Andrus was a staple of The Amazing Meeting series of conventions, and he passed away in 2007. This biography explores the life and work of this freethinker--who was a founding member of a freethinker organization in Oregon. Andrus also created many optical illusions. Doug will bring one for us to pass around. We had scheduled this for last month's meeting, but we ran short on time and bumped it to September.

We will have a short and to the point (excellent) video presentation on critical thinking.

Also in the works, a laser show with TWENTY THOUSAND points of light. Holy cow!

At our last meeting Darrel gave a presentation about the US health care system and how it compares with our peer countries. He has now transcribed his notes and converted his Power Point presentation to text. It is posted in our Freethinker Forum here:

http://fayfreethinkers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6079#p19867

***
Freethinker Meeting Details:

When: Saturday, September 26, 2009.

Where: The Fayetteville Public Library. 401 W. Mountain St. (two blocks west of the town square).

Time: 2:00 pm

Room: The Walker Room. This is the main meeting room. Go in the front door, through the lobby and go to your right. You can bring a snack or coffee from Arsaga's in the library lobby.

Map: http://tinyurl.com/b3sfgf

We'll go for dinner afterward at... The Thai Diner.

Map: http://tinyurl.com/myosmp

If you're in the Northwest Arkansas area, don't miss out on these classy meetups.

Jesus Is Sauron!

2009-09-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I knew it!

Click Here, about one third the way down the page.

Backpedal, ye who art dismayed!

2009-09-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well, Jesus is coming sometime this fall, I guess. I was so looking forward to people flying off into the sky. I even recharged the camera so that I could get videos. Maybe next time.

It took almost a whole day for them to change the website.

For a good laugh, look at their webpage about Hell. There's only 49 pages if you were to print it out. Also, there's a bunch of depiction of Hell for me to blog about. Don't miss the part where they disclose the actual physical location for hell. (Hint: S waves don't penetrate Hell.)

Good Bye, my True Christian™ Friends!

2009-09-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

I will miss you all!

PZ Myers over at Pharyngula has just infomed me that tomorrow is the day that Jesus will come back and retrieve his faithfull followers so that they don't have to endure The Tribulation™. I know that this must be true because it is confirmed by this website.

By the way, if you guys have any pets that need to be taken care of after you leave, I'll be glad to help. Especially with kitty kats!

Putting Faith in its Place

2009-09-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Qualiasoup on YouTube has this interesting presentation. The last minute of the presentation goes along with what's being discussed in some of the comment threads.

HT: Hemant Mehta

Can you get fired for eating noodles?

2009-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

In theory, yes.

My brother and his family moved back to Missouri last year, after he retired from the Navy. His wife has a degree in education and right away she was hired as a teacher in their local christian school.

When she was hired, she was told that she must abstain from all alcoholic beverages and foods. From her description, that also includes foods cooked with wine, beer, or whiskey as an ingredient.

Of course, I have a bit of an ethical problem with this ban. This is totally my opinion, but the way I see it is that that school has no business telling my sister-in-law what she can or can't do in her private life. As long as she what she is doing isn't illegal, christian or not, it's her business. If she dipped her noodles in a sauce with mirin in it at home, nobody should even be the wiser. Of course, before anybody protests, I talking about less than moderate consumption of alcohol. Soba tsuyu has less than 0.5% alcohol and dipping your noodles in it will not get you drunk.

Of course, if a teacher shows up drunk to class, I say can him/her. But firing someone for eating noodles with sauce? That would be stupid.

Here's a dangerous recipe!

Soba Tsuyu

½ cup water
1 teaspoon instant dashi (bonito buillion)
2 tablespoons Mirin (rice cooking wine)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar

Conbine all ingredients in sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Boil slowly for 5 minutes. Transfer to container and chill. Serve cool with cooked cold soba, somen, or udon noodles (or any noodle you want to). Usually served in a separate bowl than the noodles.

Just don't tell your principal that you ate this, if you work in a christian school.

Yet Another Depiction of Hell

2009-09-11T08:05:00.001-07:00

Here's a new typical depiction of Hell from The Truth for Youth.

Click on photo to read the actual comic at their website.

Again, is this necessary? Do you need to scare the ***t out of someone needlessly to get him/her to conform?

The Truth for Youth has Arrived!

2009-09-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today I received my copy of The Truth For Youth in the mail. TTFY is a New Testament Bible (God's Word Version) plus almost 100 pages of manga style comics dealing with subjects like sex, rock music, evolution, and more. It's interspersed with ads for other Revival Fires* products and a coupon that you can send in if you decide to get saved. At first glance this book seems to be the ultimate commercialization of the bible, geared specifically for teenagers. At second glance? I agree with my first glance.

