Religion is often pitted against science (sometimes against Science), as though it’s synonymous with atheism. Scientific arguments against the Divine were never compelling to me, since it seemed like they were combining unrelated concepts: if something on a metaphysical does or does not exist, appealing to the physical means nothing.
But the lines are drawn: science […]
Entries from July 2008
Science vs. Religion
March 31st, 2008 · by xJane · 7 Comments
Tags: Atheism · Belief · Christianity · Science
Humanist Symposium #17
March 30th, 2008 · by John · 3 Comments
Welcome to the 17th edition of the Humanist Symposium! The Humanist Symposium is meant to be a celebration of the humanist life–its purpose “is not primarily to criticize religious beliefs or debunk the latest superstition, but to offer and discuss a positive alternative to belief systems based on the supernatural.” As such, these values […]
Tags: Carnivalia · Humanism
A Less than Perfect Component of a More Perfect Union
March 27th, 2008 · by John · 2 Comments
I am the son of an Asian woman from Japan and a white man from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a Japanese grandfather who survived a depression and a militaristic government and who went on to serve in Hirohito’s Army during World War II and a white grandfather who flew for […]
Spark: Muslim Women in the News
March 26th, 2008 · by xJane · 6 Comments
Turkey’s Political Tensions Weigh on Women’s Heads, where a new law allows headscarves in universities. hat tip
Writers Can’t See Past the Veil, a critique of Muslim women’s recent portrayal in the news.
Using the Koran to feminist ends.
Spark is a new category for sharing links. No intense commentary, just a link & a brief reason you […]
Tags: Activism · Belief · Church and State · Current Events · Feminism · Gender · Islam · Links · Politics · Religion · Spark
Spring Time!
March 25th, 2008 · by xJane · No Comments
It’s Spring again, time for cleaning. This year, I will be cleaning my home (I want the extra bedroom to be usable as (a) a guest room, (b) an office, and (c) a second living room; I’ve got my work cut out for me) and my soul. I think this is a great meditation/spiritual exercise, […]
Tags: Meditation & Prayer
on “4000″
March 25th, 2008 · by xJane · No Comments
All the news (and blogosphere) seems able to talk about today is the fact that the official number of American soldiers killed in Iraq since we went back to war there has reached 4000. There was not one (un)lucky person who tips the scales to a nice, round, reportable number, but 4. And this morning, […]
Tags: Current Events · Death · Ethics · Ghosts · Humanity · Meditation & Prayer · Pacifism · Peace; conflict resolution.
Music Monday: Dear God, by XTC (and covered by Sarah McLachlan)
March 24th, 2008 · by John · 7 Comments
One of my old atheist standbys:
I was delighted to learn later that Sarah McLachlan covered it (sorry, good music, sucky visuals):
Any preferences? I like ‘em both, for different reasons.
Tags: Music Monday
“My Name is Lisa”
March 23rd, 2008 · by John · 8 Comments
The winning video in the 2007 YouTube Video Awards Short Film Category:
I’m very interested in hearing your reactions.
Tags: Video
Hugo and Nebula Award Nominees for Best Novel
March 22nd, 2008 · by John · 11 Comments
I’m huddled in bed with my warmest jacket and extra blankets, and I still can’t shake the chills. Although I feel cold inside, in minutes my pillows too hot. I flip it over and rest my cheek on the comforting coolness. Occasionally, I sandblast my throat with another bout of hacking. […]
Tags: SF
Leaving the Garden: Wren’s Journey.
March 21st, 2008 · by John · 13 Comments
This week’s installment of “Leaving the Garden” (a weekly series in which we ask someone to reflect on their encounters with religion and uncertainty) comes to you from wren, a long-time member of the Mind on Fire community and fellow Obama-ite!
Wren aka nee who blogs at The Waiting Line. She lives in […]
Tags: Leaving the Garden
