Many people believe Christians have a disproportionate focus on homosexuality and homosexuals over and above other sins, even other sexual sins. As anyone who talks with Christians about morality will tell you, eventually, the focus will turn either to abortion or homosexuality. When the … [Read more...]
Popular biologist Richard Dawkins is known for his contempt for all things religious. In his recent interview with the UK's The Guardian, he had this to say, via The Blaze: Jesus was a great moral teacher and I was suggesting that somebody as intelligent as Jesus would have been an atheist if he … [Read more...]
It seems to be the case that people are becoming less willing to call certain behaviors objectively immoral. Of course, the major evils are still conceded: rape, murder, etc. But I am speaking in generalities here, not about any one particular act or habit. Moral objectivism is being increasingly … [Read more...]
This is part two of a three-part series addressing three arguments made in defense of elective abortion. Read Part 1 and Part 3. A variation of the first defense for elective abortion builds upon the same false assumption, that the embryo/fetus is not a human. The medical fact that a unique … [Read more...]
This is the first of a three part series on common defenses of abortion. Read: Part 2 and Part 3. Many subjects can elicit an array of emotions with varying degrees of passion. I think those passions can often cloud and complicate what should more often than not, be a rather simple issue. It … [Read more...]
H.R. 358 has been dubbed by pro-abortion activists the "Let Women Die" Act, along with top Democrat legislators such as Nancy Pelosi joining in the rhetoric. Abortion has always been an impassioned issue. At times, those on both sides can become defensive and heated. While Scanning the … [Read more...]
Having discussions with Atheists and Humanists about morality can prove to be frustrating, for everyone involved. On the one hand you have Theists who argue that the skeptics cannot properly ground morality given Naturalism. Skeptics often understand this to mean 'Atheists cannot behave morally … [Read more...]
A [long] while back I was asked this question: Aren't Atheists more moral than religious believers [Christians] because they act morally without motivation or fear of divine reward or reprisal? Since there is no transcendent God [on the atheist view] to whom they are accountable, and goodness is … [Read more...]
Despite many Skeptic's claim to rationality and clear thinking being behind their dismissal of God, often their actions show otherwise. In Plano, Texas a local business owner began offering discounts for oil changes with one special caveat: Quote John 3:16. Provided the customer recites the … [Read more...]
When it comes to the marriage issue, Christians who oppose same-sex marriage will point to the Bible to act as the guideline for marriage. What is usually implied, and sometimes said is, "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" or some other such slogan. To this, many supporters of same-sex … [Read more...]
NOTE: before continuing on, understand that I will entertain specific questions about subjects I omitted, such as "what do you believe about _____?", or clarifying questions like "what do you mean when you say _____?". But I won't defend my positions here. However, I would be glad to do so on the … [Read more...]
"That's just your interpretation!" This objection to arguments either for or against religious assertions is bandied about by both religious skeptics and religious adherents who disagree on certain ideas -- as if it actually means anything. This objection carries some widely held presumptions. … [Read more...]
My experience teaches me that it is rare for a skeptic to differentiate between the religions. Not for identification's sake, but in discussions of the real or perceived evils done in the name of religion, or by religious adherents. This was especially true following the terror of September 11th. … [Read more...]
A very moving and heartfelt speech by former president George W. Bush, one of his best. GEORGE W. BUSH, 43RD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much. Mr. Vice President, Dr. Biden, President Clinton, Mr. Speaker, members of Congress, my friends Tommy Franks and Tom … [Read more...]
I was listening to a semi-debate -- a discussion really -- about assisted suicide and assisted death, and whether there should be a legal option for one or both. I think the distinction is an important one. Generally speaking assisted suicide would be the aiding of a person to take their own … [Read more...]
I am glad to say that I have recently had the honor of having commenter Neil C. Reinhardt grace the pages of Sifting Reality. At first, I was under the impression the comments were spam, since identical wording in a comment here I also read on the blog, fribnitsworld. I just figured spammers were … [Read more...]
Atheist funny man Ricky Gervais is set to grace the cover of New Humanist magazine's September/October issue. Gervais is unapologetically an Atheist. And the cover is an obvious parody/mockery of Jesus' crucifixion. Is it meant to be offensive? Probably. You have the right to be offended, and I … [Read more...]
I though I'd try a little experiment. There is a growing trend that the idea that America was founded by Christians with the intent for Christianity to play a significant role on government and society is in some fashion revisionist. Was there the intent for religion generally, and Christianity … [Read more...]
Sometimes religious organizations --usually Christians -- use outside secular facilities for social gatherings. Sometimes the venues are public school buildings. Many people mistakenly believe any iota of religion or a religious message being present on a public school campus is unconstitutional. … [Read more...]
Most people would support the idea of religious tolerance. After all, who would support intolerance, right? But when it comes time to practice tolerance, these days it seems to more closely resemble intolerance and hostility. Tolerance has traditionally been understood to mean … [Read more...]
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