The comics are of special interest to me. When I was young my parents bought Chick comics for me in lieu of more worldly comic books. The artistic style of comics in TTFY is a little better than Alberto, but not much.

The first story in the comic section was about safe sex and condoms in particular. The story is about a cheerleader (stereotypical skinny blonde) who is looking to have sex with the football quarterback (stereotypical beefcake white teen). The condom factoids are told by a high school nerd named Stats (stereotypical asian intellectual). The quaterback is being proselytized by the running back (stereotypical black high school athlete), and the cheerleader is also being hounded by another cheerleader (a steretypical stereotype of a stereotype).

The asian intellectual in the story has these statistics to consider.

Er -- Yes -- Well, Actually condoms have a 15% failure rate and 13% of unmarried teens get pregnant in the first year they use condoms for contraception!

The problem I have with these statistics is that they're not true. The 15% failure rate is typical use. IOW, this is the failure rate if the condoms are not used properly or consistantly. Same with the 13% pregnancy rate. What would you think the pregnancy rate would be if condoms weren't used at all? I don't know, but I'm sure it's much worse than 13% - 15%. The perfect use failure and pregnancy rate for condoms is 2%. That's a big difference! If a condom is used properly and every time, only 2 in 100 girls will get pregnant! Talk about twisting statistics.Click here for condom statistics.

At the end of the story we see a copy of TTFY get passed around the football field (pun intended).

The first comic is so full of stereotypes that I had a hard time finishing it. Just leafing through the rest revealed all kinds of stereotypes.

This book is basically a new testament bible (translated into very simple modern english) pasted in the back of a badly written 100 page Chick Tract wannabe. Revival Fires ministries are trying to recruit teenagers to pass this book out at public schools. I hope the kids do pass this thing out because it is ridiculous. I have three teen age nephews and I can imagine every one of them laughing at the caricarture of teen life that's depicted in this book.

A parting question for my christian detractors to think about. Do you like it that your holy book is included in the back of a second rate comic book?

* Warning: loud gospel music plays when page is loaded.

I have joined The Atheist Nexus

2009-09-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking that I can search out other non-theists in my area on this site.

Here's my Atheist Nexus Blog.
http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blog/list?user=31l1duax8o474

Here's my page.
http://www.atheistnexus.org/profile/RobertMadewell

Labor Day Short Hike

2009-09-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today being a day off, we went on a short fun hike. We took a neice and a nephew hiking in a local nature preserve known as Baker Prairie. I was able to get a few "alright" pictures of some local flora. Clicking on the picture will take you to a slide show of the 18 or so pictures I took today.

Click here to go to the slide show.
Click here to go to the album.

The flora species that I recognize in the pictures include Sumacs, Two types of Aster, Prairie Sunflowers, Rose Hips, Thistles, Goldenrods, Beggar Lice, and more. I'm not familiar with the blue flowers that are in several pictures. If anyone knows what they are, let me know in the comments.

I think there's probably a few pictures in there that are suitable for desktop wallpaper.

Another Depiction of Hell

2009-09-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

This Depiction is from a famous triptych painted by Hieronymus Bosch in either 1503 or 1504. The painting is called The Garden of Earthly Delights. This detail is cropped from the online version at Museo Nacional del Prado.

The threat of Hell was so important to christianity that there are many depictions of the horrible punishments and tortures that supposedly happen in hell. Obviously, the christian that painted this triptych didn't think that Hell is just a separation from God. To him Hell was a bizarre and terrible place that was to be avoided at all costs and that God actively consigns souls to horrible punishments like what is depicted here, forever.

The Brick Testament Depicts Hell

2009-09-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

I like The Brick Testament. Here it depicts the popular notion of what Hell is like. Click on the picture to go to the site.

Is The Threat of Hell Necessary?

2009-09-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

The comments on the last article I've written has gotten me to thinking about The Threat of Hell.

When I was a christian (please, just assume that I was for argument), I heard it preached from the pulpit that everybody in the world deserves to go to Hell. It was pounded into my head from the day I was born. I've read tons of literature that threatened the sinner with eternal punishment for minor things (like looking at a passing woman's butt). I've seen men and women in tears as they walked up to the altar out of fear of going to Hell.

My question to my Chriatian readers is simple. Is this threat necessary? Does it take the possibility of a horrible afterlife to keep a person on the straight and narrow? If a person repents and lives a holy life only out of fear of Hell, was that person a good person in the first place? Also, if God won't save a soul because that person did good just to avoid Hell, why use the threat at all?

I leave you with Jeff Dee's take on this. I think Dee is a little harsh with his caller. But, the way it looks now, I kind of agree with him.

I've got to get me one of these!

2009-08-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I got an AFA action alert in my mail. I signed up for them a while back hoping to get some ideas to write about. AFA has delivered in the past and they delivered today.

