Monthly Archive for December, 2008Page 4 of 7

BLASPHEMY – REJOINDER II

Hemant Mehta asks:


How serious do you take your atheism?

Let’s find out.

Copy and paste the list below on your own site, boldfacing the things you’ve done. (Feel free to add your own elaboration and commentary to each item!)


My comments are in that burnt-orange color that's such a favorite of mine.

  1. Participated in the Blasphemy Challenge.
  2. Met at least one of the “Four Horsemen” (Richard DawkinsDaniel DennettChristopher HitchensSam Harris) in person.
  3. Created an atheist blog. Duh.
  4. Used the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a religious debate with someone.
  5. Gotten offended when someone called you an agnostic. Not offended, per se, but I corrected them.
  6. Been unable to watch Growing Pains reruns because of Kirk Cameron.
  7. Own more Bibles than most Christians you know.
  8. Have at least one Bible with your personal annotations regarding contradictions, disturbing parts, etc. I don't have a hard copy, simply because I use the skeptic's annotated bible.
  9. Have come out as an atheist to your family.
  10. Attended a campus or off-campus atheist gathering.
  11. Are a member of an organized atheist/Humanist/etc. organization.
  12. Had a Humanist wedding ceremony.
  13. Donated money to an atheist organization.
  14. Have a bookshelf dedicated solely to Richard Dawkins. Not solely to Dawkins.  There's room for Sam and Chris (haven't gotten around to buying Dennet yet).
  15. Lost the friendship of someone you know because of your non-theism.
  16. Tried to argue or have a discussion with someone who stopped you on the street to proselytize.
  17. Hid your atheist beliefs on a first date because you didn’t want to scare him/her away.
  18. Own a stockpile of atheist paraphernalia (bumper stickers, buttons, shirts, etc).
  19. Attended a protest that involved religion.
  20. Attended an atheist conference.
  21. Subscribe to Pat Condell’s YouTube channel.
  22. Started an atheist group in your area or school.
  23. Successfully “de-converted” someone to atheism.
  24. Have already made plans to donate your body to science after you die.
  25. Told someone you’re an atheist only because you wanted to see the person’s reaction.
  26. Had to think twice before screaming “Oh God!” during sex. Or you said something else in its place.
  27. Lost a job because of your atheism.
  28. Formed a bond with someone specifically because of your mutual atheism (meeting this person at a local gathering or conference doesn’t count).
  29. Have crossed “In God We Trust” off of — or put a pro-church-state-separation stamp on — dollar bills.
  30. Refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. 
  31. Said “Gesundheit!” (or nothing at all) after someone sneezed because you didn’t want to say “Bless you!”
  32. Have ever chosen not to clasp your hands together out of fear someone might think you’re praying.
  33. Have turned on Christian TV because you need something entertaining to watch.
  34. Are a 2nd or 3rd (or more) generation atheist.
  35. Have “atheism” listed on your Facebook or dating profile — and not a euphemistic variant.
  36. Attended an atheist’s funeral (i.e. a non-religious service).
  37. Subscribe to an freethought magazine (e.g. Free InquirySkeptic)
  38. Have been interviewed by a reporter because of your atheism.
  39. Written a letter-to-the-editor about an issue related to your non-belief in God.
  40. Gave a friend or acquaintance a New Atheist book as a gift.
  41. Wear pro-atheist clothing in public.
  42. Have invited Mormons/Jehovah’s Witnesses into your house specifically becauseyou wanted to argue with them.
  43. Have been physically threatened (or beaten up) because you didn’t believe in God.
  44. Receive Google Alerts on “atheism” (or variants).
  45. Received fewer Christmas presents than expected because people assumed you didn’t celebrate it.
  46. Visited The Creation Museum or saw Ben Stein’s Expelled just so you could keep tabs on the “enemy.”
  47. Refuse to tell anyone what your “sign” is… because it doesn’t matter at all.
  48. Are on a mailing list for a Christian organization just so you can see what they’re up to…
  49. Have kept your eyes open while you watched others around you pray.
  50. Avoid even Unitarian churches because they’re too close to religion for you.


So I'm a solid 22.  There are more that were kinda... 'close to target' but not quite, so I left them off.  Some items I left off, and having done so could be considered more hardcore atheist than doing the thing listed.  Anyway, it's all good in the 'hood.


