Some of my readers may have noticed that when I argue against certain social positions, I do not invoke God or religion. More specifically, when arguing for the pro-life position, or against abortion; or against same-sex marriage, I do not make appeals to God, the Bible, or religion to do so. In … [Read more...]
Following on the heels of a previous post (See: Just One Caveat, Or Two, Or Three...) that recounted an interaction I had with a woman who seemed very uncomfortable with the idea that she thought she was being offensive by having an opinion on spiritual things that I did not share. The discussion … [Read more...]
Sometimes people say the darndest things. Well, conditioned to say the darndest things. Over the past few decades or so, political correctness (PC) has conditioned people to above all else, not offend. The implementation of PC has made for some strange conversations. What's most silly about the … [Read more...]
The fine folks at PETA, though well-intentioned, are once again showing their lack of ability to distinguish between human beings and animals. Recently they have made headlines by throwing their support behind killer whales suggesting they be granted the same rights under the U.S. Constitution as … [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...]
The air is heating up with Republican presidential hopeful Mit Romney's religion making its way to the arena of public discussion. Ever since Pastor Robert Jeffress stated in an interview that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) -- or, Mormonism -- is theologically a cult, there … [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...]
"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...]
Leading up to and including this weekend there will be no shortage of opinions on both sides of the "Islamophobia" discussion. There are many people still harbor strong emotions against the ideology that is responsible for nearly 3,000 deaths which rekindle every year on the anniversary of … [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...]
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...]
Freedom From Religion Foundation -- A billboard featuring a cheerful student saying, “I can be good without God,” was too much for the delicate sensibilities of the Rev. Waymon Malone, pastor of Christ Cathedral Church in Columbus, Ohio. Late last week, Malone insisted that a local billboard … [Read more...]
Gothamist.com -- Atheists are complaining about a new street sign in Red Hook that commemorates firefighters who died on 9/11.[...] "It’s improper for the city to endorse the view that heaven exists," said David Silverman of American Atheists tells the Brooklyn Paper. "It links Christianity and … [Read more...]
Since becoming interested in Christian apologetics, there has been one drawback that I was not anticipating. Having spend countless hours studying biblical theology I have come to certain conclusions on rather controversial issues. I am able, I believe, to discern between true ideas and false … [Read more...]
At some point everyone should deeply examine their beliefs. I say 'should' because not everyone does or even thinks to do this. I believe there is a tendency for a good many people to form beliefs hastily, reacting emotionally to issues and letting their feelings govern what they believe is true. … [Read more...]
Evangelism sometimes gets a bad reputation for having the appearence of "forcing" a religious belief on an otherwise religious or theologically satisfied person. I suspect most people like where they are in respect to their religious beliefs and generally wish to stay there. Evangelism can be seen … [Read more...]
Anyone who regularly follows Sifting Reality knows how important I think it is to be accurate in the beliefs one holds; especially in the arena of religious ideas. One's views on God are of ultimate importance. If God is real, then it is highly significant who God is; what God is like; and … [Read more...]
I had been debating with myself as to whether I should provide my take on this particular analogy describing the world's religions. It is not one I see referenced all that often, nor has it ever been offered to me for consideration by someone attempting to defend religious pluralism. However … [Read more...]
Having read and listened to the thoughts of many "spiritual but not religious" people, I have come to believe it is nothing short of self or ideological-deification. No matter whether they profess to believe in God(s) or some higher power, the end is the same. They ultimately extol themselves or … [Read more...]
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