Dear Robert,

American Family Association / American Family Radio is partnering with Revival Fires International, the ministry of Evangelist Tim Todd, this week (Aug. 24-28) to place a Truth for Youth Bible into the hands of teenagers who will distribute them to lost students in our public schools. Teenagers are urged to participate in this vital campaign by going to: http://thetruthforyouth.com/tfy_bibles_2009.asp or calling toll free 1-800-733-4737 (8:00am - 6:00pm CST) and ordering a FREE BIBLE for a teenager to distribute at school. Tim Todd has underwritten the costs of making this Bible available free of charge.

During this designated week, in a very effective and unique evangelism outreach, "The Truth For Youth" will be given to all teenagers who commit to give the Bibles to their unsaved friends in school. Limit: One Bible per teenager in each home. Additional copies may be purchased for a special discounted price of only $3.00 each by going to: http://www.thetruthforyouth.com/truth_bible.html#HELPTHECAUSE.

"The Truth For Youth" consists of the entire New Testament in the God's Word version, along with 100 pages of powerful full color comics that are packed with "absolute truths" regarding issues young people are faced with, such as: Evolution, Sexual Purity, Homosexuality, Abortion, Pornography, Drugs, Drunkenness, Peer Pressure, School Violence, Secular Rock Music, Sorcery and Witchcraft. God's wonderful plan of salvation is incorporated into each of the stories.

Request A Free Bible Today
Teenagers, or parents of teenagers, are urged to participate in this vital campaign by going to: http://thetruthforyouth.com/tfy_bibles_2009.asp or calling the toll free 1-800-733-4737 (8:00am - 6:00pm CST) and ordering a FREE BIBLE to distribute at school.

In the past seven years, a partnership with American Family Association in these evangelistic efforts has resulted in more than 350,000 Bibles being given away in school and more than 2500 young people sending decision coupons, emails or letters confirming they have surrendered their hearts to Christ. A total of more than 1.25 million Truth for Youth Bibles have been distributed since the conception of the Truth for Youth Bible for teens.

Sincerely,
Tim Wildmon
President
American Family Association

Because, I am a bit of a packrat and a collector of useless unusual items, I really want one of these things. I want to read it and write about it. Thing is, I can buy one of them for the small price of $3. But is $3 too much to give to the AFA and Revival Fires? Should I get my nephew to get one for free so he can give it to me? Is that unethical? I'm at a crossroads here.

My Favorite Church

2009-08-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

My favorite fundamental baptist church is now judging those christians that accept established science. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that Shiloh Baptist Church may be a little intolerant. It may be time for me to visit again. I wouldn't dream of trying to stop what they're teaching. I just want to know what they're teaching.

Take a look.

IF YOU DONT
BELIEVE IN GENESIS
YOU DONT BELIEVE
IN JESUS

I know lots of christians that will be disappointed to hear this. He doesn't actually mean The Book of Genesis, he means creationism. Replace Genesis with creationism in the message and that's probably closer to what this minister is trying to say.

Do I have to remind everybody that christianity does not equal creationism? There are a several denominations that accept established science. Even one of them is a fundamentalist denomination! Take a look at The Church of The Nazarene.

Click here to see the other side of this sign.

August Meeting of The Fayetteville Freethinkers

2009-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

I will be attending the August meeting of the Fayetteville Freethinkers in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Here's the details.

Freethinkers, it's time for our August meeting. As usual we took July off due to vacations and summer fun. Now it's time to get back to what we do best: promoting critical thinking, science, and freethought.

This month we have a full agenda.

Doug Krueger will give us a report on his visit to James Randi's skeptics conference, also known as The Amazing Meeting 7. Doug met many famous freethinkers, and he's got the pictures to prove it. He also saw a Danish psychic, live and onstage, try out for the million dollar prize for a demonstration of the paranormal. Did she pass the test? Doug will tell us. (Hint: No.)

Leonard Schulte will explain to us how we have no choice but to cease belief in free will, in part 2 of his "Letting Go of Freedom." (Part 1 was in June.) Leonard's view is that believing in free will is no more justifiable than believing in a deity. He will explain and defend his arguments.

Darrel Henschell will examine some popular health care myths floating around, especially those related to Canada. Darrel has been researching in Canada this summer, and he and his wife even went so far as to be born in Canada and live there for five decades just to get the credentials for this presentation. Is the Canadian system over-hyped, or is it frought with insurmountable obstacles, as we see
so much on the "news?" Darrel will give us his best shot at an objective analysis.

Bill Harter, our resident freethinking physicist, will give us a talk about lasers, and the physics that allows us to create them. He promises to keep it simple!

