Lost in the crowd
Community. It is a pretty powerful word–a pretty powerful idea. I have to admit that it is also somewhat foreign to me. I am ever in contact with the idea because of my study of religion–in fact, one of the “not-definitions” of religion is community. But, when it comes down to [...]
The Religion of Codified Laws
I’ve often said that I am firm believer in the individual or communal religious experience. I do not think I’ve made strong efforts to qualify what that means. One of the defining aspects of an institutional religion is the codification of practices into laws, rituals, acceptable practices, etc. For me, this is [...]
Leaving the Garden
Wanted to let you know about my invited post on the most excellent Mind on Fire. It is part of the “Leaving the Garden” series.
http://www.mindonfire.com/2008/02/22/leaving-the-garden-isaacs-journey/
From the site:
“Leaving the Garden” is a weekly series in which we ask someone to reflect on their encounters with religion and uncertainty. Religion is filled with stories of faith; here [...]
Can Atheists Be Parents?
Editor’s Note: It has been pointed out that this article is from 1970, so I suppose that changes things a little bit. I preserve the original entry nonetheless.
Apparently not in New Jersey.
According to this Time article, a New Jersey couple has been denied the ability to adopt a child because they are not religious. [...]
The varieties of Atheism
Since I began writing on the topic of atheism, the landscape of who is involved in writing about or evangelizing atheism has changed dramatically. Today, there are “heroes” of atheism. Richard Dawkins. Christopher Hitchens. And many, many more. The ability to form virtual communities has obviously bolstered the atheism “community”–a [...]
On Why “Under God” Needs To Go
I say, proudly, no to “Under God.”
To properly cover the issue, the history of the Pledge of Allegiance must first be examined. Then, a discussion of the history of the Establishment Clause (the clause in the Bill of Rights which prohibits Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting an [...]
The Reaper Man
When I was younger, I had a deep set fascination and perhaps even romance with the idea and personification of death. It did not help that I had such wonderful authors as Piers Anthony (On a Pale Horse) or Terry Pratchett (Mort, Reaper Man, etc.) to fuel my lonley fantastical desires.
As I have grown, [...]
Conversations With The Sheep
I thought I’d share this conversation with everyone in lieu of a rant, because I think it speaks for itself. Also, I want to note in this conversations, I did say that this is only one of the reasons I am an atheist. I do want to remind you that I am having a discussion [...]