Catch you guys again next month!

Liberal plasticity, Conservative rigidity


I have been thinking about right-wing cognition, and have developed a theory based on the fact that the moderately clear dichotomy between conservative and liberal (moral) thinking probably has a fairly simple genetic-developmental explanation. That is, relatively few genes predisposing to one or the other cognitive style.

1. It has been demonstrated that willingness to obey authority is genetically inherited. Such willingness would have conferred a survival value after city states had arisen – disobey at your own peril.

2. It is has also been repeatedly demonstrated that conservatives are more likely to be less educated and to be staunchly religious church-goers.

3. It is also known that the brain is plastic in that it can recover many functions after head injury. However, people do not recover equally well after head injury.

4. Personality disorders are notoriously difficult to treat (modify) and dogmatic thinkers typically fare poorly in talk-therapy. Liberal thinkers fare comparatively well. Some dogmatic thinkers are extreme left-wingers because that was their parents’ political affiliation. However, dogmatic thinkers are more likely to be right-wingers.

5. Conservative church-goers are more likely to exhibit emotional, black-and-white thinking, and to be bigoted. They are more likely to be ESJ than NP. They are notoriously closed-minded and strongly resist reconsidering any of their early beliefs and assumptions. It’s as though they are not even able to modify their early pathways. (This is the reason that right-wingers are fighting to corrupt early school education.) Conservative fundamentalists react very emotionally and personally to any questioning of their beliefs – either by taking offence, or by personal attacks on the questioner.

6. Liberal thinkers tend to move from facts to theory (induction). New facts lead to a logical re-evaluation of theories, particularly for scientists. Conservative thinkers tend to move from emotionally satisfying dogma to distortion of facts.

So, here’s my theory about a genetic predisposition to right-wing thinking. It’s basically a matter of generally lesser brain plasticity. Conservative brains are genetically predisposed to be less able to readjust (be plastic) than are the brains of liberal thinkers. It’s also likely that higher education trains the brain to be more plastic.

It's no accident that mythical Eve's mythical fruit was plucked from the mythical Tree of Knowledge.

I’d be fascinated to see a comparison between cognitive styles in those who recover well or poorly from similar head injuries, or between cognitive styles and other measures of plasticity.

War on Christmas?

In 2005,
Now, three years later, Bill is pushing, "We Say Merry Christmas" bumper stickers (free with a purchase of $19.95 or more from his website), The
Liberty Council and Focus on the Family have posted "Naughty or Nice" lists, identifying retailers who mention (or don't mention) the word "Christmas" in their ads, and there has been a major backlash by religious groups (and individuals) about recent billboards and signs posted by various groups.

When are Bill and the others going to realize that this is not a war on Christmas? Rather, it's an effort to include everyone, regardless of their beliefs, in the celebration of the season. Whether you celebrate The Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever, you should have the right, in a free country, to celebrate and to be acknowledged without exclusion or discrimination.

I mean, we're bombarded with Christmas messages even though most non-Christians know that it was originally a pagan holiday. You don't see non-Christian groups boycotting, having signs removed, etc. (that I know of). People of all faiths (and no faith) should be able to enjoy gift giving, family gatherings, and private and public celebrations without being demonized. And retailers should be able to advertise to the general public without being deemed "naughty".

What's really funny is the worst promotions against Christmas come from self-proclaimed Santa Clause will take you to Hell" promotion as a prime example.

How's that for a "War on Christmas?"


Other References:

Liberty Council Naughty/Nice List

Focus on the Family puts retailers on Christmas naughty, nice list

Atheist sign joins nativity scene, tree at Capitol

Missing atheist sign found in Washington state

"Imagine No Religion" Billboard Visits Canton, Ohio This Month!


American Humanist Association Puts Atheist Ads on D.C. Buses

Don't believe in God? You are not alone.

A Christian and an Atheist Debate

Okay, so I'm not so sure if it's an actual Atheist - Christian debate. But my Christian friend and I engaged not too long ago in a discussion via email concerning the existence of God, whether God is good or not, and what it means to be a Good Christian. Over the next few weeks, I'll post these "debate" emails for all to see and comment on.