We will be honoring and remembering a fascinating freethinker by watching 70-minute biographical film about magician and inventor Jerry Andrus. Andrus was a staple of The Amazing Meeting series of conventions, and he passed away in 2007. This biography explores the life and work of this freethinker--who was a founding member of a freethinker organization in Oregon. Andrus also created many optical illusions. Doug will bring one for us to pass around.

Our group and some new ones made the front page of the paper. You can read the article here:

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/08/16/news/081709bzatheists.txt

***
Freethinker Meeting Details:

When: Saturday, August 29, 2009

Where: The Fayetteville Public Library. 401 W. Mountain
St. (two blocks west of the town square).

Time: 2:00 pm

Room: The Walker Room. This is the main meeting room. Go in the front door, through the lobby and go to your right. You can bring a snack or coffee from Arsaga's in the library lobby.

Map: http://tinyurl.com/b3sfgf

We'll decide a dinner location after the meeting.

If you're in the area, you can meet me and lots of other cool freethinkers in person. Bring money for your dinner, because we go out to eat after the meeting for some awesome dinner conversation (and usually thai food).

The Bible Dance

2009-08-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

My wife brought a coloring book home for our niece. In it was a page featuring a pair of square dancers. The page explains that the square dance is the state folk dance of Arkansas. I bet half the sates in the union have the square dance as the state folk dance. No matter. I thought that maybe the true state folk dance should be the Bible Dance. Here's my new character praising a local church for it's powers of observation.

I know. I need to get a life.

Disclaimer: There was absolutely no copyright information on the coloring book!

Ham vs. Ham

2009-08-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis has written an article denying that his creation museum mentions the Curse of Ham.

The so-called “curse of Ham” is not even mentioned in the museum (and it’s certainly not in the Bible). In the museum, we simply acknowledge the names of Noah’s three sons, including the descendants of his son Ham, some of whom settled in North Africa.

I'll give it to Ken Ham that he does not teach The Curse of Ham. I kind of believe him on that. However, he claimed that it is not in The Bible. Well, Ken Ham? Yes, it is the freak in there.

And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. Genesis 9:20-27

You can argue the metaphors of these verses all you want, but nothing changes the fact that these verses were used to condone slavery for thousands of years. Slave owners here in the south claimed that they had the right to enslave black people because blacks are the descendants of Ham. I was even taught this in church, even though it was over a hundred years ago when slaves were owned.

Ken Ham even now claims that black people are descended from Ham. Even though, there is no historical proof of it. To his credit, he stops there. However, there is racism in the roots of creationism and fundamentalism. Ken Ham will deny it forever, but The Curse of Ham is still in The Bible and is in the beginings of fundamentalism.

Please Don't Touch Ken Ham's Dinosaur

2009-08-16T19:13:00.001-07:00

Ken Ham at his blog is still complaining about the visit of almost 300 atheists to his so called museum. His biggest complaint seems to be that some adults took pictures on top of the infamous saddled dinosaur. Sure there was a sign that said 12 years or younger, but I doubt that the fiberglass dino was harmed at all. If they had damaged the precious toy, I'm sure Ken would have mentioned it. Talk about pettiness.

The other complaint was that the atheist's cars had *gasp* bumper stickers on them. He has a picture of them.

If these are the worst bumper stickers Ken Ham can find on an atheists car, he's not looking hard enough. Here's what they say. (There was a lisence plate that said, "NO GODS" that I left out.)

Obama-Biden
DNA is life, the rest is translation.
Ethics IS My Religion
I give evolution two opposable thumbs up!
Marriage Is Defined by LOVE!
The World is My Country. To Do Good is My Religion.

I guess Ken Ham is against our president, against having ethics, against doing good, against marrying for love, and denies that DNA is the code of life. The truth comes out.

Also see P.Z. Myers take on it.
Also see the new Whitebird's Law in the comments.

Name that Holy Book 04: 38, 39, 41, 42, 49, 51, 52, 59!

2009-08-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

This weeks divine inspiration comes from one of my favorite holy books. This book was originally written in an unknown language (possily Vogon?), but was translated to english with the help of magical stones.

And thus did the thirty and eighth year pass away,
and also the thirty and ninth,
and forty and first,
and the forty and second,
yea, even until forty and nine years had passed away,
and also the fifty and first,
and the fifty and second;
yea, and even until fifty and nine years had passed away.

What inspiration! I had to wipe a tear from my eye! Such beautiful words can only come from God.

Well, any guesses?

Fri., Dec. 4th	7:00pm	Atheism’s Attack on America
Sat., Dec. 5th	6:30pm	Genesis vs. Darwin
	7:30pm	The Dinosaur Dilemma
Sun. Dec. 6th	9:00am	Why Me? Pain & Suffering
	10:00am	7 Reasons We Are Losing Our Kids