Monthly Archives: November 2010

Rest easy: Mohammad existed

Posted on November 29, 2010 by John C. Snider

Radio Netherlands Worldwide just posted a curious article: the historical evidence supports the proposition that Mohammad existed.  Frankly, I wasn’t aware that there was any significant controversy over the historicity of Mohammad.  Sure, a great deal (if not most) of … Continue reading →

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Podcast #109 – War on Christmas Special

Posted on November 28, 2010 by John C. Snider

Wow, this year there really is a War on Christmas!  Nineteen-year-old Mohamed Osman Mohamud, a Somali immigrant, has been arrested for his involvement in plotting to car-bomb the Portland, Oregon Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.  Fortunately it was all part of … Continue reading →

Podcast #109 - War on Christmas Special [ 54:48 ] Download (9537)
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Posted in christianity, humor, news, podcast, religion, urban legends | Tagged , | 4 Comments

The Moral Landscape, Chapter 5: The Future of Happiness

Posted on November 27, 2010 by John C. Snider

Chapter-by-chapter thoughts on Sam Harris’ The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values Summary:  As imperfect as it may be, scientific study of morality and human happiness is worthwhile. This is a short book: less than 200 pages, not … Continue reading →

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The Moral Landscape, Chapter 4: Religion

Posted on November 25, 2010 by John C. Snider

Chapter-by-chapter thoughts on Sam Harris’ The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values Summary:  Religion, being non-facts-based, is counterproductive to creating a proper moral framework. Yes, the 400-pound gorilla in the room.  Although America is conspicuously more religious than … Continue reading →

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The Moral Landscape, Chapter 3: Belief

Posted on November 23, 2010 by John C. Snider

Chapter-by-chapter thoughts on Sam Harris’ The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values Summary: Belief, to be legitimate, must be constrained by facts.  Honest belief is not a matter of personal preference. Whole books have been written on what … Continue reading →

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The Moral Landscape, Chapter 2: Good and Evil

Posted on November 21, 2010 by John C. Snider

Chapter-by-chapter thoughts on Sam Harris’ The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values Summary: Human morality must balance cooperation and selfishness.  Free will is an illusion, but it doesn’t obliterate our ability to make decisions that improve our well-being. … Continue reading →

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Mencken’s Creed

Posted on November 10, 2010 by John C. Snider

I believe that religion, generally speaking, has been a curse to mankind – that its modest and greatly overestimated services on the ethical side have been more than overcome by the damage it has done to clear and honest thinking. … Continue reading →

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Megachurch minister comes out of the closet

Posted on November 10, 2010 by John C. Snider

Jim Swilley, twice-married father of four, and founder/pastor of Church in the Now, a suburban Atlanta megachurch, has admitted that he is gay.  He’s come out of the closet to his flock, and he’s keeping his job (for now) and … Continue reading →

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Posted in christianity, civil rights, gay rights, news, religion | 1 Comment

FCKH8

Posted on November 8, 2010 by John C. Snider

Okay, maybe I’m a little late on this, but it’s still a good cause, and I laughed at the video: FCKH8.com Straight Talk About Gay Marriage from FCKH8.com on Vimeo.

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Podcast #108 – Rally to Restore Sanity

Posted on November 2, 2010 by John C. Snider

Here’s our report recorded LIVE, Saturday, October 30th, from somewhere very near the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.  The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ atheists gang aft agley, and pilgrimages to the power center of the earth are … Continue reading →

Podcast #108 - Rally to Restore Sanity [ 19:23 ] Download (10164)
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