Some Easter quickies.
If you guys have listened to my review of Christopher Hitchens’ book, god is not Great, you know I wasn’t a big fan. This setting, however, is where Hitchens shines. Below is the full interview (15 mins) with Christian radio host Todd Friel, who is well known in the Christian community for his evangelism, seminars, and stand-up comedy. He invited Hitchens on to play a little game. Hitchens didn’t fall for it. Check it out.
Part II
Enjoy your day.
Sarah Palin speaking at a an Alaska GOP dinner last week said the following: “So I’m looking around for somebody to pray with, I just need maybe a little help, maybe a little extra, and the McCain campaign, love ’em, you know , they’re a lot of people around me, but nobody I could find that I wanted to hold hands with and pray.”
I knew their was a reason that they lost, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Watch from the four minute mark.
The American Issues Project, a right wing PAC, just purchased a one-million dollar ad buy using Jesus to put the stimulus bill into perspective. Check out this article, from a writer on another blog that I’m a part of, for some good context and analysis on this kind of garbage.
This video is graphic.
If you believe that your god is punishing these children because a man 6000 years ago ate an apple off of a tree after being told not to do so, and you continue to worship that god, it’s time to reconsider. Really, it’s time. Take a look at the other side. Ask yourself why people are non-believers and atheists. It’s not because we’re mad at your god, that would make us angry theists. It’s because it’s not reasonable to believe these things and its not reasonable (or scientific) to believe in intelligent design. Start asking questions. If you believe that questioning your faith weakens your faith, then how much faith did you actually have in the first place?
Their is an interesting and heated discussion going on in the Medicare vs. Religion thread about the arrogance of a religious person praying for someone else. Commenter Enshoku says it’s like a slap in the face to non-religious people. In this vblog that is becoming viral (at least on atheist and christian websites) Penn Jillette (from Penn & Teller) discusses his views on being proselytized to by an audience member at one of his shows.
Penn is an outspoken atheist but he feels that if you believe in heaven and hell, you must really have to hate someone not to proselytize to them. Basically, he thinks that all religious people should share their views with everyone all of the time even if it’s socially awkward. I whole heartedly disagree. I understand the logic of Penn’s argument and his video is very convincing by the way he tells the story of the “good man” at his show. The good man’s tactics, however are commonly used by many a faithful in order to convert and convince the less educated in society. Penn is a strong atheist, so these tactics would not influence him. He makes that clear in his video when he says, “I know their is no God!” Proselytizers are perpetuating a lie, even if they think it’s the truth. They use their charisma and charm to convince anyone who will listen, especially children. This behavior should not be encouraged, especially by a high profile atheist. Jim Jones, one of the most effective proselytizers in American history, was highly respected in California and was appointed to Chairman of the Housing Authority in San Francisco in 1975. Lot’s of people thought he was a “good man” too.
A South Carolina Atheist 