I'm censoring only the personal details from these emails, and some completely off-topic details. My friend has given his concurrence that I can post these debate emails for public scrutiny.

I will post the first email exchange later this week.


A Christian and an Atheist Debate

Okay, so I'm not so sure if it's an actual Atheist - Christian debate. But my Christian friend and I engaged not too long ago in a discussion via email concerning the existence of God, whether God is good or not, and what it means to be a Good Christian. Over the next few weeks, I'll post these "debate" emails for all to see and comment on.

I'm censoring only the personal details from these emails, and some completely off-topic details. My friend has given his concurrence that I can post these debate emails for public scrutiny.

I will post the first email exchange later this week.


Tim Minchin – If You Open Your Mind Too Much…

Tim Minchin – If You Open Your Mind Too Much…

When did the winter season become exclusively holy?

*** For many, many years controversy has risen at this time of year in public schools with regard to how the season is to be addressed. School programs have undergone title changes and musical arrangement changes along with parties, art projects, decorations, etc. Their attempts to encompass all faiths have left quite a mess for teachers and administrators and more than one angry parent, they have effectively accomplished nothing. Admittedly it is a difficult and sensitive issue – should the...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

When did the winter season become exclusively holy?

*** For many, many years controversy has risen at this time of year in public schools with regard to how the season is to be addressed. School programs have undergone title changes and musical arrangement changes along with parties, art projects, decorations, etc. Their attempts to encompass all faiths have left quite a mess for teachers and administrators and more than one angry parent, they have effectively accomplished nothing. Admittedly it is a difficult and sensitive issue – should the...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

I’m sorry. I love you.

Heh, leave it to me to end a blog with a Shawn Michaels (a.k.a. HBK, uber-religious WWE Superstar) quote. You have to know where the song ends. When you’re done telling your story. I think that time has come for me. I’ve written everything that needed sharing, and I believe it’s actually a good thing [...]

Please For To Come Home Soon!

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. Way too many things going on that need my attention (death of a parent, force reductions at the Day Job, critters with serious health issues, etc. etc. etc). But I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER? had a picture today that touched my heart, so I thought I'd share. more animals I couldn't agree more.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Please For To Come Home Soon!

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. Way too many things going on that need my attention (death of a parent, force reductions at the Day Job, critters with serious health issues, etc. etc. etc). But I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER? had a picture today that touched my heart, so I thought I'd share. more animals I couldn't agree more.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

California Bishops Make a Funny Joke..Not Really

*** "Hate the sin, not the sinner". That is the theme being taken up by some California Bishops in the aftermath of Prop.8. They are reaching out to the homosexual community and calling for a cease fire in the name calling...names such as bigot and pervert. (In a somewhat disgusting twist of reality, the California Bishops can fall into both categories.) But here is the punch line: "Your intrinsic value as human beings and as brothers and sisters continues without change," Mahony wrote....

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

California Bishops Make a Funny Joke..Not Really

*** "Hate the sin, not the sinner". That is the theme being taken up by some California Bishops in the aftermath of Prop.8. They are reaching out to the homosexual community and calling for a cease fire in the name calling...names such as bigot and pervert. (In a somewhat disgusting twist of reality, the California Bishops can fall into both categories.) But here is the punch line: "Your intrinsic value as human beings and as brothers and sisters continues without change," Mahony wrote....

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Bigotry Can Lead To A Group Of One

*** Bigotry is an incredibly pervasive part of our society yet it is rarely discussed other than to be used as a sort of epithet at someone else. Growing up in the Midwest my environment was so white as to be albino. No blacks, no hispanics, no nothing - white people as far as the eye could see. During the winter it was hard to tell anyone lived there. Then de-seg hit and OMG! black kids where in my school. After about 5 minutes we all found out they were just like us. But I also...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Bigotry Can Lead To A Group Of One

*** Bigotry is an incredibly pervasive part of our society yet it is rarely discussed other than to be used as a sort of epithet at someone else. Growing up in the Midwest my environment was so white as to be albino. No blacks, no hispanics, no nothing - white people as far as the eye could see. During the winter it was hard to tell anyone lived there. Then de-seg hit and OMG! black kids where in my school. After about 5 minutes we all found out they were just like us. But I also...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]