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Darrel Ray Responds to Critics of Sex and Secularism Survey
Darrel Ray, who recently published the results of his Sex and Secularism survey, sent me a detailed email responding to various criticisms, and invited me to publish it in whole, part, or as a collaborative effort. I’ve decided to do something in between. I’ll be posting his comments (in regular type) and my additional comments … Continue reading
Born Again Christians Have Smaller Brains. Literally.
The Templeton Foundation needs to quit funding scientific research of religion. It seems like they’re shooting themselves in the foot at every turn. First they proved that prayer doesn’t work. Now they’ve proven that the more radically religious believers — evangelicals, born-agains, and the like have smaller brains than the rest of us. They literally … Continue reading
Congress Eliminates Funding for Teaching Abortion
The latest in a seemingly endless series of assaults on Roe v. Wade is a bill passed by Congress which cuts government funding to any institution teaching how to perform abortions. The logic is clear: If no one knows how to perform an abortion, it doesn’t matter whether it’s legal or not. The message is … Continue reading
“Hear No Evil” Filter for Your TV, or Voluntary Fascism?
Focus on the Family is teaming up with TVGuardian to provide clean entertainment choices for families through the TVGuardian filter, a device that eliminates objectionable language from television shows. Penned as a “foul language filter” for HDTV’s, the device seeks to protect children not only from all foul language, but also from offensive religious slurs, sexual references, … Continue reading
Atlanta’s Apologist Examiner Calls for Christian Education. I Disagree.
Atlanta Christian Apologetics Examiner Terrence Albritton has penned an exhortation to good Christians to consider religious education “an order,” not “a luxury.” This is not an uncommon belief, especially among evangelicals and the far right. It is also a major point of contention for many non-believers, who claim that (1) religious “education” is really a euphemism for indoctrination and scare … Continue reading
Christians Deny Fourth Grade Biology in California.
If it weren’t a serious concern for all Americans, Christian denialism of basic science would be laughable. The latest attack on reality comes from Redwood Heights Elementary School, in Oakland, California. It seems the science teachers there have had the unmitigated audacity to teach 4th graders that the animal kingdom is full of gender diversity. The … Continue reading
Prideful or Brooding Men are More Attractive than Smiling Men, Study Finds
It turns out that one piece of dating advice routinely given to men is wrong. I know I’ve heard it said for many years: “Smile when you meet someone. Smile to show them you’re interested in what they’re saying. Show off the pearly whites — it’s attractive!” Actually… no. New research published in the American Psychological … Continue reading
Girl Pleads Religious Fervor, Walks on Attempted Murder Charge
A teenager who dressed in dark clothing and stabbed her mother five times as she slept has walked free from court after claiming she was possessed by the spirit of her dead grandma. (LINK) In a baffling ruling, a British judge accepted a 19 year old girl’s defense in the multiple stabbing of her mother: … Continue reading
Sex and Christianity: The Effects of Guilt
Among the criticisms being leveled at the recent study on sex and secularism is the assertion that there is no established correlation between guilt and enjoyment of sex. This is a very odd criticism for anyone who has been both religious and secular. We know we’re enjoying sex more now that we’re not feeling guilty. … Continue reading
Utah Bans Women “Acting Sexy.”
Utah defines solicitation as a person agreeing to sex in exchange for money. A new law that went into effect this month broadened the definition to include any person who indicates through lewd acts, such as exposing or touching themselves, that they intend to exchange sex for money. (LINK) Utah has long been one of … Continue reading
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